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Name: The Black Rose
Address: 160 State St, Boston, MA, 02109
Telephone: (617) 742-2286
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.47

The Black Rose

160 State St, Boston, MA, 02109

(617) 742-2286
Store is closed

The Black Rose Menu

Appetizers

Maryland Style Crab Cakes

Smithwick’s Steamed Mussels

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Point Judith Calamari

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Curry Chips

Nachos

Onion Rings
Salads

Wild Greens

Caesar

Bistro Salad

Wedge Salad

Cobb
Salad Additions

Pan Seared Scallops

Steak Tips

Grilled Chicken

Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Salmon
Sandwiches

New England Lobster Roll

Mother Sweeney’s Corned Beef

Black Rose Burger

Pub Burger

Buffalo Chicken

Roisin Dubh Club

Molly Malone

Reuben

Farmhouse Chicken

Chicken Salad
Entrees

Fish & Chips

Guinness Beef Stew

Chicken Pot Pie

Irish Lamb Shank

Bangers & Mash

Shepherds Pie

Fruits of The Rose

Georges Bank Scallops

Irish Mixed Grill

North Atlantic Salmon

Irish Trio

Steak Tips

Chicken Curry

NY Sirloin Strip
Breakfast

Irish Breakfast

American Breakfast

Breakfast Bagel

3 Egg Omelette

Breakfast Wrap

Breakfast Bowl

Fruit and Granola

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Black Rose

Appetizers

Maryland Style Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smithwick’s Steamed Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Chicken Tenders [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Point Judith Calamari [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spinach & Artichoke Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Curry Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nachos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Wild Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bistro Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wedge Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cobb [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salad Additions

Pan Seared Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches

New England Lobster Roll [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mother Sweeney’s Corned Beef [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Rose Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pub Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buffalo Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roisin Dubh Club [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Molly Malone [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Reuben [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farmhouse Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entrees

Fish & Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guinness Beef Stew [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Pot Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Irish Lamb Shank [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bangers & Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shepherds Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fruits of The Rose [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Georges Bank Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Irish Mixed Grill [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

North Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Irish Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

NY Sirloin Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Breakfast

Irish Breakfast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

American Breakfast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Breakfast Bagel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

3 Egg Omelette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Breakfast Wrap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Breakfast Bowl [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fruit and Granola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.

Boston Common Coffee Co. ( 97 Salem St )

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 725 Commonwealth Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Boston for healthy meals suggestion.

Einstein Bros Bagels ( 725 Commonwealth Ave )

Write An Anonymous Review

Anastasia R.

This is a tiny Irish bar in the middle of the tourist district that's real crowded. The beer was $6 a pint. Not awesome. It is supposed to have live music every night at 9:30 and the night we went it was supposed to be Irish pub music/drinking songs. However once they started playing it was clear that the band had an affinity for country western covers, because every other tune was a slow, sad, I'm crying in my beer because my wife cheated on my song. WTF? Plus when he got to the Irish sing along songs, I couldn't understand a thing that came out of his mouth and had no idea how to participate. This is when I came to the realization that I may actually be too white for an Irish bar...
(2)
Tom H.

The Black Rose, perhaps one of the most identifiable Irish bars in the area (maybe the city) stands out on its corner location with a classic green trim/red door combined with gold Celtic lettering, to create an authentic, inviting vibe. Inside, flags with family names and crests hang from the ceiling, (no doubt playing into the Irish-American identity sought out by so many Bostonians and out of towners) and features a two-story layout, with full bars on both floors, featuring standard Irish bar draft choices, and a few more local specialties (Harpoon 100 series). The menu is standard Irish fare, and specializes in steak and seafood. The main reason to visit The Black Rose however, is the live Irish music, (sometimes playing simultaneously on stages upstairs and down) Accompanied often times by enthusiastic patrons who will not hesitate to sing and dance along to traditional tunes.
(3)
Todd A.

So much fun! Great band, great drinks, great people and service.
(5)
Ben F.

If you go during a low-traffic time, preferably before the evening crowds and on the weekdays, the Black Rose is a great place to have a drink. Reasonably priced, with a good drink selection, I like this place. (I have no idea what the food is like, however).
(4)
Courtney H.

This place is a pretty decent Irish pub if you are looking for a drink. They didn't have the liquor I normally like and they didn't have Jack Daniels which is ALL my friend will drink, so we had to get other versions of them. Since we already had 8 drinks that night, I'm not sure we noticed much. They had a very interesting Irish band with some older gentlemen playing which was pretty nice to see. They were truly authentic. My friend liked them so much she just had to give them a $20 tip. I really think the fake Jack Daniels clouded her judgement there, but it was a decent band. I've never eaten here and I don't really feel like I need to, but if you are looking for a good Irish bar to do what the Irish do best--drink-- then check this place out!
(3)
Dee H.

Came back recently with the children during family hour, around 6pm, and it appears others had the same idea with their families. Everyone enjoyed their meal here and would look forward to coming back. For dessert, I had the black and white pudding again, and the young ones enjoyed their milk and cookies (the kitchen made fresh cookies for us!) The service was again friendly and delightful.
(4)
Jeffrey S.

Irish Pub hopping in Boston on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Lots of suits. Great atmosphere and good looking bar. The bartender was a trip! Watched some premier league soccer and had a few beers. Worth a stop!
(4)
Peg P.

I am a fan of The Black Rose for a variety of reasons. First, The Black Rose is in a great location in Boston, situated along a myriad of other bars, restaurants, and shopping. I think this is a great place to stop in and grab a beer while out and about in Boston. Second, I like the Black Rose for its lunch and dinner menu. I think it has a nice mixture of Irish foods as well as more typical American bar foods. I personally like their soups and I think they make a pretty sizable and filling salad. I have other items off of the menu and been pleased. Third, The Black Rose is a great venue for live entertainment. The Black Rose has two levels, with the first floor being more traditional Irish music , while the second floor has more contemporary music as well as U2 cover bands etc. Both floors have a full bar and both floors serve food. I find that the first floor of The Black Rose pulls for the touristy crowd eager to hear "Oh Danny Boy" and " Irish Rover," while the folks who like the second floor are regulars who want to hear more Irish rock type music. The Black Rose gets crowded, especially on Friday and Saturdays and often there is a line to get ion. I think it is worth it to wait in line. I have also been here for St. Pa tricks Day and had a BLAST.
(4)
Erika S.

Ahhh, The Black Rose. I love this place. What's not to love about a very typical Irish pub with very typical irish fare. The food is good, not great. But it's the atmosphere that keeps me coming back. After a day of shopping around Boston what better thing to do than sit back with a Smithwick's and some friends listening to someone play guitar and laughing the night away. Irish Rose....I heart you.
(4)
L. G.

Always have a good time here. And always seem to run into people I know, too. Never eaten here so I can't speak to the food, but it's good place to hang out, have a few beers and listen to some live music.
(4)
Lauren V.

This is about the only bar I can stand in the vicinity of Faneuil Hall. Black Rose is a two-floor Irish pub in what is technically the FD. The downstairs often has music pumping and its a little bit more, ahem, collegiate. (That's been my experience anyways.) I usually head upstairs so I can grab a drink, take a seat and relax next to the fake fire. [Aside] The fake fire is awesome. Drunks are like moths to an artificial flame with this thing. One time this dumb drunk ran over squealing about how she was going to "warm up" before she went out into the cold. Uh...good luck. But thanks for providing fodder for me and my BF. [End Aside] Anyways. Girls, as usual, you will have better luck getting a drink than your man. I would definitely suggest making this a pit stop on a night out. You know, an after dinner drink or a pre-drinkfest drink.
(3)
Stan B.

Friendly if inattentive staff. Nice atmosphere. The food was passable, nothing of note. Had the Fruit of the Rose. It was OK, but did not wow me by any means. Wine and beer selection is good. I would imagine this place being more for drinking and standard bar fare. Not a bad way to spend lunch, but there are better. Went back for drinks after dinner. It is a much better atmosphere for drinking and hanging out than eating. Irish music downstairs and upstairs. Good seating for small groups.
(3)
Roxanne K.

Visited this place after my boss told us we had to go to an irish pub down at Fanueil hall. We were so glad we did! haha. We came here on Thursday evening ~8:30pm. It wasn't too crowded as we were able to get a table for 3 right away. Service was great! I got the pork chops and applesauce (never had it in my entire life). Pork chops were moist and delicious. I don't know if its because I'd never had it before, but adding the applesauce just made it funky... eh, not my cup of tea. oh well. the sausage stuffing was good too! The portion size was a bit large (for me), but they did charge $14.00 for it...sadly, i couldn't take the leftovers home since there's no microwave in the hotel. oh, i also ordered clam chowder. it was so yummy! it wasn't all sand-y.... or too salty or potato-y. My companions ordered the fishcakes and the spinach artichoke dip. both were really yummy!!!! For dessert we got boston cream pie and the bread pudding. i don't like bread pudding, so i can't comment on that. but the boston cream pie was yummy. Please note that everything tastes yummier when it's reimbursed by work.... right? hahahhaha While we were eating dessert, the band had started playing. They were so cute. There were 2 older men and a younger one playing the fiddle. haha. The old man had such a thick accent I couldn't understand, but that's part of the fun! There was an old couple who decided to get up and dance in the middle of the pub (soooo cute!) and everyone cheered them on. All in all, the atmosphere was great, service was quick and accomodating (splitting checks was not a big deal!), and food was decent. If I didn't have to get up early the next morning, I'd've tried some of their drinks... next time! hehe
(4)
Meghan F.

Authentic Irish pub, our bartender had an Irish brogue. I like this bar because they have live Irish music every night of the week including Sunday! I am told it is crowded on Friday and Saturday but it was full without being packed at 10pm on Sunday with room at the bar.
(5)
Misty F.

Went there for St. Patrick's Day. My purse was full of gold dollar coins from the subway's machine, so I offered them to the doorman as my cover charge (which was $10). In a thick accent, he told me he hated those fucking gold coins and that I needed real money. I love Boston. Once I pulled out cash from the ATM, we were ready to get back inside. The door man then said it was a $20 cover charge per person, but I cracked some jokes with him and then he let me and my friend in for $10 total. We went to the up stairs area and was able to get super fast and friendly service to keep the level of alcohol in our system at an optimal level. There was a long line for the bathroom upstairs but these are old buildings that were built a million year ago and I forgive them. We pounded some beers until the wee hours of the morning (we made this our last bar on our bar hopping tour for St. Pattys day). They even gave us plenty of time to stumble out into the street where we found greasy street vendor food that tamed our drunk munchies.
(4)
Kyle S.

My parents and I stopped in The Black Rose to catch a World Cup game after a day trip to Boston. It's a cool bar, with two floors, and we ended up in the upstairs portion, where there was room to sit at the bar and watch the game. They had a decent selection of beer, and we shared a plate of nachos which were good, though nothing special. I'd love to check this place out at night, as I'm sure it's pretty fun.
(4)
Kate K.

Pretty good prices for downtown. The chicken pot pie looked FANTASTIC! I had the wedge salad which blew my mind. As someone who has been to Ireland for a lengthy amount of time, this restaurant/pub is on par with what you would find in Galway or Dingle (yeah, I just said Dingle, so what, wanna fight about it?), and the food definitely reminded me of the fatty mcfatterson food you would find in the pubs in Ireland. If you're choosing between here and someone else nearby, just come here, because it's pretty delicious. Not sure about the night life, so you'll just have to figure that out yourself.
(4)
Susan L.

Lively traditional Irish bar, with good service despite being in a heavily-tourist area. Get there early and enjoy watching it transition from locals, to an after-work crowd, to a busy tourist destination. I've only been there for a drinks, but they have good beer and cider, and even their house cabernet isn't bad.
(4)
Chad C.

Stopped in for lunch on a Friday, fun atmosphere. Lobster roll and sweet potato fries were delicious! Prices were good and service was as well. It was not very busy so service was quick. A good Boston pub!
(4)
Aaron K.

I have yet had the honor of hearing live music here; however, I have had food and drinks here. It's absolutely fine, but it's just not amazing. Here's why: the food is average pub food, and the beer selection is lacking. I give props for Green Monsta IPA on tap, but that was about it in terms of other-than-standard. Bottom line is that the Black Rose is fun for a quick drink if downtown, but there's other good stuff, too.
(3)
James H. G.

The wife had fish and chips and the serving size was quite enough to fill her up. Good fish and the cole slaw was very tasty. I had the trio; stew, Shepherds Pie both stewed with Guinness and two bangers plus some fries. WOW and Damn, the heavenly dark liquid with an inch of head, Guinness outta the tap, mmm two of them and went down smooth. Had a soloist strumming and singing before their 930pm advertised time so just made an AWESOME atmosphere.
(5)
Jennifer B.

went to a Late lunch in the beginning of March with my twins to show them some Bits of Ireland with the County Flags. Great Atmosphere for a Pub with children & a Sober person .. Watch some European Futbol .. Waitresses were Friendly .. Along with the Manager Food was Excellent too ..
(5)
Kerri Y.

The atmosphere is the reason the come to the Black Rose- even on a Tuesday night the place is pretty packed, the Irish band is playing, people are up and dancing! As other reviews state, its a good place to bring out of town guests or a good place to change it up from the typical faneuil hall bar scene.The food is good- not fantastic- but decent. Overall guaranteed to be a good time.
(3)
Sarah F.

It was cold and about to snow so we picked the first place we saw to eat lunch at on a December Saturday afternoon. It was pretty drafty inside but interesting decor. The food was average pub food. Our waitress was nice. It wasn't too full because it was early afternoon and we didn't have to wait for a table. There are certainly a lot of restaurants in the Faneuil Hall area and this was a fine option but I think I'd like to try another place next time I'm in the area.
(2)
Drew W.

Service and food excellent. Irish Pub seems popular with the locals
(4)
Jeffery P.

Frightening chicken (parts?) on Irish Nachos. Gamey corned beef on Reuben. Poor excuse for tartar sauce with otherwise passable fish & chips. Sam Brick Red on draft was great!
(1)
Remie M.

Met up with some friends from middle/HS . . . what i've noticed Im always meeting up with friends from CA in different states! hahaha ne ways, walked in the pub and it was clean and just a few ppl in here We ordered drinks and "caught" up since i haven't seen them in years! There was a live performer on his guitar singing some recent songs. Every parton was friendly and was there to have a good time. . . this was our first bar of the night. . .
(4)
Eva M.

You don't come here to eat. You come here for the IRISH band and for the drinks. Lots of fun drunken singing and a sometimes some people even get out of their seats to dance. People mingle and are friendly.
(5)
Pete J.

I liked this place. First, the look of the bar - It's a mix of authentic and what Americans think an authentic Irish bar looks like. Does that make sense? The dark woods, cozy corners, ledges for leaning and drinking. But I challenge you to find a bar in Ireland with all those flags hanging from the ceiling :) The bartender was Irish and friendly. Knowledgeable of the beers they carried. Beers were cold! Decent selection also. Food was good. I got the RLT - it's a take on the BLT, but with rashers (Irish bacon, more like ham, or Canadian bacon). It came with a big mound of fries and for $8 was a good deal. Girly got the pub burger, which was a decent size with cheese for $10. She upgraded to sweet potato fries for an additional $1 and reported back that they were great. Didn't get a chance to listen to the music as the band didn't start until 9:30, which personally I though was a bit too late for a Wednesday night, but that's just me. I really liked the demographic of this place's patrons. It was reminiscent of British/Irish pubs, where you would find your granddad in one corner of the bar talking and drinking with his pals, while in the other corner would be your niece who just turned 18 (ok, 21 here) yukking it up with her lot. I'll be back!
(4)
Mary T.

Wildly embarrassing first date moment, narrowly avoided! We came over to The Black Rose after dinner nearby to catch some live music, grab a few more drinks and talk. We arrived shortly before the music began and were able to score a few seats at the upstairs bar. It seems they not only have live music, but one band upstairs and one downstairs, which is nice. They have a decent beer selection and despite the live music, the place doesn't get super loud so it's still possible to carry on a conversation without shouting. The crowd definitely errs on the younger side, at least it did when we were there. When the music started, I heard a familiar song. I've heard it most frequently at a bar back home where dirty limericks and refrains are the norm. I was glad the band didn't have my full attention because had I shouted out the no-so-PG, vulgar refrain I'm used to hearing, I can almost guarantee I would have had the whole upstairs bar's attention. The only reason this place gets 3 stars and not 4 is the upstairs women's bathroom. The bathrooms are tiny - as in I smacked my elbows on the sides of the stall pulling up my jeans - but that's not the reason for the dock of a star. There was a hole, through the tile and sub-floor, that was about 5" across and 8" deep right at the edge of the toilet. To make matters worse, some thought it appropriate to toss their dirty toilet paper in it. A hole like that doesn't appear overnight, you think they'd nail some plywood over it or something - gross!
(3)
Kathleen C.

Ahhh...a welcome respite from the bar next door. Visited for a drink and it was such a welcome atmosphere. The spot was friendly and a fun spot to sit for a drink. The bartender offered to let me try a few wines before I chose one to drink. He was so nice. The prices were reasonable, the drinks delicious and the spot warm and inviting. Definitely a spot to stop in if you are in the area.
(4)
Sara M.

I went to a work event here and my review is mixed. When we showed up, they said, "ok you can go upstairs, but we have a big party coming and you'll have to move downstairs." I told them I was in the big party, and they had no idea the name of the group or how many people were coming. The people they were kicking out of the upstairs were not relocated, so we shared our space with other people, no problem, it was a big space. Food was brought out - chicken on a stick, chicken tenders, crudite, and spanakopita (spelling?) All were good, but nothing special and clearly straight out of the freezer. Drinks were standard, although two of my friends could not get drinks because the replacement bartender didn't know how to use the register and therefore would not help them. Overall, a nice atmosphere, but spotty service and standard food.
(3)
Kyle S.

Great food, great atmosphere, good service.
(4)
Michael D.

This was my first time here, I felt awkward at first given the individual next to me had been cut off for whatever reason (seemed like a personal thing, but clearly he needed to go). Mind you, it was around 4pm on a Sunday. After this event, the rest of my experience was well above par, great service and as a traveling businessman this filled a gap. Great atmosphere, meet people I would not normally have interacted and had a good time. Tried the chowder as I had seen it on a few other Yelp reviews, might agree with the need to do a better job; I think it had a bit of a powdered taste due to the rue. This is a first level mistake, I don't expect this from an experienced chef; even when your flavors hit on all cylinders. So a 4 because front of the house can cover for back's mess up. I'll be back, hopefully some.
(4)
Jason J.

Out of town friends want to see a few typical "Boston" bars. okay.jpg. I can supply that. Doorman: $10 cover to get in to the bar. Me: What if we are here to eat? Doorman: No cover, but the wait is 45 minutes. You can go to the bar in the meantime. Me: Well I'll be damned, turns out we are here to eat. We were not there to eat. Keep that in your back pocket.
(3)
Caitlin F.

As a first time visitor to Boston, I can't guarantee this bar is awesome every Saturday night, but man did we get lucky. Stopped here for a quick beer with my family on the way back to our hotel, and ended up staying for 5. Amazing Irish music, great crowd, everyone drinking, singing, and clapping along.
(4)
Mary L.

I enjoy the Black Rose, but can only handle it once a year. Pluses: 1. Great live Irish music - soooo needed! I wish there were more bars with musicians like these. People will dance the jig in front of the stage, and 80% of the people in the bar will sing along once they hear a chorus or two. 2. Very friendly staff, bouncers, waitresses, bartenders 3. Gives you the feel of a hollywood irish bar set. Everyone is rosy cheeked from the guinness, arms over one another, swaying the song. Flags overhead from the different family names. Possible Cons: 1. Extremely crowded 2. Expect to get beer on you 3. Very loud I enjoy a crazy night out, especially on St. Patrick's Day weekend. I've never had their food, so my stars are based upon the beer and music. Sliante!
(4)
Maria Z.

I have always had a good experience here but not last night. A group of us went here for dinner after drinks. The hostess asked if we were here for food and we said yes. We were seated and given menus and the waitress took our drink order. After getting drinks including a beer that the waitress dropped on my friend, we were told the full menu was not available and we were given a list of items available which included about five things, literally. If you don't have food, you probably should tell your guests that before you seat them. We went to the Granary Tavern and it was great!
(1)
Daniel M.

The Black Rose is definitely an Irish pub. My Guinness was excellent. Clean glass, accurately poured and good to the taste. Our server Eileen was delightful and very sweet. She knew the menu and was helpful in our selections. I really enjoyed the New England clam chowder and my Guinness Beef Stew with Mash ( charged extra for these). My wife had the Fruits of RosÃ© ( seafood melody ). She said it was good. Our daughter enjoyed her scallops. For a pub the food was pretty good. Beer was very good.
(4)
Amy J.

It's just a must-visit watering hole in Boston
(4)
John R.

Went mid day with my Fiancee before the Beer Festival... had a Sam Adams, bartender had a thick Irish accent & was friendly.. sat and had a Lobster Roll & Clam Chowder, both delish.
(4)
Brad J.

The lobster special was very good. Casual atmosphere, service was a little slow but was very busy. Waitress was very polite. Chowder was good too.
(4)
Shirley C.

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place and what a great find! We got the 2 lobsters dinner special (for only $18.99!!!), clam chowder, and the Irish Trio. The lobsters were definitely the stars that night. Our server was terrific and really made our dining experience enjoyable. Definitely come swing by for the lobster dinner if anything. Would love to come back to this place the next time I'm in Boston :)
(5)
Kimberly M.

After some shopping in Fenuil Hall, we were jones'n for an Irish ale.. From a real Irish pub. We wandered up the side street & into The Black Rose.. Most of the peeps there had Irish accents .. Nice.. And the menu had ur standard Irish fare.. Bangers & mash .. Yummy:-) ; corned beef & cabbage .. Yummy yummy:-) Cider & Ale.. Triple Yummy.. The wait staff was awesome.. Most of them , that is.. A problem, which was my fault..I left my credit card on the table upon leaving.. Could it be the cider?? About to go standby on my flight.. I realize that's the cc w alot of moola on it!! I called The Black Rose ..& a snippy girl answered.. Can't send.. Nope. Must come to pub. Wth? I get the possible security.. But overkill & over attitude.. When I didn't make my flight.. I went immediately there. My waitress noticed me & knew right away.. Thanking her tremendously enters snippy girl.. 'get her id! You just never know!' waitress said, ' umm I do know..' whatever control freak pub wench ... Id given & bad yelpage for u:-)
(4)
Natalia T.

The food was below average, over fried greasy fish, nasty fries ... the table was sticky :((( a couple of weeks ago Boston Now wrote about Black Rose getting some sanitary violations (ice machine dirty, dirt bar etc.) 2* for decor
(2)
Vanessa C.

I had my last drink ever here, not that I remember it.... but here goes: I ordered food - it was a large piece of meat. was it steak? pot roast? I will never be sure, but I know I only managed a few bites before pushing it away. patron shots were moderately priced. one, two... oops lost count! woke up in hotel in financial district. convenient to stumble out onto shady misadventures. 2 stars because it is not The Field. *heart*
(2)
Locutus K.

I stop into this place every now and then for lunch. The food is pretty good but a little pricey. The service is inconsistent -- the first bartender I had was so awesome and nice, we had a great conversation with her about all sorts of things. The second bartender was rude and seemed to resent us for needing service. At one point she just kind of absently plopped our forks and knives on the table without even turning in our direction. The place was pretty empty, so it wasn't because she was busy. The reason I came to write this review however is because of the beer. I don't usually notice this kind of thing because I hardly ever drink the same beer twice in a week when I go out, but I ordered the Sam Adams Summer Ale here on draft. What I got was a bitter nasty beer that tasted nothing like the amazing drink I had the night before at a more upscale place. I don't know if the taps were dirty or whatever was going on there, but it was a bad beer. I guess that's fine if you want to get drunk, but I wouldn't get the good stuff here if I went again.
(3)
Sogol G.

I have been at this place a few times and each time it was super crowded. They have live Irish band. After certain hour there is a cover charge and a line (i guess it turns into a club). Never had food there but drinks were OK.
(3)
Jenn R.

I purchased New Year's Eve tickets and was sadly disappointed to find myself standing in line in the cold for hours trying to get in, while the bouncer told us they were at capacity. They allowed people who came to dinner to ring in the New Year even though they didn't buy tickets, let non-ticket holders in to a private party upstairs and never served the champagne toast they advertised as part of the ticket price. The tickets were supposed to guarantee exclusive access. Apparently they overbooked the place! The band was too drunk to play once my sister managed to get in. I went back to my hotel because I couldn't wait any longer. They are very lucky they offered me a refund when I called them today, or I would have given them no stars. If you're just going for a quick beer, it's an okay place, but the food leaves something to be desired.
(2)
michele p.

It does not get any better than this Irish pub! The live music here is always awesome, the crowds are rowdy, and its a great spot for St.Patricks day! Just get there early, very early, if you want a good spot!
(5)
Lorena C.

Well I found this pub when I was given directions from a local Bostonian and the way he pronounced the " Black Rose Irish Pub" was so funny that I had to check it out. I went to grab a pint with my boyfriend and the guy serving us was actually Irish! Nonetheless the Irish music was constant! Very cool if I might add. My clumsy bf dropped the glass and broke the cup but the bartender said no worries and before he cleaned it, he served him another free of charge! Very nice guy. We ordered the clam chowder to go and ate it back at our hotel, it was awesome. One should stop by here when visiting Quicy market since it's right next door to it. Cheers!
(4)
Leighann F.

After a loooooong day of sightseeing while my little sister was in town, we stopped into The Black Rose for a quick bite to eat before heading to a party to watch the Pat's game. This put us in The Black Rose at around 4:30pm on a Saturday. Lots of families, large groups, a jovial eating-and-drinking crowd. No drunken college kids, no one trying to pick us up, no one bumping into me and spilling their drink on my new shirt! A man with a guitar up on the stage provided a little entertainment, belting out some of my favorite Johnny Cash songs. For these reasons, I liked my experience at The Black Rose. Perhaps we got lucky and missed the busy crowd, which allowed the service to be quick and friendly, plus, the food was good and the prices were reasonable. I had Clam Chowder in a breadbowl and a Sam Winter. My sister's choice was some kind of cheese fries that did not look as good as she claimed it was! Taking a look at other's reviews, I think I would recommend a day time visit and look at the beer menu to make sure you sit where the brand you love is served.
(4)
Ann M.

Looking for a traditional Irish Pub? LOOK NO FURTHER! The Black Rose at Faneuil Hall is so much fun-great live traditional music, awesome service from actual Irish citizens, the Black Rose is a hit for friends, dates, and families alike! We danced the night away, and afterwards the band and bouncers came over and chatted with us. Definitely a great time and will be returning again :O)
(5)
Megan J.

This was one of my and my friends favorite establishments in Boston, until tonight. Four of us decided to celebrate out birthdays here with some live Irish music. We called ahead for a table for 10 and were told that they don't take reservations on a Saturday night. When we got to the Black Rose, we were mistaken for a table of 18 that they HAD taken a reservation. We asked for a table for 8 (since a few people were running late). When more people showed up we asked if we could get another table. Sorry, that huge row of tables that has been sitting empty was for the table of 18. It sat empty for at least a third of our dinner. We finished dinner around 9:40 and were planning to drink and stay to watch the live Irish music that started at 10, when our waitress told us we had to leave our table immediately. Another group wanted our table. So I told the waitress that I thought that was a very rude policy. She said I could talk to the manager, which I said that would be great. The manager came over and asked what the problem was. I said that I thought it was very rude to be turned out of a table. He said that he seats people immediately and tries to accommodate everyone for dinner. I said fine, but if he tries to accommodate everyone and doesn't take reservations why were the tables for the 18 so protected and why didn't they take our reservation. He said that he tries to treat everyone fairly. I told him that I saw his reservation booklet and there was a clear reservation in it. He then admitted that the table for 18 was treated differently. I rolled my eyes at him and he said (and this is the worst of all) "You know I am really busy tonight and I think I have handled this situation." So I told him to go do what he needed to do and that I wouldn't be back. Honestly, there isn't a want for an Irish bar with live Irish music in Boston. The food isn't that good and the management obviously doesn't care about satisfying the customer. Go to The Burren in Somerville, The Green Dragon or Bell in Hand or Kitty O'Shea's or MJ O'Connor's in downtown, or Doyle's in Cambridge. The 21st Amendment on Beacon Hill is a great bar. Seriously, no need to patronize this place.
(1)
Tom L.

On my first trip to Boston, this was the last place I stopped. Every other time, its where I start. The Black Rose has very good food and a very traditional selection of libations. This is a great bar with good food and wonderful live Irish music. This is the quintessential Irish Pub! Its located in Faneuil Hall (Quincy Market) area...and never lets down.
(4)
Alex I.

Until last night I would have recommended The Black Rose to anyone but there was a particular staff member that treated my friend and I with complete disrespect. This place gets 1 star for the terrible way we were treated in front of people that were as puzzled as we were for being asked to leave.
(1)
Cheryl C.

This bar might be OK if you just want to order beer. We ordered whiskey sours and they were SOOO watered down couldn't taste either the whiskey or the sour mix. Maybe someone should tell the bar tenders whiskey sours don't have any water in them.
(1)
Jeffrey H.

I'm over it. Been here a couple times thanks to out-of-town friends who demanded trying this 'authentic' Irish pub whilst shopping around the ever 'fabulous' Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Food is boring and bland. Drinks are nothing special..stick with beer. Atmosphere is kind of lame and the crowd lamer. Prices aren't worth it. Writing this review makes me depressed. I guess it's cool the staff has Irish accents. But if I need a tune-up on my Irish heritage, you can find me at any one of my relatives' homes where I'll have an alcoholic drink in one hand and a fist of rage in the other.
(2)
Chuck H.

Every trip to Boston demands a night or two at the Rose. The music, food, patrons, and the bar staff are first rate. The Rose always makes an out of town guest feel right at home. Stop in and throw down a few pints and enjoy the bartenders and the casual atmosphere. Certainly on my lists of favorite pubs.
(4)
Evan P.

Oh, you say you want to go to the Black Rose? My advice: Be old. Also, be Irish.
(2)
Gator L.

The newly renovated Rose, with its new and improved restrooms, is still the Irish Pub to visit in Boston - regardless of whether you are a local or a tourist. The management and staff welcome everyone - the food is terrific, and the Guinness pour is not done by amateurs!
(5)
H S.

One of my favorite bars in town. How can you go wrong with a solid beer selection combined with live Irish music? You can't! Never ate here before, but perfect if you want to drink and listen to some great music. Almost always a great crowd of people. Easy to find, good location, and there are other bars in the area.
(5)
Hayley P.

If you're looking to have either lunch or dinner, this should be a place to consider! The location of this Irish pub was great, being located right in the shopping and downtown area. For an appetizer I had the clam chowder- best I've EVER had! All the flavors came together very nicely for a superb soup. I also had a couple onion rings, which were not heavily breaded or fried and tasted wonderful. For my meal I had the Grilled Swordfish. The swordfish itself was very good. It was my first time ever trying swordfish, & the taste was not fishy at all. The butter sauce over the fish was very good- although there could have been a little less. The fish was very tender. The meal came with steamed broccoli- also very good. The baked potato that came with it was average. The restaurant was clean and full of business. Our server was also very helpful and friendly. The price was not over the top at all. For a quick place to sit and have a meal then I would definitely recommend this!
(4)
Liana R.

When my man and I were planning a trip to see our far-flung child in Boston, friends invariably suggested the Black Rose as an "authentic Irish pub." I know that's terribly tourist-y, but what can I say? We were tourists. I'd like to support the suggestion of the Black Rose for people looking for interesting sites and good food in Boston. The dark wood and high ceilings evoke a time from long ago - and you're already in a particularly Bostonian / Paul Revere ethos after strolling through the truly lovely Faneuil Hall Marketplace (circa 1742!). My main bud, Sam Adams, and some of his freedom-minded cohorts gave some blistery speeches on those steps and through those doors - still open to the public. If you are a bit of a fan of freedom revolutions (as I am), this may be a huge turn-on. Anyhoo, back to the Rose: the waitresses spoke with a loverly Irish brogue (sure an' begorrah, they did) and the Shepherd's Pie with it's little lamb parts swimming in a thick gravy won rave reviews from the men. I had a reasonably priced Samuel Adams lager... ;)
(4)
Joe S.

As a visitor and a 3rd generation irish lad, I felt at home here. The music was great, the beer was cold, and the staff was attentive. Yes, it was crowded...but that adds to the essence of the bar. No reason this bar should not get at least 4 stars! Lots of irish people there straight off the boat too, makes it a true experience
(4)
Krys A.

Nice atmosphere, good beer, awesome irish band!
(4)
Joshua M.

I have only spent a couple of days in Boston, both years apart. But both times I managed to wind up here randomly for a late lunch. It's a run of the mill Irish bar, I have plenty back home in Chicago. But both times I have had fantastic pieces of Boston cream pie, which probably wouldn't excite a native of the city but I have never had a good piece anywhere but Boston.
(4)
Stephanie F.

