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The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated December 15, 2023
The historic city of Boston, Massachusetts has earned a reputation for its loud and proud sports fans and as the home to some of the world's most prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. In this traditionally Irish city, nearly a quarter of its population comes from outside the United States, including Latin America and Asia. When it comes to the best bar in Boston, the city hosts everything from traditional pubs to salsa clubs. But where are the smartest, savviest people in Boston headed out to when looking for the best bars in the city? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. Here, we've gathered information from in-the-know locals to find the best bar in Boston. Grab a seat at the bar in "Beantown" where everyone knows your name!
OAK Long Bar + Kitchen
4.5 (1881)
$31 to $50
Unspecified
Back Bay
After exploring Boston's Newbury Street and Back Bay neighborhoods, the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen offers one of the best bar in Boston atmospheres. This stylish, colorful restaurant boasts a fun, farm-to-table menu. Pick something off the extensive wine menu or a craft beer to go along with dinner. Small plates include lamb meatballs, shishito peppers, and crispy duck drumettes with bread and butter pickles. The Oak burger features wagyu chuck, smoked bacon, American cheese, and djionnaise. Try the "Green Circle" chicken with roasted vegetables and cipollini jus.
Top review
EthanMVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Really good shrimp and grits. Atmosphere is bustling. Chairs are cushy and very comfy.
After exploring Boston's Newbury Street and Back Bay neighborhoods, the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen offers one of the best bar in Boston atmospheres. This stylish, colorful restaurant boasts a fun, farm-to-table menu. Pick something off the extensive wine menu or a craft beer to go along with dinner. Small plates include lamb meatballs, shishito peppers, and crispy duck drumettes with bread and butter pickles. The Oak burger features wagyu chuck, smoked bacon, American cheese, and djionnaise. Try the "Green Circle" chicken with roasted vegetables and cipollini jus.
Top review
EthanMVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Really good shrimp and grits. Atmosphere is bustling. Chairs are cushy and very comfy.
Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant
4.4 (39)
$30 and under
American
South Boston
Right in the heart of South Boston, the Fromage Wine and Cheese Bar brings classic European vibes to the middle of Boston. Stop in to grab a drink and a bite to eat among the friendly, young-professional crowd in the area. Start with truffle french fries, chicken Kiev, or tuna cakes with the house special-blend seasoning. Enjoy fine red and white wines from around the world with standout cheeses. There's also a full beer menu, with lagers from Jack's Abbey, Budweiser, Duvel, and Fat Tire. Be sure to try a draft of the Cisco Whale Tail pale ale or Lagunitas IPA.
Top review
LAUREN
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
Great spot! Delicious charcuterie and wines. Friendly and attentive service. Will definitely be back!
Right in the heart of South Boston, the Fromage Wine and Cheese Bar brings classic European vibes to the middle of Boston. Stop in to grab a drink and a bite to eat among the friendly, young-professional crowd in the area. Start with truffle french fries, chicken Kiev, or tuna cakes with the house special-blend seasoning. Enjoy fine red and white wines from around the world with standout cheeses. There's also a full beer menu, with lagers from Jack's Abbey, Budweiser, Duvel, and Fat Tire. Be sure to try a draft of the Cisco Whale Tail pale ale or Lagunitas IPA.
Top review
LAUREN
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
Great spot! Delicious charcuterie and wines. Friendly and attentive service. Will definitely be back!
Alden and Harlow
4.6 (4904)
$30 and under
American
Cambridge
Cambridge's Harvard Square is a must-go location for anyone visiting Boston. Take some time to stroll around the Harvard campus and the exciting neighborhood nearby. After exploring, stop into a place always mentioned as the best bar in Boston in Alden & Harlow. Right underneath Harvard's beloved Brattle Theatre, Alden & Harlow is a welcoming place with a great drink and food menu. Try the "Beast of Burden" cocktail, with Maker's Mark, quince jam, and rosemary. Beer selections include favorites from Zero Gravity, Grimm, and Brooklyn Brewery. If diners get in early enough, the must-have is the Alden & Harlow's famous "secret burger" with a house blend of beef and a house-made roll.
Top review
Beau
Dined 4 days ago
Unique delicious elevated pub food, served in sharing/tapas sizes. Healthy and fried options to suit everyone. Not too loud or crowded. A little pricey compared to pub food, but affordable compared to nearby elevated dining. $110 for two people (four dishes, one dessert, one beer). Definitely worth it for the right occasion.
