Super friendly service and delicious fish and chips Great history Definitely recommend read more

Toto we are not in Kansas anymore! Holy moly what a vibrant city with equally amazing hospitality! Upon sitting down, the owner/manager came by to offer my dog an entire bag of treats! Say no more - I am hooked! This place may be called The Bell In Hand but they've got me swoooooning eating out of their hand! Five stars read more

This is a good spot in the touristy spot of Boston to grab a beer. If you can grab a window seat, it is great people watching. They have a good beer menu, not extensive but good. The beer was not very cold so that was disappointing. Service was great. Fast and friendly. Food was average. We split a lobster roll that came with like 8 fries. Nothing great but good enough read more

The Bell In Hand - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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The Bell in Hand claims to be America's oldest tavern so of course I had to visit. My friend and I went bar hopping one evening and stopped in here after hitting up the Green Dragon across the alley. We only came for drinks at the bar, but there's another section that's a full service restaurant. I believe they also have a 2nd floor for events. The Bell in Hand was busy and had a lively crowd, much more so than the Green Dragon we just came from. There's a stage near the bar likely for bands. Service was quick, drinks were good. Looks like it would be a fun place to party on the weekends. read more

The Bell In Hand - Paul Revere Punch & some kind of ale. - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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So one thing about me is I do not like mayo or butter. Also I'm lactose intolerant so it works out perfectly but that's besides the point. Anyways this restaurant was very accommodating. I was able to get no butter on my blt and have it just toasted. It was so fire. Bacon was crispy which is my preferred style of cooking. Also fries were good and thick cut. Overall pretty great. We went into the restaurant portion but the music was very good. Whoever was on aux was eating it up read more

The Bell In Hand - Menu - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I did in fact come back almost 10 years later! Had a really great time here again with a group of us that were on a bar tour. The Celtics game was on so this place was jammed with people enjoying some beers and watching the game! Damjan was great and welcoming to our group as we arrived! read more

The Bell In Hand - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Located in a happening area, I stopped in for a drink. Had a local craft draft, available in shorts (12 oz) or longs (I believe 20 oz). I sat at the bar, you can also order food at the bar. They do have a separate dining area as well. One sign reads that they are the oldest tavern in America - this is not true (White Horse Tavern and Fraunces Tavern are much older). Another plaque states that they're the oldest continuously running tavern. Facts aside, it's an old tavern but it didn't have as much ambience on the inside as I would have hoped for. read more

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Known for being one of the bars our founding fathers visited. We went for cocktails only and had to wait a little bit before we were able to enter. The front bar wasn't busy at all while the back was absolutely packed. We were able to make our way to the second floor where there was a little more room to move around and they had a band. Overall it was a fun time if you are looking for some night life. read more

The Bell in Hand claims to be the oldest bar in Boston, so we definitely had to try it out. We came with some friends while visiting Boston after checking out Quincy Market. We were one of the lucky ones who came in on a Saturday and got a window seat. The bar was busy, but lively. We were greeted by our waiter who was kind and quick to take our order. I ordered a Moscow mule, which came in a copper mug - which is important to me. The drink itself was delicious and crisp. My husband ordered a beer and thoroughly enjoyed it, too. My sister in law tried to order a coffee, but they did not serve coffee here. I thought that was a little strange, but went with it. Overall - cool place to stop if you're looking for history in Boston. read more

My friends and I love to go out at the Bell and Hand, it's a great time. This was my first time trying the food. Its a fun vibe definitely if your from out of town, its lively and has outdoor seating in a fun area. The food was just unimpressive. We had the fish and chips and the fish wasn't very fresh. The burger was good but nothing special really. The tarter sauce was really good though. Service was really fast. read more

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Service was excellent. Very accommodating. Chowder was thick and very good but not the best. Had to add salt and pepper. Didn't have the lobster roll but did ask MKT price right now is $38. Fried chicken sandwich was excellent. Oysters were pretty good. Priced at 2.99 each. Thai chicken salad excellent. Fish tacos great and filling. Caesar salad very good. Worth a stop by. read more