Went in to grab lunch and a drink on a hot Saturday afternoon. It was packed downstairs so we headed upstairs. The service was slow. We waited a while for the waitress to take our order and bring out the food. The only highlight was that the lobster roll was good! We weren't given utensils or napkins so we had to ask for that too. Now that I've been there, I don't know if I can see myself going back.
(2)
Nosniv X.

OK, so I made the mistake of stopping in here for a late lunch, so in no way does this review reflect on the quality of this place as a drinking establishment. I walked in, and sat down at a table and ordered myself the bangers and mash, the menu even made it sound like the baked beans on the side was a plus. What I got was a couple of charred Oscar myer wieners, watery mashed potatoes, that were borderline from a box, and a little platter of what tasted like canned pork and beans. I guess this could be considered home cooking if you are a 21 year old frat boy with a can opener.
(1)
Orly M.

Boo, just another crappy dingy Irish bar where middle aged guys from the financial district hit on me and try to ply me with flat rum and cokes. No thanks. When I go to dives I like the people there to KNOW they are in a dive and not think they are in this awesome authentic bar. I'll go around the corner to the Hong Kong thankyouverymuch. I have a friend who calls Fanuiel Hall "Irish Hell" and this place and McFadden's are why.
(2)
Chase W.

One of the only places in Faneuil that I find tolerable, so thats why it gets the 4 stars- typically it would be in the three range, but the Black Rose is a borderline staple and deserves it's props. If you don't like irish music and loud carousing, then you shouldn't be in an irish pub in Faneiul hall. Nuff Ced. The food is OK, but you're not here for that- the guiness is typically poured correctly, and the staff has been friendly at most encounters. With the lack of other civilized locations in the 'Hall area, this is one of your best bets. I do loathe the fact that they find it appropriate to have a cover charge on the weekends, but I can't blame them if they can generate hte revenue and keep patrons coming back again and again. The rose gets a thumbs up!
(4)
David S.

Great bar. A bit on the pricey side, but the live music is actually enjoyable and it has an overall great atmosphere. I love it.
(4)
Hillary M.

We took my elderly grandmother here for lunch after touring Fan Hall a bit. It had just the right Irish charm to make her feel like she was getting some Boston authenticity, but I found it a bit of a tourist trap. For a fall weekend, we got a table right away for lunch, and the service was decent. Surprisingly, the food was really good! I had the onion soup and the Reuben. The clam chowders and chicken salad were well received at the table, as were the fish cakes. My husband got the bread pudding and holy cow was that OUTSTANDING. Overall the meal was pricey and the atmosphere felt gimmicky, but it satisfied my grandmother's need to feel like a 'real Bostonian' for an hour. The bathroom was DISGUSTING. What, did they not get in there to clean it from all the drunks the night before?! It was shockingly gross for 1pm on a Sunday when it wasn't even that crowded. I doubt I'll go back unless the bread pudding lures me in...
(3)
Shannon A.

Not my first choice (nor my second, third, fourth or fifth choice) for a night on the town, but I can think of worse places in Faneuil Hall. The live Irish music is fun, and they do spice it up with some more modern tunes (though the singers sometimes get a bit repetitive). The bar does get crowded, but if you can find a seat (there's a little alcove on the second floor which is perfect for a medium sized group) it can be a fun evening. All and all, not a bad place, but not the first choice for many locals. If you want a slightly more authentic Irish bar, try The Banshee or one of the countless more authentic establishments in Dorchester or Southie.
(3)
Alex R.

I know everyone likes this place. It's one of those joints where the collective consciousness of Boston has decided it's cool, so if someone in a group suggests it everyone automatically nods. "Yeah, that place is fine." But I never have any fun here. It's crowded, and usually crowded with people I don't like - guys in their late 30s who are still trying to pretend they can party like they're in college (or even worse, who actually still can party like they're in college), and tourists who're in a Real Irish Pub, this is so great, let's order a Guinness! and at least one crew of vaguely belligerent frat boys who would like a better look at your wife's rack. And every night there's a different too-loud "Celtic" band playing, which is just usually some dork with a guitar - but he's got a dork with a banjo with him, so somehow that makes it Celtic. Folk groups who call themselves Celtic because they have a banjo are like Catholic girls who call themselves easy because they give handjobs. There are worse bars in Boston. But there are so many better ones, too.
(2)
Christy M.

This place was TERRIBLE. Took some friends in town from Aussie-land here for a drink and bite to eat after a long day of being tourists and was appalled. The food was absolutely horrific. Ordered the fish and chips which is quite difficult to screw up but they somehow managed to. There are much, much better places to eat in Faneuil Hall.
(1)
Jen H.

This place was okay. I think it is getting a lower rating from me because I prefer a different scene. That being said, however, if you want an Irish bar who hires in bands that play Irish music... this is your place. I have been to Ireland, and it actually did kind of remind me of some of the pubs there. I also met a good # of people from Ireland while I was there. So again, if Irish pubs are your thing - give it a go..... if not your thing, steer clear.
(2)
Rich O.

So, in all fairness, most of my days of going out in Faneuil weekend nights are far behind me. I did however love this place back in the day. Last time I was here about a year ago I sat upstairs and had food. It was ok but it wasn't why one goes to the Rose. Sit or stand elbow to elbow, sing along and enjoy the traditional Irish music. However, most importantly, remember, NO DANCING! (the greatest sign/rule at any bar in Boston)
(4)
Sarah D.

We only came here for a Sunday morning breakfast, but it was one heck of a meal. I had the breakfast sandwich and my friend had the traditional breakfast. Both were amazing: flavorful, warm, buttery, and seasoned perfectly. Don't miss the fresh bacon or the savory potatoes! The Black Rose's food is the perfect hangover cure and the coffee is suitably strong, too.
(4)
Angel S.

Ate there, service is ok, meals are good (better than american) and price is ok.
(4)
liz d.

Upon walking in, I was totally thrown back to my trip to London. I felt like I walked into one of the many dark, cozy, friendly pubs on the narrow streets of London. So I did what felt natural and ordered us a round of Guinness, grabbed a seat at the window, and people watched. Got to chatting with some locals who said that the Black Rose is always a good time with great service, and traditional ,music. Although we didn't experience it, we were told it gets super crowded on weekend nights, so get ready for lines and lots of drunk people. To bad, because that's right up my alley!
(4)
Denise P.

I've been going to the Roisin Dubh Black Rose for years. It's been a while since I was in Boston and thought I would try it again. It's nice that some things don't change. The bar was friendly, the patrons friendly, the music great and their lobster special on a Friday night hit the spot ($16 full lobster dinner). Can't beat the location and if you want an authentic Irish pub, this is your place.
(5)
Alicia N.

I don't eat meat so I couldnt eat anything substantial on the menu, but Irish food isn't known for being veggie friendly so I don't care (just a note to vegetarians). HOWEVER, the carrot cake was soooo good I don't think I have had legit carrot cake since. Good Irish music, really nice staff...Im down...
(3)
Chris H.

Bottom line: refreshingly authentic Irish pub during the day, more of a typical bar scene at night. Great place for a Guinness and some live tunes (Irish folk music upstairs or more mainstream stuff downstairs). This is one of my favorite places in Boston. In fact, the combination of the Black Rose and the Sam Adams brewery tour is what made me excited to move here in the first place. Place is very different in the daytime than at night, in my experience. You go in during the day and it's alot of regulars. Everyone in the place (both staff and clientele) speak in a flawless brogue and you can overhear people talking about which county in Ireland they're from as if they just stepped off the boat. Very cool. I can't speak to the presence of European sports but I wouldn't be surprised and find that very encouraging. At night it becomes more like all the other places in the area, a younger more energetic crowd and usually packed. On peak nights they typically have live music, whenever I've been there they have more traditional Irish folk music upstairs and more mainstream irish themed rock downstairs. Surprisingly the crowd upstairs always seems as young and vibrant as downstairs. Beers are pretty reasonable. I've also eaten lunch here a couple times, food is pretty decent but nothing to scream about.
(5)
Anna K.

I love the band that plays here. The old guy is so funny and irish and I love him. The food here is pretty good too. It just a nice place to go on a rainy day when you want to chill out and drink and listen to good music. And on a Friday or Saturday when the line for everywhere else is around the corner, this place is a great option for a cheap cover.
(4)
Marcus D.

The Black Rose is often the checkpoint for tourists who like to say they've been to an Irish pub in Boston, and, as someone else already candidly pointed out, the Yah-Doods that pile in on weekends looking to get their roof caved in out in the street at closing time. I don't really hate this place, but I certainly do NOT love it. I've been here for beers, I've been dragged here by girls who bring me to their work functions, but I've never actually made it a night here. If given a choice between the Purple Shamrock or the Black Rose, I'd pick the Black Rose every time. A buddy of mine always got laid here, but then again he was from Bedford and the girls he nailed were probably from Bridgewater or Shrewsbury, wherever the hell that is.
(3)
Andrea M.

Live Irish music + charming Irish lads= A spleeendid time with great entertainment ! Honestly, I am never disappointed when I go to the Black Rose! Patrons can rock out to the live Irish music downstairs (Friday nights) or venture upstairs to a more modern scene- sometimes 80's music, other nights it's your typical bar/club jams. And what's best about BR? Those witty Irish conversationalist! They always keep me laughing and asking them to "SLOW down". Try it out- if not for the great beers on tap, then for those Irish chaps and their satirical humor that's guaranteed to keep you entertained- it's quite marvelous, really...
(5)
Natasha A.

Just another pub off of Faneuil Hall. Some nights it has live music but I never heard anything great.
(2)
Byron B.

Went here on our last stop before last call. there seemed to be alot of frat-boy wanna be's in here. The live band was really good (authentic Irish music). Service was very good at the bar even tho it was packed. Beers were served cold and the shots were full shots.
(3)
Jen C.

Older crowd, over priced and a strong vagina smell lingering in the air...
(2)
Diane I.

way to crowded for a what it is. just a regular downtown touristy pub. and to have a line outside... seriously... an extra star for the cute sailors in uniform there this weekend.
(2)
Jim C.

Waitress got two items wrong on our small order. Food was mediocre.
(3)
Hugh R.

I have never eaten at The Black Rose. Which is exactly why it gets one star. I'd intended to eat here, along with my eight friends, but after waiting 20 minutes for our waitress to return to our large, very obvious group sitting in an otherwise empty upstairs dining area, we left. I tried to inform the hostess at the door of our displeasure when we left but she seemed to care less. My only satisfaction is that there were at least a dozen patrons standing around waiting to be seated who no doubt heard my complaint. I can only hope some of them walked out as well.
(1)
michelle w.

Very cool place- The live Irish music was a nice touch! The bar was super packed and proved to be a hot spot within Faneiul Hall. I really enjoyed myself here, as I do at most irish pubs!
(5)
Patrick K.

Pretty bad place. Two completely separate bars in one? I say this because they have a different beer list for each bar. If you are upstairs your selection is slimmed considerably! Food was bad and service was brutal except for the nice touch of the irish accent. I think our waitress should have spent more time with checking on her customers and less perfecting her accent! Just a bad experience and I would not recommend it. The Kinsale is a much better option and that is saying something.
(1)
Steve N.

this is my Sunday afternoon place. i really like the big windows to the left of the bar. a really nice place to have a pint and read the papers. i've heard nothing good about the food, so i've never ordered.
(3)
Brendan M.

Nice pub, haven't sampled the food yet but menu looks reasonable. It actually has real Irish people in it, which is more than can be said for most of Boston's "Irish" pubs, and they know how to pour the Guinness correctly. However, the real clincher ( and true sign of authenticity ), is that they've got Setanta on the telly. So if you're dying to catch that Heineken Cup game or All-Ireland hurling final, this is the place to come. Update: it seems every time I go to this place I end up updating my review and docking another star. I went here with some colleagues for the France-Portugal semi-final and the service was atrocious. The bartender acted like any request was a major hassle and the waitress who took one of our orders never returned - nor did our drinks...
(3)
Jane N.

The food was horrible! It was the worst seafood I've ever had. It was so bland! I would never come here for the food. The only thing you can count on is the beer, and maybe the service.
(1)
eric n.

I had great bangers and mash here... It seems like a little bit of a tourist trap.
(3)
Sheila M.

I had salmon, haddock and scallops. With the exception of the haddock, the meal was awful. The scallops tasted like they had been cooked in ammonia. Also, the service wasn't that great. I wouldn't recommend this place at all.
(1)
Amy W.

Having stayed right across the street, my family (my parents, my 16 month old son, my husband and me) ate here for dinner. We were all impressed by the truly fresh, delicious and scrumptiously prepared salads, fish, shrimp and scallops. Kind of loud inside (it is a pub, after all), but fun and a really enjoyable meal. Server could have been friendlier and more helpful, but otherwise a great meal.
(4)
Monica T.

This is the usual irish bar in Boston. Loud music, lots of college kids, and lots of drinking. Haven't been here in a couple of years, but it's still fun to go. I miss Boston so much sometimes. Can't wait to get some drinks at the Black Rose and some street sausage afterwards. Yummy!
(3)
Nathan L.

So I guess I should just pile onto this one... Not my favorite place of the trip but decent. I think that our waitress is really what made this place semi acceptable to us. The chowder was pretty gross and full of dill which I'm not a big fan of. The also for some reason had a pretty extensive list of martinis which I thought was a bit odd but the one I had a sip of was pretty good.
(3)
Jen R.

Really fun large bar. Great Irish music, irish bands, irish beer, irish crowd, etc. Memorable spot. Definitely check it out if you just moved here or have never been. Fish and chips are excellent
(4)
Jess L.

My friend and I checked out this Irish pub during our Boston vacation. We had an early dinner so the place was pretty empty and quiet, and service wasn't a problem. We ordered the shepherd's pie and the bangers and mash. When our dishes came out, I looked at the shepherd's pie and thought - that's kinda small, isn't it? It proved me wrong. Both dishes were so filling! Must be all the mashed potatoes. About those mashed potatoes - they were the best that I've ever had! The rest of the shepherd's pie was okay, and the sausages were good, but too salty. I'd go back for the mashed potatoes though. And I also like the live music.
(4)
Nate G.

i came here to kill a little time with a friend while her people were en route to faneuil hall. what's up with all the cover charges around here? $5 to get into a bar to buy $5 beers? i guess it's standard (but weak.) The Irish music was cool, if you like Irish music. Some drunk chick insisted on teaching me to dance like an Irish fairy princess (like some riverdance shit)- just an aside- i'm neither Irish NOR a fairy princess! all in all, it could've been worse.
(3)
Will S.

Almost always a good time here - be sure to show up early and snag a place to sit before the live music starts usually around 10ish. Nothing beats a nice cold Guinness and some traditional Irish music. Cover will run you $5, which is reasonable for the Faneuil Hall area.
(4)
Alexander W.

Decent pub food. Great place to grab a drink after work.
(3)
Naomi P.

I first went to the Black Rose in 1990 on a trip through the East Coast. I have fond memories of the place. I try to stop by whenever I visit Boston. I always get the same thing, a steamed lobster. Sometimes two if they are on special. They serve small lobsters about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds. It isn't the greatest food on earth, but it hits the spot for me. The staff is friendly and slightly spacey. There's a good selection of beers. It's outfitted like an Irish joint with flags and crests. Even though I only gave it two stars, I will go back. I just can't resist.
(2)
Kathy C.

Our food was OK, nothing special. We arrived later than ususal, to ease into the music which started at 9:30. I had a saland, the wedge of iceburg lettue. It was not wilted, but it not was fresh lettuce. The blue cheese was over applied and low quality. Our crab cake appetizer was marginal, at best. Our main dish was the Fruits of the Black Rose, a seafood baked/broiled dish. Definitely nothing special here. One piece of hallibut, 3 shriimp and 6 small scallops for $18. Not good in the competitive fooding market of today. I'd say the Black Rose is surviving in history along. The drinks were much better before the whole staff changed for the music at 9-9:30. Truly there was a transition, and it wasn't for the better as a far as quality of food and drink. The help too, was marginal. Our colleague had the fish and chips which was better than just OK. Light, tasty, flavorful...just what the Irish reputation is. All in all it was disappoiting re: the food. With today's interst in quality taste, I'm suprised the Black Rose is still bringing in folks for meals.
(2)
Heather L.

I would give the Black Rose 3 1/2 stars. Fun Irish pub, pretty good menu and food. A little cold upstairs.
(3)
Brad D.

I don't get the appeal of this place. The music is always kind of lame. The bar is in the very back, which is good if you want to watch the music, but it gets crowded back there. Overall, I just think it's an average bar that out-of-towners have glorified. My feeling on that is because it is located in Faneuil Hall. There are plenty of much better Irish pubs in Boston.
(1)
Chels G.

The atmosphere was very friendly, clean, prompt service and good decor. My friend got their Shepherds Pie and wow, that was fantastic, never had anything like that. My burger was also fantastic with great french fries. I definitely wish there was something similar to this place in Southern California because we're really missing out.
(4)
Amy C.

We took my sister and her boyfriend here since he wanted to here some irish music and it was the only place on a sunday afternoon that had someone playing. Overall it was ok. Nothing special. We didn't eat here (we went to the green dragon to eat). and the beer selection was ok.
(3)
J C.

Here's the thing about this place: It's a dive. Like someone else said in a review, it would be a lot better if they got over the fact that once 9pm hits, they are no longer a slightly dingy, yet somewhat charming family eatery; they are a beer-on-the-floor, tourist trappy place to get trashed. Nothing more, Nothing less. Having said that, if you go in with the right attitude--meaning, accepting the fact that you'll have to wait for your turn at the bar, dodging drunk people, have some old businessmen hit on you--you might actually end up having a good time. When the raucous live Irish music starts around 9:30, the motley crowd consisting of drunken college kids, older businessmen, and yes, tourists, starts to clap and often, dance, along. And, if you have enough Stella or Sam Adams in your system, you may find yourself joining in, too. My only gripe is the bouncers, who take themselves way too seriously, and the lack of seating if it's really busy. Other than that, it's a pretty good time.
(3)
Mark Y.

Curry fries! Get some.
(4)
David G.

This what i really thought a irish bar would be. live Irish music by a really nice guy, a good bar crowd and a lot of fun watching people in the bar. i enjoyed my pint.
(4)
Jennifer S.

I've never tried the food here but what a good place to go to for a pint! If you are looking for an authentic Irish bar scene look no further, this place has it down. They even have real live drunk Irish men stumbling over themselves, sloshing beer all over the front of their shirts, and breaking out in traditional song. Stay away from the mixed drinks and stick to beer since that is their specialty. Bonus: Right outside of the Black Rose they have a Mr. Sausage and a Pizza Cart, both stay open until after 2am so that on your way home you can snack on an overpriced very tasty slice.
(4)
Kisbee B.

I enjoy the Irish music, and usually when I have gone there has been a 5 dollar cover, which isn't too bad... This is a good place to go when you are with a group who likes more of a bar scene and less of a club scene. I love the bartenders that have the Irish accent :) Everyone has had a good time when I have gone. The drinks/shots are a little bit more money then I would like to spend. However I still like to go here once in a while.. maybe its just because I am Irish, haha.
(3)
Peter P.

Good beer, nice friendly bartenders. The live music is a blast. Lots of drunken Irishmen. It is a tourist trap, but look at it's location, Fanueil Hall was created as a tourist trap, so we can't hold that against them. My only complaint is that on week days they seem to close whenever they want to, last call ranges from 1:15 to 1:50. Go here with a bunch of friends, and be sure to order something layered, because they pour perfectly.
(3)
Meghan C.

As an Irish American, I have had a need for a good Irish hang out with more of an upbeat feel. I found this place on my 21st birthday. The Black Rose is the perfect Irish pub, with the relaxed atmosphere early in the night, with good food and beer. The service is good and the waitresses very friendly (they took really good care of me on my birthday!). As the night goes on and the place becomes more crowded, it buzzes with noise and excitement. The live Irish music is amazing. Everyone gets up and dances or just sings along from their seats. The energy is fantastic. I've never had a better birthday. We never left the whole night.
(4)
John F.

A stop at the Black Rose is a must when in Boston!
(5)
Shannon C.

I've pursued a drink here a couple of times, and I'll admit it's a good bar for a raucous Irish sing-along or a black and tan. However: it's usually overcrowded (fire marshal, anyone?) and feels like a tourist trap. It seems to be a popular spot, though, so I'm sure I'll be dragged back sooner or later.
(2)
Eric M.

I love this place. It's always my first choice when i'm around Quincy Market. Food is good (bangers and mash are my favorite). Waitstaff is generally very good. I've seen a lot of great musical acts here as well, definately recommend it!
(4)
Lynda M.

Why oh why is this place still in business? It is average at best, I would rather starve than eat there (place smells horrible) There are so many authentic Irish pubs around (many that show Irish sport on the TV)! A tourist trap with no redeeming qualities! Even my native Irish friends avoid this place like the plague.
(1)
Joe R.

A decent Irish pub, probably one of the best in Boston, but still just a pub. My European buddies like it for the European sports coverage - I don't blame them. If you're looking to watch Tiopperary take on Kilkenny in hurling, you're not going find many places to do it. The Black Rose is there for you.
(3)
Kristen G.

The Black Rose has a slightly older crowd. It is a lot of fun if you enjoy the Irish Pub experience. Everytime I've gone there, I've met fun people. It gets pretty lively, but you can also just chill out at a table and listen to the music if you prefer.
(5)
Meredith F.

Unlike some bars that tend to be hit or miss, the Black Rose is ALWAYS a good time. Seriously. I have never come here and been dissapointed. Great Irish bands, some of the best beers you will find this side of the Atlantic, and a crowd that is always in a good mood. Friday and Saturday nights have a $5 cover charge, but considering some places average $20+ I figure for a bar this good its worth it.
(5)
Erin G.

Good Irish Pub. Live Irish bands and Irish beer. Can be hard to get to the bar at peak hours and often is a wait for the bathroom. Pretty good food if you go during the day. A great place to take visitors to the city to help them with the "Irish feel" of this great city!
(4)
Karen P.

spent a lot of time here st. patty's day weekend! can i just say that THE $40 PER PERSON COVER CHARGE was completely irresponsible. we didn't mind, even expected, the 45-minute wait. aside from that, however, the place, if not authentic (i'm never good at determining that stuff), has a very nice authentic feel to it, with irish music (by the same, perhaps "house?" band playing every time i've been there), coats of arms along the wall, and soccer often on the TV ... we went there for lunch on parade day and i had an absolutely wonderful salmon salad. however, my friend's exciting sounding "bangers and mash" dish was puny. the mashed potatoes were dull and cold, the beans looked like campbell's from a can, and the four tiny sausages looked like frozen Jimmy Dean's. meh. however, the clam chowder and fried garlic mushrooms, as well as the tiramisu cake, were very good. the waitress forgot my drink but i was gentle as the place was packed, and she brought it promptly once i ordered it again. The place is great for getting drunk and dancing, I wouldn't so much recommend the food (except that salad, mmm!). AND PLEASE NO MORE STUPID COVER CHARGES, EVER! (we certainly won't be paying that again, but we needed to go in after being out in the frigid cold that long). The Irish car bombs are very good here. Very friendly bartenders even considering how damned crazy it was in there. I'll be back, just not to eat. Bottoms up! and Cheers.
(3)
Natasha H.

This is, hands down, my favorite place to eat in Boston. I have never had a bad meal at The Black Rose. My favorite dish is the lamb burger. Perfectly cooked to a medium rare (it IS lamb, after all) and topped with fresh feta, tzatziki sauce, and spring mix. They typically top it with cooked purple onions, but if you ask them they will top it with raw purple onions instead. I find that taste preferable as I do not like purple onions cooked. The Shepherd's pie is good, but pales in comparison to the lamb burger. I actually don't eat any fish, but did taste the bourbon glazed salmon that my dinner companion ordered and it was delicious. Just to give you an idea, when I previously tried salmon I actually spit it out into a napkin b/c I found it to be disgusting. As for dessert, try the black and white bread pudding. It is absolutely sinful and needs to be split between at least 2 people.
(5)
Patrick C.

I met up with friends for a drink and a bite and since Magner's cider is my drink of choice and Shepherd's Pie up among my favorite dishes - I was quite happy with both at this popular with tourists and locals Irish Pub. It has two floors and is quaint as Irish Pubs should be,,,very loud but it was Friday night and there was a live band. Nice varied menu and decent service. No complaints.
(4)
Karen K.

The location is great however the food is mediocre.
(2)
Erik J.

I love Irish pubs so I was thrilled to find one across the street from my hotel. I was working late and so I figured I'd stop here for some grub. I showed up at about 8:40 and parked at the bar. The bartender took about 10 min to ask me what I wanted... and when I tried to order food, I was told "Kitchen closed at 9"... it was before 9. So I left. As I was leaving, I saw other people successfully ordering food. I will NOT be back.
(1)
Joe M.

Loved the Location and the band. We were their on a tuesday night and the band was playing and the bar was full, but not to busy. This bar is so close to so many other great places. If you come to Boston you must come here. #1 spot. Lots of fun all around. BTW they have a lot more than just beer. They have everything you could want to drink
(4)
Daniele M.

We just had a couple of pints. It seems like an authentic Irish pub with a restaurant area and live sports.
(3)
Michelle K.

Fun Irish bar with live music. The band was awesome and funny, and kept the mood of the place up. Expect drunk women trying to relive their youth by attempting to Irish dance in front of everyone at the bar. Drinks weren't too expensive, and I'd suggest trying to get a table and ordering with a server bc it was quite difficult to both physically get to the bar as well as communicate with the bartender through the crowd.
(4)
Mary M.

Don't plan on eating here. Worst cheeseburger I've ever had! It was dry and the quality was disgusting. We were looking for an authentic pub feel. The music was good. Very loud, but good. They had a couple of gluten free options. My friend had the gluten free salmon and said it was good.
(2)
Holly C.

It's s bit touristy because of the location but it's a great pub! Especially if you are in the market. It has two levels so it can accommodate many people. Sometimes there's live music. It's good for groups, families, couples. It has two nice bars. The food is typical pub fare and the prices are reasonable especially for the location! The lamb Shepard's pie is great!
(4)
Sally Ann W.

We love this place and will always stop in for a pint (and lunch!) when we visit Boston.
(4)
Jean-Baptiste D.

Very nice atmosphere good food nice people. The lobster roll is quite nice for a downtown pub standards
(4)
Laura T.

I came here with friends on st. Paddys weekend, they charged us $20 for a cover and the band only played one song. We asked about paying $20 cover for no entertainment and they told us "too bad". We decided to get food while we waited for the next band to play. While we were waiting to talk to the hostess a few people told us they came downstairs to check on their table, and they were not letting them back upstairs with their group. The bartender also poured the smallest serving of bourbon ever, and we were afraid to ask for more because she has just threatened to throw someone out for accidentally spilling a drink. I get that they are busy for st. Paddys day but no excuse for any of the actions by multiple staff members.
(1)
Michael R.

Popped in and it was really dead on a Friday at 9pm... Threw down a few car bombs and headed out the door looking for a livelier spot to hang our hats.
(3)
Mikki K.

Unfortunately we had poor service when we visited, after sitting for 10 minutes I went to hostess to see if we had a server than waited another 5 until approached + another 10 minutes to get a beer. Ordered the cabbage rolls which weren't anything special & the clam chowder was not one we would recommend in Boston it was Very thick & tasted like pure cream. I would not return based on our experience or recommend this pub to others as there are far to many other good choices in town.
(2)
Joe M.

Great place to go see some good Irish music. I don't even drink, but this place is always a good time. One of my stops every time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Ash T.

Great food and very very friendly staff. Escaped into here on a rainy Saturday to escape the clouds. Was very impressed by the array of beers & food Sat upstairs at the bar & had so beer & ordered a club sandwich. Food was a little slow but the staff were lovely & the beer helped. An excellent place to pop in & have a cheeky pint & food!
(4)
Paul F.

Good Irish food and good Irish music and service. Waitress was very friendly and we got our food and drinks ultra fast. Guy playing some Irish tunes was great and added to the environment.
(5)
Dan G.

Just your average after work bar. I haven't had the food yet, but it was tempting so this is just for in generalness. I don't really have much to say except that it could be a cozy night out with a few coworkers!
(3)
Amanda M.

My boyfriend and I stopped in here to eat lunch after traipsing around the aquarium and Faneuil Hall all day. The decor is fantastic. You feel like you're eating in an upscale Irish pub. I started off with the clam chowder, which was really rich and creamy. For my entree, I chose the lobster roll. The lobster tasted fresh and was lightly seasoned, which I actually preferred. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which were also good. It's more of an upscale pub-food place with some Boston & English classic dishes.
(4)
Mikey S.

Please bring back the Chicken Pot Pie!! On to the review... Great Irish Pub atmosphere at this place. The live music is great, along with their food and drinks. The Chicken Pot Pie was my favorite entree until they got rid of it :(
(4)
Chuck K.

I love this place, a bit touristy but it is what you expect an Irish pub to be like. Multiple Irish beers on tap (more than Gusinesses and English beer is NOT THE SAME as Irish beer). A full selection of Irish whiskies and some cocktails for the more timid. Full restaurant service and kids or more than welcome. Irish food is heavy on meat and light on vegetables unless it is potatoes or it is well cooked. Fish and chicken are readily available but vegetarians should plan on a liquid diet at the Black Rose.
(5)
Sam S.

Loved this place!! It made my moms 75th bday very special. We can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Christophe K.

Was there there last Sunday night. Had the chance to assist to a live session of Irish music! Great atmosphere, great music although the bar was a bit empty. Just has a couple of pretty nice, decent drinks (cocktails). Would definitely recommend it if there is a live session. Didn't try the food though.
(4)
Josie K.

Great food and live Irish music . Inky downside is that the Service is a bit slow .
(4)
Angela L.

Great beer and food. Guiness stew, Sheppard ' s pie, fish and chips were all very tadty!
(4)
Stryker T.

I came here with my family and we had an amazing time. The music was good and the food was great! We had the calamari, the nachos and clam chowder. They were superb. I had the steak tips and they were one of the best I have ever eaten. Delicious!
(4)
Alexandra M.

I went on a week night and during the day on saturday and the staff were nice and attentive both times. Dont trust the board or the menu as they often run out of things. Can get packed on the weekends, so if you want to eat id make a reservation. Old man crowd during the week...who were both upset at what I ordered (jameson and ginger, very strong) and insisted theyd try it.
(4)
Sarah O.

To be sure, this would not have been my first choice lunch spot but for the fact that it was freezing out last week, and we wanted to limit the time we spent outdoors after an event at Faneuil Hall. Plus, my Dad was riding the nostalgia train and wanted to revisit this restaurant, where he logged a number of hours in the 1970s. The menu is limited, but you'll find a standard assortment of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie. In other words, all of your low-cal favorites from the Emerald Isle are represented. I ordered the fish and chips, and it was pretty run-of-the-mill. Not bad, but definitely under-seasoned.
(3)
Hannah K.

I want to say that this place was AWESOME - but it let me down in so many different ways. Well actually just 2....I didn't have very many items in my "Want to do/see in Boston" - see Harvard, the Garden (of course I wore my Laker gear all around town), do the freedom tour, get a lobster roll, and get a cool Guinness pour! I thought, man Black Rose will knock out 2 things on my list - SCORE! So here's what happened... Waitress: Hi! What can I get for you today? Me: I will start with a pint of Guinness Waitress: Great! Me: Oh! Do you think I could get a cool pattern on top? Waitress: I'm so sorry, there's nobody here that can do that! Me: Darn! Okay...(thinking: well your lobster roll better make up for it!) ...............a few minutes later...................... Waitress: What would you like to order? Me: Lobster Roll please! Waitress: I'm so sorry, we ran out! Me: REALLY? Why did I come here?!?! I was sadly disappointed :(
(2)
Chris G.

Authentic bar. Just about the worst bar tender on record. Absent minded. How this guy gets through st Patrick's day is a puzzle you will never be served if he is working.
(1)
Michelle R.

On weekends and at night I love this place. Great beer selections, crowd and live music. Lunch? Not so much. Food is unimpressive and service was slow (wasn't busy). Maybe an off day but I rather other places for food.
(4)
Dan K.

Me and my wife stopped into the Black Rose the other day for lunch. This place is a Irish Pub the food was great for lunch was not to expensive. The service was very good and very friendly. Will will stop in here again when we are in Boston.
(5)
Jeffrey G.

IR has always been my favorite place to eat/drink in Boston. It gave me same feeling as pub scenes in Patriot Games (especially when weather was bad outside).
(5)
Michael T. M.

If you are looking for live music this is the place. Friendly staff, good music, and a great crowd!
(5)
Evan P.

Black Rose is an excellent spot to stop in with family or a group of friends (particulalry out-of-towners) for a couple drinks and catching up. The servers are friendly, the bar has a a great atmosphere and decor, and the live music is always good. I can't say anything about the food- but everything else is worth checking out.
(4)
Jeremy S.

