Food
More than 400 readers shared which bar or pub they go to for the best pint of Guinness in Greater Boston.
Ask the owners of some of Boston’s best Irish pubs who pours the best Guinness in town, and they’ll claim it’s their own bar.
And why shouldn’t they give themselves the credit? At the area’s Irish pubs, pouring a perfect Guinness is serious business.
Noelle Somers, COO of Somers Pubs — which owns Mr. Dooley’s, Hennessy’s, Durty Nelly’s, and Green Dragon — called the Guinness pour an art form. Generations of the Foley family, longtime owners of J.J. Foley’s Cafe, are taught how to pour a Guinness when they’re “18,” which Jeremiah Foley puts in air quotes. Scobie’s Cafe & Bar has its own cooler room just for Guinness kegs.
It’s something you either get right, or you can expect to hear from your regulars.
“People who drink Guinness definitely know if the pour is off, and if they know how good ours usually is, they will mention that something is out of the usual,” said Patrick O’Hara, who owns both O’Hara’s Food & Spirits and Paddy’s Public House in Newton.
This Irish stout isn’t just the beverage of choice come St. Patrick’s Day. More people are drinking Guinness thanks to social media and the “split the G” TikTok trend. Bloomberg reports that Guinness saw double-digit growth at the end of December, and Paul Wilson, the director of operations at Glynn Hospitality Group, said Guinness is the top-selling beer at Black Rose and their other bars.
Irish Village general manager Aidan Lee said customers even use apps and maps to rate and find the best Guinness near them.
“There’s a whole industry now of people seeking out bars that have the best Guinness,” Lee said.
What goes into the creation of a great pint of Guinness? Many factors, according to several bar owners and bartenders.
It starts as soon as it gets off the truck that delivers the keg to the bar.
Lee said he’s careful not to agitate the beer too much in the process of bringing the keg to its own cooler system, separate from the colder beers like Bud Light and Coors Light. He won’t even tap it for at least 24 hours.
Then it gets hooked to the line, which also should be handled with care. John Lydon, who owns Scobie’s Cafe & Bar and Shamrock Pub with his wife, Anne Lydon, keeps the lines at the same temperature as the cooler where the Guinness kegs rest, at 38 degrees. The lines also need to be clean, said Cathal O’Dea, bartender at The Druid who also runs a beer line cleaning business.
Even length of the line matters and how often beer is running through your line, according to Caleb Senn-Cadotte, general manager at An Sibin. Luckily at the Inman Square bar, they pour a lot of Guinness.
“We pour between 175 to 225 pints a day, so beer is constantly flowing through our lines,” Senn-Cadotte said.
John Lydon said one of the most critical factors is the gas that runs through your air lines. Different from other beers that rely heavily on carbon dioxide, Guinness uses a nitrogen-heavy gas mixture, which gives it that creamy texture.
Once the beer has traveled to the tap, the way the beer is poured matters, too. Guinness reps from company Diageo help train bartenders the proper pour. The glass — and it must be a clean Guinness glass — is held at a 45-degree angle, poured until the beer reaches the top of the harp on the glass. Then you let it settle for at least 60 seconds.
Finishing up the pour then requires the glass to sit straight, and the server to fill the glass until a foam dome is formed.
“It’s a slow process, and you have to be patient,” Somers said. Other bar owners and bartenders agreed.
Where to go for the best Guinness, according to readers
When asked where the best Guinness is found, the pub owners and staff said their bar served Boston’s best pint.
So we asked Boston.com readers where they go for the best pour of Guinness in Greater Boston and heard back from more than 400 fans of the dark pint.
“O’Hara’s has the best Guinness,” said Stacy B. of Waltham. “The waitstaff is so friendly and [treats] you like family. You can get a pint anywhere, but to feel like you’re part of the family as they serve it up is special.”
“Of pubs that I’ve been to more than once, Mr. Dooley’s is the best pint I’ve had in terms of consistency,” said Chuck from Weymouth. “It’s been a perfect pour every pint, every visit. No TVs, which means it’s all about the pint and the company.”
“An Sibin pours some absolute creamers,” said Matt C. of Cambridge. “I’m talking like drinking it straight from the source at the holy [Guinness] St. James Gate Brewery in the greatest place on earth, Dublin, Ireland. There’s no better place to sit around with the lads, skulling a few creamy pints and enjoying some good ol’ craic.”
