Went there last friday that place has the funk smell so bad that we stayed for one beer and left. But outside that its not bad place just kind dirty. read more

the behan has already been greatly reviewed by so many and they all speak the truth. i have been in jp about a year and a half now and find myself always (for the most part) wanting to go to the behan. they have a great beer selection, play good music, you can bring in your own food (which i have yet to do, but just love knowing that i can), there are always dogs there, there is variety... of all kinds, it's cozy, it's convenient (for me at least), and it's inexpensive... if you're a resident, check it out. read more

Good dog bar.Not many of those around anymore.It can get pretty busy in here.There is scant room to sit down,and hovering a table becomes a fine art.Great beer selection.Bring the dead prez because it's cash only. read more

Behan's is a solid neighborhood watering hole, not really a destination spot. They have a solid beer selection and decent prices, but service is hit or miss depending on the night. I sometimes feel like I should be apologetic for ordering a drink and bothering the bartender, but alas, they are a bartender. Other than that, I have had some great times there. Good seating, cash only, but you can get cheap chinese food across the street and bring it in! New to the neighborhood, check it out. Live a few t-stops away? ehh maybe not. read more

The Brendan Behan Pub, named for the Irish poet, novelist, playwright and revolutionary, is a JP neighborhood favorite. They do not have a food menu, however, as with other bars in the area with the same policy, do not mind if you bring your own take-out in to enjoy. With an obvious emphasis on drink, the Behan offers around 20 rotating draft beer (with different rotating choices, as opposed to a more typical 10-12 options at most Irish pubs) along with a full bar. There is a real neighborhood-type vibe to this place, accentuated by popular trivia nights and live Irish music sessions every week. Perhaps the most unique attribute about the Behan is that they let customers bring their dogs into the bar, creating a much more home-like feel, as well as making it a destination for dog lovers. read more

I went here recently with a friend who lives in the area and I can't put my finger on it, but I really liked this bar. The bartender tried to appease my finicky beer tastes (it's my problem, not the bar, they have a pretty wide selection) with some samples and didn't make me feel like an asshole for liking neither, which I really appreciated. They don't have a kitchen, but they make it up to ya by letting you bring food into the place. There are some places across the street, which makes it easy. The reasons I don't give it 5 stars are: 1) The music was a bit too loud, 2) it was a bit too dark (wow, I sound old), and 3) cash only. I would return the next time I'm in JP. read more

Only been here once but I liked the atmosphere. If you're looking for a small joint to get some good drinks and listen to some good music it's a good place to go!! Plus we got a round of drinks and about 30 minutes later I asked for another round and the bartender was friendly and knew exactly what we got before even though he was waiting on several customers!! I'm within walking distance so I may be a regular here now. read more

I really like the vibe. No TV. Friendly crowd. But there's one bartender who regularly keeps my change without asking. A lot of beers are 6.50, and when I pay 7 he just keeps the change. I wish he'd let me decide how much to tip! I'm planning to tip $1/draft and he forces me to come up with quarters or tip 0.50 or 1.50. All the other bartenders give correct change, it's just one guy who does this. read more

This place is the best place in jamaica place to get beers with friends. The bathrooms are kinda gross but the beer is great, the people are great, there are board games, and I can bring my dog! It's really one of my favorite places in JP read more

For those non-Jamaican Plainers (??), anything up there can seem like a trek across the tundra (known as Huntington Ave., I guess) worthy of Russian literature. And frankly, sometimes the JP peeps like to keep the cool ish to themselves. But I think whether we live near Centre Street or not, anyone with taste in a good watering hole would agree this is one of the truly great Boston bars. "Irish themed," in name and ambiance, I suppose, but unlike the average Boston spot it's not complete tacky BS. I love the fact that on most afternoons & evenings there's no TVs. Seriously, who said every bar in this city needed to have a plasma going at all times? That can ruin a night out. (Sure, they pull down a screen for Sox games sometimes. Whatcha gonna do. But on the sliding scale of too-many-TVs-in-Boston-bars, they're in good shape). Lots of good stuff on tap, cool mix of crowd (not just hipsters, not just old dudes, not just men, not just students, not just working Joes, but a bit of all the above, plus dogs). Friendly bartenders and a cool space. So get on your troika if you live outside of JP and make your way on that Trail of Tears known as the Orange Line of Green E to this place. Or, y'know, just drive. read more

There are few places in this old burg more true than the Behan, for it represents a microcosm of the whole city. I cannot think of another place that I have been in all the long 6 years that I have lived in this city where hipsters, scenesters, hippies, yuppies, old timers, drunks, douche-bags, townies, gang bangers, and parents can hang out and interact so harmoniously with one another as if this were some mythical utopian Nirvana that smells like urine and serves beer (which is how I have always imagined heaven FYI). This is like a true Irish-feeling pub, you know the kind of place that is really loud and super dark, it's cash only at the bar and bathrooms are out of order like 15% of the time. But the beer selection is amazing, and the bartender, no matter which one you get, always knows how to pour a stout, like seriously, this is an art form for these guys/gals. Yep, this place is super rad, and aside from the occasional dog peeing on your shoes, you are very likely to have a good time when you visit the Behan. read more

Fun local pub where you an find familiar faces (since its one of few bars in Jp). Bring some takeout, order a beer, drink or cider (gf friendly!) and brig your pooch as well! Low lighting, laid back..you kind find a live Celtic band practicing live Saturday afternoon until evening and don't forget a game of darts :) very friendly staff! read more

I've only been here once but if I lived in JP I'd be here constantly! It's dark and cozy, you can bring in food, and the first time I walked in there was a group of people sitting at a table playing fiddle and guitar. Do you need anything else in a bar? read more

I had high hopes for this pub after reading the positive Yelp reviews. The venue is intimate and cozy, and I enjoyed the generally laid back atmosphere despite the overtly Hispter vibe of some of the customers (yo, Emerson kids, this place is for you). What really killed it for me was the pretentious, condescending asshole bartender. Man, what a dick. I asked for a recommendation on lighter beers and was excited when he passed something known as a "Sweaty Betty" my way. However, after taking a quick sip, I realized this beer was far from what I was hoping to find. I quickly asked if he could switch my drink for something else (while I offered to pay the difference) and was given the response that "I can't really resell that, can I?" and a ever so holier-than-thou smirk to top it all off. I work at a sports bar and hop around local places after my shift all the time. Throughout my experience as someone behind the bar and as a customer, I have never been denied the request to switch out something I didn't like and didn't intend to take a second sip out of. I'm sorry, but as a bartender, you're making much more than that shitty $5 beer costs your establishment and I know for a fact you're sneaking a shot or two between shifts. You have more than enough to over compensate for a lousy cheap beer on draft. Definitely don't intend to return to this snobbish place. If y'all want bartenders who give good drink recommendations and put customer service as a priority, then look elsewhere. Boston has much friendlier pubs and bars to pay a visit to. However, if you fit into that whole Hipster-let's-condescend-whoever-doesnt-like-what-we-like vibe, then yo, you're at home. read more

lots of different beer and a nice place to relax and have a beer. Customer service is really good.

I like the dogs, but how about some grownup sized seats? Overrated and too packed too often. Some guy that looked like a Dropkick Murphy's roadie came up to me that just walked in and told me I was in his seat. Then I laid him out with a right hook. Well, not really, but when he wasn't looking I gave him a good scowl. read more

the dud kegs are long gone and the options just keep getting better.

this was a nice little bar - it seemed wholly unpretentious and had a very laid back atmosphere. it definitely does smell like chlorine and disinfectant, it is definitely almost pitch black, and there are definitely dogs roaming the floor. the staff was really nice and people were bringing chinese from across the street so it felt more like being in someone's (grungy) home, rather than a bar. read more

