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An Tua Nua
Categories: Restaurants Irish Nightlife Dance Clubs Irish, Dance Clubs [Edit]
835 Beacon St(between Munson St & Arundel St)
Boston, MA 02215
Neighborhood: Fenway
(617) 262-2121
- Nearest Transit:
-
Park Dr @ Beacon St (47, 57, CT2)
Fenway Station - Outbound (Green Line)
Fenway Station - Inbound (Green Line)
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
124 reviews for An Tua Nua
Review Highlights
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"I was impressed with this bar and had a great time there." In 10 reviews -
"If only I loved Miller High Life as much as they do." In 6 reviews -
"This is one of my favorite places to sing karaoke." In 13 reviews
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124 reviews in English
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Review from Brian L.
Boston, MA
1/22/2012
Med school / vet school mixer was held here. Not much conversation can happen when music is blasting at 100 decibels but I'm pretty sure I saw some mixing going on regardless.
Brags: Bartenders were great. One didn't have a problem of answering my ridiculous question of which bottled beers they had (I later noticed the list on the wall), so that was appreciated. The DJ also played some house-y EDM, Levels and something else; it's always appreciated when they play something other than top 40 hip-hop.
Beat: It was a trek walking here from Kenmore in the crappy slushy snow. That's not really the venue's fault though (Fenway is probably a better stop).
Variance: The door guy looked at everyone's IDs in about 2 seconds apiece. He must have really fast reading skills... -
Review from C D.
Boston, MA
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
I like this bar; it's a nice big open space, the bartenders are solid and Wednesday night karaoke is a blast.
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Review from Mark P.
Boston, MA
5/13/2012
This review is for the Wednesday night latin nights in the back room. The floor is great and the music is typically excellent. The huge problem for me is that there is always a shortage of women (especially of good female dancers) so if you're a guy I'd stay away. If you're a gal this is a great place. The lessons before the dancing aren't worth it. This place is next to Fenway Park so parking is bad on game days.
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Review from Kati S.
Boston, MA
3/26/2012
Granted some of it is college nostalgia (I went to BU), but I love An Tua Nua. If you're in the Fenway area and want to go dancing, but want to avoid the long lines of Lansdowne Street, An Tua Nua is the place for you. Drinks are reasonably priced, the comfort cuisine is satisfying and affordable, and the back room is tricked out with the kind of lighting and sound system you'd expect from a downtown nightclub.
Service at the bar is outstanding for a place that does this kind of volume - Josh, Pauline, and Tom are all stellar bartenders and worth getting to know. The crowd is a little young, but hey, that's what happens when we keep getting older and they stay the same age. If you're a college kid, or a recent college grad, you will definitely fit right in. If not, have a couple of shots and take a trip down memory lane. -
Review from Ryan K.
Brookline, MA
4/2/2012
This review is only for a private event. The space is fantastic as they have two rooms one that is more a typical bar up front with windows and the back room is more clubby no windows. Anyways Pauline is a manager and is super great to work with. We have done events with her for three plus years and they always go off flawlessly.
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Review from Kelly O.
11/21/2011
I've frequented ATN a reasonable amount over the years, and it's not great but not terrible either. Your experience fully depends on the atmosphere of the night... for example, Wednesday karaoke has a casual vibe and isn't very packed (although you're dealing with a crowd of regulars so forget trying to edge in on their singing time). Weekend nights tend to be very clubby/young and crowded, especially with the back dance floor. After work tends to be dead. And so on. None of which tend to be spectacular, IMO.
We got food here the other day after work (didn't even know they had food), some of which was good and some not so much, all of which took disturbingly long to make (we were the first people in at 5:30, it's not like the kitchen was slammed). Their menu is small but they have a good apps deal, 2 for $9 and 3 for $15 or something (and for just a few bucks more, a pitcher of Miller Light). The boy and I chose the potato skins (standard), the chicken fingers with honey mustard sauce (surprisingly tasty, the batter was light and almost Shake-and-Bake-esque in a good way), and the beef slider with fries (cold). Our dining companions had the hummus (strange consistency, topped with feta for some reason, didn't come with enough dipping accoutrements), wings (standard), and nachos (not good).
