The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

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!

The OpenTable Team

10 Restaurants

Updated February 12, 2020

Restaurants:	OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, Fromage Wine and Cheese Bar, Alden and Harlow…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Unspecified, European, American…
Neighborhoods:	Back Bay, South Boston, Harvard Square…

OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

$$$$

Unspecified

Back Bay

4.6

1534 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Fromage Wine and Cheese Bar

$$$$

European

South Boston

4.5

29 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Alden and Harlow

$$$$

American

Harvard Square

4.6

4183 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Hojoko

$$$$

Japanese

Kenmore Square / Fenway

4.5

751 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Grill 23 & Bar

$$$$

Steak

Back Bay

4.7

7631 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Ward 8

$$$$

American

West End

4.5

1145 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Committee

$$$$

Greek

Fort Point Channel

4.7

1996 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Russell House Tavern

$$$$

American

Cambridge

4.4

2545 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Supper Club at Capo Restaurant

$$$$

Italian

South Boston

4.9

134 reviews

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.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Bar á vin 1855

$$$$

French

Back Bay

4.7

228 reviews

This Brookline standout delivers a taste of Paris to the middle of this lively Boston suburb. This French restaurant is one of the best bars in Boston. Try some of the authentic French appetizers, like roasted P.E.I. mussels in anchovy butter or scallops in truffle bechamel. The 1855 burger includes beef steak, cheese, red onions, and home fries or salad. Pair dinner with a glass or bottle of fine wine or a "wine flight" of sample pours.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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