The Anchor

The Anchor near Charlestown Navy Yard is a fantastic spot! We were unsure about the fireworks view but were thrilled with the clear, stunning display from their waterfront location. No crowds, just a fun, family-friendly vibe. The lobster rolls were loaded with fresh, juicy lobster, and the clam chowder was hands-down the best we had all night—creamy and flavorful. The service was top-notch, with friendly staff making us feel right at home. Skip the traffic chaos and head to The Anchor for great food and a perfect fireworks experience. Highly recommend

10/10 would recommend sweating with friends in public again. The drinks were cold, the outfits were hotter, and the only thing more consistent than the heat was our group’s inability to take a serious photo. Came for the socializing, stayed for the scenic steps and accidental group cardio. Bonus points for the patio seating and someone’s wildly floral shirt that doubled as event decor. Would I go again? Only if I can bring my emotional support White Claw and this chaotic crew. 💦☀️🍹

The spot is excellent in the summer! Great views! Being a Charlestown resident, I love having some outdoor space to relax and drink in warm weather since we have no outdoor space. I will say this spot has a lot of potential to become something really great. I wish there were more options for drinks, such as wines by the bottle or cocktails. It would be nice if food trucks were available. but an easy place to just pop in and have a drink without reservations.

I’ve been going to The Anchor for a few years now, and Shelby, the manager, always puts together the best events. I constantly meet people around Boston who’ve been here, and they always have great things to say. It’s truly a standout spot!

Chairs need work, torn and ripped. Ice Cream was good. Friendly staff. Could use a face-lift in the area of esthetics. Update: response from anchor... wasn't impressed, sounded super passive aggressive. I also gave compliments in my review. The construction may be happening around the area, but torn cushions and ripped sunshade isn't due to construction. Just saying, despite construction could do a better job.

A waterfront property that once looked abandoned but has been retrofitted into a comfortable park and bar. A good spot if you're in the area, a great stop along a longer trek if you're doing the freedom trail.

Greater place to hang out with friends and beautiful view with T- ferry ⛴️ service available from aquarium

Fun little spot in Boston to grab a bite or drink. Went on a chilly Sunday afternoon. Inside the igloos it’s very nice temperature, not to hot not to cold. Inside was a bit dirty, definitely could use a good cleaning. We just got a drink each and it was a little pricy, but we expected that. Then went to sit in the igloo. It was cool! Very different! Fun!

Horrible service, far too pricey for the small drinks you get. Paying for the view which you can walk 5 ft away and sit on a bench for free. This "establishment" is very much a black mark on the neighborhood. Blasting music late into the night, this business are the definition of poor neighbors, lacking respect for the people who live and work in this area. Please walk by this place and do not waste your money but also support the locals who are attached to this location and desperate to get their quiet park back! Have also see rats and mice in abundance around The Anchor. To the management of The Anchor, please be respectful to the people who live here. We don't sit outside your homes and blast music alienating your peaceful nights after long work days. Lower the music and enforce these standards with all the guest DJs or special events you have. Should be ashamed of your behavior and lack of respect you have for the location and people that live and work here. Close Shop and MOVE

This place was so cute and we had such a great experience. I came with a large party of ten and they accommodated us perfectly. The waterfront patio was so nice and overall we had a great experience.

The Anchor deserves five stars if you're looking for a vast outdoor beer garden/playground for adults on the Boston waterfront with stunning views of the north end and downtown. We came on a sunny September afternoon and insinuated ourselves into a mellow crowd vibing on 90s rock, corn hole games, and a bewildering array of seating options--all colored turquoise and spread around a large plaza with a wading pools and fountains. Beer-wise, I told the bartender that I like IPAs but not too bitter and he recommended The Town, billed as a "session India Pale Ale" and just right, 4% ABV, some mangoey notes. My wife, a lager fan, got the Bent Water premium lager which she liked. We didn't order any victuals so I can't comment on the quality of their pub food. But I can't imagine a better spot to while away a couple of hours on a sunny Boston afternoon.