I think ATN's hayday is when you're still in college... the experience gets stale the further you get from your dorm days, and there are better bars out there to frequent no matter what atmosphere you're looking for. I don't actively protest when someone picks this bar (especially since they do sponsor friends' kickball teams), but it's not a place I'd readily choose myself, no matter what the occasion.Listed in: Welcome to Brookline
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Review from Liz K.
Brookline, MA
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went on Wednesday night for drinks and Salsa dancing. It starts filling up around 10. The staff was very friendly and I liked their beer selection. The main room has a huge bar and there is also one in the back room where the dancing is. The bar is one of those cozy-feeling places, but they do have a ton of space.
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Review from Nicole V.
8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have had only a handful, but all memorable, nights at An Tua Nua. I don't think I've woken up alone after a single one of them (Joke. Sort of. I used to live next door so my friends would always crash at my place after. If the live-in-boy at the time didn't stake his place first, none of the girlfriends had a problem cuddling up in my bed. So not-a-joke in a very joke-y way)
There are many sides to An Tua Nua and since I'm into lists today, we'll go through a few:
First I'll talk about their participation in the Beer Marathon: it was a Saturday afternoon around 2pm and there was very little chance I was going to remember anything after 3pm. The waitstaff here was AWESOME. Some of them had some innocent fun with the mid-afternoon drunken debacle going on, but it created such a happy atmosphere. I would have stayed and talked to the bartender with the Irish accent forever but I had to continue the quest of 26 bars. Note to self: She made a great birthday cake shot; I'll be back.
Secondly I'll move onto their food. I've never actually gone. Howeverrrrrrr, we have friends of the family who swear upon it for their pre-game eats. They say it's delicious, fast, friendly, affordable, and a good atmosphere. I'm just passing on the word but they are people I trust.
For the grand finale we can talk about my "21st birthday". I picked this place because the weather was horrible and I had no idea if any of my friends would actually show (thanks for the February birthday, Mom and Dad). I also figured there was the bar to hang out in front or the dance club in the back; EVERYONE would be pleased. By some miracle (accident?), I end up with 20 people at my place and another 10 at the bar. I was a little bitter at the $5 cover (you're welcome for your effortless $150 An Tua Nua), but my sloppy self had a GREAT night. We have many memories of this place that involve awkward proportions to backpacks and I honestly cannot think of An Tua Nua without laughing.
It's not a place I frequent, but writing this review makes me want to change that (in short, for the choice clientele) -
Review from Lauren E.
7/8/2011
I used to come here more in college. I never really cared too much for An Tua Nua and would only come here because the majority wanted to.
I know bouncers are supposed to have a thick skin, but the one's I've encountered here have been rude. One tried to charge us a $5 cover charge to get in when the place was empty inside and the dance floor wasn't open. When he saw we noticed that, we were able to go inside without paying. I understand that most bars charge a cover, but typically on extremely busy nights. An Tua Nua wasn't even packed, and he was clearly trying to take advantage.
This place can either be really packed or more dead than a graveyard. On nights when the dance floor is open, it feels like a frat house party. Music's good, but An Tua Nua has a certain vibe that makes me less likely to return. -
Review from Christina Z.
Winthrop, MA
5/11/2011
When we became seniors at BU, it was time to be baptized in the fermented waters of An Tua Nua. I was overjoyed when my senior housing was settled and we moved in... across the street from An Tua Nua on Beacon Street. Oh, heaven help me. Thursday nights were BU nights (as opposed to lesbian nights or goth nights, which they are rumored to have), and every Thursday I would look out the window, assess the line, and call the girls to make our move.
I have wasted approximately 1.7% of my life waiting in line at An Tua Nua, but it was worth it. It's the kind of place that brings people together. The kind of place that kicks out people with hoodies a la 8 mile. The kind of place where a friend of mine became so infuriated with a young gentleman of Asian descent, he told him he was going to "bring the tsunami to his house." (He was not Japanese). I cringe. Then I drink.
$2 Miller High Life bottles. C'mon, they're the champagne of beers! Excellent grateful deads. Excellent shots. You're glad they keep the lights of because an inch-thick coating of dust lurks on every countertop. I got smashingly drunk on cape codders there with grey goose, and I think it cost me only $10 all-around. I have no idea actually, I was too drunk.
