The start of summer is a time for change. The sun suddenly gets warmer, beaches open, flip flops and summer dresses replace cardigans and long pants, dinner happens when it’s still light out and more and more, people hit the streets to walk to their destinations instead of drive – just because it’s nice out.
The start of summer also means the end of school, which even after college continues to be one of my favorite transitions. You see, when summer starts it means that most college kids pack their bags and exit the city. More importantly, it also means they exit the bars. And for a twenty something Boston-native, that’s a great thing.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got nothing against college kids. In fact I once was one and I’m sure there’s a group of young professionals down in Philly that rolled their eyes as soon as my friends and I infiltrated their bars back in the day. And if you’re a college kid reading this post, please don’t be mad at me. Just take solace in the fact that in a few years, you will feel the exact same way – it’s the circle of life, as it were.
That being said, I can’t help but walk into some of my favorite establishments without a sense of relief when there’s room to move and conversations to be had with people closer to my own age. In fact, I asked my Boston friends on Twitter which bars were their favorite sans college kids and the top answer was “all of them.” Thanks, ohhayitskk, beccajane, NPW and crankyface.
So to celebrate this new season, I thought I’d list a few of my favorite bars in and around Boston in the summer. I’m sure I’ll add to this list as the season goes on and my memory is refreshed…
Sligo Pub. This place the best dive bar except during the school year when it is wall to wall with Tuft students. But when you walk in during the summer, all you see is a handful of locals and plenty of empty bar stools. The best part is – you get full control of the jukebox.
An Tua Nua. This is such a cool Irish pub in a great location, right near Fenway, but when I go during the school year I feel like I am eighty. I swear, BU kids live there.
The Thirsty Scholar. For the most part this place is always low key and there tends to be an even ratio of locals, twenty somethings and students. But it made the list for one good reason – trivia. In the summertime, when the smart Tufts and MIT kids go away, you finally have a fair shot at a win.
I just realized that all of the bars listed are actually Irish pubs – that really was a total accident. I guess it says a thing or two about me.
So does the nightlife in your city dramatically change when the college kids go away?
And Bostonians, what am I missing?
the new love of my life, the savant project. but really, i stick with my gut instinct of “all of them”.
Savant is AMAZING. I love the secret patio.
Great post! I completely agree with you -love those kids, remember being one, but soooo happy when they leave for the summer. Everything gets less crowded and it’s wonderful
Happy Summer!
Are you sure Sligo’s is filled with MIT kids and not Tufts kids? PS I also love that place.
what do you mean a chance to win at scholar trivia? a few of us beat the harvard kids back in ’06!
The Sligo Pub! I took my husband here when we were in town a few years ago, since he is actually from Sligo. We enjoy Mr. Dooley’s and The Green Dragon more.
If Sligo’s is now filled with bloggers I’m going to be pissed! hahahah, jk
Joshua Tree- totally college overrun! I do find that the city (well Allston/Brighton area where I live) really quiets down once the kids leave.
Thanks for the twitter follow
I am going to add you to my Boston blog roll too!
hahha, i remember how quiet cork was in the summer after college let out, and then in september again it would be mad! and i can’t help but think of the thirsty scholar in cork when you mentioned the boston one!
My favorite bar will always, ALWAYS be the Irish pub. Must be the Boston in me… and the fact that I met B in one.
I love An Tua Nua. Like, a lot. I spent some time trying to come up with specific bar names, and literally, my answer is still ALL OF THEM.
Boston being a college town is part of the reason why boston rocks.
Am I the only one who didn’t know there was a patio at The Field in Central? I’m looking forward to checking it out soon.