The Bell In Hand
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We stopped by Bell & Hand Tavern twice during our trip, and it was incredible! The atmosphere right in the heart of the city was ideal for people watching. On top of that, the food portions were enormous, everything was absolutely delicious, and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back next time we visit!
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
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.
My wife and I were visiting the area and needed to refill our hydration and sustenance. Why not at the oldest operating Tavern in the United States? Sounds like a plan! We sat at the bar so we could enjoy conversation with others. I ordered a Sam Adams redbrick Dale while my wife ordered a Boston tea party to take care of our thirst as well as a barbarian pretzel as a starter. Our drinks were whipped up quickly by our bartender, and our pretzel came out rather quickly. We were surprised it was actually two nicely sized pretzels that were warm, soft, and delicious! About midway through the pretzel, we decided on ordering our main courses. I jumped in for the lobster grilled cheese substituting a Caesar salad salad in lieu of the french fries. My wife went for their sliders without lettuce or tomato. Our meals came out after a reasonable amount of time and were well presented and absolutely scrumptious! We were very pleased with our visit overall! Hope we might be able to stop in one more time before we leave the area.
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.
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!
Wanting to feel like you are in a tavern from the early 1800s and get that American Revolution Boston vibe? This is the place for you! Unfortunately or fortunately, I came here while the World Cup games were going on. It was crazy crowded, and they were out of half of their beers on tap due to the Scots. They have good mix of different kinds of beer though. Not sure how the food is but I'm sure it's solid. It's located in a great area with other taverns and old restaurants. Definitely come for a drink or 2!
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
2 months ago
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
25 days ago
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
3 months ago
What a cool, historic place. You have to try the oldest tavern in the US while you're visiting Boston. We went in for a snack and drinks while it was raining. Service was ok, they could have been a little more attentive. We tried a cocktail called Paul Revere Punch, I liked it more than my wife, she thought it was to strong, I thought it was fine. I had a Bell in hand Ale. It was a good, easy drinker. For our snacks, the wife had a basket of fries, which were really good, and I had a bowl of clam chowder, which hit the spot on a cool, rainy day. We'd go there again for dinner on our next visit. read more
First come first serve seating which isn't great when the place is busy. However, the doors are all open which allows the staff to move inside and back out with ease. The food itself was fine but you're mostly going here for the atmosphere. I'd say to stop if you're in the area but don't go out of your way. read more
1 year ago
The fish and chips were amazing. I loved that it was more fish and less breading. The breading was perfect! Son had fried shrimp plate and he Loved too. Hubby had appetizer for entree of burger sliders, he said yummy and quite filling. The Old Bar, Art on Walls certainly makes you step back in time. The vibe was friendly and customer service great. Even witnessed Boston food tour group come in to sample the fare! Everyone was having good time. Traveling from Atlanta to Boston to Maine. So far so Great! Glad we made the stop. Mz read more
2 months ago
9 months ago
Fun historic vibe! They were crowded, but we were able to get quickly seated at the bar! The lobster grilled cheese was amazing! The staff was attentive! I ordered the steak. It was good, but nothing special. Great location mid freedom trail! Stopping for good food and drink! read more
This is a casual restraunt. Seats are first come seat yourself. Our server was very good. He kept checking on us but was not hovering. The food was outstanding. If you order lobster, be ready to open your wallet. It goes at market price. It was well worth the price. The chowder was thick and creamy. It had chunks of clams in it. One thing I don't like is a clam chowder that you can not find the class in it. We sat next to a window. We enjoyed the window was open. It is like they remove the windows so you can enjoy the weather. Put this place on your bucket list. read more
2 months ago
Food here was very good! The clam chowder was amazing! Super heavy - and creamy. Was good with just the cup instead of the bowl; unless you want to share it....the lobster rolls were VERY good, specially the lobster roll grilled cheese - strongly recommend it. Sitting inside the restaurant was challenging - we sat on our own and no one came to help us; so we moved outside (we really wanted to give this place a try).....Glad we did; because the young lady that help us was amazing (we completely forgot her name); great attitude and very engaged even sharing some of the history about the restaurant. She made up for the lack of service inside. So I recommend sitting outside. read more
7 months ago
We had a great time here. The server was on point and gave good recommendations. Had the Bavarian pretzels as an app- delicious . Had Mac and cheese , baked haddock , quahogs , chili . Had the mule drink . Winter mule I think. The place had a real historical vibe too.. the oldest tavern in the USA so it better !! read more
10 months ago
We had the Sam Adam burger & Black & Bell burger. Both were amazing. The bartender was our server & she did great covering the high tops & bar during lunch hour. This is a quaint & old restaurant & must visit! The environment is tavern heaven!! read more
1 year ago
Great place to stop for a beer and snack. Historic site in a historic part of this historic town. The bar feels like an old-time pub and then the seating area (where we we were) has windows for the perfect people watching scenario. Our server was very nice but just needed a little reminder to make eye contact when she walks by. She probably would have sold more drinks if she were slightly more attentive, but she was still lovely. read more
9 months ago
This is my second time eating here, and it was excellent again. We were able to sit outside which was lovely. Service was speedy as well! Definitely a must go to in Boston. read more
11 months ago
Our flight was canceled so we walked the Holocaust Memorial and walked into The Bell In Hand. We grabbed a seat at the historical bar top and that's where the magic started. Our bar tender was amazing, such a cool dude and amazing at his craft! The lobsta Mac n' cheese was delicious! The fish in the fish and chips were so soft and fluffy, just perfectly cooked!! The fresh daily made chowda was the best we had our entire week in Boston. The ambiance is amazing, so historical but still so the comfortable tavern feel. Just dark enough, sports on the TVs and friendly staff. We'll return here! read more
