Nestled on an unassuming side street on Knowlton Street, the Wooden Bar has quietly built a reputation as one of Worcester’s best kept secrets, and could be the state’s best and most versatile hidden gem.
This Asian fusion restaurant blends New England ingredients with Asian techniques, plus craft cocktails to wash it all down.
What sets Wooden Bar apart is its commitment to thoughtful, unexpected dishes that challenge conventional flavor profiles. Among the standout menu items are the Anori pulled pork sliders, which come stacked on soft steam milked bread buns, rich and savory. The delicate, pillowy texture of the steamed buns creates a perfect contrast to the robust pulled pork filling.
Another highlighted dish is the Ginger Mazeman, described as loaded with mushrooms, pickled red onions, a soy marinated egg and sake meatball balls, all layered for a deep, comforting flavor. This complex dish exemplifies the restaurant’s dedication to creating multi-dimensional flavor experiences that showcase the best of both culinary traditions.
In the morning, the Wooden Bar transforms into a bakery of sorts, serving up fresh pastries for early visitors, but if you’re dining at night, you can grab a to-go bag of their leftovers for just $7.
