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Bukowski Tavern
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Pubs, American (Traditional) [Edit]
50 Dalton StBoston, MA 02115
(617) 437-9999
- Nearest Transit:
-
Dalton St @ Boylston St (39, 55)
Boylston St @ Saint Cecilia St (170, 193, 55)
Massachusetts Ave @ Belvidere St (1, 170)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 2 am
Sun 12 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
328 reviews for Bukowski Tavern
Review Highlights
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"The beer selection is obviously awesome." In 97 reviews -
"Try the peanut butter burger -- really." In 14 reviews -
"The only downside is Cash only." In 57 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
328 reviews in English
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Review from Aaron Z.
Springfield, NJ
4/15/2012
Yes, it's five stars. For me. Maybe not for you. Let's run down whether you're going to love or hate this bar:
#1 One of the best on-tap beer selections you will ever see. What, 20 constantly-changing craft brews (plus PBR - cheap!) not enough for you? That's cool; there's almost 100 different brews in bottles and cans available as well, from locally-brewed to all-over-the-world. In short, if they don't have something here you'll like, you don't like beer (so what are you doing here?)
#2 No jukebox. The staff plays whatever they feel like, and they usually play it loud, whether there's 2 or 82 people in here. The range of what type of music gets played will also probably boggle your mind if you come here more than twice. Don't worry about it, just enjoy it and drink your beer.
#3 Food, late. Yeah, this is a beer bar first and foremost but they didn't skimp on the kitchen. All the standard pub fare plus a few surprises on the menu, and I've never had food here that wasn't good. Sometimes it's the best meal I've ever eaten but that's usually when I've been drinking and am really hungry.
#4 It's small. I mean really small, like about the size of a large railroad car. I like that, except when there's 82 people here; gets a little crowded. I try to stay away on Friday or Saturday nights unless it's after midnight.
Fun tip: Spin the wheel! At least once. -
Review from Kate D.
North Andover, MA
5/9/2012
Worst bar experience EVER.
Judging by the great reviews of this place, I am disappointed that I feel more compelled than ever to write such a bad review, but quite honestly...it's the most justified review ever.
After eating at sushi at nearby Haru, I took my Australian friend (new to America) to this bar. This was the first time I had stepped foot in this place without having read any reviews. Before I tell this story, I want to clarify that I am beyond open minded in terms of new spots, as some of the best bars I've been to are truly holes in the wall.
We walked in and saw that it was definitely a seedy dive bar. No issue there. We sat down at the bar and saw that there was a wide selection of beer on tap; most of which we had never seen before. AWESOME.
I proceeded to ask the bartender what his recommendation would be given that we had never seen many of these beers before, and instead of giving us a rundown or being helpful, he was quite rude and basically handed us a beer menu and told us to look at that. The menu consisted of beer names but no information on the beer or where it came from. Despite being a beer bar that clearly specializes in unique beers, he was rude in the delivery of everything he said. Despite this, I thought... No biggie.
I then got a bit specific and said that I enjoyed wheat beer the most and asked him which one he would recommend. He reluctantly stated which ones were wheat beer and I then chose one. I noticed the hilarious menu which had swears all over it and spoke to my friend about how hilariously awesome this bar was and even took a picture and shared it on Facebook. Being extremely laidback and open to that stuff, I laughed and thought "this bar is amazing"
I spent an hour or at the bar buying a couple rounds and catching up with my friend. Another bartender then walked by the taps and noticed one of them open and flowing. Right after hearing her say that and before heading to the bathroom, my cheeky Australian friend joked and blamed it on me. The bartender we initially spoke with heard his joke and then proceeded to accuse me and literally yell at me. As a professional who has better things to do than randomly open up a tap just to mess with a bartender, I was totally shocked that the guy was accusing me and making a big fuss. I swore up and down that I didn't touch the damn thing but he then proceeded to call me a liar. I literally thought this guy must have been kidding and joking with me because it was beyond odd that I'd be treated like this anywhere as a customer who ordering and keeping quite.
