Drinking Our Way Through Boston, A to Z

Comfy and Cozy

2009-07-13T11:14:00.002-04:00

Cornwall’s – June 11, 2009
Group Size ~ 60

Ambience – Not your typical Fenway bar, but does get crowded at game time. Very relaxed pub with hearty food and lots of space. Darts, pool tables, jukebox, and tons of board games.

Bottom Line – Beer selection is great, with expected prices. Liquor drinkers like the pint glasses for cocktails.

Cheers to – Billy, JR and Ben. Lots of free appetizers! Plenty of room to chill in, and great service.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Great location and the room they gave us (in addition to the free apps) was great. I didn’t have the opportunity to take advantage of the board games, but I will be back to dominate in Scrabble and Connect Four!

Leslie says… Cornwall’s always promises a good time, especially with the free apps from our favorite bartenders! I enjoyed a fat burger and visiting with new and old ABC friends. Hopefully D bar will be dry…this rainy ABC weather is starting to get old…

Jessica says… So happy to bring the club to my favorite bar and enjoy good beers along with great company. Also very pleased to spend some time in the pool room…this rarely happens for me.

Hi there!

2009-06-03T09:32:00.003-04:00

Welcome to our blog!

Take some time to weigh in and vote on the bars ABC Club has hit in Boston so far. Comment on great times had, make suggestions for future bars, and take a trip down memory lane (necessary because you may not really remember every bar so clearly!).

Check back often for more A, B, C themed reviews, guest bloggers, and ABC Club news from all the chapters!

Bases Loaded

2009-06-01T16:52:00.001-04:00

Baseball Tavern – May 28, 2009
Group Size ~ 75

Ambience – If the Red Sox are at home, this Fenway-side bar is crawling with fans. When they aren’t in town, Baseball Tavern remains a great place to watch a game, meet up with friends, and enjoy the evening on the roof deck. Lots of space, bars on four levels, and friendly staff are bonuses!

Bottom Line – Reasonably priced drinks with a kick. You get your money’s worth with a strong mixed drink and there are plenty of yummy beers to choose from.

Cheers to – ABC taking over. The WI Alum Club joining to celebrate their love for all things B…including Bucky Badger. The many, many free apps and the strong drinks.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…They gave us a ton of free delicious food and were very nice. The roof deck is awesome, especially on a nice day! Definitely worth going to on a game day or non-game day!

Leslie says… Despite the rain, BBall tavern was a hoot! Plenty of free apps to keep our bellies full and plenty of random dance parties. The jukebox was great and having a Dominos next door for the late night snack is superb!

Jessica says…B marked my first time to miss ABC Club. Travel plans got in the way!

A Rainy Night

2009-06-01T16:48:00.001-04:00

Atlantic Beer Garden – May 14, 2009
Group Size ~ 30

Ambience – Like its brother Brighton Beer Garden, ABG packs tons of brews, tvs, and bar grub under one roof. On a nice day, enjoy a great patio overlooking the Harbor. The full square bar provides plenty of seats with access to a big beer list.

Bottom Line – Typical beer prices with a nice variety of taps. Food choices are traditional but with a nice mix of seafood to represent the waterfront location.

Cheers to – Starting a new season in a new location! Jeers to – Crappy weather raining on our parade, and a power-hungry doorman that didn’t sympathize with those standing in line to get in. All three teams losing!

Overall Rating

Ashley says….The deck out back was awesome. Food was good and service was fast. The place was pretty crowded but that’s because it’s a great place to watch game since there are TVs and huge screens everywhere you look!

Leslie says…While I love the location on the water and the plentiful TV screens, it’s not worth battling the crowds that roll in on Thursday nights. Pick another night and you may thoroughly enjoy yourself, and the mounds of fries they serve!

Jessica says…I was pretty disappointed with our outing to this Beer Garden. No Young’s Chocolate Stout available as advertised? Over-busy servers that couldn’t handle the crowd? L I did enjoy my chili and abundant supply of French fries, and of course the company of fellow ABCers!

A Year Completed

2009-05-18T13:53:00.002-04:00

Well, we did it. We made it once around Boston, once through the alphabet. We had some hang ups and change ups. We also had some of the best nights in the history of bar crawling. Here we've chronicled our path and will continue to review, comment, and ooze about Boston's bars and the times we've spent there!

Make sure to weigh in on your rating of the bars from Season 1, and visit regulary to vote on Season 2!

Zany Z

2009-04-17T10:36:00.001-04:00

Zocalo – April 16, 2009
Group Size ~ 100

Ambience – Ay! Ay! Ay! We got a little Mexican flavor at this restaurant with a small bar that served plenty of margaritas for our graduation party.

Bottom Line – Many different types of sangria are a hit, along with awesome food including handmade-at-the-table guacamole.

Cheers to -- Celebrating the whole alphabetical journey. The staff for adjusting to us. Jeers to -- Long waits for drinks!

