Great live music, the owner Lisa is so accommodating- the vibe is friendly with good crowds. Pub food is the menu with a nice variety-something for anyone! Check it out, something going on almost every night-my favorite is the bands on Saturday night but they also have Karaoke other nights. "Goods times a happnin at The Tav"! read more

Fonzi's Tavern on Merrimack has opened under new ownership of the former Tavern on Merrimack/The Frosty Mug in Lawrence. The place has the feel of a local neighborhood pub which has finished wood walls, flooring, & ceiling. There is seating at the full service bar, table seating along the walls, pool table in the back, a musician/karaoke stage in the front corner and TVs throughout the room. There is a patio area out back. They offer nightly entertainment such as DJs, karaoke (Tue), trivia (Wed), and live music. The food menu offers pub fare including appetizers, wings, chips & dips, salads, burger/sandwich plates, quesadillas, tacos, chicken & waffles, pasta, steaks, and desserts. The prices are moderate. The bar offers 12 beers on draft, beer bottles/cans, wine, cocktails & mixed drinks. I stopped by Fonzi's for dinner very recently. I sat up at the bar for prompt service. I got an ice water as I looked over the menu. For an appetizer, the Fried Raviolis ($12 plus tax) had 6 good size fried breaded raviolis filled with cheese including ricotta & seasoning) over a zesty marinara sauce. For dinner, the Basic Bit*h Burger ($18 plus tax) had a thick grilled beef patty with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, & pickle chips on a thick kaiser bun. The fries were lightly fried and very hot. Both the fried raviolis and thick juicy burger were very good and fries were decent. After I was done, I got the check with Upserve QR code, which was $32.10 with tax and before tip. I was able to pay the check on my phone, as the place was getting busier around 6:30 pm. The service was prompt sitting at the bar and I was able to watch some sports highlights on the TV. I would definitely come back here to try other food on their menu like the coconut shrimp, tacos, and cheese tortellini gratinati with chicken. read more

Food is decent, I have only been there in the winter, the seating is uncomfortable and a little sterile feeling, seemed like most of the attention was at the bar. I think the best rating of a restaurant is fine 30 minutes before close. It's a last seating. The closing hour should be WHEN the kitchen closes and not before. We felt rushed, even though the bar was bustling. After our order, we never saw our server again. They list out on a big tip. I'll try again in the summer when we can eat outside. read more

It's a regular dive bar. Nothing special. Decent beer on tap. Decent prices. People were friendly. But the food was not good. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing. Don't get the pulled pork nachos. The cheese wasn't melted and they don't come with any toppings. read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Pulled pork nachos. No toppings. Cheese was not melted. - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

Great local bar to hang out in! The customers are very friendly and the food is well prepared and service is very good with the bar maid top notch and very likeable! Karaoke on Tuesday and Thursday is great. The KDJ is right on! My friends and I are becoming regulars! Plenty of parking spaces on nearby streets and there is a free off street parking lot 4 or 5 buildings up. It does get busier on Thursday PM, after 9:00PM with a great "Bouncer" at the entrance, a calm and orderly decorum to the bar. He is very friendly and is in command...Excellent!!! It is more low key on Tuesday. Very nice atmosphere and a nice place to go to for good food, nice locals and Karaoke fun! read more

I'm not sure who has is giving this place five stars or even two stars.. Went tonight with friends and sat out back, it was nice. Got our drinks. Meal time came and husband ordered a Cuban and I ordered a burger, medium rare. My husband got a Reuben (not a Cuban) and I got a well done Burger and couldn't eat it, (just picked at one half of bun in some parts.) Showed it to the server and also advised her of the fact that my husband got a reuben and not a Cuban (although he likes both and so he was fine with it) but for me it was not fine. Server apologized and offered a redo but honestly we'd already been there for about 30 minutes and I didn't want to wait that long again. No manager came over. It was very disappointing. I wouldn't recommend it nor would I ever go back. Note: I didn't specifically ask for manager but had hoped that server would have sent them over. Awful, awful food. read more

Tavern on Merrimack - a person holding a sandwich - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

The larger bouncer was extremely rude, i asked a simple question and he gave me attitude and started mocking me. Not only that but he started accusing me of things that were not true to try to put me down and boost his own ego. After trying to stand up for myself he just yelled at me further with no real reason to. I have enjoyed this place in the past, but due to the impact this one experience has had on me i will not be coming back and will be going else where... definitely do not recommend to others, at least not while this "boy" is employed there because absolutely nothing about him is "man" like aside from his size advantage. Not my fault you're a lowlife working in Lawrence with nothing better to do than harass girls at least half your age. This took place on my way out so i'm not just some underage kid who's mad i didn't get in. read more

I'm glad I ordered fries just in case, because my luck with anything pasta is usually bad. I ordered the veggie pappardelle pasta with chicken, but alas...it never came with the chicken. Definitely not a vegan, so I ate as much as I could with chili flakes and went to town with the fries. Otherwise, the tavern's staff and regulars definitely have a fun personality. I was wearing a costume for a Spartan event prior and they couldn't help being curious and laughed together about it. The vibe differs because you'll walk right into a round table for the bar and the friends of the tavern. Then you'll go right and sit in church pews? I may come back again just to relax and have a few beers with friends since they live across the street. read more

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very good accommodation and friendly customer service I would recommend to my friends

I rolled in here for food and a quick drink. I had the burger and Asian rolls. These well prepared and were on point for taste.