I was walking through town and recognized the name. We stopped to have a bite to eat. Was pretty good food great service good atmosphere and the good drink selection. We actually left her jacket inside and the waitress walked all the way across the street to give it back. That's what kind of service you will get.
(5)
Jennifer V.

Had a great time last night at Black Rose. Went for late night cocktails with a group of friends. The entertainment was awesome! Played a mix of current songs and traditional Irish music. There was dancing involved! The soda water in my vodka and soda was a little off but the bartender happily remade our drinks but it didn't fix the problem. But oh well, we still had a great time.
(4)
Irene V.

My girls and I stopped by this place for lunch. It was a spur of the moment decision and I'm glad we made it. I had the fish and chips and they were really good. Their tartar sauce was great, but the highlight of this meal was the glorious bowl of clam chowder. Best clam chowder I've ever had! Exactly what I was looking for while in Boston. My friend got curry to dip her chips in and it was delicious. I would definitely recommend it if you're a curry fan. My other friend ordered the calamari and that was quite tasty. The only negative here was that the service was kind of slow. Other than that, we had a great meal here.
(4)
Tony S.

I was excited to revisit The Rose with my wife and friends today. I used to frequent it when I was in college about 10 years ago, and my, oh my, it has changed! It was snowing today, and we were all excited to get in out of the wind and cold to warm up with some apps and brews. We tried finding a spot at the bar which was next to impossible, with it being a snowy Saturday we weren't surprised, so we asked the hostess if we could sit at a table. "Well, are you going to order dinner?" was the answer we received. Since at this point we hadn't even sat down, let alone look at a menu, we politely told her we could be good for at least two appetizers, and if that met the proper criteria, sign us up. Just a footnote, at this point there were at least 5 to 6 empty tables in the area. After being seated, our waitress came over to take our order. My wife and I each ordered a beer and an order of onion rings. The other couples had orders similar to ours, to which our waitress said, "Is all you're getting appetizers? These tables are for dinner service, but that's fine...." Gee, I'm sorry for wanting to relax and socialize in a pub. I then watched the server walk to the two hostesses, and share some words which I'm sure we're nothing but positive about our table. After about 10 to 15 minutes, our orders arrived, and my friends dug in. Not 3 minutes after that (No, I'm not exaggerating.) one of the aforementioned hostesses came by and asked if I, "wanted to run my tab." At this point, figuring we'd get better service at the 7/11 up the street I said, "that'd be great." We waited..... And waited..... And waited..... Man, these tables must be a real hot commodity..... Waited some more..... My friend finally flagged our server down, "Oh, nobody told me you wanted the check." And off she scurried to the computer. Shouldn't she have at least checked on us before then? Maybe seen if I wanted to place an order for the burger I was eyeing? Or asked if my wife wanted another beer? Oh well, I guess we should've "told her...."
(1)
Nathan S.

The Black Rose is the absolute best option in Boston. I first went to the Black Rose in 1998 when I was on a high school trip to Massachusetts. I have been back nearly six times during ever subsequent visit to Boston and have been continually amazed at the food, the music, and the ambiance. Over the years I have been to many places claiming to be "traditional" Irish pubs. However, the Black Rose strikes me as the real deal. I have been there roughly seven times and have heard a number of awesome Irish bands. Plus, the nachos (as a side) and the entrees are among the best I've had over years of travelling in the Northeast. I can't say enough about this place and wish that I could get back there more often!
(5)
Stephen O.

Go in on a saturday. Ask for pakie. He will take you on willy wonkas alcohol factory tour. While you may end up a little poorer in pocket, you will be forever wealthy in heart.
(5)
Marylisa S.

Amazing fish n chips and stew. Cold winter night comfort foods. So yummy. Ate upstairs so it would be quieter.
(4)
Marcia B.

I love this place. It's your typical Irish pub but it has real character and characters. Live music and lots of locals and tourists. Right near Quincy Market in a good location.
(4)
Amanda P.

Love this bar! Always fun and always good live music. Good drinks always at decent prices. The upstairs is a great place to hang out if you have a bigger group.
(5)
Victor C.

On a cold rainy night me and my family decided to grab something to eat before heading off to the Bruins game. We saw black rose and decided to try it out. Let's just say for a night like I described earlier, this pub did its justice to warn us up. Staff was nice, atmosphere was calm and peaceful, everything you could ask for before going to a rowdy Boston Bruins game. I had the corned beef sandwich which was served cold on pumpernickel bread, fries or chips (both were fantastic!) and a pickle which was also very nice. My opinion, I prefer my corned beef a little more salty but trying out a sweeter version that night was nice. I definitely recommend coming here. Reasonable prices for amount of food given. Easily accessible/ to find. Gives you the true feeling of an Irish pub.
(5)
Tara C.

Really neat tavern! All the staff were Irish! Very cool place! A must see when in Boston.
(4)
Connie S.

The grilled pork dish was the toughest piece of pork I have eaten. Service was lousy. The waitress was too busy in her social conversation to even fill my water glass. It remained empty until the last 10 minutes of the meal. I couldn't even get her attention. My husband's lamb burger patty was so small, most of the bites were just the buns. The flavor was good. To top it off, the price was too high for what you get. Won't go back.
(1)
Dianna B.

Great location and great food. We ordered Guinness Beef Stew, Shepherds Pie, Clam Chowder and the Bread Pudding. It was all very good, the service was great and the beers cold.
(4)
Deanna K.

My Guiness was a perfect pour-the clam chowda and lobster roll were delicious! We even bought a souvenir t-shirt, we enjoyed ourselves so much!
(5)
Sarah G.

I wouldn't recommend the Black Rose solely on the merit of the food, but on our second trip here, eat we did. I had the lobster roll with side of clam chowder, which was great because it saved me the trouble of ordering a cup... but then created the dilemma of ordering a side of fries. The curry chips appetizer was okay, but the weird gravy-like consistency of the curry might be off-putting for some. And bonus, I asked for my soup ahead of the roll, then another cup showed up on the plate when my sandwich arrived! joy! Unfortunately, Bill didn't think much of his reuben, and the bite I had spoke volumes that all summarized to bland. Still, the roll and soup were pretty decent and the $3 Sapporo cans were random, but much appreciated. Hey, this is at the core, a bar. Not a restaurant. So drink up and enjoy.
(3)
Christina L.

The service was pretty good and the atmosphere was really nice. There's a live band every night and everyone looked like they were having a good time. The food, however, was average. I got steak tips which were a little over cooked and my boyfriend got the lamb, which he claimed was mediocre. We also got their crab cakes which was overpriced and tasted more like flour than crab.
(3)
Steve E.

Atmosphere was great! The band was great! But after I ordered my first beer from the bar, everything went downhill. The waitress was rude, my Rueben was one of the worst I've ever had. Bread was stale, meat was dry, very little sauerkraut. I'd only go back to this place for the bar and the music.
(1)
Melissa W.

nothing better than relaxing at a bar with a cold beer and live irish music. some of the staff could use a few lessons in politeness, but definitely a great time overall
(4)
Reid N.

I had the beef stew which was quite good but the portion was quite small for 15 dollars. Nothing special.
(3)
Marci Y.

Their lobster special is awesome. $12 lobster and pint of beer. #whhhaaa the lobster was perfectly cooked. We also ordered the shepherds pie and holy hell it was taaasssttttyyyy. Did Mention the black velvets?? Their are made to perfection. #yourewelcome. #comehere and the entertainment wasn't too loud or invasive and actually sounded great
(5)
Mike F.

Had the corned beef sandwich and friend had a burger. Burger nothing to write home about and corned beef seemed like it came from a cheap supermarket. Was literally just corned beef on crappy brown bread and tiny bit of mustard. Service was meh. No need to go back. Should have eaten at Quincy Market.
(2)
Victoria K.

They have hands down the rudest bartender I've ever had the displeasure of ordering from. I tried ordering a glass of water and a mixed drink, but got cut off at the water, so he could serve a clearly over intoxicated man who couldn't even verbalize his drink order because he was too drunk. The bartender set him up with two bud lights, and left to the next person, while I was still trying to get his attention. My friend saw the situation, and tried to help by saying excuse me, and the bartender whipped around and warned my friend he had one more chance or he was getting kicked out. My friend had been sitting at the bar just sipping scotch, doing nothing. At this point, my friend said "oy" to try and ask that the matter was, and the bartender went immediately to the bouncer and had him kicked out. That was my first time there, I had heard good things about the band, but I'm never going there again, and I don't expect my friends to be patrons there either.
(1)
Melody S.

We had a very disappointing whale watch ride yesterday morning and were in a bad mood wandering the street (it was freezing and rainy). Luckily we stumbled into the Black Rose! The honest first impression was a) it's freakin LOUD in here b) loving all the Gaelic decor. We sat down, checked out the Irish-esque menu and ordered spinach & artichoke dip for app, chicken pot pie and fish/chips for meals. The dip was great-actually ran out of chips vs the usual other way around. I adored my pot pie, delicious mashed potatoes! My husband's fish was awesome with (or without) the cole slaw. I also ordered a hot cocoa which was great. The man on stage was singing Gaelic music, so good I bought his cd.
(5)
Eric H.

Very laid back atmosphere and even better at night. This is definitely a place to go after the sun is down. There is a cover charge but if you are older than 25 I would recommend paying this cover charge versus waiting in a 45min line anywhere else around. It's a must try if you are in the Boston area!
(5)
Emily M.

Hands-down one of my favorite bars in the Faneuil Hall area. I always receive good service, good drinks, and good food! Definitely one of the better places to come stumbling into late at night on the weekends where you can clap along to the live Irish Music with no shame in your game.
(5)
Pat M.

This place is great! Their Irish coffee is made with Jamison whiskey, real whipped cream & a bit of sugar---- yum! The seafood stew was perfect: lobster, cod, & shrimp broiled in butter with mashed potatoes & root veggies-- filling but healthy -- unless you drink all the butter sauce! Irish tunes are live, March Madness plays on a big screen tv & everyone is chatting. Somehow it is not too much--- it's all good. The Black Rose is anything but black; it's a kaleidoscope of colors!
(5)
Andrew C.

This place has the best chowder and fish and chips. If you want a great Irish atmosphere and a perfect bite I would recommend swinging into the Black Rose
(5)
Lindsay F.

There are quite a few bars in faneuil hall to choose from - if you want to be treated well, come to the black Rose and make sure to ask for Devon nicest guy in boston.
(5)
Gary J.

The place is decent and the service is good, but the food is pretty bland. I had the pork loin and my friend had the tips. Meh. I wouldn't rush back. Maybe a good place to stop for a beer.
(3)
Alicia P.

First time in Boston. First Bostonian restaurant. We were a party of 6 and reserved ahead of time for dinner. Was it necessary to reserve? I would suggest it for a large group but not for 4 or less. Plenty of people at the bar being very merry. We had 2 nice waitresses, one regular and one that was shadowing her. We ordered a margarita, one coke, and for the rest had Sam Adam seasonal. They did bring another beer for one of us instead of a SamAd but quickly rectified the error. We ordered the following appetizers: the mussels, the calamari and originally the nachos (but got that change after to the curry). All very good. My mother-in-law who ordered the curry chips wasn't much of a fan of the chips but the rest of us ate it up with delight. The mussels had plenty of sauce to dip our breeds in, though not enough bread for the amount of sauce we had. Then I ordered the fish & chips - huge. Way too much, especially after all the appetizers. But it was good. My fiancÃ© ordered the beef stew and loved it. Nice hearty meal with the beef being really tender. Another ordered the lobster roll and thought it was on the dry side. Would have preferred more mayo so maybe order some on the side for a little extra. And the other orders were of the steak sandwich. Some didn't like it and said it was too fatty, others said it was ok but wished it had more blue cheese on it. All in all I'd go just for the appetizers that will fill you up. Also they have an upstairs but it was closed for some reason that night. Go for good drinks and appetizers and good music. Didn't notice any live music when I was there.
(4)
Tegan J.

I was here Christmas night, place was packed. One of my fav Irish bars in Boston.
(5)
Jim G.

With a lovely, old world feel, this pub was a welcome delight from the standard fare. Our wait lass was first-gen Irish with a delightful accent. The drinks were quickly served and the food came shortly thereafter. Tasty, with good presentation, we would go again if we ever visit historic Boston again.
(4)
Tatiana B.

They do great burgers, good lemonade and average prices. Overall we had good experience there!
(5)
Robyn W.

We stopped into the Black Rose on our trip to Boston. Love the pubs on the East Coast. Beer selection was good, as you would expect in a pub. The food was good as well. We had the fish & chips, steak tips, and Sheppard's pie. All were nicely prepared and I love that the veggies were fresh and cooked just right. Great little spot in Boston!
(3)
Lauren C.

Can I put in a request for some better bathrooms? For a pub this size, two tiny poorly maintained stalls is just not adequate. Bathrooms aside, The Black Rose is aight. The draft list wasn't terribly exciting, but was a reasonable length. The live music is a nice touch, but be careful where you sit or you'll need to yell to your dining companions. I didn't eat, but my dining companion seemed pretty happy with her burger. You could do a lot worse.
(3)
Ys C.

Lobster specials are a great value. Irish lamb shank also hit the spot. Great location next to Quincy Market and Faneuil hall, but with very reasonable prices and more than agreeable food and service. I wouldn't expect it in a touristy spot, but it turned out very nicely.
(4)
Rachel G.

One of my fav pubs in Boston! Wonderful atmosphere. A bit loud, but its a pub! And great delicious pub food (I can't understand the poor reviews here!) We even have brought out of town guests here, and it was unanimous. Get a guinness (or 2), with a lobster roll, and a cup of clam chowder (which is super good here), and you are all set...
(5)
Donald R.

Some reviews continue to amaze me ! First off the draft selection my not be to exiting to some folks because it is an Irish place. This means very good Irish beer! If you are a bud or miller person go somewhere else. The food is amazing! I don't know how folks can not see that. You guys can stick to your hot dogs! One person was upset about the bathrooms. Well we are dealing with a very old building. The bathrooms are clean. You want a fancy bathroom go to Morton's. Plain and simple this place has great food, drinks, service, and fun times!!
(5)
Karen G.

During a recent trip to Boston, we were looking for a place to kick back after a day of bootin it around the the city. Being of Irish background and a fiddle player myself, stopped in at the Black Rose after hearing some live Celtic music wafting through the air on State St. Loved the live band, the older gentleman/singer/guitarist had a lot of "en-tu-siasm" and had the whole crowd going, singing along and dancing. Good crowd on a Saturday and Sunday night (yes, we came back again on Sunday after perusing the area and finding no place with the same vivality), no cover on Sunday but a worthy $5 cover on Saturday. Pretty big place with an upstairs, although we never went up. Only downfall is there were no locals. When I travel, I like to blend in and prefer to do as the Romans do, but unknowingly fell into the tourist spot. Was well worth it though, and will return the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Bridgid M.

After walking through Faneuil Hall, we stumbled upon the Black Rose. We were famished. After peeking in we fell in love with the atmosphere, historical vibe and overall warmth of the place. A plus was the rich Irish accented waitress and waiter. It must be said, I had never heard of, or tasted a lobster roll before; I actually had no idea what one looked like until I saw a beautifully plated lobster roll pass by. I was easily convinced and ordered the lobster roll lunch special, that had previously caught my eye as it was posted on the outside board. When it was delivered to our table, one bite was all that was needed. I am now a lobster roll fan. It was very tasty and nicely prepared. However, as the bartering began, and we traded off portions of each others dish, I was also able to enjoy the fish and chips... I must say it was the best fish and chips I have ever had. So much so, that I was willing to give up my entire lobster roll for just one section of the fish and chips... Mind you, the portions are sizable, so it was easily done :)
(5)
Simone H.

Good Irish bar for nice bar food, drinks and watching soccer with the sound on! Friendly staff
(4)
Tyler R.

An Irish bar in Boston? No! Yes! Yes! So after various attempts to Google / Yelp a good place to get more drinks (to continue our bachelor party) one of the guys we were with suggested we just go here, a place he is familiar with and also happened to have no line to get in. Overall, good choice. The live Irish music put a "jig in our stumble" and an abundance of Guinness, Irish Car Bombs, Magners, and straight up shots of Baileys kept that stumble ripe throughout the night. Our bachelor was able to find all the predetermined ladies to do shots with, and we were able to provide him all of the alcohol required to achieve the goals we had set -- for much cheaper than I would have thought. No food - just a lot of Irish drinking, Irish music, and some seriously speedy bartenders. As others have said - this place is pretty standard on the Irish drinks but heavy on some really nice atmosphere. Too bad it closes down at 1:30, just like everything else in Boston...
(3)
Jim B.

Stopped in last night for a nice pint and met some lovely people. At about 9pm the live music started up.
(4)
Ryan B.

The men's restroom was disgusting. The waitstaff was having a good time chatting amongst themselves instead of working. The appetizers ranged from fine (one-dimensional boneless buffalo wings), to middling (flavorless artichoke dip), to poor (dry stale nachos). The drinks list was fine but nothing special. The waitress steered me away from the Reuben with, "it's good sometimes", and instead recommended the fish and chips, which were tasteless and utterly forgettable. I wouldn't consider this a fair deal at half the price...I'd rather walk to the North End or take the T anywhere (you can see the Aquarium stop from the door)....but here I am in the Financial District. I recommend avoiding The Black Rose if you like food.
(2)
Ryan M.

We stopped in for a quick drink and found an amazing place for Irish Whiskey and beers on tap. Great bartenders and large enough place where everyone seemed comfortable on a Friday night.
(5)
Christian C.

Good service, had the farmhouse bbq chicken sandwich and it was pretty good. Reasonable prices and a good atmosphere. Would give it another try!
(3)
Brad S.

While on an extended stay in Boston with my girlfriend we were trying to get to as many bars as we could so the visits usually only lasted a beer or two. I really like this one. We went on a Friday night and there was live music which I enjoyed, though they could've turned down the amps. The service was pretty quick considering how busy they were. I'd definitely go again.
(4)
Jakub W.

3.5 stars really, rounded to 4 just cause. Came in here during first night in Boston. Was 8pm on a Friday but managed to get a table in the back. Service was friendly and when we had a food problem, was very attentive. Food. Hmmm. Had surf & turf. Lobster was good, "medium-rare steak" was atrocious (i think rubber tastes better). Wife's fries were a joke, but chowder was decent. Drinks. Good. (My Sam great, wife's Guiness was ok) What gets this to the 3.5 and thus the 4, was the Friday night music, the atmosphere, and in the end the waitress who after the steak, gave a free drink and dessert. Kudos to her for fixing the kitchens job, and reinforcing that sometimes service is just necessary.
(4)
Frank C.

Must stop for any Irishman when visiting Boston. Great selection and authentic Irish bartenders with great attitude.
(4)
Victor C.

Awesome food. Service was fast and friendly. Prices are right about avg for Boston. Cosy atmosphere. Very warm for a cold night. A must for visitors.
(5)
Abbie M.

This review is for the bar/drinks only. I've been here a few times with friends who work around State Street, and most recently I recently met my cousin and her girlfriend here for a drink after work. They are from out of town and had of course heard of the tourist trap (ahem) Black Rose. There's nothing WRONG with the Black Rose. The bartender was nice though brusque. It's a fine place with good beers on tap. I'm just always on the lookout for a good deal, and dropping $6+ on one beer just isn't my thing. You can go next door to Sissy K's and get a beer for $1.50. It's not a "good" beer, but that's more my target price range. If you want a Guinness, this place has a great pour. If you want a Bud Light, go next door.
(3)
Brian D.

Visiting in Boston for a few days, stopped into the black rose to grab a drink with some friends and had a blast! Live music, great Irish atmosphere and nice people. Will be back here again
(5)
Jennifer A.

Get the lobster roll and cup of chowder combo, then upgrade the cup to a bread bowl. The bread is toasty, the soup is great. It's a perfect combo. The fries are some of the best I think I've ever had. They are very thick; crispy outside and soft inside. Not really a fan of the nachos. If you're from the west coast/southwest, you probably know better than to get nachos at an Irish pub in Boston. They are a far cry from the more authentic Mexican variety, but will get you through a good New England hangover just fine. I didn't like the salad I got because it came without dressing of any sort, but maybe that's what I get for ordering a salad at a pub? My friends who got the clam chowder bread bowl were all much happier. Great service, though, so I had a fine time.
(3)
Jim M.

While in Boston on our honeymoon in April 2014 we spent a lot of evenings at the Black Rose Irish Pub. I visited here a few years ago and couldn't wait to visit again. This pub is a must stop for some great Irish music that was provided to the public by the Celtic Clan and of course the perfect Guinness. My wife which is Georgia born really enjoyed the city of Boston and for a home sick Yankee, a trip of a life time. Thank you to the Black Rose staff and the Celtic Clan. When we return for our second honeymoon, we will see you then. Jim and Rhonda Murphy
(5)
Ashley C.

We came here on a recommendation from a work friend the first day we were in Boston. It certainly has the authentic Irish Pub down pat. We stopped in for a late lunch and drinks. We tried a soup and the fish and chips. The fish and chips were pretty good - a nice batter without it being too heavy. The fish inside was very flaky and they had a nice sauce. I think the fish and chips were a 4 star quality. The drinks were good and strong (but balanced). The problem was getting drinks took forever. We would have ordered another round, but our waitress never came to see us until we were done with our meal. Service was pretty poor considering that it wasn't busy at all. Our waitress seemed to have a indifferent attitude and preferred to be in the corner chatting with other employees. I know it's a bar and my expectations on service are different, but I would think they'd want to keep pouring us drinks too! If I was in the area, this would be a place to stop-in here, but I wouldn't go out of my way just to come here.
(3)
Patrick M.

While the food, drinks and wait staff were fantastic the host was terrible. He was difficult and seemed to be exasperated with the very idea of customers. This review is only intended to reflect the indifference and complete lack of courtesy shown by the host.
(1)
Rayne N.

Average, at best. The crab cakes were awful. The chowder is only okay for Boston. The prices are very high for the food quality. The service is average. Our waitress was always available and nice. I wouldn't bother coming here again with the other options available in the immediate vicinity.
(3)
Mandy D.

Really decent prices for being smack dab in the middle of the marketplace. Nothing super spectacular or special about it, but the food was decent and the drinks were well priced. Also a great place to watch the Bruins game... if you can get a table!
(3)
Timmy D.

went in on a wed afternoon not busy at all. The hostess was busy off to the side doing something with no urgency to seat us I took it upon my self to greet her instead anyway I did say thank you for the seat and she looked at my like i was an alien. I ended up ordering the fish sandwich and it was horrible. Anyway after looking at he other reviews for this place I am just wondering were they ate.
(1)
Emily S.

Great choice for an authentic Irish pub during the middle of a busy day exploring the Boston area. My party of three ordered the Maine lobster, bistro salad, and fish and chips. All were affordable, well-prepared, and much appreciated by our hungry touring trio! Go to the Black Rose!
(5)
Amanda A.

Pretty good food, ok service, very cramped seating for 2. My husband and I went in on a cold rainy day. We had been looking for an interesting place to have lunch, but the weather forced us inside. Thankfully, we were able to get a good meal at the Black Rose. My husband really enjoyed the shepherds pie!
(4)
Sarah T.

My husband and I stopped here for dinner and drinks while staying in Boston. The place has a really cool vibe. There was a live band playing Irish music when we stopped in around 5pm. My husband tried their corned beef and cabbage spring rolls and I had their 1/2 lobster roll and cup of clam chowder special and we highly recommend both! The prices were very reasonable! We would definitely come back and recommend to others.
(5)
Caitlyn T.

Good location but way too loud. Service was okay but kind of slow. My Shepard pie was really just chili with mashed potatoes in it. I will probably go somewhere else next time I'm in the area.
(2)
Edward M.

Good Irish bar to grab a drink at in the faunuel hall. The food is not very good but the drinks atmosphere and music make up for the rest. Best time to go is Thursday night.
(3)
Meredith M.

Great Irish pub. I really liked how open it was and the live music, that always makes the feel. Affordable drinks, cold Guinness, convenient and cozy. I really enjoyed a quick brew here with a few friends. Bartender is funny and very helpful. Wonderfully enough, the woman sitting behind me was full on breast feeding her child in the bar....while drinking a Guinness. First of all, are children allowed in bars? Secondly....drinking while breast feeding? Hahaha gotta love it.
(3)
Mark R.

Stopped in for a quick beer and snack. Place had charm and Irish music was nice. Thought there might be more Irish beers on tap but enjoyed the bottle of Harps Lager just the same. Chips were skin on fries that were really good. Came with a curry sauce which was a bit odd. Wasn't bad but was not super memorable at the same time.
(3)
Dan P.

This was my first time in Boston for a business trip and went here on my last night there. By far this pub has the best food around and real pub food at that (fish and chips were pretty dang good) and had most all beer on tap. I had the Sam Adams winter lager and it was just superb. I would have liked it a little colder but it will do. At 9:30 they advertise live Irish music (and stop serving food as well) and tonight it did not disappoint. The gents playing tonight were awesome playing some great jams. Overall if you are in downtown boston I would recommend this. It was much fun with the live music.
(5)
Jim W.

Wandered on this place during a conference in South Boston. There was a trio of musicians playing some great Celtic music, and the atmosphere of the pub was upbeat but traditional. They have a great lineup of Irish whiskeys and also have a decent, but not huge, set of beers on tap. A fun pub that I'll try to visit again soon.
(4)
Lucie B.

Lobster was amazing!!! 14 hands wine was great, banners and nah are good too
(5)
Sarah M.

Walked to the upstairs bar, as the Bruins were playing. Sat at a table with two half drank beers. No waiter/waitress cleaned the table. Had to go to the bar to get menus. After getting menus no one came to take our order. 23 minutes and no service. This place blows. Atmosphere felt like a stuffy old men's club, never going back and don't recommend this place!
(1)
Isabelle L.

Great atmosphere, good beer!
(4)
Robert B.

Awesome Irish fare. Great Irish Stew!
(4)
Mark S.

Stopped in after a long flight and dinner and cannolis from the north end but what a great place. Great music and all the people inside having a great time. I can't commenton the food since we only had the oat sodas but i will definitely be back.
(4)
M A.

Came here with a buddy Friday after work. I asked the server if we could have something light on tap. "We only got Bud Light" - she replied. How can an Irish Pub have only have Bud Light on draft. I went with a Sam's Seasonal. She came back and said we got issues with the Keg Change. We then ordered a Guinness. She comes back again and says sorry, the tap has an issue. We ended up with a Coors and a Bud Light. Both of which seemed suspiciously watered down.
(1)
Charles M.

Live music, good food, friendly staff. I was less than impressed by the selection of beer, especially for an "Irish Pub". As one would expect, the mashed potatoes were incredible! The bar staff were very quick and nice. The whiskey selection was less than I expected but this seems to be the way in Boston (many Irish Pubs have sub-par selections). Prices were in line with the rest of the slightly overpriced bars in downtown Boston. The men's restroom was unbelievably small and hot. The size is expensive to fix but the ventilation is not. It would go a long way toward making the customers happy.
(3)
Carol H.

The Black Rose is one of those places you have to love, even with that one strangely bright fluorescent light near the stage and with the stickiest floors I have ever encountered. (Seriously. I thought I was stuck to the ground multiple times.) When we got here late-ish on a Saturday night, the band was in full swing, singing Irish songs that everyone else seemed to know the words to and heckling the crowd. Most people bunch around the edges of the seating area (not sure why), but there was a "Dead Man Walking" bachelor party sitting down. (Congratulations Kyle, hope your last stand was worth it.) Bartenders: I really, really need to make a comment on this. They were the MESSIEST bartenders I have ever encountered. They practically throw your drink at you, sloshing half of it onto the bar/ground (hence the incredible stickiness), and they always act really overworked, even when the crowd isn't being that crazy. I don't know if they're calmer upstairs because that part was closed by the time I got there, but the bartenders downstairs were definitely half-cocked and out of their minds or something. The bathrooms are really tiny and seem to bring out the b*tch in everyone, and the blowdryer is essentially useless. Despite all this, it's a fun place to hang out with a group of friends. Just don't get stuck to the floor.
(4)
Maggie B.

We went twice in one week, so that tells you the food isn't bad! Two people in my group order the same dish each time, the chicken pot pie and the Irish stew. Both were great, though the stew was probable better. The spinach artichoke dip has more spiciness to it that I normally go for but it was still tasty. The crab cakes were nice as well. The first time we were there they had live music going and it was great, except you couldn't get a seat downstairs and upstairs you couldn't hear anything. Service is spotty, sometimes they are on top of things and sometimes they aren't. We had to wait 10 minutes for our check since our waitress didn't seem to remember that we were her table. They also brought out our dinner a few minutes after bringing out our appetizer so the table was bursting with plates.
(3)
Katie R.

I have been to the black Rose a handful of times. Twice for eating. Standard bar food, nothing special. I do like this place as a casual early evening drinking place. Its not to crowded and it has a ton of seating and there is live music and its never so loud you can't talk to the people you are with. I have never been for the night scene but have walked by and it was packed.
(3)
ArikKatzenberg K.

Alright, alright, don't get all crazy just because you stumbled upon what looks like an authentic Dublin bar. As everyone knows, Boston is not hurting for its selection of authentic Irish pubs. This one, because of its location, tends too be more touristy than real Bostonian Irish, but that doesn't mean the food isn't mad good. Because the food IS mad good. The interior is cozy, with rich wood appointments, and an ebullient, fun crowd. The menu is traditional Irish pub fare- fish and chips, plenty of chowders and stews, bangers and mash. This is a perfect way to spend a lazy saturday afternoon when a game is on.
(5)
Lucinda D.

We went here for lunch today on a wet and pretty miserable day and it was definitely reflected in the staff working at this place!!! Wow, cheer up people! We ordered chips with curry, the burger and a sandwich plus two kids meals, food was pretty ok and it was ample but the service was WOEFUL. The food took ages, we had to ask twice for water and even then it wasn't delivered, the waitress looked like she hated working in the place and so did the rest of the staff, lol! Every question was met with a grunt. Tip - do not work in hospitality if you obviously begrudge doing it as it shows. Lighten up and crack a smile especially when running an Irish bar, sheesh!
(2)
Rick D.

Enjoyed some cocktails and an app nice staff - friendly had a good time
(4)
Josh B.

Thick and creamy clam chowder, with loads of clam and potato chunks, definitely my favorite that I had in Boston. Beers cold, friendly atmosphere, service was great. Overall, no complaints. For dinner I had the shepherd's pie, which consisted of lamb and ground beef and was absolutely delicious, although I'd prefer a little more mashed taters atop the "stew". My brother ordered ribs, which he chalked up as sub-par. My mother ordered the corned-beef sandwich, which was described to me as filling, flavorful, yet nothing to remember. Service: 4 Food: 3 Overall: 3.5
(4)
Fengjiao N.

My hubby and I went to dine in the Black Rose yesterday. We both ordered the steak, median rare. It didn't take too long to get our food and I tried the steak, it was good, tender and soft. Very tasty. A very good restaurant for steak with reasonable price. The restaurant was very crowded when we got there. The decoration was good as well. Overall, we were very satisfied with our food!
(4)
Lauren B.

I love this authentic irish pub! Being an out of towner, and just out of a Red Sox game, it was time to celebrate with a good local brew and some great irish music. Considering this is a true authenic pub, with those who work here actual irishmen and women, and a band that plays that is from Ireland, it was like going back to hang with my ancestors. Bartnders were very friendly and the vibe was good. Great place to hang with friends or coworkers for happy hour, but the best time is truly after a game! Everyone was super friendly in the pub and the atmosphere was ideal. These guys know how to party, and they should. Right off the waterfront, they have one of the best spots in the city to party. Why go to a club when this pub has all you need?
(4)
Erica K.

Bo-ring! Came for a drink and the singer put me to sleep. Feels like a typical tourist bar. Nothing special!
(2)
Tim G.

I went here for St. Patrick's day by myself. I get it. I am old, and unhip, but wanted to go hang someplace Irish. after I stood outside in freezing wind for 25 minutes, and paid a $20 cover, it was impossible to order any food or find a place to sit. The doormen were rude and made comments about guests. To be fair, this was probably not the best night to judge them on as it was total chaos, but I won't be going back.
(2)
Debbie C.

It's was okay ...we were disappointed at the few selections of authentic Irish fare. The live music was great but MUCH too loud ...couldn't hear ourselves think much less each other. A great place to have a couple drinks but not for relaxing/dining.
(3)
Wendy C.

I love this restaurant so much!! I visited Quincy market and I found out nothing in there is attractive to me. I walked out of the market and I thought there might be something good near the harbor but it turned out nothing there. I wandered nearby the Quincy market and The Black Rose caught my eyes with its lunch special. My favorite Fish and Chips as well as LOBSTERS!!! They provided dished with decent price. I ordered Fish and Chips as well as LOBSTER which costed me 10.99 and 13.99 separately. The Chips is wonderful! Its crispy outside but you can definitely taste the tenderness of potato inside. The lobster is awesome because it's really fresh and juicy. Don't miss out this spot if you're around, Its much better than anything in the market. é€™è£¡çœ‹ä¸æ–‡ç‰ˆè©•è«–: cpwen1103.blogspot.com/2â€¦
(4)
Jerett G.

