Brian Nagele
There’s more to Boston than our killer sports, dirty water, and Mike’s cannolis (but don’t tell ma I said that). There are quite possibly hundreds of fun, lively bars that dot this exciting city. From wine bars to hot dog bars, Boston’s got some of the best bars around.
Whether you’re in town to see the Sox crush the Yankees, here from out of town, or you’re a local looking to try some new places, here are the best bars in Boston.
Trina’s Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: 617-576-0006
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On the outskirts of Cambridge, you’ll find the lovely Trina’s Starlite Lounge. Classic bar food with a twist. Hop over Inman Square, where you’ll find plenty of eclectic shops and fun bars. If you’re pouring over books at Harvard, you can zip over a few streets to find a hot dog reward. Check out this packed, cozy, laidback bar with great drinks and even better food.
Nothing like a hotdog to wash down your beer; that’s why Trina’s has a rotating hot dog menu. The zucchini cakes are insanely tasty. From tofu pups to honey butter carrots, they’ve got fun bar items to satisfy a broad range of tastes.
Haley.Henry
45 Province St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-208-6000
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If you’re looking for more upscale places to wine and dine, Haley.Henry is the place for you. With fine dining and tremendous cuisine, this wine bar in the heart of Downtown Crossing is a standout amongst wine bars. I’m not the only one who thinks so: the bar was a James Beard 2020 semi-finalist. And it’s in a knockout location, too. This wine bar is close to landmarks like the Boston Irish Famine Memorial and is just steps from Boston Commons.
The menu is exceptionally designed and will surely make you diehard Haley.Henry fans. The Autumn Salad is especially memorable as it crafts together incredible flavors like pear and orange zest.
Brick & Mortar
567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-491-0016
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If you’re looking for fancy, upscale dishes, look no further than the renowned Brick & Mortar bar. Adjacent to Kendall Square and just outside of Cambridge, Brick & Mortar is in the hubbub of Cambridge, Boston. Stroll past such legendary establishments such as MIT or Cambridge Public Library when you’re in this neck of the woods.
Contemporary and trendy, this bar has dishes that will impress. How trendy, you ask? Try my personal favorite pimento-stuffed peppadew peppers + stuffed olives. Guaranteed you’ll be coming back for more.
Backbar
7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: 617-249-3522
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If you’re looking for a fun bar with a theme, then the Backbar is the place for you. Sandwiched between Harvard and Bunker Hill, this trendy upscale bar has terrific walkability, so you can scour and explore the city once you’ve had a few tasty cocktails.
Choose from themed drinks like the Winnie The Pooh Scotch that has lemon, spiced honey syrup, Miller High Life beer. Or try my personal favorite, the Blackbear with Gin, amaro, lime, blackberry, basil. The bar also has a great variety of non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers or those staying away from alcohol.
The Baldwin Bar
2 Alfred St, Woburn, MA 01801
Phone: 781-935-8488
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The Baldwin Bar is a personal favorite amongst those looking for classy, upscale dining.
And it’s located in a great spot, too. This bar is a short walking distance from other significant landmarks, like Kiwanas Park, the 1790 House, Joseph Bartlett House, and the Colonel Loammi Baldwin Monument.
They not only serve exceptional drinks, but their spicy Sichuan cuisine is a standout. Choose from such delectable creations as their crispy cumin fish, which provides eaters with an explosion of creative, intelligent flavors.
Bully Boy Distillers
44 Cedric St, Boston, MA 02119
Phone: 617-442-6000
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Bully Boy Distillers focuses on one element above the rest: quality. Nestled in the Newmarket District of Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, there’s plenty of other bars and restaurants to hop around to once you’ve had your fill of Bully Boy.
All of their drinks are made with fresh juices, house-made tinctures, and seasonal ingredients, and each cocktail beautifully showcases a different Bully Boy spirit. With standout cocktails like their Burma Shave, you’ll stay there all night.
Rebel Rebel
1 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: 617-721-7773
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Cool, trendy, and intimate, Rebel Rebel is an upscale, hip wine bar located in the hub of Bow Market. The bar is also located in the modern nook of Bow Market in Union Square, which means if you’re looking for a fun night on the town, then start your night off right with Rebel Rebel.
