For those of you who are 21 and don’t like going all the way to Boston to drink, believe me, I feel you. I am not interested in going clubbing, and I myself am, at most, a casual drinker. I like to grab a cocktail or a cider with my girlfriend or a few friends in a bar with some snacks, but I love to be in bed watching Netflix before midnight. In a place like Boston, sometimes it can be hard to motivate yourself into town to go grab a drink, but here's a brief list of places where I am always impressed by what they have on tap, and their creative cocktail selections.
1. Shay’s
Shay’s is a small bar in Harvard Square (across from the Staples, near the Shake Shack). I met up with a friend there when I first came back from abroad. It really feels like a *bar* when you get there. The lighting was dim, and it was loud. I met up with a friend who recently graduated college, and I felt comfortable blending into the crowd. Definitely order their french fries. After you order them, they literally slice a whole potato, fry it and stick them in a basket for you. My drink recommendation? Get the Hard Apple Cider spiked with bourbon while it’s still cold out!
2. Bantam Cider Company
I know Union Square is out of the way, but Bantam is GREAT. They are a small local brewery of hard ciders. They sell three different batches in cans: Wunderkind (which is their flagship), Rojo and the American. But, if you swing by their tap room, you can see what other brews they are working on (for me, my favorite is the Hopped Scrumpy) and try a whole fleet.
3. Flatbread Company
I know Flatbread in Davis Square is everyone’s favorite hipster bowling locale, but their bar is fantastic. It’s tucked around the back and looks over the bowling alleys. (What’s better than watching other people slip and slide when you are a little tipsy yourself?) They have an incredible selection of local craft beers (if you are into that) but they also have an awesome cocktail menu. My favorite? The Raspberry Gin Fizz.
4. Masala
Masala has and probably always will be a staple for Tufts undergrads. Located in Teele Square, across from Mag Muffs, Masala has unreasonably inexpensive margaritas and pretty great dosas. While it’s certainly not a bar, I can never pass up their $3 house margaritas.
5. Mike’s
Mike’s is a staple in Davis Square. Known for their, pizza, huge pasta dishes and, wait for it, fried Mozzarella Balls, they also have a really great bar. The vibe is much more local than a lot of other places in Davis Square. Recently, I ordered a bacon cheeseburger with a Harpoon IPA while watching a Red Socks game. I haven’t felt so bro-ey in a long time, but it was a much-needed break from the typical Somerville Vibe.
6. The Painted Burro
To nobody's surprise, the Painted Burro has the best Margaritas, maybe in Boston (though if anyone else has any other recommendations, let me know!). Yes, the menu is pricey but they use high-quality tequila in their Margaritas, and they are generous with their proportions. Personally? I love the Hibiscus Margarita, but the Mango one is a close second. Make sure you also check out their taco selection and their fried plantains with kale!Do you have any other recommendations for places I should go? Think I am horribly wrong? Let me know in the comments! Personally, the next place I want to check out is Dali for Tapas.
