So picture this: you just got out of your 5:15 class, the Sox are on at seven, and you know that if you get caught in rush hour, you’ll miss the first couple of innings. You also want to drown your sorrows with tons of alcohol.
We canvassed Boston to find the best sports bars in the city. Our criteria were based on the number of TVs, the number of beers on tap, the quality of the food that’s offered, and value. We organized them by area.
So, what makes a good sports bar? First and foremost they need to have more TVs on their walls then a Best Buy on Black Friday. The place needs to be constantly crowded, because you never want to watch a game alone, and it should have an undying affiliation with Boston. I don’t want to see a frickin’ Cincinnati Bengals anywhere near me.
Fenway:
Cask ‘n Flagon
Forget the neighborhood or even the city, this place is one of the best bars in the country. In 2000, ESPN ranked the best sports bars in the great USA, and the Flagon ranked second. The location couldn’t be better. Seated right behind the exterior of the Green Monster, and steps away from the Kenmore T stop, the establishment is a baseball lover’s paradise. The Flagon also has a nostalgic appeal that sets it apart. After 35 years in business, it is the bar that most locals and tourists alike associate with the Fenway area.
Honorable Mentions:
Game On
The Bleacher Bar
The Baseball Tavern
North End/ TD Garden
Boston Beer Works
Just steps away from the TD Garden, the Beer Works is THE choice for any good masshole that puts in a good night of work. There are enough TVs to satisfy someone with extreme ADD. The cheese fries appetizer is basically the best thing ever. The menu may be a little pricey, but the awesome beer selection is second to none. What sets the Beer Works apart is that they brew all of their beer selections in-house, so you’re getting a very unique product selection, all of which are fantastic.
Honorable Mentions
The Fours
Sullivan’s Tap (if value is your number one criteria, and you want to drink a lot and still pay your tuition bill)
Downtown
Jerry Remy’s (Also located near Fenway)
This place, just a few blocks away from South Station, right next to the Bank Of America Pavilion, is the coolest bar I can think of. Its waterfront setting is unique, and its quirky proprietor’s personality is reflected by the bar’s outlandish number of TVs. You need to be careful when you visit, because you might get a serious HD overload. Remy’s proximity to the pavilion also makes for a chance to take in some awesome music while watching a game and drinking a beer, which is a leisurely activity I can get behind. The food is good, but overpriced. This place is nice enough to take a date to, but at the same time it’s a choice to spot to grab a brew with the guys.
Honorable Mentions
Hard Rock Cafe (Faneuil Hall)
Well, there you have it. This is just the beginning of what we want to be an ongoing spotlight, so if you have a spot that you love and we forgot to put on the list, don’t piss yourself, just send it to [email protected] and we’ll throw it in here.