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The ultimate guide to townie bars in Greater Boston and beyond
These are the stories of the townie, dive, and neighborhood bars that have survived for decades in an increasingly expensive Greater Boston.
Sometimes you just want to cozy up at a bar where, as the tune goes, everybody knows your name, and more importantly, where the bartender knows your drink order.
The drink doesn’t need to be great; it just needs to be cold and affordable enough to maybe even get a second round. The bartender should be conversational. You’re surrounded by a wood-paneled interior. There’s music playing in the background — though not too loud — unless the Pats are playing. No-frills bar food to hold you over between drinks is a nice touch.
Some quaint additions may even include Keno, or a pool table, or old signage that shows a bar’s age. That stool you’re sitting on may be wobbly, and there’s at least one bathroom stall that’s out of toilet paper.
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Is it a townie bar? It depends who you ask and who’s considered a townie. A dive bar? Not everyone likes that word, especially long-time bar owners who remember that description as perjorative. These are Greater Boston’s favorite neighborhood bars, the third spaces always there for the surrounding community, no matter how much it’s changed or how expensive it’s gotten.
“It really relates to the people in the area,” Sean Lyon, Eagle Brook Saloon’s general manager, said.
A bar like this is a dying breed in Greater Boston due to rising rents, COVID-19, and changing tastes. For more than a decade, Boston journalist Luke O’Neil has written about the “extinction” of dive bars (including in The Boston Globe).
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His book, Boston’s Best Dive Bars: Drinking & Diving in Beantown, published in 2011, features 90 bars; some bars featured, like Hogan’s Run and Sligo Pub, are no more. He now lives outside the city, and said while there are still plenty of bars in suburbs and smaller cities, bar owners anywhere in Massachusetts aren’t immune to the rising prices in real estate.
“The increasing price of real estate throughout the state means any relatively desirable property with a liquor license is not going to survive on cheap bottle beer sold to working people and old alcoholics,” O’Neil said over email.
And who even is a “townie” anymore, given that Massachusetts has lost more residents than it’s gained over the years? Long-time residents are leaving for cheaper property and warmer climates.
But a few bars — whether you want to call them “townie,” or maybe a neighborhood spot — have survived and still remain busy.
Eire Pub in Dorchester is one such bar, family-owned for decades and considered by many to be one of the best bars in all of Boston.
Second-generation owner John Stenson said he’s always thought of the pub as a place for the neighborhood because it’s invited whoever has lived in the area for 60 years now — even women, despite the fact that it opened as a “men’s bar.” From working class neighbors to U.S. presidents, the Stenson family has served a cold one to various walks of life.
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His secret to keeping the lights on so folks can order a cheap Bud Light on a Tuesday evening? His family owns the building, so no landlord can hike up their rent.
“It’s a lot easier for you to create a reasonable price for food and beverage if you’re not paying someone a ridiculous rent or mortgage,” Stenson said.
Customers also see the owner working almost every day, which Stenson said is appealing to his regulars.
J.J. Foley’s Cafe in the South End has a similar reputation, which has been run only by the Foley family since it opened in 1909. The family also owns the building, which helps.
Despite being a destination for locals and visitors alike, the South End pub has faced great adversity with major events like the 2008 recession and pandemic lockdowns.
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On top of that, you have a 115-year-old bar that hasn’t changed much, but the South End sure has.
“We used to joke that it was a neighborhood bar with no neighborhood,” said owner Michael J. Foley. “Boston Herald was around the corner, so we would get a lot of people that worked there, a lot of police, a lot of fire, EMS. The South End was a pretty tough neighborhood.”
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Foley said he owes it to a lot of luck, his employees, and the bar’s history for it being able to retain new regulars — mostly young professionals in their 30s, pushing strollers — and remain in a neighborhood where this old bar is surrounded by upscale dining establishments.
The Silhouette Lounge, affectionately known as the Sil, also serves cheap beer to a variety of customers in Allston. On a Friday or Saturday night, expect the bar filled to capacity with the area’s college students.
But general manager Sarah Leib said it’s the regulars who come in during the week for a few rounds of Pabst Blue Ribbon that keep them in business.
