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Your Dollar Oyster Guide

OysterFest at Sole Proprietor

Nothing beats the briny bliss of oysters on the half shell. Dollar oysters and refreshing after work libations are calling your name this summer.

Visit Bull Mansion‘s picturesque courtyard for $1 oysters on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. until close. A typical evening includes live jazz music and cold martinis from the bar of this Victorian Gothic mansion that dates back to 1876.

Deadhorse hill offers $1 oysters on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Wine manager Julia Auger wants you to drink Rieslings all summer, which is why she has dedicated an entire section of her wine list to the often misunderstood grape. Riesling’s bright acidity freshens the palate and it’s moderate alcohol content renders it utterly quenchable to beat the heat.

Lock 50 is rolling out ‘buck a shuck’ oysters on the patio on Wednesday evenings this summer. Guests can expect live music and freshly laundered fleece blankets when the sun goes down. Manager, Tommy Studer has devised a killer tiki menu for the season. We recommend the  Handsome Ginger Man featuring Papa’s Pilar 24, Rare Bird Overproof Rum, Pamplemousse, Falernum, lime, orange, and housemade ginger syrup.

Rye and Thyme in Leominster offers a daily $1 Oyster Happy Hour from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The R&T signature oyster hails from Island Creek in Duxbury, MA. Island Creek oysters are known for their butter and brine. They pair nicely with the Pimm’s Squared: Square One Organic Cucumber Vodka, Pimms No. 1, Agave Nectar, and fresh squeezed lemon juice.

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It’s Patio Season!

Chorizo Tacos: Housemade chorizo, cotija cheese, pico de gallo and cilantro lime creme from The Civic Kitchen & Drink.

Patio season is upon us, and Central Mass has plenty of spots for you to soak up the sun. Checkout our favorite local options for outdoor dining:

The Civic Kitchen & Drink offers guests lush views of the golf course at Westborough Country Club. The Civic boasts a locally driven menu, which means that no one is more excited about Spring’s arrival than Chef Rick Araujo. Order his Spring Raviolo, a Narragansett Feta and ricotta stuffed pasta with parmesan, peas, pea shoots and lemon butter. The Civic’s innovative cocktail program also relies on local ingredients and small distilleries. Try the Blackberry Sage Margarita made with Chinaco Blanco tequila, fresh blackberries and sage, house-made sour, and local honey. Or, checkout the craft brew selection featuring the likes of Banded Horn and Jack’s Abby.

If you want pizza on the patio, look no farther than Volturno. Honoring a 200 year old Neapolitan tradition, Volturno brings you perfect pies cooked in wood burning ovens heated at 900 degrees. Make the most of the two-for-one pizza deal on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Funghi is perfect for springtime, made with wild mushrooms, mozzarella, arugula, truffle crema and goat cheese.

For large groups hoping to sit outside, Mezcal in downtown Worcester ensures ample seating and Margaritas served by the pitcher. There’s a guacamole variety to suit every customer; choose from: Mediterranean, Cool Ranch Bacon, Thai Rooster, Tropical, and Buffalo Chicken.

Outdoor dining at Lock 50 on Water Street offers a pristine view of a mural created by noted American painter, Spencer Keeton Cunningham. Lock 50 frequently hosts live music on the patio featuring an impressive raw bar. The eclectic, food friendly beverage selection will satisfy even the most exacting drinker.

Nick’s Bar and Restaurant was not just the centerpiece of an Oscar nominated film, it is also home to one of Worcester’s most flourishing patios. Nick’s promises live entertainment every night, but in between sets, we recommend that you order a grilled bratwurst served with onion and spicy mustard and find a seat out back.