There’s A Lot to Like About Lowell! A Guide to Food, Festivities, and More

Angela
There’s A Lot to Like About Lowell! A Guide to Food, Festivities, and More

Coffee & Tea

Downtown: An adorable, plant- and book-filled cafe in Downtown with a delicious and diverse coffee and tea menu. In the summer, they have an adorable patio open out front. Try the Iced Black Sugar Latte with jellies! Western Ave. studios location: Located in the Acre neighborhood, this hipster spot is a must-try. Sip while browsing over 200 art galleries. Try the Mill City Brew (iced or hot), a nod to the Mill City (Lowell) itself.
Nibbāna Café
Downtown: An adorable, plant- and book-filled cafe in Downtown with a delicious and diverse coffee and tea menu. In the summer, they have an adorable patio open out front. Try the Iced Black Sugar Latte with jellies! Western Ave. studios location: Located in the Acre neighborhood, this hipster spot is a must-try. Sip while browsing over 200 art galleries. Try the Mill City Brew (iced or hot), a nod to the Mill City (Lowell) itself.
Located inside Mill No. 5, this hip, rustic coffee shop is a great place to hangout with plenty of tables. In addition to coffee, they have really good food (lunch-type fare) and beer on tap.
Coffee and Cotton
250 Jackson St
Located inside Mill No. 5, this hip, rustic coffee shop is a great place to hangout with plenty of tables. In addition to coffee, they have really good food (lunch-type fare) and beer on tap.
There are a lot of bubble/boba tea spots in Lowell, especially in the Downtown area, but this one is locally-owned. Try it and a few of the others (Tea Do, Kung Fu Tea, etc.)… Let us know which one you like best!
Sweet Journey
There are a lot of bubble/boba tea spots in Lowell, especially in the Downtown area, but this one is locally-owned. Try it and a few of the others (Tea Do, Kung Fu Tea, etc.)… Let us know which one you like best!
Brew’d is a Downtown staple with good coffee and rotating art featuring local artists covering the walls.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brew'd Awakening Coffeehaus
61 Market St
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brew’d is a Downtown staple with good coffee and rotating art featuring local artists covering the walls.
Okay, so not in Lowell, but close by in neighboring Dracut. This nutrition junction has teas, booster teas, mega teas, shakes, mega coffees. Try a gusher mega tea, protein smoothie and much more!
Get Right
Okay, so not in Lowell, but close by in neighboring Dracut. This nutrition junction has teas, booster teas, mega teas, shakes, mega coffees. Try a gusher mega tea, protein smoothie and much more!
Walking distance for breakfast. Local favorite!
The Pawtucketville Diner
369 Mammoth Rd
Walking distance for breakfast. Local favorite!

