Not running the Boston Marathon this year? Then you’re likely wondering where to watch the Boston Marathon. Hopefully, you’ll be out along the sidelines, supporting those who put their bodies to the test and haul it from Hopkinton to Copley. But all of that cheering can make you thirsty, and you’ve earned some rest. The Boston Marathon route is a long and winding 26.2-mile journey, and along the way, you bet there are lots of bars and restaurants ready to welcome the wary spectator on Marathon Monday.
We gathered the best 26 bars along the Boston Marathon route – specifically, along the last few miles of the course, because a pub crawl via car just doesn’t sound safe, does it? Some have patios, others just have awesome drink menus, but regardless, you’re in for a great day. Just remember to pace yourself: It’s a marathon, people, not a sprint.
Cleveland Circle – Mile 22
1. Cityside, 1960 Beacon Street: Get here early. With an upstairs patio that directly overlooks the race, Cityside is a popular spot year after year on Marathon Monday. But if you’re determined enough, you can snag a prime view of the action.
2. Roggie’s, 357 Chestnut Hill Ave: While Roggie’s, located up the street from the marathon route in Cleveland Circle, won’t provide you with a view of the race, it can provide you with a quick break from the outdoor action, specializing in burgers, sandwiches and beers on tap.
Washington Square – Mile 23
3. The Publick House, 1648 Beacon Street: With a wide selection of craft beers, bar snacks like meatballs and mac n’ cheese, and a spot right on the route, The Publick House is a go-to for refueling right in Washington Square.
4. The Abbey, 1657 Beacon Street: The Abbey specializes in cocktails, wine, scotch and fine spirits for the fancier Marathon spectators among us. They’re open for lunch at 11 a.m., so stop in for a bite to eat after the elite marathoners make their way through the square.
Coolidge Corner – Mile 24
5. Coolidge Corner Clubhouse, 307A Harvard Street: Take a detour off of Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner, a popular spot for spectators, and stop at Coolidge Corner Clubhouse for a classic sports bar vibe and great bar food. You’ll be able to catch what you’re missing at the marathon on one of their many TVs.
6. The Regal Beagle, 308 Harvard Street: If you’re looking to get away from the sports bar scene, stop in at the Regal Beagle, alson on Harvard Street and off the beaten marathon path. You look like you’re in need of a martini, anyway.
7. OTTO, 289 Harvard Street: Just need a quick slice and a pint? Cozy up at the OTTO Brookline location and take a seat at their bar. You’ll be in and out and no time, if you can avoid the crowds, that is.
8. FuGaKyu, 1280 Beacon Street: If you’re craving sushi, stop in a FuGaKyu for some of the best in Brookline. Don’t forget the sake!
Audubon Circle & Kenmore Square – Mile 25
9. Audubon Boston, 838 Beacon Street: The newly opened Audobon Boston, which replaced Audubon Circle Restaurant, is open at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. They’ve got a lengthy cocktail, wine and beer list, as well as a complex menu offering bites, light options, burgers and more.
10. Eastern Standard, 528 Commonwealth Ave: With a patio right along the route, Eastern Standard is a popular spot for marathon watching. Read: Get there early, and expect even more crowds to fill in once the Red Sox game ends. But if you grab a spot, treat yourself to the lengthy spirits list and raw bar.
11. The Hawthorne, 500A Commonwealth Ave: Need a breather away from the excitement? Dip down to The Hawthorne’s subterranean spot and cozy up to the living room-like bar for a specialty cocktail.
12. Cornwall’s Pub, 654 Beacon Street: As the race goes on, make a pit stop at Cornwall’s for a pint and some hefty lunch fare, like their various club and pub sandwiches.
13. Island Creek Oyster Bar, 500 Commonwealth Ave: Grab a seat and watch the marathon go by from Island Creek, with many windows lining the restaurant. While you’re there, enjoy a beer or glass of wine and some fresh oysters on the half shell.
Boylston Street & Finish Line – Mile 26
14. Dillons, 955 Boylston Street: The race may not pass by Dillons, but take a quick detour and grab a seat on the patio for some rest before the final stretch.
15. Cactus Club, 939 Boylston Street: Searching for a refreshing margartia after a long day of cheering? Look no further than the Cactus Club, which boasts some of the best margs in Boston.
16. McGreevy’s, 911 Boylston Street: A classic Boston Irish pub and sports bar, McGreevy’s is sure to be poppin’ on Patriots Day. Party in honor of the final mile of the Boston Marathon.
17. Pour House, 907 Boylston Street: Within the same stretch as McGreevy’s is Pour House, offering up 22 oz beers and 3.25 BeerTinis (draft beer in a martini glass).
18. Lir, 903 Boylston Street: Stop in at Lir after 4 p.m., and you’ll have the option of $4 bar bites, like waffle fries, slider, jalapeno poppers and more. Not to mention, draft beers to wash it all down.
19. Towne, 900 Boylston Street: Towne’s bar and lounge menu is available all day on Monday, so grab a seat right along the route and refuel as the finishers go by. Don’t miss out on Towne’s great lunch deal, a cup of soup and half of a sandwich for $8.
20. Whiskey’s, 885 Boylston Street: Whiskey’s offers 25 cent wings all day on Mondays, and after 4 p.m., $3 bar bites. (We’re guessing at this point in the day, you’ll be hungry.)
21. Back Bay Social Club, 867 Boylston Street: Feeling swanky? Post up at Back Bay Social Club as the race rounds out its finish and toast to the amazing athlete over the restaurant’s cocktails.
22. Abe & Louie’s, 793 Boylston Street: If you want to celebrate in style, make a reservation at Abe & Louie’s, one of the city’s best steakhouses right on the Marathon route.
23. Forum, 755 Boylston Street: This Marathon Monday is sure to be a big day for Forum, one of the businesses directly impacted by last year’s blasts, and the last to open in the aftermath. Post up on the restaurant’s sidewalk patio (as long as you get there early) and soak it all in.
24. Solas, 710 Boylston Street: Right at the finish line is Solas, an Irish pub with a sidewalk patio perfect for watching the race. Reward yourself for making it through the day with a cold pint.
25. City Table, 65 Exeter Street: Looking to go off the beaten path? Around the corner from Solas is City Table, perfect for a few cocktails.
26. The Rattlesnake, 384 Boylston Street: You did it. You finally made it to the end of Marathon Monday, and for your last stop, take a trip to The Rattlesnake’s rooftop deck, newly opened for the season. Grab a pitcher of sangria and relax: you earned it.