“We always have new regulars being generated for us because we’re a bar in a neighborhood that constantly has a new influx of people,” Leib said.
Outside of Boston proper, where bars don’t have to contend with expensive liquor licenses, owners believe that now more than ever people want to get a good value when they go out.
Take Eagle Brook Saloon in Norfolk, for example, Boston.com readers’ favorite neighborhood bar. Go there on a fall Saturday for lunch, and it’s packed with large families filling up on pizza and long-time regulars watching college sports at the bar.
“We’ve become family over the years,” said Tom, who has been going to the Western-themed bar and restaurant for 38 years now. “Many of us [regulars] go on golf trips together… and we know about everyone’s lives.”
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It’s the same with Buff’s Pub in Newton. Wes Fabrizio, director of operations, said he knows they could probably make more money off of their famous chicken wings.
But honoring consistency to the generations of families who have come here since Buff’s opened its doors in 1976 by Fabrizio’s father, Don Fabrizio, is more important.
“It’s about focusing on the things you do, and doing them well,” Fabrizio said. “We love the idea that someone came here when they were younger and got their wings and beer. They have a kid, and their kid has their 21st birthday and come in for that.”
It may feel like Greater Boston is getting overwhelmed with trendy listening lounges and overpriced cocktail bars, and as is the way in the restaurant industry, more bar closures are bound to happen.
But Fabrizio is more optimistic than that. No matter changing drinking habits or tastes, people still need that third space, preferably one that feels like home.
What better place to be that familiar place than a neighborhood bar?
“Buff’s can be that third space for people where you come in, someone knows your name, and you know people sitting at the end of the bar,” Fabrizio said. “You can grab a drink, some food, and hang out, and it fills that social piece everyone needs.”
Map: Where to find the best townie bars in Greater Boston
Full list: Where to find the best townie bars in Greater Boston
| Townie Bar | Address | What readers say |
|---|---|---|
| 7B’s Bar and Grill | 1152 Southampton Rd, Westfield, MA 01085 | “Awesome staff, always fresh food, no freezer or microwave in the place. Free homemade cookie.” – Rocky N., Westfield |
| Amrheins | 80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 | |
| Anchor Pub & Grill | 20 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | “Really inexpensive food, low prices [and] heavy pours. Also a great place for breakfast and a bloody!” – Nancy, Salem |
| Anchovies Bar | 433 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116 | |
| Black Horse Tavern | 32 Waterfield Rd, Winchester, MA 01890 | |
| Boston Sail Loft | 80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 | “Great food, drinks and service. Always, see people from the neighborhood.” – Mike, North End |
| Breen’s | 16 Cambridge St, Worcester, MA 01603 | “The best steak & cheese you could ever dream of having, plus a slew of other awesome staples (pastrami, BLT, burger, etc.). Bring cash!” – Kiki, Worcester |
| Brendan Behan Pub | 378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | |
| Brickhouse Cafe | 107 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026 | “Homemade pastas, the best chicken/veal/eggplant parm you’ve ever had in your life, over-the-top helpings of seafood on the frutti Del Mar and drinks poured with a smile and good banter are what sets this townie bar above and beyond. You can sit at the bar to experience camaraderie and friendships with strangers over a drink and the game or enjoy dinner at a table with friends – either situation is perfect in this casual local pub, where you’ll leave well fed, with a smile and a desire to come back soon.” – Renee, West Roxbury |
| Buddy’s Union Villa | 190 Washington St, North Easton, MA 02356 | |
| Buff’s Pub | 317 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458 | “Wings, nachos and tenders. Greatest place on a fall Saturday with the best people.” – Caroline, Boston |
| Casey’s | 173 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 | “Authentic. Good food and drinks. Owners are extremely welcoming.” – Dennis, Somerville |
| Cheers | 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 | “I like that everyone knows my name.” – Andrew, Dorchester |
| Choate Bridge Pub | 3 S Main St, Ipswich, MA 01938 | “So old they haven’t even started taking those new fangled credit and debit cards yet. Great service from the crew. Freshest clams and scallops anywhere in the world and even better than the more widely known establishments found in your Guide to the North Shore.” – Robert C. |
| Conley’s Pub & Grille | 164 Belmont St, Watertown, MA 02472 | “Great teriyaki steak tips, rotating specials menu, and beer selection. The wait staff is friendly and consistent and the pace of service is excellent. The gold rush wings are a must!” – Sara, Watertown |
| Cornell’s Irish Pub | 229 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 | “Cornell’s is a great townie bar with friendly staff and weekly food specials. I would wager it also has the coldest draft beer in the state. My go to order is a simple cheeseburger with an ICE COLD Bud Light draft.” – Paddy, Hopkinton |
| Corrib Pub | 2030 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA 02132 | |
| Croke Park (Whitey’s Place) | 268 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 | “$5 Guinness, a loveable [bar] with a colorful list of regular characters, cheap drinks, and of course, free pool tables!!” – Stef, Somerville |
| Daddy’s Beach Club | 280 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045 | |
| Damien’s Pub | 279 Spring St, Hanson, MA 02341 | |
| Darcy’s Pub | 97 Willard St #1203, Quincy, MA 02169 | “Great beer selection, food, value, and people. Also, it’s in Quincy; what’s not to like?” – Jimmy, Quincy |
| Donohue’s Bar | 87 Bigelow Ave, Watertown, MA 02472 | “Great atmosphere and outstanding service. Your beer glass is never empty.” – Nick K., Watertown |
| Eagle Brook Saloon | 258 Dedham St, Norfolk, MA 02056 | “It’s my pre-thanksgiving standard! It’s great to come to a place that even after all these years hasn’t changed so much. And everyone there (or at least most!) will truly know your name! From its uneven cabinets to the old wooden bar itself, I’ve forged so many memories here. In a world of corporate owned bars and restaurants, an independent and long tenured establishment like this is something to be treasured. Long live the Brook!” – Dan, Franklin |
| Eddie C’s Bar | 34 Maverick Square, Boston, MA 02128 | “Amazing vibe, cheap drinks and right down the block – can’t beat it.” – Kayla O., East Boston |
| Eire Pub | 795 Adams St, Boston, MA 02124 | “A legit, working-class bar that is good and has been good for years. The Guinness is poured beautifully, the food is tasty, all the bartenders are great, I have never seen any problems there, it’s cheap (by comparison), and you can find a parking space nearby.” – Jerry C., Milton |
| Franco’s Pizzeria & Pub | 714 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 | “Friendly staff.” – Tony, Waltham |
| Galway House | 710 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | “Good prices, good regulars, good bartenders, good menu, [and] serves food later than most places. Old school dirty dive with local brews on tap and generous pours and a cast of characters.” – Cody, Jamaica Plain |
| Geno’s Restaurant & Lounge | 407 N Main St, Mansfield, MA 02048 | “Small, home-town bar/restaurant that has been owned by the same family since 1981. The owner, John, is always there and knows everyone in town and calls his patrons ‘family.’ Well known in the area for his award winning clam chowder and home-made marinara sauce. Absolutely worth a visit!!” – Dave S., Mansfield |
| Goal Post Bar & Grille | 226 Water St, Quincy, MA 02169 | “Good food and drinks. Joe is a great owner and all the bartenders are great.” – Ronnie, Quincy |
| Grainne O’Malley’s | 201 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 | “In a city full of cheerful Irish pubs, Grainne O’Malley’s Tavern sticks out for several reasons. One, of course, is their delightfully creamy Guinness that seems to only get better every time you go. Another is the staff that work hard to ensure the drinks, food, and discussions are top notch (at which they consistently succeed). Dennis, in particular, is a familiar face behind the bar whose banter and conversation is always welcome. Not to mention he’ll have your Guinness poured for you the second you walk in. Finally, there’s nothing quite like the cozy interior of Grainne O’Malley’s Tavern, beckoning you in for good cheer and quality time with great people. So if you’re looking for a place that has all the above, Grainne O’Malley’s is the place for you.” – Jake L., Brookline |
