Paul Kushner
Seeing the Red Sox play isn’t the only reason to visit Boston, Massachusetts. This city is known for its rich history, the Boston Marathon, delicious baked beans, and of course, its bars.
Whether you’re searching for a relaxed spot to have a beer and catch up with old friends or a lively place to listen to live music, The Beantown has a bar for you. But with so many to choose from, I’ve selected the best of the best.
So without further ado, here are the best bars in Boston, Massachusetts.
haley.henry
45 Province St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 208-6000
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If you’re into wine bars, check out haley.henry, a classy and stylish bar with an intimate vibe perfect for date night and other special occasions.
Located Downtown near the City Hall Plaza, this spot is my favorite for numerous red and white wines and a delicious charcuterie board. Plus, I love the 90s hip-hop soundtrack.
Backbar
7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 249-3522
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Backbar, in Prospect Hill near Prospect Hill Park, is a craft cocktail lounge with a hip and cheerful vibe.
I like admiring the street-art-inspired design while sipping an Oaxacan Old Fashioned and munching on a cheese plate.
Bully Boy Distillers
44 Cedric St, Boston, MA 02119
Phone: (617) 442-6000
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Next to Clifford Playground, you’ll find Bully Boy Distillers, a cool and friendly distillery that produces gin, rum, and whiskey.
I’ve enjoyed taking a tour of the distillery and getting to try out different spirits in the tasting room.
Drink
348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: (617) 695-1806
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I’m obsessed with the cheeky yet highly straightforward name of this bar — Drink! The name matches contrast a bit with the atmosphere, as this hip bar in South Boston is known for its lively energy.
The name also fits the concept — there is no menu, so you simply ask for a “drink” and tell them what you typically like or are currently in the mood for, and the bartenders will work their magic!
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
138 St James Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 585-7222
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OAK Long Bar + Kitchen is part bar, part restaurant, and completely divine. This upscale spot in the Fairmont Copley Plaza provides a ritzy atmosphere and elevated fare.
I enjoy starting with a classic drink at the bar, like a Manhattan, and sharing a few tasty appetizers with friends. Their pizza is delicious, but you can’t go wrong with anything you order here!
OFFSUIT
5 Utica St, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 631-7064
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OFFSUIT is a cocktail bar near the Greenway Lincoln Street Triangle that sports a classy yet homey and comfortable feel.
It has a small entryway that helps create a speakeasy vibe, and I love ordering their original cocktails, like the “Isolated Incident” with mezcal, pineapple, and hellfire bitters.
The Longfellow Bar
40 Brattle St #3, Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: (617) 864-0001
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If you’re looking for a bar that’s sophisticated and sleek yet more spacious than some of the speakeasy-style bars on this list, head to The Longfellow Bar, southwest of Harvard University near the Old Burial Ground.
I like that this bar is stylish and sophisticated but unpretentious. None of the gourmet snacks even require any utensils! Grab a creative cocktail like the Monkey 47 and delicious bites like their smoked root vegetables & peanut molotes.
Trina’s Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 576-0006
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Trina’s Starlite Lounge is a hip bar with a vintage appearance and unique cocktails. I love going to this spot, located between Mid-Cambridge and Ward Two, whenever I’m looking for a combination of creative cocktails and comfort food.
Fried chicken & waffles with a cranberry-infused Aperol? Sign me up!
The Bell In Hand Tavern
45 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 855-0061
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The Bell In Hand Tavern is a must-visit for anyone interested in Boston history. This tavern, located in the heart of the Financial District, is the oldest tavern in America! It made its “first pour” back in 1795.
I love grabbing a pint of their homemade beer and learning about the rich history of this place.
Brick & Mortar
567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: (617) 491-0016
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Brick & Mortar in Cambridge, near University Park Commons, is a moody, intimate cocktail bar where the bartenders are seen as more of “mixologists,” given the level of difficulty and creativity that goes into their drinks.
I love their take on classic cocktails with a twist, like the “Four Tons of Glitter” cocktail with plantation pineapple rum and demerara.
Bukowski Tavern
50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 437-9999
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Bulkowski Tavern, near the Fenway Garden Society, is one of the best bars in Boston, Massachusetts, for hanging out with your buddies due to its hip vibe, extensive drink options, and delicious comfort food.
