Best of Boston

2011 Best Bar, North

The Grog

Temple to haute cuisine and artisanal cocktails it’s not. But if what you crave is a frosty IPA, good-humored barkeeps, and feisty locals who aren’t afraid to rock an open mike, there’s no better spot to toss one back than the Grog. Weekends bring live music from reggae to blues, and occasional events with craft brewers keep beer geeks satiated.

13 Middle St., Newburyport, 978-465-8008, thegrog.com