Pub entertainment in Boston
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A
Grendel’s Den
Though a sign out front falsely claims that this subterranean tavern was established in 1271, Grendel’s Den has only been a Harvard mainstay since the ’70s. A big draw is the bargain pub food (beef stroganoff, burgers, token vegetarian stuff). When you buy a drink from 5pm to 7:30pm every evening (and from 9:30pm to 11pm Sunday to Thursday), all menu items are half price.
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B
21st Amendment
Named for one of the most important amendments to the US Constitution, this quintessential tavern has been an ever-popular haunt for overeducated and underpaid statehouse workers to bitch about the wheels of government. The place feels especially cozy in the winter, when you’ll feel pretty good about yourself as you drink a stout near the copper-hooded fireplace.
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C
Intermission Tavern
Enter beneath the masks of Comedy and Tragedy into the dimly lit interior, where show posters adorn the brick walls. This tiny, theatrically themed tavern is a cozy, casual spot for a drink or a bite to eat before or after a show. Reasonable prices and late-night dining (until 1am) attract clubbers, theater-goers and other night owls.
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D
JJ Foley’s
One of the original Irish pubs in Boston, this delightful dive has been getting the locals liquored up since 1909. Two-dollar beers (PBR!) ensure a steady stream of regulars, as do the affable Irish boys behind the bar. Tip: this place is for drinking, not eating. There is another outlet in the South End.
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E
Sullivan's Pub
Lady behind bar, 'You just sit there and look pretty.' Drunk old-timer, I've never looked pretty in my whole life.' Head to this archetypal local (everyone calls it Sully's) for more of such dialogue in a generic bar, beloved by its patrons because of its perfect ordinariness and lack of a trendy crowd.
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F
Sevens Ale House
Beacon Hill’s long-standing favorite looks old school, with its wooden bar placed under hanging glasses, and a few comfortable booths. A sedate crowd plays chess and either stares at a mural of a dying Minuteman or admires a jersey signed by Doug Flutie. A single dartboard is in good shape.
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G
Black Rose
The most famous – or perhaps that’s infamous – of Boston Irish pubs. Back in the day, rumors ran rampant that a percentage of Black Rose proceeds went to support the IRA. These days the place is not so radical, focusing on hearty food, slow-drawn draughts and boisterous Irish music nightly.
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Bad Abbots
There is no shortage of pubs around Quincy Center, including Bad Abbots, the Four’s and the Half Door. Bad Abbots is the best for pub grub, while the Half Door gets kudos for live music and outdoor seating.
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Four’s
There is no shortage of pubs around Quincy Center, including the Four’s, the Half Door and Bad Abbots. Bad Abbots is the best for pub grub, while the Half Door gets kudos for live music and outdoor seating.
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H
Burren
This cavernous Irish pub seems to stretch back forever. Along the way, find plenty of booths, wainscoting and wooden floorboards well seasoned with spilt beer. In the rear room, there’s a stage where midweek open-mic sessions attract both the skilled and the sad.
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I
Green Street
At first glance, the place looks like a classic Irish dive on a hidden side street. Hipsters like that they can drink inside without needing to be ironic. A phenomenal kitchen turns out jerked chicken and spicy Caribbean-inspired fare.
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J
Cheers
We understand that this is a mandatory pilgrimage place for fans of the TV show. But be aware that the bar doesn’t look like its famous TV alter ego, nor is it charming or local or ‘Boston’ in any way. Staff banter with bar patrons is restricted to drink orders, and nobody knows your name. The fact that there is another outlet in Quincy Market proves our point.
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K
Bell in Hand Tavern
This bar lines historic Union St, just north of Faneuil Hall, which opened in 1795, making it the oldest tavern in the USA.
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