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Drinks were so good! The mango sangria is the best and the owner was very accommodating to our big group…so accommodating that he gave us the whole dining section of the restaurant! Would definitely go back to try more flavors of sangria and more food off the menu!

Leslie says… I love guacamole anytime, anywhere. Food was very yummy but the bar area is a tad too small for me and all my closest ABC friends. The bartenders were a little overwhelmed by our group, but managed to keep everyone happy! Definitely a night to remember.

Jessica says… I love plantains. I love margaritas. Salsa music, avocados, and great company! Z Bar’s “Graduation Night” was crowded, convivial, and crazy! Thanks to Zocalo for rolling with it and welcoming us to take over the whole restaurant!

BONUS – Our House West– April 16, 2009
Group Size ~ 10

Ambience – A very chill atmosphere and full of helpful wait staff. They kept the beer flowing (or water for some of us) and didn’t mind our loud and obnoxious antics.

Bottom Line – Amazing burgers, drunk or not, especially if you take advantage of their happy hour right after work. Beers are average – this place won’t break your bank, unless you spent it all on the punching bag machine.

Cheers to – Bar food being served late, because we needed it. Foosball tournaments and the ever-so-fun punching bag. If you don’t like to drink, there’s enough fun stuff to keep you busy!

Overall Rating

Leslie says…This place rocked for our after party! We filled the back room, ate burgers and French fries until we exploded, and watched a Foosball master kick everyone’s butts. Such a fun way to end the evening!

Jessica says…Leslie kept us all entertained at this afterparty. Thank goodness for waffle fries and no line!

Your AWESOME Choice

2009-04-03T13:36:00.002-04:00

Your Choice- The Burren – April 2, 2009
Group Size ~ 75

Ambience – A dark and woody feel where your feet stick to the worn wooden floor, the Burren promises good pub food and live music, both Celtic and cover bands.

Bottom Line – This evening out won’t put too much of a dent in your wallet…food and beer are both reasonable at this classic Irish pub.

Cheers to – ABC Club’s first official “Your Choice” and the place being taken over by enthusiastic ABCers. Jeers to – A cover if you show up after 9 p.m on nights with live music.

Overall Rating

Ashley says...The room in the back was great for our group and drinks were cheap! The fact that almost every staff member has an Irish accent makes the place even better!

Leslie says…there is something homey about this authentic Irish pub that always has me coming back for more. Could be the cute Irish bartenders, those yummy fries and a big glass of beer. Also, plenty of space to mingle in. I’d say I’ll definitely go back, but I already have been. ;)

Jessica says…What a fun night! But I say that about every night that begins with a Guiness Beef Stew. Great company in an even better setting. People enjoyed spreading out, talking to locals, and rockin’ to the band. Highlight of my night was the sprint to catch the last inbound Red Line train to avoid crazy cab fare from Somerville!

X-Tra Special

2009-03-20T10:18:00.001-04:00

XV Beacon (Wine Cellar) – March 19, 2009
Group Size ~ 60

Ambience – Moo’s wine cellar and bar is filled with fancy wine, ceiling to floor. Beautiful interior and a classy setting for a small sit-down dinner or cocktail party.

Bottom Line – Creative drinks and fun menu but be prepared to drop a few bucks at this establishment.

Cheers to – Having a private area and the incredible participation in the Y Bar Penny Wars! Jeers to – The waitstaff.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Although the private space was nice and the cocktail menu was fun, it’s not somewhere I’d go again because of the way we were treated by the staff. Despite what Mooo thinks, there are a lot of other places in the city that are just as good and these places actually make you feel welcome.

Leslie says… It pains me to say this because XV Beacon/Moo is a kind of place I love. Even though I don’t mind the occasional over-priced drink if the ambiance is worth it (and makes no mistake, Moo is stunning and the wine cellar makes you fee like a VIP), I couldn’t get over how pretentious the wait staff was. They couldn’t hide their disdain for our group the entire evening. Someone should remind that they are in the service industry.

Jessica says… We had a great night at the Wine Cellar despite feeling like we were forced to walk on eggshells. The location is truly beautiful, and it was great to have such a unique private space.

What a Night in Allston

2009-03-06T10:06:00.001-05:00

White Horse Tavern – March 5, 2009
Group Size ~ 100

Ambience – Laid back and relaxed. Big TVs to catch the games and lots of open space to stretch out.

Bottom Line – Drinks and food are cheap. Cheap bar menu too!

Cheers to - Private space including our own bar, free samples of mojito and margarita mixes and glow stick bracelets!

Overall Rating

Ashley says…The staff was great to work with and really hooked us up with a good space! The owner was around to make sure we were doing alright, which was really nice. The highlight of that evening: $6 steak tips!

Leslie says…Woe is me, I wasn’t at Whitehorse…but need to get there for those steaktips!

Jessica says… What a fun night! Whitehorse was a great home for ABC, with lots of reserved space and tons of delicious drinks. Snaps to the dance party!

