The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

A few steps away from the Boston Common, the sleek and welcoming jm Curley is one of the best bars in Boston. This dark and intimate spot is the perfect place for dinner after strolling around town all day. It's an excellent place to grab a burger. Try the grass-fed beef patty with griddled onions, cheddar, "Pop's Russian Dressing," and pickles. Another standout is the cast-iron macaroni and cheese with cheese sauce and Cabot sharp white. Head to the "brewski" menu to try some of the classic American light lagers, like Lone Star, Narragansett, and Genesee Cream Ale.

After exploring Boston's Newbury Street and Back Bay neighborhoods, the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen offers one of the best bar in Boston atmospheres. This stylish, colorful restaurant boasts a fun, farm-to-table menu. Pick something off the extensive wine menu or a craft beer to go along with dinner. Small plates include lamb meatballs, shishito peppers, and crispy duck drumettes with bread and butter pickles. The Oak burger features wagyu chuck, smoked bacon, American cheese, and djionnaise. Try the "Green Circle" chicken with roasted vegetables and cipollini jus.

Right in the heart of South Boston, the Fromage Wine and Cheese Bar brings classic European vibes to the middle of Boston. Stop in to grab a drink and a bite to eat among the friendly, young-professional crowd in the area. Start with truffle french fries, chicken Kiev, or tuna cakes with the house special-blend seasoning. Enjoy fine red and white wines from around the world with standout cheeses. There's also a full beer menu, with lagers from Jack's Abbey, Budweiser, Duvel, and Fat Tire. Be sure to try a draft of the Cisco Whale Tail pale ale or Lagunitas IPA.

Take a trip back in time at the Map Room Tea Lounge. Located inside the McKim Building of the Boston Public Library, this delightful spot takes its place in the running for the best bar in Boston. Try one of the tea-inspired cocktails in the Lounge, all with literary names. The "Catcher in the Rye" boasts apple berry tea-infused rye orange bitters and Diplomatico Mantuano. A "tequila mockingbird" features La Marca prosecco and blood orange hibiscus tea-infused tequila lemon. On the bar menu, try the cheese and charcuterie board with a taste of local favorites available to enjoy.

Somerville's Union Square neighborhood is one of Boston's hidden gems. Exciting and lively, Union Square is home to one of the best bars in Boston in Casa B. This tapas and rum spot is an interesting, exciting place for dinner or a bite to eat. Try some of the small snacks, like Caribbean fried cheese with guava sauce, chips and dip, or hand-cut fries with Grandma's ketchup. For a drink, go for one of the rum flights or a traditional "Caipirinha" drink with fresh lime and sugar. Beers include both local Massachusetts craft selections and Spanish and Latin American lagers.

Cambridge's Harvard Square is a must-go location for anyone visiting Boston. Take some time to stroll around the Harvard campus and the exciting neighborhood nearby. After exploring, stop into a place always mentioned as the best bar in Boston in Alden & Harlow. Right underneath Harvard's beloved Brattle Theatre, Alden & Harlow is a welcoming place with a great drink and food menu. Try the "Beast of Burden" cocktail, with Maker's Mark, quince jam, and rosemary. Beer selections include favorites from Zero Gravity, Grimm, and Brooklyn Brewery. If diners get in early enough, the must-have is the Alden & Harlow's famous "secret burger" with a house blend of beef and a house-made roll.

This Japanese-style tavern brings fine "izakaya"-style dining to the heart of the Fenway neighborhood. Before or after a Red Sox game, Hojoko is the place to be for a lively atmosphere and great food and drink. Grab the "bushido" to drink for the table, with a big and bold taste. Other favorite sakes include the Hoyo "Farmers Daughter" and the Tedorigawa "Lady Luck Junami Daiginjo." One of the most fun parts about Hojoko? The "lazy bones handrolls" option. Diners can roll their own handrolls served on a whirling lazy susan. Pick from big-eye tuna ribs, avocado, cucumber, and much more.

This legendary steakhouse is always mentioned when it comes to the best bar in Boston. A dining destination for the city's movers and shakers, Grill 23 & Bar is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab cocktails off their "classic" or "contemporary" menus. Try the "South Boston Sling," with Bacardi Gold 8, pineapple juice, and house sweet Vermouth. A peach old-fashioned includes Bulleit rye, house bitters, and an orange spritz. For dinner, go for some of the "best of the best" steak options. Those feature dry-aged prime New York, American Kobe cap steak, and 100-day aged prime ribeye.

This standout location near Beacon Hill remains one of the best bars in Boston. Crafted out of an old-school jail, Clink features atmosphere galore. Start with some of the chilled seafood, local farmer's cheeses, or artisan charcuterie. Signature mains feature seared East Coast salmon, hand-cut pasta bolognese, or house squid ink pasta. Another favorite? The cornmeal-crusted Berkshire pork loin chop with smoked bacon and red cabbage. Stick around for dessert to try the warm chocolate tart, French macarons, or passion fruit creme brulee.

Boston's West End is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Nestled next to the T.D. Garden, the West End is a charming spot with some of the best bars in Boston. Ward 8 is right at the top of that list. Head into enjoy some of the restaurant's signature craft cocktails and local craft beers along with a fun menu. Try snacks like fried olives, bar nuts, and ricotta crostini. Starters include coconut curry mussels, salmon tartare, and pork belly steam buns. Don't miss the restaurant's signature fried chicken sandwich with spicy mayo on seeded brioche.

A local after-work haven for working professionals, Committee is one of the best bars in Boston. Stop in for some exquisite Greek-inspired cuisine and a few drinks while strolling around the Fort Point neighborhood. Start with a spanakopita spread, lobster "toast" with kohlrabi slaw, or spicy tyropita with phyllo cheese pie. For seafood, try the scallop saganaki with sun-dried tomato-ouzo sauce and pickled zucchini.

A Harvard Square highlight, this dark-lit and lively spot in the heart of the neighborhood is one of the best bars in Boston. Grab a seat in the comfortable underground lounge to dine on small plates like duck poutine, Jonah crab cakes, and spicy shrimp Rangoon. Entrees include stuffed spaghetti squash, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and braised lamb Osso Bucco. Pair dinner with local beers from Fiddlehead, Maine Beer Company, and the Schilling Beer Co.

This hidden gem underneath Capo Restaurant in the South End is one of the best bars in Boston. Head in to enjoy live entertainment, live music, and a fun Italian food menu. Grab one of the Roman pizzas for a hearty meal. Try the four-cheese bread pie, with roasted garlic, oregano, and marinara. House-made pasta selections include sausage cavatelli with pink vodka sauce and broccolini or short rib ravioli with smoked potato and marsala.

This Brookline standout delivers a taste of Paris to the middle of this lively Boston suburb. This French restaurant is one of the best bars in Boston. Try some of the authentic French appetizers, like roasted P.E.I. mussels in anchovy butter or scallops in truffle bechamel. The 1855 burger includes beef steak, cheese, red onions, and home fries or salad. Pair dinner with a glass or bottle of fine wine or a "wine flight" of sample pours.