Cambridge's Harvard Square is a must-go location for anyone visiting Boston. Take some time to stroll around the Harvard campus and the exciting neighborhood nearby. After exploring, stop into a place always mentioned as the best bar in Boston in Alden & Harlow. Right underneath Harvard's beloved Brattle Theatre, Alden & Harlow is a welcoming place with a great drink and food menu. Try the "Beast of Burden" cocktail, with Maker's Mark, quince jam, and rosemary. Beer selections include favorites from Zero Gravity, Grimm, and Brooklyn Brewery. If diners get in early enough, the must-have is the Alden & Harlow's famous "secret burger" with a house blend of beef and a house-made roll.
Top review
Beau
Dined 4 days ago
Unique delicious elevated pub food, served in sharing/tapas sizes. Healthy and fried options to suit everyone. Not too loud or crowded. A little pricey compared to pub food, but affordable compared to nearby elevated dining. $110 for two people (four dishes, one dessert, one beer). Definitely worth it for the right occasion.
Hojoko
4.6 (997)
$31 to $50
Japanese
Fenway–Kenmore
This Japanese-style tavern brings fine "izakaya"-style dining to the heart of the Fenway neighborhood. Before or after a Red Sox game, Hojoko is the place to be for a lively atmosphere and great food and drink. Grab the "bushido" to drink for the table, with a big and bold taste. Other favorite sakes include the Hoyo "Farmers Daughter" and the Tedorigawa "Lady Luck Junami Daiginjo." One of the most fun parts about Hojoko? The "lazy bones handrolls" option. Diners can roll their own handrolls served on a whirling lazy susan. Pick from big-eye tuna ribs, avocado, cucumber, and much more.
Top review
Maria
Dined on Mar 13, 2025
The portions are too small and it's pricy but the good is good.
This Japanese-style tavern brings fine "izakaya"-style dining to the heart of the Fenway neighborhood. Before or after a Red Sox game, Hojoko is the place to be for a lively atmosphere and great food and drink. Grab the "bushido" to drink for the table, with a big and bold taste. Other favorite sakes include the Hoyo "Farmers Daughter" and the Tedorigawa "Lady Luck Junami Daiginjo." One of the most fun parts about Hojoko? The "lazy bones handrolls" option. Diners can roll their own handrolls served on a whirling lazy susan. Pick from big-eye tuna ribs, avocado, cucumber, and much more.
Top review
Maria
Dined on Mar 13, 2025
The portions are too small and it's pricy but the good is good.
Grill 23 & Bar
4.7 (8904)
$50 and over
Steak
Back Bay
This legendary steakhouse is always mentioned when it comes to the best bar in Boston. A dining destination for the city's movers and shakers, Grill 23 & Bar is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab cocktails off their "classic" or "contemporary" menus. Try the "South Boston Sling," with Bacardi Gold 8, pineapple juice, and house sweet Vermouth. A peach old-fashioned includes Bulleit rye, house bitters, and an orange spritz. For dinner, go for some of the "best of the best" steak options. Those feature dry-aged prime New York, American Kobe cap steak, and 100-day aged prime ribeye.
Top review
LaurenVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always a great experience! The food is excellent!
This legendary steakhouse is always mentioned when it comes to the best bar in Boston. A dining destination for the city's movers and shakers, Grill 23 & Bar is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab cocktails off their "classic" or "contemporary" menus. Try the "South Boston Sling," with Bacardi Gold 8, pineapple juice, and house sweet Vermouth. A peach old-fashioned includes Bulleit rye, house bitters, and an orange spritz. For dinner, go for some of the "best of the best" steak options. Those feature dry-aged prime New York, American Kobe cap steak, and 100-day aged prime ribeye.
Top review
LaurenVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always a great experience! The food is excellent!
Ward 8
4.7 (1341)
$30 and under
American
West End
Boston's West End is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Nestled next to the T.D. Garden, the West End is a charming spot with some of the best bars in Boston. Ward 8 is right at the top of that list. Head into enjoy some of the restaurant's signature craft cocktails and local craft beers along with a fun menu. Try snacks like fried olives, bar nuts, and ricotta crostini. Starters include coconut curry mussels, salmon tartare, and pork belly steam buns. Don't miss the restaurant's signature fried chicken sandwich with spicy mayo on seeded brioche.
Top review
RussellKVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Good food, good service. No Gluten free options other than a $45 steak.