Stopped in her by myself one night and truly was delight with this Irish bar. The food was great, the beer was cold and the music was spot on with the band. I had the Shepard Pie and Potato Leek soup and would eat it again as it was delicious. The service was amazing as well as my glass was never empty.
(5)
Les C.

Food...meh. Service horrible. Watched many many people who arrived 30 minutes after us as well as large groups get served food before us. We were forgotten. Don't recommend.
(2)
Ronald D.

My goodness we had a good time here! Large venue with lively Irish music rockin the room and quick service weaving their way through the crowd bringing you stiff drinks. I'm an Italian Mexican from Texas and I even felt Irish when we all starting singing Danny Boy.... Good time!
(5)
Ron C.

After seeing the lines at Faneuil Hall for food we decided to get out of touristville and find somewhere to eat and get a drink. Whipped out the old handy dandy Yelp app and we were off. We we walking to a restaurant when we passed by the Black Rose and noticed the signs outside "1 1/4 pound lobster for $12.99", we were sold. Walked into a typical Irish bar. Took a seat at the bar and ordered a Guinness. Bartender was sort of grumpy. Got a menu and noticed that the first appetizer on the menu was a 20 oz. Guinness because every good meal should start with a Guinness. I knew this was the place for me. Great chalkboard showing all of the whiskeys that they carried at the time. Ordered two lobsters and the trio of dips (pub cut fries, curry, garlic aioli, warm bleu cheese sauce) which were good. The lobsters were cooked to perfection. While waiting Walt introduced himself and asked where we were from. We commiserated over our baseball teams and he said how much he enjoyed watching our Eagles. He was really friendly because Boston and Philadelphia are so similar and we hate all New York teams..lol. He asked the couple next to us where they were from and they were from North Jersey. He asked if they were Giants fans. When they responded yes he said "that;s it, you're cut off, get the Fawk outta my baar. aint that right Philly". We all had a good laugh and next thing you know we are doing shots of Jameson with Giants fans. The vibe was so fun that we came back for a lobster lunch the next day. Next time we are in Boston we will return and hope to spend some time with Walt. If you see him tell him Philly says hi!
(5)
Renee K.

We didn't eat here but came in for drinks with some friends around 5:30 pm and found a good crowd and reasonably priced drinks
(4)
Larry S.

I just had the Guinness Beef Stew and it was a celebration in my mouth!!! It was between that or the Shepherds Pie. I'll have to try that next trip.
(4)
Neale A.

Worst food and service in Boston. Ill never go back. I sat for 15 minutes and nobody took my order even though the bar was empty (and rightfully so). The food was second to McDonald's and cold. The sandwich was on a dry bun that was bought from the discount counter at the local grocer. The the only garnish was some stale shredded lettuce. Oh, they offered ketchup though. At least the beer was cold.
(1)
Brennan H.

I come here on Sundays after mass to have lunch (and a beer or three). The food is very tasty - my favorites are the steak tips, which are wonderfully seasoned, and the Shepard's Pie. The bartender, Walter, is great - quick with a drink and very friendly. I usually get the Irish coffee to start, and he makes a killer one. He's a classic pro Boston bartender. Definitely the best bar in the area.
(5)
Frank Y.

It's ok. I should have had the Shepard's pie. But I got corned beef and it was not the greatest.
(3)
Priscilla S.

The chowder is amazing! The wings are fantastic... And I love the black rose burger! We found this place last year on vacation and we are back here again on our honeymoon because we love it so much! I will forever be returning here for the food and atmosphere!
(5)
Kristie B.

The hubs and I always stop by the Black Rose while we're in Boston and there is always a good time to be had! We pretty much go here for drinking and live bands, but we occasionally get food. The food is nothing spectacular, but decent enough. Our most recent visit a couple of weeks ago was as fun as we'd expected, though we did get a nice surprise with the entertainment this time. In the middle of Celtic Clan's set, in an effort to promote a concert the following night, the Irish band The Stunning went up on stage to do a short set. After they were done, Mundy went up and did a couple of songs. It was fantastic! The other bonus to the live entertainment here is watching the drunkards who all of a sudden become members of Riverdance while the band plays! It's absolutely HILARIOUS!!! We watched a girl who was 3 sheets to the wind dance with a full beer in her hand for almost half an hour without spilling a single drip! Talk about skills! My cheeks hurt the rest of the night from laughing so much! Can't wait to visit again!
(4)
Joshua Z.

This bar is mediocre at best and the bartender is extremely rude. My friend tried to correct my drink and was returned with a harsh response to leave.
(1)
Danae K.

Decent place to come for food and live music in the heart of Boston. Nice selection of beer, and you get the classic Irish American vibe. Burgers are good, french fries are decent, and the ambiance a bit touristy geared. So if you want a nice burger with a beer, come here!
(3)
Chris C.

No air conditioning on in upstairs bar. I saw the thermostat temp read 86. Asked a staff member what's up with the ac, and he said cheap mgmt won't turn on air. $5 cover at door, high drink prices, nice bar, and they cheap out on ac? Air was on downstairs but with front door propped open so it was still warm. Place was more like a hot sweaty college bar than a high end Irish pub. Bathroom was filthy!
(2)
Brandy T.

Very Good!! Had the Irish Nachos with the chicken on top. Unfortunately it cost an additional $3 for the chicken. OMG! The chicken was delicious. It was battered just right and fried right that it was one of the most delicious fried chicken I've ever had. I had the buttermilk chicken sandwich and it was just as tasty. My husband had the fish n chips, he liked them but the fries were soggy. Not a perfect experience but high up there. I would go back!
(4)
Daniel S.

Whiskey and coke, weak and flat. Music ok but way too loud for the place. Wouldn't really return.
(2)
Craig M.

Great lobster rolls and fantastic clam chowder. Ice cold beer on that warm and humid day. The main dinning area is a little noisy. If you want a little privacy, request the upstairs dinning area. Great location in the heart of everything.
(5)
Kristen S.

Stopped here randomly for lunch after some shopping at the markets. Sat next to the window in the bright, warm sun. The atmosphere of this tavern is great, the bartender was very friendly and accommodating. My friend got the nachos and they were very dry, no sour cream or Guac. The clam chowder and potato skins were good and satisfying. They had half price apps today which was great.
(4)
Matt R.

Went on a referral of a friend. Pasted by this place so many times. My mistake, great food & great service. Stop in for breakfast, got the Irish, and it was excellent. Our waitress was attentive and service was good. I will be back for a dinner next time. Also the best pint of Guinness I ever had.
(4)
Ray M.

Staff is great! Great beer on tap with some decent Irish themed food. The fish and chips are a good serving, burger was good, but I've always liked the Cottage/Shephards Pie best. St Paddy's Day may not be the best day to visit...
(3)
James C.

Was here in Saturday night and came across the rudest bartender I've ever met. My buddy ordered 3 Jameson & 3 Guinness. He meant to order 4 Jameson and told the bartender.. Sorry I need one more Jameson .. He responded "What the fck do you want man" if this bartender worked for me he would of been fired on the spot.. My friends wanted to leave as it was awkward then .. I came back Monday to try their food and had the bangers and mash which had chicken gravy on it which was lovely . Server was great and friendly.. Maybe our bartender buddy was having a bad night ..but his attitude could cost this cozy Irish pub money..shame. Management take note
(2)
Monique S.

Went here on a pub crawl. I wanted a beer but the bartender was having a hard time pouring anything but foam. I got a drink instead. Unfortunately for me, he seemed to have figured it out for the next person. Good clean bar, decent crowd, and friendly bartenders.
(3)
Jocelyn G.

If it wasn't so expensive, I would give it another star...solid drinks, lots of tables, two bars. If only I could give them a half star for the shot the bartender made for us...raspberry kamikazes are delicious.
(3)
Alicia S.

I don't go out very often and I hate paying cover charges because it's super stupid if you plan on drinking inside. the bartender had no clue what was going on and he had no suggestions for drinks and I think as a bartender he should know what drinks to give but he didn't. We didn't stay very long because it was lame
(1)
Victor N.

Great burgers! A very fairly priced food menu, drinks are a little pricy but the good food prices make up for it. Very Irish bar, almost so Irish we said we felt like we were in Epcot or something!
(5)
Customer Service R.

Love this bar. Come here every time I'm in Boston. Great Irish music and good drunks.
(4)
Lori V.

Great atmosphere. An Irish band played. It was very fun. The food is not expensive and I had steak tips and they were great. Emily had salmon with lemon-dill sauce and she lived it. I tasted it and it was good! I had a rum runner and it was delicious. Good service. Clean bathroom.
(5)
Jeremy D.

The Chicken Pot Pie is good here! I was impressed. Nice Irish pub with good irish music some nights.
(4)
Sean M.

Our Hotel recommended The Black RosÃ© when we asked for a Irish pub. The service was fast and friendly, the drinks were fine. The food was a huge disappointment, the Rueben was to come on marble rye it arrived on old wheat bread the quality was that of an airport food court. The RLT was average the Lobster roll was pretty good. The chips were stale when we asked for new they told us to order something else. The manager came to the table to apologize he was very nice and took our drink charge off the bill, we did appreciate that. Waitress said the kitchen was having an off night.
(2)
Missa B.

We stopped in here durinf our tour of the freedom trail for the lobster roll and clam chowder. The perfect lunch. For $25!!
(4)
Tim L.

Great entertainment, Great atmosphere, wonderful drink selection and amazing food. I can't say enough great things about this place! We spent many of our evenings here on our trip to Boston unwinding. It really had a hometown feel and great food and drink specials.
(5)
Eric P.

It's OK. Had the bangers and mash, which were good but not great. Live music downstairs is pretty loud--can't have a conversation. Limited selection of draft Irish/English beers.
(2)
Jack M.

HEY: You need to know about this! The Black Rose is running a special! Pints of Guinness are $3! Or is it $2.75? I can't remember but it's CHEAP! GO! Get 10! We had dinner here last night and noticed a new item on the menu. It was an Irish Sampler that came with a little pot of their beef stew (EXCELLENT) a little pot of their shepherds pie (It was... OK. No lamb in it so I don't think you can technically CALL it a shepherds pie.) 2 sausages (good) and fries with AWESOME curry sauce to dip it in. It really hit the spot with several CHEAP guinnesses. Guinness's? We drank a lot.
(4)
Sam F.

1. Go on Monday nights and listen to Terry Brennan. It's the best Irish folk show you'll see in Boston. Seriously, the guy plays every Monday and its amazing. All his tips go towards the Jimmy Fund. 2. The rest of the week is fine as well. Live band every night and usually a pretty good (read drunk tourists) crowd. 3. Food is standard American-Irish pub fare.
(4)
Chase M.

I came to the Black Rose early evening during the week for dinner. I was planning on having a steak as they advertise them on their outdoor signage. I walked in and sat solo facing the street side window adjacent to the main bar. I waited for 10 minutes and not one of the many roving staff servers or bartenders took notice of me. After my wait I went towards the exit and asked a server if the area I was sitting in albeit close to the bar was self service and I was told it was. But for a newcomer there was no signage or anything to reveal this to me. In a city district competitively dense with numerous pub choices and a popular tourist location this experience was unsatisfactory and disappointing. Despite eventually being offered a place to sit for dinner I chose elsewhere.
(2)
Jennifer F.

The upstairs is the place to be. Our bartender Paul was terrific and easy with the pours. The calamari was terrific. Not sure i would go downstairs, too noisy! My only complaint really is the women's bathroom stalls are super tiny - even a size two would have difficult getting in.
(3)
Justin B.

We stopped by here after the Dropkick Murphys concert at the Garden. Friendly staff, friendly patrons, fun music, and a great time. We'll have to come back and try the food. Happy St. Paddy's Day!
(4)
Krista F.

Ask for the onion rings. Great music, great crowd. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Ryan S.

This was my first time in Boston, so we were walking the city taking in all of the history when we started looking for a place to eat lunch and stumbled upon the Black Rose. As soon as we walked in we were welcomed by a very friendly staff an a neat Irish pub environment. The food was decent, what I'd tend to expect for bar food. They had signs up saying they featured live Irish music in the evenings, however we were unable to get back to check it out.. Maybe next time I make it back to Boston.
(4)
Mark W.

IRISH.....what more needs to be said!
(4)
Brian M.

I don't know what it looks like during the week, but I can tell you that on Saturdays this is not the place to go if you're looking for a quiet night out. The place is in a very busy location and has a very good local reputation so it is always crowded. We went around 4:00 after a Bruins game figuring that we'd have no problem getting in so far after lunch and so long before dinner. There were empty seats when we arrived, but not too many. The bar was full of people watching the Sox get slaughtered on tv and there were plenty of diners listening to the guy up on stage belting out traditional Irish songs. After a couple of years of hearing me claim that my hometown's fish and chip place makes the greatest fish and chips in the world, my girlfriend got sick of hearing it and demanded that I try the dish at The Black Rose which is her favorite place to get them. I have to admit, they were very good. The batter is perfectly crisp without being greasy and the fish is fresh. The fries were nothing spectacular, but with a good fish, they don't have to be. The girlfriend ordered the bangers and mashed, another of her favorite dishes. I always like a large beer selection and while this place was stocked with most of the usuals, it did have several uncommon options. I ordered one of the beers from the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, something I've only seen in liquor stores before. The crowds here would keep me away on most occasions so I probably wouldn't come here for dinner. It seems like a great place to go for a drink or two though.
(4)
Mr S.

My fiancÃ©e and I usually always pop in when in the area for a few drinks. Not a bad Irish pub. Prices arn't too bad and service has always been wicked good! Anyone looking to find an Irish pub in their journeys should consider stopping in!
(4)
Kristine P.

Great atmosphere, good food, great live music! Thanks for the good time during my visit
(4)
Tj F.

Who closes their kitchen at 9pm? They did, and well, hence the one star review.
(1)
Helena W.

Was in Boston for the evening and decided to stop by The Black Rose because of the Yelp reviews. Glad we did because it was a fun stop during our bar crawl adventure. Paid $13.38 for 2 beers. Not cheap, but I don't mind paying a bit extra for a clean pub. There is a lot of room here with tables and chairs all over. There is an upstairs floor, but it wasn't accessible that Thursday night we were there. The crowd is a bit older. I got the feeling it was more of an afterwork crowd. Most of the patrons were older than what I'm use to at my college town, but there weren't any creepers. I was happy with that. The best part about this bar is the live music. The band that was playing that night was a FANTASTIC Irish-style band that complements a pub atmosphere. They were so good - best live music I've heard at a bar!! I don't know if it was just the one night occurrence, but the next time I come through Boston I will definitely be coming back. When it came time to leave, I wish I could have taken the band with me.
(4)
Bill M.

Great place for live Irish music and a legit pint of Guinness. If it's really crowded it can be hard to get a beer. Bartenders do a good job keeping up, but they are non stop. Good TV's and food looked good too. Only criticism is that bathroom was very small.
(4)
Andrew H.

This is my favorite place to go to before a concert at the Garden, or after the aquarium/ museum of science/ walk around town with the kiddoes. I've not stayed late enough for the "night life". My experience has been vastly different than that of a few people, below. Never had a bad dish here, nor has anyone in my party complained. Bangers & mash, shepherd's pie, stew, curry fries, fried fish... all delicious. Service has ranged from great to "just ok", but never poor. The Black Rose is a great alternative to the fast food and big-name chains that are at Faneuil, as it's only a couple blocks away.
(4)
Joe K.

This place is great. Had an awesome time on Friday we decided to come back Saturday. Great bartenders, authentic Ireland lads, very attentive and friendly! We had the Irish chips, nachos, and the Guinness stew. Having been to Ireland recently I can assure that these are authentic dishes and very comparable to their counterparts in Ireland. The guys playing music were very good and true Irish musicians. The only reason I give 4 stars, really 4 1/2, is that the musicians were a little Americanized by playing American tunes occasionally. Other that that an awesome experience!
(4)
Leslie A.

Someone recommended this for a great lobster roll and they were right. Clam chowder was good, too. Fish and chips also very tasty. Fish was light and flakey. Service was slow, but only 1 waitress for 10 tables with 4-8 people each, a wait is unavoidable. The 2 gals just yakking at the hostess stand could have helped her.
(4)
Nir S.

New Favorite bar! Love the live Irish music, drinks reasonable. Great time
(5)
Meghan P.

It was at the Black Rose that we discovered the signature cocktail for our entire Boston/Cambridge trip... the Naughty Irishman! Our first afternoon drink at the Black Rose was a much-needed Irish Coffee. We'd flown in on the Red-Eye the night before and were feeling the effects of nearly 36 hours awake... we'd just visited Faneill Hall, Quincy Market, and parts of the Freedom Trail and were ready to relax for a bit... Our bartender was super sweet and was literally singing as she skipped around the bar. Her Irish accent was awesome too! The (barely-whipped) cream that topped the Irish Coffees was insanely rich. Wow!!! After one Irish Coffee, I yearned for more. So I inquired about a drink that might provide the same coffee goodness but possibly a bit more sweetness. It was then that I met the Naughty Irishman. Along with the usual whisky and coffee, he included a big splash of Frangelico and Bailey's and another huge dollop of the magical cream. With the same punch of the Irish Coffee, he slid down my throat so smoothly! I think I met my new coffee love! We commemorated our Black Rose visit with a great t-shirt depicting a Boston lobster with "the perfect pint"...
(4)
Katy F.

FOOD REVIEW ONLY: Yes, im sure that this is a cool bar...but i wouldnt know. I really appreciate an awesome bar that also has awesome food. This is not your match if you like good food. I was in Boston on business and stopped in for lunch. Shouldve gotten a clue when we were the only people in the restaurant at 12:15. Mussels were rotten (literally stunk up the whole table), chicken was dry (on the nachos), fish was mushy, lobster roll was old, oil that the fries were fried in was obviousy overly reused, steak tips were ordered medium and they were so charred that they were inedible. I can almost say that collectively this is one of the worst meals I have ever had. Corned beef and cabbage was ok, and edible. Mashed potatoes, side salad and broc were safe options. Boston cream pie was decent. For the quality, the prices were high as well. Most dishes were 15 or so. Service was great and waitress was friendly and attentive. However, we had to go get a snack afterwards.
(1)
Keith W.

I ordered th beef tips which weren't too shabby. It was a bit dead in there with a Bruins finals game going on. The service was pretty good and legitimately Irish. The beers were a bit overpriced but it is in a pretty touristy area. There are better options but it isn't the worst.
(3)
Michael C.

The Black Rose is a staple of Fanuiel Hall and a big tourist attraction. They have the occasional live music and your standard bar food. The staff is friendly but I'm not as big of a fan of the crowd at the Black Rose, overall not a bad spot.
(3)
Aaron A.

It was OK. Drinks were weak.
(3)
Chris K.

Hey, $20 for TWO lobsters? And they tasted great. Can't ask for a better deal.
(5)
Rona H.

I came here with a friend on a Saturday night. The crowd tends towards the late 20's to early 30's side. The ground floor was kind of dark and very crowded, and I couldn't hear a thing. The upstairs was like the complete opposite in terms of brightness; it was so well lit it was such a surprise. They had Irish music playing on the second floor, but I could barely hear what my friend was saying because it was sooo loud! Everyone looked like they were having a good time though!
(3)
Laura S.

All I had here was a Diet Coke so I can't comment on the food. I am happy to tell you about the ambiance and service, though :) I came in with 3 friends around 3p on a Saturday, and they were pretty busy. We sat downstairs, where we got to enjoy some live music - but LOUD live music. If you've had enough of your dining companions and just want to sit in companionable silence while enjoying some tunes, sit downstairs. If you actually want to hear your neighbor, sit upstairs! Service was friendly but slow. I sat with an empty Diet Coke for quite a while before our waitress noticed and brought me a refill. The upside of this was that we stayed quite a while at our table with only half of us ordering food and one round of drinks, and there was absolutely no pressure to clear out. Prices seemed reasonable and the menu had lots of variety. We had all kinds seated around us - high schoolers on their own, large-ish families from toddlers through grandparents, and couples clearly on dates. My guess is that the crowd runs a bit tourist-heavy, given the area.
(3)
Joanna C.

Dude, I heart the Black Rose - it's always a great place to get together to pregame before really going out with friends! It's an Irish pub, so you get what you get at an Irish pub. Cute bartenders with great Irish accents. And a huge crowd on the weekends. 'Nuff said.
(4)
Erin M.

Being Irish and proud, I may be a bit biased, but I think Black Rose is the best Irish Pub in Boston! They have excellent Irish style food, fantastic live music, and just an all around great Irish atmosphere! However, I will say that I wouldn't dare try to go there on St. Patrick's day, since everyone and their uncle has the same idea. If you do venture there on St. Paddy's, plan to get there early (at least an hour before they open), plan to pay an extravagant cover, plan to be packed in shoulder-to-shoulder, and plan to have beer spilled on you at some point! On my most recent visit, we stopped in after a 1pm Bruins game for a late lunch/early dinner. Generally when you go into a restaurant around 4:30, it's pretty empty, save for a few senior citizens. Not the case at Black Rose. We were seated right away, but nearly every table was full, the bar was packed, and the live Irish music was going strong. I personally love this type of an environment when I'm at an Irish pub, but I can see where it wouldn't be for everyone. Despite it being busy, our waitress was friendly and our food came out quickly. I got the bangers and mash, which were delicious, and my boyfriend got the fish and chips. I haven't been able to get him to admit that anyone else makes fish and chips better than his hometown's local fish and chips place, but I think Black Rose's came close! I don't think he'd ever admit it even if he did find some that were better, just out of hometown pride (/stubbornness). We both left full and happy, and the Black Rose remains one of my favorite places to be Irish and proud!
(5)
Allison L.

This review is for lunch. Service not great. Walked in, stood there ungreeted for a good chunk of time. When the girl came to seat us, she basically said "Lunch?" and plopped our menus down on a table. Our waitress was less than attentive- had to ask twice for lemon, waited for our bill for a while and when she came she said "oh I forgot about you guys." Guess we should have dined and dashed. Atmosphere was lacking. Tons of wires exposed in one corner. Air conditioner very loud. Floor was kinda dirty. Food was pretty good- I really can't complain about a $13 lobster. Fish and chips was more like a breaded pan-fried filet but was good.
(3)
Michael S.

I can't speak for the food at The Black Rose however I can tell you it is a great place to enjoy drinks and Irish music. I found the service to be very quick and friendly which was amazing considering how busy they were. The band was playing authentic Irish music which along with the quality drink and service made for a great night out.
(4)
Jenna H.

Had a great experience here a couple weeks ago. Service was great - attentive, made suggestions, and I loved her Irish accent! Guinness was flowing and my steak tips were delish, great marinade and cooked just like I like them - mooing. Cannot wait to try this place again some night when there is live music. Update - I was able to come here for live Irish music on a Friday night last month, and had a GREAT time. The live band was great - they played great songs that most people could sing along to, and encouraged dancing, and a lot of clapping. Cannot wait to come here again!
(5)
Leah W.

My boyfriend and I love this place! We found it on a whim meandering the city when we first moved down here, it was Irish and we wanted beer and food. We stumbled onto the perfect place! Almost every time we go at night there is a performer and it is wonderful, we love the music. The beer selection is great, and the food is delicious. We have NEVER had problems with inattentive wait staff, or "frozen food" as some posters have mentioned. The atmosphere is wonderful, the people are great, and menu is just awesome! I would recommend this to anyone any day of the week! The only reason it is not 5 stars is the bathrooms, really tiny stalls but not much the bar could do with the space that they have.
(4)
Kendra W.

Initially, I was totally just not interested in eating at the Black Rose. Pub food isn't really my thing, but my boyfriend had been before and is crazy about it. I guess I am too. The servers are attentive...and attractive! I had the chowder the first time I went and was floored. I'm from RI, I've had some good chowder, but the Black Rose has got every clam shack from Tiverton to Little Compton to New Port along with every high end seafood restaurant beat. Their reuben is nomtastic, and their fish and chip entree is HUGE. If you order this plan on taking it home. It heats up so nicely in the oven. It's a little dark in there, but I guess that's the aesthetic of the place. Irish pub, so the drink menu is what you think it is. Not shabby. I'll be back.
(4)
Tom L.

Crowd was a little older (30+). Seemed mainly tourists and out of towners. It's a good location because it is right off the Train. Food was bar type seafood. Wasn't anything special. Weak drinks.
(2)
Sarah F.

Live music is nice, food is OK (nacho aren't great), and dancing on the second floor can be fun if you are in the mood. :)
(3)
Stephen M.

Would not go back unless I just wanted a Guiness and to watch soccer next to the occasional live entertainment. It has a nice Irish ambiance but I would not recommend it to others visiting Boston. I'm really disappointed that the Marriott Customs House recommends this place to its guests in its orientation packet. The food was way below average. I had a seafood medley, which was soggy and over cooked at best. The hand breaded onion rings were decent but fragile. Put ketchup or their tasty onion ring sauce on them and the hand breaded outside falls right off. Lastly, it's not cheap. 2 meals, 1 appetizer, 1 beer, 1 iced tea, and with tip, the bill came to $64. There is better stuff close by for that price.
(2)
Kathy D.

Food was awful. Come here for drinks only.
(2)
Emily W.

Fish and Chips were delicious. The atmosphere was just what you want out of an Irish pub. The prices were kinda reasonable - though on the expensive side. Good thing to know is that they have live music every night at 9pm. So get there early for dinner and you won't have to pay a cover. But be respectable and tip well if you are gonna hold up a table that long.
(3)
Jill G.

My friends and I accidentally stumbled upon the Black Rose one week night when we were trying to look for a lively spot downtown. This place, on what I believe was a Wednesday, was hoppin'! It is a traditional Irish bar with live music and a large, loud crowd singing along. It has been one of my parents' favorite spots for years- it has a certain charm that keeps the regulars coming back!
(4)
Maura G.

i had a BLAST at the black rose! the food is great-is it weird that i had the best clam chowder in an irish bar? the mussels were perfection. irish pub normally equals awesome boozage, and this place did not disappoint. blueberry lemonade, whiskey, beer...you can't go wrong. prices are right too. the night i was there, they had a wonderful irish man singing traditional irish songs, which promptly got us up on the dance floor. not to mention that we met some very interesting characters. bartenders and waiters were very friendly and chatty. the next time i am in boston, this is where i'm heading for dinner and drinks!
(4)
Troy C.

Good food, decent atmosphere, little pricey for product but a great Irish place for a pint.
(3)
Robin K.

Good drink prices and nice live bands on the weekend. It was too hot for us the night we went there, so we had to leave. We were sweating... boo
(3)
Shirley R.

We went here to celebrate a college graduation. We sat in the restaurant upstairs. Outstanding food, fantastic band. We had a great time. I'd fly from Phoenix just to eat the Shepards Pie again!
(5)
Sharon L.

I, like Jenn B, purchased New Years Eve tickets and ended up waiting in line. There were people who were able to get right in... apparently these people were eating dinner. When I asked the bouncer how these people were able to get in before me, he was extremely rude, and told me I wasn't going to be able to get in at all. We went into the line anyway. Even more disappointing, there were people in the same line that hadn't purchased tickets in advance and were able to buy entrance at the front. That is a ridiculous system. Once we got in, it was overcrowded and not even very fun! Definitely not worth the money or the wait. I am giving the Black Rose two stars because I have had one pleasant experience there and I liked sitting around the fireplace upstairs.
(2)
Chance S.

This isn't only the best Irish pub I've been to in Boston, but the best one ever for that matter. I've been to every pub in New York, Boston, New Orleans, and just about any that is worth going to and nothing matches The Black Rose. I think the only fault is that there are too many touristy types in there that don't know much about a Irish pub and that annoys me. Can't hate the place for being too popular though.
(5)
Nick M.

Funny how most of these places start to look alike and I'm not even drunk yet. The Black Rose IS just like every other Irish pub in Boston, dark wood everywhere, friendly staff, and a heart attack waiting to happen menu. So then why come here?!? Why, because of all those thing I just said, why else?!?! It was mid day of our tour of Boston and I needed some liquid motivation. Drinks were a little expensive but overall things were cool. I would visit again and check out their menu. It looks like they have live music too.
(3)
Becky M.

You'll have to throw an elbow to get a drink at the bar downstairs, so I recommend that you take yo ass upstairs and get you a drink without having to knock some skinny little thing on her ass. Because I'll tell you what, no skinny little chick is gonna get in between me and some top shelf booze. The live Irish music tickled my fancy! Loved it. Upstairs they have a lounge area with a big fireplace, I plopped down with my friends and we made ourselves comfortable and enjoyed the live music and comfy seating!
(3)
John Daniel G.

I stopped in here because I wanted to eat some decent pub food. I ordered a burger which was delicious. It was a big patty, not greasy, with a good bun, and the lettuce, tomato, and pickles were fresh. The side caesar salad I had was a little too tangy, but that's a mild thing and I still ate all of it. Also, the service was friendly and prompt, and the atmosphere was clean and friendly.
(4)
Christina A.

So my friend Meghan is obsessed with this place. She has a desperate desire to actually be Irish (sadly she is Eastern European). So I've gone here a few times. Sadly I can't say I share her passion. I mean it's a fun idea, but the reality doesn't so much live up to expectation. The food is meh--it's bar food, and not done astoundingly well. The nachos were the biggest disappointment, but the spinach dip was pretty darn good. The music on the weekends is also fun, but no one in the bar really seems into it. Our group was singing along and clapping but everyone else sat stoically in their seats. Sad.
(3)
Lance P.

I just popped in from a nearby hotel. No music this night, but football (soccer) of the TVs. Fish and chips were very well prepared: fresh fish, light batter, clean and delicate. Slaw was good too. Had a Guinness. Don't know about the New England favorites (lobster roll , etc.) but they can cook an Anglo-Irish staple real fine.
(4)
Matthew T.

Fish and chips were pretty lame. Flavorless and limp. You want a crisp crunch for a batter. The fish itself had zero flavor. Aren't we in Boston? Won't be back. Tourists only.
(2)
aland f.

This is a great place to entertain out-of-towners visiting you... or an easy choice if you're in a large group of people (this place has tons of space). This is NOT a place you go if you're a local. The place is full of tourist and BU/BC undergrads. On Friday/Saturday nights they feature live irish music both downstairs and upstairs... Drinks aren't too expensive and the food is your standard pub grub with an irish twist. There's a mythical rumor that some of the original tea party members congregated in the upstairs area near one of the fireplaces to plan out their boston harbor escapades... No clue if this is true, but it's always a fun story to tell friends/relatives visiting.
(4)
Chris B.

Irish I was here right now! This place has alot of character especially come st. Patty's day. Decent food and friendly staff. 2 floors of guiness drinking madness. Cheers mate.
(4)
Sam W.

I just moved out of Boston, but when I was there this was a regular meet up spot for my boyfriend's parents and us. The fish and chips is some of the best around as well as the bread pudding ( I could go for some now)! At about 10pm they have live Irish music which adds to the scene.
(4)
Chris M.

This is a great Irish Pub in a great Irish City! Enjoyed the craic, the music and the pints thoroughly. The food was good, nothing amazing nor disappointing, just good comfort food in a great pub. I love this place and will revisit every time I'm in Boston.
(4)
Liz M.

Yes, I am definitely a fan! I should have ordered one of their Irish specials but since I was craving for Lobster roll, I went ahead and ordered it and i have no regrets! The lobster was tenderly cooked, the roll was freshly baked and they serve it with a small bowl of New England Clam Chowder which just AMAZING! :) Tried the UFO beer for the 1st time and fell in LOVE! ;) Best part was the Irish waitress which was very sweet and very accommodating! In fact all the servers and waitresses were real nice and always smiled back at you. will definitely go back tot his place! :)
(4)
M H.

My husband and I really liked this place great food, good service & wasn't far from our hotel. The Boston creme pie is AMAZING!
(5)
Sarah M.

As the 2 star rating says, I've experienced better. The layout is better than average for an Irish bar, but the prices are kind of expensive for the area, they charge a cover to listen to crappy bands, and it's always mobbed, unless you are there early evening. I guess I am kind of biased since I am not really a fan of the scene at this bar, nor do I like Irish folk music, but this place just rubs me the wrong way. Not to mention they are not such a fan of the air conditioning even when it's 80 degrees outside in the summer at 10 at night.
(2)
Mike T.

