17 Best Cocktail Bars near Holden

“A group of us have a dine-out almost one a month. For this Saturday afternoon, 12 of us, chose the Harvest Grille, located in Jefferson, a small section of Holden, Mass. \n\nTruth be told, this place (a nicely renovated older brick building) is on the intersection of a “Y’ on main road, quite visible, and has been there for many years, under various operators. It is one of those buildings situated on a slight corner, and I’ll admit, have been blind to it for many years. \n\nThe establishment is setup with a dining room, booths on the walls, and several tables down the center. The rear of the dining section has room to put 8-10 table s together for a group. A separate bar is on the other side of the building, with booth section, and space for a small live band. Music is somewhat facing away from the dining section, but not over-bearing when a musician is there. \n\nI would guess the majority of the clients are locals, as this area is a bedroom community for the city of Worcester. It’s not a flashy building, with just a modest sign on the intersection triangle some 25 feet away.\n\nHours are strict, with no lunch, and open Tuesday-Saturday 4p to 8p, and to 9p on Friday and Saturday. They are closed Mondays. They offered catered luncheon event space for large groups up to 150 people. Parking is in the back, which you do not see from the main road, so “are they busy or not” decision to stop can be deceiving.\n\nThe tables were heavy duty wood, and easy to move together for the group. The young but experienced waitress (ok, I’m old, but for you younger readers, “server”) was fantastic. Drinks were prompt and excellent, with my martini more than quite good. The specials are all interesting, and make the choice difficult. It’s not that there is a mass of selections, but these are keenly thought out and most worth a try on another night. We all ordered various appetizers, my wife and I sharing stuffed mushrooms with blue crab, and an order of bacon wrapped scallops. I would get both again. Nice sized mushrooms with generous filling, and the decent sized scallops so tender and moist. Well made, to the chef.\n\nMy wife has a few food restrictions (the ol’ aging stomach) so she went with the Wild Caught Baked Haddock. A nice portion of baked, buttered and crackered fish, mashed squash, almost as if it was a mix sweet potatoes too, which my wife absolutely enjoyed. I went with the Broiled Seafood Penne, with shrimp, scallops, fish pieces, and excellent penne in a light oil sauce. Fantastic. \n\nThe portions were nicely portioned, but for us, we had just enough of a take home for a light lunch the next day. I was very interested in their menu and saw more than a few creative dishes I want to try. I think you could get away with 3 or 4 appetizers and that would make a great varied meal for one alone. \n\nI had their cheese cake with berry sauce for dessert, and it was bigger t a you may often get, and very creamy and enjoyable.\n\nCost: moderate to slightly above, I would say. It’s 2025, and I understand quality costs more $$$ than 5 years ago. But I have also been to restaurants that charged more, and received what I think was lesser quality or rushed atmosphere. You want a good meal, just plan for it. Their prices are listed on their website.\n\nThe bill comes in a wooded block with slots for the charge card and that reminded me of the 4 stones in the movie, The Faith Element. Clever.\n\nHarvest Grille, 15 miles away, how did I not know about this place, for the past 5 or so years, we will be returning.“

“I didn't try any food so cannot comment. Bar is clean and stools are comfortable. Tiny booths are vintage spaces for private conversations. I found the music a little too loud when not a full bar. Matt was our bartender and provided exceptional commentary on the cocktails, some of which he created to add to the menu. His ability to craft a cocktail on demand to match the taste of the person ordering is an art form everyone should experience at least one time.“

“Atmosphere- We went on a Saturday night and compared to other bars in Worcester I would say it was pretty slow. At least it was not crowded!

Bartenders- Both male bartenders were respectful and lovely!

ID- They scan at the door! Security was nice! I’ve had bad experiences with security too you come across more bad than good.

THE BATHROOM IS SO CUTE!!!! Stocked with things girlies need too! :)“

“stopped by for takeout tonight and it was soooo good. will be going back to sit down!!“

“Excellent dinner and drinks, and wonderful service! Can’t wait to come back. Lemongrass tofu was outstanding!“

“We went to Femme last night for the first time for an early dinner and drinks. The staff was super sweet and the food was amazing. I can't wait to go back for an event or live music.“

“my favorite spot in town“

“Awesome food, attentive staff, couldn’t have asked for a better meal.“

“Went for a solo dinner while in town for work. Sat at the bar - bartenders were great. Had a delicious Boulevardier off the seasonal cocktails menu and the muhamarra sandwich. I have never heard of it but it was awesome! I will definitely be back to order more off the menu!“

“Me gusta todo música comida“

“Great dining experience, authentic Italian food and great service.“

“Reopened with a new manager. Absolutely awesome. Very cool vibe with incredible craft cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Also offer many food items. Tons of parking behind the building. If you're looking for a new place for drinks check it out now. You will not be disappointed.“

“Best damn mai tais around. Love this place!“

“Food was very good. Atmosphere is LOUD. Family friendly, but not many choices for kids on the menu. Good section of Cocktails, Beers,and Wines.“

“Me and the Mrs had a very nice dinner Ribeyes are excellent , Adam was very personable. Everything tase very good portions could be a bit bigger , and maybe expand the menu abit. That's my only reservation, we will be going back to try lunch , Highly recomended Paul and Maria.“

“Great food, friendly staff“

“It's National Oyster Day & I'm hooked on The Mercantile's offer of $1 oysters with strawberry mignonette from 4-6, Monday to Thursday, is unbeatable. I also devoured their goat cheese bites, crispy broccoli, & boom boom shrimp, all incredible appetizers. My friends' mac & cheese with buffalo shrimp & lobster fettuccine were insane. To top it off Claire, our waitress, was absolute perfection. Back to the mac & cheese - top tier!“