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I love the history of the Bell in Hand. I know there are several bars that lay claim to the oldest bar in America and Bell in Hand has just as good of a case as any. The ladyfriend and I came here as our 1st stop on our long weekend in Boston. I was excited because they offered a non-mayo (I despise mayo!) version of the lobster roll. This one was served warm and with butter instead of mayo. So, the ladyfriend and I split a lobster roll (it comes with fries) and a cup of clam chowder. They were both just ok nothing special. I don't think it was anything the Bell in Hand did, I think it's just the nature of the dishes themselves. The Lobster roll was 38,00, this is pretty standard in all places that serve them so again not a complaint about Bell in Hand just the item, but for my money not worth it. Lobster is overrated to me. I am from Louisiana and lobsters are just flavorless giant crawfish to me. The only flavor is butter. The Clam Chowder too was bland. Maybe that's the nature of the dish, I don't know. I made a ham and corn chowder once and it was smokey, sweet and delicious. Maybe it's the clam. The place itself is nice and if you like lobster, this one is the same as any I have ever had. I liked that they had a beer, the Bell in Hand Ale that is unique to the bar (brewed by Sam Adams) and again I loved the history. Service was really good as well. read more

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Ate here twice during our visit to Boston. This was our series. Time to Boston. Sat at the bar and got a bottle of wine twice. Saw the food coming out of the kitchen and the portions were generous. The soft pretzel with cheese and mustard was delicious. We split that as it came with two pretzels. Then we split the fish tacos because each was large. That was plenty of food for two people! Would go back again if we came back to Boston a third time. read more

Very surprised by the low reviews I actually thought for bar food it was so much better and fresher than anywhere else. The wings were so crispy and juicy. The real MVP was the lobster grilled cheese. Mmmmmmm read more

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This place was recommended and did not disappoint. Had local cider and beer which was a refreshing crisp drink with the hot lobster roll and the Cioppino. The food was absolutely amazing. The service was good as they checked in on us regularly. I had to be patient for the Cioppino but well worth the wait. The place was clean and inviting and very old and rustic but unkept. Definitely stop here for some food and a drink great place great experience. read more

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Fun little place right in the thick of it. Seems to be a must see considering the history. Beers are a bit pricey but good and we got the pretzels with cheese and mustard. VERY GOOD. The service was fast and friendly. If we ever come back to Boston, we'll come back read more

The Bell In Hand - Warm Soft Pretzels - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Ok, maybe not a hidden gem since it's right out on Union St near Faneuil Hall, but I've been in Boston for about 15 years and I hadn't been until this week! My family was out for the day and needed a quick bite that would satisfy somewhat picky kids and also two adults without feeling like it was a restaurant only for kids or only for adults. The food was quick and tasted really good! The pretzel app was soft and warm, the kids grilled cheese was better than standard Kraft cheese, and the fish tacos were huge! The corn tortilla was a great swap on the tacos too. read more

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We had been walking in the snow and were thrilled to stop in to warm up! It was so cozy and the service was fantastic. We had great appetizers, especially the pretzel. An amazing beer selection as well as ciders & liquor. The Olympics were playing and the owner stopped by to say hi. Great afternoon! read more

I would say typical east coast service. Short and to the point. Makes you feel like you're more a burden than their paycheck. At any rate, I had an amazing local cider and decent chili. This restaurant has been here since the founding of our country and much of the origins of our constitution and government were thought up by a bunch of soused colonialists in this pub. Worth the visit just for the history. read more

Pros -if a huge bar with plenty of outdoor receiving, back seating in a more classic restaurant, vibe, and plenty of seating in the front, which is more bar sport vibe -seated right away. No wait at busy peak times - SERVICE. Absolutely top-notch given how busy it was. food pro: - clam chowder was good, but did have a pepper-y taste (i liked it) -fish tacos were filling and perfectly cooked -oysters - food came out fast Cons: - nachos - A tad pricey but given the area and how fast we were seated we did not care The place across the street had an hour wait read more

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First time in Boston and wow. First off, our server jasmine was amazing she recommend some amazing beer and the classic lobster roll. I got it with butter and I can't explain how great it was. Jasmine was attentive kind and super funny. I will be back soley for the food and our amazing waitress. 5 stars hands down!! read more