We would go there and dance our bums off. It's a place to see and be seen... and then hide. Because you did something embarrassing. You know what you did.
The back dance floor may look like a barn, but they have buck hunter and that's all that I need to keep me happy.
FYI: I returned on a weekend night after graduating from undergrad 2 years ago, and I'm still in love, and still welcome. We got some glowstick bracelets for some promo thing. Ah, reliving my youth. -
Review from Zoe S.
Wellesley, MA
12/27/2011
Awesome! GET THE NACHOS. THEY ARE THE BEST NACHOS IN THE WORLD.
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Review from Morgan H.
Brookline, MA
8/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
An Tua Nua is one of those places where you go to dance on a Saturday night and get sloppy drunk with your friends. It's a pretty awesome top-50 dance party slash techno style music dance fest when the crowd is right, but make sure you bring your own party, because the dudes are creepers. Something about that back room just makes it seem OK for men to do that let-me-just-creep-up-behind-you-and-start-dancing thing that is just the worst. On the other hand, if you're looking to mix and mingle with some MIT frat boys, this is probably one of your better bets.
If you name drop the right institution (and several of those who are reading this will know what I mean), the great ATN will gladly forgo your cover charge- we often roll deep so we always call ahead.
The food is forgettable, and so are the cocktails, but I've had some awesome times there with some of my best friends. Maybe it's just one of those things where if you're with the right people it doesn't matter where you go.
I'd also like to say, for any Philly peeps out there - THIS IS THE PLACE to watch Eagles, Phillies and Flyers games. No other place in the city feels more like Philly than MNF when the Iggles are playing in the back room at ATN. Baller. Come out in your finest Eagles gear - the crowd is really friendly. The first time I went alone and I was welcomed with open arms and shots of jager. -
Review from Alisha C.
Boston, MA
6/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I have never been to An Tua Nua at a normal time.. I have been here once during a bar crawl (3pm on a Saturday) and then again on a random Tuesday night...
...but Tuesday nights are Cornhole nights! Well, in the midwest we call it cornhole, the people here often look at me as if I have offended them when I ask them if they like cornhole. I suppose here they call it "bean bag toss." Anyways, it was a lot of fun. It is free to play and you have the chance to play every team and then are put on a bracket to have a tournament. I think there were prizes.. but sadly I didn't win any when I realized that beer detracted from my cornhole skillz.
So anyways, I would probably come back at a time when normal people go to bars, but my random experiences with An Tua Nua have been great! -
Review from Ellie W.
12/9/2010
Eep. I never understood the hype surrounding An Tua Nua. It was THE place to be on a Wednesday for awhile, and in reality, it's just a colossal dump. I guess if you don't mind hanging out with kids who basically chose this as a secondary choice to frat parties, it'd be your scene.
It's one big sweaty, drunken mess of a time, and you'll probably walk away wondering why you went, only to have sad college girl who basically made out with bottles of Johnny Walker all night long, spill her drink on your new shirt, step on your shoes, and then vomit three feet away from you, all the while mumbling, shaking her fist, and cursing out her ex boyfriend. You go home and still reek of that indistinguishable funk smell.
If you don't mind, all the power to you, An Tua Nua welcomes you. But I, for one, will pass. -
Review from Ben W.
Boston, MA
7/30/2011
On Sunday, July 31st I went to An Tua Nua to dance with my three friends. At approximately 12:15am, while dancing in the back room, I wanted to smoke a cigarette outside. I looked for the nearest exit, and saw an exit sign to the left of the DJ booth. I went through the doors under the exit sign, and then began to open another door under another exit sign that led outside. As I pushed open the door, a staff member named Peter approached me and asked me what I was doing. As I began to tell Peter that I was following the exit signs, Peter grabbed ahold of me and violently pushed me through the door to the outside. Peter then slammed the door behind me.
I walked over to the entrance of An Tua Nua to speak to another staff member. Jack was standing outside the entrance, so I approached him and explained what Peter had done to me. Jack told me that I should not have been going out that exit and that I should "call it a night". When I told Jack that Peter's behaviors were inappropriate, he repeated that I should not have gone out that door. I asked for an apology from Peter. Jack told me that Peter had not done anything wrong.
