SPORTS BARS

Boston is lucky enough to be a city with winning teams in the four major areas of sports. The Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and New England Patriots fill literally every season with games – and fill many sports bars and clubs with their devoted followers. Bostonians consider the city a sports community and these teams score big with fans. Just like Boston itself, each team has a history, and sports bars are the ideal place to celebrate that while meeting new acquaintances.

Sports bars are the next best thing for fans who couldn’t get access to or afford a ticket. You’ll find fewer lines for beers and bathrooms, less hassle, better parking (sometimes) and the same amenities of good food, good drink and plenty of rowdy fans. It’s the ideal spot in which to share the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. A lot of the sports bars are going upscale, collecting memorabilia and serving New England’s famous seafood and the classier of the mixed drinks, but you’ll always find fans’ favorite pub fare as well.

There aren’t enough sports bars in Boston to rival the more common Irish pubs, but there are enough to hold the next wave of fans. These are the grand slams of the sports scene, where the winning streak continues.

Cask 'n Flagon
62 Brookline Avenue
(617) 536-4840

Located in the heart of Kenmore Square – literally just a foul ball away from the Green Monster (natives’ nickname for Fenway Park) – college students consider this one of the best sports bars in the Hub. In this prime location for nearly 30 years, it seems to be a tradition, especially with baseball fans on game day. The menu is basic bar fare, and includes a variety of reasonably priced beers.

Parking: Street, Pay Lot

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Kenmore Square

 

Champions Sports Bar
110 Huntington Avenue
(617) 578-0658

Champions is located near Copley Square and is popular with local college students and professionals. It’s a large establishment where basic bar fare prevails.

Parking: Street

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Copley

 

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse
307 Harvard Street
(617) 566-4948

Boasting 19 televisions and 35 brews on tap, this is the perfect club in which to holler like a real sports fan. The menu ranges from deli fare to Mexican, and includes some aptly named dishes like the Ted Williams burger (just the way he ordered it), and the Tonya Harding chicken club sandwich. The club is frequented by a mostly 25 to 35 crowd.

Parking: Free lot

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Coolidge Corner

 

Daisy Buchanan’s
240 Newbury Street
(617) 247-8516

While it’s not the biggest sports bar on the scene, it is certainly one of the city’s best viewing destinations. This Newbury Street enclave might be in the basement, but it is truly in the heart of Boston’s dynamics. Not only is it surrounded by high-glam designer shops and boutiques, within shoulder-rubbing distance of the trend-setting, its atmosphere is exciting enough to draw some of the area’s top athletes in the hours following their big games. But make no mistake, this joint is friendly and unpretentious, outfitted with the plenty TV screens and plenty of good cheer.

Parking: Street

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Copley

 

Sports Depot
353 Cambridge Street, Allston
(617) 783-2300

The Sports Depot is a large sports-viewing venue. The menu here is famous for batter-up, baked lobster and martinis. Sports Depot is decorated in dark woods and trimmed with TV’s galore and pool tables, giving it an upscale feel. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the game or just the company at this sure thing.

Parking: Street

Cover: None

MBTA Stop: Harvard Avenue

 

Who's on First
19 Yawkey Way
(617) 247-3353

Named after the famous Abbott & Costello comedy skit about baseball, this sports bar is easily recognizable from afar, though it's right across the street from Fenway Park. There's a sign advertising a 62" TV and a gigantic Red Sox logo painted on the side of the building. Here, you'll find sports fans milling through the somewhat large club. There's an open spot in the middle, but don't try to get a groove on or the bouncers may cut you off and escort you to the door – this isn't that sort of place. Who's on First is always buzzing during a game, so steer clear if you're looking for deep discussion. There are no frills or gimmicks here, it's all about sports and alcohol.

Parking: Street, Pay Lot

Cover: Varies

MBTA Stop: Kenmore Square