The 12 Best Experiential Bars around Boston
When:
Thursday, Nov 17, 2022 12:00p -
Sunday, Dec 31, 2023 11:30p
Thursday, Nov 17, 2022 12:00p -
Sunday, Dec 31, 2023 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
Where: Seaport
Cost: $12/per person 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 Ninetendo, 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: $25+/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.
Candlepin Bowling at American Flatbread
Where: Brighton
Cost: $30/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.
Where: Somerville
Cost: $40/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.
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.
Where: Fenway
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.
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.
Where: Central Square
Cost: Free entry, purchase tokens for gameplay
Info: This speakeasy-style arcade is a collaboration between Area Four and Roxy’s Grilled Cheese. Sip on craft cocktails while you play retro arcade games in the trendy space. Food and drinks are available for purchase as well. But arrive early! This is a first-come-first-served spot.
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.