I am not going to return to An Tua Nua because the staff physically assaulted me without provocation. -
Review from Bobby H.
Watertown, MA
5/22/2011 32 Check-ins Here
I've been frequenting this place for a while now for one of the special nights they have there. However I had never stopped to actually enjoy what the place had to offer until recently. Boy did I kick myself for not getting food there long ago.
I'm not gonna go into all the gory detail cause I'm just gonna make myself hungry for it and since I can't get any food from there right now that would be a bad idea. But my reccomendation is to give their Pulled Pork a try. Its probably the best i've had outside of a dedicated BBQ joint. -
Review from Susan B.
Boston, MA
10/9/2010
The one thing I don't understand about Yelp is people's hatred for dance-type bars/clubs/whatever. I understand you're all judging college kids for getting their groove on by rubbing their genitals all over each other, but what's so wrong with that? We're young, we're tipsy and we're just trying to have a good time.
I digress.
An Tua Nua is great if you're young, like to dance and don't mind having a drink splashed on you accidentally. The music is Top 40/pop/rap/etc aka the best music to dance to. Thursday Nights have $1 Miller High Life drafts (which I am not a fan of) but they also have Magners on draft (which I am a fan of). Thursday nights do get a line after 10:30ish and the $3 cover is totally worth it. I danced, got sweaty, had High Life splashed a little on my arm but I'm not crabby about it. I'm going back. Woo college!!! -
Review from Anna B.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
12/29/2010
I had my Engagement party here!!
This may sound crazy and a bit unclassy, but this was the cheapest venue we could find that could accommodate all 30 of our obnoxious friends and get us a drunk until 2 in the morning.
The manager, Pauline, is really a cool Irish woman, and we met her the night before when were just happened to check the place out to see if we could reserve a room. Luckily, she helped us out and reserved a section of the front area for us the next night, cozy enough for all of us to sit and go from the dance floor and back.
I have to say, I had a phenomenal night, but I was pretty upset when my friend came from a mile away to give my a bottle of nice champagne to congratulate me, and they wouldn't let me take it inside at all. OF COURSE I'M NOT GOING TO DRINK IT, YOU FOOL. IT'S A GODDAMN BAR- WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE, SOME IDIOT DRUNK GIRL DOWNIN' CHAMPAGNE TO GET KICKED OUT OF HER OWN ENGAGEMENT PARTY?!?!?!
Anyway, besides that, it was fun. The men are incredibly skeezy here (not our friends, of course). They literally shoved their cocks on our crotches and proceeded to gangbang us even though we wanted to dance along as a group of 7-8 girls.
I think our group easily spent $800+ (on friend alone spent $300), and we got liquor in everyone until we were ready to pass out, so it was a good night.
Happy overall.
Crazy night, who knows if it'll happen again.
But An Tua Nua has witnessed it all. -
Review from Chris C.
12/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
Popped in here for a quick after work drink with my coworkers since its literally the closest bar to the parking lot where they all park their cars.
It was completely dead inside and we were the only customers. We didn't try the food and just went with drinks. The beer selection was ok, but they didn't have any interesting selections. They had a couple of higher end bourbons so I ended up going with those which ended up being a good idea as they were priced relatively low. -
Review from Rebecca H.
Norwalk, CT
9/24/2007
EDIT: I'm sorry, are you SH*TTING ME?!?!? FIVE DOLLAR COVER?!?!? FOR AN TUA NUA?!?!?!?! Hells no. I am NOT PAYING to have sketchy guys leer at me. Thanks.
Oh, and learn to make a damn Jack-and-Coke. It's pretty simple. You put in some Jack, then top it off with come Coke. Maybe a lime wedge if you're feeling fancy.
This is a one-star review, now.
It's totally a complete sh!tshow every time I go here. And this past weekend was no different. Kinda sketchy, kinda wonderful, kinda everything I could have hoped for that night. Though, ladies, watch out on the dance floor. Every time I go here-- despite the fact that I'm usually out with my 6-foot-something guy buds-- I get grabbed. Honey, if you want to dance, just ask okay? Because doing what you're doing gets an immediate jab in the ribs, capiche?
A good place for me to get fabulously drunk and then walk the 2-mile trek home to sober up.Listed in: This Ain't No Disco
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Review from Jenna C.
