The 17 Best Experiential Bars Around Boston
When:
Sunday, Jan 01, 2023 12:00p -
Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 11:30p
Sunday, Jan 01, 2023 12:00p -
Thursday, Dec 31, 2026 11:30p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Date Idea, Drinks, Food, Games, Good for Groups, Nightlife, Photoworthy, Sports & Active Life
Event website:
https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/the-12-best-experiential-bars-around-boston
Boston is entering a new era of experiential bars and we are psyched about it. Grabbing a drink with friends is great, but now you can do so while you show off your ping-pong skills or compete in creative mini-golf challenges. Friday night just got a whole lot more fun.
by Celina Colby
1) Flight Club
Where: Seaport
Cost: $60 for 90 minutes
Info: Your dive bar darts game just got a huge upgrade. Book a lane with friends and play competitive darts games requiring more than just a bullseye. Toast your win with cocktails and truffle fries or hit the dining area after a game for more substantial eats.
Where: Downtown
Cost: $5/per person for unlimited games
Info: It turns out you can go back to your childhood. VERSUS is a 1980s and ‘90s style arcade haven with pinball, old-school Nintendo, Pac-Man, Skee Ball, and tons of other games. And, of course, they have themed cocktails and bar food eats to keep your gaming energy high.
Where: South Boston
Cost: $35+/per hour
Info: Pickleball is the new phenomenon that’s swept the nation and now you can play it with a drink in your hand. At PKL in South Boston you can learn the game or hone your expert skills with a tournament. After a game you can attend lively events like Trivia Wednesdays, Live Music Saturdays, DJs, Drag Bingo, and more
4) Candlepin Bowling at American Flatbread
Where: Brighton, Davis Square
Cost: $35/per hour
Info: Try your hand at old-school candlepin bowling at this relaxed local bowling alley, bar, and restaurant. Play a game (no experience necessary) then chow down on wood-fired pizza and toast your success with beer, wine, and cocktails.
5) Urban Axes
Where: Somerville
Cost: $30/per person for 90 minutes
Info: If you’re looking to get some aggression out, or hone your Medieval warfare skills, Urban Axes is where it’s at. Learn how to properly throw an axe at a target, then have a tournament with your friends to see who wields the most axe expertise. Wine, beer, and cider are available on site and you can bring your own food.
Where: Seaport
Cost: $39+/per hour for a table
Info: At SPIN you can play a friendly game of ping-pong, sip cocktails and snack on chef-driven eats, experience (and Instagram) work by local artists, and witness a high-energy professional ping-pong tournament all in one place. Bring your A game.
Where: Mission Hill
Cost: $25/per hour for a game room
Info: This interactive board game bar currently offers seven interactive, sound-enhanced game adventures for groups. Play one of these story-led group games in a private room or opt for something more classic like chess or Connect Four in the main bar area. The restaurant offers an all-day menu and cocktails.
8) Puttshack
Where: Seaport
Cost: $18/person
Info: Level up your mini-golf game at this newly opened tech-infused bar and mini-golf nightlife spot. Sip a craft cocktail while you practice your swing with a series of unique putting games each with a different objective and design.
9) Lucky Strike
Where: Fenway, Somerville
Cost: $18-22/per person per hour
Info: Grab a drink and a pair of shoes and hit the floor for a high-tech bowling experience. When you tire of bowling (if that’s possible) check out the enormous arcade, the pool tables, the restaurant slinging delicious eats, and the 800-foot video wall installation.
10) Knight Moves Board Game Cafe
Where: Brookline
Cost: $10-15/per person per day
Info: Harken back to the glory days of board games at this cafe where there are literally thousands of games to choose from. The cafe on site serves espresso drinks, lunch, and snacks, and for a $5 fee you can bring your own alcohol and food.
11) Roxy's Arcade
Where: Central Square
Cost: Free entry, purchase tokens for gameplay
Info: Sip on craft cocktails while you play retro arcade games in this trendy speakeasy-style arcade. Food and drinks are available for purchase as well. But arrive early! This is a first-come-first-served spot.
12) Urban Wild
Where: Charlestown
Cost: Free entry, bowling is $40/hour for up to 6 players
Info: This fun hub in Charlestown is part restaurant, part music venue, and part bowling alley. You can jam out to a concert, view custom murals and artwork, work on your bowling game, and snack on brisket sliders and cherry pepper flatbreads all in one night.
13) F1 Arcade
Where: Seaport
Cost: Free entry, racing sessions start at $32pp
Info: F1 Arcade features 69 full-motion simulators where you can race iconic tracks, whether you're a total beginner or ready to go head-to-head with friends. Between races, grab a drink at any of the two main bars and refuel with globally inspired bites.
14) RE:BAR
Where: Everett
Cost: Free entry, axe or nerg sessions start at $29pp, darts sessions start at $10pp
Info: Choose between axe throwing, darts, or nerf-style games, all enhanced with interactive tech that keeps the competition going.
15) Swingers
Where: Back Bay
Cost: Free entry, $25pp
Info: Boston's newest indoor mini golf brings two immersive crazy golf courses, carnival-style arcade games, and multiple cocktail bars into a massive two-level Back Bay space. Come hungry too, Emmy Squared Pizza is serving up Detroit-style pies and burgers alongside a full lineup of cocktails, including Boston-inspired drinks.
16) PickleBOS
Where: Southie
Cost: Free entry, book a court for $70 (off peak) to $100/hour
Info: The South Boston location features 11 high-tech indoor courts with advanced scoring and replay, so you can track every rally and level up your game. Book a court with friends, swing by the bar post-match, or join the growing community of players. A second Charlestown location is on the way.
17) Level99
Where: Natick
Cost: $29.99/per person for two hours
Info: At Level99 you have 48,000 square feet of games to explore. Check out the escape rooms that test your physical and mental stamina and team communication skills, hunt down art pieces in the Instagrammable scavenger hunt, and compete with other players in group challenges. Afterwards grab a pizza and a local brew from the on-site Night Shift Beer Hall.
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