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Cask'n Flagon
Categories: Nightlife Bars Sports Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Sports Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
62 Brookline Ave(between Lansdowne St & Yawkey Way)
Boston, MA 02215
Neighborhood: Fenway
(617) 536-4840
- Nearest Transit:
-
Brookline Ave Opp Yawkey Way (19, 60, 65, 8)
Yawkey (Framingham/Worcester Line)
Brookline Ave @ Yawkey Way (19, 60, 65, 8, 9)
- 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:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
177 reviews for Cask'n Flagon
Review Highlights
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177 reviews in English
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Review from L. G.
Boston, MA
The Cask will always hold a special place in my heart... so many memories here!
It's a great spot to watch the sox or to go to before/after a game. The bar is huge and has a ton of TVs. The bartenders are awesome, super friendly. The food is solid bar food. Overall, it's a great atmosphere and I always have fun when I come here.
It does get really crowded, especially on game days, so if that's not your thing, you may want to go elsewhere. -
Review from Jason C.
Boston, MA
My life forever changed at this place when I saw A Raven's Sorrow perform at Oliver's Nightclub.
It was like having sex with Steve Guttenberg circa 1986. AMAZING!
http://www.youtube.com... -
Review from Melissa F.
Boston, MA
I have been here more times than I can remember. I used to love this place.... now not so much. The summer when I turned 21 I was here probably once a week if not more before/after/or to watch the Sox. It was my favorite bar in Fenway, since I was green and didn't know any better.
Now that the years have passed and I have tried tons of different places around the city, I've changed my mind. The last time I went I was annoyed at how slow the service was, and how everyone in there seemed to be college age and getting completely black out. Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those prissy girls that has to be forced to go to a sports bar. I'm right there watching the game, shouting at the screen and drinking beer. But come on I am so over the college mentality of "Let's get absurdly drunk and be a complete asshole to everyone!" I also noticed it was mostly a lot of frat type boys. Hey, maybe this is why I loved this place when I was 21 since I was keeping up with everyone at the bar. If you're still in college you will probably like this place. But now I go to Landsdown, Remy's or Baseball tavern to watch the Sox since there is a wider age range in those places. -
Review from Elise G.
Big bar with lots of TV's viewable from any seat. Located right next to Fenway Park. It was slow on a random night in October, so my boyfriend and I didn't get to experience the liveliness and energy of the crowd during baseball season. But it was nice to be able to say "We went there."
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Review from Andrew C.
Norwich, VT
I'm not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said. The Cask is a staple of the Fenway scene. Drinks are priced right, there's a good assortment of bar food and they always have the game on.
The only complaint I have has to do with the wait staff, who are kind of pushy and don't seem to love when you linger, even if you continue to order drinks -- kind of a problem when you're trying to watch the game on one of their 6,000,000,000,000 TVs. -
Review from Grace R.
This is an ordinary sports bar with standard bar food and beer. My husband and I came here before a Sox game on a Monday night. Waiting time for a table (party of 2 only so expect longer wait time for 4+) was about 30 minutes but we found a seat at the bar. By the way, they need your driver license to hold a slot on the waiting list. Kinda wish we had a table because I didn't feel like having beer poured on me while enjoying my dinner. It did happen but what can you expect, you are at a bar and I picked my seat.
Service is not great or speedy pre/during/post a Sox game. Just gotta go in knowing how to manage your expectations. If frustrated, just get a few more beers... -
Review from Hilary D.
Boston, MA
Well, I've been to Cask dozens of times before and after Sox games, concerts, etc., and I've always had a decent time, but I am appalled by the experience I had last night after the Dropkick Murphys show - appalled enough to give Cask my very first one-star review!
I came in last night after Dropkicks with a few of my friends, and naturally, Cask was crowded and filled with hammered people. I'm at the bar, debit card in hand, trying to flag down a bartender, but the two bartenders kept looking right at me but not coming over to take my order. Finally, after watching numerous people who came in after me get served, one of the female bartenders (approx 5'2, overtanned, ash-blonde highlights, maybe a size 8) must not have had anything better to do, because she finally came over to my vicinity, and I made a comment how it was about goddamn time I got served. SHE MADE A NASTY FACE AT ME AND WALKED AWAY.