Haverhill, MA
1/15/2008
This isn't really my "scene" so I probably would have never even known it existed if The Boston Derby Dames hadn't thrown a fundraiser here last weekend. I had a good time but I think that was mostly due to the people I was with (dames) not the actual bar itself.
Most of the clientele consisted of drunk college girls in their pink Patriots jerseys, mini skirts and Uggs. Didn't those go out of style like.... oh wait! They were never in. Anyway... I was ALL SET with watching drunken straight girls grinding and slobbering all over each other so once they started making their way into the back room when the game was over we all pretty much cleared out.
So why 3 stars?!
The staff!!! They were amazing! They gave us the entire back room and were helpful every step of the way. The bartenders were attentive and I never had to wait for a drink. One of them even helped me carry my cupcakes inside!
But will I be going back anytime soon? abso-fucking-lutely not. -
Review from virginia c.
Berkeley, CA
1/11/2011
My best friend from college had her B-day Party here, and the drinks are reasonably price (plus you can drop it like it's hot). It's a bar, so the attire is very casual and the age range is 20s-early 30s (but the college kids were on break/not here when i came). And no, the title of the bar is not an Asian theme.. it's an IRISH PUB!
Pros:
1) Talk to the owner about reserving a private party space before the dance floor opens to others. I don't think they charge you, and there is no DJ- but you can just play your IPOD b4 he comes. This can def. accommodate at least 50-75 of your friends comfortably.
2) Wait staff- SUPER FRIENDLY
3) Location (near Fenway stop and it is relatively easy to find parking on the side street). You can also park in Brookline before 2am.
4) DJ/Music (90's/Pop/a little of everything)
Cons
1) They stop serving food like at 9:45 or just a little before? Seriously? They could have made so much money from us if we had some food besides this huge BJ B-day cake.
2) The Bathrooms are dirty and there is no toilet paper (but not as dirty as a Chinatown rest. after late hours).
All and all, I had a great time and I will be back when I am in town. -
Review from Kevin M.
Boston, MA
3/5/2007
DUMP
'nuf said -
Review from Colleen Y.
Cambridge, MA
1/14/2008
I don't know why how I haven't written a review for the Tua yet. It has to be my favorite bar in Boston. I am known as a neighborhoodbody...that is not a homebody and definitely not one to travel across Boston just to get drunk with my roommates.
An Tua Nua is the best of many worlds. It is unpretentious and relatively cheap. The drinks are strong and the bar is almost never over crowded or under crowded.
But what really gets me is the dance floor! The music is the best in town. They actually think about what people want to dance to and not the 'vibe' they are trying to come off as having. As a result everyone is having a blast! Plus the DJ is so responsive, he will play your request within minutes. Love that!
I feel safe at An Tua Nua, like no one i judging me and I don't have to be part of some 'in crowd.'
I know there are always some creepshows trying to get their groove on with us but we are pretty good and getting them to realize we actually did come here to dance with ourselves...shocking I know.
I can't help giving An Tua Nua 5 stars. I wish it was Friday right now so I could go get my groove on to 'that girl is poooison.'Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Matt L.
MA
6/18/2007
I have been here three times this past week before and after Red Sox games. The first time was a bit crowded but the service was fine. The second time I went in and had a few beers with less of a crowd so it was more enjoyable. The last time I went in my zipper on my pants was broken and the barkeep gave me a safety pin with my beer. I was walking around Fenway with a drunken smile and my pants wide open and didn't know it.
This might be the lamest review ever. -
Review from Alex M.
Brighton, MA
10/27/2007
After our kickball games on Sunday, all the players go here to get a few drinks (by few I mean like 4-15). USUALLY a good time, especially when we could play flipcup in the backroom for hours on end, drinking $2 swag drafts.
Last week was a different story, and the staff there unleashed a shitnami tidal wave of poop on us. We were hanging in booths for a bit and wanted to play flipcup, which oddly no one was playing.
Buddy: We can't play flipcup anymore!
Me: HUH.
---I then walked up to a waitress and POLITELY asked "Is it true we can't play flipcup?"
She snaps back "ITS JUST A GAME. GET OVER IT. ITS A STUPID GAME. GET OVER IT."
