Lowell

Neighborhood Digital Guide

Lowell, MA has experienced an incredible revitalization in the recent decade. The home of the country’s first CVS, Market Basket, and even co-ed public school, Lowell is a unique city that was created in the 1800’s as a planned manufacturing city.

Once home to 40 mills, most have been re-purposed into interesting museums, art spaces, and local residences. Join us as we explore this historic town and learn more about its history, past and present, as well as enjoy a diversity of cuisine to represent Lowell as a melting pot of cultures.

The annual Lowell Folk Festival is a wonderful event that brings thousands every summer, but there’s so much more to see and do in Lowell than once a year.

Did you know that Jack Kerouac is from Lowell? His family came over in the 1870’s with other French Canadians. Since then, other diverse groups from Greece, Portugal, Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Cambodia, Puerto Rico, and African countries have contributed to a surge in popularity that’s resulted in quite an interesting place close to Boston.

Downtown Lowell

Downtown Lowell

Gormley’s
135 East Merrimack Street
This mom and pop coffee shop and diner has been in Lowell since 1951 and is practically an institution. Stop by to say hi to Craig and Joanne!.

What to Order
Delicious muffins and yummy special cheesecake are out of this world! But everything there is delicious.

Sophia’s Greek Pantry
479 Market Street
Started by Sophia, this location is now run by her children. We love the variety of greek foods here, especially their famous greek yogurt and granola!

What to Order
Started by Sophia, this location is now run by her children. We love the variety of greek foods here, especially their famous greek yogurt and granola!

Saigon Sandwich House
507 Dutton Street, Lowell
We love the story behind this restaurant (find out ore on our tour) as well as the delicious Vietnamese food!

What to Order
Try their banh mi and the sugarcane drink as well, just absolutely amazing!

Sizzling Kitchen
602 Merrimack St., Lowell
So you know what fusion is but have you ever had vietnamese, thai, italian and Korea?

What to Order
Their sizzling kitchen rolls or Vietnamese sausage rolls are delish!

El Potro
124 Merrimack Street, Lowell
On Thursday nights, the mariachi band changes the atmosphere of the entire Merrimack Street, and it’s a joy to be sitting al fresco at El Potro. They have the most authentic and delicious Mexican food in the area which recipes handed down from generation to generation. Also check out the hand-carved furniture.

What to Order
Any combination of meat and cheese and veggies, from tacos to enchiladas to pupusas.

Purple Carrot Bread
107 Merrimack Street, Lowell
This homegrown spot has the most inventive comfort food, from soups to baked goods.

What to Order
We love their ever-rotating flavors of bread pudding.

1981 Ramen Bar
29 Merrimack Street
For an incredible infusion of flavors, try the ramen here – it’s got a really rich broth and not greasy; the founders were born in 1981 which is the inspiration for the name. Tell them we sent you!

What to Order
Loved the ramen but other items are delicious too like the steamed bao.

Warp and Weft
197 Market Street)
Throw a dollar bill on the ceiling using a quarter, and they will donate the keep to charity. Operated by a family team and musicians, this creative spot turns into an open mic night.

What to Order
Try their seasonal offerings as the menu changes frequently to accommodate fresh and local ingredients. And stop by for a music show!

Worthen House
141 Worthen Street
This bar has been in town since 1898. Imagine the secrets it would know if it could talk. Run by a wonderful mother-daughter team, this cafe is a must visit on any trip to Lowell or you could host your next event there.

What to Order
Try a specialty drink under their tin ceiling and enjoy a cozy evening with friends.

Red Antler Apothecary
Mill No. 5
Have you ever been to an herbal pharmacy? Well, you have to be careful and really trust the purveyors. The owners of Red Antler are very knowledgeable and educated, and we trust them completely. From harvesting their own raw honey to designing custom vinegars, bitters, and oxymels, if you have any ailments at all you should run over to Red Antler for a private consultation.

What to Order
Make a mental list of what ails you from seasonal allergies to migraines to insomnia and approach the counter at this friendly spot.

Pizelle’s
160 Merrimack Street
Started by a local resident named Lydia, their homemade marshmallows are out of this world and always handmade in small batches. From crazy flavors like strawberry shortcake to more traditional marshmallows, you’ll never find anything like these — originating in Lowell!

What to Order
Crazy flavors of their marshmallows!

Mochinut
183 Dutton Street
While it’s a chain restaurant, there aren’t many in our area that serve mochi donuts especially ones as fresh and flavorful as this one!

What to Order
Definitely try a mochi donut or bubble tea.