The ultimate guide to townie bars in Greater Boston and beyond

7B’s Bar and Grill 1152 Southampton Rd, Westfield, MA 01085 “Awesome staff, always fresh food, no freezer or microwave in the place. Free homemade cookie.” – Rocky N., Westfield Amrheins 80 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 Anchor Pub & Grill 20 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 “Really inexpensive food, low prices [and] heavy pours. Also a great place for breakfast and a bloody!” – Nancy, Salem Anchovies Bar 433 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116 Black Horse Tavern 32 Waterfield Rd, Winchester, MA 01890 Boston Sail Loft 80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110 “Great food, drinks and service. Always, see people from the neighborhood.” – Mike, North End Breen’s 16 Cambridge St, Worcester, MA 01603 “The best steak & cheese you could ever dream of having, plus a slew of other awesome staples (pastrami, BLT, burger, etc.). Bring cash!” – Kiki, Worcester Brendan Behan Pub 378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 Brickhouse Cafe 107 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026 “Homemade pastas, the best chicken/veal/eggplant parm you’ve ever had in your life, over-the-top helpings of seafood on the frutti Del Mar and drinks poured with a smile and good banter are what sets this townie bar above and beyond. You can sit at the bar to experience camaraderie and friendships with strangers over a drink and the game or enjoy dinner at a table with friends – either situation is perfect in this casual local pub, where you’ll leave well fed, with a smile and a desire to come back soon.” – Renee, West Roxbury Buddy’s Union Villa 190 Washington St, North Easton, MA 02356 Buff’s Pub 317 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458 “Wings, nachos and tenders. Greatest place on a fall Saturday with the best people.” – Caroline, Boston Casey’s 173 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 “Authentic. Good food and drinks. Owners are extremely welcoming.” – Dennis, Somerville Cheers 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 “I like that everyone knows my name.” – Andrew, Dorchester Choate Bridge Pub 3 S Main St, Ipswich, MA 01938 “So old they haven’t even started taking those new fangled credit and debit cards yet. Great service from the crew. Freshest clams and scallops anywhere in the world and even better than the more widely known establishments found in your Guide to the North Shore.” – Robert C. Conley’s Pub & Grille 164 Belmont St, Watertown, MA 02472 “Great teriyaki steak tips, rotating specials menu, and beer selection. The wait staff is friendly and consistent and the pace of service is excellent. The gold rush wings are a must!” – Sara, Watertown Cornell’s Irish Pub 229 Hayden Rowe St, Hopkinton, MA 01748 “Cornell’s is a great townie bar with friendly staff and weekly food specials. I would wager it also has the coldest draft beer in the state. My go to order is a simple cheeseburger with an ICE COLD Bud Light draft.” – Paddy, Hopkinton Corrib Pub 2030 Centre St, West Roxbury, MA 02132 Croke Park (Whitey’s Place) 268 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 “$5 Guinness, a loveable [bar] with a colorful list of regular characters, cheap drinks, and of course, free pool tables!!” – Stef, Somerville Daddy’s Beach Club 280 Nantasket Ave, Hull, MA 02045 Damien’s Pub 279 Spring St, Hanson, MA 02341 Darcy’s Pub 97 Willard St #1203, Quincy, MA 02169 “Great beer selection, food, value, and people. Also, it’s in Quincy; what’s not to like?” – Jimmy, Quincy Donohue’s Bar 87 Bigelow Ave, Watertown, MA 02472 “Great atmosphere and outstanding service. Your beer glass is never empty.” – Nick K., Watertown Eagle Brook Saloon 258 Dedham St, Norfolk, MA 02056 “It’s my pre-thanksgiving standard! It’s great to come to a place that even after all these years hasn’t changed so much. And everyone there (or at least most!) will truly know your name! From its uneven cabinets to the old wooden bar itself, I’ve forged so many memories here. In a world of corporate owned bars and restaurants, an independent and long tenured establishment like this is something to be treasured. Long live the Brook!” – Dan, Franklin Eddie C’s Bar 34 Maverick Square, Boston, MA 02128 “Amazing vibe, cheap drinks and right down the block – can’t beat it.” – Kayla O., East Boston Eire Pub 795 Adams St, Boston, MA 02124 “A legit, working-class bar that is good