Drink prices in Boston can make you do a spit-take – except you wouldn’t want to lose a drop of your overpriced beverage. Fortunately, a few Boston bars and restaurants still serve up cheap cocktails – if you know where to look. Here, Culture Trip has listed the best places in the city for an affordable night out. Just don’t look for happy hours – they’re illegal in the state of Massachusetts.
Harvard Square may be changing, but Charlie’s Kitchen has steadfastly remained the same since it was founded in the 1950s. This sprawling bar has plenty of space both indoors and out to accommodate a big group. The large beer garden can’t be beat on a nice summer’s day – and neither can the drink prices, which are by far the cheapest in the area. For the most bang for your buck, order Reagan’s Revenge – a Budweiser tallboy served with a shot of Jameson.
Don’t let the name mislead you – you’re not coming to Paddy’s Lunch (which doesn’t serve food aside from a few bags of chips) for a midday meal. You’re coming for cheap drinks and good conversation with the friendly Cambridge locals. Paddy’s has been around since it was founded by Irish immigrants in 1934, and it seems like prices have barely changed since then.
True Boston sports fans know to stop at Sullivan’s Tap to load up on cheap drinks before a game rather than pay stadium prices once inside. Located right across the street from the TD Garden, this dive bar is always packed with Bruins and Celtics fans, who come before and after games to show off their own skills on the bar’s many arcade games.