I'm not a local, so take my review with a grain of salt. I was in Boston on vacation and was told to go here by my cousin. I was not disappointed. There was a cover which I'm typically against, but I was on vacation and had already realized the debt I'd incur, what's 5 more dollars? Inside, very cool, friendly vibe; 2 floors, both with bars. The band was awesome, I love the old traditional Irish folk music and that was played throughout, but they also played some Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly covers. Probably a U2 song in there somewhere too...my memory doesn't serve me as the things that The Black Rose sold me killed it. It was super crowded so it wasn't easy to get drinks. Halfway into the review would be a good time to bring this up...I was already drunk when I arrived at this bar so everything that happened there was gonna be great no matter what. I don't remember how much I spent, but I remember being pleasantly surprised...so whatever that means. Leaving The Black Rose, it was a rainy August night. I crossed when I probably wasn't allowed to cross so I was half running across the street, when my foot hit the slick brick...I did a full on prat fall, flat on my back, hit my head...it was a source of entertainment for anyone in the immediate radius. My friend thought I died. After he realized I wasn't paralyzed, he led me to a cab where my friends said dumb things and I would interject with other loud dumb things. Now I'm not sure why, but a lot of Boston cabbies are from Africa. We had at least 3. He seemed to think we were crazy Americans - more crazy than most. He started lecturing us but I had no idea what he was saying. There's video footage of all of this by the way. I paid for the cab (because it was my turn) when we got to our hotel and somewhere in between the time I swiped my card and got out of the cab, I lost my debit card. What's more, I realized it right away. I tried to flag the cab down as he was leaving but he understandably probably thought I was drunkenly doing something odd. I had my receipt from the cab so I called the number on it and no one was answering (it's like 2:30AM at this point). I curse the answering machine of the cab company and said things like "what if I needed a fucking cab?! You could be losing business. I need my F*CKING DEBIT CARD!" I go inside and tell the poor French kid working at the desk at my hotel to call the cab company. I started half yelling at him I'm pretty sure... He called and got the voicemail too, I don't know why I thought he'd get a different result than I did - oh yeah I do..I was drunk. I'm pissed and decide to go up to my room (the debit card I lost was a week old - I had lost one 3 weeks prior). I get off the elevator and can't find my room. I start yelling at 3AM in a nice hotel "WHERE THE F*CK IS MY ROOM?!?" My friend pokes his head out the door of our room and says "whoa, whoa...hey Mike...get in here!" Not even in a mad way, in an "It's ok, buddy! C'mon, champ!" way. I go into my room and go on a tirade that lasts about 10 minutes. The tirade ended by me falling asleep. I think The Black Rose did me right.
(5)
Alex S.

I held off for a while because I couldn't decide whether this place deserved 3 or 4 stars. On one hand, yes it is a touristy place which is full of out of towners. Not that I dislike those from outside of Boston (quite the opposite) but they can be a rowdy bunch that sometimes interfere with my weekend night fun. On the other hand this bar promises nothing it does not deliver upon. Some (out-of-towner) friends and I show up at the door. A group of Irish 20-somethings in front of us show their Irish driver licenses to the Irish bouncer. The bouncer tells them that they have to have either a passport or a US ID. The kid responds by slurring "You F%$%king c&nt Bastard, you're a racist and that is why your not letting me in." Absurdly ironic as the bouncer was definitely not far removed from his Irish homeland. After a few minutes of listening to this drunk dispute we slip past them and are greeted by the regular Irish band complete with base, fiddle and guitar. Singing a mixture of Irish jigs and American pop-songs with an Irish spin to them, the flags of Ireland hang over head. We find a seat in the already packed place. There isn't much room on the first floor near the bar so tables are probably the best way to go. The waitress quickly gets us semi-reasonably priced drinks from a decent selection of beers. It is loud but the music is good and not something you see many other places in Boston. The beer is cold and you leave feeling that you went to a real Irish pub (which by my estimation, you did).
(4)
Sally B.

Not as good as I remember
(2)
Amiee L.

Not the best hole in the wall Irish bar. Wasn't too impressed by it. I wouldn't take the time to visit if you are from out of town....or even if you live there.
(2)
Dave M.

The Black Rose is a nice Irish Pub. Good food and well stocked bar. On one visit, the bartender was terrific, friendly and attentive. On another, I could have walked out without paying, the bartender was so unengaged! I paid my tab nevertheless.
(3)
John E.

Irish band, good open floor plan
(3)
Ezra B.

Live music. Irish Bartenders. Beer. People. Friday night. Nothing special. No crazy high prices, seems like it would be a good place to come before you went out. Kind of caters to a slightly older crowd, rather than the raucous young guns.
(3)
Morris W.

Declaimer: I have never eaten here, or step foot upstairs. Boston is a city that loves to show how Irish they are. BUT there are very few places you can count on to have Irish music. This place is one of them. Yes its crowded, and the Guinness a little expensive. However, if you are in the mood for some drunken Irish signing, this is the place.
(4)
Shelly A.

Now here's a relief: an Irish bar that actually has some sort of Irish quality! I LOVE the live Irish music. It makes the place feel really authentic. It's also a more aesthetically pleasing place than most of the bars in the... area. HOWWWWEVER. Beers are expensive (almost $7 for a Sam Summer draft), and the service was kind of rude. The waitress came over and told me it would be six bucks and change for my beer, so I gave her six and started fishing for change (was gonna leave a tip on the table later). Instead she shoved the six in her pocket and gave me a smug look and said, "See? I didn't even charge you the whole cost." I told her I had my hand on my change and would give it to her, but she just made a face and shook her head and said, "Nope, it's okay. I'll get it myself," and walked away. She acted like I was stealing from her. I immediately got up and went downstairs where there was no table service. The other star was taken away because of... well... okay, listen, it's Faneuil Hall. Clientele is not one of its strong points. Moving on...
(3)
Rose D.

My roommate and I were wandering Boston, searching for a place to have my birthday dinner, and heard the sounds of live Irish music. That was all it took for me to settle on The Black Rose, and I sure am glad I did - great music, great Guinness, smooth and efficient service, and the Shepherd's Pie was spectacular and everything at a very reasonable price. Everyone was so friendly, from the staff to the musician to our fellow patrons, I am sorry to be leaving Boston just after discovering this gem!
(5)
Behr S.

Picture if you will an unusually mild February evening (the third Friday) back in 2000, me and my friend from England stumbling across The Roisin Dubh on our search for a place to partake in the annual Great Guinness Toast (aka: St. Practice Day). Lo and behold.....a kick ass pub in the classic Irish style. So, an inumerable amount of Guinness pints later (and imperial pints at that), my friend and I resolved that this was by far the best place between Seattle and London to get shit-faced on St. Practice Day. Slante
(4)
W.H. B.

Overpriced tourist trappish place.
(2)
Kimberly H.

This place was a really cool Irish Pub Decor was perfect, service was spot on and they had all of the games on w/in veiw of our dinner table...with live irish music! The menu is really straight forward - not too diverse, very irish, which is good since this is an irish pub i got the shepherd's pie...it was OK....my buddy got bangers and mash and they were actually very good, i think i will order that next time...cause there definitely will be another time! :D
(4)
James V.

I had a chance to eat at the Black Rose during a side trip to the Boston Aquarium. We were in town for my son's Hockey Tournament which was taking place during the freak October Snow storm. After leaving the Aquarium it was heavy winds and rain, needing to find a place for lunch we decided to try the Black Rose. The staff was very accommodating, helping us find room for a large party. The kids had a great time bonding, enjoying the Irish music. The food was good and the place had a nice warm feeling..One bright spot in a tough weekend.
(4)
Kevin W.

Just had dinner here tonite. It's a pretty nice place to get some Irish food in this tourist area near Fanueil Hall. The place is filled with Irish decor (flags, pictures, plaques) and it also has Irish music playing constantly. I went around 7pm on a Monday night, so the place didn't have any live music playing just yet, and most of the customers seemed to be people getting a bite to eat after work. But on a Monday night it wasn't very busy and there was plenty of space at the bar or at any table. I grabbed a seat where I could see both of their humungous big screen TVs. I ordered a Sam Adams seasonal lager and a cup of clam chowda. The chowder was good, it tasted like cream of broccoli with clam in it, I liked it because it was lighter and not as rich as some clam chowders I've had. I asked the waitress what I should get and she recommended the bangers and mash (irish sausage, with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions) because not many irish restaurants carry that dish. If you like sausage I would definitely recommend it, it was meaty and sweet, not too greasy either, nicely fried and lightly charred. The mashed potatoes weren't that special but the sausage was good. It was more than enough for me, I could only eat 2 of the 3 sausage they gave me. Actually it would have been nice to get a bun to make a bratwurst combo, but that's probably my midwest experience showing lol. My bill was $25 ($4 chowda, $6 beer, $13 banger and mash), not too bad considering I got a lot of stuff. Overall the service was good, the music and decor was nice, and the food provided a nice irish/boston experience. I'll probably be taking my friends when they visit here for some irish food and beer.
(3)
Julia M.

Why isn't there a zero or negative stars option? I went there to see the Stanley Cup last night, and I KNOW things were hectic, but it was just ridiculous. We were so excited when we were able to book a table upstairs to eat dinner and watch the game right at 8. Well, turns out it there was no table service, and we would have to leave our table and order and wait at the bar... were there was no screen (not so helpful when you're there to watch the game.) OH! And then it turns out it wasn't the huge menu they offered downstairs, it was 5 (unappetizing) appetizers. So at around 8:15 we ordered. "Oh, sorry, we're not serving food anymore." WHAT??? So, at around 8:45 we finally made it downstairs, where some of our friends had ordered. "Oh, sorry, kitchen's closed." GAAAAAH! Telling us we have a table for dinner, where you don't serve dinner, and your kitchen closes within minutes of sitting down = NOT COOL! DON'T LIE TO ME! WORST BAR EVER. BUT YAY BRUINS!
(1)
Danny B.

I typically love the Black Rose. Their nightly live music certainly is fun, and would recommend it for that. And their food/beer prices are decent, and often are quite tasty. However, I am concerned of their food quality. When I took friends there on Sunday, we asked about the origin and method of capture of the fish (details that any quality restaurant should know). I was not surprised the waitress did not know off the top of her head, but when she kindly asked the chef, no one apparently had any idea. This makes it impossible for proper decisions to be made of what to order, and shows a lack of care by the chefs on the quality and sustainability of the food they serve. This will certainly slow down the likelihood of my return to or recommendation of The Black Rose until they choose a path of greater responsibility. I tend to want to know what I'm eating. I know...weird.
(2)
Jaime D.

after a crazy St. Patty's evening with the Dropkick Murphys, my guests and I hit the Freedom Trail (which, by the way, is a great way to check out the city). we had been hitting pubs all morning, and with the hangover going strong along with the urban hiking, our bodies began quaking with weakness. we came across the Black Rose, just off the trail, on State St. one of my companions had been there about a decade ago for $5 lobster. was it a memoryanic embellishment? who knows. there was no lobster. I was very comfortable here. an Irish pub with beautiful and uber-friendly Hispanic waitresses and hostesses. the place is genuine, though, despite the foreign help. we ate some decent appetizers. the mussels were a quite a bit too mealy. there was a great stage which, supposedly, hosts live Irish music every night. Jameson went down nicely. that's all I have to say about that.
(3)
Jeffrey K.

There were a bunch of things I liked about The Black Rose but it was all overridden by one of the staff members who treated my friend and I with utter disrespect. This place gets a 1 star until that guy is gone. Will be updating this post once I find out his name.
(1)
Sab C.

I don't come here enough. We showed up at 6pm on a Saturday and got a nice table upstairs immediately. Excellent Guinness and the food is really good too. I had the Reuben sandwich and the corned beef was some of the best I've had. My wife had the Black Rose burger that looked great. The kids went with the chicken fingers. There was live music downstairs that added to the whole scene. Great Irish bar
(4)
David J.

Oh lovely Rose, you have failed me. Let's start with the good news. The Guiness beef stew was five stars. The bartenders, in general, were friendly and attentive. And now the bad news. I paid for my stew and and beer and never received my change. I asked about it and the bartender told me she forgot. How many other times did you "forget"? Patrons beware! Or perhaps she assumed that was tip. I can't stand when servers assume their own tips. In this case, I would have tipped more than the change amount. I went to this pub to enjoy some good Irish music. I was disappointed that the band didn't start until 10-- I had to wait a few hours, but ok. So finally the band is about to start and the staff comes around and takes all the bar stools. My nice lovely stool I've been keeping warm for 2 hours is now gone. The guy that took it away was polite about it, so I give him that. So now I'm standing at the bar, I've got my coat on a hook below the bar because I have no place to put it now, and it's half draped on the floor because the hook is so low. Nice. And now the band starts. A nice irish tune or two... but then they transtion into Knockin on Heaven's Door and some other covers-- not the good old traditional Irish tunes they started out with. But they performed well, so props to the band. The bar is almost full now with Boston's finest drunk youth. Why did we have to transition from Irish pub to frat party? I'm outta there. So I go scoop up my coat, which had been knocked off of the hook and was sitting on the floor soaking up who knows what. Goodbye sweet Rose.
(2)
Mark Y.

Curry fries! Get some.
(4)
David G.

This what i really thought a irish bar would be. live Irish music by a really nice guy, a good bar crowd and a lot of fun watching people in the bar. i enjoyed my pint.
(4)
Naomi P.

I first went to the Black Rose in 1990 on a trip through the East Coast. I have fond memories of the place. I try to stop by whenever I visit Boston. I always get the same thing, a steamed lobster. Sometimes two if they are on special. They serve small lobsters about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds. It isn't the greatest food on earth, but it hits the spot for me. The staff is friendly and slightly spacey. There's a good selection of beers. It's outfitted like an Irish joint with flags and crests. Even though I only gave it two stars, I will go back. I just can't resist.
(2)
Kathy C.

Our food was OK, nothing special. We arrived later than ususal, to ease into the music which started at 9:30. I had a saland, the wedge of iceburg lettue. It was not wilted, but it not was fresh lettuce. The blue cheese was over applied and low quality. Our crab cake appetizer was marginal, at best. Our main dish was the Fruits of the Black Rose, a seafood baked/broiled dish. Definitely nothing special here. One piece of hallibut, 3 shriimp and 6 small scallops for $18. Not good in the competitive fooding market of today. I'd say the Black Rose is surviving in history along. The drinks were much better before the whole staff changed for the music at 9-9:30. Truly there was a transition, and it wasn't for the better as a far as quality of food and drink. The help too, was marginal. Our colleague had the fish and chips which was better than just OK. Light, tasty, flavorful...just what the Irish reputation is. All in all it was disappoiting re: the food. With today's interst in quality taste, I'm suprised the Black Rose is still bringing in folks for meals.
(2)
Heather L.

I would give the Black Rose 3 1/2 stars. Fun Irish pub, pretty good menu and food. A little cold upstairs.
(3)
Brad D.

I don't get the appeal of this place. The music is always kind of lame. The bar is in the very back, which is good if you want to watch the music, but it gets crowded back there. Overall, I just think it's an average bar that out-of-towners have glorified. My feeling on that is because it is located in Faneuil Hall. There are plenty of much better Irish pubs in Boston.
(1)
Chels G.

The atmosphere was very friendly, clean, prompt service and good decor. My friend got their Shepherds Pie and wow, that was fantastic, never had anything like that. My burger was also fantastic with great french fries. I definitely wish there was something similar to this place in Southern California because we're really missing out.
(4)
Amy C.

We took my sister and her boyfriend here since he wanted to here some irish music and it was the only place on a sunday afternoon that had someone playing. Overall it was ok. Nothing special. We didn't eat here (we went to the green dragon to eat). and the beer selection was ok.
(3)
J C.

Here's the thing about this place: It's a dive. Like someone else said in a review, it would be a lot better if they got over the fact that once 9pm hits, they are no longer a slightly dingy, yet somewhat charming family eatery; they are a beer-on-the-floor, tourist trappy place to get trashed. Nothing more, Nothing less. Having said that, if you go in with the right attitude--meaning, accepting the fact that you'll have to wait for your turn at the bar, dodging drunk people, have some old businessmen hit on you--you might actually end up having a good time. When the raucous live Irish music starts around 9:30, the motley crowd consisting of drunken college kids, older businessmen, and yes, tourists, starts to clap and often, dance, along. And, if you have enough Stella or Sam Adams in your system, you may find yourself joining in, too. My only gripe is the bouncers, who take themselves way too seriously, and the lack of seating if it's really busy. Other than that, it's a pretty good time.
(3)
Jennifer S.

I've never tried the food here but what a good place to go to for a pint! If you are looking for an authentic Irish bar scene look no further, this place has it down. They even have real live drunk Irish men stumbling over themselves, sloshing beer all over the front of their shirts, and breaking out in traditional song. Stay away from the mixed drinks and stick to beer since that is their specialty. Bonus: Right outside of the Black Rose they have a Mr. Sausage and a Pizza Cart, both stay open until after 2am so that on your way home you can snack on an overpriced very tasty slice.
(4)
Kisbee B.

I enjoy the Irish music, and usually when I have gone there has been a 5 dollar cover, which isn't too bad... This is a good place to go when you are with a group who likes more of a bar scene and less of a club scene. I love the bartenders that have the Irish accent :) Everyone has had a good time when I have gone. The drinks/shots are a little bit more money then I would like to spend. However I still like to go here once in a while.. maybe its just because I am Irish, haha.
(3)
Peter P.

Good beer, nice friendly bartenders. The live music is a blast. Lots of drunken Irishmen. It is a tourist trap, but look at it's location, Fanueil Hall was created as a tourist trap, so we can't hold that against them. My only complaint is that on week days they seem to close whenever they want to, last call ranges from 1:15 to 1:50. Go here with a bunch of friends, and be sure to order something layered, because they pour perfectly.
(3)
Meghan C.

As an Irish American, I have had a need for a good Irish hang out with more of an upbeat feel. I found this place on my 21st birthday. The Black Rose is the perfect Irish pub, with the relaxed atmosphere early in the night, with good food and beer. The service is good and the waitresses very friendly (they took really good care of me on my birthday!). As the night goes on and the place becomes more crowded, it buzzes with noise and excitement. The live Irish music is amazing. Everyone gets up and dances or just sings along from their seats. The energy is fantastic. I've never had a better birthday. We never left the whole night.
(4)
John F.

A stop at the Black Rose is a must when in Boston!
(5)
Shannon C.

I've pursued a drink here a couple of times, and I'll admit it's a good bar for a raucous Irish sing-along or a black and tan. However: it's usually overcrowded (fire marshal, anyone?) and feels like a tourist trap. It seems to be a popular spot, though, so I'm sure I'll be dragged back sooner or later.
(2)
Eric M.

I love this place. It's always my first choice when i'm around Quincy Market. Food is good (bangers and mash are my favorite). Waitstaff is generally very good. I've seen a lot of great musical acts here as well, definately recommend it!
(4)
Lynda M.

Why oh why is this place still in business? It is average at best, I would rather starve than eat there (place smells horrible) There are so many authentic Irish pubs around (many that show Irish sport on the TV)! A tourist trap with no redeeming qualities! Even my native Irish friends avoid this place like the plague.
(1)
Joe R.

A decent Irish pub, probably one of the best in Boston, but still just a pub. My European buddies like it for the European sports coverage - I don't blame them. If you're looking to watch Tiopperary take on Kilkenny in hurling, you're not going find many places to do it. The Black Rose is there for you.
(3)
Kristen G.

The Black Rose has a slightly older crowd. It is a lot of fun if you enjoy the Irish Pub experience. Everytime I've gone there, I've met fun people. It gets pretty lively, but you can also just chill out at a table and listen to the music if you prefer.
(5)
Meredith F.

Unlike some bars that tend to be hit or miss, the Black Rose is ALWAYS a good time. Seriously. I have never come here and been dissapointed. Great Irish bands, some of the best beers you will find this side of the Atlantic, and a crowd that is always in a good mood. Friday and Saturday nights have a $5 cover charge, but considering some places average $20+ I figure for a bar this good its worth it.
(5)
Erin G.

Good Irish Pub. Live Irish bands and Irish beer. Can be hard to get to the bar at peak hours and often is a wait for the bathroom. Pretty good food if you go during the day. A great place to take visitors to the city to help them with the "Irish feel" of this great city!
(4)
Karen P.

spent a lot of time here st. patty's day weekend! can i just say that THE $40 PER PERSON COVER CHARGE was completely irresponsible. we didn't mind, even expected, the 45-minute wait. aside from that, however, the place, if not authentic (i'm never good at determining that stuff), has a very nice authentic feel to it, with irish music (by the same, perhaps "house?" band playing every time i've been there), coats of arms along the wall, and soccer often on the TV ... we went there for lunch on parade day and i had an absolutely wonderful salmon salad. however, my friend's exciting sounding "bangers and mash" dish was puny. the mashed potatoes were dull and cold, the beans looked like campbell's from a can, and the four tiny sausages looked like frozen Jimmy Dean's. meh. however, the clam chowder and fried garlic mushrooms, as well as the tiramisu cake, were very good. the waitress forgot my drink but i was gentle as the place was packed, and she brought it promptly once i ordered it again. The place is great for getting drunk and dancing, I wouldn't so much recommend the food (except that salad, mmm!). AND PLEASE NO MORE STUPID COVER CHARGES, EVER! (we certainly won't be paying that again, but we needed to go in after being out in the frigid cold that long). The Irish car bombs are very good here. Very friendly bartenders even considering how damned crazy it was in there. I'll be back, just not to eat. Bottoms up! and Cheers.
(3)
Jeffrey G.

IR has always been my favorite place to eat/drink in Boston. It gave me same feeling as pub scenes in Patriot Games (especially when weather was bad outside).
(5)
Michael T. M.

If you are looking for live music this is the place. Friendly staff, good music, and a great crowd!
(5)
Evan P.

Black Rose is an excellent spot to stop in with family or a group of friends (particulalry out-of-towners) for a couple drinks and catching up. The servers are friendly, the bar has a a great atmosphere and decor, and the live music is always good. I can't say anything about the food- but everything else is worth checking out.
(4)
Jeremy S.

I was walking through town and recognized the name. We stopped to have a bite to eat. Was pretty good food great service good atmosphere and the good drink selection. We actually left her jacket inside and the waitress walked all the way across the street to give it back. That's what kind of service you will get.
(5)
Ashley C.

We came here on a recommendation from a work friend the first day we were in Boston. It certainly has the authentic Irish Pub down pat. We stopped in for a late lunch and drinks. We tried a soup and the fish and chips. The fish and chips were pretty good - a nice batter without it being too heavy. The fish inside was very flaky and they had a nice sauce. I think the fish and chips were a 4 star quality. The drinks were good and strong (but balanced). The problem was getting drinks took forever. We would have ordered another round, but our waitress never came to see us until we were done with our meal. Service was pretty poor considering that it wasn't busy at all. Our waitress seemed to have a indifferent attitude and preferred to be in the corner chatting with other employees. I know it's a bar and my expectations on service are different, but I would think they'd want to keep pouring us drinks too! If I was in the area, this would be a place to stop-in here, but I wouldn't go out of my way just to come here.
(3)
Patrick M.

While the food, drinks and wait staff were fantastic the host was terrible. He was difficult and seemed to be exasperated with the very idea of customers. This review is only intended to reflect the indifference and complete lack of courtesy shown by the host.
(1)
Rayne N.

Average, at best. The crab cakes were awful. The chowder is only okay for Boston. The prices are very high for the food quality. The service is average. Our waitress was always available and nice. I wouldn't bother coming here again with the other options available in the immediate vicinity.
(3)
Mandy D.

Really decent prices for being smack dab in the middle of the marketplace. Nothing super spectacular or special about it, but the food was decent and the drinks were well priced. Also a great place to watch the Bruins game... if you can get a table!
(3)
Timmy D.

went in on a wed afternoon not busy at all. The hostess was busy off to the side doing something with no urgency to seat us I took it upon my self to greet her instead anyway I did say thank you for the seat and she looked at my like i was an alien. I ended up ordering the fish sandwich and it was horrible. Anyway after looking at he other reviews for this place I am just wondering were they ate.
(1)
Emily S.

Great choice for an authentic Irish pub during the middle of a busy day exploring the Boston area. My party of three ordered the Maine lobster, bistro salad, and fish and chips. All were affordable, well-prepared, and much appreciated by our hungry touring trio! Go to the Black Rose!
(5)
Amanda A.

Pretty good food, ok service, very cramped seating for 2. My husband and I went in on a cold rainy day. We had been looking for an interesting place to have lunch, but the weather forced us inside. Thankfully, we were able to get a good meal at the Black Rose. My husband really enjoyed the shepherds pie!
(4)
Sarah T.

My husband and I stopped here for dinner and drinks while staying in Boston. The place has a really cool vibe. There was a live band playing Irish music when we stopped in around 5pm. My husband tried their corned beef and cabbage spring rolls and I had their 1/2 lobster roll and cup of clam chowder special and we highly recommend both! The prices were very reasonable! We would definitely come back and recommend to others.
(5)
Caitlyn T.

Good location but way too loud. Service was okay but kind of slow. My Shepard pie was really just chili with mashed potatoes in it. I will probably go somewhere else next time I'm in the area.
(2)
Edward M.

Good Irish bar to grab a drink at in the faunuel hall. The food is not very good but the drinks atmosphere and music make up for the rest. Best time to go is Thursday night.
(3)
Meredith M.

Great Irish pub. I really liked how open it was and the live music, that always makes the feel. Affordable drinks, cold Guinness, convenient and cozy. I really enjoyed a quick brew here with a few friends. Bartender is funny and very helpful. Wonderfully enough, the woman sitting behind me was full on breast feeding her child in the bar....while drinking a Guinness. First of all, are children allowed in bars? Secondly....drinking while breast feeding? Hahaha gotta love it.
(3)
Mark R.

Stopped in for a quick beer and snack. Place had charm and Irish music was nice. Thought there might be more Irish beers on tap but enjoyed the bottle of Harps Lager just the same. Chips were skin on fries that were really good. Came with a curry sauce which was a bit odd. Wasn't bad but was not super memorable at the same time.
(3)
Dan P.

This was my first time in Boston for a business trip and went here on my last night there. By far this pub has the best food around and real pub food at that (fish and chips were pretty dang good) and had most all beer on tap. I had the Sam Adams winter lager and it was just superb. I would have liked it a little colder but it will do. At 9:30 they advertise live Irish music (and stop serving food as well) and tonight it did not disappoint. The gents playing tonight were awesome playing some great jams. Overall if you are in downtown boston I would recommend this. It was much fun with the live music.
(5)
Kate K.

Pretty good prices for downtown. The chicken pot pie looked FANTASTIC! I had the wedge salad which blew my mind. As someone who has been to Ireland for a lengthy amount of time, this restaurant/pub is on par with what you would find in Galway or Dingle (yeah, I just said Dingle, so what, wanna fight about it?), and the food definitely reminded me of the fatty mcfatterson food you would find in the pubs in Ireland. If you're choosing between here and someone else nearby, just come here, because it's pretty delicious. Not sure about the night life, so you'll just have to figure that out yourself.
(4)
Susan L.

Lively traditional Irish bar, with good service despite being in a heavily-tourist area. Get there early and enjoy watching it transition from locals, to an after-work crowd, to a busy tourist destination. I've only been there for a drinks, but they have good beer and cider, and even their house cabernet isn't bad.
(4)
Chad C.

Stopped in for lunch on a Friday, fun atmosphere. Lobster roll and sweet potato fries were delicious! Prices were good and service was as well. It was not very busy so service was quick. A good Boston pub!
(4)
Aaron K.

I have yet had the honor of hearing live music here; however, I have had food and drinks here. It's absolutely fine, but it's just not amazing. Here's why: the food is average pub food, and the beer selection is lacking. I give props for Green Monsta IPA on tap, but that was about it in terms of other-than-standard. Bottom line is that the Black Rose is fun for a quick drink if downtown, but there's other good stuff, too.
(3)
James H. G.

The wife had fish and chips and the serving size was quite enough to fill her up. Good fish and the cole slaw was very tasty. I had the trio; stew, Shepherds Pie both stewed with Guinness and two bangers plus some fries. WOW and Damn, the heavenly dark liquid with an inch of head, Guinness outta the tap, mmm two of them and went down smooth. Had a soloist strumming and singing before their 930pm advertised time so just made an AWESOME atmosphere.
(5)
Jennifer B.

went to a Late lunch in the beginning of March with my twins to show them some Bits of Ireland with the County Flags. Great Atmosphere for a Pub with children & a Sober person .. Watch some European Futbol .. Waitresses were Friendly .. Along with the Manager Food was Excellent too ..
(5)
Kerri Y.

The atmosphere is the reason the come to the Black Rose- even on a Tuesday night the place is pretty packed, the Irish band is playing, people are up and dancing! As other reviews state, its a good place to bring out of town guests or a good place to change it up from the typical faneuil hall bar scene.The food is good- not fantastic- but decent. Overall guaranteed to be a good time.
(3)
Sarah F.

It was cold and about to snow so we picked the first place we saw to eat lunch at on a December Saturday afternoon. It was pretty drafty inside but interesting decor. The food was average pub food. Our waitress was nice. It wasn't too full because it was early afternoon and we didn't have to wait for a table. There are certainly a lot of restaurants in the Faneuil Hall area and this was a fine option but I think I'd like to try another place next time I'm in the area.
(2)
Drew W.

Service and food excellent. Irish Pub seems popular with the locals
(4)
Jeffery P.

Frightening chicken (parts?) on Irish Nachos. Gamey corned beef on Reuben. Poor excuse for tartar sauce with otherwise passable fish & chips. Sam Brick Red on draft was great!
(1)
Remie M.

Met up with some friends from middle/HS . . . what i've noticed Im always meeting up with friends from CA in different states! hahaha ne ways, walked in the pub and it was clean and just a few ppl in here We ordered drinks and "caught" up since i haven't seen them in years! There was a live performer on his guitar singing some recent songs. Every parton was friendly and was there to have a good time. . . this was our first bar of the night. . .
(4)
Eva M.

You don't come here to eat. You come here for the IRISH band and for the drinks. Lots of fun drunken singing and a sometimes some people even get out of their seats to dance. People mingle and are friendly.
(5)
Pete J.

I liked this place. First, the look of the bar - It's a mix of authentic and what Americans think an authentic Irish bar looks like. Does that make sense? The dark woods, cozy corners, ledges for leaning and drinking. But I challenge you to find a bar in Ireland with all those flags hanging from the ceiling :) The bartender was Irish and friendly. Knowledgeable of the beers they carried. Beers were cold! Decent selection also. Food was good. I got the RLT - it's a take on the BLT, but with rashers (Irish bacon, more like ham, or Canadian bacon). It came with a big mound of fries and for $8 was a good deal. Girly got the pub burger, which was a decent size with cheese for $10. She upgraded to sweet potato fries for an additional $1 and reported back that they were great. Didn't get a chance to listen to the music as the band didn't start until 9:30, which personally I though was a bit too late for a Wednesday night, but that's just me. I really liked the demographic of this place's patrons. It was reminiscent of British/Irish pubs, where you would find your granddad in one corner of the bar talking and drinking with his pals, while in the other corner would be your niece who just turned 18 (ok, 21 here) yukking it up with her lot. I'll be back!
(4)
Mary T.

Wildly embarrassing first date moment, narrowly avoided! We came over to The Black Rose after dinner nearby to catch some live music, grab a few more drinks and talk. We arrived shortly before the music began and were able to score a few seats at the upstairs bar. It seems they not only have live music, but one band upstairs and one downstairs, which is nice. They have a decent beer selection and despite the live music, the place doesn't get super loud so it's still possible to carry on a conversation without shouting. The crowd definitely errs on the younger side, at least it did when we were there. When the music started, I heard a familiar song. I've heard it most frequently at a bar back home where dirty limericks and refrains are the norm. I was glad the band didn't have my full attention because had I shouted out the no-so-PG, vulgar refrain I'm used to hearing, I can almost guarantee I would have had the whole upstairs bar's attention. The only reason this place gets 3 stars and not 4 is the upstairs women's bathroom. The bathrooms are tiny - as in I smacked my elbows on the sides of the stall pulling up my jeans - but that's not the reason for the dock of a star. There was a hole, through the tile and sub-floor, that was about 5" across and 8" deep right at the edge of the toilet. To make matters worse, some thought it appropriate to toss their dirty toilet paper in it. A hole like that doesn't appear overnight, you think they'd nail some plywood over it or something - gross!
(3)
Kathleen C.

Ahhh...a welcome respite from the bar next door. Visited for a drink and it was such a welcome atmosphere. The spot was friendly and a fun spot to sit for a drink. The bartender offered to let me try a few wines before I chose one to drink. He was so nice. The prices were reasonable, the drinks delicious and the spot warm and inviting. Definitely a spot to stop in if you are in the area.
(4)
Sara M.

I went to a work event here and my review is mixed. When we showed up, they said, "ok you can go upstairs, but we have a big party coming and you'll have to move downstairs." I told them I was in the big party, and they had no idea the name of the group or how many people were coming. The people they were kicking out of the upstairs were not relocated, so we shared our space with other people, no problem, it was a big space. Food was brought out - chicken on a stick, chicken tenders, crudite, and spanakopita (spelling?) All were good, but nothing special and clearly straight out of the freezer. Drinks were standard, although two of my friends could not get drinks because the replacement bartender didn't know how to use the register and therefore would not help them. Overall, a nice atmosphere, but spotty service and standard food.
(3)
Kyle S.

Great food, great atmosphere, good service.
(4)
Michael D.