Went to Bell in Hand Tavern with my mom while showing her around Boston. We were told to sit anywhere, so we grabbed a table near the bar. The place was not very busy at all (there were multiple open tables) yet we sat there for about 15 minutes without ever being acknowledged by the bartender serving the section. She served the table next to us, made eye contact with me multiple times, and still never said a word, not even "I'll be with you shortly." We eventually just walked out, which she clearly wasn't bothered by. I've never felt discriminated against at a restaurant before, but that's honestly how this experience felt. Really disappointing. read more

Before a big game at the garden, or if you're visiting the City Hall area, you have to stop by the Bell in Hand. They have a great selection of craft beers on tap as well as in bottles and cans. They also have one of the better outdoor beer garden, and a great service staff. On a beautiful 4th of July, when all the bars with a beer garden in the area said we had to order food to sit outside, this guy named Adam, who happens to be the owner, said we'll get you a seat outside in the shade. What customer focus! My wife ordered one of the canned seltzers, and they had no problem, providing a glass of ice with a little bit of orange juice (that's how she likes her seltzers out of the can). Again, great customer care. read more

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How cool is it to say I came to this bar while in Boston! The history in this city is just so cool to be apart of and this bar was a very fun atmosphere. We actually got let in through the back part of the bar that was not as crazy as the front entrance. We got a couple drinks and even bought a tshirt as well to commemorate our trip to Boston. The bartender was lovely and super attentive getting us refills on our drinks whenever we were running low. Next time we come back to Boston we will definitely be sure to stop by again! read more

The Bell In Hand - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

They charged 20% tip automatically on the bill. I'd didn't mind that. But after I came back from this place back to my hotel, I noticed that they literally charged me the double the prices of what was published on the menu. We had a classic lobster roll, lobster with bacon sandwich, fish and chips, 2 Guinness beer and one Moscow mule. With tip and taxes my bill was $158. That's about $50 more than the prices on the menu. My bad for not double checking the bill. So, beware, double check that you are being charged fairly. Happy Eating! read more

This is the Oldest Tavern/Restaurant in Boston... We just came for a drink so we could say we been there!!! It's very cute and the drinks were strong!!! read more

A classic old Boston tavern with a great beer selection and a lively crowd on sports days. We had the Buratta appetizer and it was delicious

During our Boston trip, we definitely had to stop by the Bell in Hand as it regarded as the oldest continuously operated bar in the city from the post-revolutionary days. Paul Revere, who the name of the bar had nothing to do with, apparently used to visit here frequently! Luckily, this bar is located near some other sightseeing spots because the service and inside of the establishment leaves much to be desired. Still, I think it is necessary to pop in for a beer and then you can always head next-door to the famous Union Oyster House for more beers and stuffed clams. read more

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We went to this bar over the weekend. It was packed and there were a lot of younger aged people there. To go upstairs, you have to wait in a large line and they only let you upstairs as people come down. Once upstairs, it was pretty loud and the music selections were okay. It was alright, but I think we would go to another bar when we go out again in Boston. read more

Was visiting Boston for a short trip and was recommended this spot so came for drinks after work. Service was friendly and we were seated right on entry. Not much to say cause we just had cold ones but we enjoyed the drinks! The vibes is what I hear you come for and I do agree it's good vibes. It's also cool knowing that it's one of the oldest if not the oldest tavern in States. read more

The Bell In Hand - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The pretzels were SO good ! They came hot, soft, salty with cheese dip and honey mustard dip. I enjoyed the hot pretzel so much I ate it mostly plain, but had to have a little of the cheese dip too. We sat at a high table next to the open windows, feeling the nice fall air and people watching to accompany our conversation. It looked small as you enter, with seating along the right wall then you enter the bar area on he left, where I can imagine having a pint with the founder, who had been the Town Crier for 50 years before retiring and opening his tavern. The Bell reminded me of the older pubs I'd go to back in the UK so there was a bit of "home feeling" there. Our window table looked out onto the glass towers of the Holocaust memorial, adding more history to this area, with the cobbled side street and general atmosphere. They also have outside seating right in front: not sure if they were serving only drinks there or food as well. The building isn't the original one but has been renovated to the same architecture. Pop in for a pint of unfiltered cider or beer, or a cocktail and have those pretzels ! read more

