Symphony 8

Not many of us college students can afford the fancy date to Synphony Hall, but we can all feel like ballers when entering Synphony 8 Bar and Restaurant, which is just around the corner. Nothing makes you look cooler than entering the bar, walking up to a bookshelf and suddenly making an entrance to another bar appear. That's right! Another bar is located downstairs but this can only be entered if you know the secret password that is changed weekly by the establishment. In order to obtain this password you must become a fan of Synphony 8 on Facebook. And why not become a fan?, with all entrees being priced below $20 and terrific beer menu this bar isn't going to break the bank.

Jerry Remy's Sports Bar

The latest bar to open in the Fenway area is Jerry Remy's. If the name sounds familiar to you it's because he is the Red Sox radio broadcaster for NESN studios.

This new establishment is quickly becoming the a popular venue for fans that want to watch the game without having to pay a fortune. What sets Jerry's apart from most other sports bars in the area is the eleven-foot plasma television which is set behind the bar. Oh, I forgot to mention that there's actually two eleven-foot TVs each costing $50,000. This means that no fan will miss a single moment of the game, no matter where they sit, which can at the bar, table, or booth. In fact, there are even TVs in the bathroom.

The menu is typical of any sports bar providing mostly comfort food like burgers and chicken fingers, but the beer menu is terrific. I tried the Remy's Red Ale on draught which was served in a 160z or 23oz glass.

Once the Red Sox game ended a line of fans ran out the door, but Jerry's is a large place with plenty of standing room so it's able to hold a large capacity of people, which allowed the wait line to move quickly.

Eat Good Food and Drink Better Beer at Publick House

The Publick House located in Brookline's Washington Square is a must visit while living in Boston. This is an establishment that gives any patron who walks through its doors great food and even better beer at good prices.

Upon entering the Publick House you'll have your choice of two bars that are positioned back-to-back with a wall separating the two. This isn't a sports bar so don't expect giant, 50", plasma TV's; although, it does have a couple normal TV's that will allow you to watch sports games.

This place is all about friends coming together to enjoy great beer, which there's no shortage of in the Publick House. In fact, that is the whole reason that people flock to this establishment. The beer list is incredible, even the most polished beer drinker will find something on the list that he/she's unfamiliar with. But that's also what makes this place great, behind the counter is always knowledgeable staff that are willing and able to suggest a delicious beverage to anyone willing to ask.

During my visit to Publick House I was caught between ordering the fish and chips and the steak tips. I heard that the steak tips were amazing but I wasn't in the mood and so decided to try the fish and chips and didn't regret it. What impressed me even more was the Belgian beer that the bartender suggested to try with my food. It was called Allagash White, a beer thats cloudy in appearance but gives off a pleasant aroma of spice and goes down smooth during consumption.

April is the release of the breweries summer beers

You know it's April with the release of the summer seasonal beers by local breweries in Boston. Three of the best summer beers that are local to Boston are Harpoon, Wachusett, and Sam Adams. Although each of these beers are unique, whats makes them similar is that they're light, crisp taste is perfect from enjoying during the summer months. Any of these beers can be found at local bars or liquor stores.

April is the release of the breweries summer beers

You know it's April with the release of the summer seasonal beers by local breweries in Boston. Three of the best summer beers that are local to Boston are Harpoon, Wachusett, and Sam Adams. Although each of these beers are unique, whats makes them similar is that they're light, crisp taste is perfect from enjoying during the summer months. Any of these beers can be found at local bars or liquor stores.

Lower Depths

Last Sunday was a great day to be sitting on a patio enjoying a good brew. Of course everyone else was thinking the same thing so finding an establishment whose patio wasn't occupied could pose a challenge to many thirsty patrons. After walking around the Back Bay area of Boston to find a bar with an open patio to drink on, which was unsuccessful, my friend suggested Lower Depths. I had never heard of the bar before so was eager to check it out. We made our way down Commonwealth Avenue till we reached the bar.

Located in what would be considered the basement of the building, Lower Depths is able to make good use of the space by having glass panels that can be removed allowing a breeze to enter the bar, creating that patio like atmosphere. This also allows for easy access to tables inside or outside the patio. The reason why my friend and I were able to find seating at the Lower Depths ,and not any other place, is because unlike most other bars that are located on Newbury and Boylston Street, Lower Depths is located on Commonwealth Ave. which has much less foot traffic. But don't think that is a bad thing. Lower Depths is a great bar with a great menu, great beer, and even better service. Its location makes it a hidden gem within the Kenmore Square area.

