Makin' It Work

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!

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...

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

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!

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!