I asked him if he was joking (genuinely couldn't believe his treatment) and he said he was serious and continued to accuse me. I told my friend who was pretty damn shocked himself but seeing as he's from Australia, he told me that all bartenders treat their patrons like shit. (Then again, those guys don't depend on a 20% tip)
I sat in awe wondering why this bartender was such a jerkoff but decided not to let it ruin my night. I continued to talk with my friend for another half hour and after the situation blew over (or so I thought), I then nicely said "hey dude, just to clear the air, I really didn't do that." The bartender then proceeded to call me a liar yet again and angrily yelled and said "Your friend even admitted it! You're a freaking liar!"
I literally was blown away. Again, what the hell? I am far past my college days and although a minor thing, I've never once in my life been treated like this by any bartender, waitress or restaurant employee period. This guy was legit pissed off and verbally attacked me with accusations over a dumb mistake he made.
Then the macho door guy walks in and naturally takes the bartenders side upon hearing 2% of the conversation and proceeds to tell me to just get out of there without hearing anything. I do not cause issues at any establishment I go to, nor do I argue with anyone... I walked out of there absolutely bewildered and angered.
It's beyond me that any bar (regardless to whether or not they pride themselves on being "bad ass" and different from another), would treat anyone like that; particularly someone who is in there quietly chatting with a friend.
Again, I have never in my life been outright treated like crap at a bar. Perhaps during my colleges days, a bartender called me out on being too drunk or something but this time I was absolutely accused for something so ridiculous and was treated like garbage. The way this guy said these things and operated there, was outright nasty. He's clearly angry at life.
I would never recommend this bar to anyone. Again, the beer selection is amazing but what good is it when you have a horrendous bartender who treats you like a dog? No one should have to be treated like that. -
Review from Hilary D.
3/30/2012
I like this place, but unless I'm with a group who really wants to go, I'm more likely to head somewhere else.
I've never tried the food and I probably should, but this review is just for the bar.
Great beer selection and pretty good service. Cash only, which blows, but sometimes that's a good thing because I have a better handle on how much I'm spending.
My biggest complaint is that the music is too loud - if they had a dance floor I could understand the volume, but every time I come here I lose my voice because I have to shout to have conversations.
Go here if you want a huge beer selection, but if you stick to the basic beers, there are better spots in Back Bay. -
Review from Tuan T.
Lanham, MD
5/23/2012
The bartender was rude. There were 2 screens, 1 big 1 small. He refused to play the Celtics game on the big screen b/c he's watching hockey on it, and he was the only one.
The drinks were overpriced.
Won't come back -
Review from Lukas V.
Back Bay, Boston, MA
5/16/2012
WORSE bar EVER!!!!!!!!
Terrible waiters with the WORSE attitudes, horrible security guard that cursed and screamed at us!!!!!!!!! RACISTs!!!!!!!!!
Will NEVER go back!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Gopi R.
Boston, MA
5/13/2012
5 stars for their selection of beer. When I feel like a couple of cold ones in the summer, I always go here. Food selection is so-so but I very rarely eat here. Music is LOUD. So LOUD in fact that I have decided not to meet any more dates here. Man has to save his..um..oral energy for other things. The "Gentlemen's Room" always reminds me of that scene from Relic set deep in New York's underground subway tunnels.
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Review from Sarah E.
Bangor, ME
3/18/2012
A true Diamond in the Rough.
1. only serves beer (HUGE selection- found a few from MAINE! woot woot!)
2. very small inside with limited seating
3. Nice friendly patient staff
4. BANGING Mac and Cheese (so cheesy with buttery toast - def not garlic bread, its butter toast- with a TON of parm cheese on top of the macaroni, YUM)
5. cool decor, very dark inside but the artwork on the walls is cool to look at
6. cash only
7. good specials and competitive beer prices.
I got an Original Sin Cider , 12oz draft, for $6 and mac and cheese for $11
Tips:
1. dont come with a large group 4, 5, maybe 6 at most.
2. dont be weirded out that it is pretty much in a parking garage
3. CASH ONLY (going to say this again, bring your dollars)
really great place to check out, reminded me of a lot of little bars in the old port in portand, me. really cool crowd where the locals mixed with the college kids that mixed with the tourists from the two major hotels next door.
TVs on for sport games, background music and parking in the pay for parking garage next door.
Only thing to make this better would be to serve vodka and i would have given them 5 stars. just beer and cider. -
Review from Casey W.