Viciously Thirsty

2009-02-20T14:28:00.002-05:00

Vintage Lounge – February 19, 2009
Group Size ~ 80

Ambience – Home to the afterwork wine drinkers and some suits having stiff martinis, as the night wore on Vintage Lounge became a relaxing place to chill with ABC. The low leather couches were perfect for cradling those of us that tried the special chocolate strawberry martini!

Bottom Line – Beer and wine are definitely on the pricey side, and selection isn’t great for those going by the glass. Cocktails were strong and the hors d’oeuvres were delicious!

Cheers to – Flatbread pizzas! Sharing bottles of wine. Condom grams and Valentine’s candy. A huuuuuuuuuuge crowd!

Overall Rating

Ashley says…I liked the large space and the fact that the lounge area, bar and dining space were all separated. They had great service and it fit our Valentine-themed night very well!”

Leslie says…A large venue and definitely fun to relax on the cushy couches. I prefer my apps a little bigger and my wine a little cheaper, but overall Vintage was a blast!

Jessica says…Don’t know if they were really ready for our demanding crew. Overall good staff and attention, but PRICEY beers. The best deal is definitely splitting a bottle of wine among a few people. $7 for a Guiness? No thanks!

Up to no good

2009-02-06T14:25:00.002-05:00

Union Oyster House – February 5, 2009
Group Size ~ 60

Ambience – Cozy, friendly and plenty of space to mingle with the group and make new friends.
There’s an upstairs that has a fun loft feel.

Bottom Line – Union has a bar menu that includes burgers, sandwiches and chowders…all of which looked and tasted good to us! Drinks and food moderately priced.

Cheers to - Our private room next to the bar. A lot of newbies. Bringing the club to America’s oldest restaurant!

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Ye olde Union Oyster House hath become a fere to me…I shalt continue to visit henceforth. The space allowest us to mix betwixt the club and other jolly pub goers. No pearls in mine oysters though, it was fortunate that I woreth mine own.

Leslie says… Plenty of space to hang out at the bar, the raw oyster bar if that’s your schtick or upstairs for a quieter meal. Love this place for its chowda and good drink list. Will definitely be back!

Jessica says… How did I not eat any oysters this night? The nachos were goooood though, as is the Fisherman’s beer that’s on tap.

BONUS: Oyster Facts vs. ABC Club Facts

The oyster is a bivalve mollusk that has existed since prehistoric times.
The ABC Club is a social group that has existed since 2008.

More than 100 species of oyster live in colonies on natural beds and banks that are to be found in most parts of the world.
More than 100 ABC Club Boston members live in the city and sleep in beds and get money from banks to pay for their ABC nights out. With the start of the NYC Chapter and plans to begin in other cites, ABC Club members will soon be found in most parts of the world.

Oysters eat day and night. They are highly prolific, and, if left undisturbed, would undoubtedly fill the seas!
ABC Club members drink and eat day and night. They too, are highly prolific, and, on every other Thursday, love to fill the bars!

Takin' it UP a notch

2009-01-23T14:23:00.001-05:00

Top of the Hub – January 22, 2009
Group Size ~ 75

Ambience – The breathtaking, exquisite views enchanted ABC. The Boston landmark lived up to its reputation with its fine drinks and smooth jazz. The live performers added the special touch of class that we were looking for.

Bottom Line – Cocktails were surprisingly well-priced and not surprisingly DELICIOUS. Beers were slightly higher priced than usual, but still very affordable.

Cheers to - The reserved space. Our club members good behavior (except you, Sarah)! Many new members directly from Thrillist and Going.com.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Bringing the club here was a tall order (pun intended), but we pulled it off and really enjoyed the amazing views and live music. Great service too!

Leslie says… Ambience was wonderful, Top of the Hub wait staff was incredible and the drinks were yummy. My favorite is the Purple Rain martini – takes so good and knocks you on your butt! I can’t say enough nice things about Top of the Hub. It’s a great place for an after work drink, or to start your evening. Every time I’ve been there the service is impeccable, Bravo, Bravo!

Jessica says…We couldn’t have really asked for a better crowd or a more interesting place to spend an evening. The view was incredible, the drinks weren’t crazy expensive, and the jazz quartet was so soothing. Special thanks to the staff for dealing with so many checks!

Sweeping the Streets

2009-01-09T14:21:00.002-05:00

Sweetwater Café, Sidebar, Sissy K’s – January 8, 2008
Group Size ~ 30, 40, 50

Ambience –
Sweetwater -- Quiet right after work with the downstairs completely empty but dedicated (for free) to ABC.
Sidebar -- Small bar with a crap load of young professionals and Suffolk law students after work. Sissy K’s – By the time we arrived around 9:00, the place was filled with dorky karaoke singers, jerky stock brokers, and crazy dancing girls.

Bottom Line – All options were very reasonable with three bars totaling less than $20 spent including drinks and dinner. Best bang for the buck is Sidebar’s $2.00 Buds and 10 cent wings.

