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By Maya Shavit
Brainiacs rejoice! When it comes to trivia in Greater Boston, it’s easy to find where to go any night of the week.
We asked readers to share their favorite trivia spots to help update our guide. Boston.com received over 200 responses, many mentioning that a strong host who keeps a game moving and exciting is the key to a stellar trivia night.
John T. from Arlington loves how Brennan the host of An Sibin’s trivia incorporates the pub bulldog and unofficial mascot, Dotti. The 90-minute game keeps the traffic flow smooth and lets everyone enjoy the night.
“Brennan runs a tight 1 1/2 hour, three-part trivia night each week on Sundays. It is challenging, fun, and always on time,” he wrote.
In addition to updating our list, we’ve also updated our interactive map that illustrates where to go for an adventurous night out with friends or as a solo fun-seeker looking to join a quiz crew. With trivia types like Stump! and Ponder, there are a wide range of options around Greater Boston.
Find a guide to local trivia events and a map of the featured restaurants and bars below.
“It’s always packed here, trivia starts at 7, but you have to get a table at 6. The host encourages people to mix and mingle so it’s a great place to actually meet people, especially if you’re an introvert. Plus, killer beer and playlist. The playlist has clues to the answers!” Celina C. from Somerville shared.
“The Haven has great food, drinks, and atmosphere,” said one reader from Jamaica Plain.
“This Mexican restaurant in Salem has great food and drinks and trivia every Monday night,” said Allen from Salem.
“Trivia lasts the perfect amount of time. The quizmaster looks like he came straight out of Ireland and he’s so loud he can be heard at the pizza place next door,” said Blair from Acton.
“Solid trivia at a fantastic bar,” said Adam from East Boston. “What else is there to say?”
This local spot hosts I’m Right Drag Trivia Monday Nights with Missy Steak with drag performances at the breaks. Every week has a new theme that is “usually LGBTQ adjacent or nerdy niche,” according to reader Mandy from Cambridge.
“Pub quiz is more complex than regular trivia and so fun! The guy who runs it asks the best questions,” said Liz from Roslindale.
“Host is awesome, funny, keeps it going quickly. Not just questions, he does a name that tune round, a picture round, a ‘Family Feud’ style round. Food and staff are on point, great beer selection. It’s a blast there,” said Dan K. from Ashland.
“I’ve been going to Biltmore for a while and have been playing trivia for 6 months now and I have been absolutely loving it. I’ve brought my family and friends to play with me but I do play alone to decompress after work. Trivia has given me a new outlook on my information intake and I’ve become more aware of my surroundings on the off chance that something I observe or learn will be a trivia question,” said Sasha S. from Needham.
When: Tuesdays at 8 p.m.
“This game show-esque trivia is a favorite spot because of the “unique trivia that is active and fun.”
The staff recommends coming 45 minutes early to secure your spot. According to Mike L. from Brookline, “Games with James is the best trivia product in the Greater Boston area. James always has several rounds of well crafted questions, including a killer music round and a thoughtful picture round.”
“The host is fantastic! Gabby keeps everyone engaged and makes sure everyone has a great time,” said Shelley H. from Jamaica Plain.
“The atmosphere here is awesome. Erin does an amazing job hosting and making it so much fun. The food here is unbelievable as well as the drinks,” said Olivia from Waltham. “I highly recommend playing here!”
“The atmosphere and service is great. The host is hilarious, and they’re one of the few spots around that still does paper answers,” Jess V. in Holbrook wrote.
“Hands down the best brew in Boston. The Cloud Candy is best paired with trivia. It’s a friendly vibe that’s perfect for get-togethers with friends and some trivia,” said Michelle from Newton.
“It’s the best of both worlds. They combine Taco Tuesday and Trivia. Place is great, especially when the weather is nice and trivia is on the outdoor roof deck,” Scott S. Brighton said.
“The trivia guy, Brian, is funny and engaging. He makes the whole game so much better. More than just a question asker. Great music, too,” said Julianna from Gloucester. “Minglewood’s prizes are GREAT, compared to other bars and restaurants I’ve played at. The food is great too.”
“Frank is a great host! Come for the questions, stay for the Guinness!” Jack from Lowell said.
“The Shamrock Pub is the only place I go for trivia. They have the best steak tips in town and the coldest beer this far south from the North Pole,” said Chris C.