The atmosphere was really nice but paying $12 for a beer that is not cold, is unacceptable. In addition, they give you very little meat on their sliders for $17 and the meat was overcooked and tasted poorly.

Very fun outdoor spot in Charlestown. I started coming here during the pandemic because it's all outdoor seating and it felt like one of the safest places in town. You can enjoy a drink and snack while watching the boats on the harbor. They offer a handful of wines, beers, and mixed drinks. They also offer several different snack options. Definitely worth stopping by on a beautiful day!

I stumbled upon this beer garden while walking along the harbor in Charlestown. There's a limited beer and wine selection with some food (hot dogs, pretzels, etc.). Water costs $2 per bottle. The seating area itself is gorgeous. There are turquoise chairs and couches, and options to sit by the water, on the first floor, and on the second floor. This is such a dreamy place to watch the sunset and gaze at the city. Expect fairy lights, music, and a relaxed vibe. I definitely prefer this spacious beer garden to others in Boston.

BRING YOUR OWN FOOD I wondered why it was a Friday and this place was almost empty. Great views and ambiance but DONT come here for the food! The chicken tacos ($6) was a single flour tortilla with a little bit of iceberg lettuce and a SINGLE strip of cold chicken, no sauce. Mac and cheese bites reminded me of the ones you get from the frozen isle of the grocery store and was also cold, and their "gourmet" hot dogs was a plain normal hot dog with your choice of mustard, ketchup, or ranch.. lol Place has lots of potential though... Lots of cute swings and sitting area to view the sunset and hangout with friends. Just wish they would up their food game! They could make a loooot of money here!!

The concept of The Anchor, a sprawling outdoor bar with views of the marina, really appealed to me, and we decided to take the ferry out there. There was live music from a great guitarist, and the venue offered tons of comfortable seating, but we were otherwise unimpressed. The menu mainly included beers, wine, and frozen or canned cocktails. I ordered the Ohza Classic Bellini in a can, which was supposed to include 100% real peach juice, but was overly sweet and not enjoyable. It might have been because the place was rather empty when we were there, but we just did not find it worth the trip.

Tried this spot recently and was pleasantly surprised with their new food additions, especially all of their in-house smoked meats! Very friendly atmosphere with plenty of lovely staff. Will definitely be making a return

Great outdoor space for live music to enjoy the view and chill. Friendly helpful staff will help you relax on hopefully sunny but not too hot day. I came here during a Sunday brunch and there was plenty of space and not crowded at all. Local park nearby also provides a kid friendly space while being able to drink and chill outside. There is food offered and their offerings is one step up from a concert hall concessions. Sufficient drink options for an outdoor pop up, from frozen margaritas, wine, and beer!

The anchor is the perfect spot to hit this Summer! I came by here on a week day and had a great time! There are a ton of seating optionals available, you just walk right in and seat yourself. I recommend sitting upstairs where you have a great view of the city of Boston! I ordered the peach lemonade slushy and it was delicious, light, and refreshing. This is their only non alcoholic drink! The food and drinks are self serve, so go up to the booth when you're ready. They also seemed to have a pretty extensive wine and beer selection. In terms of COVID, the tables were spaced out nicely, and the staff was wearing masks and gloves. Not all of the seating options have shading so choose wisely. This is a hidden gem in Charlestown that is worth checking out!

The venue and view is so cute and you know they have an average selection of drinks. The food is TERRIBLE. Highly recommend not eating here. The jalapeño poppers are not cooked and tacos are disgusting. The wait for food is super long and they run out of things every few minutes.

What a cute little spot in Charlestown! Great place to grab a beer or glass of wine with friends and enjoy a great view. The Anchor opened up last year but this was my first time visiting. Upon arrival they had seats everywhere and it was a seat yourself style (in groups of 6 or less of-course). We found a shady table and sat down. They had some small bites that you could order like sandwiches as well as beer/wine/non-alcoholic drinks from different vendors in the area. It seemed that they focused on staying local with options like Bent Water, and Downeast. They also had a Frozen Peach Lemonade which I highly recommend. It was super refreshing on a hot summer day.