This place is a hidden gem. The patio is an oasis with great tables (shaded by umbrellas) with the backdrop of the giant mill buildings across the street. The beers are cold, the wait staff is on top of things, and the food is good. We had an event here for 25 people and it was the perfect size- very casual and easy to mingle and eat appetizers. Highly recommend! read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Outdoor patio with cornhole and tables. They have other configurations of tables (couches, high tops) too. - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

The best deal in town, especially with a family you can't go wrong great deals. Kid friendly

Fryer was broken so menu was extremely limited. Went with Steak Tips which were extremely chewy and Rice Pilaf on the side was crunchy

So disappointed on my return to the Tavern on Merrimack. Went on a Friday at 7:30 PM. Sign said "seat yourself". We did and waited. After 17 minutes of no waitstaff at all in the dining room, we got up and left. PM me for more info. read more

A little reticent to award a fifth star to a place I have visited just once (today, as a matter of fact), but my experience was flawless. Excellent service by dayside bartender/food runner Liz H., a slick, clean atmosphere, good selection of beers on tap (and properly chilled), and quite excellent grub. I ordered the poutine with an additional topping of pulled pork, and the portion was princely and the taste was delightful. Lighting's a little dim for my terrible eyes, though Liz lent me a pair of cheaters, which helped a little. I live just five minutes (walking) from the fine Muddy Waters Tavern in Methuen, but this newish Lawrence tavern (the former Frosty Mug) is likely to win a bit of my business. I work out of town: otherwise, I would be a lunchtime regular. Highly recommend. read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Delicious poutine with pulled pork. Harmonized nicely with a draft Sam Adams Winter Later. About $13, I think (the pulled pork was $4 extra) - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

This place is relaxing with warm cooking. The best waitresses that always are engaging with customers it's just a well off place where you can relax and let your hair down. read more

Cute place. Nice fast service. Great beer. Fresh cold hot food. Reuben sandwich was a big hit. read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Reuben sandwich - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

I ordered the Kentucky Bourbon T.O.M. (Quarter pounder with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bourbon glazed caramelized onions served on a potato brioche bun). It was awesome! The place is filled with locals so you know it's a great place. There was plenty of street parking when I went. read more

Good food and quick kitchen. Drinks are consistent. Primarily street parking but convenient location and crosswalks available. Stairs in front of bar to walk up and enter. One stall bathrooms. On the smaller side but good atmosphere. Live music played here is great. read more

So here right now. It's my third time in a couple of years so by def it's not a go to place. And to answer J I'm not within reach of any bathroom and in fact I don't even know where it is. And nothing smells. But - the food is mediocre at best. I just ordered fries tonight and they are not even ore Ida quality. Weak and overcooked. When I came a couple of years ago it was better. BUT. the bar environment is great- everyone super friendly. Service is good once the bartender stops chatting with the regulars. There is live music (kinda - a guy on a guitar trying his best) But that's the scene. If you want a cheap drink and some friendly conversation, come. read more

Really like this place. I never went when it was Frosty Mug so I can't compare but this place has a really cool environment and I even won music bingo when I went I'm not sure how all their food is but I go for the chicken barb as not many places serve it - or serve it properly. But Tavern does and it's excellent! read more

By far the best local pub around the Lawrence area. The best bartenders and wait staff and the most friendly owner around. As the area continues to flourish around the Riverwalk, the Tavern is the place one must frequent regardless of the day/night of the week The food is excellent. Combination of basic pub food, middle eastern and some of the local favorites that, if you grew up in the area like me, that remind you of being a kid again. Brian, Jenn and Julia are amazing behind the bar and on the floor. How they manage the crowd on the weekend is beyond me. That said, when the energy is that positive, you have to have a staff that compliments the environment. They crush it... If you live in the area, this needs to be a weekly staple. If you don't, come in on a Friday or Saturday and enjoy a burger and a drink alongside the weekly bands that are brought in that will get you feet tapping and smiling ear to ear! read more

Food was great as well as the drinks. Was very busy so service was a bit slow. But was worth the wait. Will definitely be back

So the drinks were good, the food was good, the service was good but damn break out the duster and clean the joint. The boat hanging from the ceiling had covered in an inch deep dusty. Gross! Might be a good neighborhood bar but I won't be back until you clean it up ‍ read more

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Stopped here for lunch while in the area, sat at the bar for lunch and it was great pub food. I had the burger and my GF had a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad which both were great. The inside of the Tavern is updated with lots of TVs and a Touch Tunes Juke Box. Would come back again. read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Seating area. - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