Red Sox Opening Night-Bleacher Bar

If you weren’t fortunate enough to get tickets to the Red Sox opening game against the Yankees tomorrow night, shame on you. But have no fear because Bleacher Bar located on Lansdowne Street is the next best thing to watching the game inside the park.

What sets Bleacher Bar apart from any other bar on Lansdowne is that its located in Fenway Park, well its actually below the park, underneath the center field seating of Fenway. The advantage of having the Bleach Bar located underneath Fenway is that patrons are granted the opportunity to view the game from tables set up in front of a large paneled glass window that looks onto Fenway field. Each table has a server that will bring food (which is mandatory to order) as well as drinks to those who are sitting in front of the glass. Due to the popularity of the seating there’s a 45 minute time limit to those sitting at the tables.

If you are worried about missing a Big Papi home run because you had to take a piss, have no fear; although I can’t say the same for the ladies room the mens bathroom of Bleacher Bas has glass windows that allow those making room for more beer to still view the field.

"Brewers Helping Neighbors"

On April 8th a craft beer tasting and gathering is being held at USES' Harriet Tubman House. With the purchase of a ticket you receive a tasting glass, a selection of craft beer, food, and entertainment. Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will benefit the United South End Settlements (USES). Local breweries sponsoring the tasting are Sam Adams, Blue Hills, Harpoon, and Mayflower. The gathering begins at 7pm and ends at 9:30pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.uses.org. USES' Harriet Tubman House is located at 566 Columbus Avenue in Boston, MA 02118 and can be reached via public transportation, so use it.

La Fee Verte (the green fairy)

The Green Fairy flies again at Deep Ellum bar in Alston.

What I’m talking about is absinthe folks. That green liquid that Vincent Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Johnny Depp were and have become famous for drinking. This once illegal substance was banned from the United States back in 1912 but has made a return to local bars in the Boston area. Deep Ellum in Alston was one of the first bars in Boston to begin serving absinthe after its revival late in 2007.

Absinthe’s reputation has always been its ability to cause hallucinations for those who imbibe. Created from wormwood and other herbs by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire back in the 1700’s; the substance received the nickname “La Fee Verte” (the green fairy) from it’s consumers.

Absinthe is served straight at Deep Ellum or in a drink called The Contraband. The brand of Absinthe that Deep Ellum pours is called Lucid and contains 62% abv. so keep track of the number of glasses you drink.

Cigarmasters

There are few bars remaining in Boston that allow their clients to smoke a fine cigar and enjoy a good brew. Around 2001 the state of Massachusetts began its state wide ban of smoking in all public establishments. Cigarmasters located in the Back Bay District of Boston is the exception to this law. The reason for its exception is that smoking laws in Boston require that 60% of total business sales must be tobacco.

When stopping in for a smoke try the Goulden Dark beer from Belgium. It’s the perfect beer to sooth your throat while you enjoy one of the many fine cigars that Cigarmasters has to offer. For more information visit:

www.cigarmasters.com

The Penguin

Not long ago, I was sitting in what I consider to be one of the better kept secrets of Mission Hill. It was a Friday night and inside, The Penguin was beginning to fill up rapidly with local patrons. My friends and I had just sat down at the bar to peruse the beer menu consisting of over 300 bottles and taps. I chose a 22oz Arrogant Bastard and had just began to pour it when my friend looked over to me and asked if we should move. When I asked what for? He motioned towards Mayor Menino who was standing right behind us. At the time, The Penguin was so busy that Mayor Menino could not find a place for him and a couple of his staff to eat.

St. Patrick's Day with Harpoon

St. Patty's day is right around the corner and so is Harpoon's St. Patrick's Day Festival. This weekend, Friday, March 5 from 5:30pm-11:00pm and Saturday, March 6 from 2:30pm-9:00pm, Harpoon is going to be selling and serving up Irish food, music and most importantly beer to all those who attend their St. Partrick's Day festival. Tickets are available at the door so show up early to get yours.