It's hard to describe how bad this restaurant is. The service was wonderful! The environment was beautiful. The food would embarrass a carnival. On the 4th of July I paid $90 for a fourth of July BBQ package for two. I did not expect a sumptuous spread. I expected fourth of July food. I got: What should have been a $1.50 hotdog in a slightly stale bun. A "BBQ" sandwich that would have embarrassed McDonald's, a small scoop of cheap potato salad, one popsicle still in the plastic wrapper, and THE WORST, weirdest 4% alcohol seltzers it has ever been my misfortune to taste. Altogether, far less than $5 worth of food and drink. My wife said it was the worst meal she'd ever had. If you give them your money, you're a fool Go at your own risk.

They have a decent set up and location being all outdoors and right off the water. We tried to make a pit stop there after our bike. Decent amount of people there but still had a lot of empty tables at 3pm on a Saturday - there's just a lot of seating space. Decorated nicely for Halloween as well, and dog friendly which is a plus. The only downside is that we were informed EACH person had to buy an entree in order to be served drinks. Fries and small sides don't count (which ok fair) but each person would have to get an entree. I understand what they're trying to do with COVID but I feel like enforcing that each person has to get food is a lot, especially as no other restaurant does that.

Awesome views for Boston having almost no real rooftop bars , but great view of the city. Great beers. Food ? Disgusting. Service ? Also bad - we ordered gross food and asked for waters and we only received our food , no water , and no napkins for our tacos filled with nacho cheese and canned chicken. Is it that difficult to make decent bar food ?

Tons of potential for this cozy park along the Charlestown Navy Yard. There's plenty of seating options, including shady tables with umbrellas, swinging chairs, comfy bean bags, or relaxed couches. It's a nice ambiance being along or overlooking the water if you're on the second floor. There's a little bar set up serving beer, Frosé and yummy non-alcoholic drinks, as well as some food stands to nosh on. The area was surprisingly empty for the beautiful day that I went, but I think it will grow more popular and be more of a scene as more people hear about it.

Pros: - beautiful outdoor views of the harbor & skyline - one of the best venues to social distance outside in Boston - plenty of seating for all different types of groups - hard working staff Cons: - the food. Right now with MA COVID restrictions, food has to be ordered with drinks. The last two times we have gone, they had sold out of our first food choice. This time, we opted for the "mezze plate" for $8.99 and we were served 2 slices of cucumber, a half a flimsy pita pocket and shards of celery (with a scoop of hummus and scoop of tzatziki maybe ??). I've attached a picture of what we were served. We asked the server at the counter if this is all we are supposed to get and she didn't respond (I can imagine she may get this question a lot). I understand the Anchor has to adapt to MA restrictions during the pandemic but this is their second season in this situation and I can't believe they'd stand by serving this! - very limited non-alcoholic beverage options (water, orange juice & energy drinks)

Is my go to spot for the delicious frozen margaritas and tasty lobster rolls. Free events are hosted weekly and the friendly staff ensure that you'll always have a great night

A convenient spot if you are walking along the harbor or visiting the USS Constitution in Boston. We went on a Saturday afternoon and did not have to wait for a seat. You are required to order one food item in order to order drinks. Chicken tenders were eh, but we honestly were just there for the drinks. The white sangria was extremely sweet but yummy. My boyfriend had one of their IPA's which was good and cold. Definitely a spot to hit if you want to kick back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery Boston has to offer!