11 months ago
Recently visited Boston for the first time. The Bell in Hand was on our list of things to do and places to go as it is the oldest tavern in Boston. Upon arriving at The Bell in Hand, we noticed it was pretty dead. There was live acoustic entertainment, but not much going on. We grabbed a couple of seats and viewed the menu. A female approached us and she was NOT welcoming. AT ALL. There was no 'Hello', no 'How's it going?' She just had a sh*t look on her face and asked if we wanted drinks. We placed our order, which was just a couple of drinks, and she walked off. Both my husband and I looked at each other and were like, WTF? A few minutes later she came back with our drinks, set them down and walked off. She didn't bother to ask if we wanted anything else or if we wanted to order some food. We sat there, listening to the live music, enjoying our drinks regardless of the unwelcoming attitude of the waitress. Time went on and we had finished our drinks. The waitress was wandering around, not really doing much, just walking around talking to different employees. After a long while she finally came by and asked if we wanted another round. My husband did, I didn't. After she brought his beer and set it down, we continued to listen to the music. At one point the waitress happened to be in my eye-line between me and the musician. She looked at me and I turned my eyes to look at her. She was giving me a dirty look and it literally became a stare down with a message, and her message was 'finish your drink and leave, you are not welcome'. My husband finally finished his beer and we began to look for this waitress so we could pay our bill. We finally found her. She was in the corner eating pizza, neglecting her customers. There might not have been a lot, but still doesn't justify her taking a break and eating while customers are waiting on her. And so, we continued to wait...and wait...and wait for her to finally finish eating and tend to her duties. I've read the other reviews for this establishment. They're mixed, but there are quite a few stating the service was horrible or that the waitress was horrible. Such a shame since people visit The Bell in Hand for its historical appeal only to be disappointed because the service and/or waitress was horrible. Clearly a conversation with this waitress or even some retraining needs to happen. Or some permanent changes. You can't allow an employee(s) to tarnish the reputation of a historic establishment. (Only reason why I gave an extra star was for the historic building.) read more
11 months ago
Stopped into The Bell in Hand for just one quick beer, and I'm glad I did. I had a Pete's Wicked Ale that really hit the spot. What made the visit special, though, was the hospitality. The manager (or maybe the owner--I didn't catch his title) noticed I was there with my dog and kindly brought over some grilled chicken for her. She's usually too shy to eat in public, but the moment we got back to the car she wolfed it down and was clearly so happy. That thoughtful gesture really made an impression--thank you for looking out for both of us! read more
Good spot! Longest operating bar in the US! I was expecting it to be gimicky but it really wasn't. Prices for beer and food were good, and the food was pretty good! I got the nachos and they hit the spot, and the beer was lots of local options and yummy. Cool spot! read more
2 months ago
10 months ago
This was an incredible surprise! Was trying to get in the old oyster house near by but had an hour wait. Walked straight in here and was seated immediately. Served was adorable and so friendly and attentive. The food blew us away! We were finishing a 11 day trip down from Canada and this had the best clam chowder of all of the places we had gone. The PEI mussels and the Brie appetizer was divine. Fish and chips were fantastic. Their bread.... omg! Atmosphere is fun too! One of the best meals we had. read more
1 year ago
You've gotta visit the oldest tavern in the US. Operating since 1795. That's right. 1795! That alone had us sold to visit and we really enjoyed our experience. Be sure to read the story of Old Jimmy. Offering tall and short pours, they have a great beer selection (solid non-beer drink options as well). I really enjoyed the Bell in Hand Seasonal Ale. As a snack before we ate dinner, I had to try some New England Clam Chowder and to me it doesn't get any better. Great flavor, perfect temperature. With multiple TVs (you've also gotta check out the big screen in the back area), it's also a nice place to watch the game if that's what you're hoping for. read more
6 months ago
Fun place to stop in and have a drink in Boston!!!! Great cocktail menu! Really friendly server. Gave us the low down on the bar's history; the whole story is also on their menu too. Lots of good music and happy vibes inside. Right in the center of town; close to holocaust memorial, fennuil hall and many other attractions. read more
Americas Oldest Tavern. First pour: 1795. The first owner was Jimmy Wilson, Boston's town crier for fifty years. Oddly enough I was expecting a different atmosphere than what I walked into, after all this is Americas oldest tavern! The decor and ambiance is that of any normal tavern, although it is a nice environment and the drinks are good, they haven't outwardly branded their distinctive position in Boston's history. Cheers! read more
2 years ago
My fam wanted to come in for a drink to experience the oldest tavern. I had a rum punch cocktail that was perfect. My husband enjoyed a Sam Adams Brick Red. Service was quick and kind. The guys also enjoyed watching football on the projector screen. read more
8 months ago
Located just along the Freedom Trail, this is the oldest tavern in the United States. There are various different sections/bars and areas for you to grab an ale or sit down to eat. They have a stage for live music. Just came for the culture and had a beer and soaked in the vibe. Our bartender was fairly attentive considering she had a large area to cover, not just the bar. read more
More info about The Bell In Hand
45 Union St
Boston, MA 02108
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(617) 227-2098
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http://www.bellinhand.com/
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Ask the Community - The Bell In Hand
Can you make reservations?
From their website it looks like it is possible for group sizes of 8 and more. Otherwise, I do not see any ability in doing so.
Do they have nonalcoholic drink options?
During my visit they had two NA cocktails offered. Its possible they would have an NA beer or two as well. Then you could get soda or anything of that sort.
Is the wait long for 2 people on Friday nights?
It truly depends on weather and time but they seem to get people in fairly easily!!
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The Bell In Hand - lounges - Updated August 2026
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