sidebar is a great spot to go with friends! the drinks are cheap and they have a bunch of board games for you to use. i've been a few times with friends and we always have a great time. we ordered the chicken Caesar wrap which definitely needed more dressing. the buffalo tenders were good but nothing to write home about. overall, it's a great spot for drinks with friends but wouldn't necessarily recommend for food read more

Sidebar Boston - chicken Caesar Wrap - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Went to Sidebar for St Patrick's Day this year and there was a MASSIVE cockroach running around the floor, below our feet at the table and around the bar. A couple of employees saw it and told someone in the kitchen, but I have no idea if they did anything about it, they all just kinda shrugged it off. I won't be going back there, too many unnecessary health risks with those critters running around. read more

If you have a out of state ID, DO NOT GO HERE! The bouncers will auto assume that it's fake and take it away no matter what. For example, I went there on my 21st birthday and I am Washington State resident. I showed the bouncer my ID and he did all sorts of unnecessary tests and said that it was fake. The cops had to be called and forced the bouncer to give me my ID back. Keep in mind that this happened on April 29th, 2026. I am currently back home in WA and I used that same ID at the airport and worked just fine. read more

My friend was attacked here by an employee. After being asked to watch where he was going; he turned around, grabbed both of her wrists, and twisted them to the point of immobilization, saying "you should move for me, [expletive]. It took me and 4 of my friends to get him to let go, only after about 10-15 seconds. Not sure if the look in his eyes was unadulterated rage or the effect of something else in his system. When we told security of the situation, he looked distraught and tried to mull it over, a clear "oh no, not again" reaction. Cops weren't called and nothing was done. After some research, it seems that this has in fact happened before, TWICE. https://www.boston.gov/public-notices/16483186 https://www.boston.gov/public-notices/16487336 Do better. Protect your patrons. Sheltering and continuing to hire violent employees (contracted or not) is active promotion of violence in Boston nightlife, at best. I am hoping that this does not happen to anyone else. read more

This was a cool place to hang out if your in the city. I went for karaoke which is offered 3 nights a week, Thursday to Saturday, beginning at 8pm. The kitchen is opened until 11pm. The drink I ordered off the menu was super sweet, tasting like syrup and pineapple juice. read more

Sidebar Boston - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I was really disappointed by my experience here--not because of the food, but because of the atmosphere and treatment. The staff made it very clear that LGBTQ+ guests are not welcomed or respected. The behavior and comments we encountered felt dismissive and uncomfortable, and it completely overshadowed the meal. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected when dining out, and unfortunately this restaurant fell far short of that basic expectation. I won't be returning and would not recommend this place to anyone who values inclusivity and kindness. read more

What every good neighborhood bar should be. No scene, no expectations. If you want to take everything as it comes and come as you are for a casual night of fun -- this is your place. The magic of this place is that everyone will feel like a regular here. The bartenders make sure of that. Order a beer and saddle up to the bar to meet a new friend. Who knows, you may be sharing a pitcher or doing shots with them by the end of the night. Yes they have food, varieties of drinks, etc. Don't overthink it. Just go and have a great time! read more

Sidebar Boston - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is a cool bar with a lot of regulars clearly and everyone knows everyone. First time for us here as a friend who is a regular here invited us. You order your food and drinks at the bar and they bring the food to your table. They have karaoke which makes it fun and lively though beware sometimes some over enthusiastic people might come and take your mike and start karaoke-bombing you lol! Happened twice to us! Prices are very reasonable- hubs got a hot dog and fries and I got the grilled chicken dinner with salad instead of fries and the total came to like $31 with tax and tip for the food!! Hubs enjoyed his hot dog and the fries were hot and crispy really good! Grilled chicken was okay but it was a good portion size and I finished it all. We got cheap parking through SpotHero in a nearby garage for only $13 which was awesome especially for downtown. read more

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Ample space, decently orderly and clean considering it was st Patrick's day! Service was quick and the beer was crisp. Didn't try any food but the place is good. Would go back read more

Wonderful chicken Caesar wrap, maybe my favorite in the city! Atmosphere/vibes are very chill. Great service at the bar every time. Good music and good people. read more

Nice little dive bar! Was visiting from out of town and stopped in for a quick meal. There's tons of space, the main area when you walk in and a bar in the back. The main area is louder and more lively so if you're looking for a quieter spot to have a drink and watch the game I recommend the back area. The service was great, very attentive to our table and nothing took too long to come out! The fries and wings were good, and the pizza was tasty! My only complaint was that it was lacking in sauce, but we got the veggie pizza so I understand that could've made for a soggy situation. Very reasonably priced as well, for the food and a couple of drinks for 2 people the total was only around $50. Would stop here again if ever back in the area! read more

Sidebar Boston - Veggie pizza - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is one of my go to bars if I'm looking for a dive-y vibe in the middle of downtown Boston. The beer is always cold and you can get a pitcher for 14 dollars. The bartenders are always very friendly and treat you like a regular. My favorite spot is around the back on the other side of the bar where you can play some darts. If you get hungry while out no worries the food here is actually pretty good and I would recommend the Buffalo wings. read more

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Bud light is piss warm. They refused to re pour. Very disappointing as I come here often. Probably last time

This place has it all! Great food, great atmosphere, and unreal beer prices. The burger was perfectly cooked and the fries were too. There's no shortage of things to do there either, and whether it's video games, arcade games, or board games, Sidebar has them all read more

Sidebar Boston - Cheeseburger - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I would give zero stars if I could. No customer service and or inattentive. A bar should feel inviting but it felt that we were bothering them. I would not recommend this place at all. Bartender didn't offer me my change back, which felt like a shady move on top of bad service. read more

Great bar! So clean great prices can't ask for more in a downtown neighborhood! Truly a hidden gem! read more

Sidebar Boston - Let's go jets - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Abby is an amazing bartender!!! She managed all the tables and the bar. Such a great experience!!! It you are in Downtown Boston it's definitely worth the stop!!!!! read more

22 years of age. Took my id and gave me such a hard time. Wouldn't even scan it for me to prove that it was real. Had to get the cops involved. Overall a horrible experience here never returning. Bouncer was disrespectful and on a power trip. read more

Nice local bar and the owner really know how to run this place. The wings were amazing and crispy . Drinks was good and we had a blast coming here to watch the games. One of the best local bar around boston. read more

Sidebar Boston - Henny - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This place is awesome for being in the hub of the city. It's a gem that most people haven't discovered. Good pub food at a very reasonable price and the Budweiser drafts you can't complain about. People are very friendly and the atmosphere is amazing with eclectic people who might wander in by chance. read more

Sidebar Boston - a menu on the wall - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Great little bar tucked away in Downtown, Boston. Bartender Tes was super cool and accommodating. Cool, inviting atmosphere. read more

Sidebar Boston - a basketball game on a big screen - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Took my friend's license and said it did not look like her. The bouncer started to curse at us and told us to leave when she had my friends license. The woman bouncer took her job way too seriously and forced us to leave. Very unprofessional!!! read more

Not bad, and they got 'gansett. Probably should have lighter color walls to spruce up the place, but what do I know

I feel the need to write about my experience at this bar this past weekend. It was a decent enough place, but as we were leaving, we witnessed an employee of the bar (we heard him say he worked there) yell at two patrons who were standing by the door waiting on a ride and trying to stay out of the rain, to the point where he was screaming and calling the woman a "stupid b*t*h" even as they were getting into their car. It was very unsettling to see a man yell at a woman like that, and also someone who claims to work there yell at a patron in such a way. My friend I was with said she recognized him as someone who DJs at the bar, as she is a regular. I would definitely not feel comfortable returning here until I was sure he would not be there. So ladies beware! read more

A nice local hip spot for drinks. Typical bar food. Have to order at the bar and they bring food to you. Wings are good, nachos are meh. Not an ideal place if you're looking for dinner. Would come again for drinks. read more

This is a local downtown bar with great food. It's a fantastic place to watch a game on their many large TVs. The only issue is like everywhere there are not enough staff to handle the tables. One poor guy was the only bartender and waiter! The steak tip salad and $4 beer were superb! read more

Recommended for food and drink pre-orpheum show. Zero frills but Good service and good food. easy and enjoyable

Disappointed, and frustrated. I've been coming here for years and bouncer gave me a hard time about my VERY legal Mass ID. He's made inappropriate comments to patrons asking for a kiss to enter. Overall, really sad that I can't go to my college bar. This shouldn't reflect on Sidebar which is a GREAT time and home to some of my best memories. This bouncer is making a great place look awful! This guy has to go!! read more

Food is great. Bartender excellent. This is from our experience from the last 2 days. Tonight, 8/12/23, the guy at the door that turned me and my buddy away after walking a half mile saying we had too many drinks at 8 o'clock on a Saturday night is questionable. He may need some training. We just took our business elsewhere. read more

Among the worst bars in Boston; when there today, there was a boy behind the bar that presented a try-hard stoic persona with a resting b**** face syndrome, which made me feel quite uncomfortable. He then later tried to charge me for an extra beer which was not his fault due to the prior bartenders mistake of not clearing me out of the system after I initially payed for my first round. In trying to charge me for me for an extra beer I politely asked him why i was getting charged extra, he responded quite dismissively and didn't wanna fix the issue, then I proceeded to ask him to check the system and cameras, in which he presented a very aggravated demeanor that was quite(to say the least) unprofessional. I have always liked this spot but terrible customer service will always drive ppl away. read more

Just stopped in here for a quick bite to eat and was pleasantly surprised! I got a Caesar chicken salad wrap with fries and a pitcher of beer to share. The prices were crazy cheap ! And because I checked in on yelp I got a 25% off coupon for my bill which was great! I watched some of the Olympics with a friend , great cozy atmosphere and filled up rather quickly. The food was very good and brought right our table very quickly. I would definitely go back for the good food and cheap prices. read more

Sidebar Boston - American Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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We were in Boston walking around just looking for a place to eat We found Sidebar and we were very pleased. The food was amazing The service was great and our overall experience would make us come back again read more

It was my first time visiting SideBar and since we are still in the midst/recovering from COVID, there was a limited capacity and menu selection. While that was the case, the one waitress on duty who took my order over the phone and later gave it to me when I came to pick it up was very nice. She showed me where the nearest ATM was as I was unaware it was cash only. So that was nice of her and she did not get annoyed as I would have assumed any other waitress would have. I ordered the chicken ceasar wrap and fried ravioli. Good for what it was! Thanks! read more

Went here on Saturday and the vibe was so fun! The bouncer was really nice as well as the bartenders. Would definitely come back here with my friends (karaoke is a plus!) read more

After multiple bad experiences at the bars in downtown on a Saturday night, the staff at this place was so understanding and welcoming. They helped me and my friends get a table and constantly looked out for us. Also their drink prices were very reasonable considering how expensive a night out can get. I respect the vibe and would for sure come back here. read more

If you are looking for a traditional American bar that has low to average prices in the heart of the city, go to Sidebar Boston. Frankly, I had much higher expectations from this place. But, I was disappointed. The waitress/bartender was a nice lady who found a convenient spot for me to sit and eat. She was doing her job well. But the food was not up to the mark. I ordered the buffalo chicken wings (boneless) but it was cold on the inside, which means it was not fresh. Few regulars at the bar seemed to have a good time with the drinks. so, I am going to give them the benefit of doubt and assume that the drinks are good.. anyway, they were having beer, which is not a great criterion to judge the drinks. So, if you don't want to spend a lot, if you want to go to any usual American bar close to Boston Common, if you don't care much about the food quality/taste, then feel free to visit this place. read more

Fun locals fun bartenders! Good drinks great location! Not a tourist trap, good prices.....

The staff are wonderful. The breakfast buffet is 30 dollars, no other menu. No made to order dishes. Coffee fabulous. Only scrambled eggs or pre-made awful omlette with spicy peppers and french toast. The pastries unappealing. Fruit and yogurt as well as juices, cereal and oatmeal fine.also bacon and sausage. Much better buffets and breakfast options for less in boston. read more

Surprisingly spacious bar right in the heart of Downtown Crossing. There's two sides to it. Maybe that's where the name came from. Two sided bars are always tough because running one good bar is hard enough. But this place does a good job x2. This is a 'pitcher of beer and four cups please' type of place. There's TVs and games and after 5 you'll get the after work crowd decompressing. Prices are very right. Last time I was there my buddies stayed a bit late and one of them lost karaoke roulette and sang Fergalicious. read more

Friendly staff, good music and typical pub grub. Cool place to pre game for a show at the Orpheum