Are you serious?!? People can drink beer at any one of a dozen places near Fenway, and a bartender is going to make scowly snarly faces at a customer? Piss off, sweetie. Take what would have been your tip and shove it.
That's when my friends and I left and went across the street to Game On, were served within one minute of approaching the bar, tipped well, and had a lovely time.
Cask, you lost my business for good - you're not selling anything I can't get at EVERY OTHER BAR IN BOSTON, so I'm not dealing with the snotty, immature douchenozzles on your payroll. -
Review from Stacy A.
Somerville, MA
There are three reasons why you would want to go to Cask'n Flagon:
1. It's literally a stone's throw (hey- nice toss there, buddy!) from Fenway Park.
2. Apparently, some guys from my office go for the view. No, not of Fenway unless you like looking at brick. It's of the girls in the short shorts.
3. Turkey club sandwich or wrap. I know, right? They're nothing out of the ordinary, but C'nF definitely do the right ratio of turkey, bacon, tomato, toasted bread, etc.
** Here's what you DON'T go for: A quick lunch. OMG, it took an hour and 1/2. Our server seemed to be buzzing around busily- can't say she was just sitting at the bar chewing the fat, but seriously- an hour and a 1/2 on a non-game day? YIKES. -
Review from Candice P.
Boxford, MA
I have been to Cask'n Flagon numerous times and it is about the same everytime so I think I am able to write a pretty accurate review. The place itself is a good size and is fine to watch the game, hang out during a game, etc. The place is really packed before the Sox game but it clears out once the games starts and starts to get packed again afterward.
The waitstaff is awful. They are generally pretty rude and you can tell they do not want to be there. If you sit at an actual table you will be reminded at least 100 times by a waitress that you have to order through her. I do not mind being told once, but when you tell me I have to order through you with a snotty look on your face everytime you come by my table, it gets pretty irritating. Getting a drink at the bar is even more of a struggle. The staff is just extremely slow overall.
Whenever I order food here it is pretty good, just your basic bar food. Nothing special. My favorite thing is the spinach and artichoke dip because it comes in a breadbowl which I think is awesome.
The only real reason I keep going back to Cask'n Flagon is because of its close proximity to the park. I would much rather go to another bar near Fenway. So, if you have the option to go somewhere else, do it. The awful staff and slow service really is not worth it. -
Review from kristina c.
Brighton, MA
The Cask is obviously a good spot to watch a game. That's a given. But if you want to watch a game and drink beer at the same time- good luck. The bartending service is always terrible. It can be crazy busy or slow, it doesn't matter, its always painful to try to get a beer. I'm sure the table service is fine. It has to be better than the bar.
Sorry guys.. -
Review from Jenni R.
Morgantown, WV
Don't get me wrong, I love all things about Boston except for being underserved at a bar on game day. Given that's not entirely their fault, but the novelty of the bar wears off pretty fast after you've had your token beer. They might even have, dare I say it? TOO MANY TVS... Trying to find one that has your specific game on it is a giant pain in the ass, unless it's the Sox game, in which case I better be inside the park rather than outside and still dealing with the crowds. The best time to go to Cask'n Flagon is when the Sox are still in season, but AWAY. You'll have a good number of diehards and locals of the Fenway/Brookline area, but the bartenders'll be much friendlier and less pushy when it comes to revolving customers out the door.
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Review from Sally J.
Fairbanks, AK
5 stars for the nachos because they are by far the best I've had in my 26 years of nacho eating!
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Review from Marcus D.
Let's face it: the only reason to come in here is either before, during or after a Sox game - I choose the first reason. It's nothing spectacular, just an average sports bar, and doesn't have the same character or charm of say a Stan's in the Bronx - sacrilege, I know, but there you have it.
Only thing worth mentioning is that the last time I was here was on the night of the Bruins Stanley Cup parade and some drunken Canadian had to be told four times to leave before he was picked up and his face was used to open the door - I say that sort of white gloved service was too good for the likes of him. -
Review from Julie D.