| Greg’s Restaurant | 821 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472 | “Everybody is welcome, and you see many great old faces combined with the new.” – Tommy C., Washington D.C. |
| Grendel’s Den Restaurant & Bar | 89 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138 | |
| Halfway Cafe | 174 Washington St, Dedham, MA 02026 | “[Over] 30 years, it’s generational and continues to be relevant — strong support for the greater community, schools, teams, law, and fire…plus the wings, burgers… mostly it’s the PEOPLE! Staff and customers — super friendly bunch.” — Michael D., Dedham |
| Hancock Tavern | 668 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02170 | |
| Harp + Bard | 1099 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125 | “Great food, reasonable prices, and generous pours.” – Anonymous |
| Hillside Johnny’s | 336 Old Colony Rd, Norton, MA 02766 | “Real townie bar with live music weekends.” – Anonymous |
| Hillside Pub | 2 Royall Ave, Canton, MA 02021 | “People there are there to have a drink with friends and strangers who will become friends.” – Joe, Canton |
| J.J. Foley’s Cafe | 117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118 | “Great owners who work the bar and restaurant, great food, and a well poured drink that is still affordable!” – Greg S., South End |
| Jack’s 28 Club | 498 Main St, Dennis Port, MA 02639 | “This is a good old-fashioned dive bar. The proprietor, Jack O’Connor, does a great job of knowing his clients and providing what they are looking for. This bar is the essence of a local bar, even though it’s located in a seasonal part of The Cape. The bartenders are helpful and attentive, and the 28 Club is a great spot to watch our local sports teams play. Just a great place to go to!” – Michael H., South Yarmouth |
| Jimmy’s Pub and Restaurant | 141 N Main St, Mansfield, MA 02048 | “It is a timeless restaurant. The inside hasn’t changed in 25 years. The owner/bartender hasn’t changed. He is like an 80s tv character. George. He [has] dry humor…but [is a] loveable and kindhearted man. Being in Jimmy’s is a staple for the residents of Mansfield. Walking into Jimmy’s pub on a Saturday evening is like turning back time. You always know almost everyone in the place. Jimmy’s pub holds a special place in the heart of the residents of Mansfield.” |
| Joe Sent Me (Cambridge) | 2388 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 | |
| Joe Sent Me (Waltham) | 849 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451 | |
| Johhny Kono’s Bar & Grill | 269 Park Ave, Weymouth, MA 02190 | “Fantastic food, long hours, friendly staff.” – T.K. |
| JP’s Restaurant & Pub | 166 Milk St, Westborough, MA 01581 | |
| Kelleher’s Bar & Grille | 1410 Centre St, Boston, MA 02131 | “Great bartenders, friendly people, and good food.” – Susie, Dedham |
| Kelley Square Pub | 84 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128 | |
| Lewis’ Bar and Grill | 92 Central St, Norwood, MA 02062 | “This place has excellent food and drinks. If you know Norwood, you know Lewis’. Get the French Dip sandwich.” – Matthew C., Norwood |
| Local 438 Grille & Sport | 125 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 | “You can’t beat the Breakfast Burger here… The plaza overall is magical, and Local 438 is the shining beacon with the beer taps to match. Skip downtown Stoneham: stop at Local 438.” – Pat, Stoneham |
| Lynch’s Tavern | 236 North Ave, Abington, MA 02351 | |
| Lynnwood Cafe | 320 Center St, Randolph, MA 02368 | |
| Maddie’s Sail Loft | 15 State St, Marblehead, MA 01945 | “Maddie’s is the best local bar. Right by the water in Marblehead — the bartenders and staff are great. Drinks are strong, and they feature a great regular menu!” — Sam C., Marblehead |
| Maguire’s Bar & Grille | 503 Foundry St, North Easton, MA 02356 | |
| Malachy’s Saloon | 51 Granite St, Quincy, MA 02169 | |
| Master McGrath | 1152 River St, Boston, MA 02136 | “Great people, old school Hyde Park.” – Matthew C., Hyde Park |
