Whether you're visiting Boston for the weekend or making the big move, it's always wise to know where the best spots are to grab a drink. The Best Bars in Boston were easy to find, but hard to narrow down. There are a plethora of destinations that have a small-town feel and plenty that are upscale and swanky. The following list should help you make the best choices for a night on the town.
Ever wondered what it would be like to spend an evening dining on La Rambla boulevard? Fortunately you don't have to travel to Spain to get an authentic cuisine experience (unless you want go there, then by all means book your flight now). Barcelona Wine Bar, which has two Massachusetts locations in Brookline, and in Boston's South End, has a sultry ambience with sophisticated, artistic décor. With wines from around the world, including a rare list from obscure regions of Portugal and Spain, Barcelona delivers simple, flavorful tapas dishes accompanied with only the best wine pairings.
1700 Beacon St. Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 264-8900
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 637 reviews
German-American poet and short story writer Charles Bukowski was known for his brash language and outspoken, bachelor behavior. Bukowski's Tavern does its best to recreate this atmosphere with items on the menu like "White Trash Cheese Dip" and the "Dog of the Week." And of course, the beer list, which Bukowski's calls its "Beer Book," has a wide variety of craft brews from New England. The bar is cash only, so come prepared!
50 Dalton St. Boston, MA 02115
(617) 437-9999
Yelp: 4 stars, 528 reviews
There's nothing more classic than watching the Red Sox play at Fenway park. Fenway is chock-full of sports bars for the dedicated Boston sports fan, but Bleacher stands out with its prime location beneath the ballpark's center field bleachers. Whether you're looking to catch the Monday night football game or watch the baseball players on the outfield, Bleacher bar has a variety of beers on tap, and a lively, enthusiastic crowd.
82 Landsdowne St. Boston, MA 02228
(617) 262-2424
Yelp: 4 stars, 228 reviews
Located on Boylston Street, the famous finishing stretch of the Boston Marathon, Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar boasts a selection of over 200 whiskeys. Hand selected barrels include George Dickel, Four Roses, and Gordon & MacPhail. Enjoy a glass on the rocks while you wait for the whole-roasted suckling pig to be served - yes, a 14-hour slow-roasted pig! Voted best of Boston and a top bourbon bar in America, Citizen won't let you down.
Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar
1310 Boylston St. Boston, MA
(617) 450-9000
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 437 reviews
Boston's financial district is abuzz with busy men and women working the daily grind. After work, you'll find a handful of them hitting up Hillstone, a chic downtown bar near Faneuil Hall. Complete with an expansive wine list and signature cocktails, Hillstone's dim lighting and Frank Sinatra tunes in the background create a sophisticated ambience. Perfect for a relaxing, classy gathering with your favorite co-workers.
60 State Street Boston, MA 02109
(617) 573-9777
Yelp: 4 stars, 465 reviews
What exactly, is a dive bar? It can only be described as possibly the worst and the absolute best bar you've been to, complete with local regulars and maybe the occasional bar fight (but hopefully not). On the outside Silhouette is covered in graffiti and Pop Art portraits a la Andy Warhol. Inside, you'll find cheap pitchers of Bud Light and Yuengling, free popcorn to snack on, darts, and arcade games.
Silhouette Cocktail Lounge (no website)
200 Brighton Ave. Allston, MA 02134
Yelp: 4 stars, 173 reviews.
Nestled in the Seaport District's fort point strip, Drink is easy to miss with its discreet outside appearance. But once you're inside, you quickly realize that it's no ordinary bar. The bartenders are expert mixologists, and as their website states, are "dedicated to the craft of the cocktail." With no formal drink list, bartenders at Drink will prepare a custom cocktail for you based on your preferences. You can truly ask for whatever you want from trained bartenders who take pride in their work.
348 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210
(617) 695-1806
Yelp: 4 stars, 1163 reviews
Ask anyone in Boston, and they'll tell you Beehive is the place to go when it comes to some good ol' live tunes. The Beehive features live music on a daily basis, including jazz, funk, reggae, soul, and acoustic. Visit the Hive on a Saturday or Sunday for lovely jazz brunch and mimosas.
541 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0069
Yelp: 4 stars, 1422 reviews
People watching and fresh air: two things that come to mind when visiting Audubon, not far from historic Fenway park. A five minute walk from the Isabella Stuart Gardner museum, Audubon is typically filled with graduate students and young professionals. Mingle outside on their spacious patio for a drink with some friends.
838 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02215
(617) 421-1910
Yelp: 4 stars, 78 reviews
You can't live in Boston without visiting the Top of the Hub, a restaurant and bar at the top of the Prudential Center featuring the best views of Boston. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but you get an upscale experience with exquisite staff, and you can gaze out to view the twinkly Boston skyline from above. Take an elevator up 52 floors to arrive at your destination!
800 Boylston Street Suite 52, Boston, MA 02199
(617) 536 -1775
Yelp: 3.5, 1452 reviews
Dart boards, PBR, Sriracha wings, and mozzarella sticks—interested yet? Not only is Biddy Early's a downtown spot for downtown locals, it's a place with soul. Noted for their down-to-earth customer service, 90s tunes playing in the background, and easy on the wallet, Biddy Early's is a Boston favorite.
Biddy Early's (no website)
141 Pearl St Boston, MA 02110
(617) 654-9944
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 170 reviews
If you're looking for a classy day-drinking spot with a respectable crowd, City Bar has you covered. Located inside the luxurious Lenox Hotel, City Bar is a casual, yet elegant lounge for hotel guests and day-drinkers alike. You can observe the pedestrians on Exeter Street from the window as you sip a cocktail and sink into your comfy lounge chair.
61 Exeter Street Boston, MA 02119
(617) 536-5300
Yelp: 4 stars, 228 reviews
First dates shouldn't be stressful, which is why Franklin Café makes the cut for the best first date bar. It's casual, but not dive-y by any means, and the food and drink won the bar the "Best of Boston" award in 2014. It's a classic neighborhood restaurant where you and your date can have an evening of conversation without being interrupted by noise and crowds.
278 Shawmut Ave. Boston, MA 02118
(617) 350-0010
Yelp: 4 stars, 439 reviews
Ahh, juice! Take a break from the alcohol and detoxify at Cocobeet, easily Boston's most popular juice bar. With cold-pressed juices made with local, organic fruits and vegetables, the vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free juice bar will awaken your senses and give you positive vibes for the day. Try a Banana Chia Power Smoothie for an all-natural boost, or a "Heartbeet" juiceshot full of antioxidants.
100 City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 02108
(857) 263-8598
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 113 reviews
Restaurant by day, gay bar by night, Dbar quickly rose as one of the most popular gay bars in Boston since opening less than 3 years ago. With dark-wood flooring and soothing lighting, Dbar is the perfect spot to meet someone new without the pressure. You can sit down at a cozy table in the corner and engage in riveting conversation, or take it to the dance floor and shimmy till 2am.
1236 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester, MA 02125
Yelp: 4 stars, 201 reviews
16. Best New Bar: Café ArtScience
The name says it all. Café ArtScience is a hip, new bar in Kendall Square that rivals Drink Bar in mixology tactics. Launched by Harvard engineer and food pioneer David Edwards, Café ArtScience is likely here to stay in the trendy Cambridge neighborhood full of intellectuals and young professionals.
650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge
(857) 999-2193
Yelp: 4 stars, 94 reviews