Anything I said, she countered with GET OVER IT. She was big enough of a bitch that my friends saw, and we all took off. I wouldn't loose sleep if she got hit by a bus. And then the bus backed over her.
Apparently all the bartenders were being douche bags to the kickball people because we weren't spending enough money. When the Sox are in the playoffs I guess you can cherry pick your customers, and we weren't douche-baggy enough to be selected. From the other reviews I think people are in agreement that this place should be replaced with a parking garage. D: -
Review from Mike G.
Somerville, MA
1/23/2008
OK, so you spend several grand upgrading your TVs to HD and then you fail to purchase HD cable...hello? what the fuck? ATN earns a bonus star for their $2.50 Miller High Lifes which came in handy as a student when I was trying to save a buck. But those days have past. I'm an Audubon guy now until I move out in June. Get a L.I. ICE-T from Gene or a Mojito and grab a bowl of chili too...Yum!
The food at ATN is pretty pitiful no less. Here's a hint guys: you're trying to be an Irish pub right? Bring back the Sunday brunch (no idea why you dumped it) and become well known for your Irish breakfast. That alone will bring you tons of business on Sundays. NO ONE in the Kenmore area does a good one as far as I know...
My favorite ATN experience was going there on a Monday night to watch the Redskins/Eagles game as I had money riding on Washington in my pick 'em pool. All of a sudden about 40 obnoxious Eagles fans filter in with their chants of E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES! (I love when fans tout their spelling abilities - yeah I'm talking to you too Jets' fans). So about halfway through the game, the 'skins had taken the lead for good on a TD to Chris Cooley (my tight end in fantasy no less) and the goths show up en masse. Talk about a fucking weird scene. A huge, combustible crowd of green and black degenerates overtook An Tua Nua for the next hour and half. I think that was the last time I ever have or ever will set foot in that place.
Can I have your Ireland/Red Sox flag from out front when you guys go under?Listed in: Audubon Circle
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Review from Katie R.
Boston, MA
9/19/2010
Let me preface this by saying that I gave this place more than one star because the bartenders were very nice and attentive, which is more than I can say about the surly, Jersey Shore rejects standing at the door.
The place itself was mediocre, I went there on a Saturday for my boyfriend's birthday and it was pretty packed. Typical college crowd, and essential drunk frat party playlist.
A few friends stepped outside to have a smoke, I went out to join them holding a beer in my hand. Being from Connecticut I was not aware that you apparently cannot do this in Boston, which is fine, I figured I had a 50-50 shot of being told to go back inside anyways. But this bouncer was beyond rude. At first he starts yelling at me from a distance, barking orders at me saying I needed to get back inside immediately, and begins speed-walking towards me to "chase" me back into the bar. I told him that he did not need to be so rude, which he ignored and yelled "GET BACK INSIDE!". When confronted by my boyfriend and his friends he completely ignored them and walked away, all the while the other bouncer is telling him to chill out, which he also ignored.
I was left to stew in my own juices the rest of night, watching people in Red Sox attire dance to Lady GaGa, and watching that bouncer be extremely nice to the rest of the scantily clad women clientele in the bar. All in all not my scene, but if you like top 40's DJ's and Jersey Shore alpha males by all means, come to An Tua Nua. -
Review from EricaLynn J.
Oaklyn, NJ
Updated - 1/3/2010 8 Check-ins Here
I am proud to report that An Tua Nua has done a major overhaul of their menu and the results thus far have been extraordinary!
They decided to focus on having more Irish fare on their menu, rather than just the usual pub grub. Now instead of mozzarella sticks or a cheeseburger, you can get Guinness beef stew or bangers and mash. Even better is the new and improved presentation of the menu and the meals. If you have been to Tua Nua in the past and was not at all impressed with the food, you owe it to yourself to give their food a real shot now - you can tell that they have put so much care into the new menu, and so far everything I have tasted has been outstanding!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/21/2008
I am updating this review solely for the benefit of fellow Philadelphia Eagles fans in Boston -… Read more »
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Review from Shannon S.
Somerville, MA
9/22/2006
Okay, so admittedly this place is not my scene, so I don't want to be too harsh because I went in under evil pretenses--to make fun of post-red-sox fanatics singing really, really, really bad Karaoke.
