Temple Records ★ 4.5
$$$$
Beacon HillMon-Thu 17:00-00:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-01:00. Closed Sun.
Temple Records on Temple Place runs a listening bar modelled on the 1950s listening bars of Japan, with a bartender-curated vinyl programme of jazz, Japanese pop and ambient.
TipWhiskey cocktails are the order; nothing is shaken, to keep the room quiet. Reserve through the website; no-shows are charged 25 dollars a head.
State Park ★ 4.3
$$$$
CambridgeMon-Thu 16:00-01:00, Fri 16:00-02:00, Sat 10:00-02:00, Sun 10:00-23:00.
State Park in Kendall Square is the Big Dipper Hospitality basement bar with shuffleboard, a deep jukebox and vinyl-only DJ sets three weekends a month.
TipSoulelujah DJ night is the marquee Saturday. Brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10:00; bar runs to 02:00 Friday and Saturday.
Bleacher Bar ★ 4.0
$$$$
Kenmore FenwayMon-Thu 11:30-00:00, Fri-Sat 11:30-02:00, Sun 11:30-22:00.
Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne Street sits beneath the Fenway Park bleachers with a one-way garage-door window straight onto centre field. Burger and beer menu.
TipGame-day window seats book by lottery on the website. Off-day walk-ins are easy; arrive 30 minutes before first pitch for the field view.
The Tam ★ 4.3
$$$$
Beacon HillMon-Fri 10:00-02:00, Sat-Sun 11:00-02:00.
The Tam on Tremont Street is the Theater District Irish dive with a cheap pour, a long bar, an unmovable jukebox and a 02:00 close every night of the week.
Tip$4 well drinks before 21:00 most weeknights. Cash gets the friendlier nod; the back of the bar holds the regular crowd.
Highland Kitchen ★ 4.5
$$$$
SomervilleDaily 17:00-01:00.
Highland Kitchen on Highland Avenue has poured craft cocktails and Southern-leaning American comfort food in Somerville since 2007. Upscale dive feel.
TipKitchen closes 22:00, bar runs to 01:00. Mai Tai is the canonical order; the back booth fills first on weekends.
Miracle of Science Bar + Grill ★ 4.2
$$$$
CambridgeDaily 11:30-01:00.
Miracle of Science on Mass Ave has run a science-themed neighbourhood bar in Central Square since 1991. Periodic-table chalkboard menu, the Ronie burger.
TipOrder from the chalkboard, not a paper menu. The patio opens in spring; the bar closes 01:00 every night.