Stay at Newbury Guest House and toast the U.S.’ best bars.

You’d expect a city where Revolutionary revolts were plotted in ale houses—later home to famous sports teams, universities, and world-class seafood—to have a vibrant bar scene. Boston does not disappoint.

It’s home to some of the most iconic bars in the U.S., including… that one. Book a stay at Newbury Guest House and you’re in the ideal Back Bay location to start the best bar crawl in history.

Cheers 

Now probably Boston’s most famous drinking establishment, Cheers inspired the hit television show, and its exterior appeared in the opening credits.

Founded as the Bull & Finch Pub in 1969—more than a decade before the show premiered—it was named Boston’s Best Neighborhood Bar the same year Cheers debuted in 1982.

Despite its TV fame, it still feels like a place where everybody knows your name. Cheers remains very much an intimate neighborhood bar. Grab a stool, enjoy a pint, banter with the locals, and maybe—just maybe—attempt the Norm Burger challenge. Visit them online at www.cheersboston.com

They are located at 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 – a 20-minute walk from Newbury Guest House

The Black Rose

Dubbed “the Fenway Park of Irish pubs” by Boston Magazine, The Black Rose is the quintessential Irish bar in a city full of them.

Located in historic Faneuil Hall, it has served perfect pints of Guinness 365 days a year since 1976. Its lively atmosphere and traditional Irish music—played live seven days a week—make it a favorite among locals and visitors.

Dark wood paneling, cozy booths, and a deep beer list invite guests to settle in. Pints and Irish cuisine are served by staff with authentic brogues. Want to impress? Drop the meaning behind the pub’s name: “Roisin Dubh,” a line from a 17th-century poem.

If you get a little too poetic after a few pints, the Full Irish breakfast will take care of the dog that bit ya.Visit them online at www.blackroseboston.com

You can find them at 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109 – a 20-minute T ride from Newbury Guest House

Bell In Hand Tavern

The oldest continually operating tavern in the U.S. is a must-visit for bar lovers and history buffs.

The Bell In Hand’s first pours in 1795 were likely for patrons like Paul Revere and Daniel Webster. Its first owner, James Wilson, refused to sell hard alcohol, but his ale was legendary. It was so thick it required two mugs—one for ale and one for froth.

Today, you can still stop in and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying excellent drinks, food, and live music.Visit them online at www.thebellinhand.com

They are located at 45-55 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 – a 20-minute T ride from Newbury Guest House

The Burren 

If your Boston bar crawl leans Irish, head to The Burren in Davis Square, Somerville. Thrillist ranks it among the 21 best Irish pubs in America.

A favorite of locals and students, it’s known for nightly live music—Irish traditional, folk, Americana, bluegrass, jazz, rock, pop, and indie. Its menu is equally beloved.

Order the Guinness beef stew, vegetarian shepherd’s pie, or fish and chips. Great food, great music, and guaranteed great conversation.

Visit them online at www.burren.com

Located at 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144 – a 20-minute drive from Newbury Guest House (or just hop the T’s Red Line)

Audubon

In town for a Sox game? Audubon is a perfect pre-game stop.

Located near Fenway, it serves imaginative cocktails like the fiery Anchorita and the smooth, slightly sweet Kick Flip. It also features ales from Boston favorites like Exhibit A, Night Shift, and Jack’s Abby. Pair them with upscale takes on stadium classics—grilled wings, burgers, and pulled pork.

Feeling extra hungry? Come on Taco Tuesday for crispy chorizo and San Diego-style seafood tacos. Visit them online at www.audubonboston.com

838 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02215 – a 20-minute walk or quick T ride from Newbury Guest House

While we’ll never turn down the chance to raise a glass or a mug, Boston bar culture is about more than spirits. It’s part of who we are, and there’s no better way to know a neighborhood than an elbows-on-the-counter evening of jawing about whatevah with its locals. And wherever your crawl takes you, it’s nice to return to another place where everybody will know your name: our unique boutique hotel. At Newbury Guest House, we’re here to make even more great bar recommendations, call you an Uber, and make sure the coffee’s good and strong the next morning.