Exploring 12 Best Bars In Boston

When you are looking up top bars in Boston, you will never run out of choices. Especially when history suggests the Boston Tea Party started over a few rounds of rum and whiskey, a memorable night awaits you in The Athens of America. But how do you find out the best bars in Boston? Dive into our list and experience the greatest pub crawls in Beantown!  

12 Hottest Bars in Boston   

Have you recently moved to Boston? Navigating a new city is difficult when you do not have a student city guide showing you the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and local attractions. And if you are a party animal, we have got all the information you need. 

From swanky to cozy, the best pubs in Boston will pave your way to a vibrant nightlife. Whether you want to take a sip of classic cocktails, groove to the beat, or simply have the best time with your people - Beantown bars are there for all of your moods. 

Before you type “Boston bar near me” on your browser, let's have a look at the top pubs in Boston you’d never want to miss! 

1. The Black Rose 

Price Range: $20–30

Address: 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109 

Located a few steps away from Faneuil Hall, The Black Rose Boston is one of the best Irish bars, serving authentic dishes. From their promising menu, try the Shepherds Pie, Beef Stew, or Boston Cream Pie. 

Crowned as one of the best bars in Boston, the staff uses brogues to pour perfect, velvety pints and provides immaculate service. Yet, they do not shy away from experimenting with their drinks, like County Meath and County Galway. And the most unique part is you can drop by any day of the week to enjoy live music.  

‍Review: Found this by accident and loved it! Great food in a cool pub environment. Live music was amazing. Can't wait to go back! 

2. Barcelona Wine Bar 

Price Range: $20-$50 

Address: 525 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

For a warm and cozy night out at the best bars in Boston, Barcelona will always top your list. Indulge in the specialties from Spain and the Mediterranean, whether you go for lunch, dinner, or brunch. Paella, Patatas Bravas, and Croquetas are the usual dishes that made an impression on their past customers, so why not give 'em a try? 

When it comes to their wine selection, you are in for a ball. If you are craving a glass of wine all the way from Spain or South America, Barcelona will not disappoint! Their signature Whiskey Root, Barcelona Gintonic, and Spice Rack are the tell-tale signs of being one of the best pubs in Boston. Weekends can get a bit crazy, so head to Barcelona Wine Bar Reservations for no further queues. 

‍Review: Great food, great drinks, great times. And don't live with regrets; be sure to order tapas for the table. Simple! 

3.  Backbar 

Price Range: $30-$50 

Address: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Tucked away from the hubbub, Backbar in Boston will give you an old-school speakeasy vibe. The menu keeps changing, and this is a reason for us to add it to one of the best pubs in Boston. From hotdogs to burgers, you will get lip-smacking options.  

The bartenders at this cocktail bar in Boston can help you pick your drinks in case you are at a loss seeing their menu. Some popular favorites are Beefeater Gin, The Fall Back, and The Battle of Antietam. An insider's tip: You can get free cocktails on birthdays! 

‍Review: From the vibes to the service to the drinks, everything was outstanding. Highly recommend getting a dirty martini here. 

4. The Avenue Bar & Grill  

Price Range: $10-$20 

Address: 1249 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA, 02134

If you are looking for the best pubs in Boston for a feel-good vibe, The Avenue will always be on your list. Whether it’s sinful Cheese fries or Cry Baby Burger, you are in for a treat. 

For the cocktails and beer selection, you may be clueless. As the name suggests, the Espresso Martini Machine is a go-to for any coffeeholic. Otherwise, you can try The Allston Molassacre, Blood and Sand, and Chasing Daisies. 

‍Review: Great spot for quick food and drinks, especially late at night. Our server was quick and friendly, and the bar had a nice vibe. The food was amazing and came out in record time. 

5. Bukowski Tavern

Price Range: $20-$30

Address: 50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Do you want to have a one-of-a-kind experience at the top bars in Boston? How do you feel about reading "There's a bluebird in my heart that wants to get out" while sipping local beer at a bar? The Bukowski Tavern will serve you the kind of beatnik-like experience you want, along with Buffalo Chicken Balls or Bukowski Mad Dog. 

For the beer selection, the Daily Draught List (including Singlecut, Zero Gravity, etc.) will add colors to your evening. There is no spirit, yet the Bukowski-themed walls will give you just the memories one must make at the best bars in Boston. 

‍Review: Went here because of the Bukowski theme, but loved the atmosphere: small, cozy, and good comfort food.

6. The Seven Ales House 

Price Range: $10-$30 

Address: 77 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

Sometimes, unassuming bars are what you look for, and nothing can go wrong at The Sevens Ale House Downtown. But why does such an unassuming bar make it to our list of top pubs in Boston? Away from the tourists, this local Irish pub in Boston features quirky decorations. You can order small bites like Rueben or Hot Pastrami Sandwich here. But don't forget about their French Dip! 