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We saw this restaurant on Yelp and based on its ratings of 4.5 decided to stop on in. Man were we glad we came. Outside this place looks like a small house in the middle of factories but inside was a friendly atmosphere. We came in on the Eve of St Patrick's Day and it was lively and Irish themed. Brian was making sure everyone was dressed for their festivities upon their arrival. We were serviced by Rosie who was not only attentive but gave us recommendations on their food. We started with an Irish themed appetizer, meal, and dessert. Everything was delicious and beyond our expectations. Service and atmosphere was great. I would highly recommend stopping at this tavern. It was worth it! read more

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What a great place I stopped by while staying at the Residence Inn at Andover. The bartender was extremely and so were the other customers. Great atmosphere all around for this place. If you go in there be sure to ask for Brian! read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Pulled Pork Cuban - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

While on long weekend adventure and waiting on a train to Boston, we dropped at Merrimack Tavern for some drinks. I had recently at my local coffee shop indulged in a pistachio latte (which earned thumbs up) so I the idea of a Pistachio Martini felt right at home. The drinks, pre game atmosphere, and direction for the evening from Rosie was exactly what we needed. Not sure when I will landed here again but I know what my order will be. read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Pistachio Martini - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

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Don't let the area leading up to the bar fool you. This is a great bar with great service and awesome food. It is certainly a locals hang out but everyone was extremely friendly to us Texans... lol. Thank you for having us and hopefully I'll be able to stop back in for another Ruben! read more

Found this hidden gem on yelp. The food was amazing! We shared a bunch of things - poutine, bruschetta, pretzel, grilled cheese, crab cakes, plantanos and more. Everything was excellent - from the service to the atmosphere to the food. Do not hesitate, just go! read more

Tavern on Merrimack - Bars Near Me - Lawrence, Massachusetts

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Food was solid and they have great drinks. Ordered a Ruben, wings and chips with onion dip and they were all great!

I so wanted to give this restaurant a better rating. The staff was friendly and service excellent. Our server brought popcorn as soon as we were seated. Sadly the food was not tasty though the fries were alright. The pulled pork had no flavor, sauce was minimal and watery. The veggie sandwich (forgot the name) didn't seem to have spring mix and the sauce was too drippy and didn't enhance the veggies. Somehow the ingredients were not what I expected from the menu description. I know people who have eaten here and they recommended we try. Hoping it was just an off night. Doubtful if we will return. read more

Best bar in town. Laid back, cozy and has a nice outdoor area. Helps that the food is decent and the bartenders are rockstars.

Really great local pub, came here with friends on multiple occasions, great food and beverages and the entire staff are always so nice and helpfu. I'll definitely meet friends here again! read more

Stopped in during a recent trip. I went for the ratings were good. The dinning was very average. Not remarkable average bar fare.

TONIGHT WE HAD THE IRISH-CHEDDAR WHISKEY FONDUE served with bread cubes, apple slices, sausage slices and grapes for 10.95 the rueben for 10.95 was corned beef just cooked in the oven today and was fabulous The fries were among the best ever. My drink was 888 Blueberry Vodka (from Nantucket) and Deep Eddie lemon vodka (From Texas)and a splash of lemonade for $8 was great. the Bruins replay was on but most TVS had the Sox and Houston and there was an acceptable guitar player singing in a way that people really enjoyed him we had a great night and great food. They have a big variety of beer on tap It is not fancy but it was delicious and fun give it a chance read more

This has been my go to spot to order on yelp or grub hub. On this very day I decided to go there myself and pick up my food. I normally get the Turkey Club with a side of tostones (which is still available on yelp). I was told I cannot get tostones as a side, didn't have the energy to argue so figured I'd leave a review. Can't pick and choose when you decide to serve tostones as a side, felt bamboozled. Decided to get the sandwich without a side. Sandwich is delish tho! Two stars for poor service, wasn't even offered water. read more

I think this is a 'locals only' kind of place. I was turned away for having an out-of-state license (I'm 29 but look like I'm 18). The bartender said that you can't drink in Mass unless you have a Massachusetts license. From years of visiting Boston for work I know this not to be true. This was a very strange interaction at a place with a strange, unwelcoming vibe. read more

Went on a Friday night at 7. Atmosphere: The photo on the website is not the interior of this restaurant FYI. So that was a bit misleading. It's very much a bar setup with all high top tables. So my friend and I walk in and stood in the entrance like dopes for about 5 minutes before someone told us to just seat ourselves anywhere. Then we pick a spot and the waitress looks reluctant to let us take our table of choice. Like what gives toots? Food: Irish Nachos were underwhelming, I hate when restaurants make nachos and don't melt all the cheese under the first layer of chips. The rice balls were not my favorite. Lacked much flavor. The poutine was good but you have to add $5 to get meat on it which is kind of obsurd considering the location... to me. I feel like the flavor is not there, everything was bland or mediocre at best. I did leave smelling like grease/fried food which was fun, still airing out my jacket. Anyway it was a nice first try, won't go out of my way to go back. read more

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Stopped in before a hockey game. My husband had their Reuben and I had the Kentucky bourbon burger, both were A+. Amazing food in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Our server Julia was so helpful and nice. If we lived here we would be regulars, but we will be sure to come back whenever we find ourselves up here again! read more