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!

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.