Black Rose
(617) 742-2286
160 State St
Boston,
MA
02109
42.3594
-71.0536
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Central
What People Are Saying About Black Rose
The Editor
Eric Grossman
Citysearch
The Scene
In a city full of Irish bars, this is perhaps the most famous (and probably the most visited), thanks to its high-profile location a few yards away from Quincy Market. Expect an awesomely varied crowd, which almost always includes a fair amount of tourists, especially during the day. The bar maintains a relaxed, genuinely Irish interior by cramming the place full of county flags, coats of arms and historical memorabilia, as well as many fresh-off-the-boat waitresses and bartenders.
The Draw
Whether it's first thing in the morning or last call, the bar's Guinness taps are in constant motion (countless other libations are served, but when in Rome...). Combat the black stuff's effects by noshing on the menu's mix of traditional Irish fare (hearty bangers and mash) and American favorites (satisfying burgers and fries). In the evening, the crowd gets younger and the action heats up with live music, which is featured nightly.
User Reviews
web628
February 26, 2008
Having seen other reviews, I wonder what went wrong. We visited on a Saturday evening @ 8:00 pm. We were seated (by the hostess) at one of the high round tables upstairs by the bar. After being ignored for 10 minutes (not crowded at all) I went to the bar to order drinks, only to be ignored there also, three bartenders chatting in a corner. My husband switched places with me and got served. We moved our seats into the other room, sat down and waited again!!! After flagging down a waitress we ordered appetizers and our meal. The breaded mushrooms were dreadfully greasy, like they weren't even drained after the deep fryer. My wrap was good, but my husband's burger was rare - ordered well done, fries were cold. I saw other customers sending back food complaining it was cold also, even soup. All in all it was a disappointing visit to what is supposed to be an authentic Boston Irish Pub. PROS: nice mixed crowd, comfortable atmosphere CONS: horrible service, so-so food
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sirkv
December 11, 2007
A true Irish Pub would not mind having a few drunk customers. ESPECIALLY when a pub crawl is signed up to be rolling through, and the management knows that this is one of the last few stops. Why agree to let a pub crawl crowd in when you're just going to kick over half of them out anyway? If people were falling over drunk that's one thing, but I saw people getting kicked out for accused stumbling, which meant they missed a foot placement in line at one point. I usually come here for my Irish car bomb stop, but I'll be looking elsewhere now. I don't know if it was the bouncer's fault or the management's fault for telling the bouncer to act that way, but this is not the place for a pub crawl stop. Next time don't agree to entertain us drunks if you're not going to let us in.
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pinkxg1rl
December 07, 2006
Went there on a Saturday night - it was pretty crowded downstairs. Fairly young crowd with the occasional old folks. Not too loud, but ending up standing up the whole time. Went up to the second floor where there was a really loud karaoke/band thing going on. Overall, good place to stand around and chill and chat it up.
read full reviewThe Details on Black Rose
Know Before You Go:
It's free during the week, but don't be surprised to pay a cover charge on Fridays and Saturdays, when crowds are much larger.
The Extras:
For an alternative to staid brunches, come to the restaurant on weekend mornings for an authentically greasy Irish breakfast.
When to Go:
Unless you brave the crowds in South Boston, this is the epicenter of the city's annual celebration (come early or you won't get in).
Category:
Restaurants, Sports Bars, Bars & Clubs, Singles Bars, Bars & Pubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Cuisine:
Bar & Club Type of Music:
Folk & Bluegrass, Irish & Celtic
Bar & Club Special Features:
Smoking Permitted:
No