Stopped at this place during a bike ride and I wish I didn't. This is a place that's more for the scenic view and insta post ; aside from that, the pure lack of respect for people's money here is a true essence of Cambridge's up and coming hanging out spots. What we got: Fries 6.99 Potato salad ( recommended by our waitress as the " best thing on the menu") 8.99 2 beers Overall taste: Fries: pale cold chewy fries think leftover fries from 3 days ago with no salt or pepper one of the most bland thing I've tasted yet their menu describes it as " golden crispy " MIND BLOWING Potato salad: per the menu this is "farm fresh" more like cold deli aisle from stop and shop, honestly I was shocked. They could've at least tried. The only thing worthy of my time and money if I were to be at this place it's the stand that sells empanadas and Italian sausage close by, which is a complete different vibe, flavor and warmth from the food and personnel working the stand. This is white washed overly priced bland cold food joint! A hard NO!

DO NOT COME HERE! The views and location are NOT worth the prices and quality!l of food / drinks! Way too overpriced for pathetically small drinks. I ordered a 15$ 'Margarita' that was make with an ounce of a 10% wine based margarita mix and ice... I looked it up and the whole bottle of the mix is 9$ and a serving size is a whole glass! Why is this drink called a margarita when there isn't a drop of tequila? How deceiving! Paying customers are ordering a margarita and getting watered down wine. When I complained to management they were nice enough to let me get a glass of wine instead. So now I had a 15$ sippy cup sized amount of wine..... this place is actually a joke!!!

Went during day time on a beautiful day around election time. The service lady was quite friendly but stretched thin. Food (breakfast- pancakes and sandwiches) was mediocre. Tasted like microwaved food. Beers were pretty disappointing and overpriced (10-12 bucks for a bottle). The ambience and open space was great. Guess it's all about the location.

The view was amazing, but the service was terrible. I don't know how this place got on the best of Boston list for 2021 with its incredibly limited beer and wine menu. There were five servers working who did nothing other than shoot the shit and practice hanging upside down on the ropes for the hanging chairs. There were signs up saying that they were hiring. For what? More people to do nothing? There were only two people working: the bartender and the guy running the food window. Speaking of, the "food" is overpriced and horrible. You can get better food as a frozen meal at the supermarket. Eat before you go for sure. Go for the view and drinks, but don't expect decent food or any service.

Didn't try the food, but great atmosphere for a nice evening in Boston! Live music was fun, we sat upstairs with a nice view of the city. I had Sangria and it was good, nothing amazing. Definitely a fun way to spend a nice fall evening!

Absolutely disgusting food! Drinks over 10 bucks for a can and the seltzer was gross (54 bucks for 4 cans of drinks)!!! Food is inedible and our waiter was terrible at his job. When asked for plates, was told" I'm sure I can find some". Got pork sliders, Mac and cheese bites, and chicken tacos. Be warned, do not spend your hard earned money here. I don't leave reviews often, but felt compelled to tell others, STAY AWAY!!!

Fully outdoors. Food is not worth the trip. Don't allow dogs, even though fully outdoors with no kitchen.

Location is nice, since it is outside, but you can find that anywhere in Boston these days. The problem is, they are using the pandemic to fleece their customers. Aside from the high prices for beer, their "interpretation" of the COVID ordinance requiring food purchase is beyond conservative. They require each person to purchase an entree, which basically entails a pre-wrapped ham and cheese sandwich for $12. While other restaurants in Boston allow patrons to split an entree or order snacks (the server said fries aren't expensive enough to meet the ordinance), this place makes no effort to appease the casual resident or tourist just passing through. Which, by the way, is 90% of the foot traffic in that area. It's definitely not the type of place you'd go for a sit-down dinner, so why pretend to be one? Especially at 3 in the afternoon. And if you want to pretend, then pick up your food game. You can get the sandwiches and chips you're slinging at 7-11 for 1/3 the price. And that draft beer should be no more than $4 given the brewery and size of the plastic cups. Shame on you... So take a little pride in your business, step up your game, and realize who you are. Know your location and audience. People aren't going to your outdoor bar for a meal, they are looking for a quick snack and drinks. If they wanted an overpriced glass of wine and crappy meal, they'd go to Hanover street. It's like some of these places aren't even trying anymore....

I was really looking forward to anchor opening again this spring. its never had the most amazing food or drinks- but to be outside with neighbors while kids played and dogs laid at our feet was amazing. Apparently this year- no dogs even though it's outdoors and spread out. it was fun while it lasted, anchor. headed to the city's pet friendly spots Next weekend.