“Donohue’s in Watertown pours the perfect pint every time, even when the bar is filled wall to wall on St. Paddy’s Day,” said Grace of West Roxbury.
“Tried many a pint of Guinness, and [The Druid] is unequivocally the best in the U.S.,” said Chris K. of Marblehead.
“Eire Pub,” said Belle K. of Dorchester. “If anyone says anything else, they’re lying.”
“Emmet’s has one of the best, if not the best, Guinness in Boston,” said Michael of Stoneham. “Tried most others, and I always return to Emmet’s.”
“The [South End] neighborhood has changed over the decades, but the family that owns J.J. Foley’s has not,” said Mike S. from Needham. “Their Guinness is expertly drawn, settled, and served at the perfect temp for a good night out.”
“In my opinion McGonagle’s Pub is the best pour of Guinness in the Greater Boston area,” said Jake G. of Dorchester. “You can tell they pay extra attention to their lines and keg temperature. The establishment itself has great vibes, which adds to the experience.”
“P.J. Ryan’s is the ultimate spot for a Guinness,” said Bill F. of Somerville. “The bartenders are top-notch, and you can always catch the most important Rugby matches live on their TVs.”
“Plough and Stars [for] a true Irish pint,” said Millie O. of Jamaica Plain.
“Scobie’s [is] just a perfect pour,” Martin S. of South Boston. “Temperature is just right, and the bar is a blast.”
Map: Where to find the best Guinness near you
Full list: Where to find the best Guinness in Greater Boston
| Name | Address | What readers say |
|---|---|---|
| The Banshee | 1193 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA | “The pints are well-poured with a creamy finish. It looks and tastes like what you would find in Ireland.” – Josieanne, Cambridge |
| The Banshee | 934 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA | “Banshee, it is liquid gold! I occasionally have one too many and may miss an appointment the following day!” – Jon W. |
| Brendan Behan Pub | 378 Center St., Jamaica Plain, MA | “The overall atmosphere and vibe at The Behan is the closest I’ve been to an Irish pub since I lived abroad in Dublin. Live Irish music every Saturday night. Fun lively dog-friendly patio out back. And if that wasn’t enough, the Guinness is exceptional. Best pour in the city, hands down.” – Dave P., Jamaica Plain |
| Corrib Pub | 2030 Centre St., Boston, MA 02132 | “Corrib Pub & Restaurant has the best local pint.” – Joe C., West Roxbury |
| Donahue’s Bar and Grill | 87 Bigelow Ave., Watertown, MA | “Donohue’s in Watertown. Without question, the freshest product, cleanest lines, and best pour in all the land. And–they have Guinness Zero.” – Christopher W., Lincoln |
| The Druid | 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA | “It is a super relaxing friendly pub with great music and the best Guinness to go with the best Irish food in the area.” – Dave P., Medford |
| Eire Pub | 795 Adams St., Boston, MA | “If anyone says anything else – they’re lying!” – Belle K., Dorchester |
| Emmets Irish Pub | 6 Beacon St., Boston, MA | “Emmets has one of the best if not the best Guinness in Boston! Tried most others and I always return to Emmets.’ – Michael, Stoneham |
| J.J. Foley’s Cafe | 117 East Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02118 | “J.J. Foley’s Cafe serves the best pint. Perfect pour, great atmosphere, delicious food and the Foley family is the best.” – Sean, Boston |
| Melachy’s Saloon | 51 Granite St., Quincy, MA 02169 | “Perfect pour every time.” – MaryTheresa P., Norwood |
| McGonagle’s Irish Pub | 367 Neponset Ave., Dorchester, MA 02122 | “McGonagle’s in Dorchester, hands down. Just the right amount of head, with the dome above the glass. Perfect temp, no bitterness in the flavor. They never rush the pour no matter how busy it gets. Good things take time, and Guinness is a good thing.” – Kate S., Dorchester |
| Mr. Dooley’s Boston Tavern | 77 Broad St. Boston, MA 02109 | “Mr. Dooley’s – hands down, the closest to being in Ireland this side of the Atlantic.” – Kris, Charlestown |
