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Bell In Hand Tavern
- Nearest Transit:
-
Congress St @ Hanover St (191, 192, 193)
Congress St @ North St (191, 192, 193, 325, 326, 4, 92, 93)
Haymarket Station - Outbound (Orange Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
216 reviews for Bell In Hand Tavern
Review Highlights
"it's the oldest tavern in America."
(in 51 reviews)
"5) They have live music every night."
(in 16 reviews)
"...is a hidden jewel playing some of Boston's best cover bands."
(in 8 reviews)
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216 reviews in English
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Review from Annmarie L.
Arlington, MA
10/31/2011
Despite the terrible experiences I have had at Bell In Hand in the past (2 stars at best), I have to give it to the Bell In Hand for being a fabulous place to host a private party.
We had our annual Halloween Fundraiser there during the Halloween Nor'Easter of 2011 (c'mon, you know that storm will go down in infamy). The staff could not have been better to work with, from giving us all the time we needed to pass along our guest list to providing free cover and a separate entrance so no one had to wait in line. They even put together a special themed drink list and let us come in early to decorate the back room! The bartenders and waitstaff were dressed up and in great moods throughout the evening, seemingly enjoying the party as much as we were.
The only thing that would have given them the elusive 5th star for a private party venue would have been access to a private bathroom. I shudder to recall the sorry state of the restrooms even early on in the evening.
All in all, a great night had for a great cause, and a somewhat redeeming evening for the Bell In Hand in general. -
Review from Albert W.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Whoever says this is the "oldest bar in America" has been fooled by Bell In Hand's marketing. The oldest tavern is the White Horse in Rhode Island, and the oldest continually operating bar is LaFitte's Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans. Nur on your claims Bell in Hand!
Despite their fallacious claims, Bell in Hand still manages to attract a lot of Massholes, fat chicks and clueless tourists. It's quite a mixed crowd of rowdy bar hoppers on the weekends. Paul Revere would be rolling in his grave if he saw the state of his favorite watering hole today and paid $7.50 for a Sam Adam beer.
PROS:
- Fairly large place with 4 different bars split between two levels. The top floor gets somewhat "clubby" after 10 PM.
- Live bands on the ground floor and DJ's on the top floor.
CONS:
- Despite the charming exterior and historical background of this bar, the inside doesn't really do much justice to its age. The antiquity of the bar has really been spoiled by the modernized interior.
- Cover charge of $10 after 9pm or so. -
Review from Ilya M.
Staten Island, NY
1/27/2012
What a stupid idea....Its like Applebees bar meets teen night Karaoke. Come on people!!! This is the oldest bar in America!!
I guess this is what Boston does to history....SH1Ts on it -
Review from Joanna F.
1/15/2012
Bell in Hand is what it is - pretty sketchy, a drunken shitshow, but fun and good for dancing. That's why I wanted my friend's bachelorette party to end there.
It was quite a disaster trying to get in touch with the manager to get line privileges. I called at least four times, was told he would get back to me days before he actually did, but in the end he came through. Not only were we added to the "list" for the night, but he waived all of our covers.
My one complaint - my jacket came back from the coat check reeking of smoke. Strange. But the coat check is free, so I guess it's ok? It just adds to the shady appeal! -
Review from Daniel R.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
It was my first time here as a visitor... I'd say it could've been a bit better.
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Review from Mark S.
Quincy, MA
2/1/2012
I've been here a couple times. Most recently I went here to dance and get drunk a ton. Before that, I went here and tried to kick it with some other friends and there wasn't too much happening on the first floor. The drinks are fine but the people at the door could be better with letting people in. I'm pretty sure that charging at the door before 10pm isn't really kosher and then turning people away is just ridiculous. Although I've never had a bad time, it's happened to people I knew.
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Review from Marcus D.
Updated - 1/7/2012
I still despise this place, but why did I come here? A buddy was back in town from California with his bride and knew the band.