We only visited here once. Great location right next to Fenway Park. Very popular hang out. So popular, the place was packed. We couldn't breathe and had to find another bar. We will try them again next visit, but maybe not on a game day.
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Review from Steven R.
Your typical post ballgame swill station.
Or if you've been to Chicago, it's reminiscent of Harry Caray's, the Cubby Bear or just about anything else down Clark.
Generic beer selection, hardly any baseball on and tons of either old dudes drinking Bud Light or people who look like the Jersey Shore is very important to them.
The two stars are just for the large amount of staff members waiting to get you tanked. -
Review from Greg B.
I was in town for a rare Brewers-Red Sox tilt, and I was able to secure an outdoor seat a couple of hours before the game. It was a Friday afternoon, somewhat overcast and around 73 degrees, but all was well in the world from my point of view.
The waitress was very young and quite attractive, and did an admirable job as she had her hands full tending to all of the patrons. I ordered BlueMoons, and they were cold and delicious. I also ordered hot wings, which were mixed with BBQ wings. They were terrific.
The highlight for me was being able to people watch. There are all types of characters, some scrupulous, some refined, and some not so refined. It certainly adds to the romantic backdrop of Fenway Park's surrounding streets. The sites, the sounds and most notably the smells (hot dogs, roasted peanuts, sausages) all add to the romanticism. -
Review from Dennis M.
I came here after watching Hangover 2 nearby. Cask'n Flagon is located behind the Green Monster, a true Fenway landmark serves as a popular meeting spot before or after a game. The Cask's walls are lined with loads of high-definition TVs and photos that depict the histories of Fenway and the Sox. Locals fill the huge wraparound bar that resides in the middle of the main room while keeping an eye on all the sports news via an ever-present sports ticker.
This place rocks before and after a game. They have great service and good prices ($4 for beer and $6 for mixed). You can talk to anyone and have a good time. They usually have 3 or 4 different games on at once along with sports center so you can check out your favorite teams. The staff is very friendly and wont bother you unless your a huge pain in the ass. Great place to meet people before and after red sox games. There's a nightclub called Oliver's connected with Cask'n Flagon. It's near all the colleges, so girls are a pleasantry. The venue was voted Best American Sports Bar by ESPN back in 2006. Very worth trying. -
Review from Carolyn L.
Palatine, IL
Had a great time here the other day before the Cubs vs Red Sox game, and even after the game! They had some great food served by friendly wait staff. We went all out and ordered some amazing appetizers:
Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Spicy blend of cream cheese and shredded chicken. Served steaming hot in a toasted bread bowl and topped with blue cheese crumbles and scallions. Accompanied by toasted pita chips and celery sticks
Calamari: Succulent tender rings and tentacles, lightly breaded and gently fried. Served with hot cherry pepper slices and House marinara sauce
And LOTS of drinks! Beer, John Dalys, Margaritas. All of it was so enjoyable, really tasty, and 2 steps from Fenway! Of course we had a great time. Next time I go to Fenway, I'll stop by C&F again! -
Review from Rachel A.
My husband and I went to the Cask'n Flagon twice while we were on vacation in Boston. The first time I think that we stopped there because we were down by the stadium and we were hungry. How bad can a sports bar right next to Fenway Park be?
We love chicken wings, so we ordered the Buffalo Chicken Dip. This dip is served with pita chips and celery sticks and it was SO GOOD! So good that we went back for it later in the week after we went to the Red Sox vs. Yankees game (Red Sox won...). The other reason that we went back was for this drink that they had on their specials menu: the Jacoby Crush. Orange Crush and grape vodka. Sounds terrible, right? It was so good that we now keep orange crush and grape vodka in our house at all times. And guests request it when they are at our house.
The Cask'n Flagon has a fun atmosphere--especially after a game. They have tons of tv screens everywhere playing every game that you could possibly want to see. The service was great both times that we were there, and the bartenders were also great.
