There’s simply too much to do downtown to pack into four hours of an AHA! Night
so next time come early or stay late!

“The fun doesn’t stop when the stores and museums close. New Bedford has a vibrant downtown that’s become a destination,” said Lee Heald, program director of AHA!

New restaurants and pubs are everywhere you look in the historic waterfront district of downtown New Bedford, and there’s something for every age and every price range. So after you’ve toured all the museums, seen all the galleries, listened to live music, and shopped til you’ve dropped—enjoy some eclectic eats and spirits downtown.

The Waterfront Grille, on Homer’s Wharf, sits right on the New Bedford harbor. It offers a casual atmosphere, raw bar, succulent sea food & sushi and an amazing view of the NB fishing fleet.
Destination Soups on Union Street has the best soups and grilled cheeses in the city, along with the kind of mac-n-cheese you wish you could make at home. Comfort food at it’s best.

In the mood for Mexican? Head to No Problemo on Purchase Street for fresh food & generous servings. Try one of their classic burritos, like the Zapata or Miss America,—hot flatbread brimming with rice & cheese & numerous combos of meat & veggies.

Craving Thai? Try the Spicy Lime on Pleasant Street for a healthy meal—MSG and transfat-free & the most amazing specials. Pumpkin Curry, anyone?

Perhaps you were thinking Korean? Check out the newly opened Ginger Grill on Purchase Street. Order the grilled beef on anything & be blown away.

On a Roll on Union Street has great soups, sandwiches, salads and—a SouthCoast favorite— Dels Frozen Lemonade. The JuiceBox on Union Street also has great sandwiches and smoothies as well as some decadent chocolate dipped fruits!

If you’re looking for an upscale experience in Downtown New Bedford, head to Cork on cobblestoned Front Street for a night of wine & tapas---small plates, great for sharing.

For a more casual time try The Rose Alley Ale House right next door. Enjoy a microbrew from India or Ireland, and order up some of the best wings in the city while you watch the Patriots on a flat screen TV and listen to live music.

Right across the way on Union Street is the Catwalk Bar & Grille. Grab some awesome apps (mouth watering baby back ribs perhaps?) & creative cocktails with friends.

Head up the hill to Freestones City Grill on William Street for some award-winning chowder or fan favorite Syrian Nachos along with live music or check out the Irish pub, Hibernia, on William Street for a pint of Guinness, traditional Irish grub & entertainment.

If you’re with the whole family, take the kids to Café Arpeggio on Purchase Street to end the night with ice cream cones, or stop by The Green Bean nearby for a coffee or fruit smoothie. “One of the most exciting developments in the downtown area is the new restaurants which are opening,” Ms. Heald said.

“AHA! night doesn't stop at 9 p.m. when the museums and galleries close. Increasingly, we’re seeing people stay to stroll the cobblestone streets, dine out, or listen to the live music in the pubs and restaurants.”

And don’t forget--AHA! is once a month, but downtown is every day!

AHA! is a night of FREE culture, arts, shopping and dining held from 5 to 9 p.m. the second Thursday of each month in historic downtown New Bedford.
From I-195 E or W. take Exit 15 (Rte. 18). Follow Rte 18 to 2nd traffic signal; take a right onto Union St. At the first traffic signal take a right onto Second Street and take your first left for parking in Custom House Square or continue two blocks to the Elm Street garage. On-street parking is also available for free after 6 pm.