They serve high-caliber bar snacks, including a cheese tray, Spain-made olive oil-fried potato chips, and delicious olives. If you’re a wine junkie, you’ll be pleased to learn that Rebel Rebel only carries the finest wine producers. Enjoy signature companies such as the Baptiste Cousin or the renowned Peter Lauer.
Trillium Brewing Company
50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 857-449-0083
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Trillium Brewing Company is a New England Farmhouse-inspired with Boston values. Hop off The Tee at South Station to walk over to Trillium and sightsee at the Institute of Contemporary Art after you enjoy some quality artwork. Or visit the Fan Pier Park, which is a local favorite that allows viewers to take a seat on a manicured lawn to enjoy perfect ocean views. Afterwards, you can walk off all that beer by strolling down the Harborwalk.
If you’re looking for quality craft beer, look no further. My personal favorite? Double Dry Hopped Stillings Street. Hazy, pale orange with intense afternotes of kiwi, white grape, and lemongrass packs a serious punch.
Yvonne’s
2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-267-0047
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Sandwiched between The Boston Commons and Downtown Boston, you can’t find a better bar to put up your feet in after a long day of sightseeing Boston’s best landmarks, culture, and fun. After your drink, mosy over to Boston’s Theater District or walk along the pier and gaze out into the Boston Harbor.
But, first, you have to check out Yvonne’s eclectic atmosphere and delicious menu. When you dine in Yvonne’s, you’ll find crystal chandeliers, overstuffed heather gray tufted sofas to transport you back in time to an old-timey, fun bar. Their menu is here to impress with such creative dishes like their butternut hummus or their octopus Toluca.
The Burren
247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144
Phone: 617-776-6896
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If you’re looking for a good time in a classic Irish pub, you’ll find that and more in Boston’s famous pub, The Burren. It’s bursting with fun energy and live music, which is why Thrillist calls it one of America’s 21 Best Irish Pubs.
It’s easy to see why. Not only is the ambiance fun, warm, and inviting, but The Burren also excels at crafting comforting bar food. Their garlic mushrooms are incredibly delicious. Others swear by the buffalo chicken wings. The Burren also caters to various dietary needs. Chow down on their Mediterranean snack plate if you are vegan and gluten-free.
The Longfellow Bar
40 Brattle St #3, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 857-864-0001
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For those looking for quality food, The Longfellow Bar will meet all of your needs. Helmed by award-winning chef Michael Scelfo, The Longfellow Bar at Alden & Harlow sweeps diners off their feet with innovative, eclectic dishes. Plus, this welcoming neighborhood bar is located in the historic Café Algiers space in Harvard Square. Once you’re finished at the Longfellow, you can sightsee historic Boston landmarks like Faneuil Hall or Newberry Street.
The chicken fried rabbit is a personal favorite, while others enjoy more simple items like the grilled broccoli or the chips and dip. If you’re wondering where to get a drink in Boston, look no further than The Longfellow Bar.
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-585-7222
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The Oak Long Bar and Kitchen is a contemporary dining experience that provides exciting, fresh, farm-to-table menu items. The Oak Long bar is undoubtedly one of the best bars in Boston, with great nightlife and access to plenty of great Boston destinations. Located right in The Back Bay, the Oak Long Bar is close to such famous destinations like The Prudential Center and Boston Public Library.
Personally, I always opt for the Virtuous Green Juice, crafted with kale, green apples, celery, cucumber, ginger; this juice is guaranteed to invigorate and awaken. If you’re into more classic Boston dishes, enjoy their hearty New England Clam Chowder or their satisfying Lobster Roll.
Blossom Bar
295 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445
Phone: 617-734-1870
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You can’t miss when you dine in Brookline. This upscale neighborhood just on the outskirts of Boston is the perfect neighborhood to wind down with friends after a busy workweek. Plus, walking distance from historical landmark Cypress–Emerson Historic District and plenty of open, green parks makes this place a great stop if you’re touring the neighborhood.
Classic Asian-inspired meals like the Slow Braised Duck Breast or the Kung Pao Chicken will sweep you off your feet.
