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The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

by The OpenTable Team

Updated December 15, 2023

The historic city of Boston, Massachusetts has earned a reputation for its loud and proud sports fans and as the home to some of the world's most prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. In this traditionally Irish city, nearly a quarter of its population comes from outside the United States, including Latin America and Asia. When it comes to the best bar in Boston, the city hosts everything from traditional pubs to salsa clubs. But where are the smartest, savviest people in Boston headed out to when looking for the best bars in the city? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. Here, we've gathered information from in-the-know locals to find the best bar in Boston. Grab a seat at the bar in "Beantown" where everyone knows your name!

A photo of OAK Long Bar + Kitchen restaurant

OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

4.5

4.5 (1847)

$31 to $50

Unspecified

Back Bay

About the restaurant

After exploring Boston's Newbury Street and Back Bay neighborhoods, the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen offers one of the best bar in Boston atmospheres. This stylish, colorful restaurant boasts a fun, farm-to-table menu. Pick something off the extensive wine menu or a craft beer to go along with dinner. Small plates include lamb meatballs, shishito peppers, and crispy duck drumettes with bread and butter pickles. The Oak burger features wagyu chuck, smoked bacon, American cheese, and djionnaise. Try the "Green Circle" chicken with roasted vegetables and cipollini jus.

Top review

M

MarciVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Lovely holiday dinner with the family. Food was consistently good from appetizers to mains to dessert. Great service and experience. Would definitely recommend

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A photo of Burger of a restaurant

A photo of Maine Lobster Roll of a restaurant

Maine Lobster Roll

A photo of Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant restaurant

Fromage Wine Bar and Restaurant

4.4

4.4 (37)

$30 and under

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

Right in the heart of South Boston, the Fromage Wine and Cheese Bar brings classic European vibes to the middle of Boston. Stop in to grab a drink and a bite to eat among the friendly, young-professional crowd in the area. Start with truffle french fries, chicken Kiev, or tuna cakes with the house special-blend seasoning. Enjoy fine red and white wines from around the world with standout cheeses. There's also a full beer menu, with lagers from Jack's Abbey, Budweiser, Duvel, and Fat Tire. Be sure to try a draft of the Cisco Whale Tail pale ale or Lagunitas IPA.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Aug 3, 2024

Formage Wine Bar is a gem! Their baked Brie and escargot are simply delightful, offering rich flavors that perfectly complement their excellent selection of wines. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed evening. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy great food and wine!

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A photo of Enjoy our best selection of the Wine Flights! of a restaurant

Enjoy our best selection of the Wine Flights!

A photo of Glass Of Wine + Bottomless Cheese & Charcuterie of a restaurant

Glass Of Wine + Bottomless Cheese & Charcuterie

A photo of Alden and Harlow restaurant

Alden and Harlow

4.6

4.6 (4860)

$30 and under

American

West Cambridge

About the restaurant

Cambridge's Harvard Square is a must-go location for anyone visiting Boston. Take some time to stroll around the Harvard campus and the exciting neighborhood nearby. After exploring, stop into a place always mentioned as the best bar in Boston in Alden & Harlow. Right underneath Harvard's beloved Brattle Theatre, Alden & Harlow is a welcoming place with a great drink and food menu. Try the "Beast of Burden" cocktail, with Maker's Mark, quince jam, and rosemary. Beer selections include favorites from Zero Gravity, Grimm, and Brooklyn Brewery. If diners get in early enough, the must-have is the Alden & Harlow's famous "secret burger" with a house blend of beef and a house-made roll.

Top review

R

RebeccaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Everything was fantastic, the service could have been a bit better in terms of removing empty plates and bringing new drinks. I will say they were very helpful and even recommended a great wine. Food was excellent.

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A photo of Sweet Corn Pancakes of a restaurant

Sweet Corn Pancakes

A photo of Pickled Corn Pancakes of a restaurant

Pickled Corn Pancakes

A photo of Basil Pasta of a restaurant

A photo of Hojoko restaurant

4.6

4.6 (979)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Fenway–Kenmore

About the restaurant

This Japanese-style tavern brings fine "izakaya"-style dining to the heart of the Fenway neighborhood. Before or after a Red Sox game, Hojoko is the place to be for a lively atmosphere and great food and drink. Grab the "bushido" to drink for the table, with a big and bold taste. Other favorite sakes include the Hoyo "Farmers Daughter" and the Tedorigawa "Lady Luck Junami Daiginjo." One of the most fun parts about Hojoko? The "lazy bones handrolls" option. Diners can roll their own handrolls served on a whirling lazy susan. Pick from big-eye tuna ribs, avocado, cucumber, and much more.

