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Categories: Bars, American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: DowntownGovernment Center (Blue, Green)
State (Blue, Orange)
Park Street (Green, Red)
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More of a 4.5, but since we only came for the famous Boston Cream Pie, it's a 4.
Service was immediate. We got to sit wherever we wanted, and opted for a low table with armchairs overlooking the street. Even though it was still light out and there were many large windows letting light in, the place was delightfully cozy (and for once that's not a euphemism for "small").
My dad and I each ordered a hot chocolate and a pie. We hadn't had anything since our late breakfast, so it was kind of a lunch substitute to tide us over until dinner. For that, it was the perfect size. If you're having this after dinner, or just to say that you did, I'd recommend sharing one between two people.
So, is it any good?
Well, I wasn't totally floored, but yeah, the pie tasted really, really good. I hadn't had it anywhere else before (well, technically, Omni Parker House is the only place to get Boston Cream Pie, because they have a secret ingredient no one else knows about, or so the story goes), and while it's not my new favorite dessert, I can see how some people could get really attached to it. In fact, writing about it a few hours later is making me crave another one.
The pie is kind of expensive ($8), but you're also paying for the privilege of saying you ate an original Boston Cream Pie at the oldest continuously running hotel in the United States. If you don't think it's worth it, don't go, and then you won't have to complain.
I was disappointed to discover that No. 9 Park was closed on Boxing Day and in search of cocktails near our hotel, we ended up at the Last Hurrah. After deciding on a slice of Boston creme pie with our drinks our server let us know they were not serving food on this particular Saturday night.
Thinking it'd be the next best thing, I opted for a Boston creme pie martini. This concoction of vanilla vodka, chocolate liqueur, and Baileys with a cocoa dusted rim was satisfyingly sweet and not unlike drinking spiked chocolate milk.
As a hotel bar habitué, the Last Hurrah offered nothing in particular to surprise and delight me but it was proficient in the ways you might expect: prompt service, competent cocktails, atmosphere conducive to conversation and plenty of seating.
Full of win. It got my friend pleasantly tipsy on first-rate martinis, all while we got to lounge around in comfy chairs and occasionally overhear the couple at the neighboring table order their second, and then their third, and then their fourth, and then their fifth round--by which point it seemed remarkable that their groping hadn't turned into something more.
The warm nuts on the table are a nice touch, and the ambiance is both classy and relaxing. I'll definitely be back.
Nice bar in an historic hotel. Home of the Boston Cream Pie, favorite haunt of some literary giants...all that jazz.
The bar is swanky in a gently worn, old-school way. Bartenders are professional but not too chatty. The whiskey selection is excellent. They make a decent cocktail.
The hours can be tricky; make sure they will be open before you head over.
I try to always stay at the Omni Parker House when in town, and the first thing I do after checking in, is head down to the Last Hurrah for a tasty martini! What makes it so great?
Well, the bartenders and staff are first rate, the olives and nice and big and fresh, and the bar is big with plenty of chairs...but...I would have to say, it's the hot nuts! Mmmmm - and the good deluxe ones too!
This is what I'm thinking of when I think of a swanky hotel bar, or some post-war, pre-hippie amalgam of America at its highest and lowest. More than any bar in Boston, The Last Hurrah evokes some sort of anachronistic feeling reminding one of the days only described by rich parents to their children in some nice suburb. It's the world of Mad Men, of John F. Kennedy, of backroom deals cloaked with lots and lots of cigar smoke, but obviously without all that smoke. :)
Up until this evening, I had never been to The Last Hurrah, despite the fact it's about a few hundred feet from the front of my building. That's still better stats for me than Mooooo, but that's not the point.
The Last Hurrah evokes the standard swanky bar, the place where Don Draper would chill until some lady-type walked along that he fancied, or where 1950s and 1960s businessmen would discuss "business" (and by business, I mean whether the Brooklyn Dodgers could finally overcome those dang boys at the Polo Grounds). It's got that feel with it, where you're whisked back, but without the overwhelming "Boys Club" feel (I was able to park my butt down despite my gym bag and Reeboks).
In terms of drinks, it delivers, with a variety of beers, wines, and others, though it feels like the place you could sit back with some scotch and watch the people rush down School Street trying to get to Borders or Boloco before they closed. I ended up having two Sam Adams' while commiserating with a friend of mine over topics ranging from Sarah Palin to Sonia Sotomayor, and everything in between. Prices were a little high ($6 for 12 oz, higher than you'll pay down the street at Hub Pub or Sidebar), but really, you're paying for the decor.
