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Bell In Hand Tavern

Pub and Gastropub$$$$

Downtown Boston, Boston

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Bell In Hand Tavern

7.9^/10

635

ratings

Ranked #10 for gastropubs in Boston
"oldest bars in Boston"(9 Tips)
"Oldest bar in Boston"(4 Tips)
"Get the Sam Brick Red - very delicious"(4 Tips)
"You got to try the Bell in hand ale, is delicious."(2 Tips)

122 Tips and reviews

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brick red
beer
live music
good for groups
casual
authentic
good for singles
karaoke
eggplant fries
tours
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trails
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scenic views
people watching
sandwiches
good for a quick meal
Sam Adams
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Marissa CMay 2, 2017
Really cool bar in a nice area. Judy the bartender was super friendly and welcoming. Had the crab cake sandwich n sweet potato fries which were good!
GuyJuly 8, 2011
Come here on a weeknight, early evening & sit near the open windows on a nice night. Also, if getting a sandwich, opt for the Eggplant Fries, amazing! The history here is also awesome! Read up on it! Read more
Upvoted Nov 9
Jess NaldoNovember 9, 2014
Watching young 20-something's body roll to David Guetta in their banana, clown, and sexy nurse costumes (Halloween) at what is deemed the oldest bar in Boston. History at its finest!
Upvoted Nov 19
Stephanie CianchettiAugust 9, 2017
Great place to sit by the open windows, have a few beers, and people watch. They have their own Sam Adams beer brewed specially for them. Very tasty.
Jake SmithJanuary 22, 2014
Go on a night when the Sox or Bruins are playing. Try to get a window seat and order a local brew. It isn't as historical as most would like, but it is an important piece of Boston history.
Brian Sticker 🎩August 15, 2016
Great historical bar. It's the only place to drink Sam Adams-Bell in Hand beer🍻. Very friendly waitstaff. 8/10/16
OkCupid Daters' ChoiceJuly 13, 2017
Bell In Hand Tavern was voted the Best Classic Date Spot by OkCupid users in the first-ever Daters' Choice Awards! Tap Read more for additional date spot categories in Boston. #daterschoice Read more
Mark SullivanOctober 30, 2018
Grab a window seat and watch the tourist pass, if you are lucky you can photo bomb them.
Upvoted Oct 28
Stacy Bo BacyMarch 12, 2018
Nice stop along the freedom trail. Great place for beer and live music.
PCMay 1, 2011
Hang out in the back. Walk to the stage. Bang a right and grab a table. Get a waitress and enjoy a chill relax night. Cheap drinks. Live music. All around good spot. Enjoy and cheers.
Don FlowersSeptember 14, 2016
Wonderful service and how can you not enjoy a Sam Adams Boston Lager in the oldest tavern in the US!
Jeffrey GilesSeptember 25, 2014
Very cool. A bit of a modern twist on an old pub. Great appetizers though somewhat generic...i.e. Chicken Tenders, Mozzerlla Stick, etc
Mike M.December 4, 2014
One of the oldest bars or some nonsense. Good bar overall. Upstairs tends to be less crowded.
Enrico ManaloMay 4, 2018
Beautiful old tavern with a decent selection of drafts. Really great vibe in warmer weather when the windows are open.
Cory O'BrienSeptember 10, 2012
Grab a beer in one of the oldest tavern's in the US. On a sunny day with the windows open and a warm breeze blowing through, there's no better place to be.
IWalked Audio ToursSeptember 24, 2011
Opened in 1765 by Jimmy Wilson, Boston's last town crier. Building dates to 1844. Pub has only closed during Prohibition. Was originally located near current site of City Hall. More info in blog<LINK> Read more
Lauren BatesNovember 18, 2016
Tasty mussels and clam chowder. The view is nice, and you may as well have their namesake beer.
Brett GarwoodJanuary 13, 2016
Oldest bar in Boston, and possibly the U.S. Great spot and a must try.
Jen wardMarch 24, 2013
