Best Dive Bars in Boston – Part 2

The dive bar is a dying breed – but in Boston there are still a few alive and well.

Check out part one of our guide here. If you already did, then here are three more spots across town to have some cheap Gansett and soak in the great vibes.

Here are just a few of the Boston, MA dive bars spots that we like to frequent:

• Renegade’s Pub (East Boston)
• The Hub Pub (Downtown)
• Model Cafe (Allston)

Renegade’s Pub (East Boston)

Renegade’s is a slice of Allston/Brighton transported across town in Eastie. With cheap Gansetts, 2000’s pop punk and emo music, and bartenders covered in tats – for us, this place feels like home. Here, you can tell that much of the clientele are regulars. While unassuming from the outside, the inside is what we would classify as “girlfriend nice.” It’s not quite your dingy dive bar for the boys, and you could probably pull off a date night here if you really wanted to.

Renegade’s has a great tap list with tons of local beers for a good price. Plus, the food here is elevated above what you would expect from a dive bar. The spicy buttermilk fried chicken sandwich is a must-have. The chipotle aioli and fried jalapenos brought the flavor. We also loved the fried pickles with homemade ranch to dip. These were a match made in heaven with beer. For whiskey drinkers, this place also has an extensive bottle collection. This East Boston dive is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon, have some drinks, and watch some sports.

The Hub Pub (Downtown Boston)

The Hub Pub is a dive bar to its roots. When you walk in, you’ll experience what we can only describe as “theater galleries.” On the bottom floor, you have a wrap around bar and TVs that were probably purchased in the 90’s. On the top floor, there is booth seating, murals of Boston, and multiple pool tables.

This is a place where mixed drinks come in a hard plastic cups. A place where you’ll find finance bros, law students, townies, and tourists alike – and a true dive bar where you’ll see all walks of life coexisitng and sharing drinks. Like it says on the sign, this is “the friendliest pub in the hub.”

This is a great place to grab a pint if you’re looking to slink off of your Freedom Trail tour.

Model Cafe (Allston)

Model Cafe is an Allston institution that we hope will never change. This is a dive bar that can do it all. Most nights of the week it has a very low-key vibe, but on weekends there are DJs and a line down the street to get in. They are also constantly hosting drag shows and other fun events. For a great night out, Model will never disappoint – and the drinks are always strong.

There’s not much more to say about Model Cafe other than that – if you haven’t – you need to go and experience it for yourself!