Super bowl Sunday

Is anyone looking for a place to watch the Super bowl game this weekend?
If you’re not watching that game at your buddies place then I would suggest checking out the game at Champion’s Sports Bar in Boston’s Copley Square. It’s located inside the Copley mall on the second floor, right across from the Prudential Building. There’s a good drink menu which includes 36 beers on tap, food, plus a giant 12’ X 24’ (foot) TV, the largest screen in Boston. So if your serious about watching the Super bowl (even though the Patriot’s aren’t in it) check out Champion’s in the Back Bay District of Boston.

Cambridge 1

In being conservative, at least for this first post, I have decided to stay in the Fenway area for my opening blog on the first bar.

If you have ever been to Fenway Park, then you should be familiar with Lansdowne Street which separates The Green Monster (left field) from a strip of restaurants, nightclubs, and sports bars. Due to their convenient locations many of these establishments are visited frequently by fans during pre and post game time. My goal during this blog isn’t to discredit these places because they are great, when you finely get in after waiting in line and paying the cover charge, but rather to educate readers on the Fenway area which is more than Fenway Park and Lansdowne Street. There are many fine bars encompassing Fenway which provide respective sports atmosphere for those of us who want to watch the game without being packed inside a bar like sardines. The bar which I am referring is Cambridge 1.

Located two blocks from Fenway Park at 1381 Boylston St. is Cambridge 1. At first glance, there is nothing about Cambridge 1 (also known as C1) that makes it stand out when pedestrians pass by it. There are three neon beer signs that aren't intended to, but just so happen to mark the front and side entrances of the building while large tinted widows create a glass wall of isolation between customers and those who are walking on Boylston St.
When entering Cambridge 1 your sense of smell will immediately detect the charcoals burning throughout the open floor plan as chef’s grill flatbread pizza and chicken wings. Following your sense of smell will be the sight of three, linear 42” flat screen TVs essentially creating a wall of sports euphoria which allows for multiple games or a single game to be played at the same time.
Cambridge 1 is not well lit, however; just as the tinted glass creates privacy between pedestrians and customers, the dimly lit tables and bar creates a sense of privacy amongst individual parties which have come to enjoy watching the game, enjoying a beer or simply grabbing a bite to eat. The lighting is what truly ties the whole atmosphere of Cambridge 1 together. From the dark cherry wooden paneled walls, to the jet black countertops covering both the bar and tables, there is a sense of calmness about the place which is only disrupted by the chatter of multiple parties at both the bar and surrounding tables. These plain and simple features create an ambiance that makes Cambridge 1 unique. However, this is not all that makes C1 unique. To the left side of the bar is what can only be described as a glass paneled garage door which opens to a small patio. This is ideal for the summertime and has truly made C1 more popular since its addition two years ago. While enjoying the atmosphere of Cambridge 1, whether at the bar or a table, beer selection is important. If you have a craving for a mixed concoction please don’t go to C1. Their liquor license only allows them to serve beer and wine. The wine list of C1 is mediocre along with its draft beer list. Only six beers are carried on tap which can be found in any bar around Boston; the names range from Wachusett County to Brooklyn Lager and Dogfish 60min Ipa, all sold at $4.50 each (half the price at Fenway Park). However, C1 does carry a greater selection of bottled beers ranging from Narragansett (16oz) cans to Magic Hat #9, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Arrogant Bastard (22oz).
As a bar C1 gives whole new meaning to the phrase "don't judge a book by it's cover". Although the outside is dull, the inside vibrant and yet it still respects the atmosphere required by a good sports bar.

CHEERS!

Since moving to the city over three years ago I made it a point to be adventurous and experience all that Boston has to offer. While living in the Fenway area during two out of those three years, well, needless to say most of my adventures led me to different bars. These bars have ranged from the touristy, money making attractions in Quincy Market to the hole-in-the-wall establishments in Mission Hill. However, if there is one thing I have learned from my inebriated adventures it's that a good bar is only as good its alcohol selection, service, atmosphere, and alcohol selection. Rarely do you find these four things in one place and even when you think you have, you still might be able to find a bar that is better. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that, "One should never be satisfied with a bar." and that there are hundreds of them in Boston waiting to serve you. So pull up a stool and get a brew. Cheers