AHA! presents 2nd Thursday year-round FREE nights of Art, History & Architecture programs in Downtown New Bedford with 37-venue partners.
Call us at 508-264-8859 or visit us at www.ahanewbedford.org.
The AHA! Project was formed in 1999 by a dedicated circle of cultural leaders, downtown businesses and individual artists. Since July of that year, the project has continuously presented its 2nd Thursday events. What originally included 14 venues now numbers 37 and spans eight galleries, three museums, The National Historical Park, City Hall and The Library, many of the downtown’s unique stores, restaurants and cafes as well as individual artist studios, a meditation center, several churches, The Bristol Building, The New Bedford Preservation Society and The UMass Dartmouth CVPA Star Store. AHA!’s mission is to collectively promote downtown culture and work towards greater sustainability of the downtown cultural scene and partner organizations.
AHA!’s articles on http://newbedford360.com are part of an expanding effort to bring more attention to the wealth of cultural events and experiences happening in downtown New Bedford.
Stimulate your taste buds with Spicy Lime’s full menu of authentic Thai specialties. This intimate spot is just right for a casual lunch or dinner and is a favorite among locals. The food has flair, is always deliciously fresh, and contains a selection of vegan dishes. You’ll find no MSG or trans-fat oil here. Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Spicy Lime is located at 522 Pleasant Street in New Bedford.
Café Arpeggio is the corner café on William and Purchase Street. It serves up scrumptious and healthy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Monday through Saturday. On the menu are micro-roasted coffee, gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, pastry and homemade ice cream. The café hosts Open Mic with Art Tebbetts every Thursday evening from 7-10 p.m.
For a casual breakfast and lunch visit The Green Bean on the opposite side of the block at the corner of Purchase and Union Street. Relax in this upbeat coffee joint that brims with color and light as well as homemade baked goods, fresh squeezed juices & smoothies, soups, sandwiches and espresso drinks and a variety of teas.
Just a few doors down on Union Street you will find On a Roll -- another comfortable spot for lunch, pastry and coffee. This authentic deli has homemade baked goods, specialty sandwiches and soups with ample indoor seating and outdoor patio tables in Wings Court.
Perhaps the smallest of the city's spots is Slices which offers a variety of pizza and delicious calzones. Eat at their one sidewalk table or take it to go as you find a place to perch within The National Historical Park. Located across the street from the Custom House Square parking lot at 342 Acushnet Avenue.
In a restored 130-year-old bank building on the opposite side of Custom House Square by the fountain (corner of William and N 2nd Street) you will find the wonderfully eclectic Freestone’s City Grill. Freestone’s, known for its award-winning fish chowder and fresh seafood, also offers creative salads and a variety of dinners and daily specials. Both the bar and restaurant side are lively local favorites. Freestone’s features live music on Monday and Thursday evenings.
Another option for a fun evening of drinks, dinner and live music dinner is The Catwalk Bar & Grille just steps from the waterfront on Union Street. Catwalk offers a varied menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, fried seafood and the best steak tips in town! Seasonally, the roof deck at Catwalk is another of the city's popular gathering spots, featuring drinks that conjure up an island mood. The newest addition to the roof deck is the barbeque entries and late night snacks.
For a fine glass of wine and exquisite small plate tapas, head across the street and around the corner to the newly open Cork Wine & Tapas Bar, located on Front Street (which runs alongside Route 18). This upscale venue blends its historical stone building with a high design setting inside. Cork is a great place for people to meet, relax and enjoy conversation.
We hope this provides ideas about where to dine and pass the time as you explore our city of culture.