This sister restaurant to The Quiet Few is a reader favorite trivia in Southie.
“The questions are clever and the host is amazing!” Ray B. from South Boston shared.
“Good, laid back vibe. Michael is a great trivia host, and the beer and snacks are great and reasonable. Categories are varied and interesting,” Ron G. from Danvers wrote.
“Great variety of questions, excellent music. Awesome vibes,” said Josh N. from West Roxbury.
“Chill place with a great host. Have a fun rivalry with other teams,” said Andy from Cambridge.
“The questions aren’t complicated (most of the time). The explanation of the rules is very easy to grasp. On top of that, the host pulls a rabbit out of a hat every game by making the game fun and thrilling. He doesn’t waste time trying to tell stories but simply entertains the room by asking and answering trivia. Bartender usually adds bits and jokes after a question which is just the cherry on top!” Amanda from Jamaica Plain shared.
“They always have a good mix of “regulars” and are very welcoming to trivia ‘rookies’ too,” according to Brian from Weymouth.
“It’s a nice break from law school and very fun!” Sam from Fenway wrote.
“It is a family-friendly fun atmosphere,” a reader shared. “Trivia is wonderful as are the libations!”
When: Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
The Brewing Company hosts Hump Day Wednesday Trivia.
“Jonathan has great trivia nights! I love the different rounds, including pictures and word scrambles, with new and challenging questions every week!” Amanda M. in Salem wrote.
“It’s a very welcoming place with great hosts and people. Always great variations of questions and always full to capacity every week,” said Jim L.
“Great vibes, drinks, and food!” MaryAnne R. from Wilmington shared.
When: Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
“Nice cozy no frills bar full of regulars but very welcoming. The drinks and food are affordable and it’s old fashioned paper based trivia!” Cheyenne in Hyde Park wrote.
“Friendly host, lots of variety in questions and categories, uses good old pen and paper for answers (not app based), good difficulty level, always has a fun puzzle round and a picture round, and everyone who goes os there to have fun!” Allison in Westwood wrote.
“It’s awesome because the host is great, the atmosphere can’t be beat, the beer is amazing, and it’s from six to eight so you can have a blast and be home before bedtime!” Diana from East Cambridge shared.
“The food is fuel, the atmosphere is oxygen, and the host is the spark,” Colby G. in Charlestown wrote.
Catherine G. in Fenway recommended this neighborhood spot.
“Great host, yummy food, good combination of easier and harder questions. Always a good time!” Edzo in Framingham wrote.
“It’s not really difficult. There are a few audio categories and musical bingo before trivia starts. The host is really fun and a lot of the same folks each week creates a good rivalry,” Karen M. from Lowell. “It’s rated R and sometimes on the verge of more than that.”
“Echo Bridge is just a happy place to be and the food is excellent. Trivia host Mike ‘Sarge’ Riley is an affable host who strikes the right tone and keeps things moving with solid trivia questions. Mike does trivia on Thursdays. I also frequent his always-fun Music Bingo on Tuesdays,” said Ken L. from Canton.
According to Matt V. from Malder, the Family Feud-style trivia at Pearl Street Station is unbeatable, “[There is] No right answer, just your answer against hundreds that have taken the surveys around the country.”
“I love going to the Pickled Onion every Thursday for trivia! The trivia guy Tim has the BEST voice for trivia! And everyone is always so into it and makes it so competitive and fun,” said Hannah from Beverly.
“The host, Gabby, is great!” Sam in Medford wrote.
“An entertaining evening of trivia that starts at 7 p.m. and is done by 8:30. You can go out for a drink and trivia and not have to make a whole night of it if you choose not to,” said Rob H. from Hull.
“The host is INSANE in the best way possible, and the family owners and staff are so patient and adaptable to the chaos… Best place for a LAUGH on a Thursday night, thank you Ken, Bob, and Casper family!” Mary F. in Southie wrote.
“The food is good and the trivia host is knowledgeable and very fun! The layout of the game is great too,” said Dorothy P. from Easton.
You can go to this trivia night with a team or join an open table when you arrive. Pair your night of fun with a pick from their wide beer selection or a fun cocktail.
“Brennan compiles fun and well-researched trivia questions and even has special photo or music rounds,” she told Boston.com.
“Great atmosphere, excellent trivia host. Wide range of categories so there’s always competition. I play every week!” Molly B. in Ayer wrote.
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