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Categories: Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: CharlestownCommunity College (Orange)
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Oldest tavern in America (Paul Revere and friends met here). It's really close to our friend's place and we decided to pop in this weekend. Ye olde notations:
*Open since 1780 (so cool!) - décor is certainly trying to stick to the revolutionary time period. Dark wood floors, tables, and stools in this small space. Open ceiling to rafters above along with the dim light makes me feel like I'm in cahoots with the Sons of Liberty!
*Drinks come easily and our waitress was REALLY nice. Prices are Boston-average (6$ for a vodka tonic, 5$ for a beer). The kitchen closes at 11! - so if you're throwing them back and want some of their delicious-smelling onion rings, order them before hand.
*Only two complaints are: 1) the volume of the place was a bit much (small space, we wanted to talk with, not bark at, our friends). And 2) there seems to be a traffic floe problem; everyone congregated by the bar, which means getting to the restroom or exiting the facility is difficult.
I haven't eaten here, but I would return to try it out. The dining room is off to the side and I suspect that it would be quieter than the bar area. I had a good time laughing with friends and singing along to "Don't Stop Believing;" will definitely be back!!!
As a resident of Charlestown, I think I am somewhat obligated to like this place, no? We frequent the Tavern on Monday nights to take part in their weekly trivia. We've had good nights and bad nights. Most recently, very bad (in trivia, that is).
Food is good, pubish but good. Their onion soup is really good and served in a crock which is so authentic and makes me feel good about eating it. It has been a bit too salty at times though. The prices are decent, but I think it's all about the ambiance you get from the place. It's the oldest pub in America and it really feels that way. It's dark and cozy.
I hear Wednesday nights are the time to go and apparently they are. My roommates and I tried to go there one Wednesday at 9:30 or so and we were told they were over the capacity and wouldn't let us in. It was too cold to wait so we headed to Sullivans Pub. Sorry Tavern. I'll be back soon, don't worry.
I returned to the Warren Tavern a few times and still love it. I love it even more since I've tried more things on the menu. Burgers are huge and juicy. Kettle chips are SO DELISH----thin and crunchy. Steak and Cheese Spring Rolls and Artichoke/Asparagus Crostini appetizers are sooooo good.
Prices are good, and atmosphere is pretty laid back.
The only drawback here is the parking situation, but I am a lucky girl and am in walking distance of this great place.
My boyfriend and I live in Charlestown and decided to walk down to the Warren tavern on a Friday… Read more »
This place had a great crab cake sandwich. The fries were also excellent. It had the typical dark wooden feel of a lot of places, which was cool, but it had good music and good service. I definitely recommend this place for lunch after you finish the Freedom Trail at Bunker Hill!!
I really like going here for a variety of occasions. I go with my co-workers and we sit at the bar or the tall tables. When I go on a date they have nice dining areas as well. I don't drink too much so I can't really tell you about the alcohol selection. The food is great though and the prices are reasonable. My favorite are the Tavern Wings. Soooo delicious! Great burgers as well.
"Dood! Lestah? No question he's the numbah one stahduh in our rotation."
"F'real, dood?"
"Yah, kid."
"Hey chief, 'notha round of Heinekens?"
It really doesn't get much townier than the Warren Tavern. The place is a mish-mash of styles, trying to remember its long history (did you know Paul Revere got smashed here once upon a time? It's true!) while also trying to have enough flat-panel TVs around to keep new bodies coming in the door. Unfortunately, the new bodies are inevitably clad in poorly cut suits, their hair gelled into immovable spikes, their gaudy chains protruding from chest hair that runs up to their necks. If you're a protein-shake-pounding yuppie, an old-guard townie, or a girl looking for either, the Warren Tavern's probably the place for you.
On the plus side, they serve a decent dark-'n-stormy. Fuggin a, kid.
If you like overly-crowded Boston bars where the customers and bartenders all have attitude problems, go here.
It does look cool inside, and the place has some history, but like most good bars, all the idiots find it and take over.
The WT is a neighborhood gem in Charlestown. Set into the beautiful gaslamp area, the WT oozes history that the flatscreen TVs at the bar can't obscure. Great, if slightly limited, selection of on-tap beer, including fantastic Magners Irish cider. Seriously kick-ass chowder. Very reasonable prices. Really, how can you go wrong with all of that. It's not haute cuisine, but I do miss it when I'm not visiting friends here in Charlestown.