and has been good for years. The Guinness is poured beautifully, the food is tasty, all the bartenders are great, I have never seen any problems there, it’s cheap (by comparison), and you can find a parking space nearby.” – Jerry C., Milton Franco’s Pizzeria & Pub 714 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 “Friendly staff.” – Tony, Waltham Galway House 710 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 “Good prices, good regulars, good bartenders, good menu, [and] serves food later than most places. Old school dirty dive with local brews on tap and generous pours and a cast of characters.” – Cody, Jamaica Plain Geno’s Restaurant & Lounge 407 N Main St, Mansfield, MA 02048 “Small, home-town bar/restaurant that has been owned by the same family since 1981. The owner, John, is always there and knows everyone in town and calls his patrons ‘family.’ Well known in the area for his award winning clam chowder and home-made marinara sauce. Absolutely worth a visit!!” – Dave S., Mansfield Goal Post Bar & Grille 226 Water St, Quincy, MA 02169 “Good food and drinks. Joe is a great owner and all the bartenders are great.” – Ronnie, Quincy Grainne O’Malley’s 201 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 “In a city full of cheerful Irish pubs, Grainne O’Malley’s Tavern sticks out for several reasons. One, of course, is their delightfully creamy Guinness that seems to only get better every time you go. Another is the staff that work hard to ensure the drinks, food, and discussions are top notch (at which they consistently succeed). Dennis, in particular, is a familiar face behind the bar whose banter and conversation is always welcome. Not to mention he’ll have your Guinness poured for you the second you walk in. Finally, there’s nothing quite like the cozy interior of Grainne O’Malley’s Tavern, beckoning you in for good cheer and quality time with great people. So if you’re looking for a place that has all the above, Grainne O’Malley’s is the place for you.” – Jake L., Brookline Greg’s Restaurant 821 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472 “Everybody is welcome, and you see many great old faces combined with the new.” – Tommy C., Washington D.C. Grendel’s Den Restaurant & Bar 89 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Halfway Cafe 174 Washington St, Dedham, MA 02026 “[Over] 30 years, it’s generational and continues to be relevant — strong support for the greater community, schools, teams, law, and fire…plus the wings, burgers… mostly it’s the PEOPLE! Staff and customers — super friendly bunch.” — Michael D., Dedham Hancock Tavern 668 Hancock St, Quincy, MA 02170 Harp + Bard 1099 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125 “Great food, reasonable prices, and generous pours.” – Anonymous Hillside Johnny’s 336 Old Colony Rd, Norton, MA 02766 “Real townie bar with live music weekends.” – Anonymous Hillside Pub 2 Royall Ave, Canton, MA 02021 “People there are there to have a drink with friends and strangers who will become friends.” – Joe, Canton J.J. Foley’s Cafe 117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118 “Great owners who work the bar and restaurant, great food, and a well poured drink that is still affordable!” – Greg S., South End Jack’s 28 Club 498 Main St, Dennis Port, MA 02639 “This is a good old-fashioned dive bar. The proprietor, Jack O’Connor, does a great job of knowing his clients and providing what they are looking for. This bar is the essence of a local bar, even though it’s located in a seasonal part of The Cape. The bartenders are helpful and attentive, and the 28 Club is a great spot to watch our local sports teams play. Just a great place to go to!” – Michael H., South Yarmouth Jimmy’s Pub and Restaurant 141 N Main St, Mansfield, MA 02048 “It is a timeless restaurant. The inside hasn’t changed in 25 years. The owner/bartender hasn’t changed. He is like an 80s tv character. George. He [has] dry humor…but [is a] loveable and kindhearted man. Being in Jimmy’s is a staple for the residents of Mansfield. Walking into Jimmy’s pub on a Saturday evening is like turning back time. You always know almost everyone in the place. Jimmy’s pub holds a special place in the heart of the residents of Mansfield.” Joe Sent Me (Cambridge) 2388 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 Joe Sent Me (Waltham) 849 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451 Johhny Kono’s Bar & Grill 269 Park Ave, Weymouth, MA 02190 “Fantastic