Boston's Best Bars With Games

While most Bostonians don't need much more than a cold beer and sports on television to stay entertained at a bar, sometimes it is nice to switch things up. A board game or classic pub game like pool or darts is a great way to add another element to a fun evening on the town. Especially for a date alternative or post-work drinks, bars with games are a great way to have fun at a bar without being solely devoted to drinking and gossiping.

Night Shift Brewing
87 Santilli Highway
Everett, MA 02149
(617) 294-4233
www.nightshiftbrewing.com

Night Shift Brewery is absolutely worth the trip up to Everett. Not only do they have fantastic beers and ciders brewed on site, they also have a variety of fun board games available in their modern style German beer hall. The benefit of not being located in downtown Boston is that Night Shift Brewing has plenty of space available for indoor games like corn hole. The brewery also features live music on most weekend nights.

Jillian's & Lucky Strike Lanes 
145 Ipswich St.
Boston, MA 02215
(617) 437-0300
jilliansboston.com

Jillian's & Lucky Strike Lanes in Boston's Fenway neighborhood is definitely a great bar choice for game lovers. Not only is there bowling — real bowling, not candlepin — there are also plenty of other favorites including pool, air hockey, ski ball and arcade games. It is easy to spend hours at Jillian's getting lost in the excitement of competition. Because of its size and the sheer variety of activities (and food) available, Jillian's is a great venue for a corporate outing or large birthday party.

Boston Beer Works
112 Canal St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 896-2337
www.beerworks.net

Boston Beer Works can always be found in the shadows of Boston's epic sports arenas. They have two locations in downtown Boston, one near the TD Garden on Canal Street and the other over in Fenway on Brookline Street. These are perfect locations for Boston Beer Works because sports lovers will love the games provided at the bar. Particularly, Boston Beer Works is one of Boston's favorite places to play pool. So grab a beer, take in the game, and enjoy a game of pool between innings or periods.

Related:  Best Food Near Fenway

High Ball Lounge
90 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 772-0202
www.highballboston.com

High Ball Lounge is a fun trendy bar conveniently located near Downtown Crossing. They feature artisan cocktails, quirky appetizers, a live DJ, and — you guessed it — games! Toys like action figures and rubber duckies are scattered around the bar's decor in way that is fun, but subtle enough that it doesn't feel like a kid's place. Board games can be found on nearby shelves or leftover on tables from previous guests. Why not challenge a friend to a round of Connect Four while waiting for the rest of your party to arrive?!

Brass Union
70 Union Square
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 623-9211
brassunion.com

Brass Union is a popular spot for Somerville's trendy hipster set. The bar is actually in the former police headquarters which makes for a fun, rebellious atmosphere. Brass Union is a great venue for good weather cocktails since they have an outdoor patio with lawn games and board games. Jenga is a popular choice indoors and out! Brass Union is also popular outside of the bar scene for drinks and American-style tavern dinner.

Related: Best Neighborhood To Go On A Shopping Spree In Boston

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.