This probably isn't the best sports bar in Boston, but we had a lot of fun here, and we loved that Buffalo Chicken Dip. -
Review from Thuy L.
Good staple bar to watch games. On a major game night such as Playoffs for any Boston sports, you might be waiting a while to get a table. But service is good. Food is typical bar food. No surprises.
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Review from Heather M.
Denver, CO
Be prepared for crowds at the popular Fenway location. There are tons of tvs (there is even one in the bathroom) and lots of sports fanatics. I had the clam chowder in a bread bowl, which I definitely enjoyed. My friend had the boneless buffalo wings, which are huge.
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Review from Warren D.
Brookline, MA
Great time for any true Boston sports fan. Its proximity to Fenway make it the ideal spot for Sox games without a ticket. The bar and dining areas are spacious and the service is decent. As a Georgia Tech alumnus, I've frequented it for our football games and have always had a good time. The service can be iffy in that regard, but it's understandable with the size of the group. The food I have had there, which has been little, has been decent. Cask n' Flagon's calling card is its atmosphere and environment. It's a Boston sports buff zone and streams Bruin, Sox, Celts, and Pats games throughout the place (including above the urinals) when they are playing. The evening experience is excellent, bringing all types of fans and age groups together during the evening.
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Review from Annie S.
I love the Cask'n Flagon...I don't care if it's touristy or whatnot, it's so much fun and it's full of fun Bostonians. I love Lansdowne, especially in the spring. The windows in the front are huge, so nice to sit by the windows on a sunny day and people watch. The bartenders are friendly and so are the people. And the best part - no cover!
I have been here after games and just on random nights out. I've never had food here, just drinks, so I can't say whether or not it's good and/or expensive. I assume it's general pub food. I love going to Olivers in the back to dance. They play a ton of 70's and 80's, which is a great mix to the usual Top 40 mix. Last time we were here there was a random dude in the corner watching himself dance in a mirror for a good hour or two. It was absolutely hilarious.
Definitely fun with a large group. Room to relax and drink or dance. Can't go wrong. -
Review from Andrew K.
Aliso Viejo, CA
What can I give you about this place that you wouldn't be able figure out on your own if you're a local? Nothing.
However if you're traveling on business in the Bawston area and you get taken to a Sawx game by yah cuzzin Tawmmy who scored some wicked smaht tickets...
Here are some do's and don'ts.
Do go here after a win. It is a great place to revel with other Red Sox fans after a big win, especially against divisional rivals.
Do order budlights or jack&cokes. They are the cheapest on the menu and you're not trying to fit in, you're there on business.
Don't order shots of Jameson. You will be challenged to a drinking contest.
Don't wear a Yankees cap no matter how brave you think you are.
Do dance in the club area because the DJ is actually pretty good and it isnt a thousand degrees in there.
Don't take your pants off in the club because you will be asked to leave.
Do take a cab from a guy named Mikey. He accepts all forms of payment. -
Review from Jarrod C.
Reading, MA
Cask 'n Flagon was fine - large bar with big screens, attentive bartenders, you know, the usual stuff you find at these so called Irish pubs. But what sets this place ahead of the others is Oliver's around back. This place has great beats, another big bar, and a large dance floor with tables to take a break at along the wall.
The combination of Cask 'n Flagon and Oliver's is hard to beat - and a definite must if you're in the Fenway area. -
Review from Dan A.
Chicago, IL
Went to Cask 'n Flagon this past weekend during the Cubs vs. Red Sox series. My wife and I were first time visitors to Boston and we heard from friends and family this was a good bar to stop at prior to the game. I must say it did live up to the hype.
We got there about 3pm and waited about 45 minutes for a table; not that big a deal as we were okay with grabbing some beers at one of the bars while we waited.
We just got some Shandy's and some appetizers (boneless bbq wings and nachos) all of which was VERY GOOD!!
All in all it's a great sports bar right outside a great baseball stadium. Being an avid Cubs fan and Wrigleyville tycoon the vibe in Yawkeyville is very similar to that of Wrigley. Next time we visit we'll have to venture into some of the other bars besides Beer Works and Cask 'n Flagon.. -
Review from Tom G.
