The Coolest BYOB Restaurants Around Boston

Up until a couple of years ago, BYOB restaurants were unheard of in Boston. Fortunately, that’s changed. As of 2016, establishments in certain neighborhoods can obtain BYOB licenses. Check out the following BYOB restaurants around the city if you’re looking for a fun night out without the price tag.

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Cafe Rossetti’s

Restaurant, Italian, $$
Just outside Boston, in the town of Winthrop, is Cafe Rossetti’s. A simple exterior hides this gem of a restaurant from those who may not know of it. BYOB makes this hot spot very affordable. Bring your own favorite bottle of wine or a six-pack, and enjoy the pairing with fresh pasta, steak, pork, or seafood dishes. This location is also very close to Logan Airport, making it a perfect stop for visitors looking for a nearby bite.

Cafe Mangal

Restaurant, Turkish, $$
This café lies in Wellesley, just a short drive outside the city of Boston. A local’s favorite, complete with a quaint interior, Cafe Mangal serves up Turkish-inspired Mediterranean dishes to locals and visitors alike. Bring your own alcohol to enjoy alongside Turkish Borek, kebabs, or classic American fare for an inexpensive, tasty bite. Enjoy the charming atmosphere by planning to get there early—seats can fill up fast! And if you save room for an after-dinner treat, there are homemade desserts like baklava to savor.

Central Grill Restaurant & Cafe

Cafe, Restaurant, Brazilian, $

Central Grill Restaurant & Cafe in Woburn serves up Brazilian eats such as galinhada (chicken in sauce), lombo acebolado (pork chops), and mineirinho (beef calabresa, bacon, egg, and rice), as well as American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. The extensive offerings are sure to satisfy any craving. The Brazilian favorites of picanha na tábua (grilled steak) or the churrasco misto (mixed barbecue with steak, pork chops, chicken breast, and sausage) are the top sellers at this establishment. Bring your own beer or wine to complement your entrées or appetizers for a casual and affordable night out.

Dok Bua Thai Kitchen

Restaurant, Thai, $$
Dok Bua Thai Kitchen serves up spice-laden Thai food in the bustling Coolidge Corner neighborhood in Brookline. Right off the green line, patrons can easily get to the restaurant and pick up wine or beer at a nearby liquor store if they’d like to take advantage of the establishment’s BYOB policy. Some favorite dishes include steamed pork dumplings, chicken and shrimp pad Thai, and Dok Bua noodle. There are also several Thai desserts offered, so consider skipping the spring rolls or another appetizer to save room for something sweet.

Rifrullo Cafe

Cafe, American, $$
Rifrullo Cafe is from award-winning Colleen Suhanosky. She serves up globally inspired eats for breakfast and lunch—entrées such as the Turkish Quinoa Bowl and The Cypress with kale pesto, scrambled egg, bacon, and avocado on brioche. The BYOB comes in after the café closes, with private dining. Rifrullo Cafe is open for private, small group dinner meals that are complete with personalized menus and whatever wine or beer you wish. They also do cooking classes if you’re looking to gain some new skills in the kitchen.

Knight Moves

Cafe, American, $
This unique café has locations in both Somerville and Brookline’s Coolidge Corner. Stop by with friends or family for a relaxed night of playing board games in a casual atmosphere. These cafés have over 1,000 board games to choose from, so everyone is bound to find a new game they’ve never played before. For a small uncorking fee of $2, you can bring in your own beer or wine—as well as outside food—so bring a group in on weeknights or weekends!