Cheers to - Everyone wearing blue leis. The walks between the bars. The first ever ABC Crawl! Jeers to - Sissy K’s blatantly lying to us about reserving the top floor! Sidebar’s tight quarters.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… All three bars were fun in their own way. I liked the chill atmosphere at Sweetwater, the fun after work crowd at Sidebars and the dancing at Sissy K’s. Would definitely be up for another pub crawl!

Leslie says… The ABC bar crawl was adventurous and fun and I loved seeing our group take over the bar with blue leis on. However, I’d much prefer to belly up at one bar and stay the evening. Sweetwater was as it always is – a sweet time with some good pub grub. Sidebar was rocking and very packed, but the table tops of beer and 10 cent wings won be over immediately. I will definitely be back. Sissy K’s was a fun last stop and much needed dance party. Cheap beer and good music was my favorite, the staff and bouncers left much to be desired.

Jessica says… Going to these three bars in one night reminded me of my earlier working days when the downtown area bar crawl was a normal Thursday night. Accordingly, the clientele of these three bars fit with my memories and luckily, so did the price. It was a fun night with a little bit of everything, but far too many suits cutting loose for my liking.

Rockin' around the Christmas tree....

2008-12-19T14:19:00.001-05:00

Revolution Rock Bar – December 18, 2008
Group Size ~ 65

Ambience – Packed with holiday parties and the after-work crowd, the Rock Bar rocked with live music and a DJ. Dancing starts late downstairs, and the place turns into more of a club around 10.

Bottom Line – Our tough waitress defended the private lounge area that management dedicated for us, and brought us tons of drinks and complimentary cheesy pizzas.

Cheers to - Everyone in the holiday spirit, the scandalous dancing downstairs, and Nil for playing Santa. Jeers to - The tight crowd fighting for space, plastic cups, and the mandatory coat check that was forced upon us at club time.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Too crowded for me and it took a long time to get drinks.

Leslie says… Sounds like a ravishing time and what I wouldn’t’ give to see Nil dressed as Santa…

Jessica says…We had a fabulous night of ABC holiday celebration despite the SUPER croweded, party-filled night we hit RevRockBar. We loved our dedicated waitress, but boo to the bar for not giving us more dedicated space. When it got late and we moved the party downstairs for dancing, the scene got much better.

Quintessential Q

2008-12-05T16:58:00.002-05:00

Quincy Market/Ned Devines – December 4, 2008
Group Size ~ 70

Ambience – Upstairs bar area hosted us with a few booths, tables, and space to throw our coats. The music (once turned up) was fun-inducing, along with the closeness of our group.

Bottom Line – Explosive nachos were seen on a lot of tables, and drink selection was typical.

Cheers to -The quiz. Acceptance of the Q-theme stretch by our members. Q-tips. New members from the Herald article. Jeers to -No dancing in the back room.

Overall Rating

Ashley says... A lot of space to hang out and bartenders were always available!

Leslie says… We had a larger group that evening and the layout of the bar and tables made it easy to mingle and chat with friends.

Jessica says…Wow, what happened to make Leslie and Ashley’s reviews so calm? We had a great time and truly took over Ned Devine’s with a huge crowd. It would have been great to have access to a private room, and also to have the staff seem prepared for our group. Great atmosphere and a really comfortable and convenient place to meet up on a Thursday.

Publican's Dream

2008-11-14T16:54:00.002-05:00

People’s Republik – November 13, 2008
Group Size ~ 40

Ambience – Pinkos are welcome at this themed bar with all the usual offerings. Dartboards flank the center bar and hot dogs are available but give the bartender at least 20 minutes to plug in the warmer.

Bottom Line – Cheap fried food and pretty inexpensive beer= happiness for all.

Cheers to - SO many new people including Mountaineers, lady friends, and “meet up” buddies. Jeers to - Sarah leaving her laptop behind.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…I can’t believe I missed two ABCs in a row, but Indiana was calling my name…

Leslie says…I’m always a huge fan of any bar with a dart board and wrap around bar. Throw in the cheap apps and great beer and I’m sold. Definitely a great place to belly up at the bar and catch up with a few friends.

Jessica says… Props to P.R. for serving hot dogs. Special shout out to new friends that joined ABC at P!

Bonus- The Field
Group size- 10

Jessica says… Sometimes the party keeps going. Especially when you can stroll down the street to a great pub like the Field. They welcomed us with open arms, Guiness, and a few Brazilian buddies.

Overall Rating

Owls and Other Spooky Stuff

2008-10-31T16:52:00.001-04:00

Our House East – October 30, 2008
Group Size ~ 25

Ambience – Gritty college bar with lots of space for groups. They try to keep it lively with tvs, Rock Band gaming, and three bar areas.

Bottom Line – Drinks are fittingly cheap and pub grub is greasy and delicious.