Brighton, MA
Average bar food, good location, expensive.
$6 beers, $9 mixed drinks, $12 burgers, $10 covers to see the bands. If I didn't have a friend that plays in a band that is here at times, I'd never come here. -
Review from Joe R.
Bay Area
I've been here during the baseball season and in the offseason, and I had an equally good time. During college football Saturdays there's a good vibe here as well. The food was OK but it's a strong sports bar with a ton of HD TV's, solid beer selection and a good, knowledgable sports crowd.
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Review from J U.
Malden, MA
One of the most famous bars in Boston. It use to be the place to go for Sox games. These days Lansdowne Street is stocked with bars that give this place a run for the money. It is very expensive. You pay for the location and the name. The food items are also expensive and the portions are small. Not the best bet for drinks in the Fenway area.
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Review from Jeffrey S.
Manchester Township, NJ
Went prior to a Sox game. First time in Boston and the first place we ate. We chose it because it was large, busy and right next to the field. We did expect to be blown away by the food we just wanted something to fill our stomachs before the game began. The food was tasty and the beer was cold. Great crowd and great vibe.
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Review from Adam P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
Bear in mind this review is based on my going there to watch football on Sundays. It's pretty much suicide to go there on or around Sox games, so I don't. You go to a baseball bar to watch football? Yeah, I do. Here's why, they have an absurd number of tv's (more on this is a minute) they have beer and food specials and the staff especially the bar tenders are nice.
A lot of places have a bazillion TV's showing a number of games but when you ask nicely "can you please change TV #27 to the Denver game? I have Kyle Orton on my fantasy team," they usually say something like "it's too hard to change the channel so enjoy the end of the Giants game leading into extended post-game coverage and eventually Big Mama's House 2." Watching a text-based version of the game on my phone doesn't really capture the excitement no matter what Steve Jobbs tells you. Last Sunday I walked over to see the score of a game that I couldn't see from my seat and the manager walked over when I got back to the bar and asked "can I put the game you wanted to see on one of these TV's for you?" I didn't even particularly care about the game, I just wanted to see the score and get the blood back into my legs for a precious few seconds but offering to change it for me really nice.
We got the nachos and a bucket of Bud heavies (their yearly bucket special) and watched a number of games. The nachos were actually pretty tasty. They weren't groin-grabbingly good but tasty. We ordered a couple Miler Lites as our "one more then the check," round and the bartender says "I can do that if you want but a pitcher will cost you .50 cents more and is like twice the beer." Now that's the deal I was waiting for.
It seems to be a rare thing that the staff of a given place regards the customers as more than an annoyance but they actually seem to value your patronage here. Maybe it's because you can walk out and be at 15 other places in less than 2 blocks but all things being equal, I'll go where I feel welcome. -
Review from Wendy P.
Watertown, MA
The Cask is synonymous with Boston Sports -- and their nachos are amazing! I know a lot of reviewers mock the dance floor, but my girlfriends and I have had a LOT of good times out there after a game. I love the layout of the Cask too.. a lot of people don't realize there is a 2nd bar in the back, near said dance floor.
It's always easy to snipe a banquette-style table back there. The Cask is perfect for grabbing a beer or two as Fenway empties out!! -
Review from Ray C.
When ever my wife and I go to a Sox, game we usually eat up near Fenway prior to the game (much cheaper). Remy's is our regular spot for some pre-game noms noms. Seeing that we always go to Remy's, we decided let's try something different.
So after a little debating we picked Cask 'n Flagon. We ate here before the Sox game on 7/22/2011. It was the record setting day for heat. When we arrived here it was 102 degrees in Boston. We walk in and it's almost as hot inside as it was outside. I couldn't believe it. I don't know if the A/C's conked out on them or what but it was like a crock pot in here! But we were like, we're already here, let's just stay and give it a try. So the hostess seats us in an area that was a little cooler. We must have been near one of the A/C vents..thank god! It took out waitress about 10-15 minutes before she came over to our table for the first time. This was after she walked by our table 4 times. To her defense, it was really busy, and all the wait staff were running around waiting tables plus given how hot it was in there I wasn't going to give her a hard time. She was friendly though and the last time she walked by our table she did say she would be right with us.
