There’s something about the corner pub—for a beer and a burger—that exudes a raw sense of comfort. Unlike a restaurant or fancy bar, they bring us all a bit closer to those who live and work nearby. They give us a sense of community. Check out these Bay State pubs and see if you don’t come away feeling like you’ve visited an old friend.
Featuring traditional pub fare and a lunch and dinner menu, Jon Ryan’s Pub is a favorite of all ages. Of course, only adults may sit at the bar, but they offer a children’s menu for family affairs, too. Their burgers are local favorites.
You can feel the history of this place the moment you step inside. With traditional Irish music performances and beers ranging from Guinness stout to Samuel Adams, the Burren has been a favorite spot ever since opening in 1996. For a traditional Irish pub experience, the Burren is a great option.
Offering a great rotating selection of draft beer, Olde Main Street Pub is known for its duck wings and steak tips. Sit on the bar side and tip a few back or bring your date to the “restaurant” side and dine in comfortable style. There’s truly something for everyone here.
Choate Bridge is the oldest stone-arched bridge in the country, and Choate Bridge Pub pays homage to it with their corner bar and restaurant. You’ll enjoy pizza, seafood and burgers as well as cocktails and a wide array of beers on tap. Locals and tourists alike enjoy it here.
With live music seven nights a week, the fun never stops at the Black Rose. Situated in Faneuil Hall, it doesn’t get more classically Boston than this. For a refreshing pint of Guinness and excellent Irish pub fare to fill your belly, this is your spot.
Priding themselves in being the best Irish pubs around, you’ll love the food and the atmosphere at Corrib Pub & Restaurant. The Brighton pub is the oldest in town. Serving up typical pub fare as well as bangers & mash and an Irish Mixed Grill, the food is delicious. You’ll be hard pressed to find a friendlier place in town.
In addition to great food and drinks, Anchor Pub & Grille has pool tables and dart boards, ensuring you have fun while going out for food and/or drinks. Featuring cocktails, beer and wine, the menu features homemade pizza and amazing seafood in addition to its traditional pub fare.
A mainstay in downtown Lowell, the Old Court Irish Pub and Restaurant features all the traditional Irish favorites including bangers & mash and shepherd’s pie. In addition to Guinness, they serve all sorts of domestic and imported brews, as well as wine and cocktails, too.
The owner of Bunratty Tavern hails from Ireland, and she emigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s. Since then she worked hard and perfected her culinary skills. These days she serves up delicious breakfast, lunches and dinners—and a wealthy of drinks as well.
You simply don’t leave out J.J. Foley’s. This South End pub and restaurant has been providing a welcoming atmosphere to locals and tourists since opening in 1909. J.J. Foley’s has been family owned and operated by the Foley family since the very beginning. Great drinks, great food, and a family-owned atmosphere. It doesn’t get better than that.
Featuring craft beer and comfort food, Flynn’s Irish Pub is filled with locals when the seasonal folks go home. You’ll find someone to talk to and plenty of good options for eating and drinking in this fun Irish pub. Depending on the season, there’s often live music as well.
Located inside an old mill, Owen & Ollie’s Restaurant and Pub is perfect for the whole family. They specialize in barbecue, but serve seafood and all the pub regular dishes, too. You’ll see familiar faces when you belly up to the bar, and on most Sunday evenings you’ll hear some live acoustic music, too.
Described as “a social experience you’ll never forget,” the Druid is a can’t-miss. This is a spot where you’ll see many regulars, because the vibe of the place makes you feel like you’re at home. There’s a variety of entertainment happening all the time. The Druid is housed in the oldest wooden mercantile building in Cambridge—you just can’t beat the history of this spot.
The Guardian deemed the Behan the “most perfect pub in Boston.” That is no small feat. Established in 1988, the Behan consistently delivers high-quality beers, yummy bar food, and an unbeatable atmosphere. There’s no better place to unwind after a long week than at Behan’s.