Highland Kitchen runs at a very different speed than many of the more upscale cocktail bars I’ve reviewed. It’s not even explicitly a cocktail bar – more of a neighborhood pub and Southern restaurant – but is proclaimed by many on Reddit, Yelp and Google as one of the best drink spots in Somerville. I felt obliged to check it out.
There’s an instant comfort and coziness to Highland Kitchen, with its traditional jukebox, walls strung with colorful lights and large chalkboard detailing specials. Because it wasn’t super busy I opted for a table for one instead of my usual spot at the bar. I was pleasantly surprised to see I wasn’t the only solo diner that night, and also spotted couples on dates and families at group dinners.
My first drink – recommended to me by the server – was the Dorchester, which included vodka, orange liqueur, pink lemonade and cucumber. It was a simple, fun twist on a vodka lemonade (one of my go-to drinks); the cucumber cut the sweetness nicely and made the Dorchester very refreshing as well as being undeniably strong.
While in Somerville, it seemed necessary to try the Somerville Sunburn, which consisted of Bacardi white rum, coconut liqueur, falernum pineapple, lime and angostura bitters. It was another delightful and strong beverage, with the sweetness cut nicely by the bitters, culminating in a potent and colorful blend of tropical flavors.
Each drink was only $12, much lower than many cocktail bars in the city.
Upon my departure, I was unsurprised to see a wall of collected accolades for Highland Kitchen, including Best Bar of 2010 from The Improper Bostonian, Esquire’s list of Best Bars in America and Boston Magazine’s Best Southern Restaurant in 2013. Some of these awards might be dated, but at this point the bar’s reputation precedes itself. Highland Kitchen lived up to my expectations with great service and charm, a relaxed and enjoyable environment and drinks that are strong, delicious and reasonably priced.
Highland Kitchen, 150 Highland Ave., Spring Hill, Somerville
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