First off, it took FOREVER to get served and the not-too-crowded bar. Secondly, the karaoke guy kept singing along to everyone's songs and letting all the girls who flirted with him go up before everyone else. The clientel were crazy Phish dancing BU kids spilling beer all over the place.
Granted, for a Wednesday night--it was pretty lively--and for the most part the people there were harmless and having a good time. The beer selection is pretty weak and I'm not so much a fan of the karaoke guy considering that he stoped taking people so that he could sing two songs in a row.
I've heard that on dance nights it can be a fun Irish bar and admittedly despite my attempts to make fun of the people dancing--I couldn't help but feel that everyone was just doing their own thing--and that's pretty cool in overly-self-aware Boston. I really like that the Karaoke night ALLOWED for dancing because at most Karaoke bars you won't see a lot of that--so that's pretty cool, even if they all looked like they were dancing to a mashup of Nelly and the String Cheese Incident. Lot of hand movement while leaning backwards--never good.
When I went up to the bar--the guys there were super nice and down to earth. Sooooo, An Tua Nua--you're not my style--but I'll give you some cred--you're close to Kenmore and St. Mary's and it was interesting to close out my night with you. -
Review from Amy B.
Portland, ME
6/14/2009
I mostly go to An Tua Nua on Monday's for the goth/industrial/whatever night, Ceremony. I always seem to have a problem there though... I try to go for maybe an hour and wind up staying there way too late! The crowd can be intimidating to someone new to the scene because everyone knows each other, but once you befriend one, you've befriended the rest!
The music tends to be not your average Goth top 40 which is incredibly refreshing. I'm also a bit biased, but I think we have some of the best dancers in the scene anywhere (at least in the States).
The drinks are strong and well worth their price. The venue has great bar munchies but order before 10 when they close the kitchen!
For the latest events checkout http://www.cermonybost... -
Review from Felecia C.
Boston, MA
12/11/2006
Back when I was young enough to handle drinking until 2 AM on Thursdays, An Tua Nua, Copperfield's, and Who's On First comprised the Tripod of Underage Fenway Bars....venues that were based on a big dance floor, hip-hop remixes, sketchy guys, and being easy on IDs. These bars were always packed with BU/BC kids, with everyone trying to score a 21+ bracelet or a dance floor make out sesh. Ah, college.
Returning to An Tua Nua (or Rira's, as we old folk still sometimes call it) opens up the floodgates of memories of such drunken dancing nights, and I admit I was reluctant to go back. However, thinking back to those Thursday nights, I don't remember ever having a BAD time here, just getting fed up with dealing with the same scummy scene every week. But this past weekend, there was little skeeze factor. The bar was nowhere near close to full at 11:30, even on the dance floor, but the crowd slowly picked up over the course of the evening. Sure, there were some interesting characters there trying to pick up chicks, but no one tried to dance up on me...except for the people I was with, and they're allowed.
So, ignoring the fact that An Tua Nua is still probably an 18+ collegefest on Thursday nights, it could be an ok place to go if you want to dance your butt off to some Beyonce and Usher and don't want to wait in line for Tequila Rain. -
Review from Casey W.
Brighton, MA
1/10/2008
Decently large place, decent music to dance to, and a decent front area if you want to try to talk. Basically, this joint is decent. I definitely don't mind coming here, especially if I feel like getting my dance on. They have some tasty, out of the box appetizers too.
Worthy of note: They host salsa nights here on Wednesdays. Who knew Irish bars could salsa? Nowhere but Boston, I tell you. They get an extra star for agreeing to host an OnYourFeetProject-learn-how-to-salsa-and-help-kids -with-cancer-night, tentatively planned for February 13. Who wouldn't love a business that helps raise money for kids with cancer?
(OYFP on Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/bi...) -
Review from Warren D.
Brookline, MA
11/3/2011
In my experience, a collegiate bar through and through. I went Thursday with some friends and, being a young professional, it certainly was my scene. Good dance floors in the front section and back with a good looking, friendly crowd for the most part. I had no problem getting service at any of the bars. The staff was mostly patient and outgoing. I was there through peak hours (around 11 to 1) and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Mostly a BU crowd but I had no problem fitting in.
