Down-and-dirty oasis provides the stately Beacon Hill area with an infusion of rundown charm and youthful debauchery.

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.

05/25/08

best dive bar in Boston

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

03/02/08

The Best Dive Bar In Boston

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

12/15/07

Best dive in town

by zissoutfloppenkee

So far, this has been my favorite place to unwind. I walked across the street from Clink to this place and it was like going from night to day. . . or the other way around. It's dark, doesn't smell awesome, and is filled with middle-20-somethings all looking to tie one on. They had pop-shot (which was broke and not keeping score) that our entire group huddled around playing for hours keeping our own score while drowning ourselves in bottled beers. Go in jeans, ripped shirts, backwards hats, whatever you want and don't concern yourself with getting bumped into or beer spilled on you. If you approach it with the right mind-set it's one of the more fun places to go get your drink on.

• Pros: Cheap drinks, unpretentious crowd
• Cons: broken video games, kinda smelly, a little crowded

03/01/07

it's a dump but the beer is cheap

by ryanshort43s

i always have a good time here. it's a mixed, "come as you are" crowd. there's always lots of chyx. the bud and but light pints are cheap, and i can drink a lot of beer.

09/28/06

Great

by andjohnson

Great Bar, the basket ball game is cool, $2 brewbakers are the best part of the entire bar. Pretty empty during the week.

09/13/06

Worst Bar

by hockiemack

The bar is dirty. The crowd isn't very friendly. This is how I felt the first time I went, so I figured I was being a snob and gave it another shot. I still don't like it. It won't ever change. After my friend's Sam Adams was served skunked, I felt insulted and have no intention of going back. The only pro for this place is their music. All the best of the early 90s.

• Pros: Music
• Cons: Everything else

03/10/04

Scottie's THE MAN

by whyjudywhy

I live in Los Angeles and every time I'm in Boston, I hit BHP. If there was an Olympics for Dive Bars, The Beacon Hill Pub would undoubtedly take the Gold.

The pub also has the best bartender of all time, Scott. He's a local legend ladies, so be cute and friendly.

Tell him Bethany sent you...

01/20/04

Great

by ispy05

have been going there for years. Great crowd on Thursday nights. Great prices, good selection of beers. Friendly bartenders. Tough parking.

07/09/02

loved it

by joannacherry

thought this was a great pub with friendly barmen and waitresses. good prices for beer and shooters. extra top marks for the doormen who are polite and v friendly