Cheers to -The wacko DJ and his shout outs. Members coming in hats to fit the Halloween theme. Great service across the board.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…As much as I would have loved to have enjoyed all the goodness Our House East had to offer, I was enjoying all the goodness the Bahamas had to offer...

Leslie says… LOVED the club’s enthusiasm with the Halloween-themed crazy hat evening at Our House East, and I’m sure the bartender did too. The back room was all ours and with the spacious bar, it was really nice to not have to elbow people to get a drink.

Jessica says… Sweetened by my honey’s first appearance at ABC Club, Our House was a chill night out filled with tons of candy too!

Naturally Chic

2008-10-17T16:49:00.002-04:00

Noir – October 16, 2008
Group Size ~ 60

Ambience – Nestled inside the Charles Hotel, Noir was as advertised—dim. Management accommodated the Club with private tables and VIP treatment.

Bottom Line – Awesome happy hour menu with items ranging $1-5. The orgasmic chocolate cookies and crispy pancetta pizza left us super satiated. Nice wine and cocktail list.

Cheers to - The Herald for featuring our crazy club that evening. Waiters with their shiz together. The roll out of the big screen for the Sox playoff game. Jeers to - Typical Boston weather for not allowing us to enjoy the roomy patio.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Great bar food, really strong and tasty cocktails. I want to go back when it’s warmer because the outdoor patio looks like so much fun!

Leslie says… Great ambiance, drinks and food. Our group was treated like VIPS and the waiter staff was on top of their game. Even better was the wall sized full-screen that magically appeared just in time for the Sox game! Woo Hoo!

Jessica says… I felt like a true celebrity with VIP signage, treatment, and even a press interview! Awesome 5-4-3-2-1 specials got me ready for a long night out!

BONUS- Redline
Group size ~ 4

Overall rating

Leslie says… Four of us diehards continued the party at Redline. This Harvard Square eatery turns into Dance Party USA later in the evening and those interested in shaking their booties need to frequent this joint. I haven’t jammed to Bobby Brown and other early 90s favorites, since Jesus was a baby. GREAT times!

Makin' It Work

2008-10-03T16:43:00.003-04:00

Maluken – October 2, 2008
Group Size ~ 65

Ambience – Japanese sushi bar actually contains no bar, but Maluken offers a great karaoke experience no less. Small back room contains traditional Japanese seating that was perfect for lounging and drinking.

Bottom Line – Sake bombs rule and share the limelight with Sapporo, sweet wines, and domestic beers. Sushi is priced well and served in boats. Karaoke starts around 10 normally, but we sweet talked them into 9:15.

Cheers to - The awesome videos that accompanied the songs. Attentive servers (we were the only customers). Jeers to - Putting everything on one bill and leaving the co-founders confounded. Countless broken glasses.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…Great times that night…mostly because I got to sing into a microphone. I was disappointed that they didn’t have “Don’t Stop Believin’” for karaoke, but the good service and fun atmosphere made up for it!

Leslie says…My oh my Maluken!! Great place for sushi, sake bombs and a fun night of karaoke. If you head there with a group, ask for the back room! My favorite had to have been the random pictures of grassy fields, train stations and small children that played during karaoke…classic!

Jessica says…My favorite part was the videos of Red Square in Moscow accompanying a Madonna video? Poor Jeff and Trevor got screwed when they tried to bring back their rendition of La Vida Loca, but the co-founders rocked “ABC.” Snaps to the waitstaff for dealing with us on the spot, and keeping the drinks flowing. For a silly night out with friends, I definitely recommend this one.

BONUS-Cornwall’s
Group Size ~ 15

Ambience – English pub style hangout with friendly servers and a huge beer selection.

Bottom Line – We all probably spent more than we should have on shots, beers, and silly cocktails at this afterparty.

Cheers to - Pictures that you don’t remember the next day. The strange late-night clientele including Communists and cross-dressers.

Overall Rating

Ashley and Leslie…went home.

Jessica says…This is one of my all-time favorites due to the wealth of delicious beers on tap and the fact that it’s actually an English pub, not Irish. Plus there are pool, darts, games, a jukebox…not that we were using any of those this night!

Luck be a lady tonight!

2008-09-19T16:48:00.002-04:00

Lucky’s – September 18, 2008
Group Size ~ 50

Ambience – Unmarked basement bar makes you feel like you are in on a secret. Great food, noting the sliders, and live music makes the bar a very happening place.

Bottom Line – Liberal pours on the wine and a typical beer list.

Cheers to - Live music. Boob tag. The regular ABC Club chant that intrigued many regulars. Our first 50/50 raffle was a success!

Overall Rating

Ashley says… This was my first time to Lucky’s and I really liked it! The band played great music and I really liked how this place was hidden.

Leslie says… This bar was in my top five for the season (and not just because the band let me debut my tambourine skills)! The place was lively, with a great band and fun bartenders! Although I didn’t order the sliders, they looked damn good!

Jessica says…. What a great time! I was so happy to get out of the typical Financial District haunts and see somewhere new. Lucky’s was the perfect bar for ABC—a little something for everyone and lots of new friends to meet!

