This Valentine’s Day, why not show some love not just to your special someone but also to the heart of North End, New Bedford? Acushnet Avenue—affectionately known as “The Ave”—is bursting with culinary gems, offering a diverse range of flavors and experiences that will make your Valentine’s Day celebration unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, a cozy gathering with friends, or even a solo self-love treat, The Ave has something for everyone.
A Flavor for Every Love Story
Acushnet Avenue is home to some of the best restaurants in the region, featuring Portuguese, Central American, and classic American cuisines. If you’re looking for a traditional and intimate dining experience, consider indulging in the rich flavors of a Portuguese steak, fresh seafood, or a piping hot bowl of kale soup. Perhaps you and your sweetheart share a love for bold, vibrant flavors—why not enjoy some authentic Mexican tacos, a perfectly grilled churrasco, or a delicious enchilada? The Ave has it all!
For those who prefer a casual yet cozy setting, there are plenty of hidden gems where you can grab a warm cup of coffee, a pastry, or even a fresh sandwich while enjoying the lively charm of The Ave. From bakeries brimming with sweet treats to family-owned restaurants serving time-honored recipes, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings.
Supporting Local Businesses
Choosing to celebrate Valentine’s Day on The Ave isn’t just about indulging in great food—it’s also about supporting the small businesses that make our community so special. Many of these restaurants have been serving generations of families and continue to thrive because of the love and support from locals like you. By dining locally, you’re helping sustain a vibrant cultural and culinary scene that makes New Bedford unique.
Love The Ave—This Valentine’s Day & Beyond
While Valentine’s Day is a great time to explore Acushnet Avenue’s dining scene, remember that these incredible restaurants are here for you year-round. Whether it’s a weekend date night, a family dinner, or just a casual meal, make it a habit to support and celebrate The Ave’s thriving food culture.
This Valentine’s Day, make it a night filled with love, great food, and community spirit. Love The Ave, and let The Ave love you back!
HOT TIP: Follow Love The Ave on Facebook for near-daily posts featuring specials from your favorite Acushnet Avenue and North End restaurants – places like Cafe Europa, Cafe Mimo, Taqueria La Raza (the featured photo is their taco heart), Mary’s Cakes, Nova Bakery and many more.
Purple Heart City
One of the best ways to Love The Ave and show some love for the nation’s awesome veterans is to offer something special to those who have received the Purple Heart. Did you know that New Bedford is a Purple Heart City?
A Purple Heart City is a municipality that honors and recognizes military personnel who were wounded or killed in combat. The Purple Heart is the United States’ oldest military medal, awarded to service members who have been wounded by enemy fire.
The City of New Bedford has made it easy for businesses who want to express their appreciation to these vets. The City is compiling a list of special offers and discounts from local businesses that will be included in a press release and promoted via New Bedford social media.
If any Acushnet Avenue or North End business is interested in participating and offering a discount, say on Breakfast, lunch, dinner or any goods and/or services – like haircuts, for example – they can reach out to Janet Barbosa, Director of Special Projects & Programs in the Mayor’s Office, via email [email protected] or cell phone (508.816.6256).
Though February is a great time to express some love for these heroic vets thanks to Valentine’s Day, the promotion will be year-round. Because New Bedford doesn’t just have a Purple Heart, it’s got a large heart when it comes to honoring those who served.
That’s part of Acushnet Avenue’s historic legacy, as well. Indeed, it’s how a beloved community space on the street got its name.
“Baylies Square in the North End of New Bedford, dedicated July 4, 1919, is well known by residents but few know the story behind the name,” wrote The Standard-Times in 2017. “Baylies Square honors Lt. Frank L. Baylies, a man who accomplished more at his young age than many do in a lifetime…he is one of a handful of immortals, Americans who, flying for France and the United States, downed five or more German planes to become aces in the skies over the trenches.” Read all about the World War 1 flying ace here.
Lt. Frank Baylies flew over a hundred years ago before getting shot down over Flanders Field and entering immortality. Still we remember him – and now, we can remember the sacrifice of his fellow service members today by embracing our distinction as a Purple Heart City.
Empowering small business owners
The Community Economic Development Council (CEDC) recently facilitated a special course of instruction for small businesses that promises to yield results into the future. Utilizing American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds, the CEDC arranged for Santiago Professional Services, 1913 Purchase Street, New Bedford to work with district small business owners and entrepreneurs to help them get financially savvy. It’s what Santiago does; since 2010, they have been dedicated to empowering our community through financial education and a range of additional services.
The work involved one-on-one coaching to identify areas the business wanted to improve. Some used the opportunity to learn how to advance from a food vendor to a food truck owner, for example. Others learned best practices for employing resources toward equipment, marketing, and start-up costs.
Juana Acosta of Tapitia Mexican Food, Estela de la Cruz of Taqueria Chapin, Jessica Seda of Jey Ideas, Consul Olmos of Como en Casa, Yolannda Olmos of Hanna, Edith Diego of Mexifuit, and Gloria de la Cruz participated in the program.
Defining the Creative Economy in New Bedford
“Quantifying the true scale and impact of the creative economy as a vital part of communities across Massachusetts has historically been a challenge. Until now.” So begins a special blog post on the Barr Foundation website by Margo Saulnier and Laurie Zapalac detailing how they went about launching a project to quantify the benefits of arts and culture on New Bedford’s economy in a special report for the New Bedford Economic Development Council that was released last year, in North End New Bedford at Poyant Signs. (Some followers may know that New England’s largest sign fabricator, Poyant began life on none other than Acushnet Avenue many decades ago.)
Saulnier is, of course, Director of Creative Strategies and Arts-Based Initiatives at the NBEDC, overseeing New Bedford Creative – a valuable TDI Partner. Zapalac is the Principal of Zapalac Advisors, which offers strategic consulting services for urban regeneration projects. You can read their post here, which will also allow you to read the report, “The Composition of the New Bedford Creative Economy.”
Working It
Our partners at Groundwork Southcoast (GWSC), the environmental nonprofit dedicated to creating sustainable communities and fostering community leadership in New Bedford and Fall River, MA, is currently accepting applications for several employment opportunities ranging from part-time employment for youth and entry level, to full-time hybrid positions. For more information and to apply, visit groundworksouthcoast.org/job-opportunities.
GWSC has grown by over 300% in recent years, thanks to a dedicated team and commitment to innovation and continuous learning. They are eager to continue expanding their diverse, adaptable team passionate about making a positive impact.
These positions offer the chance to join a passionate team committed to justice, equitable food access, and community development in the south coast region (New Bedford and Fall River, MA).