A longtime stronghold of the Bruins, Celtics, and Beanpot crowds, The Fours is one of the premier sports bars of the North End. With its Canal street location just steps away from the TD Garden, it’s easy to see how this place has become one of the most popular taverns in the city. The menu isn’t cheap but the choices and atmosphere more than make up for the price, and if you’re looking for convenience before or after a game, you can’t beat The Fours.
The walls are adorned with signed jerseys of some of the biggest names in Boston sports, including Cam Neely and Robert Parrish. There are also plenty of tributes to area colleges, including old team photos of hockey teams from BC and BU. The dimly lit space has the vibe of a good basement man cave and sports really is the primary focus of the establishment. TV’s adorn every corner of the restaurant that isn’t already covered by great memorabilia.
Established in 1976, The Fours claims to be one of the first true sports bars in America, and Sports Illustrated has previously named it one of the best bars in the country. The menu has been one of its strength since opening. The buffalo chicken nachos are outstanding, as are the potato skins, but the real stars of the show are the sandwiches and wraps, which are named after Boston sports legends. The Bobby Orr is definitely the pride of the fleet, featuring steak tips and American cheese on a fresh roll. The Johnny Kelly is a close second, consisting of fried chicken and swiss cheese and “supreme sauce.” A very sneaky, but delicious choice is the buffalo chicken mac & cheese; the garlic cheddar sauce is savory and the chicken is very tender with just a little bit of a kick.
For a great cocktail, the “Boston cream pie” is the way to go, made with Godiva chocolate liqueur and Bailey’s. There are plenty of great microbrews on tap and 14 bottled beers available.
When you head to The Fours, you feel like you’re at the center of the New England sports universe. The place is just oozing with regional history and you get a sense that the bar has seen more history than you ever will. The Fours opened its doors almost two decades before the TD Garden did, and it will continue to serve as the watering hole for the faithful for decades to come.
The Fours also has locations in Norwell and Quincy, the Boston location is on Canal Street just a block away from the TD Garden. Plus, it’s all ages.