Also a big "F U" to the cab drivers outside who treat me like a tourist - I had to go through a couple of them before I got in one (try to tell me the Callahan Tunnel is closed!)
As far as being the oldest bar, I thought that crown went to the Warren Tavern - McSorleys and the Ear Inn in Manhattan are way cooler than the Bell, and more likely much older.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/2/2009
Again, I am getting way too old for these places. Then again, when I was 23 I was way too old.
I… Read more »
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Review from Jamie G.
12/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came to an event here for a friend of a friend's business launch. Great place to have an event/party, BTW. Pros and cons:
Pro: Cute inside, nice brick walls, great windows with good views of Boston, lots of space, two bars upstairs.
Con: No Hendricks. booo.
Pro: Food was decent- I tried all kinds of appetizers- I think the bruschetta was the best
Con: Expensive. But it is downtown Boston.
Pro and Con: Location. Nice area down town by Faneuil Hall, unless of course, you dont live near Fanueil Hall and have to commute into the city to get here.
I still had an okay time, but would probably only come back here if I was invited to another big event, or had a specific reason to come here. -
Review from Caitlin C.
Boston, MA
12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for the lovely Tiff D's birthday party and was pleasantly surprised. Sure, it stunk that we had a "reserved" section to ourselves that random people kept coming into anyway, but what can you do. They provided food for party-goers, which I didn't get a chance to try since I was late, but I heard it was decent.
If you want to go up to the second floor where there are more bars/more dancing, try to get up there early - we went up around 10 and there was a line shortly thereafter. -
Review from Jack N.
10/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Yeah because I live in Texas I guess I'm officially a tourist now, but I grew up in Rhode island and have lived and worked in Boston, so there's that. I will say that I only know about this place because of some "real tourists", friends of mine from St. Louis.
I had not gone to the Bell in Hand until one of my colleagues told me about it as part of her "discover Boston" trip last year. She and her husband did the Freedom Trail, etc, and found this "oldest tavern in America" or something like that for the Bell in Hand. A bunch of colleagues met there last year, and had a good time.
I was staying a five minute walk away on this trip, so I figured I'd jump down there to have a beer by myself.
I grabbed an empty bar stool readily enough on this Tuesday evening and ordered My Guinness was perfectly poured - I was dismayed that the kitchen was closed, but it was 10 o'clock so I can hardly claim surprise..
It was their karaoke competition night and let me tell you - there were some amazing singers. I was blown away. And I HATE karaoke.
I like the Bell in Hand and I'll be back.
Side Note: Not being able to eat at the pub, I left at 11 and walked down Hanover Street to try and find a slice of pizza. Nothing. Nada. All places except little convenience stores were closed. Something is very wrong in the world when I can walk down a street in Austin, TX at 11 on a Tuesday and find a slice of pizza, but I can't in the North End of Boston. -
Review from Damien S.
10/28/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Big ups for a proper karaoke stage and setting, and for being tolerable in the great social wasteland that is Faneuil Hall. Semi-downs for the head scratching pricing structure at the bar - $8.50 well vodka soda, $8.50 premium vodka soda, $6 Moscow Mule. Make em say wha? WHA? Nuh-nah-nah-naaaaah.
I've had friends unjustly booted from the bar and a week later, get showered with praise (and $30 in booze!) for placing in a sing-off. The mixed crowd makes for great pplwtchng - suits and conventioners spitting game at jerseyed Garden-goers while yahdoodz belt out A Whole New World. Don't you dare close your eyes.
Avoid eating here unless you like scarfing the same Sysco stuff they serve everywhere around it, and show up early to avoid the cover. Neither are worth entry. As a New Englander, though, you owe it to yourself to patronize, at least once, the oldest operating bar in the United States.
Even if the Warren Tavern would say otherwise (and for sake of playing favorites, I'll side with WT). -
Review from Sean S.
