Readers Say

These are the best bars in Greater Boston, according to readers

We heard about 35 places to go for a quality drink.

MEX Taqueria + Bar was named a top bar in Greater Boston by readers. Photo courtesy of MEX Taqueria + Bar

December 18, 2023

The year is coming to a close, and during this time of celebration, you’re probably thinking about where you can get together with friends and raise a toast. Greater Boston is home to creative cocktail lounges and local dive bars, and we were interested in hearing from readers about where they go for a drink. We put the question to them — what’s the best bar overall in the area?

Boston.com readers shared 35 places that they would consider to be their favorite bars. From Irish pubs to breweries serving craft beer, they ran a wide range. Some of the most popular recommendations included MEX Taqueria + Bar in Cambridge, the newly opened Widowmaker Taproom & Kitchen in Brighton, and Committee in the Seaport.

Reader Wendy B. from Somerville told us what she enjoys about MEX. “You really can’t beat a margarita slushie and the best fresh [guacamole] you’ve ever had on the roof deck of MEX. 10 out of 10!” she said.

Keith from Brighton shared why he visits Widowmaker. “I usually order any lager option they have. They’re perfect. The space is super cool, like a gothic ski lodge, and there’s not a whole lot [of bars] around that capture that kind of vibe, while welcoming any and everyone.”

Andres Z. from East Boston said he frequents Committee because, “All their drinks are super creative and catered for everyone’s taste. The staff [are] super friendly and take a lot of pride in what they do. I ordered a Bam-Ba-Lam from their menu, and it was such a great drink: refreshing, fruity, [and] smoky, but not overpowering with sweetness — perfectly balanced.”

Readers recommended a plethora of other bars, including spots like An Sibin, a Cambridge pub that opened in 2022. J.C. from Somerville told us about what makes the experience there so special.

“Order a Guinness or one of their many, many whiskeys,” J.C. said. “This is the best bar in Greater Boston. The Guinness is poured to perfection, and they have probably the best whiskey selection in the area… No matter the day of the week, there is probably something going on. The bartenders there are all awesome. My favorite time to go is on Monday when it is not as busy; it’s [the] optimal time to get into random bar debates with strangers.”

Below, find a list of readers’ favorite bars in Greater Boston. We’ve included an interactive map, as well, so that you can find a location near you.

Here is the full list of 35 reader-recommended bars in Greater Boston:

An Sibin, 1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge
Anchovies, 433 Columbus Ave., Boston
Bell in Hand Tavern, 45-55 Union St., Boston
Committee, 50 Northern Ave., Boston
Dockside Pub, 286 Humphrey St., Swampscott
Eire Pub, 795 Adams St., Boston
Farmacia, 5 North Sq., Boston
Frenchie Wine Bistro, 560 Tremont St., Boston
Hong Kong Boston, 65 Chatham St., Boston
Horse Thieves Tavern, 585 High St., Dedham
J.J. Foley’s Cafe, 117 E. Berkeley St., Boston
La Fabrica Central, 450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Lizard Lounge, 1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
MEX Taqueria + Bar, 500 Technology Sq., Cambridge
Miracle of Science Bar + Grill, 321 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Olde Magoun’s Saloon, 518 Medford St., Somerville
Paddy’s Public House, 95 Elm St., Newton
Parlour, 308 Harvard St., Brookline
Presidential Pub, 29 Temple St., Quincy
Rosebud Bar & Kitchen, 381 Summer St., Somerville
Rowes Wharf Bar at Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
Shine Square Pub, 2046 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Sidebar Boston, 14 Bromfield St., Boston
Silhouette Lounge, 200 Brighton Ave., Allston
Sonsie, 327 Newbury St., Boston
State Park, 1 Kendall Sq., Building 300, Lower Level, Cambridge
Sullivan’s Tap, 168 Canal St., Boston
The Druid, 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge
The Dubliner, 2 Center Plaza, Boston
The Grog, 13 Middle St., Newburyport
The Indo, 298 Cabot St., Beverly
The Pine Bar at Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston
The Street Bar at The Newbury Boston, 1 Newbury St., Boston
The Tam, 222 Tremont St., Boston
Widowmaker Taproom & Kitchen, 190 N. Beacon St., Brighton (Widowmaker also has a Braintree taproom)