5 Bars and Tables

I’ve been to this cocktail bar three times now and overall, I like it.
The location couldn’t be better. The overall concept works: a cocktail bar for non-​college students. The décor and layout are OK. It’s dark’ish, which is pleasant. It’s nice to have live music and still be able to have a conversation. When I’ve had the food, it’s been pretty good and I’m glad it’s not the ubiquitous burgers and wings. The drinks have been OK, though the wine list could use work. The beer selection is fine-​nothing really interesting except for three Belgian lambics.
So there it is: it’s fine. I’ll probably go back if I want a quieter place than Burger Stand, less staid than The Eldridge, more intimate than Round Corner, or less pubby than the pub across the street.

I’ve been here from out of town quite a few times and every experience is different. We’re friends with the band that plays here often and so many people love them. Great varieties of food offered and Friday nights are half off martinis!

I liked the atmosphere, but the drinks were weak and room temperature. Appetizers were okay. Ordered a classic martini and asked them to make it extra cold. It came back like warm and in a high ball glass. I complained and was told it was cold as it can get. Strange since my wife’s drink was ice cold.

Lawrence has needed a gem like this for years. It has enough bars with concrete floors and seating built out of wood from Home Depot, so 5 Bar raises the BAR, literally. It has a cool vibe with local art on the walls, and dim tastefully done lighting. It has a nice bar with unique drink selections, like a strawberry basil martini and a good selection of wines. The food is also great, with small plates and a wide selection of choices to nosh on while you listen to live jazz most nights. Nick, the owner, has made this place into my go-​to spot in Lawrence. It caters to the non-​college folks better than the other bars, and has an intelligent air about it. Be sure to check when Lucas Parker is jamming with his guitar there. He is nothing short of phenomenal!

First time here. Had the Salmon BST with a side of Chicken Chili and a glass of Boulevard Tank 7. Can’t say enough good things about this place. Great food. Great presentation. Great atmosphere. It will now be a MUST every time I come to Lawrence.

After some convincing, I talked my girlfriend into finally trying 5 Bar and Tables. The menu was extensive but looked good. We ordered two drinks and I had an appetizer while she had a veggie burger. Maybe we just made really poor choices, but nothing we had was acceptable to serve to people. The drinks were awful. The food was worse. The nice girl waiting on us did her best but was mostly clueless. Once I was able to talk to a manager, I realized that the problem starts there. He couldn’t care less about us or the restaurant. We were charged for our food and drinks and given two $ 10 coupons to use on our next visit. Which there won’t be a next visit. Don’t waste your time.

5 Bars and Tables is a refreshing change from the cramped wine and dessert bar it used to be. The new establishment has undergone some remodeling that has made it more spacious and relaxed. The bar definitely attracts and older crowd (not a bad thing). They have jazz most nights after 7pm and a drink menu that consists primarily of martinis. Drinks are pretty comparable in quality to the ones at the Eldridge — neither outstanding nor unpleasant, but definitely a great deal on Fridays when they’re ½ priced. The staff here is exceptional when it comes to making sure that everyone is comfortable and served. It seems that food options come mainly from Ingredient next store, though the bar has its own appetizer menu which I would stay away from — the smoked salmon «lollipops» we ordered were awkward to eat and not particularly tasty (and I was slightly offended that they were served with a garnish of green onions instead of chives, as the menu stated…) That aside, I think Lawrence needs more bars like 5 Bars and Tables where you can relax in the absence of a college crowd. I’ll be back!

I really liked this place for the brunch menu but they have since stopped serving a special brunch menu. Odd though, considering how popular I think it was. Otherwise, they MAKE their own Ginger Ale soda drink. It’s amazing and delicious and I’m glad I remembered that because it’s gonna get them a fourth star just for that.

Great new (er) bar on Mass St! We stopped in for ½ price martinis on Friday night and I loveddd the Basil Strawberry… I could drink a LOT of these! They had live music and all the food coming out looked really great as well so I will definitely be returning to give it a try the next time we’re in Lawrence!