I haven't had a chance to try the food, though I appreciated the nut bowls. Those are always a nice touch.
Simply put, it's a classy place with a 1950s-1960s feel. And within the swanky Omni Parker House, it's a perfect fit.
We set out to Omni Parker House solely for the Boston Cream Pie.. I mean, we're in Boston, shouldn't we have Boston Cream Pie? I couldn't really figure out the best place to get it, but I did find out that it supposedly originated from the Omni Parker House Hotel.
We ventured towards the restaurant, not knowing where to go for our dessert...but we were sent to Last Hurrah. (Upon exit, I think the cafe might have also allowed for Boston Cream Pie orders.)
Yes, I am rating solely on the pie, but c'mon..shouldn't it be amazing if you're gonna advertise it? The pie was $8, so we thought it would be a pretty hefty size, and we had just had lunch. Our waiter suggested we each order one, demonstrating with his hands that the cake was about the size of a baseball. Really? It better be good...We only ordered one, and thank goodness. I was kind of excited when the pie came out with toasted almonds around the sides, but it didn't look all that impressive. Looked like just any other market fancy-wannabe dessert. Fork into pie, fork into mouth.. mm, nothing to rave about. A friend exclaimed that she "could taste the freezer/refrigerator" in it. err..unappetizing.
That tiny pie was more than enough for me. Maybe it would be better at the restaurant, but hey, we were sent to the bar. I'd like to hear those pies being stepped up..otherwise, not so likely to return.
Old school, historic, classy. All words to describe the Last Hurrah.
This place is fantastic. They have a huge selection of martinis (at least 40), as well as a yummy-sounding food menu featuring bar and not-so-much bar food. A selection of warm nuts are brought to you promptly when you sit down. Yes.
Paul, our waiter, is the man. Not only was he funny as hell, but very knowledgeable about the menu and about the Last Hurrah and Omni Parkerhouse itself. He told us some funny historical stories, and even brought us a book detailing the history of the Omni Parkerhouse. Who knew it was the oldest and longest-running hotel in the US?
I went for the limoncello martini and pear martini. Both were fabulous. Brett M. went for the Boston Cream Pie martini. How could you pass on that, since the Boston Cream Pie was invented at the Omni Parkerhouse? Brett enjoyed his martini... oh wait, many plural martinis.
This is a great place where you can have fantastic cocktails and actually carry on a conversation. I would highly recommend the Last Hurrah as a place ot bring out-of-town guests or the end of a classy night on the town.
OH, and they also have liquor and chocolate pairings. Will be back for that!
At the Last Hurrah you can have a chill relaxed drink with friends in an atmosphere where you feel like you could be asking an old tuxedo-ed millionaire to pass the Gray Poupon.
The bar is real class and the place is outfitted with leather seats that look like they came out of your bachelor great-uncle's living room. We were seated in one corner at what seemed like a law-firm conference table and started to wade through their extensive drink menu of inventive cocktails, cognacs, portos, and more. They will serve your cocktail in a mixer on a silver tray to be self-poured, which was an interesting nice twist I haven't seen before. The selection of ports is mind-boggling and they'll serve those with or without chocolate.
I had myself a Dickens punch which is named after a cocktail the author used to drink apparently at the Parker House Hotel - I can see now how this potent little gin beverage inspired such a great writer...could have slurped down about ten of these.
So the next time (if ever) you're looking for a nice classy-in-an-old-school-kind-of-way type bar to enjoy a GOOD drink downtown during a night out I'd say stop in here and give it a try - but make it before their last call at 12am.
BOOZE, HIGH BAR, BOOZE, PEOPLE WATCHING , HAND TOWELS IN BATH ROOM, WARM NUTS ( hee hee). I love this place always been a place to meet for difficult conversation, or celebrations.
Always and odd ball crowd as in a Hotel and always get into conversations w/ strangers. comfy booths on the lower level w/ all glass to people watch again.
I just don't like the tall lurch like house manager - he pokes his nose in too much w/ annoying recommendations.
