50 Best Bars near Watertown

“I have lived in the Boston-esque area for twelve years and have eaten so many good meals, but the fish tacos here are the only meal I needed to have before my upcoming move out west(ern MA). Cocktails are fun and creative, service is 13/10, the XL portions of fries that require to-go boxes are the only fries I’ve ever found to reheat well, and if you’re lucky, Steve will be tending bar. I love going at the slightly quieter times but I’ll never gatekeep the euphoria experienced by a meal here. Bonus perks: Max & Chelsea have the best senses of humor, the murals on the patio are always amazing, the beer and wine selection are vast (also the mocktails!), and the decor always feels like your favorite “I Spy” book.“

“great waiter tonight with his funny face mask 🎭 .. great wine the lemon pasta is to die for I'm love with this place .. great recommendetion thank you for your hospitality 😊 also a restaurant chef and I give 5*****“

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

“Dylan made our experience so much fun!“

“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.“

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

“Great location great food“

“classy drinks and awsome servers“

“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!“

“Great Food , Good atmosphere“

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“Went here last night and it was fabulous! Bartender was awesome, the Dog staff was great! As somebody who works with Dogs on the daily, it was nice to bring my dog here and have somebody else pay attention to her while she played with her friends. The dog staff does a great job, controlling the environment and keeping everybody safe. I plan on making this my weekly spot.“

“We stopped in on the way home from the airport, and it was amazing! From the moment we walked in the door, we felt welcomed. The atmosphere and food were awesome. I highly recommend the Mickey’s Chicken special and the red sangria which was a deep dark red- as sangria should be. Yum! My children loved our Irish waitress who Made them laugh and feel special. This restaurant is over an hour from where we live, but there is no doubt we will travel back often. Wonderful experience!“

“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.“

“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❤️“

“I liked the burger. Truffle Gorgonzola fries were ok— I liked the fries, but didn’t really like the sauce. Stomach felt a little funny after, but not sure if that was the burger or fries.

Food came quick. Space was clean and small but not crowded.

Parking lot out back had multiple spaces available and was $1.35/hr. There’s some 2 hr free spots a few blocks down but you have to parallel park. Some 1 hr free spots closer to the restaurant but those were almost all taken Saturday lunch hour.“

“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.“

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

“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!“

“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!!“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Beautiful hotel bar with attentive staff.“

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

“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!“

“Good music and drinks lol“

“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.“

“One of the last true local venues in the Boston area. A Real club for real musicians to lay a solid foundation to create original music, build a fanbase and collaborate with peers.“

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

“great place to pack all my fans love the staff looking to perform here sometime in the near future“

“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.“

“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!“

“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...“

“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 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.“

“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.“

“The dot tavern has such an amazing environment, the people that work there are amazing. I always have a great time having a couple drinks w my friends!!! Live music is amazing, only the best of the best. Definitely going to keep coming back, Michela is the best bartender!! LOVE THIS “

“Really nice atmosphere. Proper place to have a beer with friends or watch a game. The bartender was super friendly and conversational. Me and my friend just sat down to get two diet cokes, and he let us have it on the house so thats automatically a 5-star review.

You should go here (don't expect any free cokes tho)“