I love this place more than words can describe. First and foremost its dark and cozy which makes it the perfect place to grab a pint. Secondly, and I say this as someone obsessed with beer, brew my own, etc, the beer selection is amazing for such a small bar. The only exception is the blue hill brewery beer that has no flavor. The bartenders are always friendly and willing to chat. Another huge bonus is that you can bring whatever food you would like in and if you do than you must get take out from the El Salvadorian place next door. As a dog lover with no dog I love that people can bring their own dogs here. Good beer, great atmosphere, and the weekly live Irish music makes this place one of the best Irish pubs in Boston. read more

The Behan used to be better than it is now. Still a very good pub, but the pseudo-bohemian set has kind of ruined the place. Hit or miss.

I live in Boston and dislike sports. There couldn't be much of a worse place for me to reside. However, as its website notes (maybe it's not the website but I read it somewhere), this is a talking bar. Unless there is a Boston team playing, the TV is off and for that I am thankful. Just people sitting around, shooting the shit and having a pleasant time. All types of souls visit the Behan, making for a unique atmosphere but perhaps the most important souls that enter this pub are those that reside in bodies that walk with four legs. Yes, as you've no doubt heard or read, you can bring dogs here. And also food. And I suppose you could eat dog food if you want, but don't eat dogs as food here. Although if you're eating Chinese food, one can never tell if you're eating dog, or at least the stereotype goes. So bring your own food (just don't tell me if it's dog you're eating), bring your dog and bring cash (no credit cards) and pull up a stool or sit at a booth and have a few drinks (the selection is good and the prices are reasonable). I usually enjoy the choice of music and the bartenders are super friendly. read more

I'm a resident of JP and live a short walk from the Behan. A while ago, I would agree with most of the reviewers here. This is a pub that seems to do it right with booze, coziness, and with a bit of dogs mixed in. (yelp!) Yet I felt a bit let down when I realized that they use "cheater" pint glasses. I ordered a pint and was served a 14 ounce glass that was filled to about 12 ounces of beer. I mean, are they filling the liquor bottles with water too? Brendan Behan would roll over in his grave. Even the Irish have standards. And "authentic Irish" is what the website says.(?) I was recently told that the owners of the Behan are also the owners of the Mission Bar and Grill. This is another favorite stop of mine and I'm curious to see if they serve up the same business practice. It doesn't mean I won't ever visit these places again, but they are definitely lower on my list of favorite watering holes. read more

Reminds me both of what I thought Boston bars were supposed to be before I moved here (divey, Irish, awesome) and what I miss about S.F. bars like Lucky 13 (divey, cash only, cheap, great music). Neat beer and whiskey selection too. ACTUALLY A BAR. Not a restaurant, not a flatscreen tv depot. If I lived in JP I'd be here every week. read more

Brendan Behan was a decent writer, he died when he was my age (although I look WAY better than he did-- lay off the bangers, bra) when and he was probably part 'mo mo. So I relate to him and his eponymous bar. I've been going to the Behan for about a decade, and it's like a TV show where the characters change and are replaced slowly over time. The beer is good. The old school punk rock/post punk soundtrack is good and nostalgic. The scenery is old school Irish with dark wood and tippy oak tables. It's smelled a little like yak in there since I started going, but so what? So does my house. The best part: DOGS! I have a 165 pound Great Pyreneese and he loves to get out with me and drink beer. Bring your pooches by before 10:30, though. And if your dog is an asshole, leave him or her at home. Some people say there are no bad dogs, only bad dog owners. Not true. There are asshole dogs all over the place. Whether their owners are assholes, is to a point, incidental. I'm not paying your vet bill if your dog attacks mine and gets wailed on. I don't like doing emergency medicine on dogs when I'm trying to have a beer. Especially if you go to BROOKLINE ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Which is next on my list to review. And it's not scoring like the Behan. read more

My favorite bar in the world. The perfect neighborhood pub. Amazing staff, great beers, always good people and good conversation.

this is probably the #1 reason I want to move to jp. i love taking the dog over to the arboretum or franklin park and then stopping at the behan. the dogs there are always so chill! great selection of beers on tap, irish sessions, bring your own food. its a different scene on a saturday night but still cook. into it. read more

Great selection of beer, great music, no TV, solid crowd. One of the best neighborhood bars in JP.