I think this place is pretty pretentious. The waiter came up to me when I joined my friends, said hello & then just stood there. So I looked at him waiting for him to say somehting & he never did. My friend was like so you want something? I said no & he turned around & left. What an idiot. More of our friends came & we moved to a bigger table & he made a stink about it. We asked for more nuts since that's the only good thing about this place.
I've heard they have warm nuts. For some reason, these nuts, combined with their fancy schmancy martinis made me want to stop by.
A friend and I met up at the Last Hurrah on a random Thursday night. I was surprised to see that there were several open tables, but the for the most part it was filled with patrons that I would classify as "older". When I say older, I mean like my grandparents age. As the night when on several young folks meandered in but this definitely had the old gentleman feel.
After an awkward wait for menus, we finally were able to order the Big Apple Martini and Mango Martini. They arrived quickly on a fun little tray and our food followed pretty quickly thereafter. My apple martini was perfect. Chilled, crisp and went down smoothly. I could have easily pounded several of those down, but the $11 price tag reined me in. I don't consider that a ridiculous price, but it can take a toll on the pocket.
My clam chowder was delicious (thanks to another review for recommending it!), but my caesar salad had an an extremely soapy taste. I thought it was the anchovies that were on top for a bit, but now I really am convinced that I downed a few teaspoons of Dawn liquid soap while eating that salad.
My friend ordered the spring rolls which made me giggle when they arrived. Apparently these were made for children with small hands. These suckers were super small and could easily be described as bite size.
The ambiance of the place is warm and inviting. The old school hotel feel spills into this bar and makes it worth at least one visit.
It is located just off the front lobby of the Omni Parker. I have been here before after a client event and it was nice.
Please see my blog for more details and reviews.
We watched the end of the Sox game (around 9 pm) and met a friend. The place was fairly crowded when the game was playing, but after it ended there were the three of us and another couple. It was way too quite after the game, and was time to finish our drinks and leave.
Great bartenders, excellent drinks, and a good spot to have a few.
4 Bombay Saphire 35.00
5 paulener Hefe 35.00
2 Tanqueray 14.50
1 bombay sapharie 8.75
Total - $97.91
I go to this bar once every few months when I'm looking for a relaxing yet classy place to get a few drinks. This place feels rich and old-timey. I'm not a whiskey fan but if I was (and my bf is) then it is definitely the place to go. They have a whole list of whiskeys with detailed descriptions of the various intricacies of each. We stopped by last weekend and they also had a special fruit-infused Woodford Reserve. I usually stick to the martinis which are creative and strong. As others have mentioned, the warm mixed nuts and yes they are amazing.
3.5 Stars
This is the bar attached to the Omni Parker House.
This place is my Standby Hangout. If I have to take a friend or a colleague out for a little while, and one or more of us doesn't feel like making a big todo out of it, this is where I take them.
Unlike almost every single bar in Boston, it's fairly QUIET. I like that. This place has a true Lounge feel to it. The ambience is superb. You can sit back on one of those couches or big chairs in the bag and totally luxuriate or whatever the word is.
Everything is overpriced here ($9 clam chowder), ESPECIALLY the drinks, but at least the food is decent. But let's get something straight. You don't come here for a high class meal. If you're looking for that, go to Ruth's Chris just a few steps down School Street; there, you actually get what you pay for in terms of food and service (more on the service below). This is a place you can enjoy a quick little relaxing breather with your friends, colleagues, or whomever.
If you're sitting at a table, the service isn't very good here (although at the bar it's okay). It's not really really bad, I guess. I've had truly bad service at places, and this isn't bad service. It's just...not what I would call good. The waiters take their sweet ass time, and while not actually rude, are a bit standoffish/aloof (although sometimes pleasant in their own way). So, mediocre service, I guess. Roughly.
If you don't mind the prices for merely decent food (this is what keeps Omni Parker from earning Four Stars), this is a great place for lunch, dinner, drinks, snack, whatever.
So, in short:
PROS: Ambience, atmosphere, quiet
CONS: Poor value (EDIT: BUT, most Boston bars are a poor value when it comes to food at least, and this place is definitely a step up in atmosphere)
P.S. -- I saw Mayor Menino in here once for lunch. So if you're the sort of person who goes for that sort of thing, then there you go.
Close to being the best name for a bar ever (a change to 'huzzah' would be even more awesome), the Last Hurrah is named after the 1950s politics novel and since the 60s has served as THE drop-in bar for Beacon Hill politicos to do their deals.