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Best Lobster Roll and garlic butter we have ever had. Drinks were great too, and Sarah was working her magic with drinks and running! Go Sarah! read more

The Bell In Hand - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Michael was an amazing server, he was so attentive, funny, and had great recommendations. Definitely get the Cioppino, it was so yummy, had tons of seafood and great sauce. The manager brought chicken for our puppy free of charge. We had a great time on the patio I highly recommend. Definitely ask to sit on the patio and ask for Michael as a server. read more

The Bell In Hand - Cioppino - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This Guinness pour would result in a short stint in an Irish Jail. Jimmy Wilson's ghost need to pop in for some quick staff training. Food and service was good tho. read more

The Bell In Hand - Guinness pour? - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Really good wings! So crispy. Weird to me that they weren't tossed in the buffalo sauce and it was on the side, but still very good. Chowder was creamy and hot. Very enjoyable meal. Service was very slow and it is seat yourself. Inside is standard pub. There is a bar area and a dining area. Smelled like fish and chips and it wasn't too loud! read more

The Bell In Hand - Buffalo Chicken Wings - Lounges Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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So looked for a host stand to be seated, but there is not one. It is seat yourself. The place was packed but we finally found a spot. It took a little bit to get noticed, but our waitress took our order and brought out drinks. The food was wonderful, we ordered three entrees and all were good. Only complaint is that my husband's meal came out about five minutes before our other two and he didn't want to eat with us having our food, so his got a little cold. Overall, we would visit again. read more

This was a great spot to stop in for a beer and bite to eat before seeing Ghost at TD Garden. We parked nearby to be a little further away from all the crowds and it was well worth it. Leaving the parking garage this spot was right across the road. Doing some research before we chose this spot as it made us intrigued due to the fact it is the longest continuously run tavern in America since 1795. While we did not feel like we transported that far back, it did feel like an old building, trying to keep as much history they can while also making necessary improvements to keep up with the times. We decided to grab some bar stools cause why not, it was not that crazy when we stopped in. The bartender when we first checked in appeared to maybe having a rough day or was ready for their shift to be over. I can definitely understand that so no worries on that. Despite this they offered us menus and got our drinks. My wife grabbed a can of beer while I decided to give their "house brew" a try (brewed by Sam Adams I believe). It was alright, nothing mind blowing but worth trying. Food wise during my research my wife wanted to try their pesto chicken sandwich. From so many positive reviews I needed to check out their fish and chips. My wife enjoyed her sandwich and I really enjoyed the fish and chips. Even my wife liked their fish and said it tasted nothing like fish she said which is high praise. Perfectly cooked fish and the fries/chips were crisp and seasoned well. Also met a friendly local who worked in the area who was also attending the concert and had some good conversations with him. The biggest complaint honestly was the restroom with my wife saying for the women's almost everything was messed up. She said it had three stalls with two stalls being used and/or locked for being out of order with the third not locking and also toilet not flushing with no functional hand dryer. So in the end service at first was a little off and bathroom needed some work done to it. Overall though food was tasty and the spot is worth checking out due to history and longevity of the place. read more

$18 for a tall beer? We went over $40 for 2 beers. Small place which is fine, but felt touristy (ok, we are tourists) but......

We didn't eat so this is just a review for drinks, service, and atmosphere. Oldest operating bar in U.S., etc., etc. If you go in expecting it to feel like an immersion in history, you're in for a let down. You will not sit and watch football on the same large screen where John Adams watched football back in the day. But you willl definitely have a view of a game on a large screen. I dont know if John Adams would have liked Applebee's, but if he did, he would probably like this vibe. We went on a Saturday afternoon and it could not have been more busy. But service was quick and attentive. Old fashioneds were well made. You'll be paying a little extra for the whole oldest tavern shtick, but you can say you were there and go on with your day. read more

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Amazing server/bartender - order the Lady Liberty for a refreshing cocktail. Large screen plus sound for the World Cup games. The owner was here which shows how much they care. read more