Boston Walk: Historic Tavern Pub Crawl
This post may contain affiliate links. To learn more about our affiliate links and cookies policy, see our Terms & Conditions page. Thank you.
Our pub crawl of Boston’s historic taverns was written for those who enjoy an evening in comfy clothes, eating comfort foods, and drinking local spirits. Several of the pubs in this guide serve patrons in the same rooms that once entertained Paul Revere and John Hancock. Other taverns on the walk, reflect the rich Irish tradition of the city. The frothy manner in which these taverns make history come alive earns this pub crawl a nod as one of Boston’s best things to do.
The walk begins in and ends on the outskirts of Faneuil Hall. The route is a loop that is within the heart of Boston’s historic district. It is less than a mile from beginning to end and designed to be walked. (Don’t drive!) There are 10 stops. Pick 3 or 4 taverns that best suit you, and be off. Cheers!
For more information on traveling to Boston see our articles on:
Sam Adams Boston Tap Room (60 State Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
The Sam Adams Tap Room is located on State Street a short distance from the Sam Adams Statue. The Tap Room sits at the entrance to Faneuil Hall. The 3-story tavern offers patrons 20 draft lines with an ever-evolving list of craft beer flavor combinations. In the warm weather, there is a rooftop outdoor deck overlooking the Sam Adams Plaza and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Alma Cantina (15 Union Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
A 2-minute walk from Faneuil Hall takes you to Union Street, and the Alma Cantina. The restaurant and bar offer a full-service menu with a Mexican flair. The bar has a warm, comfortable feel. It’s a great place to stop for nachos, taquitos, and margaritas.
Sons of Boston (19 Union Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
Also on Union Street, the Sons of Boston has a great bar and glowing ambience. The pub style menu includes regional comfort foods (lobster rolls and clam chowder) and the kitchen serves up hearty beef and burger meals. The atmosphere is relaxed. In warm weather there is an outdoor patio to enjoy.
Hennessey's Bar (25 Union Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
Hennessey takes pride in its Irish roots and down to earth pedigree. The tavern sits on busy Union Street, but somehow manages to feel intimate and homey. The hospitality is great. The tavern offers a wide variety of whiskeys and beers on tap (including local, craft selections). There is live music 7-nights a week.
Paddy O’s (33 Union Street #22, Boston) Menu and Hours
Also, on Union Street you will find the Irish sports bar, Paddy O’s. The menu is traditional pub fare with an Irish orientation. On the interior, Irish décor mixes with sporting flags from across the nation. There are TV screens scattered about the bar. Large screens drop-down during the “big games.” The tavern also has a stage, and offers musical acts ranging from Irish ‘trad sessions’ to rock bands.
The Bell in Hand Tavern (45 Union Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
The Bell in Hand Tavern served its first glass of ale in 1795. The establishment is America’s oldest tavern. It is said to have been a favorite local haunt of the fiery orator, Daniel Webster. The menu includes local craft beers and a pub menu with many traditional Boston favorites (lobster, oysters, fish and chips) as well as more current dishes (quesadillas and quinoa). There is live music or a DJ on weekends.
The Point Boston (147 Hanover Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
Built on a corner lot, the 2-story Point Restaurant and Bar has served visitors since the 18th century (originally known as the Boston Stone Pub). The pub offers of wide variety of spirits, wines, and local beers. Foods include traditional pub style appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
The Green Dragon Tavern (11 Marshall Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
The Green Dragon traces its Boston roots back to 1654. In the 1700s, the tavern was said to be the neighborhood bar of Paul Revere and John Hancock (Hancock's brother lived next door). Lore has it that the tavern was the site of espionage at the start of the Revolutionary War. Today, the Green Dragon serves a full bar menu of Irish-American foods and regional seafood favorites. The bar sponsors frequent comedy nights and cover bands.
Ned Devine’s Irish Pub (1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston) Menu and Hours
Travel from the Union Street cluster of bars back to Faneuil Hall to find Ned Devine’s Irish Pub. The pub sits at the end of the Quincy Market building (on the opposite end of the marketplace from the Sam Adams statue). The bustling Irish pub has a fun outdoor garden of tables that sit on the Faneuil Hall mall. In addition to the bar there is an onsite nightclub, Paris, that hosts frequent events.
The Black Rose (160 State Street, Boston) Menu and Hours
The Black Rose is located on State Street close to Faneuil Hall and the waterfront. The traditional Irish pub has been serving Irish and regional favorites (Guinness Beef Stew) for 40-years. The pub is much beloved, earning it the nickname, “The Fenway Park of Irish Pubs.” There is live music at the tavern 7 days a week.
Your toes will be tapping. Have fun, Laura and Randy
For more information on traveling to Boston see our articles on:
