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Late Summer Dining Destinations

A BBQ Plate from Smokestack Urban BBQ when they were at their original location.

If summer vacation is like a really long weekend, that makes August a lazy Sunday. Enjoy the last gasp of summer with some casual outdoor favorites.

Grill on the Hill’s open deck is the perfect spot to catch a sunset. The food is simple and the views are divine. Pounce on a lobster roll while they last.

Caffe Espresso Trattoria offers a little outdoor oasis tucked behind Chandler Street – one of Worcester’s best kept summer secrets. There’s a special patio menu with plenty of tasty appetizers to accommodate leisurely gatherings for friends and family alike. All of the pastas are made in house, light and fresh for an August evening.

Sit under the twinkling lights at Lakeside Bar and Grille and treat yourself to orders of Buffalo Fried Calamari and Nachos. At Lakeside, the food is hearty, the following is loyal, and the price is right.

There’s nothing quite like sitting outside at Smokestack Urban Barbecue with a Bustin’ Sampler Plate – an array of tiny tin buckets that overflow with treats. We promise the honey-habanero wings and the jalapeno stuffed quesadillas will keep it steamy on a summer night.

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Salmone alla Grillia

Caffe Espresso Trattoria is truly a hidden gem. From the restaurant’s name I was honestly expecting a coffee shop, not the full service fine dining experience that we received. The restaurant was extremely busy for a Tuesday night – full of larger sized parties of 4-5 on top of our 20+ Foodies group. This being said, service was slow but warranted. My ‘Salmone alla Grillia’ entree was described on the menu as ‘grilled salmon fillet with fresh Italian herbs’ and was served with salad, mixed vegetables, and gorgonzola mashed potatoes. The plate was artfully displayed and colorfully accented with sprinkled parsley garnish. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the mixed vegetables an unexpected pleasure. I usually steer clear of the ambiguous ‘mixed vegetable’ on any menu since I’m usually guaranteed to be disappointed, however this was not the case. The green beans and thin diagonal cut carrots and summer squash were fresh and tastefully seasoned in a very light butter sauce. I had high hopes for the gorgonzola mashed potatoes but was left confused by the undecipherable texture and mild flavor. All in all, I was impressed and would recommend Caffe Espresso Trattoria – next time maybe I’ll actually order the espresso! -MO