This was my first time here, I felt awkward at first given the individual next to me had been cut off for whatever reason (seemed like a personal thing, but clearly he needed to go). Mind you, it was around 4pm on a Sunday. After this event, the rest of my experience was well above par, great service and as a traveling businessman this filled a gap. Great atmosphere, meet people I would not normally have interacted and had a good time. Tried the chowder as I had seen it on a few other Yelp reviews, might agree with the need to do a better job; I think it had a bit of a powdered taste due to the rue. This is a first level mistake, I don't expect this from an experienced chef; even when your flavors hit on all cylinders. So a 4 because front of the house can cover for back's mess up. I'll be back, hopefully some.
(4)
Jason J.

Out of town friends want to see a few typical "Boston" bars. okay.jpg. I can supply that. Doorman: $10 cover to get in to the bar. Me: What if we are here to eat? Doorman: No cover, but the wait is 45 minutes. You can go to the bar in the meantime. Me: Well I'll be damned, turns out we are here to eat. We were not there to eat. Keep that in your back pocket.
(3)
Caitlin F.

As a first time visitor to Boston, I can't guarantee this bar is awesome every Saturday night, but man did we get lucky. Stopped here for a quick beer with my family on the way back to our hotel, and ended up staying for 5. Amazing Irish music, great crowd, everyone drinking, singing, and clapping along.
(4)
Mary L.

I enjoy the Black Rose, but can only handle it once a year. Pluses: 1. Great live Irish music - soooo needed! I wish there were more bars with musicians like these. People will dance the jig in front of the stage, and 80% of the people in the bar will sing along once they hear a chorus or two. 2. Very friendly staff, bouncers, waitresses, bartenders 3. Gives you the feel of a hollywood irish bar set. Everyone is rosy cheeked from the guinness, arms over one another, swaying the song. Flags overhead from the different family names. Possible Cons: 1. Extremely crowded 2. Expect to get beer on you 3. Very loud I enjoy a crazy night out, especially on St. Patrick's Day weekend. I've never had their food, so my stars are based upon the beer and music. Sliante!
(4)
Maria Z.

I have always had a good experience here but not last night. A group of us went here for dinner after drinks. The hostess asked if we were here for food and we said yes. We were seated and given menus and the waitress took our drink order. After getting drinks including a beer that the waitress dropped on my friend, we were told the full menu was not available and we were given a list of items available which included about five things, literally. If you don't have food, you probably should tell your guests that before you seat them. We went to the Granary Tavern and it was great!
(1)
Daniel M.

The Black Rose is definitely an Irish pub. My Guinness was excellent. Clean glass, accurately poured and good to the taste. Our server Eileen was delightful and very sweet. She knew the menu and was helpful in our selections. I really enjoyed the New England clam chowder and my Guinness Beef Stew with Mash ( charged extra for these). My wife had the Fruits of RosÃ© ( seafood melody ). She said it was good. Our daughter enjoyed her scallops. For a pub the food was pretty good. Beer was very good.
(4)
Amy J.

It's just a must-visit watering hole in Boston
(4)
John R.

Went mid day with my Fiancee before the Beer Festival... had a Sam Adams, bartender had a thick Irish accent & was friendly.. sat and had a Lobster Roll & Clam Chowder, both delish.
(4)
Brad J.

The lobster special was very good. Casual atmosphere, service was a little slow but was very busy. Waitress was very polite. Chowder was good too.
(4)
Shirley C.

My boyfriend and I stumbled upon this place and what a great find! We got the 2 lobsters dinner special (for only $18.99!!!), clam chowder, and the Irish Trio. The lobsters were definitely the stars that night. Our server was terrific and really made our dining experience enjoyable. Definitely come swing by for the lobster dinner if anything. Would love to come back to this place the next time I'm in Boston :)
(5)
Jim W.

Wandered on this place during a conference in South Boston. There was a trio of musicians playing some great Celtic music, and the atmosphere of the pub was upbeat but traditional. They have a great lineup of Irish whiskeys and also have a decent, but not huge, set of beers on tap. A fun pub that I'll try to visit again soon.
(4)
Lucie B.

Lobster was amazing!!! 14 hands wine was great, banners and nah are good too
(5)
Sarah M.

Walked to the upstairs bar, as the Bruins were playing. Sat at a table with two half drank beers. No waiter/waitress cleaned the table. Had to go to the bar to get menus. After getting menus no one came to take our order. 23 minutes and no service. This place blows. Atmosphere felt like a stuffy old men's club, never going back and don't recommend this place!
(1)
Isabelle L.

Great atmosphere, good beer!
(4)
Robert B.

Awesome Irish fare. Great Irish Stew!
(4)
Mark S.

Stopped in after a long flight and dinner and cannolis from the north end but what a great place. Great music and all the people inside having a great time. I can't commenton the food since we only had the oat sodas but i will definitely be back.
(4)
M A.

Came here with a buddy Friday after work. I asked the server if we could have something light on tap. "We only got Bud Light" - she replied. How can an Irish Pub have only have Bud Light on draft. I went with a Sam's Seasonal. She came back and said we got issues with the Keg Change. We then ordered a Guinness. She comes back again and says sorry, the tap has an issue. We ended up with a Coors and a Bud Light. Both of which seemed suspiciously watered down.
(1)
Charles M.

Live music, good food, friendly staff. I was less than impressed by the selection of beer, especially for an "Irish Pub". As one would expect, the mashed potatoes were incredible! The bar staff were very quick and nice. The whiskey selection was less than I expected but this seems to be the way in Boston (many Irish Pubs have sub-par selections). Prices were in line with the rest of the slightly overpriced bars in downtown Boston. The men's restroom was unbelievably small and hot. The size is expensive to fix but the ventilation is not. It would go a long way toward making the customers happy.
(3)
Carol H.

The Black Rose is one of those places you have to love, even with that one strangely bright fluorescent light near the stage and with the stickiest floors I have ever encountered. (Seriously. I thought I was stuck to the ground multiple times.) When we got here late-ish on a Saturday night, the band was in full swing, singing Irish songs that everyone else seemed to know the words to and heckling the crowd. Most people bunch around the edges of the seating area (not sure why), but there was a "Dead Man Walking" bachelor party sitting down. (Congratulations Kyle, hope your last stand was worth it.) Bartenders: I really, really need to make a comment on this. They were the MESSIEST bartenders I have ever encountered. They practically throw your drink at you, sloshing half of it onto the bar/ground (hence the incredible stickiness), and they always act really overworked, even when the crowd isn't being that crazy. I don't know if they're calmer upstairs because that part was closed by the time I got there, but the bartenders downstairs were definitely half-cocked and out of their minds or something. The bathrooms are really tiny and seem to bring out the b*tch in everyone, and the blowdryer is essentially useless. Despite all this, it's a fun place to hang out with a group of friends. Just don't get stuck to the floor.
(4)
Missa B.

We stopped in here durinf our tour of the freedom trail for the lobster roll and clam chowder. The perfect lunch. For $25!!
(4)
Tim L.

Great entertainment, Great atmosphere, wonderful drink selection and amazing food. I can't say enough great things about this place! We spent many of our evenings here on our trip to Boston unwinding. It really had a hometown feel and great food and drink specials.
(5)
Eric P.

It's OK. Had the bangers and mash, which were good but not great. Live music downstairs is pretty loud--can't have a conversation. Limited selection of draft Irish/English beers.
(2)
Jack M.

HEY: You need to know about this! The Black Rose is running a special! Pints of Guinness are $3! Or is it $2.75? I can't remember but it's CHEAP! GO! Get 10! We had dinner here last night and noticed a new item on the menu. It was an Irish Sampler that came with a little pot of their beef stew (EXCELLENT) a little pot of their shepherds pie (It was... OK. No lamb in it so I don't think you can technically CALL it a shepherds pie.) 2 sausages (good) and fries with AWESOME curry sauce to dip it in. It really hit the spot with several CHEAP guinnesses. Guinness's? We drank a lot.
(4)
Sam F.

1. Go on Monday nights and listen to Terry Brennan. It's the best Irish folk show you'll see in Boston. Seriously, the guy plays every Monday and its amazing. All his tips go towards the Jimmy Fund. 2. The rest of the week is fine as well. Live band every night and usually a pretty good (read drunk tourists) crowd. 3. Food is standard American-Irish pub fare.
(4)
Chase M.

I came to the Black Rose early evening during the week for dinner. I was planning on having a steak as they advertise them on their outdoor signage. I walked in and sat solo facing the street side window adjacent to the main bar. I waited for 10 minutes and not one of the many roving staff servers or bartenders took notice of me. After my wait I went towards the exit and asked a server if the area I was sitting in albeit close to the bar was self service and I was told it was. But for a newcomer there was no signage or anything to reveal this to me. In a city district competitively dense with numerous pub choices and a popular tourist location this experience was unsatisfactory and disappointing. Despite eventually being offered a place to sit for dinner I chose elsewhere.
(2)
Jennifer F.

The upstairs is the place to be. Our bartender Paul was terrific and easy with the pours. The calamari was terrific. Not sure i would go downstairs, too noisy! My only complaint really is the women's bathroom stalls are super tiny - even a size two would have difficult getting in.
(3)
Justin B.

We stopped by here after the Dropkick Murphys concert at the Garden. Friendly staff, friendly patrons, fun music, and a great time. We'll have to come back and try the food. Happy St. Paddy's Day!
(4)
Krista F.

Ask for the onion rings. Great music, great crowd. Can't wait to go back.
(4)
Ryan S.

This was my first time in Boston, so we were walking the city taking in all of the history when we started looking for a place to eat lunch and stumbled upon the Black Rose. As soon as we walked in we were welcomed by a very friendly staff an a neat Irish pub environment. The food was decent, what I'd tend to expect for bar food. They had signs up saying they featured live Irish music in the evenings, however we were unable to get back to check it out.. Maybe next time I make it back to Boston.
(4)
Mark W.

IRISH.....what more needs to be said!
(4)
Brian M.

I don't know what it looks like during the week, but I can tell you that on Saturdays this is not the place to go if you're looking for a quiet night out. The place is in a very busy location and has a very good local reputation so it is always crowded. We went around 4:00 after a Bruins game figuring that we'd have no problem getting in so far after lunch and so long before dinner. There were empty seats when we arrived, but not too many. The bar was full of people watching the Sox get slaughtered on tv and there were plenty of diners listening to the guy up on stage belting out traditional Irish songs. After a couple of years of hearing me claim that my hometown's fish and chip place makes the greatest fish and chips in the world, my girlfriend got sick of hearing it and demanded that I try the dish at The Black Rose which is her favorite place to get them. I have to admit, they were very good. The batter is perfectly crisp without being greasy and the fish is fresh. The fries were nothing spectacular, but with a good fish, they don't have to be. The girlfriend ordered the bangers and mashed, another of her favorite dishes. I always like a large beer selection and while this place was stocked with most of the usuals, it did have several uncommon options. I ordered one of the beers from the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, something I've only seen in liquor stores before. The crowds here would keep me away on most occasions so I probably wouldn't come here for dinner. It seems like a great place to go for a drink or two though.
(4)
Mr S.

My fiancÃ©e and I usually always pop in when in the area for a few drinks. Not a bad Irish pub. Prices arn't too bad and service has always been wicked good! Anyone looking to find an Irish pub in their journeys should consider stopping in!
(4)
Kristine P.

Great atmosphere, good food, great live music! Thanks for the good time during my visit
(4)
Tj F.

Who closes their kitchen at 9pm? They did, and well, hence the one star review.
(1)
Helena W.

Was in Boston for the evening and decided to stop by The Black Rose because of the Yelp reviews. Glad we did because it was a fun stop during our bar crawl adventure. Paid $13.38 for 2 beers. Not cheap, but I don't mind paying a bit extra for a clean pub. There is a lot of room here with tables and chairs all over. There is an upstairs floor, but it wasn't accessible that Thursday night we were there. The crowd is a bit older. I got the feeling it was more of an afterwork crowd. Most of the patrons were older than what I'm use to at my college town, but there weren't any creepers. I was happy with that. The best part about this bar is the live music. The band that was playing that night was a FANTASTIC Irish-style band that complements a pub atmosphere. They were so good - best live music I've heard at a bar!! I don't know if it was just the one night occurrence, but the next time I come through Boston I will definitely be coming back. When it came time to leave, I wish I could have taken the band with me.
(4)
Bill M.

Great place for live Irish music and a legit pint of Guinness. If it's really crowded it can be hard to get a beer. Bartenders do a good job keeping up, but they are non stop. Good TV's and food looked good too. Only criticism is that bathroom was very small.
(4)
Andrew H.

This is my favorite place to go to before a concert at the Garden, or after the aquarium/ museum of science/ walk around town with the kiddoes. I've not stayed late enough for the "night life". My experience has been vastly different than that of a few people, below. Never had a bad dish here, nor has anyone in my party complained. Bangers & mash, shepherd's pie, stew, curry fries, fried fish... all delicious. Service has ranged from great to "just ok", but never poor. The Black Rose is a great alternative to the fast food and big-name chains that are at Faneuil, as it's only a couple blocks away.
(4)
Joe K.

This place is great. Had an awesome time on Friday we decided to come back Saturday. Great bartenders, authentic Ireland lads, very attentive and friendly! We had the Irish chips, nachos, and the Guinness stew. Having been to Ireland recently I can assure that these are authentic dishes and very comparable to their counterparts in Ireland. The guys playing music were very good and true Irish musicians. The only reason I give 4 stars, really 4 1/2, is that the musicians were a little Americanized by playing American tunes occasionally. Other that that an awesome experience!
(4)
Leslie A.

Someone recommended this for a great lobster roll and they were right. Clam chowder was good, too. Fish and chips also very tasty. Fish was light and flakey. Service was slow, but only 1 waitress for 10 tables with 4-8 people each, a wait is unavoidable. The 2 gals just yakking at the hostess stand could have helped her.
(4)
Nir S.

New Favorite bar! Love the live Irish music, drinks reasonable. Great time
(5)
Meghan P.

It was at the Black Rose that we discovered the signature cocktail for our entire Boston/Cambridge trip... the Naughty Irishman! Our first afternoon drink at the Black Rose was a much-needed Irish Coffee. We'd flown in on the Red-Eye the night before and were feeling the effects of nearly 36 hours awake... we'd just visited Faneill Hall, Quincy Market, and parts of the Freedom Trail and were ready to relax for a bit... Our bartender was super sweet and was literally singing as she skipped around the bar. Her Irish accent was awesome too! The (barely-whipped) cream that topped the Irish Coffees was insanely rich. Wow!!! After one Irish Coffee, I yearned for more. So I inquired about a drink that might provide the same coffee goodness but possibly a bit more sweetness. It was then that I met the Naughty Irishman. Along with the usual whisky and coffee, he included a big splash of Frangelico and Bailey's and another huge dollop of the magical cream. With the same punch of the Irish Coffee, he slid down my throat so smoothly! I think I met my new coffee love! We commemorated our Black Rose visit with a great t-shirt depicting a Boston lobster with "the perfect pint"...
(4)
Katy F.

FOOD REVIEW ONLY: Yes, im sure that this is a cool bar...but i wouldnt know. I really appreciate an awesome bar that also has awesome food. This is not your match if you like good food. I was in Boston on business and stopped in for lunch. Shouldve gotten a clue when we were the only people in the restaurant at 12:15. Mussels were rotten (literally stunk up the whole table), chicken was dry (on the nachos), fish was mushy, lobster roll was old, oil that the fries were fried in was obviousy overly reused, steak tips were ordered medium and they were so charred that they were inedible. I can almost say that collectively this is one of the worst meals I have ever had. Corned beef and cabbage was ok, and edible. Mashed potatoes, side salad and broc were safe options. Boston cream pie was decent. For the quality, the prices were high as well. Most dishes were 15 or so. Service was great and waitress was friendly and attentive. However, we had to go get a snack afterwards.
(1)
Kyle S.

My parents and I stopped in The Black Rose to catch a World Cup game after a day trip to Boston. It's a cool bar, with two floors, and we ended up in the upstairs portion, where there was room to sit at the bar and watch the game. They had a decent selection of beer, and we shared a plate of nachos which were good, though nothing special. I'd love to check this place out at night, as I'm sure it's pretty fun.
(4)
M H.

My husband and I really liked this place great food, good service & wasn't far from our hotel. The Boston creme pie is AMAZING!
(5)
Sarah M.

As the 2 star rating says, I've experienced better. The layout is better than average for an Irish bar, but the prices are kind of expensive for the area, they charge a cover to listen to crappy bands, and it's always mobbed, unless you are there early evening. I guess I am kind of biased since I am not really a fan of the scene at this bar, nor do I like Irish folk music, but this place just rubs me the wrong way. Not to mention they are not such a fan of the air conditioning even when it's 80 degrees outside in the summer at 10 at night.
(2)
Anastasia R.

This is a tiny Irish bar in the middle of the tourist district that's real crowded. The beer was $6 a pint. Not awesome. It is supposed to have live music every night at 9:30 and the night we went it was supposed to be Irish pub music/drinking songs. However once they started playing it was clear that the band had an affinity for country western covers, because every other tune was a slow, sad, I'm crying in my beer because my wife cheated on my song. WTF? Plus when he got to the Irish sing along songs, I couldn't understand a thing that came out of his mouth and had no idea how to participate. This is when I came to the realization that I may actually be too white for an Irish bar...
(2)
Kimberly M.

After some shopping in Fenuil Hall, we were jones'n for an Irish ale.. From a real Irish pub. We wandered up the side street & into The Black Rose.. Most of the peeps there had Irish accents .. Nice.. And the menu had ur standard Irish fare.. Bangers & mash .. Yummy:-) ; corned beef & cabbage .. Yummy yummy:-) Cider & Ale.. Triple Yummy.. The wait staff was awesome.. Most of them , that is.. A problem, which was my fault..I left my credit card on the table upon leaving.. Could it be the cider?? About to go standby on my flight.. I realize that's the cc w alot of moola on it!! I called The Black Rose ..& a snippy girl answered.. Can't send.. Nope. Must come to pub. Wth? I get the possible security.. But overkill & over attitude.. When I didn't make my flight.. I went immediately there. My waitress noticed me & knew right away.. Thanking her tremendously enters snippy girl.. 'get her id! You just never know!' waitress said, ' umm I do know..' whatever control freak pub wench ... Id given & bad yelpage for u:-)
(4)
Natalia T.

The food was below average, over fried greasy fish, nasty fries ... the table was sticky :((( a couple of weeks ago Boston Now wrote about Black Rose getting some sanitary violations (ice machine dirty, dirt bar etc.) 2* for decor
(2)
Vanessa C.

I had my last drink ever here, not that I remember it.... but here goes: I ordered food - it was a large piece of meat. was it steak? pot roast? I will never be sure, but I know I only managed a few bites before pushing it away. patron shots were moderately priced. one, two... oops lost count! woke up in hotel in financial district. convenient to stumble out onto shady misadventures. 2 stars because it is not The Field. *heart*
(2)
John Daniel G.

I stopped in here because I wanted to eat some decent pub food. I ordered a burger which was delicious. It was a big patty, not greasy, with a good bun, and the lettuce, tomato, and pickles were fresh. The side caesar salad I had was a little too tangy, but that's a mild thing and I still ate all of it. Also, the service was friendly and prompt, and the atmosphere was clean and friendly.
(4)
Christina A.

So my friend Meghan is obsessed with this place. She has a desperate desire to actually be Irish (sadly she is Eastern European). So I've gone here a few times. Sadly I can't say I share her passion. I mean it's a fun idea, but the reality doesn't so much live up to expectation. The food is meh--it's bar food, and not done astoundingly well. The nachos were the biggest disappointment, but the spinach dip was pretty darn good. The music on the weekends is also fun, but no one in the bar really seems into it. Our group was singing along and clapping but everyone else sat stoically in their seats. Sad.
(3)
Lance P.

I just popped in from a nearby hotel. No music this night, but football (soccer) of the TVs. Fish and chips were very well prepared: fresh fish, light batter, clean and delicate. Slaw was good too. Had a Guinness. Don't know about the New England favorites (lobster roll , etc.) but they can cook an Anglo-Irish staple real fine.
(4)
Matthew T.

Fish and chips were pretty lame. Flavorless and limp. You want a crisp crunch for a batter. The fish itself had zero flavor. Aren't we in Boston? Won't be back. Tourists only.
(2)
aland f.

This is a great place to entertain out-of-towners visiting you... or an easy choice if you're in a large group of people (this place has tons of space). This is NOT a place you go if you're a local. The place is full of tourist and BU/BC undergrads. On Friday/Saturday nights they feature live irish music both downstairs and upstairs... Drinks aren't too expensive and the food is your standard pub grub with an irish twist. There's a mythical rumor that some of the original tea party members congregated in the upstairs area near one of the fireplaces to plan out their boston harbor escapades... No clue if this is true, but it's always a fun story to tell friends/relatives visiting.
(4)
Chris B.

Irish I was here right now! This place has alot of character especially come st. Patty's day. Decent food and friendly staff. 2 floors of guiness drinking madness. Cheers mate.
(4)
Sam W.

I just moved out of Boston, but when I was there this was a regular meet up spot for my boyfriend's parents and us. The fish and chips is some of the best around as well as the bread pudding ( I could go for some now)! At about 10pm they have live Irish music which adds to the scene.
(4)
Chris M.

This is a great Irish Pub in a great Irish City! Enjoyed the craic, the music and the pints thoroughly. The food was good, nothing amazing nor disappointing, just good comfort food in a great pub. I love this place and will revisit every time I'm in Boston.
(4)
Liz M.

Yes, I am definitely a fan! I should have ordered one of their Irish specials but since I was craving for Lobster roll, I went ahead and ordered it and i have no regrets! The lobster was tenderly cooked, the roll was freshly baked and they serve it with a small bowl of New England Clam Chowder which just AMAZING! :) Tried the UFO beer for the 1st time and fell in LOVE! ;) Best part was the Irish waitress which was very sweet and very accommodating! In fact all the servers and waitresses were real nice and always smiled back at you. will definitely go back tot his place! :)
(4)
Tom L.

On my first trip to Boston, this was the last place I stopped. Every other time, its where I start. The Black Rose has very good food and a very traditional selection of libations. This is a great bar with good food and wonderful live Irish music. This is the quintessential Irish Pub! Its located in Faneuil Hall (Quincy Market) area...and never lets down.
(4)
Alex I.

Until last night I would have recommended The Black Rose to anyone but there was a particular staff member that treated my friend and I with complete disrespect. This place gets 1 star for the terrible way we were treated in front of people that were as puzzled as we were for being asked to leave.
(1)
Mike T.

I'm not a local, so take my review with a grain of salt. I was in Boston on vacation and was told to go here by my cousin. I was not disappointed. There was a cover which I'm typically against, but I was on vacation and had already realized the debt I'd incur, what's 5 more dollars? Inside, very cool, friendly vibe; 2 floors, both with bars. The band was awesome, I love the old traditional Irish folk music and that was played throughout, but they also played some Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly covers. Probably a U2 song in there somewhere too...my memory doesn't serve me as the things that The Black Rose sold me killed it. It was super crowded so it wasn't easy to get drinks. Halfway into the review would be a good time to bring this up...I was already drunk when I arrived at this bar so everything that happened there was gonna be great no matter what. I don't remember how much I spent, but I remember being pleasantly surprised...so whatever that means. Leaving The Black Rose, it was a rainy August night. I crossed when I probably wasn't allowed to cross so I was half running across the street, when my foot hit the slick brick...I did a full on prat fall, flat on my back, hit my head...it was a source of entertainment for anyone in the immediate radius. My friend thought I died. After he realized I wasn't paralyzed, he led me to a cab where my friends said dumb things and I would interject with other loud dumb things. Now I'm not sure why, but a lot of Boston cabbies are from Africa. We had at least 3. He seemed to think we were crazy Americans - more crazy than most. He started lecturing us but I had no idea what he was saying. There's video footage of all of this by the way. I paid for the cab (because it was my turn) when we got to our hotel and somewhere in between the time I swiped my card and got out of the cab, I lost my debit card. What's more, I realized it right away. I tried to flag the cab down as he was leaving but he understandably probably thought I was drunkenly doing something odd. I had my receipt from the cab so I called the number on it and no one was answering (it's like 2:30AM at this point). I curse the answering machine of the cab company and said things like "what if I needed a fucking cab?! You could be losing business. I need my F*CKING DEBIT CARD!" I go inside and tell the poor French kid working at the desk at my hotel to call the cab company. I started half yelling at him I'm pretty sure... He called and got the voicemail too, I don't know why I thought he'd get a different result than I did - oh yeah I do..I was drunk. I'm pissed and decide to go up to my room (the debit card I lost was a week old - I had lost one 3 weeks prior). I get off the elevator and can't find my room. I start yelling at 3AM in a nice hotel "WHERE THE F*CK IS MY ROOM?!?" My friend pokes his head out the door of our room and says "whoa, whoa...hey Mike...get in here!" Not even in a mad way, in an "It's ok, buddy! C'mon, champ!" way. I go into my room and go on a tirade that lasts about 10 minutes. The tirade ended by me falling asleep. I think The Black Rose did me right.
(5)
Locutus K.

I stop into this place every now and then for lunch. The food is pretty good but a little pricey. The service is inconsistent -- the first bartender I had was so awesome and nice, we had a great conversation with her about all sorts of things. The second bartender was rude and seemed to resent us for needing service. At one point she just kind of absently plopped our forks and knives on the table without even turning in our direction. The place was pretty empty, so it wasn't because she was busy. The reason I came to write this review however is because of the beer. I don't usually notice this kind of thing because I hardly ever drink the same beer twice in a week when I go out, but I ordered the Sam Adams Summer Ale here on draft. What I got was a bitter nasty beer that tasted nothing like the amazing drink I had the night before at a more upscale place. I don't know if the taps were dirty or whatever was going on there, but it was a bad beer. I guess that's fine if you want to get drunk, but I wouldn't get the good stuff here if I went again.
(3)
Sogol G.

I have been at this place a few times and each time it was super crowded. They have live Irish band. After certain hour there is a cover charge and a line (i guess it turns into a club). Never had food there but drinks were OK.
(3)
Jenn R.

I purchased New Year's Eve tickets and was sadly disappointed to find myself standing in line in the cold for hours trying to get in, while the bouncer told us they were at capacity. They allowed people who came to dinner to ring in the New Year even though they didn't buy tickets, let non-ticket holders in to a private party upstairs and never served the champagne toast they advertised as part of the ticket price. The tickets were supposed to guarantee exclusive access. Apparently they overbooked the place! The band was too drunk to play once my sister managed to get in. I went back to my hotel because I couldn't wait any longer. They are very lucky they offered me a refund when I called them today, or I would have given them no stars. If you're just going for a quick beer, it's an okay place, but the food leaves something to be desired.
(2)
michele p.

It does not get any better than this Irish pub! The live music here is always awesome, the crowds are rowdy, and its a great spot for St.Patricks day! Just get there early, very early, if you want a good spot!
(5)
Lorena C.

Well I found this pub when I was given directions from a local Bostonian and the way he pronounced the " Black Rose Irish Pub" was so funny that I had to check it out. I went to grab a pint with my boyfriend and the guy serving us was actually Irish! Nonetheless the Irish music was constant! Very cool if I might add. My clumsy bf dropped the glass and broke the cup but the bartender said no worries and before he cleaned it, he served him another free of charge! Very nice guy. We ordered the clam chowder to go and ate it back at our hotel, it was awesome. One should stop by here when visiting Quicy market since it's right next door to it. Cheers!
(4)
Leighann F.

After a loooooong day of sightseeing while my little sister was in town, we stopped into The Black Rose for a quick bite to eat before heading to a party to watch the Pat's game. This put us in The Black Rose at around 4:30pm on a Saturday. Lots of families, large groups, a jovial eating-and-drinking crowd. No drunken college kids, no one trying to pick us up, no one bumping into me and spilling their drink on my new shirt! A man with a guitar up on the stage provided a little entertainment, belting out some of my favorite Johnny Cash songs. For these reasons, I liked my experience at The Black Rose. Perhaps we got lucky and missed the busy crowd, which allowed the service to be quick and friendly, plus, the food was good and the prices were reasonable. I had Clam Chowder in a breadbowl and a Sam Winter. My sister's choice was some kind of cheese fries that did not look as good as she claimed it was! Taking a look at other's reviews, I think I would recommend a day time visit and look at the beer menu to make sure you sit where the brand you love is served.
(4)
Ann M.

Looking for a traditional Irish Pub? LOOK NO FURTHER! The Black Rose at Faneuil Hall is so much fun-great live traditional music, awesome service from actual Irish citizens, the Black Rose is a hit for friends, dates, and families alike! We danced the night away, and afterwards the band and bouncers came over and chatted with us. Definitely a great time and will be returning again :O)
(5)
Megan J.

This was one of my and my friends favorite establishments in Boston, until tonight. Four of us decided to celebrate out birthdays here with some live Irish music. We called ahead for a table for 10 and were told that they don't take reservations on a Saturday night. When we got to the Black Rose, we were mistaken for a table of 18 that they HAD taken a reservation. We asked for a table for 8 (since a few people were running late). When more people showed up we asked if we could get another table. Sorry, that huge row of tables that has been sitting empty was for the table of 18. It sat empty for at least a third of our dinner. We finished dinner around 9:40 and were planning to drink and stay to watch the live Irish music that started at 10, when our waitress told us we had to leave our table immediately. Another group wanted our table. So I told the waitress that I thought that was a very rude policy. She said I could talk to the manager, which I said that would be great. The manager came over and asked what the problem was. I said that I thought it was very rude to be turned out of a table. He said that he seats people immediately and tries to accommodate everyone for dinner. I said fine, but if he tries to accommodate everyone and doesn't take reservations why were the tables for the 18 so protected and why didn't they take our reservation. He said that he tries to treat everyone fairly. I told him that I saw his reservation booklet and there was a clear reservation in it. He then admitted that the table for 18 was treated differently. I rolled my eyes at him and he said (and this is the worst of all) "You know I am really busy tonight and I think I have handled this situation." So I told him to go do what he needed to do and that I wouldn't be back. Honestly, there isn't a want for an Irish bar with live Irish music in Boston. The food isn't that good and the management obviously doesn't care about satisfying the customer. Go to The Burren in Somerville, The Green Dragon or Bell in Hand or Kitty O'Shea's or MJ O'Connor's in downtown, or Doyle's in Cambridge. The 21st Amendment on Beacon Hill is a great bar. Seriously, no need to patronize this place.
(1)
Cheryl C.

This bar might be OK if you just want to order beer. We ordered whiskey sours and they were SOOO watered down couldn't taste either the whiskey or the sour mix. Maybe someone should tell the bar tenders whiskey sours don't have any water in them.
(1)
Jeffrey H.

I'm over it. Been here a couple times thanks to out-of-town friends who demanded trying this 'authentic' Irish pub whilst shopping around the ever 'fabulous' Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Food is boring and bland. Drinks are nothing special..stick with beer. Atmosphere is kind of lame and the crowd lamer. Prices aren't worth it. Writing this review makes me depressed. I guess it's cool the staff has Irish accents. But if I need a tune-up on my Irish heritage, you can find me at any one of my relatives' homes where I'll have an alcoholic drink in one hand and a fist of rage in the other.
(2)
Chuck H.

Every trip to Boston demands a night or two at the Rose. The music, food, patrons, and the bar staff are first rate. The Rose always makes an out of town guest feel right at home. Stop in and throw down a few pints and enjoy the bartenders and the casual atmosphere. Certainly on my lists of favorite pubs.
(4)
Evan P.

Oh, you say you want to go to the Black Rose? My advice: Be old. Also, be Irish.
(2)
Gator L.

The newly renovated Rose, with its new and improved restrooms, is still the Irish Pub to visit in Boston - regardless of whether you are a local or a tourist. The management and staff welcome everyone - the food is terrific, and the Guinness pour is not done by amateurs!
(5)
Hayley P.

If you're looking to have either lunch or dinner, this should be a place to consider! The location of this Irish pub was great, being located right in the shopping and downtown area. For an appetizer I had the clam chowder- best I've EVER had! All the flavors came together very nicely for a superb soup. I also had a couple onion rings, which were not heavily breaded or fried and tasted wonderful. For my meal I had the Grilled Swordfish. The swordfish itself was very good. It was my first time ever trying swordfish, & the taste was not fishy at all. The butter sauce over the fish was very good- although there could have been a little less. The fish was very tender. The meal came with steamed broccoli- also very good. The baked potato that came with it was average. The restaurant was clean and full of business. Our server was also very helpful and friendly. The price was not over the top at all. For a quick place to sit and have a meal then I would definitely recommend this!
(4)
Liana R.