Food

A seasonal menu that emphasizes locally-sourced foods, but everyone raves about menu staples here: wings and the burger. They also have the best craft cocktails in the city.
The Keep
A seasonal menu that emphasizes locally-sourced foods, but everyone raves about menu staples here: wings and the burger. They also have the best craft cocktails in the city.
Located within an old firehouse at the corner of intersecting cobblestone streets, they describe themselves as having upscale flavors in a casual setting. Seasonal outdoor seating available!
Fuse Bistro
45 Palmer St
Located within an old firehouse at the corner of intersecting cobblestone streets, they describe themselves as having upscale flavors in a casual setting. Seasonal outdoor seating available!
A popular and always packed restaurant Downtown with delicious ramen and other creative Asian cuisine.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
1981 Ramen Bar
129 Merrimack St
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A popular and always packed restaurant Downtown with delicious ramen and other creative Asian cuisine.
Authentic and excellent Asian restaurant specializing in…you guessed it…dumplings!
Tasty Dumplings
Authentic and excellent Asian restaurant specializing in…you guessed it…dumplings!
Delicious Laotian and Thai food. Come for the fresh egg rolls and noodle dishes, stay for the pho… it’s incredible.
Laos Thai Kitchen
Delicious Laotian and Thai food. Come for the fresh egg rolls and noodle dishes, stay for the pho… it’s incredible.
The best place for Thai! Everything is fresh and flavorful. Bonus: they almost always write a thank you note on your takeout bag.
Wee Thai Food (WTF) Rice & Noodle
The best place for Thai! Everything is fresh and flavorful. Bonus: they almost always write a thank you note on your takeout bag.
You HAVE to try the momos at this unassuming spot near UMass Lowell’s East Campus. The Indian and Nepalese items on their menu are excellent.
Food Shines
You HAVE to try the momos at this unassuming spot near UMass Lowell’s East Campus. The Indian and Nepalese items on their menu are excellent.
Tons of inventive and unique varieties of egg rolls, all fried to a perfectly golden crisp. Try the buffalo chicken egg rolls – you won’t regret it!
Eggroll Cafe
110 University Ave
Tons of inventive and unique varieties of egg rolls, all fried to a perfectly golden crisp. Try the buffalo chicken egg rolls – you won’t regret it!
Lowell is home to the second largest Cambodian population in the U.S., so be sure to try some Khmer (Cambodian) food while you are here! Simply Khmer is a popular option, but there are many to choose from!
Simply Khmer Restaurant
26 Lincoln St
Lowell is home to the second largest Cambodian population in the U.S., so be sure to try some Khmer (Cambodian) food while you are here! Simply Khmer is a popular option, but there are many to choose from!
You can’t go wrong with delicious North Carolina-style barbeque. Come for the perfectly seasoned meat, and stay for the equally delectable sides.
Mill City BBQ and Brew
11 Kearney Square
You can’t go wrong with delicious North Carolina-style barbeque. Come for the perfectly seasoned meat, and stay for the equally delectable sides.
Right in the heart of Downtown, there’s a reason this is an extremely popular lunch spot. All of the breads they make their sandwiches on are made fresh daily. The regular menu is great, but you can also never go wrong with one of their daily specials. Whenever you see sweet potato chowder on the soup specials, run, don’t walk!
The Purple Carrot Bread Company
Right in the heart of Downtown, there’s a reason this is an extremely popular lunch spot. All of the breads they make their sandwiches on are made fresh daily. The regular menu is great, but you can also never go wrong with one of their daily specials. Whenever you see sweet potato chowder on the soup specials, run, don’t walk!
Colorful and flavorful plant-based options that are great for takeout or for eating in at their warm, colorful, book-filled cafe.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Life Alive Organic Cafe
194 Middle St
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Colorful and flavorful plant-based options that are great for takeout or for eating in at their warm, colorful, book-filled cafe.
A seasonal menu offering Caribbean and Dominican cuisine. Great drinks and food send you back to your last island vacation. Plantains, shrimp creole, red snapper and more!
Gary's Restaurant and Bar
26 Andover Street
A seasonal menu offering Caribbean and Dominican cuisine. Great drinks and food send you back to your last island vacation. Plantains, shrimp creole, red snapper and more!
This food truck is a fixture on UMass Lowell’s North Campus. Everything is delicious – chicken, falafel, and more. You truly can’t go wrong here.
Yassa Grill
This food truck is a fixture on UMass Lowell’s North Campus. Everything is delicious – chicken, falafel, and more. You truly can’t go wrong here.
Delicious roadside stand with fresh Mediterranean food. Come for the food, come back for the incredibly kind and friendly owners.
Marko’s Mediterranean Grill
282 Appleton St
Delicious roadside stand with fresh Mediterranean food. Come for the food, come back for the incredibly kind and friendly owners.
This diner is a Worcester Lunch Car built in Worcester Massachusetts. It was originally called the Monarch Diner and was part of a chain of diners spread throughout the Boston area. Bring cash for tips. A popular spot so pack patience for parking and waiting to be seated.
Four Sisters Owl Diner
244 Appleton Street
This diner is a Worcester Lunch Car built in Worcester Massachusetts. It was originally called the Monarch Diner and was part of a chain of diners spread throughout the Boston area. Bring cash for tips. A popular spot so pack patience for parking and waiting to be seated.
Located in the heart of downtown Lowell and in the Historic District, the Athenian Corner offers one of largest varieties of fine Greek food in New England. The Athenian Corner offers live entertainment on weekends.
Athenian Corner
207 Market St
Located in the heart of downtown Lowell and in the Historic District, the Athenian Corner offers one of largest varieties of fine Greek food in New England. The Athenian Corner offers live entertainment on weekends.
Fresh local ingredients and prepared from scratch.
Gormley's Cafe
343 Market St
Fresh local ingredients and prepared from scratch.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
TreMonte Pizzeria Restaurant & Bar
44 Palmer St
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sahel Restaurant & Lounge
135 Central Street
Walking distance for breakfast. Local favorite!
The Pawtucketville Diner
369 Mammoth Rd
Walking distance for breakfast. Local favorite!