I love going to this cash-only dive bar for late lunch or early dinner and spending hours listening to great music, drinking airbus beers, and eating bratwurst.
Gray’s Hall
615 E Broadway, Boston, MA 02127
Phone: (617) 269-1001
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Gray’s Hall is located in South Boston near the Medal of Honor Park, and it’s the perfect place to go for a quieter outdoor environment.
I enjoy sitting on their patio and eating incredible seafood, such as clams and mussels while sipping on a glass of dry white.
jm Curley
21 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 338-5333
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If you’re in the Beacon Hill area, you’ll be remiss not to stop by jm Curley, a bar and eatery that specializes in scrumptious comfort food and tasty boozy shakes.
This bar is not ideal for those on a diet. But if you’re willing to go all out, I highly recommend getting the duck poutine, cast iron mac and cheese, and a boozy milkshake — yum!
Kings Dining & Entertainment
Multiple Locations
Phone: (617) 266-2695
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Kings Dining & Entertainment is a great place to go for large groups because they have something for everyone. They have bowling, arcade games, a pool table, and foosball, as well as a delicious food menu.
I love their nachos, which come with all the toppings you know and love. I usually frequent their Seaport Blvd location, but go to any location that’s convenient to you!
nathálie
186 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Phone: (857) 317-3884
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If you’re looking for a fantastic wine bar with a romantic atmosphere, look no further than nathálie.
I’m a huge fan of their extensive selection of natural wines, and the space is perfectly designed for lengthy sipping sessions with your favorite person.
Rebel Rebel
1 Bow Mkt Wy, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: (617) 721-7773
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Rebel Rebel is another well-loved wine bar with a friendly setting and caring staff. I don’t think you have to be rebellious to drink at this Prospect Hill spot, as the name might suggest.
It actually has a very calming atmosphere and a huge selection of natural wines. The most rebellious thing you might do is buy a few more bottles of wine than you were planning to!
Shore Leave
11 William E Mullins Way, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 530-1775
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Shore Leave is a tiki bar and sushi restaurant near Chinatown, and if that sounds like an eclectic mix of cultures, you wouldn’t be the first to think so!
Eclectic seems to be the name of the game here because colorful lights sprawl throughout the ceilings here. The combination of Asian dishes and tiki cocktails — like the Shore Leave Cocktail — is intriguing and inspiring.
Biddy Early’s
141 Pearl St, Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 654-9944
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Boston has the highest percentage of Irish ancestry of any city, so it’s no wonder they have an array of fantastic Irish pubs.
Biddy Early’s is one of my favorites because of its impressive list of beers and ciders. I usually start off with a Guinness and move on to a hoppy IPA.
The Last Hurrah at Omni Parker House
60 School St, Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 305-1888
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The Last Hurrah is a classic hotel bar with comfortable seating and an easygoing vibe. They serve classic cocktails like espresso martinis but also take an innovative approach, such as their Boston Tea-tini.
Their Boston-style food options are what make it stand out, such as the Boston Cream Pie and lobster roll dishes.
The Tam
222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 482-9182
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The Tam might be the most colorful and lit-up bar I’ve ever been to, which I adore!
This bar, located near the AMC Boston Common 19, gives off a no-nonsense vibe that brings in guests who are ready to have fun and not take life too seriously.
City Bar Back Bay
65 Exeter St, Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 933-4800
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City Bar Back Bay, near Copley Place in Back Bar East, is a sophisticated and upscale cocktail bar. You’ll pay a hefty price for some of these drinks.
But it’ll be well worth it for their intricate and alluring tastes!
Final Thoughts
The history of Boston emphasizes tea, but these days it’s all about beer and cocktails. With so many exciting bars to choose from, you can’t go wrong with spending a night at one of the best bars in Boston, Massachusetts.
Am I missing any standout spots? Don’t hesitate to drop a line in the comments below!
Best Bars in Boston
- haley.henry
- Backbar
- Bully Boy Distillers
- Drink
- OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
- OFFSUIT
- The Longfellow Bar
- Trina’s Starlite Lounge
- The Bell In Hand Tavern
- Brick & Mortar
- Bukowski Tavern
- Gray’s Hall
- jm Curley
- Kings Dining & Entertainment
- nathálie
- Rebel Rebel
- Shore Leave
- Biddy Early’s
- The Last Hurrah at Omni Parker House
- The Tam
- City Bar Back Bay
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