By Michelle Pais Group
Westfield rewards anyone willing to look beyond the dinner table. The town holds a historic train station turned cocktail bar, a South Side brewery, and a French dining room with a serious wine list. We love pointing neighbors and newcomers toward the places that give the town its after-hours personality. Here is a guide to where a good drink is waiting.
Key Takeaways
- Downtown dining bar: Addams Tavern on Elm Street pairs a full bar with a wood-fired menu.
- Historic setting: Maize Cocina and Cocktails occupies the old train station building on North Avenue West.
- Craft beer: Lions Roar Brewing pours house-made beer on the South Side near the train tracks.
- Confirm first: Hours, menus, and ownership change often, so check current details before heading out.
Addams Tavern Anchors Downtown on Elm Street
Elm Street sits at the center of downtown Westfield, and Addams Tavern at 115 Elm Street is one of its best-known stops for a drink with dinner. The name honors Charles Addams, the cartoonist and Westfield native behind The Addams Family.
What to Know Before You Visit Addams Tavern
- Wood-fired menu: The kitchen describes its food as progressive New American, with wood-fired cooking at the heart of the menu.
- Wine list: The restaurant calls its wine list extensive, which suits an evening that runs past a single glass.
- Room: Vaulted ceilings give the space a warm, open feel for groups and date nights alike.
Reservations are worth considering on weekends, since downtown tables fill quickly. Hours can shift by season, so a quick call or a look at the restaurant's own website helps.
Maize Cocina and Cocktails Gives the Train Station a Second Life
Maize opened in October 2024 at 301 North Avenue West after more than two years of construction delays. The restaurant and cocktail bar fills a historic building that dates to 1892 and was originally part of the Westfield train station.
Highlights From the Maize Bar and Kitchen
- Cocktail list: Early menus featured a Mexican Cola Old Fashioned, a Cuban Cartel with coconut rum, and an Aztec Negroni made with mezcal.
- Architecture: Original arched stone windows remain in both the dining room and the bar area.
- Kitchen: Mexican cooking with global influences led by chef Jesa Henneberry when the doors opened.
The space reportedly seats about 100 guests indoors, which makes it a workable choice for a larger group. Menus rotate, so the cocktails above are a snapshot from the opening rather than a promise.
Lions Roar Brewing Pours Craft Beer on the South Side
Lions Roar Brewing opened in February 2021 at 517-519 South Avenue West, inside a restored 1920s building near the train tracks. Tim and Corinne Grant, Westfield residents, started the brewery as a neighborhood gathering place for the South Side.
A Look Inside the Taproom
- Beer styles: The owners pointed early visitors toward a Belgian-style Trippel and a Hazy Pilsner shaped by European brewing traditions.
- Indoor and outdoor tables: A beer garden gives guests a choice based on the weather.
- Events: The town events calendar has listed live music nights at the brewery.
The taproom is a 21-and-over venue, so plan accordingly if you are bringing out-of-town guests. Tap lists change, which keeps repeat visits interesting.
Chez Catherine Adds a Wine Program on North Avenue
Chez Catherine at 431 North Avenue West is best known as an upscale French restaurant. Local guides also describe it as a wine bar, which makes it a fitting stop for anyone who prefers a glass of red to a cocktail.
Why Wine Lovers Look to Chez Catherine
- French cuisine: Classic dishes such as Dover sole in brown butter sauce have drawn praise from reviewers over the years.
- Prix fixe menus: Guides have noted three-course and four-course options for a planned evening.
- Wine selection: An extensive list gives diners room to explore beyond familiar labels.
Dinner here suits a celebration or a quiet night with someone special. Details such as menu format and pricing have changed over time, so confirm before booking.
Mindowaskin Park and Downtown Make Every Night Out Easier
Mindowaskin Park at 385 East Broad Street offers a pond, a gazebo, and walking paths just steps from the downtown core. An early stroll there sets a relaxed tone before dinner or a round of drinks.
How to Pair a Drink With a Downtown Evening
- Park stroll: Paths around the pond give friends a place to meet before heading to a table.
- Summer music: Local guides have listed Sweet Sounds Downtown live music on Tuesday nights in July and August.
- Walkable blocks: Shops and restaurants cluster close together, so one parking spot often covers a full evening.
Homes near downtown put many of these options within a short walk. That convenience is a big reason so many residents call the area home.
FAQs
Which are the best bars Westfield visitors should try first?
Addams Tavern suits a polished dinner with cocktails, and Maize suits drinks inside a historic train station. Lions Roar Brewing is the pick for relaxed craft beer. Each spot gives a different feel of the town.
Are these spots close to each other?
Addams Tavern and Maize sit near the downtown core, while Lions Roar Brewing is on the South Side along South Avenue West. A quick look at a map helps when planning the order of an evening. Rideshare or a designated driver keeps the night easy.
Which neighborhoods put these spots close to home?
Homes near downtown and the train station sit close to Addams Tavern and Maize, while South Side addresses sit near Lions Roar. Each area has its own housing mix and pace. Our team can walk you through the differences.
Reach Out to Us at Michelle Pais Group
If a night out in Westfield has you picturing life in town, we would love to help you find the right home. Message our team at Michelle Pais Group to talk through neighborhoods, timing, and goals. We are here whenever you are ready to start.
