A Guide to Dive Bars in the Neighborhood
Shake things up!
Looking for a a bar with an edge? You know, one of those bars with dim lighting, a kick-ass juke box and lively locals bellied up to the bar.
Axios Boston is reporting that one ambitious network security worker named Nick Roy created and developed the “Best Boston Dive Bars” map.
Now we like to refer to these beloved neighborhood institutions as “Old School Bars.” According to Roy, a bar counts if it “has the spirit of a dive bar, even if it’s a little cleaned up.” Having people downing PBRs at 10am on a Sunday is also a qualifier.”
In Southie there are a few left that fit the description of an old school bar:
Seapoint Bar + Grill
This family-owned neighborhood favorite is know for it’s legendary steak tips! Ample parking and friendly staff.
The Shamrock Pub
This new and improved pub located at the corner of I and 8th, serves up a delicious new menu, creative cocktails in an old school vibe.
L Street Tavern
This neighborhood bar is one where everyone knows your name. It’s the home of Good Will Hunting.
Shannon Tavern
Nestled on the corner of K and Third has all the makings of a dive bar. Cheap drinks, a cast of characters, and a pool table in the back.
Tom English’s Cottage
This local hot spot is often filled on the weekend with Southie locals and new Southie residents drinking in tandem. Great juke box, friendly staff, cash only and pools tables!
The Clock Tavern
Located right next to Shenannigan’s and in front of the historic clock on West Broadway, The Clock is a local favorite.
Croake Park
This down and dirty, no-nonsense dive bar, is located on West Broadway at D and often filled with a cast of characters.
Sports Connection
Located in Andrew Square, the Sports Connection offers cheap drinks, plenty of tv’s to watch the game and great people watching.
Murphy’s Law
Home of the latest last call in the neighborhood, Murphy’s Law is located at the corner of Summer and First and was the backdrop of the movie Gone Baby Gone.
Shea’s Tavern
The illusive of them all, Shea’s Tavern is located next to Al’s Liquor at C and Broadway. Rarely opened, but when it is, it’s like spotting a unicorn! If it’s opened, go in!
You can check out the full map of dive bars here!
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Maureen Dahill is the founder of Caught in Media. Once a longtime wardrobe and prop stylist for brands such as Rue La La, TJ Max & Hasbro, she is a devoted lover of vintage clothing, Martini Mondays, Castle Island, AND a 4th generation South Boston native.
DIVE BARS?? How about the,PLAY RIGHT, CAPO, LINCON ON BROADWAY, STATS, ect..look at the lines of post college “SHEEP” waiting to enter these OVERPRICED waterings holes..DIVE PEOPLE!!
I guess “dive bar” has a different meaning in today’s world!?
Tom English’s does not serve food.
Dive bar is a pejorative term for Southie’s affordable working class bars. Places blue collar workers can habituate to escape the woke crowd. Real Southie people miss The Quencher, The Corner Tavern, Old Town Tavern & a dozen more that have been shuttered to make room for kiddie condos inhabited by 27 year olds in a state of eternal arrested development.
Shea’s Tavern is one of the oldest dive bar
Shamrock Pub has the best steak tips in southie!!!!!!!
Shamrock has some of the best bar tenders in Southie there fast polite and very welcoming nice to see a bit Irish in a Irish pub
Don’t forget about the steak tips. The best.