For the last year, Doyle's has been trying to change its image. Formerly a kitschy country bar, it's been slowly but steadily evolving into one of the premier blues venues in the Valley, even in its almost-undisclosed location in Palmer.
This change of face is most apparent in the updated concert schedule, which lists a number of notable artists. Recent acts have included luminaries like slide guitarist Mark Nomad and former J. Geils Band bassist Danny Klein, and owner Bill Doyle promises bigger names in the coming months. If the music isn't really your thing, though, don't worry—Doyle's has a number of other options for your night out.
Most everyone knows you can't have a proper blues club without barbecue, and Doyle's is no exception. While its full kitchen is completely capable of catering to guests with a varied menu of appetizers and entrées, the real barbecue afficionados will be attracted to Doyle's outdoor barbecue pit and patio. Wednesdays spice things up with free hot wings accompanying all orders. All this is in addition to a number of weekly drink specials at the fully-stocked bar.
Doyle's also offers your favorite pub sports, with a pool league that meets on Mondays and Thursdays, a dart league that meets on Tuesdays, and official World Poker Tour Amateur Poker League nights starting Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Palmer isn't exactly a town that comes up often when people plan a night out, but Doyle's certainly has the juice to jump-start a new reputation for the area. And it's just off the Mass. Pike, so it's within reach of Springfield, Worcester and Sturbridge, not to mention fellow woodsy towns Ware and Warren. Pay them a visit or call to find out who's bluesin' it up, and order two whole chickens and some dry white toast. Doyle's At Forest Lake, 702 River St., Palmer, (413) 283-9966.
—Zach Bartlett