Shore Leave
11 William E Mullins Way, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: 617-530-1775
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Looking for a more tropical destination to escape the freezing temperatures of Boston winter (and spring and fall?). You’ll be thrilled to find Shore Leave, which through their fun design and tropical drinks, will have you feeling like you’re knee-deep in Hawaiian waters. Head on over to Shore Leave after you see dazzling performances at The Wilbur Theater.
Between the music, design, and excellent customer service, Shore Leave is a place for you to sit back, relax, close your eyes, and pretend you’re on vacation. It’s easy to do with their tropical-inspired menu. Plenty of sushi, sashimi, rolls to choose from. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the King Salmon‘ Masunosuke’ roll that has explosive flavors of Thailand embedded into every bite.
The Bell in Hand Tavern
45 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-855-0061
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If you’re looking for the epitome of Boston dining, you’ll certainly find it in The Bell in Hand Tavern. Built in 1795, when you dine in The Bell in Hand Tavern, you’ll be sipping beers in the oldest operating pubs in lively Downtown Boston.
Yet, even though it’s the oldest, it still feels trendy, relevant, and exciting. That’s probably due in part to their excellent menu. Like all Boston staples, they do seafood right. The Crispy Calamari is to die for, and their warm, soft pretzels are sure to heat you up on those cold Boston nights.
Bukowski Tavern
50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617-437-9999
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For those who want to be surrounded by a high-energy, rambunctious crowd, you need to check out the Bukowski Tavern. This is one of those Boston bars that’s just bursting with fun energy. The best part about this tavern? It’s right near Fenway, so you can head on over to Bukowski after the game to celebrate the Sox’s latest victory.
Check out their fun menu: comfort food at its finest. My personal favorite is the White Trash Cheese Dip, which is a warm blend of American cheese, green chiles, jalapenos, diced tomatoes & diced onions served with corn tortilla chips. If beer is your thing, you’ll find a robust list of the finest drafts.
Bleacher Bar
82A Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: 617-262-2424
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What’s the most Boston bar you could think of? How about a bar underneath Fenway park? Tucked away inside the Fenway Stadium, wine and dine up close and personal with the Red Sox. When you hang out in Bleacher Bar, you get a perfect view of Center Field.
Like you’d imagine, this bar is rowdy, fast-paced, high-energy, and tons of fun. Their menu has just about everything you’d hope to find at a bar in a stadium, like wings, fried pickles, Boston Clam Chowder, pastrami sliders, and, a personal favorite, the famed Fenway dog.
Since you can’t go wrong with a classic, the Bleacher Bar pulls out all the stops on the Fenway dog with an all-beef dog with onions and signature cheese sauce. Undoubtedly, the Bleacher Bar is one of the most fun bars in Boston.
Mr. Dooley’s Boston
77 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109
Phone: 617-338-5656
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One of the best Irish pubs in Boston is none other than the infamous Dooley’s. When it opened in 1991, the bar was a huge hit, and it still is one of the best places to grab a beer in a relaxed, fun environment. Located right on the waterfront, Mr. Dooley’s is near classics such as the Boston Aquarium, Quincy Market, and the Old State House.
Dooley’s crafts a familiar, feel-good vibe with their famous comfort food, friendly service, and excellent ambiance. Try the fan-favorite Guinness Cheese Dip, which is always a popular choice on Friday night.
Corner Pub
162 Lincoln St, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: 617-542-7080
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The Corner Pub is a relaxed, cozy, chill pub to meet up with friends after you see the latest take on a Shakespeare play since the pub is located smack dab in the middle of Boston’s Theater District.
It’s certainly a family-style bar with no attitude, great drinks, and even better food. If you’re into burgers, you have to try their made-from-scratch hand-formed burger. The sweet potato fries are a personal favorite of mine; they’re crunchy, warm, and bursting with delicious sweet potato flavor. If you’re more into music instead of food, you’ll be thrilled to find a retro jukebox, complete with all the greatest hits.
All in all, this small, high-energy pub oozes character and fun.
