7 Best Bars in Beacon Hill, Boston Common, and the Old West End, Boston

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There are no dance clubs in this leafy, patrician enclave. In fact, nightlife options are scarce, but not altogether missing, and most live on Charles Street or up by the State House.

The Sevens Ale House

Beacon Hill Fodor's choice

Serving beer and wine, this classic dive bar is an easygoing alternative to Beacon Hill's tony stuffiness, with its dark tones, simple bar setup, well-peppered dartboard, perfectly poured pints, and decent wines. It's pleasantly untrendy.

Banners Kitchen & Tap

Old West End

The name of this bar pays tribute to the championship banners for the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics that are hanging next door from the ceiling of the TD Garden. This is a sports bar to the max, featuring beers, burgers, and other bar classics, plus the biggest indoor LED TV screen on the East Coast and the second-level Topgolf Swing Suite, which hosts a variety of sports simulation games.

Carrie Nation

Beacon Hill

Right around the corner from the Massachusetts State House, this bar channels speakeasy vibes with jazzy tunes, tasty food, and fantastic cocktails. On Sunday, check out the buffet brunch and drag show; you'll need to reserve a ticket.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Cheers

Beacon Hill

The upstairs pub–-dismantled in England, shipped to Boston, and reassembled–-later became the inspiration for the now-classic TV series Cheers. Enjoy a quality burger at the model bar of the Hollywood set and imagine Sam and Diane walking in the door and calling your name. You'll find many a tourist in Cheers, but locals tend to stay away to avoid the crowds.

Cheers

Beacon Hill

This pub—dismantled in England, shipped to Boston, and reassembled—formerly known as The Bull & Finch, later became the inspiration for the now-classic TV series Cheers. Enjoy a burger at the model bar of the Hollywood set and imagine Sam and Diane walking in the door and calling your name. The crowd tends to be heavily tourists, so locals stay away. No children after 10 pm.

Roxanne's

Beacon Hill

With a wall lined in tropical wallpaper and a neon purple sign, this cocktail bar offers a rare nightlife outpost in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, and a trendy one at that. On the menu, the ingredients that make up the drink offerings are just as creative as their names and include such things as butterfly pea flower–infused gin and Aztec chocolate bitters. This place is popular, so reservations are strongly recommended.

The 21st Amendment

Beacon Hill

Named for the amendment that ended Prohibition, this longstanding convivial pub, right across the street from the State House draws legislators, lobbyists, and neighborhood regulars who trade gossip and insider info over notched wooden tables and beers. The food is surprisingly good.

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