Best Bars Along The Boston Marathon Route

Those who have done it know; running 26.2 miles is grueling, yet rewarding. But on Marathon Monday, let's face it; many spectators would prefer the reward of some pub food and a drink. So, if you prefer a drink at the bar over a protein bar, this list is for you.

Keeping in mind that locations early in the Boston Marathon course would have you drinking at dawn, here are our top 5 marathon route bars, by location. Then let us know about your favorite Marathon Monday spots, in the comments section below.

For more options, check out: More Great Bars Along The Boston Marathon Route

Cityside Restaurant and Bar
Cleveland Circle

1960 Beacon St
Brighton, MA 02135
617-566-1002
Website

Cityside sits at mile 22, in the heart of Cleveland Circle, and where the race really heats up. Spectators typically mob the sidewalks here. Cityside has an upstairs patio that puts you high above those crowds and gives you the perfect panoramic view of the race. If that's not enough party for you, they serve up $2 Coors Light drafts and $0.25 wings. Make sure to pace yourself. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

An Tua Nua
Audobon Circle

835 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02215
617-262-2121
Website

Just past mile marker 25, this Irish pub is the last bar on the route before the crowds become crushing in Kenmore. An Tua Nua brings a casual attitude and two stories of wall-to-wall windows. It allows plenty of viewing room in a laid-back atmosphere.

Eastern Standard
Kenmore Square

528 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA 02215
617-532-9100
Website

This one is a bit on the fancy side, but is still one of the best marathon-watching spots on the route. Onlookers can sit out on the patio and catch the leaders as they start their final-mile sprint to the finish line. Did we mention that it's located right in Kenmore Square? Expect the scene to turn really crazy around 2:30 p.m. when the Red Sox game gets out.

Cactus Club
The Homestretch

939 Boylston St # 2
Boston, MA 02115
617-236-0200
Website

The party on Marathon Monday makes Cinco de Mayo look like Johnny Appleseed Day (if you're wondering, it's March 11). As runners turn the corner onto Boylston Street, the finish line is in sight and the crowd is going absolutely wild. Cactus Club's patio gives you the best of both worlds; the intense crowd energy along with some much-needed breathing room.

Solas
The Finish Line

710 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
617.933.4803
Website

There are a plethora of great bars peppered along the homestretch. But only one can be last in line. Solas sits mere feet from the Boston Marathon finish line. Solas means "comfort" in Gaelic. Appropriately, it's a relatively comfortable spot to hide out from the wall-to-wall crowds outside, as you wait for your much-more-motivated friends to finish the race. The second floor is the best seat in the house.