50 Best Bars near East Boston

“I don't like to be 'that guy; who makes a mountain out of a mold, so I'm going to give this place a well deserved star rating for the attributes listed on google maps. However, as good as this place is, as an individual who has worked as a bartender for 2years, i judge institutions both on the the basis on their staff in their work hours performance and their post work courtesy. You can be the most excellent bartender during work, but how you conduct yourself a few minutes after work reflects your values as a human being. So, while i wont explicitly express any issues regarding the service during effective operational hours, i am rather disappointed by the response post work hours on a humanistic level, and going off of that principle, Sylvan i am must say i am rather disappointed. it really doesn't cost you anything to offer considerate behavior and a glass of water to a customer who lost track of time and stayed a few minutes beyond closing hours. Nevertheless, i believe in a meritocracratic society and i will give the 4.5 stars for the indubitably admirable performance of the staff during official hours.“

“Omgggggggg so much fun!!!! Make sure you ask for Drew personally!!!! Phenomenal personality“

“Great place. Good ambiance and friendly bartenders and staff. Can’t wait to go back!!“

“This place is the bomb. drove 2 hours to try it. service , food , and were phenomenal. Definitely coming back with friends. They even validated our parking.“

“A true hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts! If you’re passionate about mixology, this place is a must-visit. Saul is an absolute master of his craft—his passion for creative, thoughtfully crafted drinks shines through in every interaction. He not only serves exceptional cocktails but also takes the time to share the stories and inspirations behind them, making the entire experience unforgettable.“

“Had a great breakfast! Food, drinks, and service were exceptional!“

“It's been over 10 years since first coming here. And I'm so glad they're still thriving.

Still one of my favorite cocktail bars in the Boston area. Great mixologists with lots of knowledge and keeping it fresh with seasonal drinks and continually to push the limits on unique and special cocktails.

If you wanna just get hammered, probably not the place for you unless you're trying to show off with limitless funds.“

“Great Food , Good atmosphere“

“Great location great food“

“Wonderful place to eat on our trip to Boston. Went with my dad and then took my wife there 3 days later for a different experience. Owner was kind and friendly. Birthday party was in the middle room and the whole restaurant sang along.“

“Yummy! And dog friendly patio.“

“We went to Warren Tavern 12 years ago. Our family recommends the tavern to anyone traveling to Boston as a “must”. Especially the raspberry crumb pie!“

“Went only once last night so don't want to knock any stars. But, my biggest suggestion is that please include pictures of sake bottles (even just labels) next to the title on your online menu. Right now, it's paragraphs after paragraphs of many many sakes. I got analysis paralysis after a few seconds.“

“Go on Karoke night. The is a woman who sings “green eyes lady” that blew me away.

Reminded me of the Hideout in Chicago and that bar in Starwars.

Great spot, great sign, great talent behind the stick.“

“Holy moly! Rainy first night in Boston staying up the way at the Commonwealth we visited the Kenmore. Nathan took great care of us. Solid pour at the bar. Can I say enough about the K Burger? Likely not other than the first bite blows your mind. Quality over everything else. Great spot, will be back tonight and tomorrow night looking for Sturgill Simpson fans.“

“Delicious food and beautiful atmosphere“

“Must go! I absolutely LOVE this place! if you are a dog lover, have a dog, definitely go here. the staff is so friendly, fun atmosphere, great drinks!“

“Visited this cool bar with friends to kick off our Boston visit after coming up on the train. Appreciated the flexibility in the whiskey flights, and the cocktails were strong. I think we just came on the wrong night, as the DJ was impressively loud and set up right next to the bar so we couldn't hear each other. Would come back on a chiller evening.“

“the oysters are out of sight! delicious bravo! bouillabaisse was amazing! I did like my server. I do suggest they get some sleep nobody was smiling.“

“Feels like the perfect blend of local happy hour and transient/tourist patrons.
Quick service and good pours and good prices (for a black velvet or snake bite depending on who you ask Guinness/cider).
Good smiles(and funny looks at my drink choice)
Great stop off for after dinner drink
Bit loud, but to be expected with the space.“

“We were there for brunch and the food and cocktails were great!! The staff was very friendly, can’t wait to go back again on my next visit❤️“

“Some of the best food my husband and I have ever had! We had an amazing time last night celebrating our friend’s recent engagement. From the ambience to the drinks & food, we had the best night! The server was so sweet and helpful, he helped with entree recommendations! We would absolutely return. 10/10!“

“Beautiful hotel bar with attentive staff.“

“Tucked beneath Krasi in Boston’s Back Bay, Hecate is more than just a bar—it’s a journey. Inspired by the Greek goddess of magic and crossroads, this speakeasy offers a spellbinding escape from the ordinary, weaving together ambiance, craftsmanship, and storytelling in a way few places can replicate.

From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world that feels European yet distinctly unique. The space is intimate, with dim lighting, plush textures, and a chic blend of vintage and contemporary design. The subtle beats of house music set the tone for a night of discovery, while the bartenders, poised like performers, work their magic behind the bar.

Lou Charbonneau’s cocktail menu is where the enchantment truly begins. Each drink is a masterpiece, reflecting inspiration drawn from far-flung spice markets, culinary delights, and worldly travels. The drinks at Hecate don’t just quench thirst—they tell a story. One sip might evoke the warmth of a Moroccan souk, while another might transport you to a bustling European café. This balance of old-world charm and modern creativity results in cocktails that are simultaneously familiar and delightfully unexpected.

Hecate’s charm lies not in a clandestine entrance but in the curated experience within. Every detail, from the glassware to the garnish, is a deliberate choice meant to captivate. It’s no wonder Hecate has earned global acclaim, listed among the “World 50 Best Discovery Bars” and the “Top 500 Bars.”