Brighton, MA
1/7/2012
I came here once when it was a Friday night and filled with idiot college kids. I stayed for a pint and left with the intention of coming back on a quieter night. I've been back several times. it's a novel place to take out of town guests when it's quiet. The ambiance is slightly above OK and does somewhat retain a rustic feel to it. I've had appetizers here and they were OK. The two letters this place seems to always gravitate back to is O and K. For America's oldest Tavern (which they love to advertise), I would definitely expect more. Although, if you happen to be in the near area and want to sit down and have a Sam Adams at America's oldest Tavern, it's worth it at least once. Just don't go on a Friday night. Early evening in the start of the week I found to be best.
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Review from Julie S.
12/22/2011
When I was told that my office holiday party was going to be here, I will admit that I was a bit skeptical, but we actually had a blast! They put us in a private area upstairs which they opened up to the public around 10:00. The bartenders were friendly. The coat check was free. The drinks were strong--though a bit pricey. The baked ziti and appetizers we had were surprisingly good. And the DJ did a great job of mixing kitschy 90s music that we all loved dancing to with more current stuff. While it's not my usual crowd, the atmosphere was fun (nice brick walls, big windows that counter normal club claustrophobia...) so I can imagine that going with a large group of friends again would be enjoyable. All in all, a great night! And if any of you are thinking about hosting a private gig here, I definitely recommend it.
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Review from Daniel P.
Boston, MA
11/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
A pretty standard joint with bar below and dance floor above. The drinks are what you'd ask for, nothing more nothing less. My scotch and soda could have been a bit more scotchy, but I wouldn't have expected it to be. The music was Top 40/mainstream 90s-00s, the clientele is sweater-over-button downs, tights and wedges, skinny jeans and cropped t-shirts wearing, and they're in a convenient location.
I think I'll take a walk down further to see what other places occupy the surrounding buildings next time. -
Review from Chris B.
Hampton, NH
12/28/2011
Fun nightlife, capacity sucks when traveling to and from the 2nd floor, especially bad during the winter when you just want to get your coat and leave.
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Review from Ellen H.
9/17/2011
Ugh - I sure hope this place was better when my parents used to drink here, otherwise I will start to question my own upbringing...
First things first - the line is ridiculous! Maybe this is a good sign or a bad sign -- they only take about 5 people at a time, then a 10 minute wait, then 5 more, etc., etc... look forward to a wait about 45 min to 1.5 hours!!
We finally get in (after shelling over $10 cover) and we turn to go upstairs because we'd rather hear a DJ than the band downstairs (not to say anything bad about them, we're just a DJ kinda crowd).. alas the GUARD at the bottom of the stairs tells us there is a line.. I ask "where is the line?" so I can get in it, and he replies -- indignantly -- "pff, I dont know!" .. so much for my aspirations of higher altitude. I seek shelter at lower levels.
I find my refuge in a 4-person bar-height table unoccupied near a different bar with waiter service (awesome). The waitress is an absolute doll and brings drinks quickly and often. The prices are average and there is absolutely zero pressure on us to leave our spot. TO ALL FUTURE BIH-GOERS - WALK IN, TURN LEFT ! DO NO GO UPSTAIRS, DO NOT PASS GO, DO NOT SPEND $200!
Overall, this place was rules and regulations door in to door out. If you're out to have a good time and LET LOOSE, go elsewhere! -
Review from Lisa G.
Richmond, VA
12/15/2011
Only came for a quick drink. Love the history of the place. It's a bit touristy (I was one myself), but my drink was perfect and the crowd was friendly.
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Review from Pete J.
9/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
There is little to compare this place with the dross that is the rest of the Faniel Hall bar scene. It's got some history, but so does every other building in the neighbourhood. The food is inedible, the drinks overpriced and the staff surly.
But the tourists love it. -
Review from Kyle D.
Wakefield, MA
12/17/2011
Another small dive bar. It is hardly a lounge. Hated it!
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Review from Katie C.
9/27/2011
The Bell in Hand (BIH) is one of those places that you know you'll have to put up with a lot of crap in hopes to have a good time. It's a pain to get in, a pain to get drinks when the bars are two deep, and trying to get upstairs is ridiculous on most weekend nights. However, once you are inside, overall, it's a fun time. The bartenders are nice and friendly as long as you aren't a total ass to them. Everyone is drinking and most people are dancing. Drinks are priced on par with other nearby places, cold, and strong!
Every local knows that trying to get upstairs in the BIH on a Friday or Saturday night is like trying to break into Fort Knox. The wannabe jail warden keeping watch at the stairs doesn't help at all, either. Your best bet is to get there around 8:30/9:00 with friends before the line forms outside, before there is a cover charge, and before there is a line to get upstairs. To be honest, I'm not sure what the "appeal" of the upstairs is ... maybe it's the restricted access or the altitude, but it always spells trouble. I can't think of a time I haven't been upstairs and able to remember it the next morning. Well, my credit card statement remembers it for that matter.
I'm convinced you haven't truly lived in Boston until you've been carried down the stairs at BIH at the end of the night.
Management has always been great working with organizations to hold fundraisers for non-profits. Plus, since most events are upstairs, it serves as an easy way to get upstairs if you plan on spending all night there.
The people-watching aspect is great. It isn't really a "local" spot per se. It attracts a lot of people from out of town making an evening of bar hopping from one place to another in Faneuil Hall. If you're looking for a local spot, your best bet is to go towards the Beacon Hill, Back Bay, or South End areas.
I wouldn't eat here if it was the last place on Earth... it is the oldest tavern in the US and from the looks of walking by, I think the kitchen is just as old. If you're looking for good food in the area, your best bet is to head towards the North End or down towards the waterfront. -
Review from Katie M.
Cambridge, MA
7/18/2011
If you like bouncers who throw out homophobic slurs right out side the bar then this might be the bar for you.
In the fanueil hall area on Friday night heard the bouncers calling a patron the F word. you think in this day and age that would be unacceptable but apparently it is okay for uneducated bouncers on an ego trip.
Gross! -
Review from Ben F.
Valley City, ND
8/1/2011
I want to give this place props for its long history.
And yet, the fact that the beers we ordered here were so expensive means this place isn't a necessary place to go to. Given that the beer selection is decent but not overwhelmingly great, Bell in Hand is a place that you might go to if you have the time, but it is miss-able. -
Review from Jo-Anna L.
Milton, MA
9/6/2011
Decent, but nothing amazing.
I stopped here for lunch the other day. Got the buffalo Chicken wrap. It was fine, nothing earth-shattering. Prices I thought were reasonable, considering they're the nation's oldest tavern. I didn't get any drinks, so I can't comment on that. It's not a bad stop for lunch if you're in Fanuil Hall. The waitress seemed to be doubling as a hostess and seemed a bit overworked, but maybe she was just new, I don't know. -
Review from Alan N.
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
History rocks! While I was walking the Freedom Trail I decided to stop here in the oldest bar in America. I decided to have something to eat as well so I got a house beer (Bell-In-Hand) and placed an order for the Black & Bleu Burger. The beer was a nice nutty ale that hit the spot and to be honest the burger was probably the best Bleu Cheese burger I've had in a long time if not ever.
I'd give this place 5-stars but for the service. I was there in the early afternoon so it wasn't busy, there were two wait girls and one bartender. The bartender was busy and she was actually the one that took my order and served me. It was like she was the only one working. All-in-all I enjoyed my meal and beer in this historic tavern and hope to someday return and give it another try! -
Review from Derrick C.
Buffalo, NY
11/1/2011
Default late-night spot in the North End. First level has multiple rooms, coat check, and sometimes live music. Second floor tends to be more for dancing.
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Review from Lisa O.
7/19/2011
That whole "oldest tavern in the country" thing is pretty cool.