Keepin' it chill...

2008-09-05T16:14:00.002-04:00

Kitty O’Shea’s – September 4, 2008
Group Size ~ 40

Ambience – Typical Faneuil Hall bar with good happy hour specials. Upstairs room is private although the bar separates the crowd making it harder to mingle.

Bottom Line – Happy Hour burgers were greasy and a good coating for the stomach. $1 Light beers were on special and full priced beer was reasonable.

Cheers to - Kitty for welcoming our group. Our own bathroom. Jeers to - The lack of music and therefore, lack of dance partyness.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Cheap beer, great dancing music and really good food!

Leslie says… Kitty O’Shea’s welcomed us with a private area and bar. This was the first time we had a special “Welcome ABC” sign, an exciting milestone for the group ;)

Jessica says…. Ehh…besides our cheapy burger and the good crowd we brought, I wasn’t overly impressed.

Jovial Beergarden

2008-08-22T16:02:00.002-04:00

Jacob Wirth – August 21, 2008
Group Size ~ 45

Ambience – Orndorff, Zolenski and Stachowiak were right at home in this German beer hall. As if you walked right into Munich, the extremely extensive beer list, that also includes PBR, offers something for everyone.

Bottom Line – Snitzels, brats and pretzels available in small plates at small costs, or opt for the full menu and dare to finish the hefty German platters.

Cheers to - Fitting right in with the rowdy Germans. ABC chants. Accommodating waitresses for our large group. Jeers to - The fact the pianist only works on Friday. The bar closing at 10.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… If you don’t like this bar then you’re a sauerkraut.

Leslie says… Bratwurst, knockwurst, sausages galore! This place is after a Midwest girl’s heart! Not only is the food fabulous, the ambiance of this charming brew house makes me feel right at home. If you have the chance to head back on a Friday, the pianist, Mel Stiller promises a ROWDY time with words to more than 500 songs, and plenty of polkas. Jacob Wirth had me at hello.

Jessica says… One of my favorite bars in Boston with tons of tasty brews. Please never get torn down due to the gentrification of Downtown!

BONUS: The Tam -10 p.m. – til close
Group Size ~ 15

Ambience – Hidden gem of the theater district, this tiny but lovely bar makes you feel right at home.

Bottom Line – Cash only and ATM at the door. Specials on Molsen can keep you rolling all night.

Cheers to - The jukebox. The impatient bartenders. ABCers who just wouldn’t quit. Jeers to - The one-seater women’s bathroom.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… I’m starting to notice that when I leave early, that’s when the bonus bar comes into play…

Leslie says… Sweet little pub that while on the small side, is not to be overlooked. A great place to end an evening of drinking! Just don’t piss off the bartenders ;)

Jessica says… Man, another one of my favorites since I turned 21. Note the availability of bags of chips if you’re hankering for some saltiness to go with your Bud. My favorite part of the bar: décor using pennies and polyurethane. The ultimate place to end a night.

Individually Spectacular!

2008-08-08T15:49:00.001-04:00

Ivy – August 7, 2008
Group Size ~ 55

Ambience – Private room downstairs with our own bartender made our trip at this wine bar extra special. The intimate room allowed to get up close and personal with bartender Doug E. Fresh and enjoy meeting new members.

Bottom Line – Just about everything on this menu was scrumptious. From pasta, to mussels to French fries, you can’t go wrong. Wide selection of wine from reasonably priced to expensive.

Cheers to - Our first group pictures. Visiting the classiest joint in Downtown Crossing. Enjoying the cozy company of many new ABCers.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… The downstairs looked really cool with the candles and birch trees…was a great place for a private event. I’d recommend ordering the arancini…and the herb fries…and the carbonara…and the mussels…what I’m trying to say is that the food is really good! Tons of bottles of wine for $26 each so that was a good deal too!

Leslie says… Whether you’re enjoying dinner upstairs, drinks at the bar, or a private party in the chic basement, Ivy is a great spot for an intimate evening out! The vast wine selection and is one of my favorites!

Jessica says… Props to Doug, our bartender!

Harping on it...

2008-07-25T16:28:00.001-04:00

Harp – July 24, 2008
Group Size ~ 30

Ambience – Crowds must normally come from the Garden because the off-day we visited, we took over the bar, with our elderly friend Elizabeth. Great bar for events and large groups. Service was a tad slow, so we took our party to Bell & Hand.

Bottom Line – Being so dead, the kitchen closed at 8:30 and disappointed many hungry ABCers.

Cheers to - BAGS, the electronic bean bag game that was the one saving grace. Jeers to -Poor service.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…. Plenty of room for me to do some of my famous dancing. Liked the food and how it’s right off the North Station T stop.

Leslie says… While I would normally give this spacious Irish pub in the heart of Celtics/Bruins land a higher rating, the night ABC strolled in, the bartender was slower than molasses and they CLOSED the kitchen so early. Computer generated game of bags was the only thing that kept us entertained.