If you’re seeking more than just a drink—if you’re craving a story, an adventure, a memory—Hecate is your destination. Here, time slows, curiosity flourishes, and every sip feels like a revelation. It’s not just one of Boston’s coolest speakeasies; it’s one of the coolest anywhere.“

“Dining in a cozy yurt surrounded by freshly fallen snow was fun winter experience for our family. Great ambiance, and the food and service were exceptional. Highly recommend for a unique and memorable outing!“

“Always our “go to” place when in Boston. Never fails.“

“I celebrated my birthday at Hobgoblin with 15 friends in their basement space. There was live music from some talented Berklee students that night, and I can’t say enough good things about the experience.

I was able to make the initial reservation on Resy, modify it as needed by calling the restaurant, and they even gave me a semi private area so that our big group could mingle while listening to the music.

It’s rare for a place to have great food, amazing drinks, a fabulous vibe/atmosphere, AND live music with incredible service. Hobgoblin was all that and more and my friends couldn’t stop raving about how much they enjoyed it. I can’t wait to go back!!“

“Finally posting a review after many visits, including for private events. It's a magical space where every detail is thoughtfully curated. The owners are experimenting and pushing boundaries to create something special and different. The cocktails are off-the-charts, and the bites - when offered - have always been phenomenal!“

“Food was excellent - a definite step up from “standard” pub fare. Service was prompt and friendly. I’ll make a point to come back!“

“MIMI IS AMAZINGGGG. We’ve been here MULTIPLE times and her service has consistently been incredible. She’s very attentive, kind, welcoming, and overall a joy to be around. LOVE HER!“

“Super fun time with me and my friends. Food was phenomenal and the drinks were perfect. Our server was also a gem and 10/10 would come back!!! Thank you for a great night.“

“Attractive room. Great cuisine and wine list. Service was excellent, including host, who graciously sat us when we mistakenly arrived an hour earlier than our reservation. We will gladly return.“

“The pork quesodilla WOW, subtle sweetness, great crunch, gooey cheese. Key lime pie AMAZING not to tart, firm texture. The server Bea. Was so NICE and generous. You can play Mario kart at the bar!!! Music Playlist great. TV size and pool placement are perfect. Definitely coming back for the live music and a differnet food choice.“

“Great place! Historical live music acts have played here for decades! great ownership! Great bartenders!“

“Fate made us unexpectedly arrive at this wonderful place. The experience was unforgettable. I hope that one day it will be repeated, to once again feel the tranquility and pleasure with which every drop of beer was enjoyed. Recommended.?? Let yourself be carried away by each sensation that your senses perceive, it will be unforgettable. The comfort of the bar and the good atmosphere will make you forget all the bad things you have been through and find the meaning of life, so you will toast with emotion for everything, especially for being alive and being happy. Health!

And don't forget that you can play pool billiards.“

“Good music and drinks lol“

“Killer venue, solid talent, awesome staff“

“I just Love the New Republic great atmosphere amazing food great drinks beautiful vibe“

“If you’re looking for a place that’s clean, safe, and FUN to go highly recommend. Awesome food and drinks ($5 sandwiches during happy hour!), lovely outdoor patio dining, and there are still games available to play sanitized between people! So happy to come back here again and get the same great service.“

“Excellent food, service and atmosphere. Highly recommend.“

“We booked the private dining area and had a great experience. Service was great and we were not rushed at all. Food and drinks were good and the overall booking process with Zoey was easy and transparent.“

“Great service, great food, beautiful, cozy, friendly“

“A bar dedicated to my favorite poet? It was a no-brainer that I was gonna love this place. Might add, one of the best Guinness pours I’ve ever had. Perfect!“

“Fantastic place to watch a game. Huge TVs wrap the entire bar. All of the bartenders were exceptionally friendly and provided great service. My burger was surprisingly amazing. I would eat here often if I lived close by. Highly recommended if you’re in town.“

“Went here a few times on our short stay in Boston. Good selection of beers and spirits but what really makes the place is the people behind the bar. TC and the rest of the team were great fun and made me and my wife so welcome. I'm still annoyed though that my songs never came on the jukebox...“

“Went there on a Sat night around 6 pm and were seated right away. Good food. Service was a little slow. Live entertainment was setting up just as we were leaving.

Parking: There is a free lot, but if the restaurant is crowded, the lot will be over flowing.“

“Had a blast. Servers are the best. Singing doorman is so entertaining. Great vibe.“

“This was my first time there and definitely will not be my last. Their food and drink menu looked great, twice as much as what was posted online. Few specials available for both and prices are reasonable. Our waiter was busy but still attentive. Inside and outside seating available, with a take away market connected. This is the fish taco, which could have used more veg & sauce. The plum berry martini was delicious! The grilled chicken sandwich had a huge breast and also a big hit. Parking can be a challenge but I recommend checking out this place.“

“Was staying in Medford, working in Boston for 18 days. The food was so good I ate there 16 of the 18 days I was there.(tried some Italian restaurants while I was there the other 2 nights). Everything I ate was great! The chili was the best I’ve ever ate, the wings were awesome, the loaded nachos, the steak tips, the meatloaf, sweet potato fries, the brussel sprouts, the collard greens, were all great and some of the best southern food I’ve ever ate and I’m from South Alabama! And the drinks were great also. It was my home away from home for 2 1/2 weeks. The atmosphere was very welcoming, Scott, Erin and Sylvia took great care of me. We don’t have places like this down here. 12 out of 10 rating for me! Hope I get to come back and visit. Thanks for making a fella from Tanner Williams, Alabama feel welcome.“

“Treat yourself…come experience Serafina’s“