It's a great bar to go for a relaxed drink in leather seats with a friend. I was here with The Last Tarah and we learned that this place, although cheap, is not that good for The Last Supper - the 10 dollar dishes have a very SYSCO microwaved feel to them. The only thing worth getting is the famous Boston Cream Pie, which they bring out from Parker's next-door.
So it's best to head here for The Last Drink. Get those free roasted nuts, hold your whisky in your hand, sink into your chairs and feel time weighing down heavily on you from the ancient Parker House. Huzzah!
Ok, yeah, the sidecar was a bit fruity -- but I still enjoyed it. And whether or not historically, when serving drinks, it is customary to always serve the lady first is still up to debate until Miss Manners chimes in on the subject.
Point is, this place oozes class. For some reason I find a great thrill in being served warm mixed nuts with my beverage by a guy who's been doing it for 30+ years. A nice selection of drinks here, and they pour them right -- if not in the right order. There's a sense of well being that overcomes you when sitting in a nice chair with a well aged scotch, watching the city night's wheels go 'round and 'round through a big curtained window.
My one drawback for this place is the fact that the bathroom is located about thirty paces down through the lobby, up a nondescript flight of stairs and over on your right. But at least, being in a hotel, you know the bathroom's well kept.
I'll be coming back here.
I'll Have The Irish Coffee, And A Denim Shirt For The Lady.
I'll start off by saying that whatever I say in this review, and however awesome and funny you think it is, there's no way to actually explain how hilarious the day was when we discovered that the Last Hurrah has ACTUAL DENIM SHIRTS on its menu. However, in honor of this review, I'm going to change my profile picture to a picture of the denim shirt we bought at this fine establishment.
It was midday and we were hung over. It was that special kind of hangover when you close the door to your office at work so no one can see you laying face down on your floor. It was also my friends' last day at my office - we will call them Thing 1 and Thing 2. Things 1 and 2 are two of my favorite guys, even though they beat on me a little more than would be to my liking.
We went to lunch and instead of returning to work, Thing 1 suggested we stop off at The Last Hurrah for drinks. Thing 2 and I were too hung over to drink, but since we were also too hung over to be in the office we though that watching Thing 1 drink and make a fool out of himself was the clear preferable option. This is when we discovered the first thing that makes The Last Hurrah a five-star establishment: GOD'S ARMS.
"God's Arms" is our nickname for a leather couch located in the back of the restaurant. It LOOKS at first glance like your run of the mill brown leather couch. Little does one know that when you sink into its loving embrace its like a thousand children singing. Or if you think a thousand children singing is your worst nightmare (I only compared it to kids singing because for some reason people are always talking about how f-ing sweet kids sound when they sing. I personally think they usually sound like hot garbage) then sitting on that couch felt like having a plonkity trillion orgasms while someone spoon feeds you ice cream that magically has zero calories but tastes like full-fat ice cream. Yeah, that's right.
So we discover God's Arms, and although we're bowled over by the glory, we open the menu. Pause. You need to know that this is a fine establishment. Leather couches, fancy chairs, waiters in bow ties, leather bound menus with pages made to look like aged parchment. This ain't TGI Fridays. My point is that THERE SHOULD NOT BE A DENIM SHIRT ON THIS MENU. But thanks to all that is holy, there is. We're flipping through the pages of speciality martinis, cordials, cocktails, ports, sherries, and we get to the last page of the menu, which reads: DENIM SHIRT. $40. Imagine our chagrin.
Are you kidding? A DENIM SHIRT? Does anyone EVER buy this item? Were the owners of the Omni Parker and the Last Hurrah sitting around brainstorming one day thinking "this place really needs something to dress up the menu...maybe a cigar list....maybe some rare scotch....no....I've got it! Let's put 50% of a canadian tuxedo on the menu!!! F*** YEAH!!!!"
It was a miracle we were able to order after this discovery because every time I tried to speak I laughed so hard that snot came out of my nose. But we managed. Thing 1 ordered an appletini (I still think he does this mostly to embarass his friends), and Thing 2 and I ordered iced coffees. But when the order came, the waiter delivered the appletini with two IRISH coffees - undrinkable in our condition. Deciding it was probably our own damn fault for being in hysterics over the denim shirt, we ponied up the dough even after a pathetic failure of an attempt to ingest the coffee through the sea of whiskey.
