Pub entertainment in New England
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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C
Moynagh’s Tavern
This authentic Irish-American pub of the first order is the oldest bar in Worcester, which means it’s beaten up and working class. Babe Ruth once bowled here when the place was a bowling alley. The after-work crowd of regulars likes to play keno (a televised lottery game) and the bartender looks at out-of-state IDs with suspicion.
reviewed
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D
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
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E
Anchor
Sure, you can score the standard pub-grub burgers here, but you’re much better off strolling in later in the evening. The clientele represents a real cross-section of folks. Throw some tunes on the jazz-heavy jukebox, get a drink from the full bar and settle into your black-leather banquette booth. No plastic accepted.
reviewed
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F
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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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
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H
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.
reviewed
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I
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
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Dutch Tavern
Raise a cold one to Eugene O’Neill at the Dutch, the only surviving bar in town that the playwright frequented (though back in the day it was known as the Oak). It’s a good honest throwback to an earlier age, from the tin ceiling to the century-old potato salad recipe.
reviewed
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Wild Rover
One of the best places in town for a pint is this inviting Irish-style pub, with exposed brick walls, outdoor tables and filling burgers, wraps and bangers-and-mash. Stop in (or avoid like the plague!) Wednesday and Thursday night, when Wild Rover hosts its evening sing-along.
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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J
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
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Harlow’s Pub
This local pub features a good selection of draught beers, including New England brews, with live music throughout the month. Harlow’s serves Mexican and pub fare, but the real reason to come here is its communal-loving wooden bar.
reviewed
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K
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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L
Mudville’s Pub
With a back porch sitting about 10ft from the foul line of Cardines Field’s outfield, this bar fills many local sports fans with pub food and beer. It even sponsors a team (the Mudville Nine) that plays in a local league.
reviewed
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M
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.
reviewed
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N
Harp & Hound
This pub, in a historic building on the west side of the drawbridge, is the late-night place to grab a pint of Irish ale; decent pub grub and English football on the telly too.
reviewed
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Packard’s
Hit this pub off Main St for five billiard tables on the 3rd floor, dartboards or the numerous nooks and crannies in which to huddle. Plenty of microbrews can keep you company.
reviewed
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Gritty McDuff's
This Old Port brewpub has it all: harbor views, high energy, good pub grub and award-winning ales. Order up a robust pint of Black Fly stout and join the crowd.
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Vermont Pub & Brewery
Vermont's oldest microbrewery attracts a crowd with its bustling outdoor beer garden and burly ales. Try the Dogbite Bitter and howl at the moon.
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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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Q
Trinity Brewhouse
This microbrewery in the entertainment district brews terrific British-style beers. Don't miss the stouts.
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Murphy's on the Green
At this classic Irish pub, students and faculty discuss weighty matters over pints of Irish ale.
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