I travel to boston on business rather frequently and love it. I am almost 29 and have a hard time finding suitable bars for someone my age. It seems like EVERYWHERE if full of sloppy, drunk 21 year olds. I know this is a college town, but there must be somewhere to go.

Have you tried Il Panino? That seemed to have an older crowd earlier, and a "Euro" crowd after midnight. Although I've not been, I think Scullers Jazz Club at the Doubletree would have an older audience. I'll be interested to see what other answers you get.

Pravda, Vox, West Street...are usually an older crowd....what were some of the places you went?

Also, try to pick up a copy of the "Improper Bostonian" (free on street corners)...they have listings/reviews that will also tell you the type of people that are usually found at any given place...their annual favorite bartender issue is usually a good start...

You should Sanctuary. It's the new "in" spot. Definitely, you will not find the college crowd there. It's on State Street by Faneuil Hall.

What types of bars are you looking for?

Some of the bars mentioned above may have the age group you're looking for, but they may not have the "scene" you want.

Those bars mentioned above are generally considered the "trendy" bars and drinks are typically more expensive(I work next to West Street Grill and I refuse to go there because of $5 bottles of beer. It's a shame too because the place is okay, and convenient, otherwise.)

If you just want good bars with a cool crowd (and no drunken college kids)... here's my favorite:

JJ Foley's (Kingston St. - downtown crossing area): the crowd there is a mix of after-work types and bike messengers. Sounds weird, but it works. Great jukebox, good prices, friendly bartenders and the latest last call in town.

Of course, it all depends what exactly you're looking for. Boston has a bit of everything. General advice for avoiding drunk college kids - avoid the college areas (Cambridge-Harvard Sq., Comm. Ave, etc...), and stick to downtown.

Jamaica Plain also has some GREAT bars (Brendan Behans, James' Gate, Doyles, the Dogwood, Milky Way), but that may be a little too out of the way if you're just in on business.

Good luck!