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Boston

Pub entertainment in Boston

  1. A

    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.

    reviewed

  2. B

    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. In short, nobody knows your name. The fact that there is another outlet in Quincy Market proves our point.

    reviewed

  3. C

    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.

    reviewed

  4. 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.

    reviewed

  5. 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.

    reviewed

  6. D

    In a Pig’s Eye

    This dark, friendly pub boasts an eclectic menu of burgers and beef stroganoff, homemade soups and tasty salads, and ‘Pig’s Eye Favorites’ like steak tips or pork chops. Despite the small space, it has live music (usually acoustic) six nights a week.

    reviewed

  7. E

    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.

    reviewed

  8. F

    Sevens

    Beacon Hill’s long-standing favorite neighborhood joint looks old school, with its wooden bar placed under hanging glasses, and a few comfortable booths. Service is brusque but endearing. The place serves only wine and beer, including a house brew from Harpoon. Darts, chess and sports on the tube provide the entertainment.

    reviewed

  9. G

    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.

    reviewed

  10. H

    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.

    reviewed

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  12. I

    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.

    reviewed

  13. J

    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 whinge 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.

    reviewed

  14. K

    Shay's Pub & Wine Bar

    A charming basement-level bar, Shay’s is a long-standing favorite among Harvard graduate students that has recently fancied itself up and expanded its wine list. Inside, it’s a small wooden pub where you’ll sit on a stool and pretend to look thoughtful. Out front is a small brick patio full of sunners and smokers jockeying for a table and watching the sidewalk goings-on.

    reviewed

  15. L

    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.

    reviewed

  16. M

    Cornwall’s

    For an extensive list of English and Scottish beers plus a few interesting local brews (Tuckerman’s Pale Ale), stop by this family-owned pub. If you need more convincing, the bartenders commonly pour samples should you be curious about an unknown ale. Board games, darts and pool tables keep the drinkers entertained.

    reviewed