Jessica says… Despite everything they try to do, the Harp is just not for me. Dudes, we gave you a chance.

BONUS: Bell In Hand - July 24, 2008, 9 p.m. to closing time
Group Size ~ 15

Ambience – Dance, dance, dance. Downstairs was packed but upstairs we created our own private ABC section.

Bottom Line – Lots of jaegerbombs, shots and 20 oz. beers. We have no idea how much this cost. Oops!

Cheers to - ABC Dance Team. Truth or Dare. Dance-offs. Closing down the bar! Jeers to – Sarah’s Blackberry thief. Drunken arguments about promiscuity.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…I went home to sleep. :)

Leslie says…Bell In Hand did not disappoint. The jaegerbombs were flowing, dance-offs were had and the ABC loyalists took over the upstairs bar. Maybe it became more euphoric as the amount of liquor consumed increased, but this historic bar always seems to be a safe bet for a great night!

Jessica says…Wow. This was a night to remember. Thank you Bell In Hand, for greeting me with a gigantic beer, beats a girl can really get down to, and a crowd ripe for the picking on with Truth and Dares.

Good ole' Doc Brown's hangout

2008-07-11T16:23:00.001-04:00

Great Scott – July 10, 2008
Group Size ~ 30

Ambience – Completely empty until 9 o’clock when band (and cover) starts. Very large venue with Keno available to all. Patio overlooks “Commonwealth Crossing” for those who like to enjoy a smoke or the inhalation of car exhaust.

Bottom Line – Keno will get you every time. Cash only.

Cheers to - Hundred Years War who became our official band that evening. Yummy burgers across the street at Our House. Jeers to - The neighboring Uno’s kitchen fire that required multiple fire trucks. The crazy man who spit in the face of the bouncer.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Great place to see a band…it makes me want to pursue a solo (or any) career in singing.

Leslie says… A spacious joint with plenty of room to belly up at the bar or put on your dancing shoes to boogie. Great tavern for small and large groups!

Jessica says… People have mixed feelings about Great Scott, and that depends mostly on what time you go and what you’re expecting. For me, it is actually a great place to go during the day or early evening for a relaxing beer on the patio or at the bar. And when HYW is there, I’ll always be there.

Finding a perfect summery bar...

2008-06-20T16:03:00.003-04:00

Flash’s – June 19, 2008
Group Size ~ 30

Ambience – Fresh air through the open windows made for a relaxing after work atmosphere. Overstuffed leather couches made us wish we were smoking a cigar.

Bottom Line – Food was pretty yummy and the sliders slid down well. Typical beer selection and cocktail selection.

Cheers to - F themed raffle. Our first South End visit.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Love the great service and open space. Would go back there in a…Flash… :)

Leslie says… I Flunked “F” because I was out having a Fantastically Fun time with my Family.

Jessica says… The summery breeze through the open windows was the perfect accent to my Sam Summer and lemon. As I snuggled down on the grandfatherly leather couch, my sensibilities were transported beyond the typical post-work happy hour to a transcendental experience of true happiness. Or maybe that was the third beer talking.

Enjoying the Pachyderm

2008-06-06T15:56:00.003-04:00

Elephant & Castle – June 5, 2008
Group Size ~ 35

Ambience – English pub that is popular among the Financial District suits. Lots of TVs for Celtics and Red Sox dual viewings, as well as private rooms available for private people.

Bottom Line – Average pub food, nachos and appetizers stole the show. Good beer list and knowledgeable bartenders ensure yummy drinks.

Cheers to - Our first ABC chant…a chant heard around the world. GAME TIME cheers celebrating the Celtics big win against LA. Coco Crisp’s fist fight. Will’s map. Jeers to - Being packed in like sardines until the work crowd disappeared. Stumbling down the stairs after breaking the seal.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… It didn’t feel enough like a pub to me, although I did enjoy the good location in the financial district.

Leslie says…Great pub with a fun bar and dining area, but wait for the after work suits to clear out. You can then have the full attention of the amazing bartenders that will whip up anything you can think of! A connoisseur of all things fried, this fish dish is worth bragging about!

Jessica says… This wasn’t my favorite visit to Elephant & Castle—much too crowded! I think it was the confluence of Red Sox and Celtics playoffs. I’d recommend a non-sports night to truly enjoy some Shepherd’s Pie.

Divine Dive?

2008-05-23T15:45:00.003-04:00

The Dugout – May 22, 2008
Group Size ~ 25

Ambience – Cove-like bar suitable for sports watching and popcorn eating. Dark wooden tables are perfect for a game of quarters and cozy seating.

Bottom Line – Cash only. Cheap pitchers of light beer flow freely, frozen pizza on demand and super salty popcorn for free.

Cheers to - Jessica for her drinking dedication before her 5 a.m. flight. One-man pitchers. West Virginia natives. Celtics mugs.