Oh, and later that night, Thing 2 and I went back to the Last Hurrah and bought that denim shirt. Here's some more shit that makes this the funniest thing of all time:
(1) In order to see a shirt in their finest denim you have to get the manager.
(2) The manager then has to get a key - you can shortcut this by asking the bartender to see the manager and insisting that he bring his key to the special denim shirt lockup.
(3) The denim shirt only comes in large or extra large, which is kind of a bummer if you want a denim shirt that fits and you're a small chick. Thankfully, we wanted the biggest most preposterous denim shirt available. The Last Hurrah obliged.
(4) Even the staff at this place thinks you're insane for wanting to see, let alone purchase, anything from their denim collection. I've never gotten so many weird looks. Although maybe that was because Thing 2 and I were in tears laughing in the manager's face about the denim shirt.
(5) Nothing makes a better going away gift that a denim shirt from the Last Hurrah. We took the one we bought out with us that night, had everyone sign it, and then gifted it to Thing 2.
In the end, The Last Hurrah provided us with one of the funniest nights of my life and a fine denim shirt that Thing 1, Thing 2 and I traded off wearing all night. Because of this, I'm willing to forgive them for serving me an irish coffee instead of an iced one.
Can you ask for a more old time political bar in boston? NO. James Michael Curley had residence here and he is in a few of the old photographs. Never had a bad time here, but I have to say the manager was rude when I was in here once ages ago.
But otherwise, the staff has always been pleasant and the lobster bisque was excellent.
The bar was classy in a way that you can imagine what it looked like in 1967. The bartender said he had been bar tending there for 35 years! The crowd was older, but friendly. I really enjoyed my drink before dinner and even came back after dinner to explore their extremely extensive scotch list. The house beer was tasty, and while not brewed on premises, is a local beer. I also loved that when I ordered a mixed drink, it came in it's own little shaker on a silver tray with the glass.
Why 3 stars? Two reasons: First, my sidecar was weird. Sweet, even. Not bad, just not what I expected. I do not believe my glass was chilled, either. Second, the waiter always served my gentleman friend first. Last time I checked, it was ladies first, even- nay, ESPECIALLY- when drinks are poured.
I'm sort of reluctant to review this bar because I feel it's one of the best kept secrets of Boston Happy Hour. The crowd varies by what convention is staying in the hotel but the chairs are comfy, they serve nuts to make you thirsty (not cheapo peanuts , the good stuff!) and the drink menu is extensive (though no Sam). I'm not a martini girl but I am madly in love with the Last Hurrah Martini. If that's your sort of thing - it's definitely not for everyone - go check it out!
Jan 09 Update! I'm still a fan but service has definitely slipped in the past couple years - it's not bad but can be slow. Not always but sometimes. I go to this bar a lot so this is not based on 1 incident. If you want to relax and have some eats and aren't on a tight schedule this is a great place. The food is better than 6B, Beantown, Emmets (its neighbors) and the atmosphere more upscale. If you're looking to have a quick cocktail or two and make it to your train/date/dance lesson that could be an issue.
[Boston Cream Pie Martini!!!]
Last Hurrah is a quintessential old-time, hotel bar with a political history and steeped in the elegance of Jackie O and the romance of dark leather and polished brass touched by greats of past eras.
Boston Cream Pie Martini in a glass rimmed with Godiva chocolate dust and sugar, mixed at the bar, served on a little silver tray and poured at your table.
So delicious I could not just sip it slowly, but sipped it right down and did not hesitate to order another almost immediately.
Pricey of course, our "afternoon snack" (two martinis each and boston cream pie between the four of us) cost as much as our dinner (though that was without alcohol).
For BCP overload we paired it with an actual Boston cream pie (since the Omni Parker House was the first place to serve it, it seemed like a necessity) which was beautifully served and delightfully p
erfect: the poundcake soaked in the custard just the right amount, the custard firm-enough to taste but soft enough to seep, and the chocolate and whipped cream most decadent.
They give you warm salted nuts to snack on, yum.
I went for happy hour the other day and had a Maker's Mark Manhattan.
It was perfect. The nuts were perfect. The waitress was perfect.
The ambience was perfect too although I could hear voices coming from the Granary Burial Ground across the street. They were jealous. Mother Goose said that if she was able to get up she would drink me under the table.
