Beacon Hill Pub
Boston, MA 02114-3252
Phone: No phone
- Cross Street:
- Cambridge Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Dive Bar 2006, Dive Bar 2004
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am
Editorial Review for Beacon Hill Pub – by Eric Grossman
The Scene
The Beacon Hill Pub's status as one of Boston's pre-eminent dive bars owes something to the contrast of its unlikely address on classy Charles Street. Ridiculously low drink prices attract a few down-on-their-luck types, but on most nights recent college graduates and young State House workers pack the pub's two rooms with enough hormones to fuel an MTV special. Bartenders give all patrons the same gruff, straightforward service.
The Draw
Thanks to the smoking ban, the BHP isn't nearly as filthy as it used to be, but it's still a dump. Sticky floors, plastic pint glasses and questionable bathrooms are charming to some, disturbing to others. Regardless, most everyone comes for the same simple reason: This is the cheapest spot around for pints of watered-down Bud Light or lethal Red Bull-and-vodkas. As befits a true dive, many patrons pass the time chucking darts or watching the Sox.
Hits: The bar's cheap drinks and well-placed TVs make it a rowdy, affordable spot for watching big games.
Misses: With only a shoddy vending machine providing food, hungry patrons are out of luck.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save TimeIf you're lucky enough to grab a waitress, tip her well and save yourself the hassle of trips to the crowded bar.
Know Before You GoMake sure you bring cash: No other forms of payment are accepted.
ParkingThis being a hard-drinker's bar, most patrons wisely take public transportation to get here. Remember that the nearby red line stops running around 12:30am.
Where to SitTo avoid a constant stream of patrons entering and exiting for a smoke, set up camp in the back.
User Reviews for Beacon Hill Pub
05/25/2008 Posted by MattOBrien2
I went to college in the area and lived at this bar. I have some of the best memories there. If you're a fan of dive bars, this is the place for you! the service is what you would expect from a dive, but the bartenders have charisma and character. great spot
Pros: if you like dives, this is the place for you!
Cons: none
03/02/2008 Posted by CamWalk1130
The Beacon Hill Pub sure gets its fair share of negative reviews but the truth is, if you're young and looking for a good time without damaging your wallet, it's not the worst place in the world! Look at it this way: with beers no more than $5 and a Vodka-RedBull at $6.50 (with cheap vodka, with Grey Goose its $8.50!), the place is a steal. I've never had a bad pour (since they typically overpour anyway.) The crowd can vary: students like typical frat boys (from BU) to intellectuals (from Harvard and MIT), young professionals , and local residents. Video games in the back corner get pretty busy and try and avoid the back bar as much as you can (since thats where mostly everyone congregates). Music is played out of a jukebox and count on hearing "Don't Stop Believing" at least once. The staff aren't typically rude, the bouncers aren't pretentious and typically don't question customers unless absolutely necessary, bartenders do a good job getting drinks, just keep in mind it gets busy around 11:00 on weekends... or any day for that matter. Don't be surprised to catch several Under 21 year olds in there since bouncers don't really look at ID's. It's a dive bar and they're proud of it. Yes, they use plastic pints and cups, the floor can be sticky, and the bathrooms are highly questionable (Guys, there isn't a stall so hold your number two if you gotta go) but its one of the best dive bars in Boston and if you're looking for the snobby "Seen and Be Seen" place, the BHP isn't it. Its a true Boston bar with one goal in mind: gettin' drunk and having a story to tell later on. BHP you rock!
Pros: Cheap alcohol, a varied crowd
Cons: Questionable bathrooms
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