Where to Drink in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of America's premier drinking cities — everybody knows that. With a bar or a pub in every corner, you might ask yourself, how do I choose? If you aren't one to just wing it and like to come prepared, you're going to want to do a little research on where to get a beer, a cocktail, and some food.

Boston loves to booze. You're going to have a lot of options here, from Irish pubs to wine bars, to higher-end cocktail joints that litter the city streets. There are historic dive bars that have been around forever, and sports bars with 50 televisions to take in the Bruins, Celtics, Pats, and of course, the Red Sox. All of these bars categories are essential if you want to experience the Boston drinking scene in full.

As one of the oldest and most important cities in our nation's history, Boston should be on any travel junkie's list. And, when you're there, maximize your time by thinking of this as your guide of where to drink in Boston.

Lord Hobo

Lord Hobo is one of the best beer bars in the city, and features over 40 draft lines. If you're looking for a beer, chances are Lord Hobo has it. This is not the hippest place, it's a no frills beer bar with some friendly bartenders. They are always quick with a recommendation or to offer up a sample.

The place can get packed and the crowd is usually pretty young, but rarely too rowdy. Lord Hobo is located on 92 Hampshire Street in Cambridge, and is open till 2AM on the weekends — if you're a beer lover this is where to drink in Boston.

Brick & Mortar

There is no sign above this Central Square cocktail bar — so you know it's hip — but if you make your way above the restaurant on the ground floor, you'll find a great atmosphere to grab a drink. The horseshoe shaped copper bar top is also beautiful to look at while the bartender spins vintage records.

This is one of the chillest vibes on where to drink in Boston, and a Cambridge favorite. Their cocktail specials change daily, and Thursday through Saturday's last call isn't till 2AM.

Drink

Named one of the World's Best Cocktail bars by the Spirited Awards, cocktails are the name of the game at this Fort Point haunt. If you like craft cocktails, this is where to drink in Boston. There's no set drinks menu — you tell your bartender what you like or what spirits you prefer, and they create something designed specifically for you.

Because of this, lines can be long and getting a drink can take a while on some weekends. So, if you're a cocktail lover that can't pass this place up no matter the wait, best to get there early.

Trina's Starlite Lounge

Trina's may look like a dive from the outside, but once you get inside you realize it's much more retro, with careful attention paid to the details. Brunch is big here, and they're known for strong pours and cheap beers. In the restaurant, they offer corn dogs, fried chicken, and tater tots.

This Inman Square joint is great if you're wondering where to drink in Boston during the day. If you're enjoying yourself, drink right through the night, as Trina's serves booze until 1AM.

Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale

Step back into 1868 and grab a pint at Stoddard's Fine Food and Ale. There are nearly 80 beer options at any given time, including cask ales, sours and wild brews, stouts, porters, and many more. The historic building also features an extensive cocktail list.

It's close to the Theatre District — it's where to drink in Boston if you plan on taking in a show or two and crave a post-show cocktail. It was featured inBoston Magazine as one of the best neighborhood bars downtown.

Biddy Early's

Biddy Early's is a real traditional downtown dive bar that offers buckets of cheap beer, a cranking jukebox, and a dartboard. Food is all pub classics: burgers, sandwiches, and baskets of fries.

If you've heard of Boston's rowdy reputation, this is a place you might see it in full. This is where to drink in Boston if you want to see two New Englanders fight over the Sox, argue with outsiders that Tommy Brady is the greatest quarterback who ever lived, or hear grown men pine for the days of Larry Bird.

Deep Ellum

Deep Ellum has one of the best patios in Boston, perfect for summer drinking of any stripe. The cocktail menu sticks to the classics and their beer list offers a great variety. From Belgian beers to strong ales to funky ciders, there’s a little bit of everything at Deep Ellum.

Their signature cocktail is the Deep Ellum Old Fashioned. And in this dimly lit bar, with old westerns playing in the background, it's a fitting way to get buzzed. When choosing where to drink in Boston, don't overlook this Allston neighborhood staple, it has plenty of food and drinks for any type of person.

Bukowski Tavern

Since 1998, Bukowski Tavern has been serving the best beer available from local, regional, and global breweries. They also have a great cheap wine selection — something the real Bukowski would be proud of. It also offers up American fare, but be careful, it's cash only.

This is where to drink in Boston if you don't mind profanity, because trust me, the staff at the Bukowski Tavern don't give a shit. Their menus and beer selection are full of choice words, and the bartenders are surly. But, if you've got a sense of humor and can roll with the punches, it's a great place to grab drinks.