Brookline, MA
3/23/2012
Love this place!
This place is as close as it gets (so far) of a cool dive bar. Very small but the atmosphere is perfect. Excellent music. Can be loud sometimes but its worth it. So far our favorite hang out in Boston.
The food is great. Really great for a small bar.
The ONLY negative is that they do not accept credit cards or debit cards. Cash only. ATM in the lobby. -
Review from Pam Z.
Bukowski Tavern was exactly what I was looking for in Boston. Between their extensive draft list with plenty of local options and their endless selection of bottles (ask to join the beer club, they have 130+ beers), this dive bar was perfect for getting out of the cold and sampling some of Massachusetts' finest brews. I'm sure they rotate their draft list, but here's an idea of what we had this past weekend: http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Tried the Pretty Things Jack D'Or and the Oskar Blues G'knight at the recommendation of the bartender. Oskar Blues was a little hoppy, but a little fruity with a medium body. Pretty Things is a hefty beer despite its lighter coloring, but was also a good choice.
~$6 a pop for a draft (some of the pints are standard size, some are 12oz, but I'm a slow beer drinker so I prefer smaller sizes so things don't get warm anyway). My friend had the Haverhill and the bottle special Cambridge Brewing Company Triple Threat.
Bartender was informative about the beer selection, friendly, and chill. Whatever bar food they were making in the back (I highly suspect wings, and I definitely saw some sort of rib), smelled amazing in the way only good pub fare can. For those of you who are indecisive, Bukowski has a wheel you can spin for your drink selection. The only drawback is that this place is cash only.
Also, total surprise to find out after visiting: Bukowski's made it to Draft magazine's top 100 beer bars in America! What a lucky pick! http://draftmag.com/fe...Listed in: My trip to Beantown
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Review from Anthony R.
Boston, MA
3/1/2012
Loved this place! Completely agree with a lot of reviews. I appreciate finding these hidden places in the city. It's small, divey, and really relaxed. The beer list is endless and I recommend going with their seasonal brews. In the winter I had some really strong ale and had a good buzz after only 2 drinks! A friend of mine got a mac n cheese dog and tater tots which were great, and definitely a bit more creative than your typical bar food.
The men's bathroom only fits one person at a time so there was a line most of the night, but I highly recommend for a low key night for beers. -
Review from Kelsey F.
2/11/2012
Bukowski's is what any person on this planet would picture when you say typical Boston bar. I love, love finding new places in this small little city of ours. Not sure how I had never been here - but glad I finally checked it out!
Long, narrow bar that opens up in the back with some tables. Friday night was crowded but not too packed. We managed to score some seats at the bar throughout the night. Tons of beer on tap - lots of local and micro brews.
Once our drunk munchies kicked in we ordered some tater tots. They were deelish and came with your choice of about 5 or 6 different sauces.
Bartenders were really cool and fun. I'll definitley be back to Bukowskis. Oh and it's cash only. -
Review from Alyssa T.
Somerville, MA
12/9/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Bukowski's was certainly the best drinking-related discovery that I made during Fall 2011, and by "I made" I obviously mean "I heard someone mention it over and over again and figured it must be worth checking out" - and it was.
As many others have noted, it's a cash only place. Luckily you'll be able to tell where you ended your night when you inevitably wake up in shame the next morning because your large (and perhaps multiple) ATM withdrawal(s) will show up with the handy "BUKOWSKI BOSTON" detail on your bank statement.
I've tried more new beers since first going to Bukowski Tavern than I probably had in the past 3 years, my friends have even started to accuse me of being a beer snob - I'm okay with that. The selection of drafts is constantly evolving and always has several interesting choices.
The staff is great, especially because I like my bartenders to be no-nonsense, and you're certainly not going to have any BS handed to you here. The bathroom is gross, but what can you expect? It's a bar, it's supposed to be gross. As long as there is a working sink and a stock of TP I can't complain, and they seem to always meet these demands.
Go to Bukowski's, drink a lot of beer, be jealous of the folks with mugs named after dead authors, maybe eat something with gobs of spicy cheese on it, and make some questionable (but fun?) life decisions. You'll like it, I swear. -
Review from Suki K.
Boston, MA
5/9/2012
Way too crowded, loud, and not exactly sanitary looking.