So we get our food about 20 minutes after we order..not bad. I got the chicken nachos and my wife got the 2 chili cheese dogs. I have to say I've had better nachos before. Don't get me wrong, they weren't bad, but I've definitely had better. My wife's meal wasn't bad either. I think the fact that it was so hot in there really killed it for us, and the hostesses-es aren't that personable. News flash that's YOUR job!! You're greeting and seating customers. Anyways, I don't get how this place did not make sure the A/C's would be working properly on a game day, and with it being over 100 degrees that day. This experience has me and the wife thinking, we will not be coming back here. -
Review from Stephen L.
San Rafael, CA
Fenway Standard! Go there and drink before or after a Sox game! Seriously Go, what are you waiting for?
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Review from Walter S.
Miami, FL
I can easily say I love this place because I have history here. I always recommend going here first before a game to travelers. Got warn a bit that it gets crowded during Sox season. Bit that's what a popular bar should be. Great place to meet amazing people. Tons of great TV's. Bartenders are awesome and for bar food....pretty darn good.
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Review from Traci M.
Boston, MA
I went here last night after Spooky World at Fenway. I ordered a lemon chicken dish. The menu made it sound like the chicken would come in a really lemony sauce. I got grilled chicken with not a trace of lemon or sauce. ZERO lemon. Also - they charge for each refill of soda. I had a nearly $10 soda bill. BF talked to the manager who was really nice and embarrassed. He took off the charges and said he agreed that it was a totally ridiculous policy but the owner wouldn't change it.
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Review from David H.
San Francisco, CA
This place has improved a lot over the years! If you like big noisy crowds before games, this is a great place for you! If you can get past the first bar near the entrance, there is a 2nd and less crowded bar in the back.
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Review from John B.
I'm not a Boston sports fan. If I were, this place would positively outrage me. Boston sports are supposed to be about Red Auerbach eating cigar butts and Bernie Carbo sleeping one off in the laundry bins. Well, when I went to "TD BankNorth" (do I have that right?), it reminded me of of a suburban bus depot. So much for the thrill of the Gah-den.
I went to Cask with lower expectations. These theme park sports bars are always pretty depressing. But Cask was lame (I'll explain the second star at the end). A place that revels in being the true Fenway spot shouldn't install drop ceilings and contrive to look like an Adirondack lodge. It should instead pay Fred Linn to drop in and piss in the beer tap. At the very least, it should actively and overtly discourage the patronage of pink hats and iPazzles.
On the other hand, the staff worked well. Clearly trained in the Gamma rHo Beta tradition of dispensaries, they poured and distributed drinks quickly and were fast on the change. Which was nice, because after one beer I couldn't wait for my overnight landlord to show up and give me his keys already.
Also, probably not necessary to scrutinize my sister's ID so intently and leeringly. Do you really think I'm dying to pay for, let alone say the words, "a Sam summer, please"? How many 20-year-old schoolteachers do you know anyway?
Oh, the second star? Aforementioned fast pour, and no more offensive than the "bars" near Yankee Stadium or Wrigley. -
Review from Holly S.
A must if you're touring the Fenway area. Awesome bar, good menu, and good people. Wicked good.
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Review from Janina T.
Chestnut Hill, MA
I normally come here for the drinks and DJ aspect of the venue rather than to watch the latest game. They play pretty good music actually (I haven't gone in a couple of months though but they did the last few times I was there). Good mixture of old school and top 40s so I'm a fan. Drinks are relatively reasonable too. Best memory was the night I went on a dance battle rampage. hahaha.
On other nights they have a live band play at Oliver's but you have to pay a cover to get in there ($10 I think). In my opinion, that's a bit steep. If it was $5, I'd be more inclined to come in and watch, even if it was a band that I didn't know.
Overall, it's a pretty good place to have a great time.