Pubs & Lounges

A popular brewery in Lowell with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a great rotation of food trucks that roll through. Located in Western Ave. Studios.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Navigation Brewing Company
122 Western Ave
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A popular brewery in Lowell with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a great rotation of food trucks that roll through. Located in Western Ave. Studios.
An off-the-beaten path brewery in Lowell. Try the Honey White Chai for a really unique Belgian white (on the sweeter side).
Merrimack Ales
An off-the-beaten path brewery in Lowell. Try the Honey White Chai for a really unique Belgian white (on the sweeter side).
This Irish pub has strong, uncomplicated drinks served by bartenders with Irish accents. An excellent watering hole. If you’re visiting during the summer, stop by on a Friday to try the clam chowder. It is super delicious and fresh. You can’t go wrong with the food here anytime of the year, though.
The Old Court Irish Pub And Restaurant
29-31 Central St
This Irish pub has strong, uncomplicated drinks served by bartenders with Irish accents. An excellent watering hole. If you’re visiting during the summer, stop by on a Friday to try the clam chowder. It is super delicious and fresh. You can’t go wrong with the food here anytime of the year, though.
With live music most nights of the week, you can’t go wrong with a night at Warp n’ Weft!
Warp and Weft
197 Market St
With live music most nights of the week, you can’t go wrong with a night at Warp n’ Weft!
Established in 1898, Lowell's oldest tavern has played host to several famous guests, including Lowell native Jack Kerouac and Edgar Allen Poe, who is rumored to have written part of The Raven here. When you stop by, be sure to check out the antique pulley fan system (so cool!). The pressed tin ceiling and the late nineteenth century bar along with the intricate woodwork behind the bar are all from the building's transformation into the Worthen House in 1898. There’s often live music happening upstairs, too! Notable patrons include Edgar Allen Poe, Jack Kerouac, and Jimmy Breslin.
Worthen House Cafe
141 Worthen St
Established in 1898, Lowell's oldest tavern has played host to several famous guests, including Lowell native Jack Kerouac and Edgar Allen Poe, who is rumored to have written part of The Raven here. When you stop by, be sure to check out the antique pulley fan system (so cool!). The pressed tin ceiling and the late nineteenth century bar along with the intricate woodwork behind the bar are all from the building's transformation into the Worthen House in 1898. There’s often live music happening upstairs, too! Notable patrons include Edgar Allen Poe, Jack Kerouac, and Jimmy Breslin.
This is THE spot for craft cocktails in Lowell. It just so happens that the food is also excellent.
The Keep
This is THE spot for craft cocktails in Lowell. It just so happens that the food is also excellent.