Once you go in, you will soon realize what makes it one of the best bars in Boston. Not only the laid-back vibe, but the local brews are also enough to help you unwind. 

Review: Had a wonderful time here; everyone was friendly and helpful. Don't waste your time going elsewhere!

7. Biddy Early’s 

Price Range: $10-$20 

Address: 141 Pearl St, Boston, MA 02110

Dive bars are not difficult to find, but Biddy Early's finds its place in the list of the top bars in Boston for all the good reasons - comfort food, full bar, and pitchers of Irish beers. When you are here, let them take you on a gastronomic journey with The Biddy's Burger. Steak Tip Salad and Early Tenders are also other hot favorites. 

Unlike other Irish pubs in Boston, Biddy offers amazing cocktails like Irish Tea Shot, Paloma, and Apple of My Eye. Their tagline says, "All Roads Lead to Biddys," and taking one sip of their cocktail will show you how!

Review: Fun and quirky bar with good beer options on tap. Had a warm and lively feel and the location was great.

8. Cask ‘n Flagon 

Price Range: $10-$30

Address: 62 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215

Have you ever cheered for the Red Sox in one of the best pubs in Boston? With over 40 giant screens and walls covered with memorabilia, Cask 'n Flagon will give you the ultimate experience of hanging out at a sports bar. Catch up with your friends or watch the game while ordering all-time favorites - tacos, steak, burgers, or salmon. 

For the most sorted bar in Fenway Park, this one definitely crosses everyone's mind. Do you want to get lost in their solid beer list or sip in creative cocktails? The choice is yours! Bubbly Leprechaun or Luck of the Irish are the usual must-haves. One more thing to remember, ESPN titled this place as one of the top pubs in Boston to catch a baseball game. 

Review: This is a classic Fenway area bar. Great for a bite to eat and even better for drinks.

9. Carrie Nation Cocktail Club

Price Range: $20-$50 

Address: 11 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108

Among the new best bars in Boston, Carrie Nation Cocktail Club holds a special place. With a lavish spread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this cocktail bar has a long way to go! While you are here, try their Smoked Seafood Pie, Rabbit Fritters, and Moroccan Lamb Tagine. 

Now, if their food menu sounds that delish, you can imagine what their drinks selection will look like. Cocktails like Archer's Evening Law, Boston Strong Boy, and Racket Buster have turned Carrie Nation into the latest hotspot. Of course, House Bottled Cocktail and House Made Sangria are other cues to being one of the hottest bars in Boston. 

Review: One of the best spots in Beantown, case closed. Food and drink menus are close to the definition of perfection, no matter what you’re in the mood for.

10. Back Bay Social

Price Range: $10-$30

Address: 867 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

You must have heard Back Bay is one of the best neighborhoods for students. Back Bay Social, an old-fashioned American bistro, is among the best bars in Boston for young adults. Like other top pubs in Boston, they serve delish Steak Bombs, BBQ Ribs, burgers, and sandwiches. 

For the drinks, you will be spoiled with choices. From Cool Summer to Spiced Mango, BBS offers some great fruit-based cocktails. Plus, their large format cocktails (such as Midnight Mass) and range of draft beers are why it’s among the best bars in Boston.

Review: Lots of college kids. Fun place with a great atmosphere and good food.

11. Olde Magoun's Saloon

Price Range: $10-$20 

Address: 518 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145

In your search for top bars in Boston, you cannot miss Olde Magoun's Saloon. Donning the neighborhood vibe, this pub has been offering traditional American and Irish food for more than a decade now. From Pot Stickers to Steak Tips, there's plenty to try. 

The warm staff will help you choose from their special menu of Italian craft beers on draft. If you are a fan of a solid seasonal beer selection, you can anticipate a great time. 

Review: Beautiful pub with great food and an excellent selection of beer. One of my new favorite places.

12. Lookout Rooftop and Bar

Price Range: $20-$30 

Address: 70 Sleeper St, Boston, MA 02210

Sweeping views overlooking the Boston Harbor and dramatic skyline are enough to consider Lookout as one of the hottest bars in Boston. The menu is tempting with its Truffle Parmesan Fries, Breakfast Pizza, and many more. 

There is everything you will love - especially anything handcrafted cocktails & microbrews. Dos Hombres Smoke Break and Jefferson's Bourbon Silver are two ever-trending from their spread of classic cocktails. 

Review: You’ll have to enter through the Envoy Hotel to get to this rooftop. Once you’re up there, you are greeted with beautiful views of Boston! Highly recommend coming here with friends or on a date night!

Boston is a city of history and culture, surprisingly thriving with so many cafes and pubs to crawl. If, after going through our boozy compilation of the best bars in Boston, you are looking for the best student accommodations, we are here for you. Whether you are in search of a cozy spot in the heart of the city or away from the crowd, you will find endless dive bars, sports bars, cocktail bars, and Irish pubs in your neighborhood. Of course, be careful about the cost of living in Boston before you splurge away in search of the hottest bars in Boston!