ALFRESCO
EDITORS’ CHOICE
SUNSET CLUB
PLUM ISLAND
Everything about this convivial Plum Island spot urges you to relax, from the picnic tables and the large gas fire pit to the bocce courts. The team behind Newburyport’s beloved Paddle Inn and a trio of Boston-area favorites keeps things easy-breezy with a tight menu of creative cocktails and Cali-Mex food. If the weather is gorgeous, prepare for a wait by taking a deep breath of salty air and grabbing an on-point cocktail. Cornhole, Jenga, and even a sandbox for the kids will make the time fly by. 4 Old Point Rd., Newbury, 978-255-1016, sunsetclubpi.com
READERS’ CHOICE
THE DECK
SALISBURY
Order a Rum Bucket—a festive blend of Malibu rum, fruit juices, and Swedish fish—and a burger and soak up the beautiful Merrimack River views at this seasonal spot. This double-decker restaurant is always a party—and one of the best places on the North Shore to watch the sunset. 179 Bridge Rd., Salisbury, 978-499-4422
BAKERY/BREAD
EDITORS’ CHOICE
A&J KING ARTISAN BAKERS
SALEM
If there was a BONS Hall of Fame, A&J King would top the list. It is hard to compete with the bakery’s care for community and insanely good bread (we love the seeded honey oat for sandwiches). Since 2006, Jackie and Andy King have dedicated themselves to making bread the old-fashioned way, by hand, using as many local ingredients as they can find. Taking it one step further, they are transitioning to milling all their own grain. And they never rest—some members of their team of bakers start at 2 a.m., and others work until midnight, carefully crafting loaves that are almost as lovely to look at as they are to eat. Can’t get to Salem? Find them at area farmers markets as well. 48 Central St., Salem, 978-744-4881, ajkingbakery.com
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A&J KING ARTISAN BAKERS, SALEM
BBQ
EDITORS’ CHOICE
RUSTY CAN
BYFIELD
James “Sully” Sullivan studied pit masters online for years before perfecting his BBQ technique—and that hard work shows. Always crowded, the intentionally scruffy spot hidden in a strip mall turns out meltingly tender beef brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, not to mention smoked wings and off-the-charts nachos. Specials change frequently—check the chalkboard—and the sides are always delicious. Rusty Can, 6 Fruit St., Byfield, 978-462-1204, rustycanbyfield.com
READERS’ CHOICE
AMERICAN BBQ
ROWLEY
Known for generous portions, American BBQ has been perfecting recipes for Southern-style, genuine wood-smoked BBQ for more than 15 years. Owners Steve and Michelle Pierro keep turning out new sauces and rubs, which you can purchase both online and at the restaurant. 5 Railroad Ave., Rowley, 978-948-2626, theamericanbbq.com
BREAKFAST
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RED’S KITCHEN + TAVERN
PEABODY
Everything is scratch-made in this family-owned and operated spot. Owner John Drivas and family bring the same cozy friendliness that’s a staple at sister property Red’s Sandwich Shop in Salem. Portions are generous—the pancake is the size of a manhole cover—but they don’t skimp on quality. The lobster in the lobster Benedict is cooked up fresh daily, and the hollandaise sauce is made from scratch. For our money, the corned beef hash is the best around—order it extra-crispy, Benedict style for a real treat. Mimosas are a must. 131 Newbury St. (Rte. 1 N), Peabody, 978-531-7337, redskitchenandtavern.com
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AGAWAM DINER
ROWLEY
Going strong for more than 80 years, this historic diner has kept its recipes deliciously traditional, served up in booths or at the long counter. Sisters Angela Mitchell and Ethel DePasquale grew up in the diner and now operate it together, welcoming generations of customers. Order the corned beef hash—it’s made fresh daily. 166 Newburyport Tpke., Rowley, 978-948-7780, theagawamdiner.com
BURGER
EDITORS’ CHOICE
A&B BURGERS
BEVERLY
Meat sourced from small family farms via Niman Ranch makes these burgers exceptionally delicious, served atop locally baked buns with a choice of toppings ranging from classic American cheese to fig jam, eggs, or guacamole. Named for owner Thomas Holland’s two sons, Alex and Ben, the restaurant emphasizes
