Harping on it...

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

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...

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

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?

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.