Oh historic, WT, ye olde pub of the Revolution!
Sometimes I come to the Warren Tavern for Monday Night Trivia, which is a pretty good time. We usually show up early to snag a table (it gets crowded and they don't really like you to sit in the dining room). It starts at 8 pm, but the Trivia guy is usually 15 minutes late. This trivia is a little harder than the trivia we've experienced at other bars (Stump), but that just means that you need to put together a diverse team (some questions are definitely geared toward the 30+ set). If you get all the questions correct you could stand to make a tidy sum of cash (it was $700 last week).
Their food is ok, it's your basic pub fare, and I'm told the chowder is pretty good (I'm not a fan of clam chowder). I also like their french fries. And they have a decent beer selection (really like the Red Brick). Sometimes service can be a bit inattentive.
They also have live music on Wednesdays, which I've been to once. It's fun and there is a good singles crowd.
The Warren Tavern serves its purpose as a cute neighborhood eating and drinking destination with historical roots, cozy old school interior, and good service. Apparently it's a historic place. Cool.
WT serves comfort and bar foods like sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, and burgers, along with some higher priced entrees like NY Sirloin, Shrimp and Scallop Scampi, and Chicken Marsala.
I've been here quite a few times and recommend the Monument Chicken Salad ( Grilled chicken, mixed greens, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, green beans, new potatoes, basil and chopped tomatoes, tossed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil), City Square Sandwich (chicken breast with roasted red peppers, cheddar cheese, red onion and pesto sauce). You should ALWAYS get an order of the homemade potato chips- they are the best! Like warm and toastier Cape Cod Potato Chips on steroids.
I'd never come to Charlestown specifically for the Warren Tavern, but if I'm in the area and hungry for something low key, I'd pick Warren Tavern over Tavern on the Water or Ironsides in a second.
The tony but beautiful location and carefully preserved historic interior make you feel like a noble statesman of yore drinking up before going to battle for freedom. Unfortunately, the boring overpriced food and throngs of horny shouting college kids at the bar will kill that buzz. I lived literally 1 minute on foot from the front door for a year, but ate there only once. I'm glad I can say I did, but I won't go back unless begged by a history-obsessed friend visiting from out of town.
A little history, old boston ambience and a easily tolerable crowd deem this a necessary stop for any occassion.
Kudos-worthy
My mother used to work here, back in her pre-child, care-free days in the 70's. I hold this place in a very special part of my heart, for it was the pastry chef there at the time who handed my mother his top-secret recipe for the world's most amazing carrot cake, a cake she religiously makes a few times a year and for those who have been lucky enough to have a slice, you know you've been spoiled.
The boyfriend and I decided to eat here recently after seeing the tall ships over in the Navy yard. The place is adorable, and almost hidden - we walked right by before even noticing the sign by the door. They have a pretty standard pub-food menu, and we both had good burgers and I definitely felt a twinge of nostalgia for dining in the city's oldest restaurant. Next time I'm in Charlestown, I'll definitely stop back. Maybe the current chef will divulge another secret recipe for the daughter of a beloved employee.
decent burger, decent beer.
But what is cool is how flippin old this place is.
1780?
Weren't there witches back then?
Yikes.
Never had a bad time here. Its great after work and they sometimes have live music. Its small so it gets crowded early.
Its a great atmosphere. The burgers are good and the chowder is even better. Its not a huge menu, but its good & the staff is really friendly.
Best place to bring a visitor. The clam chowder here is unbeatable. The Boston accents are thick and everyone is welcome. Be sure to ask about the history of the place you'll be surprised!
Great little local bar.
The food is good, although I wish the menu had a few more light options. I'm not always in the mood for a burger when I don't want a big meal...
Service is very friendly, and there's always good people watching. I think it's going to be a regular spot for me.
I was recommended to this place by a coworker 2 years ago and have been here 4 times since! It hasn't let me down, great food, service, atmosphere, location, and a perfect selection of beer!! I love this place!!
Warren Tavern is a few blocks from work, so one could say I frequent the establishment.
Food is okay, nothing special, but I'm not big into trying new things, so the most I've had there are chicken tenders and salads. Most people don't seem to mind the food though and it is relatively cheap.
It's definitely a place to go for after work drinks which can turn into late night drinks. THe bands they have come in and play can be pretty good too.
For the oldest bar in America this place is still pretty damn cool. Nice blend of local townies and transplants (I'm a transplant). The beer is cold, the food is a shade above average and the prices are reasonable. If all bars had as much character as the Tavern the world would be a better place.
