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The Best Bars in Downtown Boston

Boston is a fascinating place to visit
Boston is a fascinating place to visit | © Sean Pavone / Alamy Stock Photo

There is an abundance of great bars in downtown Boston. When the sun sets, Boston comes alive with amazing bars that cater to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a cocktail lover, or simply looking for a lively spot to unwind, Boston has a bar for you. From historic taverns that go back to the days of the American Revolution to modern spots pushing the boundaries of cocktail creativity, Boston’s bar scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. Here are the best on our list.

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Tia’s

Tia’s is a warm-weather destination located in Christopher Columbus Park, right near the Boston Harbor, where you can enjoy delicious frozen cocktails and seafood. This bar is always packed during the summer months, especially at night, so plan to go with a group early and sit outside to enjoy the warm evenings.

The Landing

EADM99 A selection of colourful summer cocktails at a bar.

The Landing is another fair-weather bar located on the Boston Harbor. Located on Long Wharf, this outdoor patio serves up beer, cocktails, and giant fish bowls. It is a perfect hangout spot during the summer months where you can catch up with friends or meet new people. Wear your shorts at this casual outdoor bar, and enjoy the long summer nights.

The Hub Pub

The Hub Pub is a classic bar in downtown Boston and is a no-frills, popular place for the after-work crowd or bar lovers on the weekends. They serve up traditional bar fare and have a decent beer selection on draught. Enjoy a round or two of pool, watch sports, or sit at their oval-shaped bar.

Drink

Drink is a well-known establishment created by Barbara Lynch. It’s a well-to-do cocktail bar serving up elegant drinks in the Fort Point neighborhood. You can order a craft cocktail with artisanal ingredients in a Prohibition-style setting, or you can ask for your own preferred cocktail; give the bartender a few of your favorite tastes, and they’ll create a cocktail for you.

Lookout Envoy Hotel

The Lookout Bar at Envoy Hotel has a beautiful rooftop deck in the summer months. Look out over the Seaport District at a stunning view of the Boston Harbor. During the winter, the bar puts heated igloos on the roof deck so that you can still enjoy the vistas in a unique environment. There is also seating inside. Enjoy a craft cocktail as you look out of the igloo at the city lights.

The Bell in Hand

Cheering with beer

The Bell in Hand is the United States’ oldest tavern, a historic establishment where you can enjoy a beer or another drink. Located in downtown Boston near Faneuil Hall, the pub has live music on the weekends. Eat on the restaurant side, the bar side, or spend the night dancing on their dance floor located upstairs.

Scholars

Steps away from Downtown Crossing, Scholars is a cocktail lounge in downtown Boston and features a vibrant nightlife with its multi-story dance floors, billiards, and DJs on the weekend. From the front, this venue looks tiny, but once you walk inside, there is plenty of room to dance or mingle.

J. J. Foley’s

J.J. Foley’s is an Irish neighborhood pub, first founded in 1909. They serve up classic, hearty portions of Irish-American eats and always have a great selection of beers on tap. Hang out at this no-frills bar to watch a sports game, enjoy a few pints, or play some darts.

Elephant & Castle

Elephant & Castle is a British pub located in the Financial District downtown. They have a range of beers on tap and serve delicious fish and chips as well as other traditional pub favorites, such as their bangers and mash.

About the author

Ashley Kane is a writer currently based in Boston, Massachusetts.

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