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Review from Peter J.
Boston, MA
3/16/2012
Good selection of beers and great bar food. Great Boston Bar and find!
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Review from Anita T.
Boston, MA
12/14/2011
This is a great dive bar in a sea of wanna be irish pubs and too-school-for-school bar scenes.
Just off of Boylston, and ironically close to Capital Grille is this tucked away gem. Its what I think a dive should be. Sort of ugly and unkempt, hardcore beer selection with cheapo standbys (hello PBR!), and food that your personal trainer would hate you for. I think some of the gastropub activity is out of control, so this a nice real bar in a nice part of town.
The hotdogs and burgers are delish. The best part is that they all can be made vegetarian, a HUGE plus for my veggie hubs (and he actually liked them). Definitely give the buffalo chicken dip a try. They have a good selection on draught, but you can also check out a MASSIVE beer menu of interesting and unique selections.
I think the service is really friendly and I have never hurted to find a space. Check it out if you need a break from the craziness. Bring cash (the motto on their tabs: "In God we trust, the rest pay cash") -
Review from Tom K.
Upfront warning: CASH ONLY
2nd Upfront warning: Must be 21 to enter (even just for food and at all hours)
And that's pretty much the only thing I considered docking a star for. But this place is fantastic and has become my go-to bar in the greater Back Bay area.
First off, big shout out to the staff here. I think first timers here might be put off by the super casual attitude and the fact they don't sugar coat things but they're all really awesome and very personable, especially to the regulars (or which, there are a ton). However, if you're standing around, attempt to order a bud light, and then try to start a tab with a credit card, they're probably going to give an answer you don't like.
The beer list here is amazing. Between the new (summer-2011) larger, cleaner, less intrusive tap lines/ well and the extensive bottle selection, there is easily something for anyone that loves good microbrews and beers in general.
The food here is surprisingly good as well. The menu fits the bar very well, with hot dogs (the special dog of the week is almost always worth trying), burgers (seriously, get the peanut butter burger with bacon. seriously. do it!), and the housemade white trash cheese dip (omg more please!) they have the basics down pretty well. But they'll also surprise you with some tasty salads, mac and cheese, and pasta.
So basically here's what you get. If you don't mind paying cash, if you can avoid the inevitable smell of the bathroom, and if you can get past the sometimes shockingly frankness of the staff, this place is a fantastic place to meet up with some friends, order a bunch of pub food and delicious beers, and just kick back and enjoy. -
Review from Amy B.
I've always been a sucker for the type of bar where I can plant my ass on a stool, chat with the bartenders and the dude next to me, and while away five or six hours drinking interesting beers. For that, Bukowski's certainly delivers.
For the most part the food is an excellent example of greasy bar food. My favorites include the white trash cheese dip, the steak bomb (covered in the aforementioned delicious dip), and really any of the burgers, which arrive cooked to specification. Mac and cheese was delicious, but cold, so I've shied away from ordering it again. I also tried the infamous peanut butter burger; while it was tastier than I'd have guessed, I thought the PB overpowered the other delicious burger flavors, so I probably won't order it again.
The beer list is glorious and features most of your favorite beers and another three dozen you haven't tried yet. I've been working on my entry into the Dead Author's Club, which has forced me to explore previously unknown beer sensations with mixed results. I've become fond of rye beers and Scotch ales, and curse the day the smoked beer hit my lips (like lox in a glass, I tell ya). I'm not quite halfway through my quest, so I've got some return visits scheduled to Buk's. I'm looking forward to when I win my mug and can more intensely focus on the rotating draft beers.
Bukowski's is cash-only, which is not my favorite, but I appreciate their clarity about it. They must have sixteen signs letting patrons know.
My favorite time to hang out at Bukowski's is in the late afternoon/early evening, before it gets crowded. Late nights on Friday and Saturday are a bit of a zoo and completely change the laid back vibe, in my opinion. I also find the bartenders like to crank the music when the bar gets crowded, and I'm just not fond of such loud music. Yes, I'm 700 years old.
Oddly enough, if I've been working on my beer list for a few hours already, I sometimes don't notice the loud music.Listed in: Boston Beer Thirty, Amy B's Best of Boston
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Review from Josh W.