The trivia there is a blast. I've been here a few times and have never had a negative experience. The staff are great- they even let us bring in Cuban sandiwches from across the street! read more

This is a great spot to hang out. We went down there tonight for trivia and to hang out with some friends. This was our first time there and we had a great time. The beer selection is solid and they have some solid cocktails as well. They don't have food but you can bring whatever you want in there so we picked up a large pizza and some cheese sticks on our way down there. The atmosphere was cool and the bartenders were nice. It's cash only which sucks but everything else was awesome so it didn't take off from their rating. All in all this place is sweet and we recommend getting a couple of drinks if you are in the area. A good combo might be dinner at the Haven with some good beer and then chase it down with some more good beer over at Brendan Behan Pub. Or just get some take out from your favorite place and hang out at Brendan Behan all night. Either way you can't go wrong. Good excuse to get down to JP. read more

I first experienced the Behan last weekend, and will be a fan for life. Great selection of beers in a rather non-pretentious environment. I am now kicking myself for going here when I lived in JP. Oh well - Roslindale isn't that far away. :) read more

a typical time at the brendan behan includes sitting at a table eating the scallion pancakes you bought across the street at food wall (because they let you do that), petting one of the many cute dogs sitting on the floor (because they let cute dogs in), drinking very good beer, and listening to LIVE FIDDLE MUSIC. read more

I was here for St Patty's this year and had a great time. Dark, intimate bar with a great atmosphere. Great beer selection and the bar tenders were very attentive and friendly. Seems like they get a good crowd. read more

love it, love it, love it. they give you good things to drink and good music to listen to. it's funky and comfortable and dark --- until they start flashing the last-call lights TOO EARLY (i'd give it 5 stars if it were open until 2). i wish i had found it sooner. it's THE place to go in the neighborhood when we don't feel like dealing with the T or paying for a cab home to go out elsewhere. read more

Laid back, friendly bar staff, and an ever growing beer selection make this place a neighborhood gem. Dogs are welcome and even though they do not have a kitchen you can bring your take out in with you and chow down while you have a nice cold brew. Cheers! read more

Any bar where the dogs are as comfortable as the people is okay with me. Solid place to grab a drink.

when i first walked in this place, i was like, whoa, they got dogs. then, i was like, that's cool!

there is no where else in the world i would go to get black out drunk. i can bring my animal and the bartenders are hot!

I moved to JP last year and this is far and way my favorite bar in the area. The beer selection is fantastic, the laid back vibe is inviting and comfortable and they are open to you bringing in your own food so you can grab a bite despite the lack of a kitchen. It's a shame dogs are no longer allowed however. read more

One of the best bars in the Boston area... great crowd, very friendly... really good music, great bartenders... What more do you need?

I love the Irish music sessions on Saturdays, especially on days when the weather outside is cold and nasty. The bartenders are not only down-to-earth, they're knowledgeable and nice about answering questions. Regarding the dog/kid issue, maybe I personally haven't been there when either of those factors get out of hand. I can see how dogs and kids could be annoyingly in one's personal space, and I may have a vague memory of sleeping dogs and running kids creating an obstacle course between my seat and the bathroom. But they both add to the overall comfortable ambiance of the behan, in my experience. For takeout, I have to recommend oriental de cuba, not crappy food wall. In fact, any takeout is better than food wall. Hyde Square is full of interesting options, and it's too bad food wall seems like the default choice for so many hungry behan customers. Anyway, I give the behan five stars for being unique, friendly, having the sessions, and having no tv. read more