But otherwise? Expensive and mediocre. -
Review from Erik M.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Were it not for the history of the tavern, I probably wouldn't have gone out of my way to visit during my first trip to Boston nearly a decade ago. These days, every time I find myself in the North End I try to pop into the Bell in Hand for a drink or two, not because it's a great pub so much as it's a little piece of history that makes the area such a cool little part of town.
One of my fondest memories of a previous trip to Boston includes ducking into the Bell in Hand moments before the sky opened up and dumped a near record-breaking amount of rain for the rest of the afternoon. I snagged a table by an open window and burned a good chunk of the afternoon nursing Harpoon IPAs while reading my book and watching crowds scramble in from the rain.
If you're visiting town, it's definitely worth a visit even if only to say you visited the oldest tavern in the country. But there's also something that keeps the locals coming back as well. -
Review from Matt L.
5/11/2011
"Hear ye, hear ye. Tourists welcome!" (That is what I assume they yell when ringing the titular bell.)
We were very hungry, and wanted some quick pub fare for lunch before setting off downtown. I'd never eaten at any of the bars in the Faneuil Hall area, and Bell In Hand won. Maybe it was because they are advertised as the oldest something or other...
Service was pretty average, as was the interior. There was a Sox game going on, so there were a handful of folks hanging out.
I got a deep-fried bacon wrapped hot dog and fries. They serve it with a cup of hot sauce, and it works really well. It was actually all very good. But not $12 good. Maybe $6 good.
Oh well, I knew what I was getting myself into. I probably won't be back, but now I can say "yeah, I've been there... not so great" when I am playing tour guide. -
Review from Stephen G.
Newport, KY
10/9/2011
Boston deserves some kind of special award for taking USA's oldest, most historic tavern ("The Bell in Hand", dating back to 1795) and turning it into little more than a shoddily-average sports bar. However my fries DID taste like they were cooked 216 years ago, so that was something.
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Review from Mike H.
Brookline, MA
5/20/2011
So I don't really know what to think about this place. I originally chose this because there's no dress code, cover is relatively cheap for Boston, and then it' a unique setting.
I didn't have to wait in line here outside very long, but I came at about 9:45-10. My friend who came later had to wait about half an hour to get inside and then an extra 15 mins to get upstairs though. I think that is my one gripe about the place. There was a second line. I was there early enough so I didn't have to wait and the guy watching the stairs to go upstairs was really, really cool, but I don't know why there is a separate line inside. Maybe the floor is too weak or whatever?
The drinks were strong enough so I was okay with them and most of the bartenders were lively. (There was once that just looked like he wanted to jump out a window, but I'll assume he was having an off night.)
The clientele is...very interesting. The downstairs is pretty much a Bro Show, while the upstairs is for the girls that just want to dance around their purses and guys who want to watch the girls dance around their purses. There was one guy who was just in his own zone and that pretty much made my life. He was interpretive dancing and swaying by himself. Made my birthday night complete. If you can go see him, (not like he has a schedule or anything,) you're in for a treat.
Overall this place was cool, but not my cup of tea. I might be back with friends if they pick it, but I'm looking elsewhere before going here on my own again. -
Review from Paul S.
Concord, CA
10/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is cool, right in the heart of downtown Boston. They claim to be the oldest bar in America. Pretty sweet. If you are walking the Freedom Trail, you can't miss it. Stop in for a cold beer - they have a huge selection. And also a decent food menu.
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Review from Holly S.
10/2/2011
Lots of history here, but you would never know unless you did a little outside research, which I'm sure most people who come here have. It is one of the oldest bars in Boston, but I believe the Warren Tavern in Charlestown outdates it by a whopping five or so years. I was a little disappointed because Bell in Hand seems like any other bar in Boston... was I missing something? But other than that, it has drinks and nice bartenders. I believe that is called a bar doing their job right.
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Review from Alison D.