The Banshee
934 Dorchester Ave, Boston, MA 02125
Phone: 617-436-9747
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Just a short drive from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library you’ll find The Banshee. Like all places in Boston, the Banshee emphasizes the one thing that truly matters in life: sports. If you’re a fan of popping on the game while drinking beers at the bar, you’ll love The Banshee’s ten flat screen TVs. Whether you want to watch the Patriots, Celtics, or some out-of-town team, you’ll be able to watch anything you want with the ten screens.
And what good is a sports bar without great bar food? At The Banshee, you’ll enjoy classic bar food with a twist. Enjoy food like wings and garlic fries or venture into something a little more new and exciting like their Asian fried cauliflower. The Banshee is a fun, cozy sports bar that every Boston sports fanatic should visit at least once.
Roxanne’s
6 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 857-338-1113
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For those looking for a trendy bar, look no further than Roxanne’s; the one-of-a-kind floral, trendy, new bar located on Beacon Street. Visit landmarks like the Chestnut Hill Reservation before popping over to Roxanne’s.
One of their best drinks is the StayCation, which is butterfly pea flower-infused tequila with fruity flavors. But don’t let the floral pink flamingos fool you; these drinks pack a punch and will knock you off your feet so hard you’ll think that you’re on vacation. Thankfully, they have plenty of delicious snacks to weigh you down. The Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a personal favorite.
Shenanigans Bar
332 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127
Phone: 617-269-9509
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Tucked right next to the Boston Convention Center, Shenanigans is the perfect spot to grab a few drinks before you walk over and see a concert. Or if you’re looking for a more mellow night, you can take a walk through the Seaport District.
Shenannigans Bar is an Irish pub that boasts excellent American cuisine with a signatory Irish flair. In fact, their menu goes all over the place and ranges from a delectable Buffalo Chicken wrap to a Buddha Bowl to your classic Chicken Parmesan.
The Tam
222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-482-9182
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For those Bostonians looking for an old-school, unpretentious, lively dive bar, you’ll be delighted to find The Tam. Surrounded by Boston landmarks like the Boston Commons and Boylston Street, The Tam is the place to be if you want to be in the thick of the activity.
With strong drinks, sports games, this is a high-energy, rowdy, rambunctious bar with plenty of people to meet on any given night. Plus, this bar is situated right next to a pizza joint, so you can grab a slice of some classic Boston pizza if you want some drunk food to top off your night.
Solas Irish Pub
710 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: 617-933-4803
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Solas Irish Pub is another comfort-driven pub featured in the heart of Boston. Located on Boylston Street in the Back Bay, Solas is within walking distance from plenty of boutique shops, trendy coffee houses, and city vibes.
Back at Solas, they boast an impressive menu of local craft beer and tasty Guinness pints. From their famed cheddar IPA dipping sauces to their takes on the classic fish and chips or chicken pot pie, any lover of heavy comfort food will be incredibly happy chowing down at Solas.
The Hub Pub
18 Province St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: 617-227-8952
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If you’re looking for a pub off the main tourist attraction of The Freedom Trail, you have to check out The Hub Pub. Not only is it off the Freedom Trail, but it’s also smack dab in the middle of historic downtown, where you’ll find plenty of museums and landmarks to satisfy any history-junky tourist.
Not only is their location perfect for the excited tourist, but they also have great cocktails and beer for those looking to get together with friends after work. If games and activities are more your pace, the pub also has billiards to entertain the antsy drinker.
If you’re looking for some of the best bars in Boston, or fun bars in Boston, check out these great stops for the best nightlife in town.
From sports bars to wine bars to everything in between, Boston has some of the best nightlife around. Check out the city’s best rooftop bars for a view of Boston!
Looking for help on where to buy the best Boston steaks next? Check out my other articles on Restaurant Clicks where I talk all about the best steaks in Boston.
Are you a Boston fan and know of a bar we forgot on our list? Leave a comment and we might give it a shoutout!
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Cntraveler.com and Timeout.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-boston
https://www.timeout.com/boston/bars/best-bars-in-boston
https://www.bostonmagazine.com/restaurants/best-bars-boston/
https://www.thrillist.com/drink/boston/best-bars-in-boston
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g60745-Activities-c20-t99-Boston_Massachusetts.html
https://boston.eater.com/maps/best-bars-boston