food, long hours, friendly staff.” – T.K. JP’s Restaurant & Pub 166 Milk St, Westborough, MA 01581 Kelleher’s Bar & Grille 1410 Centre St, Boston, MA 02131 “Great bartenders, friendly people, and good food.” – Susie, Dedham Kelley Square Pub 84 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128 Lewis’ Bar and Grill 92 Central St, Norwood, MA 02062 “This place has excellent food and drinks. If you know Norwood, you know Lewis’. Get the French Dip sandwich.” – Matthew C., Norwood Local 438 Grille & Sport 125 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 “You can’t beat the Breakfast Burger here… The plaza overall is magical, and Local 438 is the shining beacon with the beer taps to match. Skip downtown Stoneham: stop at Local 438.” – Pat, Stoneham Lynch’s Tavern 236 North Ave, Abington, MA 02351 Lynnwood Cafe 320 Center St, Randolph, MA 02368 Maddie’s Sail Loft 15 State St, Marblehead, MA 01945 “Maddie’s is the best local bar. Right by the water in Marblehead — the bartenders and staff are great. Drinks are strong, and they feature a great regular menu!” — Sam C., Marblehead Maguire’s Bar & Grille 503 Foundry St, North Easton, MA 02356 Malachy’s Saloon 51 Granite St, Quincy, MA 02169 Master McGrath 1152 River St, Boston, MA 02136 “Great people, old school Hyde Park.” – Matthew C., Hyde Park Menotomy Grill & Tavern 25 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474 “Awesome local bar with great food and staff. Free music with local artists every Thursday evening.” – Walter D., Arlington Mickey Cassidy’s 116 Main St, Medway, MA 02053 “Their burgers are phenomenal, but I love their braised beef tortellini. The best I’ve had anywhere. They have great live music every weekend. Lastly, the staff is so accommodating and led by their owner Kate, who’s the daughter of THE Mickey Cassidy. It’s the go to place for every organization in town after their meetings. Such a friendly and inviting place!!” – Tom S., Medway Mickey Malone’s Tavern 347 N Pearl St, Brockton, MA 02301 “Pinot Grigio and bar pie. A very welcoming and safe place.” – Nancy H., Avon Miracle of Science 321 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 “Best burger on the planet – Roni Burger. Great food, beer and intimate.” – Paul, Somerville Monte’s Restaurant 141 Eastern Ave, Lynn, MA 01902 “Great food, great people, great times for all.” – Eric, Lynn Mount Vernon Restaurant 14 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 “Serving the community since 1935 — famous for their twin lobster special! Cant beat it.” – Lindsey D. Mr. Dooley’s Boston 77 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109 “Guinness [is] the best on tap in Boston.” – Anonymous Nobility Hill Tavern 423 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 “The tavern fills a much needed spot to have some pub food, have a drink, and meet up with the neighbors. The bar sits at the base of the Nobility Hill historic district, but has a casual and laid back vibe.” – Brenda F., Stoneham O’Hara’s Food & Spirits 1185 Walnut St., Newton Highlands Owen O’Leary’s (Southborough) 50 Turnpike Rd, Southborough, MA 01745 “Best townie Irish bar in Southborough.” – Peter P., Southborough Owen O’Leary’s (Westborough) 17 Connector Rd, Westborough, MA 01581 Packard’s 14 Masonic St, Northampton, MA 01060 “It’s a veritable museum of Northampton pop culture with artifacts (i.e. ‘cool stuff) from the 1960’s to the present. Plus, it’s dark and wooden.” – Mark B., Northampton Paddy’s Lunch 260 Walden St, Cambridge, MA 02138 “All time classic.” – Ken S., Cambridge Paddy’s Public House 95 Elm St, Newton, MA 02465 Pearl Street Station 53 Summer St, Malden, MA 02148 “The staff, food and atmosphere are great. It’s a low key place that always has a good crowd. Plus the restaurant is located in an old renovated Boston & Maine railroad station!” – Anonymous PJ Ryan’s 239 Holland St, Somerville, MA 02144 Pleasant Cafe 4515 Washington St, Roslindale, MA 02131 Porter Cafe 1723 Centre St, Boston, MA 02132 Presidential Pub 29 Temple St, Quincy, MA 02169 “Unpretentious, no frills, reasonably priced, many colorful characters, personable bartenders.” – Tom, Quincy Prospector East Saloon 520 Lincoln St, Marlborough, MA 01752 Quarterdeck Lounge 247 Iyannough Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601 Revolution Hall 3 Maguire Rd, Lexington, MA 02421 Ritcey East 208 Waverley Ave, Watertown, MA 02472 Riviera Café Brewhouse 288 Broad St, Bridgewater, MA 02324 “Great food, great pizza, great prices.” – M.J., West Bridgewater Rolf’s Pub 39 Main St, North Andover, MA 01845 Roza Lyons 709 E Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127 Samba Bar & Grill 608 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 Seapoint Bar and Grill 367 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127 “Long standing, no frills dive bar away from broadway. Great steak tips.” – Cliff, South End Shamrock Pub 501 E 8th St, Boston, MA 02127 “Guinness. Staff and location.” – Anonymous Shine Sqaure Pub 2046 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 “Dave and Ron are the owners, and this is truly a neighborhood/townie bar. They make everyone feel instantly welcome and know what they do best. They offer great beer options, mixed drinks, and for food, they have some of the best wings and sliders in greater Boston. It is loud, it is boisterous, and be sure to roll the dice for a chance to join the SSP Gentlemen’s Club!”– Paul T., Cambridge Sidebar Boston 14 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108 “Great prices, great food.” – Anonymous Silhouette Cocktail Lounge 200 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 “It never changes, cheap beer.” – Anonymous Six Twenty-One 621 Broadway, Malden, MA 02148 “They have great pizza, steak, and turkey tips. Their whole menu is not only delicious, but the prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is exactly what you’re looking for in a local tavern. They have plenty of tv’s, keno, and a very friendly staff.” – Bill D., Malden Stewart’s Pub 140 Jefferson Ave, Everett, MA 02149 “Excellent service and ambiance. Family owned friendly place with delicious appetizers and great price[s]. You can chat, play keno, have a few drinks and the owner is always very welcoming.” – Marcela M., Everett Sullivan’s Public House 85 Main St, Boston, MA 02129 The 4’s Sports Pub 666 Waverly St, Framingham, MA 01702 The Abington Depot 101 Railroad St, Abington, MA 02351 The Anchor 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown, MA 02129 The Black Rose 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109 “Best Guinness in town, Irish music and friendly staff☘️.” – Christine F., Boston The Brickhouse Cafe 107 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026 “Homemade pastas, the best chicken/veal/eggplant parm you’ve ever had in your life, over-the-top helpings of seafood on the frutti di mare, drinks poured with a smile, and good banter are what sets this townie bar above and beyond. You can sit at the bar to experience camaraderie and friendships with strangers over a drink and the game or enjoy dinner at a table with friends — either situation is perfect in this casual local pub, where you’ll leave well fed, with a smile and a desire to come back soon.” – Renee, West Roxbury The Brickyard 371 Main St, Woburn, MA 01801 The Burren 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144 The Catman Cafe 16 Old Colony Rd, Mansfield, MA 02048 “Cheap giant drinks served all night and good comfort food. Jukebox gets all the townies reminiscing and singing together as they suck down multiple lagers.” – Phil, Foxborough The Central House Tavern 44 South St, Westborough, MA 01581 The Cherry Tree 1349 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465 The Chieftain Irish Pub and Restaurant 23 Washington St, Plainville, MA 02762 “Great atmosphere and friendly wait staff.” -Jim, Plainville The Clock Tavern 342 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 The Corner Tavern/a> 421 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02115 The Cosmopolitan Club 96 Hamilton St, Worcester, MA 01604 The Cottage Bar 26 Union St, Weymouth, MA 02190 “Best pint of Guinness on the South Shore.” – Oran M., Weymouth The Druid 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge The Dudley Chateau 20 Crest Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 “Their burgers are the Best. The kitchy decor is fun, the staff & clientele wicked friendly. It is located right next to, and all seating has clear view of, a pretty local pond. You can sit at the bar enjoying a beer and see swans in a beautiful pond right outside the window! Priceless.” – Rose, Wayland The Fours 15 Cottage Ave, Quincy, MA 02169 “Good drinks, good food, friendly staff.” – Nick, Quincy The Indo 298 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 “The Indo is a staple in downtown Beverly. Its Irish/American vintage, not too large, has amazing pub fare w/ vegan