they just don’t open bars like anchovies anymore. it‘s narrow and dark inside. the stools are uncomfortable and wooden booths are tight. The drinks are stiff and priced to sell. Staff is charismatic but takes no shit. Clientele is regular and diverse. Kitchen is open LATE which is impossibly rare in boston. The only place i go to drown my sorrows in cheap beer and chicken parm.
May 7, 2024
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It’s an Irish pub somehow located in the interior plaza of a FiDi housing complex. The blinds are down; the red vinyl booths are empty. There’s an octagonal painting of the Twin Towers; Tiffany lampshades; a dim back room with stained glass windows; an ancient waiter who wears a suit; a horrific porcelain leprechaun. The wings are pretty good.One of the few bars in the vicinity to predate 9/11, Byrnes is a holdout against the mass extinction of normal places for normal people to get a drink in the city. For every haunt like Forlini’s that closes we’re treated to half a dozen new TikTok-bait establishments called, like, Ghosted & Fried that serve TUNA POKE WONTON TACOS and MEXICAN STREET CORN RAVIOLI (real menu items at Beauty & Essex) to Syracuse marketing majors in Allbirds. And don’t get me started on the neon signs…Even more insidious are the places like Bernie’s that mimic suburban taverns in order to sell homesick creative directors a plate of five mozzarella sticks for $17. Skip all that, go to Byrnes.
Jun 28, 2022
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wild chess scene, ample sidewalk seating, might be the only bar I can think of where it’s not gauche to read a book there. normal demographic cross-section (not a yuppie bar). and for god knows why, they put triple sec and campari in all their $7 mixed drinks but it’s cash and cheap, you can also byo pizza from down the street.
May 7, 2024
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There are so many, but here are my faves:
Cambridge:
Grendel's Den - Right in Harvard Square. It's been there for 50+ years and the vibe is it's a bar that has been there for 50+ years. Something about that is very charming to me. A plus is that Pinocchio's Pizza is pretty much across the street, so you can get a late night slice or three after drinks.
Plough & Stars - A favorite of many. A very cozy vibe and great live music.
State Park - 70s basement vibes. Wood paneling, a bunch of cool/weird neon signs and vintage lamps, and great food. Also pool and I think shuffleboard
Daedalus - Maybe more of a restaurant, but I love it. Also in Harvard Square
Somerville:
Highland Kitchen - Incredible food and a small bar. Mostly a sit-down place, but they have good drinks too.
The Burren - One of the best places in the Boston area and maybe my favorite. The best live music around. There are usually some Irish/folk/instrumental bands playing in the front room and some larger acts in the back room.
Saloon - A speakeasy, so to speak. Great drinks.
Olde Magoun's Saloon - Great spot for food/drink if you're near Magoun Square
Bronwyn - German bierhall with great food
Apr 12, 2024
Top Recs from @jackvaughan
Oct 25, 2024
😃
She’s the fucking goat
May 12, 2024
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it's good!
Jan 22, 2024