Looking for a place with cheap drinks, great vibes, and zero pretension? Boston’s dive bars are where the real magic happens. Tucked away in corners of the city, these no-frills spots are beloved by locals and visitors alike for their character, history, and unapologetically laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're into neon signs, jukebox tunes, or a stiff pour from a friendly bartender, there's a dive bar in Boston ready to welcome you like an old friend. ...In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best dive bars across the city — from hidden gems in Allston to old-school favorites in Southie. These bars may not be fancy, but they deliver where it counts: cheap drinks, strong pours, quirky charm, and plenty of stories. So grab your friends, hit the bar stool, and experience Boston nightlife the way it was meant to be — gritty, genuine, and full of personality.

1. Biddy Early's

Biddy Early's
​Biddy Early’s, proudly known as “The Best Damn Dive Bar in Boston,” is a beloved fixture in the city’s Financial District. This classic Irish pub offers a welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy affordable drinks, hearty comfort food, and a genuine sense of community. The bar’s interior exudes character, featuring worn green stools, stained glass-style lamps, and walls adorned with eclectic stickers, creating a cozy and unpretentious setting. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink after work or settling in for a lively evening, Biddy Early’s provides a relaxed environment that captures the essence of Boston’s dive bar culture.
Name Biddy Early's
Website https://www.biddyearlysboston.com/
Contact No. 617 654 9944
Address 141 Pearl St, Boston, MA 02110, United States
Social Media Twitter , Instagram, Facebook
Services offered Dive bar
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday - Sunday: 11 am–2 am
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/MWGxDcpXZQfq22F16
Google Review: “Prices are great, atmosphere is super fun. Open until 2am seen days a week. This is Boston’s secret spot! Awesomesauce it is!” – Brandon Brooks

2. The Tam

The Tam
The Tam has been a beloved local watering hole since the 1940s. Renowned as “Boston’s Best Dive Bar,” it offers a welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy a diverse selection of draft and bottled beers, including favourites like Guinness, Harpoon, and Narragansett. The Tam is a go-to spot for locals, college students, and visitors seeking a laid-back environment with affordable drinks and good company. While it doesn’t serve food, guests are welcome to bring their own, making it a flexible and accommodating venue for casual gatherings. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a show or experience a piece of Boston’s bar history, The Tam offers an authentic and unpretentious setting that continues to charm its diverse clientele.
Name The Tam
Website https://www.thetamboston.com/
Contact No. 857 277 0636
Address 222 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, United States
Social Media NA
Services offered Classic dive bar
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday - Friday: 10 am–2 am
Saturday: 11 am–2 am
Sunday: 11 am–2 am
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPegjdVUGEcKaPbc8
Google Review: “Feels like the perfect blend of local happy hour and transient/tourist patrons. Quick service and good pours and good prices (for a black velvet or snake bite depending on who you ask Guinness/cider). Good smiles(and funny looks at my drink choice) Great stop off for after dinner drink. Bit loud, but to be expected with the space.” – Dusty Thomas

3. Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar
​Barcelona Wine Bar is a vibrant and welcoming tapas bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Spain. Established in 1995 by Sasa Mahr-Batuz and Andy Pforzheimer, the restaurant offers a chef-driven, ever-evolving menu that emphasizes clean flavors, seasonal ingredients, and rustic small plates rooted in Mediterranean and South American influences. The ambiance combines natural textures with sophisticated artwork and contemporary lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking a casual night out or a special dining experience, Barcelona Wine Bar offers a memorable journey through the flavors and culture of Spain.
Name Barcelona Wine Bar
Website https://barcelonawinebar.com/
Contact No. 617 266 2600
Address 525 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, United States
Social Media Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
Services offered Dive bar
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday - Thursday: 4 pm–12 am
Friday: 2 pm–1 am
Saturday: 11 am–1 am
Sunday: 11 am–11 pm
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/ay9ueKVLZiKxZPYj9
Google Review: “Warm, friendly, and lively atmosphere. Great service. We had 2 to 3 servers and it was easy to get someone’s attention when needed. Food was delicious and reasonably priced compared with other Boston restaurants in this area. Highly recommended.” – Jardan

4. Sullivan's Castle Island

Sullivan's Castle Island
​Established in 1933, Sullivan’s Tap proudly holds the title of Boston’s oldest sports bar, serving as a popular gathering place for the city’s passionate sports fans. The bar’s interior boasts a long counter—often referred to as the longest bar in Boston—adorned with memorabilia like old Bruins and Celtics tickets laminated beneath the surface, adding a nostalgic touch to the ambiance. Beyond its rich history, Sullivan’s Tap offers a variety of bar games, including pool tables, arcade games, and basketball hoops, ensuring entertainment for all patrons. Known for its affordable drinks and unpretentious atmosphere, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a die-hard sports enthusiast or just looking for a classic Boston experience, Sullivan’s Tap delivers an authentic and lively environment that’s stood the test of time.​​
Name Sullivan's Castle Island
Website https://www.sullivanstapboston.com/
Contact No. 617 268 5685
Address 2080 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127, United States
Social Media Facebook
Services offered Sports Bar
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday - Sunday: 10 am–6 pm
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/GtVx3q5sCrvrrtGw5
Google Review: “Pretty good food, it’s located in a perfect spot for a picnic or walk by the water. Good portion size for how much I payed.” – Mi H

5. Lansdowne Pub

Lansdowne Pub
The Lansdowne Pub seamlessly blends traditional Irish pub culture with the city’s dynamic nightlife. Just steps from Fenway Park, this lively venue is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates both community and heritage.​ The Lansdowne Pub features live music every night of the week, showcasing a mix of open-mic nights, cover bands, and DJs that keep the energy high and the dance floor bustling . Its menu boasts a variety of Irish-American fare, including classics like corned beef Reuben and Irish poutine, as well as a popular raw bar special on Mondays. Whether you’re grabbing a pint before a Red Sox game, enjoying a weekend brunch, or dancing the night away, The Lansdowne Pub offers an authentic and memorable Boston experience.
Name Lansdowne Pub
Website https://www.lansdownepubboston.com/
Contact No. 617 247 1222
Address 9 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Social Media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
Services offered Dining and Drinks, Private Events
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday - Friday: 4 pm–2 am
Saturday: 12 pm–2 am
Sunday: 11 am–2 am
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/MLW3yMwXLZhsk94k6
Google Review: “Went to Lansdowne pub with some friends for a night out. The vibe was decent, drinks were fine, and the music was good. But the experience was ruined by the bouncer with the beard who kept reminding us that we had to leave by 1:30 AM in the most aggressive way possible. We get that bars have closing times, but there’s a way to handle it without making customers feel unwelcome.” – Akhil Gajji

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