Somerville, MA
Updated - 10/25/2011
You ever be all like, walking around all day, getting all hungry and stuff? And then, you're all like, damn son, I could really go for some gravy fries?
You ever have that happen to you, walk into Bukowski Tavern only to find out that they have gravy fries and are serving them with sweet potato fries?
That happened. It was fucking awesome.Listed in: MOAR GRAVY FRIES
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/24/2010
Spin the Wheel. Don't be a bitch, just do it.
Got a tasty roast beef sandwich today, along with a… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer H.
Cumberland, RI
8/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bukowski Tavern is the type of place that quickly becomes your place -- where you head after work for a wind-down beer, the meetup place between you and your friends before heading out on the town, the place for a casual Saturday night when you don't want to go too crazy, maybe even the place you take someone on your third date... once you've impressed them and you're starting to really get to know each other. I'm sure part of this has to do with their beer challenge: 100+ beers will get you a 22-oz. beer stein over the bar with the name of a dead author of your choosing -- and they will fill your glass every time you come in for the price of a pint.
Beer is the star here. The menu was astounding, and the bar staff seems extremely knowledgeable in all of the brews.
However, the food was also... there are no words really. It was delicious. I skeptically tried the peanut butter burger with bacon, and oh my what a wonderful leap of faith it was! The burger itself was perfect, but the addition of crunchy peanut butter and crispy bacon made my palatte scream in ecstasy. And, after I downed the burger, I noticed there were the most amazing fries underneath it that really should not have been a second thought. Highly recommended, my friends.
Bukowski's is small, hidden away next to the Summer Shack, but the music is blasting and the vibe is old-time neighborhood bar. The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is because they don't accept credit cards, and this girl doesn't carry cash often. -
Review from CK R.
Brooklyn, NY
So we went postgame. I was impressed with the beer selection but the food was just average. By average, I mean that the white trash dip was tasty and the medium rare burger came out very dark and crunchy (inedible). If there is one item you shouldn't mess up, it's a burger (well, maybe a hotdog is easier to get it right).
Normally, I go to a beer bar for beer so I'll keep this review at a 4 star. If this place were a restaurant, it would warrant 2 stars. If strictly a bar, all 5. Since it pretends to be one when really doing a good job at the other, I give it a 4 star.
Hire more beer servers, retrain your cooks! -
Review from Zach W.
Boston, MA
7/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ooooh Bukowski's.....I want to love you soooo much but I can't seem to get over my other crushes. It's not you, it's me....
You can sit in solitude at the bar, drinking like a lonely alcoholic douche bag or bring in your loud and rowdy friends for a good time. Basically, whatever your speed, whatever your pleasure, Bukowski's is okay with it.
But don't spin the damn wheel!!! Make a decision and choose your own beer.....I'm just bitter because I spun the wheel once and it gave me PBR....what do I look like a freakin' hipster!?!?!?!
If you like small, dive bar settings with a solid selection of craft beer this is your spot. They have a book, a freaking BOOK of beer. And if you manage to finish every beer in the book, toiling away a couple thousand dollars and countless lonely hours drinking yourself into oblivion like a true alcoholic......well then you get a glass mug with a number and your name on it! CONGRATS YOU HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM.
Here's some more advice, try the freaking burger with the egg and peanut butter!!! Ignore your tastebuds screaming for mercy and the little voice in the back of your head saying WWHHHHHHYYYYY!!!!! It's delicious, peanut butter just works with it.....trust me....that's what I always tell ladies.Listed in: Booze in the Bean
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Review from Lisa B.
10/30/2011
Ah, Bukowski. Cash only, typical bar food, and normally-priced beers.
My only gripe is about the service. I've had more than a few surly servers, which is weird, because I'm a pretty "easy" customer.
I go here fairly often because of its proximity to my boyfriend's house, but I've learned to expect a dirty look every other time I request another beer.
If you want great service and outstanding food, this is not the place for you. If you're looking for something not-good/not-bad (and conveniently located), check out Bukowski. -
Review from Kate T.
Boston, MA
7/25/2011
Who doesn't dream of a pub with a phenomenal beer selection and knock-your-socks-off burgers all tucked into the side of a parking garage? You don't? Sheesh, you snob. Get with the program!
I ordered the gut-busting pb-and-bacon burger and clean-plate-clubbed it, too. (For reference, I'm a slight, 130-lb chick....with an unhinging jaw, evidently). The monster was tasty but left my arteries feeling clogged and my heart beating just a little faster. I'm not one to shy away from a greasy meal, but this was beyond even my vast, vast penchant for junk food. The next time I had the will to touch a bite of food was 4pm the following day.
That said, Bukowski's was a total treat. The atmosphere was lively, the beer was fresh and, had I only eaten half the burger, I'd have nothing but praise for it, too. The pub came highly recommended by a friend (a Berkelee grad) and I pass along her high recommendation. Go hungry, leave happy. -
Review from Joe G.
10/23/2011
Bukowski Tavern was a great find in downtown that I'd somehow never heard of. Obviously the reason why you go here is the giant beer selection, and it is very very comprehensive. I had a raspberry IPA, a german-style wheat beer made in Massachusetts, and a chocolate stout during my trip. They also have good food: my friend and I split barbeque chicken fingers, which were pretty good, and pecked at my friend's cheese dippers, which were excellent.
The crowd is pretty laid back and the music playing is fantastic. My only real gripe was that the music was a little too loud, given that bar like this, to me, should be a great place to sit or stand around and have conversations with friends. -
Review from Brad B.
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I want this place to be magically transported to....across the street from my house.
Yes, I liked it that much. Great beers, excellent atmosphere, very cool (and damn good looking) bartender / waitstaff chicks and the food was good too.
I definitely will be visiting this place each time I'm in Boston. -
Review from Maggie P.
San Luis Obispo, CA
11/9/2011
Great beer selection. Different from the one across the river. This is a plus. But like the other one, music too loud. Oh, and cigarette smoke came through the windows at both locations.
I tried the fries this time and they were indeed lovely.
Good location. The atmosphere is in great contrast to the rest of the Prudential. I guess you might call this place a dive bar for the atmosphere, but with that beer selection it becomes a hipster bar.
TV played the baseball game. Good music selection, though loud.
Despite all the negatives, I would visit again just for the beer. -
Review from Jeffrey G.
Springfield, MA
9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Peanut butter burger, with the red onion.
One of my favorite locations in Boston. It's such a hole-in-the-wall spot, with a ton of charector.
I don't know what happened. Either my tastes for good craft beer have increased to an all-time high snob level, or the level of their beer selection had declined. There was a time I would come here and be in complete awe. Now, I am spending more time looking for something that interests me. Don't get me wrong - I am still going.
Food is everything and then some for what you could ever imagine to come out of a tiny closet of a kitchen. White trash cheese dip is killer. Burgers are great (especially the peanut butter burger). Soups - dogs - etc. Great late night, where most other kitchens in the area are long closed. -
Review from Rocky H.
Boston, MA
11/2/2011
saw the 5 star review on yelp and walked over to have a couple pops after my haircut.
Kind of a dive bar -- cool location but feels like a train inside.
Nice cold beer... really cool bartender.
They gave me a little troube going into the bar cause I only had my passport and they said they need a MASS ID. Showed them my credit cards, etc and that I am 42 and they let me in
had a hot dog too and it was pretty good. -
Review from Carmen Y.
San Diego, CA
10/4/2011
Its been a while but I cant wait to go back. It was a lazy Sunday. I had just lost my wallet at an open air market and had freaked out because I was afraid I wouldnt be able to fly home without my ID. Luckily, i retraced my steps and found it and we needed a drink to calm my panics!
Great beers, great food - hurray for vegetarian options. Kinda chill dive and we went during the day so it was relaxed and not a bunch of way too cool hipsters. -
Review from Lisa R.
ZOMG!!
I went to Buk's for lunch last Saturday for the first time in weeks. It was my diet "cheat" day, meaning I could have whatever I wanted, but I had no idea what I wanted to eat. Nicole, who was working the bar at the time recommended the hot dog special, which had peanut butter and sliced pickles on it. That's right. A grilled HOT DOG WITH PEANUT BUTTER AND PICKLES. I think it was called "The Pregnant Lady Special" or something. I was going to pass on it, and NO, I'm not pregnant. But Nicole had a certain sparkle in her eye, and was like, "That guy over there was skeptical, and he thinks it's great." I thought, "What the hell . . . you only live once". So I ordered it.