When my man and I were planning a trip to see our far-flung child in Boston, friends invariably suggested the Black Rose as an "authentic Irish pub." I know that's terribly tourist-y, but what can I say? We were tourists. I'd like to support the suggestion of the Black Rose for people looking for interesting sites and good food in Boston. The dark wood and high ceilings evoke a time from long ago - and you're already in a particularly Bostonian / Paul Revere ethos after strolling through the truly lovely Faneuil Hall Marketplace (circa 1742!). My main bud, Sam Adams, and some of his freedom-minded cohorts gave some blistery speeches on those steps and through those doors - still open to the public. If you are a bit of a fan of freedom revolutions (as I am), this may be a huge turn-on. Anyhoo, back to the Rose: the waitresses spoke with a loverly Irish brogue (sure an' begorrah, they did) and the Shepherd's Pie with it's little lamb parts swimming in a thick gravy won rave reviews from the men. I had a reasonably priced Samuel Adams lager... ;)
(4)
Joe S.

As a visitor and a 3rd generation irish lad, I felt at home here. The music was great, the beer was cold, and the staff was attentive. Yes, it was crowded...but that adds to the essence of the bar. No reason this bar should not get at least 4 stars! Lots of irish people there straight off the boat too, makes it a true experience
(4)
Krys A.

Nice atmosphere, good beer, awesome irish band!
(4)
Joshua M.

I have only spent a couple of days in Boston, both years apart. But both times I managed to wind up here randomly for a late lunch. It's a run of the mill Irish bar, I have plenty back home in Chicago. But both times I have had fantastic pieces of Boston cream pie, which probably wouldn't excite a native of the city but I have never had a good piece anywhere but Boston.
(4)
Stephanie F.

Went in to grab lunch and a drink on a hot Saturday afternoon. It was packed downstairs so we headed upstairs. The service was slow. We waited a while for the waitress to take our order and bring out the food. The only highlight was that the lobster roll was good! We weren't given utensils or napkins so we had to ask for that too. Now that I've been there, I don't know if I can see myself going back.
(2)
H S.

One of my favorite bars in town. How can you go wrong with a solid beer selection combined with live Irish music? You can't! Never ate here before, but perfect if you want to drink and listen to some great music. Almost always a great crowd of people. Easy to find, good location, and there are other bars in the area.
(5)
Nosniv X.

OK, so I made the mistake of stopping in here for a late lunch, so in no way does this review reflect on the quality of this place as a drinking establishment. I walked in, and sat down at a table and ordered myself the bangers and mash, the menu even made it sound like the baked beans on the side was a plus. What I got was a couple of charred Oscar myer wieners, watery mashed potatoes, that were borderline from a box, and a little platter of what tasted like canned pork and beans. I guess this could be considered home cooking if you are a 21 year old frat boy with a can opener.
(1)
Orly M.

Boo, just another crappy dingy Irish bar where middle aged guys from the financial district hit on me and try to ply me with flat rum and cokes. No thanks. When I go to dives I like the people there to KNOW they are in a dive and not think they are in this awesome authentic bar. I'll go around the corner to the Hong Kong thankyouverymuch. I have a friend who calls Fanuiel Hall "Irish Hell" and this place and McFadden's are why.
(2)
Chase W.

One of the only places in Faneuil that I find tolerable, so thats why it gets the 4 stars- typically it would be in the three range, but the Black Rose is a borderline staple and deserves it's props. If you don't like irish music and loud carousing, then you shouldn't be in an irish pub in Faneiul hall. Nuff Ced. The food is OK, but you're not here for that- the guiness is typically poured correctly, and the staff has been friendly at most encounters. With the lack of other civilized locations in the 'Hall area, this is one of your best bets. I do loathe the fact that they find it appropriate to have a cover charge on the weekends, but I can't blame them if they can generate hte revenue and keep patrons coming back again and again. The rose gets a thumbs up!
(4)
David S.

Great bar. A bit on the pricey side, but the live music is actually enjoyable and it has an overall great atmosphere. I love it.
(4)
Hillary M.

We took my elderly grandmother here for lunch after touring Fan Hall a bit. It had just the right Irish charm to make her feel like she was getting some Boston authenticity, but I found it a bit of a tourist trap. For a fall weekend, we got a table right away for lunch, and the service was decent. Surprisingly, the food was really good! I had the onion soup and the Reuben. The clam chowders and chicken salad were well received at the table, as were the fish cakes. My husband got the bread pudding and holy cow was that OUTSTANDING. Overall the meal was pricey and the atmosphere felt gimmicky, but it satisfied my grandmother's need to feel like a 'real Bostonian' for an hour. The bathroom was DISGUSTING. What, did they not get in there to clean it from all the drunks the night before?! It was shockingly gross for 1pm on a Sunday when it wasn't even that crowded. I doubt I'll go back unless the bread pudding lures me in...
(3)
Shannon A.

Not my first choice (nor my second, third, fourth or fifth choice) for a night on the town, but I can think of worse places in Faneuil Hall. The live Irish music is fun, and they do spice it up with some more modern tunes (though the singers sometimes get a bit repetitive). The bar does get crowded, but if you can find a seat (there's a little alcove on the second floor which is perfect for a medium sized group) it can be a fun evening. All and all, not a bad place, but not the first choice for many locals. If you want a slightly more authentic Irish bar, try The Banshee or one of the countless more authentic establishments in Dorchester or Southie.
(3)
Alex R.

I know everyone likes this place. It's one of those joints where the collective consciousness of Boston has decided it's cool, so if someone in a group suggests it everyone automatically nods. "Yeah, that place is fine." But I never have any fun here. It's crowded, and usually crowded with people I don't like - guys in their late 30s who are still trying to pretend they can party like they're in college (or even worse, who actually still can party like they're in college), and tourists who're in a Real Irish Pub, this is so great, let's order a Guinness! and at least one crew of vaguely belligerent frat boys who would like a better look at your wife's rack. And every night there's a different too-loud "Celtic" band playing, which is just usually some dork with a guitar - but he's got a dork with a banjo with him, so somehow that makes it Celtic. Folk groups who call themselves Celtic because they have a banjo are like Catholic girls who call themselves easy because they give handjobs. There are worse bars in Boston. But there are so many better ones, too.
(2)
Christy M.

This place was TERRIBLE. Took some friends in town from Aussie-land here for a drink and bite to eat after a long day of being tourists and was appalled. The food was absolutely horrific. Ordered the fish and chips which is quite difficult to screw up but they somehow managed to. There are much, much better places to eat in Faneuil Hall.
(1)
Jen H.

This place was okay. I think it is getting a lower rating from me because I prefer a different scene. That being said, however, if you want an Irish bar who hires in bands that play Irish music... this is your place. I have been to Ireland, and it actually did kind of remind me of some of the pubs there. I also met a good # of people from Ireland while I was there. So again, if Irish pubs are your thing - give it a go..... if not your thing, steer clear.
(2)
Rich O.

So, in all fairness, most of my days of going out in Faneuil weekend nights are far behind me. I did however love this place back in the day. Last time I was here about a year ago I sat upstairs and had food. It was ok but it wasn't why one goes to the Rose. Sit or stand elbow to elbow, sing along and enjoy the traditional Irish music. However, most importantly, remember, NO DANCING! (the greatest sign/rule at any bar in Boston)
(4)
Sarah D.

We only came here for a Sunday morning breakfast, but it was one heck of a meal. I had the breakfast sandwich and my friend had the traditional breakfast. Both were amazing: flavorful, warm, buttery, and seasoned perfectly. Don't miss the fresh bacon or the savory potatoes! The Black Rose's food is the perfect hangover cure and the coffee is suitably strong, too.
(4)
Angel S.

Ate there, service is ok, meals are good (better than american) and price is ok.
(4)
liz d.

Upon walking in, I was totally thrown back to my trip to London. I felt like I walked into one of the many dark, cozy, friendly pubs on the narrow streets of London. So I did what felt natural and ordered us a round of Guinness, grabbed a seat at the window, and people watched. Got to chatting with some locals who said that the Black Rose is always a good time with great service, and traditional ,music. Although we didn't experience it, we were told it gets super crowded on weekend nights, so get ready for lines and lots of drunk people. To bad, because that's right up my alley!
(4)
Denise P.

I've been going to the Roisin Dubh Black Rose for years. It's been a while since I was in Boston and thought I would try it again. It's nice that some things don't change. The bar was friendly, the patrons friendly, the music great and their lobster special on a Friday night hit the spot ($16 full lobster dinner). Can't beat the location and if you want an authentic Irish pub, this is your place.
(5)
Alicia N.

I don't eat meat so I couldnt eat anything substantial on the menu, but Irish food isn't known for being veggie friendly so I don't care (just a note to vegetarians). HOWEVER, the carrot cake was soooo good I don't think I have had legit carrot cake since. Good Irish music, really nice staff...Im down...
(3)
Chris H.

Bottom line: refreshingly authentic Irish pub during the day, more of a typical bar scene at night. Great place for a Guinness and some live tunes (Irish folk music upstairs or more mainstream stuff downstairs). This is one of my favorite places in Boston. In fact, the combination of the Black Rose and the Sam Adams brewery tour is what made me excited to move here in the first place. Place is very different in the daytime than at night, in my experience. You go in during the day and it's alot of regulars. Everyone in the place (both staff and clientele) speak in a flawless brogue and you can overhear people talking about which county in Ireland they're from as if they just stepped off the boat. Very cool. I can't speak to the presence of European sports but I wouldn't be surprised and find that very encouraging. At night it becomes more like all the other places in the area, a younger more energetic crowd and usually packed. On peak nights they typically have live music, whenever I've been there they have more traditional Irish folk music upstairs and more mainstream irish themed rock downstairs. Surprisingly the crowd upstairs always seems as young and vibrant as downstairs. Beers are pretty reasonable. I've also eaten lunch here a couple times, food is pretty decent but nothing to scream about.
(5)
Anna K.

I love the band that plays here. The old guy is so funny and irish and I love him. The food here is pretty good too. It just a nice place to go on a rainy day when you want to chill out and drink and listen to good music. And on a Friday or Saturday when the line for everywhere else is around the corner, this place is a great option for a cheap cover.
(4)
Marcus D.

The Black Rose is often the checkpoint for tourists who like to say they've been to an Irish pub in Boston, and, as someone else already candidly pointed out, the Yah-Doods that pile in on weekends looking to get their roof caved in out in the street at closing time. I don't really hate this place, but I certainly do NOT love it. I've been here for beers, I've been dragged here by girls who bring me to their work functions, but I've never actually made it a night here. If given a choice between the Purple Shamrock or the Black Rose, I'd pick the Black Rose every time. A buddy of mine always got laid here, but then again he was from Bedford and the girls he nailed were probably from Bridgewater or Shrewsbury, wherever the hell that is.
(3)
Andrea M.

Live Irish music + charming Irish lads= A spleeendid time with great entertainment ! Honestly, I am never disappointed when I go to the Black Rose! Patrons can rock out to the live Irish music downstairs (Friday nights) or venture upstairs to a more modern scene- sometimes 80's music, other nights it's your typical bar/club jams. And what's best about BR? Those witty Irish conversationalist! They always keep me laughing and asking them to "SLOW down". Try it out- if not for the great beers on tap, then for those Irish chaps and their satirical humor that's guaranteed to keep you entertained- it's quite marvelous, really...
(5)
Natasha A.

Just another pub off of Faneuil Hall. Some nights it has live music but I never heard anything great.
(2)
Byron B.

Went here on our last stop before last call. there seemed to be alot of frat-boy wanna be's in here. The live band was really good (authentic Irish music). Service was very good at the bar even tho it was packed. Beers were served cold and the shots were full shots.
(3)
Jen C.

Older crowd, over priced and a strong vagina smell lingering in the air...
(2)
Diane I.

way to crowded for a what it is. just a regular downtown touristy pub. and to have a line outside... seriously... an extra star for the cute sailors in uniform there this weekend.
(2)
Jim C.

Waitress got two items wrong on our small order. Food was mediocre.
(3)
Hugh R.

I have never eaten at The Black Rose. Which is exactly why it gets one star. I'd intended to eat here, along with my eight friends, but after waiting 20 minutes for our waitress to return to our large, very obvious group sitting in an otherwise empty upstairs dining area, we left. I tried to inform the hostess at the door of our displeasure when we left but she seemed to care less. My only satisfaction is that there were at least a dozen patrons standing around waiting to be seated who no doubt heard my complaint. I can only hope some of them walked out as well.
(1)
michelle w.

Very cool place- The live Irish music was a nice touch! The bar was super packed and proved to be a hot spot within Faneiul Hall. I really enjoyed myself here, as I do at most irish pubs!
(5)
Patrick K.

Pretty bad place. Two completely separate bars in one? I say this because they have a different beer list for each bar. If you are upstairs your selection is slimmed considerably! Food was bad and service was brutal except for the nice touch of the irish accent. I think our waitress should have spent more time with checking on her customers and less perfecting her accent! Just a bad experience and I would not recommend it. The Kinsale is a much better option and that is saying something.
(1)
Steve N.

this is my Sunday afternoon place. i really like the big windows to the left of the bar. a really nice place to have a pint and read the papers. i've heard nothing good about the food, so i've never ordered.
(3)
Brendan M.

Nice pub, haven't sampled the food yet but menu looks reasonable. It actually has real Irish people in it, which is more than can be said for most of Boston's "Irish" pubs, and they know how to pour the Guinness correctly. However, the real clincher ( and true sign of authenticity ), is that they've got Setanta on the telly. So if you're dying to catch that Heineken Cup game or All-Ireland hurling final, this is the place to come. Update: it seems every time I go to this place I end up updating my review and docking another star. I went here with some colleagues for the France-Portugal semi-final and the service was atrocious. The bartender acted like any request was a major hassle and the waitress who took one of our orders never returned - nor did our drinks...
(3)
Jane N.

The food was horrible! It was the worst seafood I've ever had. It was so bland! I would never come here for the food. The only thing you can count on is the beer, and maybe the service.
(1)
eric n.

I had great bangers and mash here... It seems like a little bit of a tourist trap.
(3)
Sheila M.

I had salmon, haddock and scallops. With the exception of the haddock, the meal was awful. The scallops tasted like they had been cooked in ammonia. Also, the service wasn't that great. I wouldn't recommend this place at all.
(1)
Amy W.

Having stayed right across the street, my family (my parents, my 16 month old son, my husband and me) ate here for dinner. We were all impressed by the truly fresh, delicious and scrumptiously prepared salads, fish, shrimp and scallops. Kind of loud inside (it is a pub, after all), but fun and a really enjoyable meal. Server could have been friendlier and more helpful, but otherwise a great meal.
(4)
Monica T.

This is the usual irish bar in Boston. Loud music, lots of college kids, and lots of drinking. Haven't been here in a couple of years, but it's still fun to go. I miss Boston so much sometimes. Can't wait to get some drinks at the Black Rose and some street sausage afterwards. Yummy!
(3)
Nathan L.

So I guess I should just pile onto this one... Not my favorite place of the trip but decent. I think that our waitress is really what made this place semi acceptable to us. The chowder was pretty gross and full of dill which I'm not a big fan of. The also for some reason had a pretty extensive list of martinis which I thought was a bit odd but the one I had a sip of was pretty good.
(3)
Jen R.

Really fun large bar. Great Irish music, irish bands, irish beer, irish crowd, etc. Memorable spot. Definitely check it out if you just moved here or have never been. Fish and chips are excellent
(4)
Jess L.

My friend and I checked out this Irish pub during our Boston vacation. We had an early dinner so the place was pretty empty and quiet, and service wasn't a problem. We ordered the shepherd's pie and the bangers and mash. When our dishes came out, I looked at the shepherd's pie and thought - that's kinda small, isn't it? It proved me wrong. Both dishes were so filling! Must be all the mashed potatoes. About those mashed potatoes - they were the best that I've ever had! The rest of the shepherd's pie was okay, and the sausages were good, but too salty. I'd go back for the mashed potatoes though. And I also like the live music.
(4)
Nate G.

i came here to kill a little time with a friend while her people were en route to faneuil hall. what's up with all the cover charges around here? $5 to get into a bar to buy $5 beers? i guess it's standard (but weak.) The Irish music was cool, if you like Irish music. Some drunk chick insisted on teaching me to dance like an Irish fairy princess (like some riverdance shit)- just an aside- i'm neither Irish NOR a fairy princess! all in all, it could've been worse.
(3)
Will S.

Almost always a good time here - be sure to show up early and snag a place to sit before the live music starts usually around 10ish. Nothing beats a nice cold Guinness and some traditional Irish music. Cover will run you $5, which is reasonable for the Faneuil Hall area.
(4)
Alexander W.

Decent pub food. Great place to grab a drink after work.
(3)
Tim G.

I went here for St. Patrick's day by myself. I get it. I am old, and unhip, but wanted to go hang someplace Irish. after I stood outside in freezing wind for 25 minutes, and paid a $20 cover, it was impossible to order any food or find a place to sit. The doormen were rude and made comments about guests. To be fair, this was probably not the best night to judge them on as it was total chaos, but I won't be going back.
(2)
Debbie C.

It's was okay ...we were disappointed at the few selections of authentic Irish fare. The live music was great but MUCH too loud ...couldn't hear ourselves think much less each other. A great place to have a couple drinks but not for relaxing/dining.
(3)
Wendy C.

I love this restaurant so much!! I visited Quincy market and I found out nothing in there is attractive to me. I walked out of the market and I thought there might be something good near the harbor but it turned out nothing there. I wandered nearby the Quincy market and The Black Rose caught my eyes with its lunch special. My favorite Fish and Chips as well as LOBSTERS!!! They provided dished with decent price. I ordered Fish and Chips as well as LOBSTER which costed me 10.99 and 13.99 separately. The Chips is wonderful! Its crispy outside but you can definitely taste the tenderness of potato inside. The lobster is awesome because it's really fresh and juicy. Don't miss out this spot if you're around, Its much better than anything in the market. é€™è£¡çœ‹ä¸æ–‡ç‰ˆè©•è«–: cpwen1103.blogspot.com/2â€¦
(4)
Jerett G.

Stopped in her by myself one night and truly was delight with this Irish bar. The food was great, the beer was cold and the music was spot on with the band. I had the Shepard Pie and Potato Leek soup and would eat it again as it was delicious. The service was amazing as well as my glass was never empty.
(5)
Les C.

Food...meh. Service horrible. Watched many many people who arrived 30 minutes after us as well as large groups get served food before us. We were forgotten. Don't recommend.
(2)
Ronald D.

My goodness we had a good time here! Large venue with lively Irish music rockin the room and quick service weaving their way through the crowd bringing you stiff drinks. I'm an Italian Mexican from Texas and I even felt Irish when we all starting singing Danny Boy.... Good time!
(5)
Kristen S.

Stopped here randomly for lunch after some shopping at the markets. Sat next to the window in the bright, warm sun. The atmosphere of this tavern is great, the bartender was very friendly and accommodating. My friend got the nachos and they were very dry, no sour cream or Guac. The clam chowder and potato skins were good and satisfying. They had half price apps today which was great.
(4)
Matt R.

Went on a referral of a friend. Pasted by this place so many times. My mistake, great food & great service. Stop in for breakfast, got the Irish, and it was excellent. Our waitress was attentive and service was good. I will be back for a dinner next time. Also the best pint of Guinness I ever had.
(4)
Ron C.

After seeing the lines at Faneuil Hall for food we decided to get out of touristville and find somewhere to eat and get a drink. Whipped out the old handy dandy Yelp app and we were off. We we walking to a restaurant when we passed by the Black Rose and noticed the signs outside "1 1/4 pound lobster for $12.99", we were sold. Walked into a typical Irish bar. Took a seat at the bar and ordered a Guinness. Bartender was sort of grumpy. Got a menu and noticed that the first appetizer on the menu was a 20 oz. Guinness because every good meal should start with a Guinness. I knew this was the place for me. Great chalkboard showing all of the whiskeys that they carried at the time. Ordered two lobsters and the trio of dips (pub cut fries, curry, garlic aioli, warm bleu cheese sauce) which were good. The lobsters were cooked to perfection. While waiting Walt introduced himself and asked where we were from. We commiserated over our baseball teams and he said how much he enjoyed watching our Eagles. He was really friendly because Boston and Philadelphia are so similar and we hate all New York teams..lol. He asked the couple next to us where they were from and they were from North Jersey. He asked if they were Giants fans. When they responded yes he said "that;s it, you're cut off, get the Fawk outta my baar. aint that right Philly". We all had a good laugh and next thing you know we are doing shots of Jameson with Giants fans. The vibe was so fun that we came back for a lobster lunch the next day. Next time we are in Boston we will return and hope to spend some time with Walt. If you see him tell him Philly says hi!
(5)
Renee K.

We didn't eat here but came in for drinks with some friends around 5:30 pm and found a good crowd and reasonably priced drinks
(4)
Larry S.

I just had the Guinness Beef Stew and it was a celebration in my mouth!!! It was between that or the Shepherds Pie. I'll have to try that next trip.
(4)
Neale A.

Worst food and service in Boston. Ill never go back. I sat for 15 minutes and nobody took my order even though the bar was empty (and rightfully so). The food was second to McDonald's and cold. The sandwich was on a dry bun that was bought from the discount counter at the local grocer. The the only garnish was some stale shredded lettuce. Oh, they offered ketchup though. At least the beer was cold.
(1)
Brennan H.

I come here on Sundays after mass to have lunch (and a beer or three). The food is very tasty - my favorites are the steak tips, which are wonderfully seasoned, and the Shepard's Pie. The bartender, Walter, is great - quick with a drink and very friendly. I usually get the Irish coffee to start, and he makes a killer one. He's a classic pro Boston bartender. Definitely the best bar in the area.
(5)
Frank Y.

It's ok. I should have had the Shepard's pie. But I got corned beef and it was not the greatest.
(3)
Priscilla S.

The chowder is amazing! The wings are fantastic... And I love the black rose burger! We found this place last year on vacation and we are back here again on our honeymoon because we love it so much! I will forever be returning here for the food and atmosphere!
(5)
Kristie B.

The hubs and I always stop by the Black Rose while we're in Boston and there is always a good time to be had! We pretty much go here for drinking and live bands, but we occasionally get food. The food is nothing spectacular, but decent enough. Our most recent visit a couple of weeks ago was as fun as we'd expected, though we did get a nice surprise with the entertainment this time. In the middle of Celtic Clan's set, in an effort to promote a concert the following night, the Irish band The Stunning went up on stage to do a short set. After they were done, Mundy went up and did a couple of songs. It was fantastic! The other bonus to the live entertainment here is watching the drunkards who all of a sudden become members of Riverdance while the band plays! It's absolutely HILARIOUS!!! We watched a girl who was 3 sheets to the wind dance with a full beer in her hand for almost half an hour without spilling a single drip! Talk about skills! My cheeks hurt the rest of the night from laughing so much! Can't wait to visit again!
(4)
Joshua Z.

This bar is mediocre at best and the bartender is extremely rude. My friend tried to correct my drink and was returned with a harsh response to leave.
(1)
Danae K.

Decent place to come for food and live music in the heart of Boston. Nice selection of beer, and you get the classic Irish American vibe. Burgers are good, french fries are decent, and the ambiance a bit touristy geared. So if you want a nice burger with a beer, come here!
(3)
Chris C.

No air conditioning on in upstairs bar. I saw the thermostat temp read 86. Asked a staff member what's up with the ac, and he said cheap mgmt won't turn on air. $5 cover at door, high drink prices, nice bar, and they cheap out on ac? Air was on downstairs but with front door propped open so it was still warm. Place was more like a hot sweaty college bar than a high end Irish pub. Bathroom was filthy!
(2)
Brandy T.

Very Good!! Had the Irish Nachos with the chicken on top. Unfortunately it cost an additional $3 for the chicken. OMG! The chicken was delicious. It was battered just right and fried right that it was one of the most delicious fried chicken I've ever had. I had the buttermilk chicken sandwich and it was just as tasty. My husband had the fish n chips, he liked them but the fries were soggy. Not a perfect experience but high up there. I would go back!
(4)
Daniel S.

Whiskey and coke, weak and flat. Music ok but way too loud for the place. Wouldn't really return.
(2)
Craig M.

Great lobster rolls and fantastic clam chowder. Ice cold beer on that warm and humid day. The main dinning area is a little noisy. If you want a little privacy, request the upstairs dinning area. Great location in the heart of everything.
(5)
Ray M.

Staff is great! Great beer on tap with some decent Irish themed food. The fish and chips are a good serving, burger was good, but I've always liked the Cottage/Shephards Pie best. St Paddy's Day may not be the best day to visit...
(3)
James C.

Was here in Saturday night and came across the rudest bartender I've ever met. My buddy ordered 3 Jameson & 3 Guinness. He meant to order 4 Jameson and told the bartender.. Sorry I need one more Jameson .. He responded "What the fck do you want man" if this bartender worked for me he would of been fired on the spot.. My friends wanted to leave as it was awkward then .. I came back Monday to try their food and had the bangers and mash which had chicken gravy on it which was lovely . Server was great and friendly.. Maybe our bartender buddy was having a bad night ..but his attitude could cost this cozy Irish pub money..shame. Management take note
(2)
Natasha H.

This is, hands down, my favorite place to eat in Boston. I have never had a bad meal at The Black Rose. My favorite dish is the lamb burger. Perfectly cooked to a medium rare (it IS lamb, after all) and topped with fresh feta, tzatziki sauce, and spring mix. They typically top it with cooked purple onions, but if you ask them they will top it with raw purple onions instead. I find that taste preferable as I do not like purple onions cooked. The Shepherd's pie is good, but pales in comparison to the lamb burger. I actually don't eat any fish, but did taste the bourbon glazed salmon that my dinner companion ordered and it was delicious. Just to give you an idea, when I previously tried salmon I actually spit it out into a napkin b/c I found it to be disgusting. As for dessert, try the black and white bread pudding. It is absolutely sinful and needs to be split between at least 2 people.
(5)
Patrick C.

I met up with friends for a drink and a bite and since Magner's cider is my drink of choice and Shepherd's Pie up among my favorite dishes - I was quite happy with both at this popular with tourists and locals Irish Pub. It has two floors and is quaint as Irish Pubs should be,,,very loud but it was Friday night and there was a live band. Nice varied menu and decent service. No complaints.
(4)
Karen K.

The location is great however the food is mediocre.
(2)
Erik J.

I love Irish pubs so I was thrilled to find one across the street from my hotel. I was working late and so I figured I'd stop here for some grub. I showed up at about 8:40 and parked at the bar. The bartender took about 10 min to ask me what I wanted... and when I tried to order food, I was told "Kitchen closed at 9"... it was before 9. So I left. As I was leaving, I saw other people successfully ordering food. I will NOT be back.
(1)
Joe M.

Loved the Location and the band. We were their on a tuesday night and the band was playing and the bar was full, but not to busy. This bar is so close to so many other great places. If you come to Boston you must come here. #1 spot. Lots of fun all around. BTW they have a lot more than just beer. They have everything you could want to drink
(4)
Daniele M.

We just had a couple of pints. It seems like an authentic Irish pub with a restaurant area and live sports.
(3)
Michelle K.

Fun Irish bar with live music. The band was awesome and funny, and kept the mood of the place up. Expect drunk women trying to relive their youth by attempting to Irish dance in front of everyone at the bar. Drinks weren't too expensive, and I'd suggest trying to get a table and ordering with a server bc it was quite difficult to both physically get to the bar as well as communicate with the bartender through the crowd.
(4)
Mary M.

Don't plan on eating here. Worst cheeseburger I've ever had! It was dry and the quality was disgusting. We were looking for an authentic pub feel. The music was good. Very loud, but good. They had a couple of gluten free options. My friend had the gluten free salmon and said it was good.
(2)
Holly C.

It's s bit touristy because of the location but it's a great pub! Especially if you are in the market. It has two levels so it can accommodate many people. Sometimes there's live music. It's good for groups, families, couples. It has two nice bars. The food is typical pub fare and the prices are reasonable especially for the location! The lamb Shepard's pie is great!
(4)
Sally Ann W.

We love this place and will always stop in for a pint (and lunch!) when we visit Boston.
(4)
Jean-Baptiste D.

Very nice atmosphere good food nice people. The lobster roll is quite nice for a downtown pub standards
(4)
Laura T.

I came here with friends on st. Paddys weekend, they charged us $20 for a cover and the band only played one song. We asked about paying $20 cover for no entertainment and they told us "too bad". We decided to get food while we waited for the next band to play. While we were waiting to talk to the hostess a few people told us they came downstairs to check on their table, and they were not letting them back upstairs with their group. The bartender also poured the smallest serving of bourbon ever, and we were afraid to ask for more because she has just threatened to throw someone out for accidentally spilling a drink. I get that they are busy for st. Paddys day but no excuse for any of the actions by multiple staff members.
(1)
Michael R.

Popped in and it was really dead on a Friday at 9pm... Threw down a few car bombs and headed out the door looking for a livelier spot to hang our hats.
(3)
Mikki K.

Unfortunately we had poor service when we visited, after sitting for 10 minutes I went to hostess to see if we had a server than waited another 5 until approached + another 10 minutes to get a beer. Ordered the cabbage rolls which weren't anything special & the clam chowder was not one we would recommend in Boston it was Very thick & tasted like pure cream. I would not return based on our experience or recommend this pub to others as there are far to many other good choices in town.
(2)
Joe M.

Great place to go see some good Irish music. I don't even drink, but this place is always a good time. One of my stops every time I'm in Boston.
(5)
Ash T.

Great food and very very friendly staff. Escaped into here on a rainy Saturday to escape the clouds. Was very impressed by the array of beers & food Sat upstairs at the bar & had so beer & ordered a club sandwich. Food was a little slow but the staff were lovely & the beer helped. An excellent place to pop in & have a cheeky pint & food!
(4)
Paul F.

Good Irish food and good Irish music and service. Waitress was very friendly and we got our food and drinks ultra fast. Guy playing some Irish tunes was great and added to the environment.
(5)
Dan G.

Just your average after work bar. I haven't had the food yet, but it was tempting so this is just for in generalness. I don't really have much to say except that it could be a cozy night out with a few coworkers!
(3)
Amanda M.

My boyfriend and I stopped in here to eat lunch after traipsing around the aquarium and Faneuil Hall all day. The decor is fantastic. You feel like you're eating in an upscale Irish pub. I started off with the clam chowder, which was really rich and creamy. For my entree, I chose the lobster roll. The lobster tasted fresh and was lightly seasoned, which I actually preferred. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, which were also good. It's more of an upscale pub-food place with some Boston & English classic dishes.
(4)
Mikey S.

Please bring back the Chicken Pot Pie!! On to the review... Great Irish Pub atmosphere at this place. The live music is great, along with their food and drinks. The Chicken Pot Pie was my favorite entree until they got rid of it :(
(4)
Chuck K.

I love this place, a bit touristy but it is what you expect an Irish pub to be like. Multiple Irish beers on tap (more than Gusinesses and English beer is NOT THE SAME as Irish beer). A full selection of Irish whiskies and some cocktails for the more timid. Full restaurant service and kids or more than welcome. Irish food is heavy on meat and light on vegetables unless it is potatoes or it is well cooked. Fish and chicken are readily available but vegetarians should plan on a liquid diet at the Black Rose.
(5)
Sam S.

Loved this place!! It made my moms 75th bday very special. We can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Christophe K.

Was there there last Sunday night. Had the chance to assist to a live session of Irish music! Great atmosphere, great music although the bar was a bit empty. Just has a couple of pretty nice, decent drinks (cocktails). Would definitely recommend it if there is a live session. Didn't try the food though.
(4)
Josie K.

Great food and live Irish music . Inky downside is that the Service is a bit slow .
(4)
Angela L.

Great beer and food. Guiness stew, Sheppard ' s pie, fish and chips were all very tadty!
(4)
Stryker T.

I came here with my family and we had an amazing time. The music was good and the food was great! We had the calamari, the nachos and clam chowder. They were superb. I had the steak tips and they were one of the best I have ever eaten. Delicious!
(4)
Josh B.

Thick and creamy clam chowder, with loads of clam and potato chunks, definitely my favorite that I had in Boston. Beers cold, friendly atmosphere, service was great. Overall, no complaints. For dinner I had the shepherd's pie, which consisted of lamb and ground beef and was absolutely delicious, although I'd prefer a little more mashed taters atop the "stew". My brother ordered ribs, which he chalked up as sub-par. My mother ordered the corned-beef sandwich, which was described to me as filling, flavorful, yet nothing to remember. Service: 4 Food: 3 Overall: 3.5
(4)
Lucinda D.

We went here for lunch today on a wet and pretty miserable day and it was definitely reflected in the staff working at this place!!! Wow, cheer up people! We ordered chips with curry, the burger and a sandwich plus two kids meals, food was pretty ok and it was ample but the service was WOEFUL. The food took ages, we had to ask twice for water and even then it wasn't delivered, the waitress looked like she hated working in the place and so did the rest of the staff, lol! Every question was met with a grunt. Tip - do not work in hospitality if you obviously begrudge doing it as it shows. Lighten up and crack a smile especially when running an Irish bar, sheesh!
(2)
Rick D.

Enjoyed some cocktails and an app nice staff - friendly had a good time
(4)
ArikKatzenberg K.

