Secure your place at the best places to socialize this summer before the crowds beat you to it.
By Megan McClure

Regardless of where you are in and around Bucks County, the scenery is breathtaking. So, it makes sense that once the mercury starts to rise above room temperature, the most popular place to be is outdoors. Thankfully, there is no shortage of restaurants and bars that make for great settings at which to gather with an intimate group of friends and spend a summer afternoon or night reminiscing under a clear sky.

As we eagerly await the arrival of summer, we highlight here five scenes that lend themselves particularly well to the warm weather, as well as a signature cocktail or two at each — as if you needed further enticement.

MARTINE’S RIVER HOUSE RESTAURANT & BAR
New Hope

The riverfront restaurant has survived three major floods in recent years, and to celebrate its solidarity, the Flood Survivor Martini serves as the specialty of the house. A concoction made of Absolut Pear and pomegranate juice, it more closely resembles a Jolly Rancher candy in taste than a traditional martini. A relative secret during the off-season among locals, who fill it to excess on weekends, Martine’s is the destination for sipping once the weather turns nice. It’s exceptional menu and all-too-easy-to-drink cocktails aside, every vantage point from inside the restaurant and outside on the deck offers a pristine view of the Delaware.
14 East Ferry Street; 215-862-2966;
www.martinesriverhouserestaurant.com.

THE BOATHOUSE
Lambertville, NJ

Tucked down an alley off of Coryell Street, The Boathouse is a gemstone hideaway. After dinner at the fabled Hamilton’s Grill Room next door, The Boathouse is a great place to settle into for a nightcap. The nautical-themed interior is conducive to intimate gatherings. Whether seated upstairs or down, you’ll feel like you’re having friends over at your own home. If it’s possible to say that the intimate nature of The Boathouse carries over to the very informal seating area outside, it does, though not because of anything having to do with décor. The arrangement is relatively bare bones. The lure is the result of feeling so secluded. Seated in a courtyard at the end of an alleyway just off a not-so-busy side street, it’s possible to feel as though you are one of the few privy to this secret. The Boathouse is not the place to go for flavor-of-the-moment concoctions. A great bit of knowledge and care goes into every cocktail served here. In keeping with the great sense of tradition that seems to envelop everything here, a suggestion for the perfect summer refresher: Champagne Kir Royale, which is Chandon Brut with Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur served with a twist.
8 ½ Coryell Street; 609-397-2244.

THE GROTTO
Newtown

At The Grotto, a sophisticated crowd gathers to sup specialty martinis and sample from an extensive list of import beers. Dark and rustic with an cozy lounge flair, the wall behind the bar is backlit in cool blue and lined with an impossibly extensive array of every kind of liquor. At 15-plus, the martini menu is almost as long as the restaurant’s wine list. They range from the standard dirty variety to the wildly contemporary and exotic, such as the Bikini Martini made with pineapple, Absolut Mandarin and Malibu Rum and the dark Vampire Martini, a delicious mix of cranberry juice and Absolut Raspberry. The Grotto can get quite crowded on weekend nights. But the addition of a new bar for sitting, not serving, on the opposite side of the restaurant lends some breathing room for those who wish escape the crowd.
101 South State Street; 215-579-6152;
www.thegrotto101.com.

KARLA’S BAR & RESTAURANT
New Hope

Nearly every patron who walks through the doors of this subtly chic establishment that lies just off the bustling South Main Street is greeted by name. Or, at least it seems that way. I’ve never been able to figure out why this place is not bursting at the seams with customers on a nightly basis. The food is as good any of the highly acclaimed hot spots around the Central Bucks region and the bar scene, as mentioned, is warm and inviting. And, yet, Karla’s seems to consistently fly under the radar. As integral to the Karla’s experience as any of the aforementioned is the staff, from waiters to bartenders. They are as loyal to the establishment as the locals who swear by it. One in particular steals the spotlight every time he slips by the bar. Much like Cher — and every bit the diva — he is known by one name alone: Ricky. Ricky’s outlandish brand of humor is worth every bit of the trouble it takes to secure a seat at the smallish bar on his nights behind it. He also happens to be a master mixologist. His Lemon Drop Martini is every bit as refreshing and indulgent as it sounds. It’s made with Citron vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup. The rim of the glass is lined with raw sugar and half of the lemon is dropped in, completing the effect.
5 West Mechanic Street; 215-862-2612;
www.karlasnewhope.com

THE FREIGHT HOUSE
Doylestown

The Freight House is an upscale setting that draws an interesting mix of young and old, couples and singles alike. One possible reason for the diversity is the bar is large enough to accommodate all. Even on the busiest Saturday nights, it’s hard to feel crowded here. It also could be because the bar scene shifts shapes depending upon the time of night. During the dinner hours, it’s a place that’s conducive to small gatherings and easy conversation. Later in the night, on weekends, it transforms into Club Freighthouse, complete with a DJ and dancing. So, both sides of the nightlife are covered. Plus, there’s a wonderful deck to escape to if you find yourself uninterested in either on a warm night. As far as what to drink at The Freighthouse, it’s hard to find any cocktail more refreshing on a scorching day than the mojitos are here. Aside from the standard version, there’s handful of exotic flavors available, too, which change seasonally, like pineapple basil, strawberry champagne and watermelon cilantro.
194 West Ashland Street; 215-340-1003;
www.thefreighthouse.net.