NEW IN THE WOO: STEEL & WIRE JENNIFER RUSSO Looking for a place where everyone knows your name? That local spot that is equally as approachable as it is stylish, built for conversation, and boasts a little local history? Well, Steel & Wire is going to be that perfect place to grab a seat.
with mezcal instead of tequila, which adds a little smoky flavor, and our house-made grapefruit sage shrub,” Mara shares.
Owners Frank and Mara Inangelo wanted to create an experience that would pair the classic bar atmosphere with a little casual sophistication – fostering a good time with friends over fantastic drinks and live music, delicious snacks, and a cool vibe. Steel & Wire opened in May of this year and has already become a hot spot in town. “It’s been a goal of ours for a long time and we’ve spent the last few years shaping our ideas and laying the groundwork for it. It’s so exciting to see it come to life and we’re appreciative of the warm reception the bar has received so far,” says Mara.
There are the classic drinks everyone knows and loves as well as a rotating drink menu that brings seasonal fresh ingredients to the glass. They even have a drink named after Harvey Ball, Worcester native and the designer of the iconic smiley face. If you are feeling a little hungry while sipping those libations, the bar also offers a variety of snacks, including bar nuts, olives with feta, Bavarian pretzels, and a from scratch hummus and vegetable plates that customers rave about. Mara recommends pairing the Rite of Spring (a white negroni cocktail) with their delectable meat and cheese board.
Frank has also been a full-time, professional bartender for over 20 years, and his experience is apparent in the creative, high-quality drink menu. He was a long-time employee at Nick’s – the establishment that occupied the space before he and his wife purchased it – so his roots run deep into the brick and mortar itself.
There is trivia every Tuesday and Karaoke on Thursdays, and the stage welcomes local bands from in and around the city. Upcoming events this month include Little Sugar and the Big Spoonful playing on August 12th and Boston-based Sarah Levecque Band on August 26th. Bands interested in playing on their stage can reach out via email to inquire.
The bar’s name ties into Worcester’s industrial history – the American Steel & Wire Company, established in the late 1800s, was one of the city’s greatest manufacturing giants. Ichabod Washburn, a blacksmith, ascertained a way to create wire from metal sheets using machinery. This inspired Frank and Mara to name their bar Steel & Wire, a nod to this innovative piece of Worcester’s past. Located on the corner of Millbury and Ellsworth Streets, local music, trivia, and karaoke fills the building with sound and energy, creating that warm stirring of the senses when paired with an expertly made cocktail. It invites you in with open arms. “We like to think of Steel & Wire as a neighborhood bar with a little something extra. It’s comfortable and laid back, but we serve a variety of classic and modern cocktails made with fresh ingredients and high-quality spirits, as well as beers (including some from local breweries) and wine – our Paloma has been a huge seller. We make it
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When asked what her favorite part about working in the food and beverage industry is, Mara responded that “every day is a little different and bartending is increasingly recognized as a true profession and craft. People love to watch the process of their cocktail being made almost as much as they enjoy drinking it!” We certainly agree! Learn more about Steel & Wire and view their menu and upcoming events at SteelandWireBar.com and follow them on Instagram at @steelandwirebar
