From Colonial Taverns To The Green Dragon And Union Oyster House, Boston’s Drinking History Lives On Today
Long before Boston became famous for its Irish pubs and sports bars, its taverns were gathering places for sailors, settlers and American revolutionaries. Some of that colorful beer-drinking history survives today in historic bars where visitors can still raise a glass to the city’s past.
By Kevin Wilkerson, Editor & Publisher, PubClub.com
It all started with the earliest Bostonians.
During the time of the American Revolution, there were 16 breweries in Boston.
Sixteen!
The seaport was thriving with taverns, many with interesting names and colorful signs to attract both sailors and settlers.
John Hancock used to put kegs on the Boston Common then invite the townspeople to his golden-domed house for late-night parties. “Come one, come all!”
Even Paul Revere, on the evening of his famous Midnight Run, twice stopped at the pubs before delivering his message to the people. After all, Boston was originally marshland and beer tasted better than the salty drinking water.
You’ll find a lot of these pubs today, mainly in the Faneuil Hall area.
Boston’s Colonial Taverns: Where Beer And Revolution Mixed
The Green Dragon Tavern: A Revolutionary War Gathering Place
The Green Dragon, across the street from its original site, was a very popular watering hole for people to gather to complain about taxes and the British. It was where the Boston Tea Party was planned Daniel Webster called it the “Headquarters of the Revolution.” Today’s Green Dragon, styled as the original, is an Irishbar on Marshall Street near the original location.
Bell In Hand Tavern: One Of America’s Oldest Pubs
Across the steet is the Bell in Hand Tavern, which dates to 1795. And while it’s old brick design may make it seem like it is in its original location it is not as it has occupied several locations.
Union Oyster House: Drinking And Dining Since 1826
It would be impossible to visit Boston and not at least get a beer – and a bowl of chowder – at the Union Oyster House. This legendary landmark, in the heart of the historic Faneuil Hall area, is the oldest continuous bar and restaurant in the U.S., having opened in 1826 (there’s a lot of “oldest in the US” in Boston). The building has been around since the 1770s. In the restaurant’s original days, the boats would practically dock at the rear entrance to bring in the day’s catch. Today, the decor hardly seems to have changed as the red brick walls and thick wood floors seem to have been here forever. The chowder is served with cornbread 3-4 inches high. But of course it’s the oysters that made this place famous, and they shuck ’em frequently. Hey, it worked for Daniel Webster, who reportedly slurped down about three dozen during his frequent visits (they say he washed ’em down with brandy).
The best place to experience the Union Oyster House is at the oyster bar overlooking the street. The “oystertenders” can also be quite entertaining. There’s only about 10 seats, though, around this famous horseshoe. Expect long dinner waits, especially on weekends. It celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2026.
Boston’s Cheers Bar: A Different Kind Of Drinking History
And if you’re looking for the “Cheers” bar, which,of course has nothing to to with the Revolution, there’s a replica of it in Quincy Market. The original, originally called the Bull & Finch, is in the basement of the Hampshire House on Beacon Hill.
PubClub.com’s favorite Boston watering hole is in this area, the Beacon Hill Pub.
So no matter where you throw back your pints, the history of the forefathers is forever around you in Boston.
Boston Historic Pubs Q&A
What is the oldest bar in Boston?
That depends on whether you’re referring to the oldest tavern business, oldest original building or oldest continuously operating restaurant. Bell In Hand traces its history to 1795, while Union Oyster House has served customers since 1826.
Can you still drink at Boston’s historic Colonial taverns?
Yes, although some of the establishments associated with Colonial history occupy newer buildings or locations. The Green Dragon, Bell In Hand and Union Oyster House are among the historic names visitors can experience today.
Where are Boston’s historic bars located?
Several are concentrated around Union Street, Marshall Street and the Faneuil Hall area, making it easy to explore multiple locations on foot.
Kevin Wilkerson is the founder of PubClub.com, an award-winning journalist and nightlife expert who has covered destinations, events and nightlife for more than two decades. While working as a newspaper reporter, he received an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.
Next Stops On The Boston Party Bus
• Boston’s Nightlife: It’s Best Pubs & Clubs
Leave a Reply