Don't drink too much, you'll hear dead people too. Many ghosts at the bar all drinking Sam Adams. Except for Sam Adams who had a Bud. What a cheapskate. I think George Washington slept here I saw him walk by, unless Barbara Bush was in town. I always get them mixed up. Anyway meet me there I'll buy the first round .Unless John Hancock offers first.
This place is a hidden gem. I went here yesterday for drinks with a friend. It has a very relaxed/loungy atmosphere with an air of sophistication. The ambiance is classy and kind of reminded me of the hotel from "the Shining", sans ghosts. The leather bar stools are super comfy, and as others have mentioned the drink selection is outstanding. So many martini's it was hard to choose! Both martini's we had (Boston creme pie & Trinidad) were excellent.
My dear friends, I would like to draw your attention to this upscale bar in the Beacon Hill area of town.
The Last Hurrah is one of the two bars in the Omni Parker House. Now you're probably all thinking "Whoa! The Omni Parker House? Isn't that that hotel where all those historical luminaries, such as Dickens, stayed in? Doesn't it cost like $first-born-son a night?"
Well, friends, that's as may be, but The Last Hurrah doesn't disappoint. To begin with, the comfortable seating and soft "mood lighting" should get you in the mood to drink. The opulent furniture (all oak and mahogany and leather and stuff) is only matched by the thoroughness of the whiskey list (the bar is listed in Whisky Magazine's best whisky bars in the world, and you can tell they're Scots, and that it's a serious list, since they spell it "whisky"!).
Next, while you peruse that list, the waitstaff brings over a bowl of hot nuts. Um. Roasted nuts, I mean. Not peanuts, but almonds, and cashews, and macadamias, and so on. It's quite delicious, and really, who doesn't want a giant bowl of mixed nuts? (Apologies to nut-allergy sufferers).
Oh, also, they make their martinis in a mini-shaker. I'm not sure how they manage this -- after all, if the shaker is smaller, either they can't fit in as much ice, or they can't fit in as much tipple, surely? Based on my experience drinking it, I assure you, the drink was both cold, and still potent. Bartenders (or other knowledgeable parties), feel free to write and explain why this is so. Also, to ensure that you get more than your fair share of martini, they bring out the shaker with the full martini glass, so that after you're done, they pour whatever's left into your glass.
The sandwiches are good (I had this great one with pesto), and a bit pricey ($8), but I'd avoid a repeat performance. Why? 'Cause instead of a decent salad, or a soup, or even some damn fries, all I got was a mound of ruffled potato chips. Now maybe these are some fancy-pants ruffled chips that you can only get at the Omni Parker House. They taste like Ruffles. And Ruffles, ladies and gentlemen, ain't worth enough to be a side at Chili's, much less a classy joint like this one. So yeah, probably, don't get the food.
Don't buy the beer either -- their selection bites, and it's overpriced.
All in all, here's my recommended game plan:
Go to The Last Hurrah after work.
Order a whisky (they've got quite a few decent single malts, and even some bourbons, for you undiscerning, corn-lovin' types).
Or a martini, if you like (Recommendation: espresso martini).
Munch on hot nuts.
Pretend you are rich enough that you can regularly afford to dine in swanky surroundings.
Eat elsewhere, and relish in your thriftiness.
Enjoy,
-K
As a traveling consultant, The Omni Parker House is my favorite hotel in America.
And the Last Hurrah is definitely my favorite bar -- rich leather and mahogany (Ron Burgundy lives), ice cold martinis, friendly bartenders, the Sox game on TV, Boston Cream Pie (the original) and a bowl of warm roasted nuts (mixed...cashews, too...no run of the mill peanuts here). And if you're in the mood, you can always strike up a conversation with a friendly tourist or local.
My favorite place to have a drink downtown.
A fine, stately room, where everyone can be treated with class and respect again. You bartender will call you sir or ma'am, and not in a patronizing way. He or she will make you feel attended to and welcome, as is only befitting the tavern at the oldest hotel in the United States, and yet will still make friendly, pleasant conversation.