Overall Rating

Ashley says… Homerun! The only thing that would have made the night better was if The Dugout headed into The Outfield and played “Your Love”...there’s nothing better than a good 80s song, especially at a bar like this!

Leslie says… a #1 fan of popcorn, this “bat-cave-like” dive bar won me over with an abundance of the salty snack. Reminder to the gals to exnay on the panty hose or other clothing items that require elbow room in the bathroom – this one’s a tight squeeze!

Jessica says…one of my favorite dives since college, as many BU grads will note. Perks for me include Country Roads on the music roll call, the dollar pool table, and some good beers on tap. Without the sentimental value though, the Dugout doesn’t stand out too much.

Classy Clientele

2008-05-09T16:50:00.003-04:00

Clink – May 8, 2008
Group Size ~ 50

Ambience – Classy joint, beautifully renovated with themed cocktails and restaurants. Our group took over the lobby area, lounging on plush chairs and scoping out Celtics players.

Bottom Line – Drinks and apps are priced to match the classiness of the joint. Mixed drinks are packed with a punch!

Cheers to - The older gentlemen at the bar. Boston celebs like Sam Cassell and Adalius Thomas. Comfy lobby furniture and staff that let us move it around so much!

Overall Rating

Ashley says… I’d be willing to commit a felony or two if this was the jail I ended up in! Very open, very comfortable and although the drinks were on the pricier side, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Leslie says… one of my favorite establishments to enjoy a drink (or two) and people watch. The beautiful architecture and creative set-up makes for a fun and classy evening!

Jessica says… Not necessarily my typical type of hangout, but I did enjoy a stiff cocktail after a long week of work. A truly beautiful place to celebrate with friends—and I hear they now have a special “proposal night” package that includes the ring and a room in the hotel to make it official.

Brews and Foos(ball)

2008-04-25T16:30:00.004-04:00

Beacon Hill Pub– April 24, 2008
Group Size ~ 25

Ambience – Awesome dive bar with basketball, foosball and lots of cheap beer. Sticky floors didn’t keep some members from dancing to selections of everything from Michael Jackson to the Beastie Boys.

Bottom Line – Cash only, cheap strong cocktails kept our members buzzing.

Cheers to --The first ABC hookup. Joe Zimmerman (You know him).

Overall Rating

Ashley says… I think dive bar in Beacon Hill is some sort of oxymoron, but it works for me!

Leslie says… Dark and dingy dive bar that serves most drinks in a plastic cup…given our group, that’s probably a great idea! Anywhere I can get cheap drinks and not feel obligated to wear my “fancy heels” is a winner in my book!

Jessica says… Thanks to ABC Club my eyes were opened, and in Beacon Hill Pub I met a new “soulbar”. We get along as if we’ve known each other for years. Jukebox, pop a shot, and cheap gin and tonics? Thank you!

Almost Perfect

2008-04-11T16:08:00.003-04:00

The Asgard – April 10, 2008
Group Size ~ 25

Ambience – Modern Irish Pub with lots of space, bar area seating with cocktail waitress. Can get crowded with the after work socialites. Lots of people, good music.

Bottom Line – Happy hour appetizer specials, great variety of drinks for beer and wine lovers alike. Special shout out to the bartenders for all the great shots.

Cheers to – The unofficial titles that were bestowed upon each ABC attendee. The mini dance party that occurred and to Kyle for covering the bill. The cozy cove by the bath room for “serious conversations”. The numerous toasts to the ground-breaking event.

Overall Rating

Ashley says…. I abstain from rating this bar since I was not present. I thought the alphabet began with B, so I totally missed out on this one! At least I know how to count…1, 2, 4, 5, 8…

Leslie says… I had plenty of room to stretch my legs and bust a move. A great after work bar with a good beer menu and appetizer specials!

Jessica says… I can’t imagine a better place to start a year-long bar crawl. It was a comfortable spot with no guff from the staff about our large group and increasingly rowdy behavior. Great nachos too!

The Deal

2008-04-01T15:46:00.001-04:00

Welcome to ABC Club Boston's blog--written by none other than the Triumvirate. That's right, your three co-founders Jessica, Leslie and Ashley. We're happy to have you here...almost as happy as we are to see you every other Thursday night at bars around Boston.

For those of you not well-acquainted with ABC, here's what we do: We started at a bar that started with A, and then two weeks later, we visited a bar that starts with B. We continued, and a year later we are finished with the alphabet and are that much wiser to the Boston bar scene. We're still out there every other week, so check our website http://www.abcclubboston.com/ to see where we are headed next!

In an effort to share our experience, we decided to start this blog to remind those of you that were there about the good times, to tell those of you that weren't there what you missed, and to capture our memories to recommend whether or not either of those groups should go back to these establishments.

We've created a themed rating system that judges the bars on ambience, bottom line, and our experience (cheers and jeers to...). We also gave an overall score (up to five beer mugs) and our individual impressions. So my friends, use this resource to plan your next night out!