In recent years, Worcester has become somewhat of a promised land for restaurant owners. Once splattered with dive bars and greasy spoons, the city is now home to some of the best places to eat in the state. We have innovative chefs, talented mixologists and savvy business owners flocking to make their mark on the industry and tantalize our taste buds, and we are lucky to have so many options right here in our backyard. With entire television networks dedicated to cooking, culinary schools popping up all over the map and cooking finally being recognized as a true art form, this generation has become quite discerning and judgmental of what good food is. And at Lock50, you will find it.

Though it is newer to the neighborhood, Lock50 has already become the popular kid at the proverbial table. With a focus on bringing a dining experience that will never be forgotten, the owner, Ed Russo, also strives to honor our great city’s history. As a matter of fact, Lock50 won the 2016 Silver Hammer Award, given each year to a construction project that brings beauty and life to Worcester. Though the building certainly has a modern décor, it also pays homage to some of the design of the original structure.

You’ll find the 2015 Worcester’s Best Chef Award-winner Tim Russo in the kitchen spinning up dishes like Potato Gnocchi with Blue Cheese and Crispy Sweet Potato, Grilled Rib Eye With Roasted Carrots and Cherry Agrodolce (sweet/tart sauce), Braised Pork Shank with Baby Potatoes and desserts like Chocolate Hazelnut Bread Pudding, not to mention sandwich options like Grilled Cheese with Apples and Baby Kale or Sliced Turkey with Fontina and Cranberry Relish. This is a fitting addition to what is becoming the restaurant hub of Massachusetts.

Lock50 offers a full upscale bar, featuring some cocktail choices from prohibition-era speakeasies, working in naturally infused syrups, bitters and other ingredients that will have you envisioning flappers and wondering if the guy next to you was a mob boss in a previous life. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something completely unique, try the Lady Carrington (named after the first canal boat to arrive in Worcester). This concoction features gin, aperol, pamplemouse (French grapefruit), dandelion, rhubarb, tonic, lemon and egg white. If you are more of a beer or wine aficionado, there is a great selection of both, as well as ciders and meads.

As if this weren’t already amazing enough, Lock 50 also has a café, featuring Fair Trade organic coffee drinks and unbelievable breakfast crepes filled with everything from bananas and Nutella (my favorite) to roasted apples and caramel sauce, perfect for a chilly New England morning. Teas, brewed coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, French press, espresso … there is something to suit everyone’s caffeine needs. If you are looking for a quick wake-up call, ask for the Face Breaker. It’s not as painful as it sounds. In fact, it’s absolutely sinful.

Lock50 is located at 50 Water St., Worcester, and is open 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday; 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. Reservations are taken for parties of six or more, and Lock50 offers private and semi-private events and functions. For more information, visit lock50.com.

By Jennifer Russo