Where should I go out to eat on my 30th birthday?

Submitted by IOUAndSometimesWhy t3_z4v9ao in WorcesterMA

Wednesday night. Probably only going to take my best friend. Both women in our late twenties. We’re sober so drink menu doesn’t matter. Looking for somewhere where I’ve gotta dress up a bit. Kinda place where jeans and t-shirt is underdressed but a cocktail dress and heels is overdressed. I love all cuisine.

I will take any suggestion. I’ve sadly become the type of person where work is the extent of my social life, so figuring out what to do on my birthday is a bit of a conundrum.

Thanks!

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alpacabowlkehd t1_ixt9qlr wrote

Bocado for sure

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yo_teach213 t1_ixtdpmk wrote

Seconding Bocado! It's not super fancy (some people still wear jeans there) but the food is so good. The small plates are great for sharing and you can try a lot of different things.

Edit to add: happy birthday!

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IOUAndSometimesWhy OP t1_ixust4n wrote

This is looking like it'll be the winner! I've been once several years ago and I was drunk, so I'm thinking a new visit is in order. Thanks so much!!

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alpacabowlkehd t1_ixut6b6 wrote

No problem! Lemme know how you like it, recently sober as well. Happy birthday!

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IOUAndSometimesWhy OP t1_ixutvu3 wrote

Congratulations! 3.5 years for me. Keep at it!! To use the old cliche, it's not easy but it's worth it

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scott_fx t1_ixv4tmu wrote

Yes bacado is awesome! We do the dinner for two. Even when we have a third, we still leave stuffed!

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k-squeez t1_ixti2gp wrote

Deadhorse fits your dress criteria and the food is always a bit special

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IOUAndSometimesWhy OP t1_ixush8f wrote

this place looks great!! Closed on Wednesday unfortunately but I will go another time. Plus it's walking distance for me. Thanks!

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geigei54 t1_ixvv0df wrote

I like The Palm, it’s a steakhouse but with other options. Service is excellent and the food is excellent as well. I’d suggest the clams casino and oreganata combo to start. Excellent desserts too and you never fell rushed through your meal.

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scott_fx t1_ixv4at2 wrote

Do they have their post Covid menus and service? It used to be my favorite restaurant hands down. Then Covid hit and the food was mediocre when they reopened. I tried a couple more times with similar results.

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NIRVANA97145 t1_ixsznca wrote

Baba if you like sushi

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SleepyDeepyWeepy t1_ixt63jm wrote

That's where we go for almost every special event

Except for some reason when my MIL graduated from grad school and we went to applebees

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hortensemancini t1_ixtiy8h wrote

If you’re willing to take a little drive, Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton is amazing, and surrounded by rolling hills. If you get there a little early you can park a little up the road and they have an old castle type tower that’s great for pics lol. Forge and Vine next door is fantastic too, they do really nice desserts.

Also - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! Have a blast!!!!!

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IOUAndSometimesWhy OP t1_ixut9co wrote

The further I scroll the more torn I become! Love this idea. Gotta get pics for the gram 😜 My friend lives in CT and always insists on driving, but I'll see if I can convince her to make the drive. Thanks so much!! You're very kind.

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scott_fx t1_ixv4e31 wrote

Forge and vine, imho. Is leagues better.

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TheTokingMushroom t1_ixucumn wrote

Mare e Monti for Italian.

Others have suggested both Bocado, and Deadhorse.

If you want to do some driving Salem Cross Inn is a little more rustic than your request but excellent food.

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rawfodog t1_ixuwcyg wrote

+1 for Mare e monti. Best Italian in the city. I have dreams about that bolognese

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sbaat t1_ixuiim8 wrote

Papa Gino's. I go every year on my birthday

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LastFreeMason t1_ixtc8f9 wrote

Lock 50 is great

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scott_fx t1_ixv4od3 wrote

Wow really? We went there last Valentine’s Day and we had a miserable experience with the quality of food and service (granted, it was a holiday… so I’ll give them a pass on that)

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LastFreeMason t1_ixv71sx wrote

We’ve only been once but had a great experience. Food was tasty and interesting and the staff was very friendly. There were only 3-4 groups there, so maybe the small crowd made it better.

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D_1390 t1_ixt3z3x wrote

I recommend Via in Worcester or Val’s in Holden (if sushi isn’t your thing)

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sparr t1_ixvfs1t wrote

I can't help, but I hope you're up for posting a review of wherever you end up so the rest of us have an answer for next time!

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D_1390 t1_ixuaao3 wrote

Another good one is Castle Cantina Tapas Bar & Restaurant in Leicester

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augustus_octavian82 t1_ixuf1pl wrote

Chasu if you like ramen and Japanese inspired small plates. They have some really great mocktails too! I would second Deadhorse Hill.

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Virtual_Announcer t1_ixumg4n wrote

Volturno on Shrewsbury street. My wife and I went for a nice date night a while ago and we don't drink either. Split an app, each had a main, and split their Nutella pizza for dessert and was like $85 after tip. Highly recommend. Easy to park at too.

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Ron-Ruger t1_ixvv9ni wrote

Hi my brother in-law calls me a food snob, but I’ve seen a lot and been to a ton of places. I am a plumber who has worked in a lot of kitchens in worcester, and have eaten at a lot of places in worcester. There really aren’t many fancy places to eat here that are worth it in my opinion and it’s only my opinion but I keep getting disappointed every time I eat out here, either by the food quality, or horrible service!! If you feel like dressing up and spending a few bucks take a drive, especially if you don’t drink!!! Go to Boston ! Abe and Louie’s on Boylston street is fantastic, the service is amazing, nobody will be dressed like slobs! Neptune oyster on Salem is amazing and has some stuff you can’t get anywhere that I’ve seen around. Giacomo’s on Hanover street is always great Italian. Cafe Vittoria has amazing cappuccino. If you don’t want to make the drive all the way in there is the Capital Grill on route 9 in chestnut hill that is always fantastic. Make your birthday special, my kids love those places and we have never had a bad experience at any of them! Happy birthday!

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CoolAbdul t1_ixuhuc0 wrote

There's a French bistro in Northborough.

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draken2019 t1_ixv4yn0 wrote

Peppercorns Grill, but that's because they have both and a good brewery in-house. The pizza makes it worth it.

There's a lot of options in Kelly square and on Park Ave.

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[deleted] t1_ixvmk53 wrote

Bocado - family style small plate Spaniard food Vulturno - high end Italian American Sonoma - so good

The mercantile just opened roof top heated igloos so you can over look the city

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CriticalWeb8751 t1_ixz19kt wrote

If you haven’t already decided on bocado (which I whole heartedly recommend) another option is Anya in Thompson Ct, it’s a fine dining experience, dress code required. Seriously awesome food and service 10/10.

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