It was one of the best things I EVER ATE IN MY LIFE, and I'd do it again! I really wanted a second one, but decided to drink more beers instead.
The end.Listed in: Did someone say BEER?
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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6/1/2009
Now that I've been a regular here for over a year, I thought I should update my review a bit. I… Read more »
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Review from Julie B.
Trying to become a beer connoisseur is costing me quite the pretty penny, especially when I'm going strong with a college level tolerance. But I just can't help myself in places like Bukowski Tavern. This place is a true dive bar in every sense of the word -- small, dark, and blasting indie rock. It can get a bit overwhelming when there's no where to sit because there's very little room for standing, but once you can snag a table you're set for the night.
I came here on Friday night to try out some new beers and was very happy was the extensive selection. The bartender was friendly and gave me some good beer info despite the crowded bar. I ended up ordering a Pretty Things Fluffy White Rabbit, a Unibroue La Fin du Monde (which was AWESOME) and a Magic Hat #9. At the wise advice of Ms. Rachel Ray we tried the white trash dip which was pretty good (but certainly not "the best thing I ever ate") and came with burning hot chips -- seriously, I burnt my fingers on them. We also ordered some fries, mashed potatoes, and I stole a few bites of my friend's California burger which was really tasty.
Everyone at the bar was nice and seemed happy to be there. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Josh K.
Albany, NY
12/3/2011
"Questions of a Boston Barfly"
by Josh K
There were a lot of uncertainties last night at Bukowski Tavern.
Named after my beloved disgruntled postal service worker turned graphically expressive and depressive poet, Bukowski Tavern had me asking myself a lot of questions.
Great draught list, but what beer shall I pick?
Should I spin the wheel to decide?
Was the Cask ale too warm?
Are the bartenders rude or just indifferent?
Can this place fit more than 30 people?
Since he had no idea where anything was, was our server really from Boston?
Was the clientele a bunch of corporate jack***es in the guise of wannabe hipsters?
I devoured it all, but is creamy peanut butter, instead of ketchup, actually good on top of a hamburger?
Was I brainwashed into actually thinking Peanut Butter, Bacon, and Burger is a tasty combo?
Do I like this place?
One thing that is for sure is that I want to come back to Bukowski Tavern.
Perhaps only then can I begin to try to answer some of these questions. -
Review from Debbie E.
5/22/2011
Where to start.....well, in summary, I came in in the middle of the day, sat and drank beers and ate 2 dinners until after the sun went down.
Service - sat at the bar for hours and the bartenders were all very attentive and prompt. They were also very good to allow beer tastes and recommend a beer you may like.
Food - tried the Mad Dog with mashed potatoes (basic hot dog which was good; the mashed was also good), the White Trash Cheese Dip (yummy but spicy with all of the jalapenos), Mac and cheese (meh), and the grilled cheese (good ratio of cheese to bread).
Atmosphere - didn't love the music. There are TVs. People coming and going at the bar.
Other - that bathrooms consist of just one toilet for each. Humid inside the bathroom and kinda on the gross side.
All in all, an excellent dive bar. BTW - it is CASH ONLY. -
Review from Stephen L.
San Rafael, CA
8/27/2011
great place to come for lunch if you work at the PRU if you want something that will make you warm and fuzzy and dying for a nap.
But the best thing about this hole in the wall is the BEER I mean they have a shitload of freaking beer. -
Review from Sarah M.
Brighton, MA
4/24/2011
This is by far my all time favorite bar. It has character without pretention, solid service, tasty bar food and I've always been able to get a seat whenever I've arrived. I've gone with dates and with groups of friends, and we've always been able to drink and cavort and - shockingly - hear each other!
I've never had a truly terrible wheel spin (it's what I always do). When you're an adventurous beer drink, you gotta love letting fate pick.
My only gripe is that I hear the men's bathroom is substantially more...interesting...than the women's.
Wait, I have a second gripe - cash only is awful. Also it always makes me feel like I'm helping someone launder money ;) At least they have an ATM, but who keeps enough cash around to support their alcoholism? -
Review from Josef S.
