1. Biddy’s Knows How To Dive
Biddy Early’s
141 Pearl St
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 654-9944
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 148 reviews
Consider your search for the all-around great dive bar in Boston over. Biddy Early’s has been here all along, just waiting for you to catch up. With a great crowd that spans all ages, a killer Jukebox, excellent bartenders, and plenty to drink, this Irish bar located in a really old building with a whole lot of charm never stops serving up surprises.
2. Drink It Up At A Modern Bar With Rustic Charm
Drink
348 Congress St
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 695-1806
Yelp: 4 stars, 1052 reviews
With an industrial-cool vibe juxtaposed against rustic charm, this innovative gem excels in quality service, hand-crafted cocktails, and creative fare. The Whiskey Smash is a cocktail that you should definitely come with the intention of ordering. You can also find a superior selection of wines along with small grower champagnes and a seasonal rotation of beer.
3. Toro Brings A Spanish Flare To The South End
Toro
1704 Washington St
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 536-4300
Yelp: 4 stars, 1242 reviews
Tucked away in the South End, you’ll find Toro, a Barcelona-style tapas restaurant. Their small plates with locally-sourced fresh ingredients pair fantastically with their hand-mixed cocktails.
To get a taste for what they do best, order yourself a Nantucket Mule–a twist on the traditional vodka and cranberry, mixed with ginger beer and lime for the perfect pucker.
4. Find The Best Margarita In Boston At Lolita’s
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar
271 Dartmouth St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 369-5609
Yelp: 4 stars, 664 reviews
Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar offers more than just great drinks. When you come here, you come for the unique ambiance that is gothic-cool without ever getting too macabre. Eight different margaritas adorn the menu here, the best of which is the Diablo, named accordingly as it sends every other margarita in Boston six feet under.
5. The Beehive
The Beehive
541 Tremont St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0069
Yelp: 4 stars, 1207 reviews
The Beehive is dripping with bohemian culture like honey from the comb, mixing live music with unique cocktails every night of the week. This funky-eclectic jazz lounge makes you feel cooler the minute you walk in. And in case that sounds like hyperbole, try the Angostura and Italian cocktail, which will have you convinced.
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6. Crack The Bubbly At The City Bar
City Bar
61 Exeter St
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 536-5300
Yelp: 4 stars, 218 reviews
One visit to City Bar in the Lenox Hotel is enough to make it one of your top bars in the city. You’ll find an extensive variety of expert infusions, and hand-crafted classic cocktails as well as a menu full of everything from wines and single malts to beer and cognacs.
Whether it’s for happy hour or a nightcap, your time at City Bar will always impress with an upscale atmosphere without being pretentious. The champagne cocktail here is the perfect way to fit right in with the classy vibe.
7. Clio
Clio
370 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 536-7200
Yelp: 4 stars, 221 reviews
There’s a reason why in the twenty years that Clio has entertained Boston, they have continued to win award after award. Between the food, drinks, and service, you can’t go wrong.
The talented bartenders will help you order the perfect cocktail for your taste while you watch them work their magic. Put on your fancy duds for this night out and come hungry because the food is just as impeccable.
8. Meet The Mixologists At Eastern Standard
Easetern Standard Kitchen & Drinks
528 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 532-9100
Yelp: 4 stars, 1201 reviews
The experienced mixologists at Eastern Standard consistently impress with exotic concoctions that are just as brilliant as they are delicious. And the choices are extensive. With the air of a French brasserie and the crowd of a friendly dinner party, they do it all while catering to everyone.
9. Franklin Café
Franklin Café
278 Shawmut Ave
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 350-0010
Yelp: 4 stars, 415 reviews
If you consider yourself a heavyweight in the libations game and are on the hunt for the strongest drink in Boston that goes down smoother than a mimosa, then get over to Franklin Café.
Here you’ll find the LIIT, which is a meticulously crafted drink, balanced with five different liquors and a sour mix, packing in a mean punch that won’t even have you batting an eyelash.
10. Come Drink Where You Are Dooley Invited
Mr. Dooley’s Boston Tavern
77 Broad St
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 338-5656
Yelp: 4 stars, 195 reviews
When you find yourself in the city’s Financial District, don’t hesitate to make a stop into Mr. Dooley’s. In a city already known for it’s Irish flare, this dark but cozy tavern has managed to make a name for itself among the crowd and they’ve been going strong since 1991.
If you’re not sure what to order, get the Irish coffee, which is one of the best around. You can also grab a great bowl of clam chowder and catch some live Irish music while you knock a few back.
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11. The Glenville Stops Will Become Your Favorite Neighborhood Bar
The Glenville Stops
87 Glenville Ave
Boston, MA 02134
(617) 903-3638
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 92 reviews
Hidden away in the Allston-Brighton section of the city, The Glenville Stops is one of Boston’s best kept secrets. Some might think it’s strange to put such a great gastropub smack-dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood, but others call it genius–you can avoid the big, touristy crowds and just enjoy your night out with 31 craft beers on tap and 30 wines by the glass.
12. 21st Amendment Will Make You Want To Kiss The Constitution
21st Amendment
150 Bowdoin Sq
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-7100
Yelp: 4 stars, 248 reviews
21st Amendment offers a traditional pub feel with their own modernized thumbprints on the things they thought were important, which helps keep it trendy but still perfectly casual. Come here for some drinks and a burger with friends or  for a laidback date. Have your dessert and drink in one with the blueberry cocktail, complete with the graham cracker rim.
13. Find Your Corner Of The World At The Corner Tavern
The Corner Tavern
87 Prince St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-8997
Yelp: 4 stars, 44 reviews
Don’t worry, there aren’t always Storm Troopers serving drinks at The Corner Tavern. That’s just on Halloween. Just as the name promises, this awesome little corner bar is the perfect spot in town to come watch a game while you enjoy a few drinks.
There is plenty of beer, but why not push the boundaries a little and go for the jello shots, pudding shots, or get a drink from the big jar of homemade sangria?
14. Get Your Cool On At Bukowski Tavern
Bukowski Tavern
50 Dalton St
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 437-9999
Yelp: 4 stars, 455 reviews
Fittingly enough, Bukowski Tavern is a dive bar that exudes uniqueness, but always with an air that it’s just too cool to care. They have plenty of tasty beers on tap that the servers will be happy to let you sample, a variety of bottles, and a mug club that will probably keep you coming back way too often if you’re local. Pair what you’re drinking with the white trash cheese dip and you’ll feel like you’re right at home.
15. Make It Classy Cool At Bostonia Public
Bostonia Public House
131 State St
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 948-9800
Yelp: 4 stars, 181 Reviews
This bustling bar located in the Financial District has quickly become the talk of the town. Lunchtime and happy hour is overflowing with suits, but weekends bring out the best of Boston, with a crowd of all ages looking to have a cool but classy time in the city. Bostonia features some great live bands, too, even during brunch on the weekends.
What’s the best watering hole in Boston? Tell us in the comments below!