options, great cocktails and the best beer list I’ve ever seen in New England.” – Edward, Beverly The Jetty 278 Ocean St, Marshfield, MA 02050 “Great atmosphere, beer selection, and the best Bloody Mary’s.” – Rich, Marshfield The MB Lounge 40 Grafton St, Worcester, MA 01604 The Next Page Cafe 550 Broad St, Weymouth, MA 02189 “Pizza!!!!! Bar pies.” -Catherine J., East Weymouth The Park Lunch 181 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950 “Great Irish Pub. Best Craic on the North Shore. Corned Beef Nachos….So freakin Irish. Great family owners!!” – Jim C., Haverhill The Peddlers Daughter 45 Wingate St, Haverhill, MA 01832 “Great Irish pub.” – Jim C., Haverhill The Plough and Stars 912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 “Copious amounts of Guinness.” – Van L. Cambridge The Pub Somerville 682 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144 “They have the best buffalo wings I have ever had. Anyone I talk to agrees. They have other flavors, as well, which are very good, but the buffalo is the most popular. It is a dive bar, with many regulars playing Keno and drinking beers, and there are also a large amount of TVs for some great sports action. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, because although this place isn’t ritzy, The Pub has some of the best bar food you will find.” -Pat C., Somerville The Quiet Few 331 Sumner St, East Boston, MA 02128 The Quiet Few has the best bar tenders and staff – everyone seems to know your name. The playlists are on point. The specials names are hilarious. You can “pay it forward” on a chalk board to leave a beer for a friend. The lights and general vibe ooze modestly upscale townie. It’s one of the only Jefferies Point spots to go for big Boston sports games. The food is delicious – Guy Fieri agrees!!! The Raven’s Nest 998 Main St, Walpole, MA 02081 The Sevens Ale House 77 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 The Snug 116 North St, Hingham, MA 02043 “Guinness. Buffalo wings…” -S.P., Hingham The Stones Common House & Kitchen 380 Main St, Stoneham, MA 02180 The Tam 222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 “Bud Lights and cool crowd.” – Brian F., Haverhill The Winthrop Arms 130 Grovers Ave, Winthrop, MA 02152 “A hidden jewel on the north shore and is the place the locals frequent. An historic yet cozy ambiance, the Arms bar also features high top tables some looking out on the Atlantic Ocean. Owner Casey Goll and his team create an almost “Cheers” atmosphere. The bartenders and team members are friendly and efficient. A complete variety of drinks and many innovative drink specials. The Arms showcases a delicious bar menu or main menu from appy’s to sandwiches, to dinner specials. The Mac&cheese, fried clams or the Chicken Pot Pie is as good as it gets. Perfect for a date night, family/friend gatherings or just grab a drink and a quick bite.” – Bobby D., Winthrop Three Cod Tavern 141 Pleasant St, Marblehead, MA 01945 “Family owned and locally loved. Great food, great drinks, and always a smiling face.” – Julee C., Marblehead Tom’s English Cottage 118 Emerson St, Boston, MA 02127 “Awesome bar pizza, great place to meet up” – Anonymous Tommy Doyle’s 349 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02458 Townsend House 2 Depot St, Townsend, MA 01469 Trading Post Lounge 12 Trowbridge Rd, Bourne, MA 02532 Union Oyster House 41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 Valley Pub 40 Plummer Ave., Whitinsville, MA 01588 “The Valley Pub … is a woman-owned pub in my town that I love.” Victory Lane Bar & Grille 32 Exchange St, Millis, MA 02054 “A few games of keno, cold 22oz drafts, and a fresh burger or pizza is all that is needed at the winners circle. Friendly staff and a cast of characters every day of the week. Great to catch any New England sports game!” – West Newbury Warren Tavern 2 Pleasant St, Charlestown, MA 02129 “The original townie bar!! Classic wood bar, tiny loud, packed, lots of Boston accents.” – Amy, Charlestown Warren’s Place 27 Pleasant St, South Weymouth, MA 02190 West End Johnnies 138 Portland St, Boston, MA 02114 “Over the past decade-plus, West End Johnnie’s has brought back that neighborhood feel, even as it’s only a block away from the hustle and crowds of Causeway St. and TD Garden. Johnnie’s is the place to meet before Celtics and Bruins games, concerts, and all. Always a good crowd, great food, great drinks…” – Terry L. Winner’s Circle 211 Elm St, Salisbury, MA 01952