The campus-adjacent favorite Tavern in the Square shut its doors effective May 20, but fear not—there are still plenty of local spots for a fun night out with friends. Photo by Drew Beamer via Unsplash

Nightlife

Six Bars to Try Now That Allston’s Tavern in the Square Has Shuttered

After bidding farewell to a beloved BU mainstay, it’s the perfect time to try a new local watering hole

Since 2011, BU students have been lining up outside Allston’s Tavern in the Square for a traditional Thursday night visit after class. Part of a local chain with locations throughout Massachusetts, Tavern in the Square was not only a staple among college students, but something of a Terrier rite of passage. 

Tavern in the Square announced via Instagram on May 20 that it would permanently close, effective immediately, after nearly two decades of operation. 

The announcement, which has amassed over 3,000 likes, reads, “We are happy to be a part of all your crazy memories, your favorite Thursday night plans, where you met your best friends, and of course the iconic black cards,” which gave the lucky card holder and a guest front-of-line privileges and free entry.

It’s safe to say the news was not taken lightly by BU students. 

“I made some great memories and enjoyed some very fun events at Tavern these past couple of years,” says Chloe Patel (COM’24). “Where else are people going to go for Thirsty Thursdays?”

Lindsey Polevoy (COM’25) says she’d always looked forward to going to Tavern in the Square. “You always hear from older friends about TITS Thursdays,” she says, referring to the bar’s nickname. “It’s really sad that we won’t get to have that anymore.”

Jack Rosenberg (CAS’24) says he was surprised when he heard the news. “TITS is iconic,” he says. “I can’t believe they shut down.”

While students collectively mourn the loss of a favorite bar, we’ve put together a list of some nearby spots to try out instead. 

The Draft Bar & Grill

Just around the corner from Tavern in the Square, The Draft is already a BU staple, and it’s bound to get even more popular this fall. The Draft is everything you could ask for in a college bar—beer by the bucket, $10 pizzas, and a crowded dance floor. Expect a line down the street on Thursdays, and be on the lookout for weekly menu specials. 

34 Harvard Ave., Allston. Open daily from 11:30 am to 2 am.

Fenway Johnnies

Another college favorite, Fenway Johnnies is just east of BU’s campus. It boasts a solid dinner menu of apps, salads, burgers, and the iconic Fenway sausage. Though cocktails at this joint are on the pricier side, it’s hard to resist delicious alcoholic slushies and shareable drinks. A note of warning: if you don’t like crowds, going to Fenway Johnnies after a Red Sox game isn’t your best bet, so check the schedule before you go. 

96 Brookline Ave., Boston. Open Thursday through Sunday, 4 pm to close.

Bleacher Bar

For those who’ll miss watching sports at Tavern in the Square, Bleacher Bar is a great alternative, and it’s on Lansdowne Street, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Fenway Park. It’s a great pick for the late-night crowd, with Sal’s Pizza right around the corner, so consider it for your next night out.

82A Lansdowne St., Boston. Open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 am to midnight, Friday and Saturday, 11:30 am to 2 am, and Sunday, 11:30 am to 10 pm. 

Fuller’s Pub (BU Pub)

Fuller’s Pub, better known to students as the BU Pub, is the place to be for a post-class drink or even a meeting with a professor. Although it doesn’t have the same vibe as an Allston dive bar, it’s worth mentioning for the sake of convenience, as it’s on the ground floor of the BU Castle, right on campus. If you’re looking for a fun challenge, try Fuller’s Knights’ Quest, a Terrier tradition dating back to 1988. To become a Knight, you must drink one of each of the 50 beers Fuller’s has on offer during your time as a student. 

225 Bay State Road. Find hours here.

Sunset Cantina

Margarita lovers unite! Sunset Cantina is another convenient option if you’re looking to stay on campus during your night out. The Mexican eatery boasts a lengthy drinks menu, including the option of freezing your favorite marg. Make sure to try an authentic michelada, a savory drink made with beer and tomato juice and a salted rim. 

916 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Open Monday through Thursday, 11 am to 1 am, Friday and Saturday, 11 am to 2 am, and Sunday, 11 am to midnight.

Dugout Cafe

This list certainly wouldn’t be complete without noting the Dugout Cafe, the basement-level bar that’s across the street from the College of Arts & Sciences. This no-frills campus classic is a great bar to go to when you want to stay in your sweatshirt for the night and have a laugh with some friends. And every Wednesday at 8 pm the Dugout hosts a trivia event, so don’t miss a chance to show off that big brain of yours. 

722 Commonwealth Ave, Boston. Open Monday, 3 to 10 pm, Tuesday through Thursday, 3 pm to midnight, Friday, 3 pm to 1 am, and Saturday, 6 pm to 1 am.