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Review from Heather G.
Boston, MA
9/10/2010
I like An Tua Nua. I used to live next door and was certainly a regular. This was an at-least-once-per-week stop for me. No, I'm not in college and no, I don't like to get wasted and dance around like a fool. So why, you may ask, do I visit so often?
Well, friends, I will let you in on a little secret that many don't know/appreciate about ATN. ATN is more than just a late-night neighborhood haunt for BU students and recent grads to get sloppy drunk and sweaty on a dark dance floor. During the day, preferably in the summer, preferably when school is out and the South Campus area is relatively quiet, this is a FANTASTIC pub-lunch place. Casual, not particularly busy loud, and a great place to have some grub, enjoy a few pints, and bask in the beautiful sunshine.
They open the large picture windows on nice days, and the sun streams in onto the tables in the main bar area. The menu is cheap, satisfying, and while not particularly healthy, not particularly unhealthy either (this isn't a place that will do fried cheesecake, fried mac and cheese, fried pickles, etc). There is a nice mix of burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a few Irish classics. The fries are DELICIOUS. They are house-made, skin-on, and double-fried (my favorite). While none of the entrée/sandwich items is particularly memorable, they're solidly consistent and average. The fries, beers, and ambiance are what I come back for on sunny afternoons. -
Review from Greg N.
Charlestown, MA
5/30/2011
Honestly, this place was so bad that it prompted me to join Yelp and submit my first review.
I was turned off immediately upon entering. My girlfriend had a coat so I asked the bouncer in back if there was a coat check. When he told us no, I asked him if he knew of a good spot to stash it... He got an attitude so I walked away and tried to stick it in between the wall and an arcade machine. He came over and I explained that I didn't want it to get stolen. He said he didn't care and that he didn't want to have to fish it out in case we forgot it. So I moved it under a chair that was out of the way. A few minutes later the guy picked it up and put it on top of the chair for NO REASON. Obviously the people at this place don't care about the security of their patron's belongings at all and are more worried about a potential and unlikely inconvenience of someone maybe forgetting the jacket they're attempting to protect. The bartender also gave my friend an attitude and the crowd sucked. -
Review from Mats K.
Cambridge, MA
7/26/2006
As with all of the reviews of clubs, it almost seems unfair to rank the establishment based on the club night you were there for.
An Tua Nua is a nice bar, with a sizable front room, decent beer selection and a dance area out back.
Like the previous reviewer I have only ever been here for their Monday nights called "Ceremony" which are a mixed bag.
My opinion is that the house DJ's are utterly terrible, playing completely uninteresting music. On the odd occasion that they have a guest DJ the night can actually be a lot of fun though. -
Review from Amanda G.
1/11/2008
I always have a good time here - not such a BU college scene. Food is actually really decent and the owners are sweet Irish people. They have such a variety of entertainment, depends on the day. I personally like the Wed Night Salsa - the only place to go on weds for latin dancing. Out front at the bar are ur typical Irish pubsters, but the back is this amazingly big secret dance hall.
They've been known to have some goth nights too - dunno if they still do, but every night is different. Check it out! -
Review from Daniel P.
Boston, MA
12/10/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I came here some time back and can't really remember how much I liked it because A. it was a couple months ago and B. I was half a shot shy of falling down drunk by the time I left. Three stars until further notice.
It was an average neighborhood bar, the drinks were decent, and the dancing was a little ridiculous (which seems to be my thing no matter where I go). Other people were fun, the atmosphere was sans douche baggery, and some of them even joined in our group at the poles...
I'd go back. -
Review from Katherine R.
San Francisco, CA
9/19/2010
Oh An Tua Nua, my dear next door neighbor, how our relationship has bloomed of late. We once only stared at each other, pondering the days until I could enter your doors. But now, look how close we have become. I forgive you for having a crowd of 100 outside your doors at 10:30 p.m. on a Thursday night because I should've known that if I wanted to get my hands on some of your dollar drafts I should've left my house at 9:30. And I don't even mind paying you $3 cover when you ask, because let's be honest, all my friends are already inside of you and I just wanna dance!
We might not always be best friends, and your beer-soaked floor ruins my shoes, but if I can't live next to the bar I love, I will love the bar I live next to.