FYI:
Monday's - Trivia Nights. Can get crowded so get in by 7:30 and get a seat.
Wednesday - For some reason Tavern is the "place" on Wed. People from all over Boston come in and the place gets packed. Definitely a scene on Wed.
Sunday Brunch: The Sunday brunch is actually pretty good.
OK, the smell is pretty much gone, which is good. Also, the food has shaped back up. My coworkers love this place, so despite the fact that I'd rather do lunch at the Ironside (which just started doing lunch, by the way) we go here a lot.
I had the salad with steak tips, perfect size for a lunch salad, and the balsamic zinfandel dressing was fulla flay-vah. Our waitress was nice, and again, it did not smell like piss.
I used to like this place a lot better. I've visited this place probably 30 times total - it's a… Read more »
A true locals bar - if you're looking for New England charm, you'll find it here. They have an excellent draft selection and friendly bartenders. A great mix of regulars and tourists in one happy family. If you ever climb the insane 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument up the street, you definitely need to come here to refuel. I didn't try the food so don't feel I can bump it to 5 stars. Still, the best bar I went to during my Boston visit.
The Warren Tavern is awesome, a true tavern with beer, liquer, wine and fine tavern food. Their menu has a perfect number of items to choose from and you can't go wrong with what you pick.
I would highly recommend their fish and chips, which is fried correctly not in a soggy bready skin like someplaces manage.
Super New England - both the menu and the atmosphere.
It's comfort food - fried Haddock, Shepard's pie, the Paul Revere Burger... I went there at 6pm the other night and I was the only one without an awhesome direct-from-Everett accent - e.g. Yah so I was aht dunkies right befah i went to see the shawx and thea was this whiked hugh fiight...
I also came here on a Wednesday night when they had a decent cover band and a huge crowd. That was pretty fun too.
But basically what I'm saying here is that it is impossible to go wrong when you're eating a lobster roll the size of your head with garlic mashed potatoes as a side and working on perfecting your Boston accent. As far as I am concerned, anyway.
One of my top places to send tired tourists after they've trudged out to Charlestown (Especially if the USS Constitution is closed), the Warren Tavern is tops on my list for a quick bite.
Now, I'm partial to it because I really like Dr. Joseph Warren. BUT I've been told by people who actually eat the stuff that their clam chowder in a mug is some of the best people have ever had.
Personally, I've never had a bad meal here and its a great way to cap off a long day walking the Freedom Trail.
If your hungry and lookin for some local flair, the Warren Tavern should be tops on your list, well minus the hungry part (the food's pretty bad). But it I remember correctly, I think it's the oldest continually running tavern in the country, and is one of the coolest spot's to grab a drink in Boston Proper.
The food isnt' all bad, but it's nothing spectacular either. Maybe I'm just being snobby today. The keilbasa is pretty good and the burgers are decent too- if your expectations are kept at a "I'm hungry and feel like boozin" level the Tavern won't let you down. Wedesday night's are always hopping at the Tavern with live music and a cover charge is standard, but it's only a couple of bucks and definately worth it if you've never been.
SIGH. This place has definitely gone downhill. I am saddened. down to 3 stars, but I wil leave my 5-star review so that the new ownership maybe has somehting to aspire to. Blech. The burgers used to be SO MUCH BETTER.
There is no better place in Charlestown. This place is always a winner. I will eagerly walk from the Cambridgeside Galleria (right by the 99, see ya!) just to get a beer and a burger here and watch the Sox game on a sunny afternoon.
At night, the whole back area of the restaurant becomes a classy upscale restaurant, with candles and everything! On my last trip here (which was far too long ago) I had two huge pork chops, with a homemade applesauce. It was a delicious meal.
Next time my history-buff parents are in town, I am taking them here.
What's cool about this place is that it is so historical! I mean, to eat where Boston history was made is pretty neat. Anyways, this is a great after-work and lunch spot. I'm sure dinner is just as good, but I don't really come to Charlestown for dinner.
Basically, it's standard pub fare. Always good beers on tap! The chicken caesar salad is fine, but I love their pepperjack chicken sandwich. And while the tavern chips are good, I prefer the fries.
It's a great atmosphere for an after-work get together and you could really spend the whole evening here if it's cold out.
Overall, great atmosphere and food!
