J.J. Foley's Cafe
Irish pub · South End
117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118
Highlights
Classic Irish pub serving Irish-American eats and drinks
Classic Irish pub serving Irish-American eats and drinks
"When you walk into J.J. Foley’s you not only feel that you are in an authentic Irish pub, but you get a real sense of the history of post-modern Boston. Family-owned and operated since 1909, this place has had it's share of stories. While you can certainly grab good pub-style food in the dining room, the real attraction here is the classic, barstool-free pre-prohibition bar serving pints and mixed drinks until 2am daily. It's an intentionally old-fashioned place run on "a lot of hard work and prayers." Certainly not fussy, it's a refreshing throwback to a time before the neighborhood was overrun by luxury condos and organic grocery stores." - Adam&Co.
"Generations of regulars have found a home at the bar at J.J. Foley’s, which has maintained its status as a cornerstone of the South End for over 100 years. Squeeze in and pair a pint of Guinness with Mr. Foley’s favorite — a juicy sirloin burger layered with bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and topped with a fried egg." - Erika Adams
"A map of Boston’s best Irish bars would be incomplete without J.J. Foley’s Cafe. It’s been around for well over a century, and it’s the South End’s best option for solid pub grub — we always like the tots. The bartenders also wear white shirts with ties tucked into the space between the middle buttons, and if you visit more than a few times, they’ll likely remember your order." - Terrence Doyle
"A South End institution, JJ Foley’s has been around since 1909. It is the oldest continuously family-owned pub in the city. During Prohibition, the pub reportedly fronted as a shoe store." - Katie Chudy
"If old-school Irish pubs are your thing, why not go to one of the oldest of them all? J.J. Foley’s opened in 1909 in the exact spot where you’ll find it today. That’s way before the South End became bougie; it was a working-class neighborhood packed with immigrants like this bar’s namesake, who hailed from County Kerry in Ireland. Four generations later, the bar is still going strong with the Foley family at the helm. Holiday season is the perfect time to visit, as J.J. Foley’s gets decked out with decorations and offers seasonal drinks. Santa has even been known to make an appearance during the occasional December brunch." - Molly McDonough
