Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your closest friends and colleagues (read: drinking buddies), and hit the town with this guide in tow.
Whether you’re hankering for a locally brewed IPA, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc, or a craft cocktail, grab a drink at these 20+ places around town.
Beer lovers
Sam Adams Boston Taproom, 60 State St. | Drink we love: Wicked Easy
Steps away from the Samuel Adams statue at Faneuil Hall, this brewery offers 20+ brews on draft and a rotating list of taproom exclusives. Take advantage of the communal tables to sip and stay a while.
Castle Island Brewing Co., Multiple locations | Drink we love: Candlepin
The South Boston brewery in the Iron Works development has a core lineup of seven brews, plus rotating limited releases.
City Tap House, 10 Boston Wharf Rd. | Drink we love: All Day IPA
Side of pizza with your brew? This Seaport spot is popular for its brick-oven pizza and extensive tap list — from rare beers like breakfast stouts to lagers and sours.
Bukowski Tavern, 50 Dalton St. | Drink we love: Czechvar Pils
The popular hangout has been serving a wide beer selection and American cuisine since 1998. Its location couldn’t be better (just steps away from The Prudential Center).
Keeping spirits up
Drink, 348 Congress St. | Drink we love: Bohemian
This Fort Point bar does things a little differently — simply tell the bartender what you like and dislike, and they’ll craft the perfect cocktail for you.
Roxanne’s, 6 Beacon St. | Drink we love: In Tokyo
Reservations are recommended to visit the eclectic cocktail bar in Beacon Hill. There will be a side of ambiance with your cocktail, complete with a backlit bar and sleek lounge seating.
backbar, 7 Sanborn Ct. | Drink we love: Varies by menu
Arguably the spot for craft cocktails around the city, backbar has been named one of the coolest bars in the world. The Somerville bar keeps things fresh with a regularly rotating menu. Past themes include “Harry Potter,” “Encanto,” and “Game of Thrones.”
Daiquiris and Daisies, 100 High St. Pl. | Drink we love: Pineapple Daiquiri
The quintessential post-work drink spot (read: right inside High Street Place) is a modern cocktail bar from Joseph Cammarata, who shaped the bar programs at backbar, jm Curley, and Hojoko. The menu is a mix of classic cocktails and some seasonal twists.
Vera’s, 70 Union Sq., Somerville |Drink we love: Fluffy espresso martini
The hidden gem in Union Square serves up an unbeatable cocktail menu with lounge ambiance to boot.
Mocktail musts
Tiki Rock, 2 Broad St. | Drink we love: Pain Reliever
Grab one of the mocktails or N/A drinks like a Virgin Colada or a Pain Reliever (read: not a painkiller). The tropical-inspired bar and restaurant also offers pan-Asian eats to go with your drinks.
Little Donkey, 505 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge | Drink we love: Stair Car
The global-inspired small plates spot in Central Square has six zero-proof drinks on the menu. Sip the “Stair Car” made with grapefruit, lemon, cinnamon, and hoppy refresher, or grab an alcohol-free Lagunitas and Topo Chico.
Find more mocktails to try.
Off the vine
haley.henry, 45 Province St.
This downtown wine bar was a 2020 James Beard Semi-Finalist for the “Outstanding Wine Program” category. Pro tip: Take advantage of the half bottle concept if you aren’t looking to buy a full bottle.
rebel rebel, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville
This James Beard “Outstanding Wine Program” finalist will take you to wine school — literally. See the list of wine classes, or grab a glass at the cozy Bow Market space.
Barcelona Wine Bar, various locations
With locations in the South End, Brookline, and Cambridge, it’s the perfect spot to wine down with a glass of vino and some tapas. Pro tip: Share a pitcher of the red sangria, made with Rioja wine.
The Barrel Room Restaurant and Wine Bar, 80 Beverly St.
This wine bar at the City Winery live music space is conveniently located in the West End. Pair your wine with a bite from the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired menu, and enjoy exclusive views of the wine-making facilities.
Find more wine bars around town.
Late-night gems
The Tam, 222 Tremont St.
There’s plenty of beer on draft at this bustling Irish pub. The bar, considered one of the best dive bars in our city, stays open until 2 a.m.
The Bell in Hand Tavern, 45 Union St.
This historic tavern dates back to the 18th century, and is still one of Boston’s most popular spots for a late night drink. The beer list boasts local favorites like Jack’s Abby. Check out this review of the bar experience in Condé Nast Traveler.
Mr. Dooley’s, 77 Broad St.
The ideal location for enjoying live music in a casual, cozy atmosphere, this Irish bar has been a local institution since 1991. As the website so perfectly puts it: “If ye want a theme park go to Disney, if ye want a pint come to Dooley’s.”
The Druid, 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge
This neighborhood Irish pub serves up pints, pub grub, and traditional music nightly. Fun fact: The Inman Square spot is housed in the oldest wooden mercantile building in Cambridge.
Birds of Paradise, 525 Western Ave., Brighton
The newly opened cocktail bar at the Charles River Speedway serves up globally inspired drinks until 1 a.m. (Tues.-Sat.)The 45-seat bar has the same ownership as Baldwin Bar, Blossom Bar, and Ivory Pearl.
Host at home
Shop our favorite happy hour essentials to host friends for a drink at your place:
- The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker promises no more leaks and has a built-in measuring system.
- This set of six colored wine glasses reminds us of Estelle stemware — only more affordable.
- Pair your colorful wine glasses with a colorful decanter that’s an Anthropologie best-seller.
- Keep wine and champagne cold in a marble wine chiller.
- An electric wine opener makes opening bottles smooth and stress-free.
- Don’t forget the best drinkware made by small, local businesses — we’re big fans of the Pirani Life tumbler, an eco-friendly version of a Solo Cup, and these Kanga Coolers koozies that keep drinks cold.
