Here in Boston, we value quality over quantity. We may not have the multitude of restaurants and bars found in larger cities like New York City or LA – but the eateries and watering holes we do have are quite noteworthy. What Boston bars lack in number, they more than make up for in excellence.

But don’t take it from me. Take it from Esquire’s cocktail expert, David Wondrich. The historian researched bars throughout America – from cocktail lounges to Irish pubs – to compile a list of “The Best Bars in America, 2014.”

Only 25 bars were chosen for the highly selective list and fortunately for Boston residents, two of the best bars happen to be in the Hub. Surprise surprise!

Both Kenmore Square hot spot, The Hawthorne, and the downtown J.J. Foley’s Bar and Grille location made an appearance on Esquire’s list of “exceptional, harmonious, radiant, and occasionally unruly places to have a drink.”

If you’re thirsty and want to try them for yourself, the article recommends trying The Hawthorne’s Dutch Oven cocktail or a Guinness (obviously) from J.J. Foley’s. Wondrich describes the downtown J.J. Foley’s location as “a survivor from the bad old days… the pints are well poured, the food decent (get the steak tips), and the space big enough to remain uncrowded even when busy.”

While the atmosphere wins at Foleys, the cocktails served over at The Hawthorne are no less appreciated by Wondrich. If you don’t believe us, just take a look at some of the cocktail pics taken by guests, below.

Check here to see Esquire’s complete list of America’s Best Bars, 2014 and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Images via Facebook and Foursquare/@BostonErik, @Sally, and @SteveM