It's only fitting to have a glass of scotch from the well-stocked bar. Spend a little extra and treat yourself to something from the top shelf as you lounge in the comfortable yet unpretentious leather chairs, in the warm, dim light. Look around and see if Ricardo Montalban isn't sitting next to you, flashing a knowing smile. But don't hesitate to try the house beer, a fine ale that's hearty and refreshing for all seasons. Whatever you have, be sure to enjoy the bowl of warmed fancy mixed nuts offered to every patron, as the Last Hurrah's way of letting you know they appreciate you every time you stop in.
Pictures on the wall depict old Boston politics, as the bar is named for the famous novel about a political lifer's downfall. But just one drink here can make anyone having a bad day feel good about themselves again, be they congressman or chambermaid. Really, though, you'll leave feeling like it's treatment well-deserved by anyone.
Awesome whiskey and whisky bar!
It just so happen, attached to the hotel I was visting (Omni Parker) was this bar "Last Hurrah". It wasn't until my last night in Boston that I was privy to it's classic awesomeness. By classic I mean it's attached to the oldest hotel in Boston which is 150+ years old. let's think about this.... Boston is probably the most Historic city in the United States and within this city lies the oldest Hotel. The Boston Cream pie was friggin invented here at this hotel (Parker Bar, also in the Omni Parker). The wicked Freedom Trail goes right through it. The Freedom Trail folks! It's so old that Samual Adams, Paul Revere, and John McCain occasionally prosted a few together at the bar.
Getting back to the classyness of the "Last Hurrah". It's the type of place where you would prefer to walk in with a drinking jacket simply to play the role of "old man" McGillicutty throwing back a few. By drinking jacket I mean hounds tooth with the leather elbow patches (mine is currently on back order).
As I was saying, I stumbled in here late one night (early one morning) and much to my dismay it was empty except for an old white man sitting up at the bar and the bartender who was wiping down glasses with a towel. I've recently acquired a taste for whiskey actually scotch whisky (which I prefer) so this place was perfect for my new old man ways. I decided I would stay for a few minutes at the bar. I peered over the whiskey menu and was astonished by its extensive and overly detailedness. They had an abundent amount of liquors to choose from and I recognized maybe a handful like the usual glenfiddich, glenlivet, McCallahan, Rittenhouse, Van Winkle, etc... . The rest all seemed rare and mystic to me (and the prices were steep). I really didn't feel like spending $20+ for a drink so I asked for Johnny Black on the rocks. This is where the old man sitting at the bar caughed up a lung. In a raspy voice I thought I heard "... grow some balls sissy punk and order a mans drink...". I was caught off guard to say the least but I wasn't ready to back down. So I mustered the strength (checked my finances aka wallet) to order some Rittenhouse 18 year old. But the old man at the bar, who goes by Curly (a large bald man), said get the "boy" some High Park and Talisker. The bartender then plopped in front of me two very expensive scotch whisky's. 25 yr old Talisker and 30 yr old Highland Park both neat cask strength single malt. The High Park had 2 drops of water ever so gently added to it. Both were the smoothest whisky's to ever have touched my lips and tongue. I can remember the first time I tasted whisky... yuck sick ewww gross. Alcohol was the only thing I could taste and it tasted like crap crap crap. I couldn't distinguish any flavors. The Talisker was rich in aroma with traces of smokiness and sweet finish of chocolate and toffee. A complex flavor which i've never experienced outside of red wine. The Highland Park was everything the Talisker was but more.
Curly, thank you for the drinks. The next one is on me.
I know I've professed my love of hotel bars on here before, and this one adds to all that smooshiness.
The Last Hurrah is a place I love to go for my last drink. Sure, hotel bars tend to close an hour earlier than the rest of the bars in Boston, but these days I'm lucky if I make to last call anywhere...
This place is so comfortable, with the big leather chairs and couches and friendly service. I've enjoyed an array of drinks here, from champagne to beer to Bailey's.
And the historical aspect of it just takes the cake. 4.5 stars but I couldn't bear to leave just 4 stars so there we go, another 5-star review!
I love the Last Hurrah. I live not too far away, and my school has a ton of events at the Omni, so I'm almost a regular. They have a great drink list, and good food too. The clam chowder has a lot of clams, and the Boston Creme Pie is literally the original.
The scene is older, a lot of suits and tourists, but like Julien at the Langham, very relaxing. Service is attentive and you get bar nuts.
We all hooked up with friends here as we were going to a Wedding that took place in the Roof Top of the hotel. Its a cool place to sit and watch a game. Its not so crowded you can really relax but still enough people to make it fun! We even went back after the wedding for last call with everyone.