| Menotomy Grill & Tavern | 25 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474 | “Awesome local bar with great food and staff. Free music with local artists every Thursday evening.” – Walter D., Arlington |
| Mickey Cassidy’s | 116 Main St, Medway, MA 02053 | “Their burgers are phenomenal, but I love their braised beef tortellini. The best I’ve had anywhere. They have great live music every weekend. Lastly, the staff is so accommodating and led by their owner Kate, who’s the daughter of THE Mickey Cassidy. It’s the go to place for every organization in town after their meetings. Such a friendly and inviting place!!” – Tom S., Medway |
| Mickey Malone’s Tavern | 347 N Pearl St, Brockton, MA 02301 | “Pinot Grigio and bar pie. A very welcoming and safe place.” – Nancy H., Avon |
| Miracle of Science | 321 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 | “Best burger on the planet – Roni Burger. Great food, beer and intimate.” – Paul, Somerville |
| Monte’s Restaurant | 141 Eastern Ave, Lynn, MA 01902 | “Great food, great people, great times for all.” – Eric, Lynn |
| Mount Vernon Restaurant | 14 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 | “Serving the community since 1935 — famous for their twin lobster special! Cant beat it.” – Lindsey D. |
| Mr. Dooley’s Boston | 77 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109 | “Guinness [is] the best on tap in Boston.” – Anonymous |
| Nobility Hill Tavern | 423 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 | “The tavern fills a much needed spot to have some pub food, have a drink, and meet up with the neighbors. The bar sits at the base of the Nobility Hill historic district, but has a casual and laid back vibe.” – Brenda F., Stoneham |
| O’Hara’s Food & Spirits | 1185 Walnut St., Newton Highlands | |
| Owen O’Leary’s (Southborough) | 50 Turnpike Rd, Southborough, MA 01745 | “Best townie Irish bar in Southborough.” – Peter P., Southborough |
| Owen O’Leary’s (Westborough) | 17 Connector Rd, Westborough, MA 01581 | |
| Packard’s | 14 Masonic St, Northampton, MA 01060 | “It’s a veritable museum of Northampton pop culture with artifacts (i.e. ‘cool stuff) from the 1960’s to the present. Plus, it’s dark and wooden.” – Mark B., Northampton |
| Paddy’s Lunch | 260 Walden St, Cambridge, MA 02138 | “All time classic.” – Ken S., Cambridge |
| Paddy’s Public House | 95 Elm St, Newton, MA 02465 | |
| Pearl Street Station | 53 Summer St, Malden, MA 02148 | “The staff, food and atmosphere are great. It’s a low key place that always has a good crowd. Plus the restaurant is located in an old renovated Boston & Maine railroad station!” – Anonymous |
| PJ Ryan’s | 239 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144 | |
| Pleasant Cafe | 4515 Washington St, Roslindale, MA 02131 | |
| Porter Cafe | 1723 Centre St, Boston, MA 02132 | |
| Presidential Pub | 29 Temple St, Quincy, MA 02169 | “Unpretentious, no frills, reasonably priced, many colorful characters, personable bartenders.” – Tom, Quincy |
| Prospector East Saloon | 520 Lincoln St, Marlborough, MA 01752 | |
| Quarterdeck Lounge | 247 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601 | |
| Revolution Hall | 3 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421 | |
| Ritcey East | 208 Waverley Ave, Watertown, MA 02472 | |
| Riviera Café Brewhouse | 288 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA 02324 | “Great food, great pizza, great prices.” – M.J., West Bridgewater |
| Rolf’s Pub | 39 Main St, North Andover, MA 01845 | |
| Roza Lyons | 709 E Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 | |
| Samba Bar & Grill | 608 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 | |
| Seapoint Bar and Grill | 367 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127 | “Long standing, no frills dive bar away from broadway. Great steak tips.” – Cliff, South End |
| Shamrock Pub | 501 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127 | “Guinness. Staff and location.” – Anonymous |
| Shine Sqaure Pub | 2046 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 | “Dave and Ron are the owners, and this is truly a neighborhood/townie bar. They make everyone feel instantly welcome and know what they do best. They offer great beer options, mixed drinks, and for food, they have some of the best wings and sliders in greater Boston. It is loud, it is boisterous, and be sure to roll the dice for a chance to join the SSP Gentlemen’s Club!”– Paul T., Cambridge |