Sweets & Treats

Surprisingly, there are not a lot of ice cream spots in Lowell. This spot on UMass Lowell’s South Campus has fresh waffle cones.
The Sweet Bar
Surprisingly, there are not a lot of ice cream spots in Lowell. This spot on UMass Lowell’s South Campus has fresh waffle cones.
This spot specializes in shaved snow, a unique dessert that combines the best of ice cream with the best of shaved ice.
Snowdaes
1075 Westford St
This spot specializes in shaved snow, a unique dessert that combines the best of ice cream with the best of shaved ice.
These fresh, homemade donuts are DELICIOUS. Some have called them the best donuts in the entire state. Beware: this place is CASH ONLY and they are only open Tues-Sat, 5:30-11:00 am.
Donut Shack
These fresh, homemade donuts are DELICIOUS. Some have called them the best donuts in the entire state. Beware: this place is CASH ONLY and they are only open Tues-Sat, 5:30-11:00 am.
Another well-loved donut shop in Lowell. Bonus: they also have ice cream.
Kim’s Donuts
Another well-loved donut shop in Lowell. Bonus: they also have ice cream.
Stop by for a delicious cupcake (or a dozen!). Located right in the heart of Downtown.
Little Delights Bakery
Stop by for a delicious cupcake (or a dozen!). Located right in the heart of Downtown.
If you’ve never tried Portuguese baked goods, stop by for a bite of sweet bread.
Lowell Portuguese Bakery
930 Gorham St
If you’ve never tried Portuguese baked goods, stop by for a bite of sweet bread.
More than just a donut! Elevate your donut game with these fluffy airy delicious mochi donuts. Crowd pleasing creations and party favorite. They also have bubble tea.
Mochinut
More than just a donut! Elevate your donut game with these fluffy airy delicious mochi donuts. Crowd pleasing creations and party favorite. They also have bubble tea.

Food Markets

This collaboration between Sweet Lydia’s and Mill City Cheesemongers offers artisan breads, natural cheeses, wines and sweets. Want to learn or talk more about cheese, chocolate and breadmaking? Sign up for a virtual or in person event and meet your people
Lowell Culinary Collaborative
This collaboration between Sweet Lydia’s and Mill City Cheesemongers offers artisan breads, natural cheeses, wines and sweets. Want to learn or talk more about cheese, chocolate and breadmaking? Sign up for a virtual or in person event and meet your people
Lowell adjacent and definitely worth knowing about. Ever wondered where to get farm fresh milk in a glass bottle? This family owned farm is open all year round and offers the freshest milk in a variety of flavors, icecream, meats and other produce. Chocolate milk is a must try! Say hello to the cows when you visit.
Shaw Farm Dairy
Lowell adjacent and definitely worth knowing about. Ever wondered where to get farm fresh milk in a glass bottle? This family owned farm is open all year round and offers the freshest milk in a variety of flavors, icecream, meats and other produce. Chocolate milk is a must try! Say hello to the cows when you visit.
Located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5, this market offers eggs, bread, meats, produce, etc from a variety of local farms and vendors. Open Sundays 10AM - 1PM
The Farm Market
250 Jackson Street
Located on the fourth floor of Mill No. 5, this market offers eggs, bread, meats, produce, etc from a variety of local farms and vendors. Open Sundays 10AM - 1PM
Some many delicious, fresh and imported Greek goods. Sophia’s has an olive bar, homemade hummus and grape leaves, and a wide-variety of fresh Greek yogurts.
Sophia's Greek Pantry North
Some many delicious, fresh and imported Greek goods. Sophia’s has an olive bar, homemade hummus and grape leaves, and a wide-variety of fresh Greek yogurts.
Valentina’s specializes in both fresh and imported Portuguese and Brazilian foods. If you’re lucky, they may have fresh donuts at the counter.
Valentina's Portuguese Market
Valentina’s specializes in both fresh and imported Portuguese and Brazilian foods. If you’re lucky, they may have fresh donuts at the counter.

Art Studios

Lowell is home to a large and impressive artist community with many art galleries located around the city. Here are a few:
This massive community is home to more than 350 artists. Stop by for Open Studios during the first full weekend of each month.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Western Avenue | Studios & Lofts
122 Western Ave
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This massive community is home to more than 350 artists. Stop by for Open Studios during the first full weekend of each month.
The Loading Dock Gallery
Brush Art Gallery & Studios
Ayer Lofts Art Gallery

Neighborhoods

Friendly oriented neighborhood close to many stores and restaurants as well as downtown.
Pawtucketville
Friendly oriented neighborhood close to many stores and restaurants as well as downtown.