Location getting there is so easy for us since its right across from Green Line @Park Street Station.
Its a hoot watching the Ducks and Trolley drive past the window.
I suppose its the Greatest people watching corner in USA. Go Figure
Recommend Martini named Boston Creme Pie like a smooth desert with alcohol.
Nice place, centrally located to meet someone for a quite drink. It could even work out for first or second date. I've had business meetings here and I've also gone here to start the night off on other occasions. I've never had the food here but they do the best Vodka Lemon Martini I've ever had!
It's a cool bar: quiet, discreet - like the bar at the Taft where Benjamin met Mrs. Robinson. I usually meet someone here that I haven't seen in a long time. We have a few vodka tonics, catch up on old times, and talk about people. Before you know it hours have flown by and you have already consumed a half dozen bowls of nuts and assorted goodies - careful, it's very addicting. I've taken the T back home on several occasions after a Sunday afternoon drunk at the Parker House. I think Emerson and Longfellow used to meet up here for literary symposiums back when Boston was the City on the Hill. Go for historical reasons - and don't forget to tell Mrs. Robinson your room number.
Great place for a drink with atmosphere. Very cool establishment and not crowded when I was there.
I'm not usually one to frequent sophisticated establishments, so the thought of going to The Last Hurrah never went through my mind. A couple of weeks ago, however, my fiance and I went on a "Hotel Bar Crawl" with some of our friends and this place really stood out. I tried most people's drinks (hey, sharing is caring!) an each one was well mixed. The warm nuts, which many have already commented on, not only make for a great snack... but the endless jokes that come with it are an added bonus.
Tonight, I will be headed back here for a second time. I expect that it will be as I remember: a place to relax, have a real conversation with a friend, and throw back a few classic beverages.
This place makes me want to put on a three piece suite, a fedora and use phrases like, "that dame has a swell pair of steams." or "gimme some more of that giggle water, you dirty crumb bum". Sure the drinks are on the pricier size, but you get a bowl of warm nuts for free and what in the hell beats warm nuts? Nuthin.
Impeccable ambiance in the oldest hotel in Boston. I've gone there once for drinks and their drink menu is awesome. A true lounge type bar I would say. They have a very expansive scotch, bourban, and cognac list as well as a great cocktail list. A great stop for tourists and locals alike! Only downside is they don't serve food but you can just go across the hall to Parker's Bar and get dinner or dessert.
I have mixed feelings about this place - the free warm nuts are great, but tends to be an older and/or tourist crowd. I found the wait staff a little too attentive when I was there after work (it wasn't too busy so they weren't waiting on ten other parties).
As a former Mass resident I miss the Last Hurrah. It's such a great place. It's like going back to the time of Honey Fitz and Mayor Curley. I love the wood paneling and the fancy couches. The two times I've been to the Last Hurrah was for lunch and both times the food was very good. I highly recommend the irish beef stew. The place is on the expensive side but definitely worth it. Last Hurrah is a great place to take someone out of town for lunch or if you just want a drink.
This place is right down the road from where I live. Excellent history. A haunted spot on the Ghost and Gravestones tour. The birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie. Where JFK announced his plans to run for president AND proposed to Jackie (so I am told). This bar has a LOT going for it. Unfortunately for us, arriving close to last call (not drunk and stupid, mind you) is a BAD, BAD idea. As we eased into the comfy couches near the Tremont street entrance, at around 1am for a late-night nightcap (before our friends "South end Zach and Jen went home for the night), we were greeted by a rude, hurried waiter who instantly informed us it was last call. As soon as he brought the drinks, he handed us the bill, and said he needed payment right away and that we would need to leave with our drinks and consume them in the lobby. Complete horse-poop. However, the night was a success, because we enjoyed the plush comforts of the lobby furniture (and watching all the drunk hotel guests come home) more than the hurried "gotta get home" atmosphere of the bar. The 2 star rating here is due to the fact that some guests came in as we were walking out with our drinks (as instructed), sat at the bar, and were promptly served without incident.
I would recommend the Oak Room, or Spire at Hotel 9 Zero down the street over this place. Although I love, love, love, the Omni Parker House Hotel. This may be a great happy hour bar, but don't go there for a nightcap.
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