Top review

R

Raymond

Dined 5 days ago

My favorite restaurant in Boston. Unique and flavorful dishes. Always a good time.

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A photo of Brussels Sprouts of a restaurant

Brussels Sprouts

A photo of Pork + Shrimp Potstickers of a restaurant

Pork + Shrimp Potstickers

A photo of Grill 23 & Bar restaurant

4.8

4.8 (8746)

$50 and over

Steak

Back Bay

About the restaurant

This legendary steakhouse is always mentioned when it comes to the best bar in Boston. A dining destination for the city's movers and shakers, Grill 23 & Bar is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab cocktails off their "classic" or "contemporary" menus. Try the "South Boston Sling," with Bacardi Gold 8, pineapple juice, and house sweet Vermouth. A peach old-fashioned includes Bulleit rye, house bitters, and an orange spritz. For dinner, go for some of the "best of the best" steak options. Those feature dry-aged prime New York, American Kobe cap steak, and 100-day aged prime ribeye.

Top review

N

Nina

Dined 4 days ago

Great food and service. Table was small for our plates but waiter did great serving and moving things around

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A photo of Filet Mignon of a restaurant

A photo of Prime Porterhouse of a restaurant

Prime Porterhouse

A photo of Steak Frites of a restaurant

A photo of Ward 8 restaurant

4.4

4.4 (1325)

$30 and under

American

West End

About the restaurant

Boston's West End is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Nestled next to the T.D. Garden, the West End is a charming spot with some of the best bars in Boston. Ward 8 is right at the top of that list. Head into enjoy some of the restaurant's signature craft cocktails and local craft beers along with a fun menu. Try snacks like fried olives, bar nuts, and ricotta crostini. Starters include coconut curry mussels, salmon tartare, and pork belly steam buns. Don't miss the restaurant's signature fried chicken sandwich with spicy mayo on seeded brioche.

Top review

L

Laura

Dined 6 days ago

Great place for casual meal before the game. Service is consistently good. Location and elevated pub atmosphere keep us coming back.

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A photo of Chicken & Waffles of a restaurant

Chicken & Waffles

A photo of Chicken Wings of a restaurant

A photo of Committee restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2435)

$30 and under

Greek

Fort Point Channel

About the restaurant

A local after-work haven for working professionals, Committee is one of the best bars in Boston. Stop in for some exquisite Greek-inspired cuisine and a few drinks while strolling around the Fort Point neighborhood. Start with a spanakopita spread, lobster "toast" with kohlrabi slaw, or spicy tyropita with phyllo cheese pie. For seafood, try the scallop saganaki with sun-dried tomato-ouzo sauce and pickled zucchini.

Top review

L

LaurenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The ouzo cocktail was delicious as was the spanakopita grilled cheese and tomato soup. The service was excellent too!

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A photo of Spanakopita Salad of a restaurant

Spanakopita Salad

A photo of Spanakopita Muffin of a restaurant

Spanakopita Muffin

A photo of Lamb Chops of a restaurant

A photo of Russell House Tavern restaurant

Russell House Tavern

4.6

4.6 (2803)

$30 and under

American

Cambridge

About the restaurant

A Harvard Square highlight, this dark-lit and lively spot in the heart of the neighborhood is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab a seat in the comfortable underground lounge to dine on small plates like duck poutine, Jonah crab cakes, and spicy shrimp Rangoon. Entrees include stuffed spaghetti squash, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and braised lamb Osso Bucco. Pair dinner with local beers from Fiddlehead, Maine Beer Company, and the Schilling Beer Co.

Top review

A

AnuVIP

Dined on Dec 19, 2024

Salmon was overcooked but everything else was superb!

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A photo of Steak & Eggs of a restaurant

A photo of Mushroom & Leek of a restaurant

Mushroom & Leek

A photo of Supper Club at Capo Restaurant restaurant

Supper Club at Capo Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (262)

$30 and under

Italian

South Boston

About the restaurant

This hidden gem underneath Capo Restaurant in the South End is one of the best bars in Boston. Head in to enjoy live entertainment, live music, and a fun Italian food menu. Grab one of the Roman pizzas for a hearty meal. Try the four-cheese bread pie, with roasted garlic, oregano, and marinara. House-made pasta selections include sausage cavatelli with pink vodka sauce and broccolini or short rib ravioli with smoked potato and marsala.

Top review

F

Felipe

Dined 5 days ago

My favorite restaurant in Boston. Sinatra’s Sunday are wonderful. Great food, service, music …

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A photo of NYE: Skip the line & book a table! of a restaurant

NYE: Skip the line & book a table!

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