| O’Hara’s | 1185 Walnut St, Newton, MA 02461 | “The atmosphere, servers, bartenders, and managers are all friendly and welcoming. The Guinness always tastes fresh there! The food is great too.” Mary O., Newton Highlands |
| PJ Ryan’s | 239 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144 | “PJ Ryan’s in Teele Square, Somerville, is the ultimate spot for a Guinness. The bartenders are top-notch, and you can always catch the most important Rugby matches live on their TVs.” – Bill F., Somerville |
| Paddy’s Public House | 95 Elm St., West Newton, MA 02465 | “Paddy’s pub, great food, lovely staff and feels like you are in Ireland. I recommend it as an Irish lad.” – Connor, Framingham |
| The Plough and Stars | 912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 | “A true Irish pint” – Millie O., Jamica Plain |
| Scobie’s Cafe and Bar | 782 Adams St., Dorchester, MA 02124 | “Scobie’s in Adams Village. Just a perfect pour. Temperature is just right and the bar is a blast!” – Martin S., South Boston |
| Shamrock Pub | 501 E 8th St., Boston, MA 02127 | “Shamrock in South Boston easily pours the best Guinness. The overall vibe of shamrock is cozy yet exciting and truly reminds me of Dublin. Jared from Shamrock knows the exact science behind pouring a perfect Guinness.” – Hannah, South Boston |
| The Bebop | 1116 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215 | “The Bebop because of the fast service and live music every night.” – Sofia M., Boston |
| The Black Rose | 160 State St., Boston, MA 02109 | “Best music and true Irish vibe.” – Will, Downtown Boston |
| The Burren | 247 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144 | “The Burren has the best Guinness!” – Cara, Westwood |
| The Chieftain Pub | 23 Washington St., Plainville, MA 02762 | “Freshest pint and best bartenders.” – Chris, Foxboro |
| The Corner Tavern | 421 Marlborough St., Boston, MA 02115 | “The Corner Tavern! Never bitter, always goes down smooth!” – Ashley, Back Bay |
| The Cottage Bar & Restaurant | 26 Union St., Weymouth 02190 | “The Cottage Bar in Weymouth! Traditional Irish decor, perfect pints, and crispy chips. Catch them on a night with live music for an amazing time.” – Mark, Quincy |
| The Dubliner | 2 Center Plaza, Boston, MA 02108 | “The Dubliner in Government Center hands down.” – Shawn P., Revere Beach |
| The Indo | 298 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA 01915 | “The owner is from Ireland and said the Guinness lines are cleaned weekly and that they run on a separate temperature the the other beers. It’s a consistently delicious over the years and can’t rave enough about it.” – Edward, Beverly |
| The Irish Cottage | 17 Branch St, Methuen, MA 01844 | “The Irish Cottage. Food is great, service friendly. Live music. The place is large so your not elbow to elbow. Right off of 93 so easy to get to. Plenty of parking. Always feel welcomed there. Sláinte!” – Terence R., Methuen |
| The Peddler’s Daughter | 45 Wingate St., Haverhill, MA 01832 | “The Peddler’s Daughter Irish Restaurant & Pub. A real authentic Irish pub in the North Shore. Full of character and hospitality.” – Mary, Haverhill |
| The Tinker’s Son | 707 Main St., Norwell, MA 02061 | “The Tinker’s Son does the best pint around.” – John G., Scituate |
| Biddy Early’s | 141 Pearl St., Boston, MA 02110 | |
| Boston Ale House | 1885 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132 | |
| Darcy’s Pub | 97 Willard St. #1203, Quincy, MA 02169 | |
| The Phoenix Landing | 512 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139 | |
| Limey’s Pub | 659 Washington St., Norwood, MA 02062 | “Reporting from Norwood, Limey’s Pub bar tenders are very attentive to this delicate matter.” – Edward G., Norwood |
| Tavern at the End of the World | 108 Cambridge St., Charlestown, MA 02129 | |
| T.K. O’Malley’s Sports Cafe | 194 Front St, Scituate, MA 02066 | |
| Tommy Doyle’s | 349 Watertown St. #1329, Newton, MA 02458 |
Maya Shavit contributed to this data report.
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