Nothing fancy but the food is good, great place for a bite to eat.
plus a bit of history always adds to its charm..........that was my original review, went back last month and the food wasnt good at all we actually sent back the calamari because it was really fishy!!!!
I always have a good time here...whether its strolling in for dinner during the week, coming in for a few pre-game cocktails on the weekend or dragging myself there hungover on a Sunday morning.
Food is good, people are great...it has a nice feel to it...like home.
Only time Ive ever had a problem here is when I was wearing my Yankees hat...and that was to be expected. :)
The Warren Tavern is perfect after work place (for those of us who work in Charlestown) and for a relatively low-key friday or saturday night. Food is pretty decent and the service is good. Overall its the type of place that if you chose to go to, or bring out of town friends, you won't end up disappointed, which is really all you can ask for.
Love this place! The Warren is just down the street from my office and is the BEST place to get a good drink and a burger after a long day at work. Chill atmosphere, no snobs (maybe that's why Marla didn't fit in...) and talk about OLD. I mean good, vintage, historic old. Not eww, mold, creepy meat market old (although the meat market thing is sometimes inevitable). The beams in the place are actually from ships that used to be in the Navy Yard and the Harbor (ya, say that with a Boston accent, ya bums). I recommend it as a place to pregame , if ya catch my drift.
I came here for a meeting, and I really liked the ambience. It is located in a cozy little neighborhood, and the decor sort of reminded me of Vermont (wooden beams everywhere). The food was so-so, but the reason why I'm giving this place 4 stars is because I was told that Paul Revere used to come here - supposedly, this place claims to be the oldest running bar in America (as do other places too I'm told, but then it depends on how you define it). I went on a Wednesday but had other plans that night so I didn't get to stay long enough to hear the band play, but I'll probably be back with coworkers one day, since this place is walking distance from where I work.
I thought it was cool that G Dubbs (aka, George Washington) used to hang here, as did Paul Revere. Since I was visiting my parents during Father's Day weekend, I decided to pick this place for brunch becuase of its location and history. I had also just run in a road race that day, which ended in Charlestown, so this place was easy to get to. I concur with those reviewers who liked the English/Irish Tavern feel. The dark wood and the little tables with antique lamps gives it a very cozy, homey feeling.
I couldn't believe it was empty at brunch time - the food was very basic, but the fact that it was served quickly and by a friendly, no-nonsense waitress made it seem that much better. If I lived here, I would def. hang at the bar for drinks, maybe after work or before dinner somewhere in the North End.
You must go here seeing it is the oldest running tavern in the country and just a cool place to drink or eat! Tucked away in Charlestown this spot is always crowded and has local New England favorites and good seafood! The place isnt spectacular, but the inside is cool to see and it is worth grabbing a drink and watching the game!
When I started doing trivia there almost a year ago, I never expected that the bartenders and staff to be so nice. They have great burgers - the tavern burger ( I think w/ mushrooms), the sandwiches - the one with pesto - is awesome, and the chicken salad is so freaking good. Best of all, they have trivia here on Mondays at 8.
If you're up for some great food and great atmosphere go to warren tavern!!! Its so quaint and homey, and a big spot w/the locals. I lived in charlestown for a while and I loved coming here. The bartenders are fabulous, SO super friendly and nice, and the food is great too!
Its not a trendy bar or necessarily the place you'd want to bring out of towners but that's half the charm! This is a perfect place if you've been to olives, figs and tavern on the water and want a cozy place to grab a beer. Unless its changed since i've lived there, wednesdays are the fun days to go.
Have you been to the Green Dragon, down by Faneuil Hall? Well, this is what I think the folks at the Green Dragon are looking for, but without being the tourist trap. Situated a block or two away from the Bunker Hill monument, the Warren Tavern seems to avoid attracting too many annoying tourists and instead is filled with locals. The atmosphere is definitely old colonial, as if Paul Revere or George Washington wouldn't look out of place if they bellied up to the bar next to you. (Both of them drank here apparently.) The low ceilings, cramped tables, and dark wood add to the ambience. The food is good, the beer selection is good, and the service is good. Definitely worth a walk over to Charlestown and a great place to bring people from out of town.
nice place
gets packed at night !
thanks for showing me this place Jimbo !
My friend took me to this for his "downtime". The bar looks good and clean for some place like this heavy traffic of people. The food are OK as usual for American food like Chicken, burgers, etc. I am not a big fan of it , but it's not bad for guys, who want to got a beer during sport games
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