Boston's West End is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Nestled next to the T.D. Garden, the West End is a charming spot with some of the best bars in Boston. Ward 8 is right at the top of that list. Head into enjoy some of the restaurant's signature craft cocktails and local craft beers along with a fun menu. Try snacks like fried olives, bar nuts, and ricotta crostini. Starters include coconut curry mussels, salmon tartare, and pork belly steam buns. Don't miss the restaurant's signature fried chicken sandwich with spicy mayo on seeded brioche.
Top review
RussellKVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Good food, good service. No Gluten free options other than a $45 steak.
Committee
4.5 (2468)
$30 and under
Greek
Fort Point Channel
A local after-work haven for working professionals, Committee is one of the best bars in Boston. Stop in for some exquisite Greek-inspired cuisine and a few drinks while strolling around the Fort Point neighborhood. Start with a spanakopita spread, lobster "toast" with kohlrabi slaw, or spicy tyropita with phyllo cheese pie. For seafood, try the scallop saganaki with sun-dried tomato-ouzo sauce and pickled zucchini.
Top review
Stephanie
Dined 6 days ago
Everything we tried was delicious! Great ambiance and service. A great experience all around! I recommend the trio of dips, the lamb chops, and the octopus. The salad with cucumber and tomato was fresh and delicious too!
A local after-work haven for working professionals, Committee is one of the best bars in Boston. Stop in for some exquisite Greek-inspired cuisine and a few drinks while strolling around the Fort Point neighborhood. Start with a spanakopita spread, lobster "toast" with kohlrabi slaw, or spicy tyropita with phyllo cheese pie. For seafood, try the scallop saganaki with sun-dried tomato-ouzo sauce and pickled zucchini.
Top review
Stephanie
Dined 6 days ago
Everything we tried was delicious! Great ambiance and service. A great experience all around! I recommend the trio of dips, the lamb chops, and the octopus. The salad with cucumber and tomato was fresh and delicious too!
Russell House Tavern
4.6 (2833)
$30 and under
American
Cambridge
A Harvard Square highlight, this dark-lit and lively spot in the heart of the neighborhood is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab a seat in the comfortable underground lounge to dine on small plates like duck poutine, Jonah crab cakes, and spicy shrimp Rangoon. Entrees include stuffed spaghetti squash, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and braised lamb Osso Bucco. Pair dinner with local beers from Fiddlehead, Maine Beer Company, and the Schilling Beer Co.
Top review
IraVIP
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
Another wonderful experience. Table was ready when we arrived at 7:30pm our server was attentive, knew every item on the menu and made wonderful recommendations. Will be back.
A Harvard Square highlight, this dark-lit and lively spot in the heart of the neighborhood is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab a seat in the comfortable underground lounge to dine on small plates like duck poutine, Jonah crab cakes, and spicy shrimp Rangoon. Entrees include stuffed spaghetti squash, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and braised lamb Osso Bucco. Pair dinner with local beers from Fiddlehead, Maine Beer Company, and the Schilling Beer Co.
Top review
IraVIP
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
Another wonderful experience. Table was ready when we arrived at 7:30pm our server was attentive, knew every item on the menu and made wonderful recommendations. Will be back.
Supper Club at Capo Restaurant
4.8 (279)
$30 and under
Italian
South Boston
This hidden gem underneath Capo Restaurant in the South End is one of the best bars in Boston. Head in to enjoy live entertainment, live music, and a fun Italian food menu. Grab one of the Roman pizzas for a hearty meal. Try the four-cheese bread pie, with roasted garlic, oregano, and marinara. House-made pasta selections include sausage cavatelli with pink vodka sauce and broccolini or short rib ravioli with smoked potato and marsala.
Top review
Casey
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
Went during Sinatra Sunday. Entertainment was wonderful. Server visits were few and far between. Ordered a steak medium rare and when it came out 40 mins later it was well done. Luckily, our server gave us no trouble about it.
This hidden gem underneath Capo Restaurant in the South End is one of the best bars in Boston. Head in to enjoy live entertainment, live music, and a fun Italian food menu. Grab one of the Roman pizzas for a hearty meal. Try the four-cheese bread pie, with roasted garlic, oregano, and marinara. House-made pasta selections include sausage cavatelli with pink vodka sauce and broccolini or short rib ravioli with smoked potato and marsala.
Top review
Casey
Dined on Mar 9, 2025
Went during Sinatra Sunday. Entertainment was wonderful. Server visits were few and far between. Ordered a steak medium rare and when it came out 40 mins later it was well done. Luckily, our server gave us no trouble about it.
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