At the Brendan Behan, this cozy Irish pub serves up a stellar selection of craft brews and live music, perfect for a laid-back night out with friends—or your dog.
"There are few better places in the city to down a few pints than the Behan, named for the Irish poet, playwright, and author. While there’s no food on offer to help soak up the whiskey, outside food is allowed. And, for the canine inclined, it’s a truly dog-friendly bar: Bring your well-behaved pups while you enjoy a deep draft and bottle beer list." - Tanya Edwards, Terrence Doyle
"Plunk down some cash at this well-worn neighborhood institution in Jamaica Plain and settle in for the pretty impressive craft beer list, cocktails, wine, and, if you’re lucky, some live Irish music on the side. Heads up that there’s no kitchen here, but there are occasional food pop-ups in the space, and plenty of options within a block or so if you get hungry." - Erika Adams, Valerie Li Stack, Rachel Leah Blumenthal
"Come early, bring cash, and hole up for hours at the Behan, a friendly neighborhood dive that occasionally hosts live Irish music sets. There’s no kitchen, but if you’re lucky, you can catch a food pop-up (burritos! oyster shucking!) every once in a while." - Terrence Doyle, Rachel Leah Blumenthal, Erika Adams
"There are thousands of Irish pubs in Boston, and the Behan is better than every one of them. It’s comfortable, has an extensive selection of craft beer, and it makes you wish you were an Irish poet writing in a leather-bound notebook that smells of whiskey and rain. There’s no food here (though occasionally someone might pop-in to sell empanadas) but you don’t need it. This is the perfect place to get a few drinks with friends - and it’s one of the only indoor places in Boston where some of those friends can have four legs." - dan secatore
"This might not fit the bill if you’re looking for a full meal; the “food” section of Brendan Behan’s menu includes potato chips; tortilla chips and salsa; and, uh, tea and hot cocoa. (There’s also a burrito pop-up onsite starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.) But this well-loved Irish pub features live Irish music on Saturdays and major neighborhood vibes daily from noon to 1 p.m." - Rachel Leah Blumenthal