| Sidebar Boston | 14 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108 | “Great prices, great food.” – Anonymous |
| Silhouette Cocktail Lounge | 200 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 | “It never changes, cheap beer.” – Anonymous |
| Six Twenty-One | 621 Broadway, Malden, MA 02148 | “They have great pizza, steak, and turkey tips. Their whole menu is not only delicious, but the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is exactly what you’re looking for in a local tavern. They have plenty of tv’s, keno, and a very friendly staff.” – Bill D., Malden |
| Stewart’s Pub | 140 Jefferson Ave, Everett, MA 02149 | “Excellent service and ambiance. Family owned friendly place with delicious appetizers and great price[s]. You can chat, play keno, have a few drinks and the owner is always very welcoming.” – Marcela M., Everett |
| Sullivan’s Public House | 85 Main St, Boston, MA 02129 | |
| The 4’s Sports Pub | 666 Waverly St, Framingham, MA 01702 | |
| The Abington Depot | 101 Railroad St, Abington, MA 02351 | |
| The Anchor | 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown, MA 02129 | |
| The Black Rose | 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109 | “Best Guinness in town, Irish music and friendly staff☘️.” – Christine F., Boston |
| The Brickhouse Cafe | 107 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026 | “Homemade pastas, the best chicken/veal/eggplant parm you’ve ever had in your life, over-the-top helpings of seafood on the frutti di mare, drinks poured with a smile, and good banter are what sets this townie bar above and beyond. You can sit at the bar to experience camaraderie and friendships with strangers over a drink and the game or enjoy dinner at a table with friends — either situation is perfect in this casual local pub, where you’ll leave well fed, with a smile and a desire to come back soon.” – Renee, West Roxbury |
| The Brickyard | 371 Main St, Woburn, MA 01801 | |
| The Burren | 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144 | |
| The Catman Cafe | 16 Old Colony Rd, Mansfield, MA 02048 | “Cheap giant drinks served all night and good comfort food. Jukebox gets all the townies reminiscing and singing together as they suck down multiple lagers.” – Phil, Foxborough |
| The Central House Tavern | 44 South St, Westborough, MA 01581 | |
| The Cherry Tree | 1349 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465 | |
| The Chieftain Irish Pub and Restaurant | 23 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762 | “Great atmosphere and friendly wait staff.” -Jim, Plainville |
| The Clock Tavern | 342 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 | |
| The Corner Tavern/a> | 421 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02115 | |
| The Cosmopolitan Club | 96 Hamilton St, Worcester, MA 01604 | |
| The Cottage Bar | 26 Union St, Weymouth, MA 02190 | “Best pint of Guinness on the South Shore.” – Oran M., Weymouth |
| The Druid | 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge | |
| The Dudley Chateau | 20 Crest Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 | “Their burgers are the Best. The kitchy decor is fun, the staff & clientele wicked friendly. It is located right next to, and all seating has clear view of, a pretty local pond. You can sit at the bar enjoying a beer and see swans in a beautiful pond right outside the window! Priceless.” – Rose, Wayland |
| The Fours | 15 Cottage Ave, Quincy, MA 02169 | “Good drinks, good food, friendly staff.” – Nick, Quincy |
| The Indo | 298 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | “The Indo is a staple in downtown Beverly. Its Irish/American vintage, not too large, has amazing pub fare w/ vegan options, great cocktails and the best beer list I’ve ever seen in New England.” – Edward, Beverly |
| The Jetty | 278 Ocean St, Marshfield, MA 02050 | “Great atmosphere, beer selection, and the best Bloody Mary’s.” – Rich, Marshfield |
| The MB Lounge | 40 Grafton St, Worcester, MA 01604 | |
| The Next Page Cafe | 550 Broad St, Weymouth, MA 02189 | “Pizza!!!!! Bar pies.” -Catherine J., East Weymouth |