9/30/2011
it's historic? They serve alcohol? There's giant open windows on a nice day? It's like walking the freedom trail, except you can drink and sit while watching others walk. It's a fun cheesy bar at night. but as the years pass, I prefer heading in there in the daytime to chill out from time to time. I get a lot of visitors who want to do touristy things, and this is a great place to take a break from that, because what good is the freedom trail without a few pit stops in bars?!?!
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Review from Laura K.
12/6/2010
DISCLAIMER: This review is for Tuesday nights only. All other nights, this place is a onepointfive-star, absolute-worst, faneuil hallesqe dive. Also, the food is edible at best. I'd rather go to the Green Dragon. See: http://tinyurl.com/2cg...
I want a bar with a bell in hand
I want a bar with an easy touch
I want a place I can spend some time
Not come and go in a heated rush
I want a bar that will understand
When it comes to love, I want a slow hand... with a bell in it.
Tuesday night karaoke: worst; best; all of it; rolled into one within-stumbling-distance-from-home shitshow of a night. I never meet hilarious, fun or interesting people here - though that's not really critical because I usually plan to meet at least 10 of my friends who fit this criteria/ these criterion and fill my quota for the evening/ night/ wee hours of the AM when I'm uncharacteristically shouting expletives at the McDonald's walk-up window employees down the street. Yelpers, coworkers, college friends, high school friends - no one can deny the beauty of what this bar is holding. There's no doubt in my mind, this bell is tolling for me.Listed in: Crhappy Dining!
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Review from Carrie H.
San Diego, CA
10/11/2011
Cool atmosphere - dark, old, & friendly staff! Lots of character! Had a kick butt homeade veggie burger with bacon - excellent. Plus they had skinny fries which I love! BF had the clam chowder and said it was a tad salty. Had the Bruins game on & seemed like mix of locals & tourists. All in all a good time!
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Review from Luke S.
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I get the history behind this place, but it is overpriced crap. The food was extremely disappointing and the drinks were anything but cheap. The service was the only decent thing about Bell in Hand. There are so many great options in Bean Town, so do yourself a favor and stay far away from this place.
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Review from Gwen S.
Cambridge, MA
7/3/2011
The Bell in Hand Tavern had fantastic fish and chips and also a wonderful beer on tap.The atmosphere was awesome. My friends and I sat across to the original rock walls.The windows had been wide open with a great breeze coming through. If i'm not mistaken,it's off one of the oldest streets in Boston.Two thumbs up!
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Review from Jam T.
Boston, MA
5/3/2011
Came here earlier in the night for a friend's friend's bday... granted the crowd that was already there wasn't my type but when it became open to the public... that crowd SERIOUSLY wasn't my type!
Everyone was just mad awkward looking and i felt out of my element! It's your typical dive bar with live music downstairs and dj upstairs. Apparently they have a line to get upstairs and i'm not too sure why. The music was decent but man was i ready to go home!
Also, be careful if you are upstairs...going down...and wanting to come back up... the douche bouncer won't tell you that you have to wait in line. My friend went downstairs and he gave her no warning... but gave her a lot of shit when it came to her coming back up.
As for food:
Got the sampler and obvi it was good because how can you mess it up? Most of it's fried sooo you know... We also ordered a mushroom pizza and it was.. Eh not bad... just not amazing! the crust was too thin and crisp.
would i come back? eh maybe to grab a beer in the day time... but wouldn't waste another night-life here. -
Review from Mark K.
Temecula, CA
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool place for the historical value. Nice to get a Sam Adams that's not available in CA - Brick Red.
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Review from Aaron L.
Santa Cruz, CA
1/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to dive bars, and this is no dive bar.
It's a tourist bar/restaurant. What do you get? Familiar, nonintimidating menu, cold beer, and a convenient location (close to the downtown area, and surrounded by similar locations.) The beer selection was alright; I expected a lot more from most locations in Boston; evidently it's not the beer town I was led to believe.
If you're hungry for a burger and a cold beer, this place works. But it's nothing it isn't.