Great spot with beautiful views and friendly staff. Lots of places to sit and enjoy the beautiful weather with a couple drinks. Also, great playlist!

Foods terrible. Overpriced drinks. Only thing that's nice is the view and it's a public park so you can see that anywhere.

Beautiful area but the service was abysmal. I was in line waiting to order, then I noticed a sign saying that if you could see this sign, that means there are too many people in line. A staff member then came up to us and said that the line was too long and that we can either wait and come back when the line was shorter or have a seat and wait for a waitress to come by. We decided to take a seat and wait for the waitress who never came by. A waitress acknowledged other groups who were already settled in (apparently these groups were friends of that waitress), but unfortunately no one ever came to our table even though we were clearly waiting to be helped. After 20 minutes of waiting, we decided to go elsewhere. Very disappointing, will not be back. Please pay attention to your customers!

Boy was this a flop and a half. I genuinely don't understand how it got such a high rating in other places. I went with my partner, and our friends for a get together and everything was terrible. The small selection of beer was underwhelming and forgettable. The cost was way too expensive for something to be called an establishment. I understand people don't go to a beer garden for the food but it was also some of the worst food I've ever had. We got the mezze plate that had dry old cucumbers, celery, red peppers, and stale pita. At first I thought the cucumber was moldy but it was just old. The bites were Kraft Mac and cheese shaped like chicken nuggets and were limp and bland. The one star review feels far too generous for what it is but the view was gorgeous. Oh and last thing, the live music was an annoyance with a terrible guitarist that was purely just a nuisance more than anything fun.

Desperately in need of new management or owners or both. The area has SO much potential and it's sad to see it squandered by an establishment who I think genuinely believes this is the best they can offer. Boston deserves spots like this that are waterfront, proximal to do much history and generate great taxes for the community they serve. If I were a restauranteur, this would be a great investment for a total overhaul. Start with the food, increase your drink selection and highlight local offerings!

We were excited to visit especially since I used take my sons to the water park that serves as your back drop. Sadly the excitement faded quite quickly after our arrival. We were told the line was getting too long and our options were to either wait til the que died down and get back in line or take a seat and wait for a waitress. We waited 20 minutes while we watched a waitress who's name I think is Sara service the tables around us as they were personal friends of hers from the conversations and interactions she had repeatedly with those two particular tables. The line didn't seem to diminish and the waitress clearly left us feeling overlooked and unappreciated so we had no choice but to walk out and take our business elsewhere. That's no way to treat customers!

We were so excited to try this place for the first time. It has so much potential. Every time we go for a run and pass by, we comment on how fantastic the set-up here is. Great views, cool area, unique set-up. This place legitimately has the potential to be the best beer garden in the city. So why the 3 star review? I genuinely want this place to succeed, and think there are a few key areas for improvement. If addressed, the sky is the limit. 1) I understand with COVID there are limitations to beer gardens and one of those is that food is required to be served. On the one hand: I think this place does a good job of having interesting items on the menu. On the other hand: I paid $12 for a cold, soggy tofu wrap that had clearly been sitting in a cooler for several hours. The only other option being a hot dog that wasn't even listed on the menu. First bite of the wrap put a damper on the entire experience. Literally. 2) Prices. I ordered 2 beers, a wrap, a hot dog, and 2 waters. Total cost was $52. I know in large part you're paying for the view and the experience - but holy cow. I guess cups of water aren't an option, and you can only BUY bottled water here. In general I think it's poor form to charge for water at a bar/restaurant. BUT if you're gonna do it, you should at least inform people. I think if someone could look into these issues and figure out some sort of solution I'd be here every week. But as it currently stands, I don't think I can justify going back.

DO NOT PATRONIZE this establishment. They have mediocre wine served in plastic, some beers or IPAs and lousy food. On top of it, they are terrible neighbors, playing their music so loud that it is affecting the quality of life of the people who live nearby, robbing us of a quite home. Visit Pier 6, just around the corner with better views, better food and better drinks!