| The Park Lunch | 181 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950 | “Great Irish Pub. Best Craic on the North Shore. Corned Beef Nachos….So freakin Irish. Great family owners!!” – Jim C., Haverhill |
| The Peddlers Daughter | 45 Wingate St, Haverhill, MA 01832 | “Great Irish pub.” – Jim C., Haverhill |
| The Plough and Stars | 912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 | “Copious amounts of Guinness.” – Van L. Cambridge |
| The Pub Somerville | 682 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 | “They have the best buffalo wings I have ever had. Anyone I talk to agrees. They have other flavors, as well, which are very good, but the buffalo is the most popular. It is a dive bar, with many regulars playing Keno and drinking beers, and there are also a large amount of TVs for some great sports action. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, because although this place isn’t ritzy, The Pub has some of the best bar food you will find.” -Pat C., Somerville |
| The Quiet Few | 331 Sumner St, East Boston, MA 02128 | The Quiet Few has the best bar tenders and staff – everyone seems to know your name. The playlists are on point. The specials names are hilarious. You can “pay it forward” on a chalk board to leave a beer for a friend. The lights and general vibe ooze modestly upscale townie. It’s one of the only Jefferies Point spots to go for big Boston sports games. The food is delicious – Guy Fieri agrees!!! |
| The Raven’s Nest | 998 Main St, Walpole, MA 02081 | |
| The Sevens Ale House | 77 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 | |
| The Snug | 116 North St, Hingham, MA 02043 | “Guinness. Buffalo wings…” -S.P., Hingham |
| The Stones Common House & Kitchen | 380 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 | |
| The Tam | 222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 | “Bud Lights and cool crowd.” – Brian F., Haverhill |
| The Winthrop Arms | 130 Grovers Ave, Winthrop, MA 02152 | “A hidden jewel on the north shore and is the place the locals frequent. An historic yet cozy ambiance, the Arms bar also features high top tables some looking out on the Atlantic Ocean. Owner Casey Goll and his team create an almost “Cheers” atmosphere. The bartenders and team members are friendly and efficient. A complete variety of drinks and many innovative drink specials. The Arms showcases a delicious bar menu or main menu from appy’s to sandwiches, to dinner specials. The Mac&cheese, fried clams or the Chicken Pot Pie is as good as it gets. Perfect for a date night, family/friend gatherings or just grab a drink and a quick bite.” – Bobby D., Winthrop |
| Three Cod Tavern | 141 Pleasant St, Marblehead, MA 01945 | “Family owned and locally loved. Great food, great drinks, and always a smiling face.” – Julee C., Marblehead |
| Tom’s English Cottage | 118 Emerson St, Boston, MA 02127 | “Awesome bar pizza, great place to meet up” – Anonymous |
| Tommy Doyle’s | 349 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02458 | |
| Townsend House | 2 Depot St, Townsend, MA 01469 | |
| Trading Post Lounge | 12 Trowbridge Rd, Bourne, MA 02532 | |
| Union Oyster House | 41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 | |
| Valley Pub | 40 Plummer Ave., Whitinsville, MA 01588 | “The Valley Pub … is a woman-owned pub in my town that I love.” |
| Victory Lane Bar & Grille | 32 Exchange St, Millis, MA 02054 | “A few games of keno, cold 22oz drafts, and a fresh burger or pizza is all that is needed at the winners circle. Friendly staff and a cast of characters every day of the week. Great to catch any New England sports game!” – West Newbury |
| Warren Tavern | 2 Pleasant St, Charlestown, MA 02129 | “The original townie bar!! Classic wood bar, tiny loud, packed, lots of Boston accents.” – Amy, Charlestown |
| Warren’s Place | 27 Pleasant St, South Weymouth, MA 02190 | |
| West End Johnnies | 138 Portland St, Boston, MA 02114 | “Over the past decade-plus, West End Johnnie’s has brought back that neighborhood feel, even as it’s only a block away from the hustle and crowds of Causeway St. and TD Garden. Johnnie’s is the place to meet before Celtics and Bruins games, concerts, and all. Always a good crowd, great food, great drinks…” – Terry L. |
| Winner’s Circle | 211 Elm St, Salisbury, MA 01952 |
Community co-op Nia Harmon contributed to this report.
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