Submitted by boxyfox123 t3_zyuzb3 in boston
I’m a bit early for this, but looking to make a NY resolution to go to a bar by myself (at least once) next year! I’m in my mid-twenties (F if it matters). Would love suggestions for bars with friendly staff/ locals/ patrons
This guy bars.
Yes, but it’s a little different for women. They tend to get bothered more than we do.
Always enjoy myself a Guinness! And walk out. Occasionally talk. Glad to know that it's just not me
Will someone be able to drive after a vodka soda or beer?
Favorite bars to drink at solo that look out for their patrons (female-friendly):
Backbar on the Green Line in Somerville.
Trina's Starlite Lounge on the Somerville/Cambridge line.
I was going to suggest both Backbar and Trina's. Good people. Saloon, too.
Seconding Backbar. Very considerate staff
I like the haven in JP for taking myself on solo dates but really any bar with good vibes in your area will do.
Amazing selection of scotch there!
If this is an anxiety thing, a hotel bar would be good. A lot of solo people there.
This is such a good idea thank you!
Saloon in Davis square is. Fun cocktail bar and Davis sq is a great place to bar hop. So many bars with different vibes.
Trina's in Somerville is the best to go and chat with randoms at the bar. The staff are also really friendly.
Am a guy but put the question to my partner. She's in her mid 30's and digs solo bar trips where she can either engage with strangers or just hang out and read a book while not being bothered. We both had pretty much the same short list immediately come to mind: Deluxe, Trina's Starlite Lounge, & Highland Kitchen. Back Bar is great but can be a little cramped. I would also toss the Behan in JP into the mix while she would suggest The Abbey in Cambridge.
Neighborhood bars are good for this, I like Hopewell in Allston.
I did this once and went to a townie bar and got lots of weird looks. Big mistake. If I did it again, I'd go to a touristy bar. Or like a wine bar, where it's much more common for a young woman to be there alone.
I’m a man but when I lived in Somerville my favorite place to drink alone was The Independent in Union Square. It’s pretty quiet with attentive staff.
Deluxe Cafe is nice.. it was very very busy when I went there last (before the pandemic) but drinks were good and the staff was amazing!
But I also agree with u/TywinShitsGold
Deluxe Cafe is my favorite bar in Boston for their atmosphere it’s so chill and friendly. Also Andy who runs the front door is awesome!
Get to know a bar close to where you live that’s easy to stop by on your way home from work, errands, etc. when you want to. If you don’t like the vibe of the first one, try another.
Thirsty Scholar Pub on North Beacon at the Camberville border is solid. Pretty good food too.
Miracle of Science or State Park in Cambridge.
Seconding State Park. Super friendly staff, good music, relaxed vibe, and seats at the end if you don’t want to be front and center. Also surprisingly good food.
The Banshee.
Let me know if you find a good spot.
Male 30s. I bartended for years at a brewery through and after school. Even though I don't imbibe like I used to, I really miss having that "cheers" vibe where I could pop into a welcoming atmosphere and I knew people.
I haven't found that kinda vibe around here yet. A couple of the places I recognize in here, like the spots in Davis Sq, Somerville, are great with someone but definitely don't fit this bill for me.
What sort of vibe are you looking for? Or neighborhood?
Depends on what you want. If you're just wanting to sit and drink a beer, I often get in and out of breweries pretty easily without any interactions outside of the bartender. Nightshift at the Garden particularly.
Tavern in the Square for a burger and watching a game, maybe talk some ball with the dudes next to you.
If you want a plate of spaghetti and a glass of wine, Trattoria Il Panino in the North End is my fave. They have a really long bar where it's easy to grab a spot and hang solo.
If you do want to get chatted up, go to the Faneuil Hall area bars. Bell in Hand, the Point, Green Dragon. Tourists make their way in there, especially BiH. They will for sure talk to you. They find a guy drinking alone mesmerizing and often think there's some mysterious story you have to tell or want to hear if you have the accent (both no in my case).
Bell in Hand has free standup comedy shows on Tuesday nights btw!
I've had 2 great experiences as a solo bar-goer at Wu Song Road Tiki Bar. I unfortunately forget his name, but the bar tender I had both times was super fun and took some time to chat. I did go during less busy times in fairness, though
Abbey in Cambridge is pretty chill
So, I like this bar just for the purpose of enjoying people watching.
Center Bar at the encore casino. I don’t even have to gamble. I’ll go in, grab a drink and then walk around and watch anything that captures my interest. The bar is usually busy, so casual conversation is tough to have at the bar. If it’s slower, it’s easier. But I can walk around, watch what’s going on and start conversation with almost anyone else that’s just watching.
21st Amendment or the Sevens (beer and wine only) in beacon hill have a great local staff and regulars
Corner Tavern on Marlborough St is chill on non-peak hours. The bar staff at the Kenmore are great to talk with.
Cornwall’s in Kenmore
Second this.
Brighton Bodega - good drinks and food!
Spoke, in Davis square.
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Cathedral station
I would go for a fancy hotel like the Mandarin or Four Seasons.
Porter Cafe in WR. Not sure if you can get a spot at the bar but it’s very chill.
Any bar. Go to a bar on a trivia night and ask a group to sit in if they don't look maxed out for people.
Their generation is completely useless…
Damn you really got her, huh?
Don’t do it! Go to a brewery, or a good restaurant w/ a bar. “Bars” are typically full of shady people who are just “at the bar” too. Don’t take the same path, it’s lonely. And before ya’ll start hating, I’m one of those people, and I’m at the bar now.
Hilton Boston Logan Airport has a bar.
TywinShitsGold t1_j28h5vj wrote
Any bar.
Walk in, take a seat, order a vodka soda, walk out. You don’t have to talk to or look at anyone. You can just stare at the wall behind the bar with deadness in your eyes like the rest of us.