7/14/2011
Three definite virtues: an excellent range of beer (and nothing stronger than wine); a more than adequate vegetarian selection (including a pretty tasty "meatball" sandwich); and fine tunes (ranging from country to soul while I was there). Strangely, Bukowski himself might have grumbled about these things. As I recall, he preferred hard liquor, meat, and classical music. But you can't please everyone all the time. Or the likes of Bukowski... ever.
The service was sharp and friendly, too. So, I'll happily return... -
Review from April C.
6/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Total dive bar with an exciting beer selection and decent food.
Bukowski's is the kind of place you can go and either not know anyone, or run into everyone you know. Nobody else cares why you're there or what you're doing. There's a guy at the bar reading a book and sipping a pint. And there's a couple of hipsters on a first date, deciding on an app. And there's a bunch of regulars, chatting up Boston with the bartender.
You can carry on conversation uninterrupted because the music isn't turned up too loud and there isn't a hoard of drunk college girls stumbling by and spilling mixed drink all over you (cue: Dillons). There's almost always enough seating without a wait.
Servers are right there when you're empty, but out of sight when you don't need them. Cordial and knowledgeable of the menu. Perfect.
Only qualm - cash only. It would be so much easier for me if I could just pay with my debit card. Pleeeeeease? But that can't keep me away!Listed in: "CASH ONLY"
-
Review from Mark L.
Whitman, MA
3/3/2012
We are nick-naming this place the bad breath bar. As soon as we walk in this guy is arguing with some lady, well it turns out this guy was the door man and he aggressively demands are IDs. Look I'm still relatively young so I got no problem showing ID; but don't be a dick about it cause your in a bad mood. Once we entered this place an incredible powerful aroma entered our noses, I would describe it as a crowd of people with acid reflux spraying their bad breath everywhere. I order some beer I never heard of to give it a try and the bar tender tells me the dish washering is broken and since she has to serve it in a 16 OZ. plastic cup she can't fill it. I don't complain because I'm not going to make a scene in some bar I've never been to; but seriously is this not bullshit. I'm paying like $5 for this micro brew and you can't fill it cause you have to serve it in a 16 OZ plastic cup. I'll not not be visiting this place again any time soon.
-
Review from Corey H.
7/14/2011
This place was pretty cool. Seems like a pretty decent locals hangout.
Things I liked....
- Kitchen is open late with lots of different food. (1am ish)
- Tons of different beers. Literally they have a book.
- Not full of tourists
Things I didn't like...
- They are a cash only bar
- Its very small
- beer only
This place was decent. Nothing too special but an alright place to grab a quick beer but I wouldn't make this my final destination. -
Review from Adam C.
2/22/2011
I'm surprised I've never reviewed Bukowski's, or as I've been known to call it in various texts, "Buk's" (How quaint and efficient!), before. Anyway, it's pretty much my favorite (non-bullshit, non-townie-shithole) bar in Boston. And I don't even go to Buk's (see, I just used it again!) all that often, but I was there last night for a quick beer and a bite to eat with my wife and it reminded me of how much I like the place. You will never enjoy a better view of I-90 with better tasting food and brew unless you've slept your way onto the Daughtry tour bus after a sold out show at the Garden. The point is: Daughtry dines WELL. And OFTEN. And ON THE ROAD. ???
EWAYYYYYY, it's a beer snob's bar, but they're not complete dicks about it. They have the "swill" selection of PBR and High Life and shit like that in addition to all the hobnobbery. And the menu is cool as well. It's simple, dogs and burgers, brah! I like the peanut butter burger (peanut butter on a burger??? oh my ghahhalbllfllflffl!!! Shut up!), because it reminds me of the Duane Purvis burger at Triple XXX diner at Purdue University (where I went to school). Honestly, the Duane Purvis is better than the peanut butter burger at Buk's (and AGAIN!) but it's still coo, man!
But to get at what I really like about the place is the atmosphere, which is also simple, but it's chill and they tend to play complete albums start to finish, and more often than not, they're good albums. Like yesterday, when I was in there, they were playing "Songs in the Key of Life" and it fit perfectly with the chillness of the place.
Oh, yeah, as per UGZE, cash only! But of course, they have everybody's favorite piece of shit genero-"ATM" on hand for you to cope!