The caprese salad was to die for. Not to mention great beer and atmosphere!
Craig DesmaraisSeptember 16, 2014
Oldest bar in Boston. Try to snag a window seat to people watch. Live music on the weekends upstairs.
Shannon BarryAugust 2, 2016
Chicken tenders were good and the Sam Adams Burger was amazing!!
Monica CAugust 17, 2014
Come in for a drink before heading over to grab a meal at Union Oyster House (which is right next door.)
Todd KunaSeptember 2, 2013
Great place to stop for a pint when you are in the mood for an Irish Pub. Service was great too.
Andrew MeggisonAugust 6, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Live music and one of the oldest bars in Boston and the U.S. The Bell In Hand ale is made special for them by Sam Adams.
Alexandre MunhozNovember 15, 2020
Beer menu is disappointing. The internal make over destroyed all the authenticity of the place.. zero pub vibe. Feels like an airport pub.
Mike CallahanJanuary 21, 2015
A true Boston Tavern. Good beer selection and great spot to meet up after work.
Urban AdventuresJanuary 7, 2012
Soak up the history and a pint during the day, and feel like a part of the revolution! Want to learn more? Join us on the Revolutionary Tavern Tour! Read more
Sofia PapastamelosApril 10, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Solid place to go out in Faneuil. Not a big fan of the music video projector as it just gets distracting.
Sam OdleAugust 22, 2014
Oldest tavern frequented by Paul Revere in the world
Julie CJune 30, 2015
Tasty beers in the restaurant area and fun live music at the back.
Ben BaronMay 22, 2016
Decent tap selections. The house ale is good.
Matthew VelardeMarch 20, 2013
Service. Yes. However, the clique does survive. Become a regular her and you will get the service that you should deserve. As an out of towner
Mike FilicicchiaNovember 30, 2013
Calamari was average, the spicy peppers with it were a nice twist. Clam chowder was truly excellent.
Gianna NebbiaMarch 16, 2015
Cocktail menu is surprisingly creative for a Faneuil hall bar
reghu mohandasJune 12, 2017
Wonderful atmosphere. Saturday nights are packed!
Dan MaynardMarch 31, 2013
Try the Sam Adams brick red - one of a handful of bars that have this on tap.
Todd WhiteAugust 21, 2014
Good beer and good food in a pretty historic spot
Elias DummerNovember 5, 2017
Great location, fish and chips are solid.
Kelly AJuly 29, 2015
Awesome history!! "The regulars are coming, the regulars are coming"
Sheila ThomsonAugust 16, 2014
A light and airy pub, serving craft beer and delecious food.
The FeastJune 9, 2011
One of the country's oldest bars, but don't expect to run into a ton of history buffs -- the fratty crowd holds court here most nights. Read more
Jan SedaJuly 6, 2014
You got to try the Bell in hand ale, is delicious.
clara elisaDecember 12, 2013
New Year's Eve 2014 Party at Bell in Hand Tavern - Boston,MA early @ Tuesday December 31, 2013.Grab Your Tickets @ http://tinyurl.com/ortmowm
Chris TrottNovember 30, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Go out for Karaoke Tuesday nights. There's a solid crowd of regular singers sure to knock your boots off.
Kelly LMay 4, 2013
Crab cakes are awesome. And clam chowder is a must.
Steve PayneMay 6, 2011
Fish and chips was excellent. Great food, great service. Awesome historic atmosphere.
Steven GromakFebruary 17, 2013
Came from out of town sweet spot live music hot chicks good beer specials
Buford BarnesJune 11, 2012
Established 1795 by town crier. Continuously operated ex. Prohibition. Appears to be heavily and tackily renovated as another lame sports bar some time in the past couple decades.
Cristina CasasFebruary 11, 2017
Too much fries with each food and only a little bit of fish. Too expensive in my opinion. Rip off. Beer for $8.50. and it's too cold in there. I don't recommend it.
Corey GeerMarch 24, 2022
Ambiance, draft beer

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