Great waterfront location but the food is TERRIBLE! Chicken fingers are definitely better from McDonald for a better price!!!!! Food was mandatory to order per person!!! If you made this type of policy you need to make sure the menu has few great food options!!! Complete rip-off!!!! Here is my menu recommendations to replace that disgusting sandwich & chicken fingers .... waste of money &easy stomachache : Avocado toast +smoked salmon +capers ( so EASY to make and DELICIOUS) PLEASE WORK ON A BETTER FOOD MENU!!! IM GIVING 2 for the location only ....food menu needs to be changed ....

The views and the physical space are perfect. The food, however, is truly horrible. I made the mistake of ordering the lobster bisque, and it tasted like vomit. The sangria was artificially flavored. My kids were so disappointed with the chicken tacos - just a chicken finger with lettuce and mayo - they did not constitute even a snack. And my husband was not impressed with the tiny pork sliders. The beer choices were good, but be ready to spend $12/can. What was laughable was that, after spending way too much on this terrible food, we were chastised for bringing in pizza from nearby Brewer's Fork because the Anchor claims to have a "full kitchen". This could be a great place to meetup with friends if only the food and beverage offerings matched the setting!

Amazing place, i stopped here when i was visiting boston and i was not disappointed! The foods great and the staff and nice and accommodating!

While the views of Boston and outdoor space is great, the place is extremely disorganized and overpriced. There is a single bar for drinks with a long line you have to stand in just to pick from a few canned beer options. I understand due to MA restrictions you have to get food, but they didn't even seem to know what they still had in stock. They then gave us the wrong order and the chicken tenders were still frozen. Overall, it would be better worth your time and money to get takeout and sit along the pier and eat.

Paying for the view, which you can get for free just walking by or sitting along the harbor. $30+ for 1 beer, 1 wine and 2 pretzels. Seating has a variety of options and it looks great and inviting. New requirement of having to order food with each 1st drink you purchase makes this place even more expensive. To add insult to injury the pretzels purchased were inedible, rock hard and luke warm. Beyond disappointed, so save your money and take it to another outside venue that has food you can actually consume and enjoy.

Beautiful location with a GREAT staff of friendly, fun people! Great for a big event or a quick hangout

Don't come here unless you love paying $15 for a beer, and eating high school football stadium food. Nice view, but not worth the prices.

highly recommend the anchor if you're looking for a beautiful outdoor to enjoy a drink and some food! Love the live music and events they put on! Can't wait to try out their dance lessons in the coming week!!

The drinks were decently priced for the location and the view is great. Stay away from the food though. $9 for a single chicken strip in a tortilla and $11 for the worst barbecue I've ever been served.

Lovely spot, BUT. All the food was cold, nothing on menu to choose from because items were not available. We were not given plates, etc. Pancakes were burned. Food and service was awful, the views saved the day

I write this 1 star review despite really liking the Anchor. This is a review out of love, especially for our neighborhood. So I'm local and often bring new people here. Live music and the scene and the view are 5 star. Issue is, friend's review is always the same and I have to echo it: "amazing space.. drinks are way overpriced". So we then always end up leaving for greener pastures and they wouldn't want to return down the road. Here's the rub: every drink is about $4-$5 overpriced. A regular 16oz can IPA can cost $12-$14 which is unheard of elsewhere in Charlestown. And they're not Maine Beer or anything. I understand this is a beer garden that needs to make it's money etc etc but any price drop would be made up for in repeat business. It's becoming increasingly tough to recommend it with normal prices for drinks nearby and the now ubiquitous patio/outdoor options nowadays. It was once unique but not so much anymore. Hope things will change! I walk by daily and always WANT to stop in for one but can't justify it

they have a great location but very limited food for vegetarians, the day we went they were out of their beg wraps, pretzel was so dry and didnt count toward a drink, drink choices is limited just some wine and beer