Alright, alright, don't get all crazy just because you stumbled upon what looks like an authentic Dublin bar. As everyone knows, Boston is not hurting for its selection of authentic Irish pubs. This one, because of its location, tends too be more touristy than real Bostonian Irish, but that doesn't mean the food isn't mad good. Because the food IS mad good. The interior is cozy, with rich wood appointments, and an ebullient, fun crowd. The menu is traditional Irish pub fare- fish and chips, plenty of chowders and stews, bangers and mash. This is a perfect way to spend a lazy saturday afternoon when a game is on.
(5)
Fengjiao N.

My hubby and I went to dine in the Black Rose yesterday. We both ordered the steak, median rare. It didn't take too long to get our food and I tried the steak, it was good, tender and soft. Very tasty. A very good restaurant for steak with reasonable price. The restaurant was very crowded when we got there. The decoration was good as well. Overall, we were very satisfied with our food!
(4)
Lauren B.

I love this authentic irish pub! Being an out of towner, and just out of a Red Sox game, it was time to celebrate with a good local brew and some great irish music. Considering this is a true authenic pub, with those who work here actual irishmen and women, and a band that plays that is from Ireland, it was like going back to hang with my ancestors. Bartnders were very friendly and the vibe was good. Great place to hang with friends or coworkers for happy hour, but the best time is truly after a game! Everyone was super friendly in the pub and the atmosphere was ideal. These guys know how to party, and they should. Right off the waterfront, they have one of the best spots in the city to party. Why go to a club when this pub has all you need?
(4)
Erica K.

Bo-ring! Came for a drink and the singer put me to sleep. Feels like a typical tourist bar. Nothing special!
(2)
Jennifer V.

Had a great time last night at Black Rose. Went for late night cocktails with a group of friends. The entertainment was awesome! Played a mix of current songs and traditional Irish music. There was dancing involved! The soda water in my vodka and soda was a little off but the bartender happily remade our drinks but it didn't fix the problem. But oh well, we still had a great time.
(4)
Irene V.

My girls and I stopped by this place for lunch. It was a spur of the moment decision and I'm glad we made it. I had the fish and chips and they were really good. Their tartar sauce was great, but the highlight of this meal was the glorious bowl of clam chowder. Best clam chowder I've ever had! Exactly what I was looking for while in Boston. My friend got curry to dip her chips in and it was delicious. I would definitely recommend it if you're a curry fan. My other friend ordered the calamari and that was quite tasty. The only negative here was that the service was kind of slow. Other than that, we had a great meal here.
(4)
Amanda P.

Love this bar! Always fun and always good live music. Good drinks always at decent prices. The upstairs is a great place to hang out if you have a bigger group.
(5)
Victor C.

On a cold rainy night me and my family decided to grab something to eat before heading off to the Bruins game. We saw black rose and decided to try it out. Let's just say for a night like I described earlier, this pub did its justice to warn us up. Staff was nice, atmosphere was calm and peaceful, everything you could ask for before going to a rowdy Boston Bruins game. I had the corned beef sandwich which was served cold on pumpernickel bread, fries or chips (both were fantastic!) and a pickle which was also very nice. My opinion, I prefer my corned beef a little more salty but trying out a sweeter version that night was nice. I definitely recommend coming here. Reasonable prices for amount of food given. Easily accessible/ to find. Gives you the true feeling of an Irish pub.
(5)
Tara C.

Really neat tavern! All the staff were Irish! Very cool place! A must see when in Boston.
(4)
Tony S.

I was excited to revisit The Rose with my wife and friends today. I used to frequent it when I was in college about 10 years ago, and my, oh my, it has changed! It was snowing today, and we were all excited to get in out of the wind and cold to warm up with some apps and brews. We tried finding a spot at the bar which was next to impossible, with it being a snowy Saturday we weren't surprised, so we asked the hostess if we could sit at a table. "Well, are you going to order dinner?" was the answer we received. Since at this point we hadn't even sat down, let alone look at a menu, we politely told her we could be good for at least two appetizers, and if that met the proper criteria, sign us up. Just a footnote, at this point there were at least 5 to 6 empty tables in the area. After being seated, our waitress came over to take our order. My wife and I each ordered a beer and an order of onion rings. The other couples had orders similar to ours, to which our waitress said, "Is all you're getting appetizers? These tables are for dinner service, but that's fine...." Gee, I'm sorry for wanting to relax and socialize in a pub. I then watched the server walk to the two hostesses, and share some words which I'm sure we're nothing but positive about our table. After about 10 to 15 minutes, our orders arrived, and my friends dug in. Not 3 minutes after that (No, I'm not exaggerating.) one of the aforementioned hostesses came by and asked if I, "wanted to run my tab." At this point, figuring we'd get better service at the 7/11 up the street I said, "that'd be great." We waited..... And waited..... And waited..... Man, these tables must be a real hot commodity..... Waited some more..... My friend finally flagged our server down, "Oh, nobody told me you wanted the check." And off she scurried to the computer. Shouldn't she have at least checked on us before then? Maybe seen if I wanted to place an order for the burger I was eyeing? Or asked if my wife wanted another beer? Oh well, I guess we should've "told her...."
(1)
Nathan S.

The Black Rose is the absolute best option in Boston. I first went to the Black Rose in 1998 when I was on a high school trip to Massachusetts. I have been back nearly six times during ever subsequent visit to Boston and have been continually amazed at the food, the music, and the ambiance. Over the years I have been to many places claiming to be "traditional" Irish pubs. However, the Black Rose strikes me as the real deal. I have been there roughly seven times and have heard a number of awesome Irish bands. Plus, the nachos (as a side) and the entrees are among the best I've had over years of travelling in the Northeast. I can't say enough about this place and wish that I could get back there more often!
(5)
Stephen O.

Go in on a saturday. Ask for pakie. He will take you on willy wonkas alcohol factory tour. While you may end up a little poorer in pocket, you will be forever wealthy in heart.
(5)
Marylisa S.

Amazing fish n chips and stew. Cold winter night comfort foods. So yummy. Ate upstairs so it would be quieter.
(4)
Marcia B.

I love this place. It's your typical Irish pub but it has real character and characters. Live music and lots of locals and tourists. Right near Quincy Market in a good location.
(4)
Keith W.

I ordered th beef tips which weren't too shabby. It was a bit dead in there with a Bruins finals game going on. The service was pretty good and legitimately Irish. The beers were a bit overpriced but it is in a pretty touristy area. There are better options but it isn't the worst.
(3)
Michael C.

The Black Rose is a staple of Fanuiel Hall and a big tourist attraction. They have the occasional live music and your standard bar food. The staff is friendly but I'm not as big of a fan of the crowd at the Black Rose, overall not a bad spot.
(3)
Aaron A.

It was OK. Drinks were weak.
(3)
Chris K.

Hey, $20 for TWO lobsters? And they tasted great. Can't ask for a better deal.
(5)
Rona H.

I came here with a friend on a Saturday night. The crowd tends towards the late 20's to early 30's side. The ground floor was kind of dark and very crowded, and I couldn't hear a thing. The upstairs was like the complete opposite in terms of brightness; it was so well lit it was such a surprise. They had Irish music playing on the second floor, but I could barely hear what my friend was saying because it was sooo loud! Everyone looked like they were having a good time though!
(3)
Laura S.

All I had here was a Diet Coke so I can't comment on the food. I am happy to tell you about the ambiance and service, though :) I came in with 3 friends around 3p on a Saturday, and they were pretty busy. We sat downstairs, where we got to enjoy some live music - but LOUD live music. If you've had enough of your dining companions and just want to sit in companionable silence while enjoying some tunes, sit downstairs. If you actually want to hear your neighbor, sit upstairs! Service was friendly but slow. I sat with an empty Diet Coke for quite a while before our waitress noticed and brought me a refill. The upside of this was that we stayed quite a while at our table with only half of us ordering food and one round of drinks, and there was absolutely no pressure to clear out. Prices seemed reasonable and the menu had lots of variety. We had all kinds seated around us - high schoolers on their own, large-ish families from toddlers through grandparents, and couples clearly on dates. My guess is that the crowd runs a bit tourist-heavy, given the area.
(3)
Joanna C.

Dude, I heart the Black Rose - it's always a great place to get together to pregame before really going out with friends! It's an Irish pub, so you get what you get at an Irish pub. Cute bartenders with great Irish accents. And a huge crowd on the weekends. 'Nuff said.
(4)
Erin M.

Being Irish and proud, I may be a bit biased, but I think Black Rose is the best Irish Pub in Boston! They have excellent Irish style food, fantastic live music, and just an all around great Irish atmosphere! However, I will say that I wouldn't dare try to go there on St. Patrick's day, since everyone and their uncle has the same idea. If you do venture there on St. Paddy's, plan to get there early (at least an hour before they open), plan to pay an extravagant cover, plan to be packed in shoulder-to-shoulder, and plan to have beer spilled on you at some point! On my most recent visit, we stopped in after a 1pm Bruins game for a late lunch/early dinner. Generally when you go into a restaurant around 4:30, it's pretty empty, save for a few senior citizens. Not the case at Black Rose. We were seated right away, but nearly every table was full, the bar was packed, and the live Irish music was going strong. I personally love this type of an environment when I'm at an Irish pub, but I can see where it wouldn't be for everyone. Despite it being busy, our waitress was friendly and our food came out quickly. I got the bangers and mash, which were delicious, and my boyfriend got the fish and chips. I haven't been able to get him to admit that anyone else makes fish and chips better than his hometown's local fish and chips place, but I think Black Rose's came close! I don't think he'd ever admit it even if he did find some that were better, just out of hometown pride (/stubbornness). We both left full and happy, and the Black Rose remains one of my favorite places to be Irish and proud!
(5)
Allison L.

This review is for lunch. Service not great. Walked in, stood there ungreeted for a good chunk of time. When the girl came to seat us, she basically said "Lunch?" and plopped our menus down on a table. Our waitress was less than attentive- had to ask twice for lemon, waited for our bill for a while and when she came she said "oh I forgot about you guys." Guess we should have dined and dashed. Atmosphere was lacking. Tons of wires exposed in one corner. Air conditioner very loud. Floor was kinda dirty. Food was pretty good- I really can't complain about a $13 lobster. Fish and chips was more like a breaded pan-fried filet but was good.
(3)
Michael S.

I can't speak for the food at The Black Rose however I can tell you it is a great place to enjoy drinks and Irish music. I found the service to be very quick and friendly which was amazing considering how busy they were. The band was playing authentic Irish music which along with the quality drink and service made for a great night out.
(4)
Jenna H.

Had a great experience here a couple weeks ago. Service was great - attentive, made suggestions, and I loved her Irish accent! Guinness was flowing and my steak tips were delish, great marinade and cooked just like I like them - mooing. Cannot wait to try this place again some night when there is live music. Update - I was able to come here for live Irish music on a Friday night last month, and had a GREAT time. The live band was great - they played great songs that most people could sing along to, and encouraged dancing, and a lot of clapping. Cannot wait to come here again!
(5)
Leah W.

My boyfriend and I love this place! We found it on a whim meandering the city when we first moved down here, it was Irish and we wanted beer and food. We stumbled onto the perfect place! Almost every time we go at night there is a performer and it is wonderful, we love the music. The beer selection is great, and the food is delicious. We have NEVER had problems with inattentive wait staff, or "frozen food" as some posters have mentioned. The atmosphere is wonderful, the people are great, and menu is just awesome! I would recommend this to anyone any day of the week! The only reason it is not 5 stars is the bathrooms, really tiny stalls but not much the bar could do with the space that they have.
(4)
Kendra W.

Initially, I was totally just not interested in eating at the Black Rose. Pub food isn't really my thing, but my boyfriend had been before and is crazy about it. I guess I am too. The servers are attentive...and attractive! I had the chowder the first time I went and was floored. I'm from RI, I've had some good chowder, but the Black Rose has got every clam shack from Tiverton to Little Compton to New Port along with every high end seafood restaurant beat. Their reuben is nomtastic, and their fish and chip entree is HUGE. If you order this plan on taking it home. It heats up so nicely in the oven. It's a little dark in there, but I guess that's the aesthetic of the place. Irish pub, so the drink menu is what you think it is. Not shabby. I'll be back.
(4)
Tom L.

Crowd was a little older (30+). Seemed mainly tourists and out of towners. It's a good location because it is right off the Train. Food was bar type seafood. Wasn't anything special. Weak drinks.
(2)
Sarah F.

Live music is nice, food is OK (nacho aren't great), and dancing on the second floor can be fun if you are in the mood. :)
(3)
Stephen M.

Would not go back unless I just wanted a Guiness and to watch soccer next to the occasional live entertainment. It has a nice Irish ambiance but I would not recommend it to others visiting Boston. I'm really disappointed that the Marriott Customs House recommends this place to its guests in its orientation packet. The food was way below average. I had a seafood medley, which was soggy and over cooked at best. The hand breaded onion rings were decent but fragile. Put ketchup or their tasty onion ring sauce on them and the hand breaded outside falls right off. Lastly, it's not cheap. 2 meals, 1 appetizer, 1 beer, 1 iced tea, and with tip, the bill came to $64. There is better stuff close by for that price.
(2)
Kathy D.

Food was awful. Come here for drinks only.
(2)
Emily W.

Fish and Chips were delicious. The atmosphere was just what you want out of an Irish pub. The prices were kinda reasonable - though on the expensive side. Good thing to know is that they have live music every night at 9pm. So get there early for dinner and you won't have to pay a cover. But be respectable and tip well if you are gonna hold up a table that long.
(3)
Jill G.

My friends and I accidentally stumbled upon the Black Rose one week night when we were trying to look for a lively spot downtown. This place, on what I believe was a Wednesday, was hoppin'! It is a traditional Irish bar with live music and a large, loud crowd singing along. It has been one of my parents' favorite spots for years- it has a certain charm that keeps the regulars coming back!
(4)
Maura G.

i had a BLAST at the black rose! the food is great-is it weird that i had the best clam chowder in an irish bar? the mussels were perfection. irish pub normally equals awesome boozage, and this place did not disappoint. blueberry lemonade, whiskey, beer...you can't go wrong. prices are right too. the night i was there, they had a wonderful irish man singing traditional irish songs, which promptly got us up on the dance floor. not to mention that we met some very interesting characters. bartenders and waiters were very friendly and chatty. the next time i am in boston, this is where i'm heading for dinner and drinks!
(4)
Troy C.

Good food, decent atmosphere, little pricey for product but a great Irish place for a pint.
(3)
Robin K.

Good drink prices and nice live bands on the weekend. It was too hot for us the night we went there, so we had to leave. We were sweating... boo
(3)
Shirley R.

We went here to celebrate a college graduation. We sat in the restaurant upstairs. Outstanding food, fantastic band. We had a great time. I'd fly from Phoenix just to eat the Shepards Pie again!
(5)
Sharon L.

I, like Jenn B, purchased New Years Eve tickets and ended up waiting in line. There were people who were able to get right in... apparently these people were eating dinner. When I asked the bouncer how these people were able to get in before me, he was extremely rude, and told me I wasn't going to be able to get in at all. We went into the line anyway. Even more disappointing, there were people in the same line that hadn't purchased tickets in advance and were able to buy entrance at the front. That is a ridiculous system. Once we got in, it was overcrowded and not even very fun! Definitely not worth the money or the wait. I am giving the Black Rose two stars because I have had one pleasant experience there and I liked sitting around the fireplace upstairs.
(2)
Chance S.

This isn't only the best Irish pub I've been to in Boston, but the best one ever for that matter. I've been to every pub in New York, Boston, New Orleans, and just about any that is worth going to and nothing matches The Black Rose. I think the only fault is that there are too many touristy types in there that don't know much about a Irish pub and that annoys me. Can't hate the place for being too popular though.
(5)
Nick M.

Funny how most of these places start to look alike and I'm not even drunk yet. The Black Rose IS just like every other Irish pub in Boston, dark wood everywhere, friendly staff, and a heart attack waiting to happen menu. So then why come here?!? Why, because of all those thing I just said, why else?!?! It was mid day of our tour of Boston and I needed some liquid motivation. Drinks were a little expensive but overall things were cool. I would visit again and check out their menu. It looks like they have live music too.
(3)
Becky M.

You'll have to throw an elbow to get a drink at the bar downstairs, so I recommend that you take yo ass upstairs and get you a drink without having to knock some skinny little thing on her ass. Because I'll tell you what, no skinny little chick is gonna get in between me and some top shelf booze. The live Irish music tickled my fancy! Loved it. Upstairs they have a lounge area with a big fireplace, I plopped down with my friends and we made ourselves comfortable and enjoyed the live music and comfy seating!
(3)
Maggie B.

We went twice in one week, so that tells you the food isn't bad! Two people in my group order the same dish each time, the chicken pot pie and the Irish stew. Both were great, though the stew was probable better. The spinach artichoke dip has more spiciness to it that I normally go for but it was still tasty. The crab cakes were nice as well. The first time we were there they had live music going and it was great, except you couldn't get a seat downstairs and upstairs you couldn't hear anything. Service is spotty, sometimes they are on top of things and sometimes they aren't. We had to wait 10 minutes for our check since our waitress didn't seem to remember that we were her table. They also brought out our dinner a few minutes after bringing out our appetizer so the table was bursting with plates.
(3)
Katie R.

I have been to the black Rose a handful of times. Twice for eating. Standard bar food, nothing special. I do like this place as a casual early evening drinking place. Its not to crowded and it has a ton of seating and there is live music and its never so loud you can't talk to the people you are with. I have never been for the night scene but have walked by and it was packed.
(3)
Monique S.

Went here on a pub crawl. I wanted a beer but the bartender was having a hard time pouring anything but foam. I got a drink instead. Unfortunately for me, he seemed to have figured it out for the next person. Good clean bar, decent crowd, and friendly bartenders.
(3)
Jocelyn G.

If it wasn't so expensive, I would give it another star...solid drinks, lots of tables, two bars. If only I could give them a half star for the shot the bartender made for us...raspberry kamikazes are delicious.
(3)
Alicia S.

I don't go out very often and I hate paying cover charges because it's super stupid if you plan on drinking inside. the bartender had no clue what was going on and he had no suggestions for drinks and I think as a bartender he should know what drinks to give but he didn't. We didn't stay very long because it was lame
(1)
Victor N.

Great burgers! A very fairly priced food menu, drinks are a little pricy but the good food prices make up for it. Very Irish bar, almost so Irish we said we felt like we were in Epcot or something!
(5)
Customer Service R.

Love this bar. Come here every time I'm in Boston. Great Irish music and good drunks.
(4)
Lori V.

Great atmosphere. An Irish band played. It was very fun. The food is not expensive and I had steak tips and they were great. Emily had salmon with lemon-dill sauce and she lived it. I tasted it and it was good! I had a rum runner and it was delicious. Good service. Clean bathroom.
(5)
Jeremy D.

The Chicken Pot Pie is good here! I was impressed. Nice Irish pub with good irish music some nights.
(4)
Sean M.

Our Hotel recommended The Black RosÃ© when we asked for a Irish pub. The service was fast and friendly, the drinks were fine. The food was a huge disappointment, the Rueben was to come on marble rye it arrived on old wheat bread the quality was that of an airport food court. The RLT was average the Lobster roll was pretty good. The chips were stale when we asked for new they told us to order something else. The manager came to the table to apologize he was very nice and took our drink charge off the bill, we did appreciate that. Waitress said the kitchen was having an off night.
(2)
Alex S.

I held off for a while because I couldn't decide whether this place deserved 3 or 4 stars. On one hand, yes it is a touristy place which is full of out of towners. Not that I dislike those from outside of Boston (quite the opposite) but they can be a rowdy bunch that sometimes interfere with my weekend night fun. On the other hand this bar promises nothing it does not deliver upon. Some (out-of-towner) friends and I show up at the door. A group of Irish 20-somethings in front of us show their Irish driver licenses to the Irish bouncer. The bouncer tells them that they have to have either a passport or a US ID. The kid responds by slurring "You F%$%king c&nt Bastard, you're a racist and that is why your not letting me in." Absurdly ironic as the bouncer was definitely not far removed from his Irish homeland. After a few minutes of listening to this drunk dispute we slip past them and are greeted by the regular Irish band complete with base, fiddle and guitar. Singing a mixture of Irish jigs and American pop-songs with an Irish spin to them, the flags of Ireland hang over head. We find a seat in the already packed place. There isn't much room on the first floor near the bar so tables are probably the best way to go. The waitress quickly gets us semi-reasonably priced drinks from a decent selection of beers. It is loud but the music is good and not something you see many other places in Boston. The beer is cold and you leave feeling that you went to a real Irish pub (which by my estimation, you did).
(4)
Sally B.

Not as good as I remember
(2)
Amiee L.

Not the best hole in the wall Irish bar. Wasn't too impressed by it. I wouldn't take the time to visit if you are from out of town....or even if you live there.
(2)
Dave M.

The Black Rose is a nice Irish Pub. Good food and well stocked bar. On one visit, the bartender was terrific, friendly and attentive. On another, I could have walked out without paying, the bartender was so unengaged! I paid my tab nevertheless.
(3)
John E.

Irish band, good open floor plan
(3)
Ezra B.

Live music. Irish Bartenders. Beer. People. Friday night. Nothing special. No crazy high prices, seems like it would be a good place to come before you went out. Kind of caters to a slightly older crowd, rather than the raucous young guns.
(3)
Shelly A.

Now here's a relief: an Irish bar that actually has some sort of Irish quality! I LOVE the live Irish music. It makes the place feel really authentic. It's also a more aesthetically pleasing place than most of the bars in the... area. HOWWWWEVER. Beers are expensive (almost $7 for a Sam Summer draft), and the service was kind of rude. The waitress came over and told me it would be six bucks and change for my beer, so I gave her six and started fishing for change (was gonna leave a tip on the table later). Instead she shoved the six in her pocket and gave me a smug look and said, "See? I didn't even charge you the whole cost." I told her I had my hand on my change and would give it to her, but she just made a face and shook her head and said, "Nope, it's okay. I'll get it myself," and walked away. She acted like I was stealing from her. I immediately got up and went downstairs where there was no table service. The other star was taken away because of... well... okay, listen, it's Faneuil Hall. Clientele is not one of its strong points. Moving on...
(3)
Rose D.

My roommate and I were wandering Boston, searching for a place to have my birthday dinner, and heard the sounds of live Irish music. That was all it took for me to settle on The Black Rose, and I sure am glad I did - great music, great Guinness, smooth and efficient service, and the Shepherd's Pie was spectacular and everything at a very reasonable price. Everyone was so friendly, from the staff to the musician to our fellow patrons, I am sorry to be leaving Boston just after discovering this gem!
(5)
Behr S.

Picture if you will an unusually mild February evening (the third Friday) back in 2000, me and my friend from England stumbling across The Roisin Dubh on our search for a place to partake in the annual Great Guinness Toast (aka: St. Practice Day). Lo and behold.....a kick ass pub in the classic Irish style. So, an inumerable amount of Guinness pints later (and imperial pints at that), my friend and I resolved that this was by far the best place between Seattle and London to get shit-faced on St. Practice Day. Slante
(4)
W.H. B.

Overpriced tourist trappish place.
(2)
Kimberly H.

This place was a really cool Irish Pub Decor was perfect, service was spot on and they had all of the games on w/in veiw of our dinner table...with live irish music! The menu is really straight forward - not too diverse, very irish, which is good since this is an irish pub i got the shepherd's pie...it was OK....my buddy got bangers and mash and they were actually very good, i think i will order that next time...cause there definitely will be another time! :D
(4)
James V.

I had a chance to eat at the Black Rose during a side trip to the Boston Aquarium. We were in town for my son's Hockey Tournament which was taking place during the freak October Snow storm. After leaving the Aquarium it was heavy winds and rain, needing to find a place for lunch we decided to try the Black Rose. The staff was very accommodating, helping us find room for a large party. The kids had a great time bonding, enjoying the Irish music. The food was good and the place had a nice warm feeling..One bright spot in a tough weekend.
(4)
Kevin W.

Just had dinner here tonite. It's a pretty nice place to get some Irish food in this tourist area near Fanueil Hall. The place is filled with Irish decor (flags, pictures, plaques) and it also has Irish music playing constantly. I went around 7pm on a Monday night, so the place didn't have any live music playing just yet, and most of the customers seemed to be people getting a bite to eat after work. But on a Monday night it wasn't very busy and there was plenty of space at the bar or at any table. I grabbed a seat where I could see both of their humungous big screen TVs. I ordered a Sam Adams seasonal lager and a cup of clam chowda. The chowder was good, it tasted like cream of broccoli with clam in it, I liked it because it was lighter and not as rich as some clam chowders I've had. I asked the waitress what I should get and she recommended the bangers and mash (irish sausage, with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions) because not many irish restaurants carry that dish. If you like sausage I would definitely recommend it, it was meaty and sweet, not too greasy either, nicely fried and lightly charred. The mashed potatoes weren't that special but the sausage was good. It was more than enough for me, I could only eat 2 of the 3 sausage they gave me. Actually it would have been nice to get a bun to make a bratwurst combo, but that's probably my midwest experience showing lol. My bill was $25 ($4 chowda, $6 beer, $13 banger and mash), not too bad considering I got a lot of stuff. Overall the service was good, the music and decor was nice, and the food provided a nice irish/boston experience. I'll probably be taking my friends when they visit here for some irish food and beer.
(3)
Meghan F.

Authentic Irish pub, our bartender had an Irish brogue. I like this bar because they have live Irish music every night of the week including Sunday! I am told it is crowded on Friday and Saturday but it was full without being packed at 10pm on Sunday with room at the bar.
(5)
Julia M.

Why isn't there a zero or negative stars option? I went there to see the Stanley Cup last night, and I KNOW things were hectic, but it was just ridiculous. We were so excited when we were able to book a table upstairs to eat dinner and watch the game right at 8. Well, turns out it there was no table service, and we would have to leave our table and order and wait at the bar... were there was no screen (not so helpful when you're there to watch the game.) OH! And then it turns out it wasn't the huge menu they offered downstairs, it was 5 (unappetizing) appetizers. So at around 8:15 we ordered. "Oh, sorry, we're not serving food anymore." WHAT??? So, at around 8:45 we finally made it downstairs, where some of our friends had ordered. "Oh, sorry, kitchen's closed." GAAAAAH! Telling us we have a table for dinner, where you don't serve dinner, and your kitchen closes within minutes of sitting down = NOT COOL! DON'T LIE TO ME! WORST BAR EVER. BUT YAY BRUINS!
(1)
Danny B.

I typically love the Black Rose. Their nightly live music certainly is fun, and would recommend it for that. And their food/beer prices are decent, and often are quite tasty. However, I am concerned of their food quality. When I took friends there on Sunday, we asked about the origin and method of capture of the fish (details that any quality restaurant should know). I was not surprised the waitress did not know off the top of her head, but when she kindly asked the chef, no one apparently had any idea. This makes it impossible for proper decisions to be made of what to order, and shows a lack of care by the chefs on the quality and sustainability of the food they serve. This will certainly slow down the likelihood of my return to or recommendation of The Black Rose until they choose a path of greater responsibility. I tend to want to know what I'm eating. I know...weird.
(2)
Jaime D.

after a crazy St. Patty's evening with the Dropkick Murphys, my guests and I hit the Freedom Trail (which, by the way, is a great way to check out the city). we had been hitting pubs all morning, and with the hangover going strong along with the urban hiking, our bodies began quaking with weakness. we came across the Black Rose, just off the trail, on State St. one of my companions had been there about a decade ago for $5 lobster. was it a memoryanic embellishment? who knows. there was no lobster. I was very comfortable here. an Irish pub with beautiful and uber-friendly Hispanic waitresses and hostesses. the place is genuine, though, despite the foreign help. we ate some decent appetizers. the mussels were a quite a bit too mealy. there was a great stage which, supposedly, hosts live Irish music every night. Jameson went down nicely. that's all I have to say about that.
(3)
Jeffrey K.

There were a bunch of things I liked about The Black Rose but it was all overridden by one of the staff members who treated my friend and I with utter disrespect. This place gets a 1 star until that guy is gone. Will be updating this post once I find out his name.
(1)
Sab C.

I don't come here enough. We showed up at 6pm on a Saturday and got a nice table upstairs immediately. Excellent Guinness and the food is really good too. I had the Reuben sandwich and the corned beef was some of the best I've had. My wife had the Black Rose burger that looked great. The kids went with the chicken fingers. There was live music downstairs that added to the whole scene. Great Irish bar
(4)
David J.

Oh lovely Rose, you have failed me. Let's start with the good news. The Guiness beef stew was five stars. The bartenders, in general, were friendly and attentive. And now the bad news. I paid for my stew and and beer and never received my change. I asked about it and the bartender told me she forgot. How many other times did you "forget"? Patrons beware! Or perhaps she assumed that was tip. I can't stand when servers assume their own tips. In this case, I would have tipped more than the change amount. I went to this pub to enjoy some good Irish music. I was disappointed that the band didn't start until 10-- I had to wait a few hours, but ok. So finally the band is about to start and the staff comes around and takes all the bar stools. My nice lovely stool I've been keeping warm for 2 hours is now gone. The guy that took it away was polite about it, so I give him that. So now I'm standing at the bar, I've got my coat on a hook below the bar because I have no place to put it now, and it's half draped on the floor because the hook is so low. Nice. And now the band starts. A nice irish tune or two... but then they transtion into Knockin on Heaven's Door and some other covers-- not the good old traditional Irish tunes they started out with. But they performed well, so props to the band. The bar is almost full now with Boston's finest drunk youth. Why did we have to transition from Irish pub to frat party? I'm outta there. So I go scoop up my coat, which had been knocked off of the hook and was sitting on the floor soaking up who knows what. Goodbye sweet Rose.
(2)
Tom H.

The Black Rose, perhaps one of the most identifiable Irish bars in the area (maybe the city) stands out on its corner location with a classic green trim/red door combined with gold Celtic lettering, to create an authentic, inviting vibe. Inside, flags with family names and crests hang from the ceiling, (no doubt playing into the Irish-American identity sought out by so many Bostonians and out of towners) and features a two-story layout, with full bars on both floors, featuring standard Irish bar draft choices, and a few more local specialties (Harpoon 100 series). The menu is standard Irish fare, and specializes in steak and seafood. The main reason to visit The Black Rose however, is the live Irish music, (sometimes playing simultaneously on stages upstairs and down) Accompanied often times by enthusiastic patrons who will not hesitate to sing and dance along to traditional tunes.
(3)
Todd A.

So much fun! Great band, great drinks, great people and service.
(5)
Ben F.

If you go during a low-traffic time, preferably before the evening crowds and on the weekdays, the Black Rose is a great place to have a drink. Reasonably priced, with a good drink selection, I like this place. (I have no idea what the food is like, however).
(4)
Courtney H.

This place is a pretty decent Irish pub if you are looking for a drink. They didn't have the liquor I normally like and they didn't have Jack Daniels which is ALL my friend will drink, so we had to get other versions of them. Since we already had 8 drinks that night, I'm not sure we noticed much. They had a very interesting Irish band with some older gentlemen playing which was pretty nice to see. They were truly authentic. My friend liked them so much she just had to give them a $20 tip. I really think the fake Jack Daniels clouded her judgement there, but it was a decent band. I've never eaten here and I don't really feel like I need to, but if you are looking for a good Irish bar to do what the Irish do best--drink-- then check this place out!
(3)
Dee H.

Came back recently with the children during family hour, around 6pm, and it appears others had the same idea with their families. Everyone enjoyed their meal here and would look forward to coming back. For dessert, I had the black and white pudding again, and the young ones enjoyed their milk and cookies (the kitchen made fresh cookies for us!) The service was again friendly and delightful.
(4)
Jeffrey S.

Irish Pub hopping in Boston on a rainy Tuesday afternoon. Lots of suits. Great atmosphere and good looking bar. The bartender was a trip! Watched some premier league soccer and had a few beers. Worth a stop!
(4)
Peg P.

I am a fan of The Black Rose for a variety of reasons. First, The Black Rose is in a great location in Boston, situated along a myriad of other bars, restaurants, and shopping. I think this is a great place to stop in and grab a beer while out and about in Boston. Second, I like the Black Rose for its lunch and dinner menu. I think it has a nice mixture of Irish foods as well as more typical American bar foods. I personally like their soups and I think they make a pretty sizable and filling salad. I have other items off of the menu and been pleased. Third, The Black Rose is a great venue for live entertainment. The Black Rose has two levels, with the first floor being more traditional Irish music , while the second floor has more contemporary music as well as U2 cover bands etc. Both floors have a full bar and both floors serve food. I find that the first floor of The Black Rose pulls for the touristy crowd eager to hear "Oh Danny Boy" and " Irish Rover," while the folks who like the second floor are regulars who want to hear more Irish rock type music. The Black Rose gets crowded, especially on Friday and Saturdays and often there is a line to get ion. I think it is worth it to wait in line. I have also been here for St. Pa tricks Day and had a BLAST.
(4)
Erika S.

Ahhh, The Black Rose. I love this place. What's not to love about a very typical Irish pub with very typical irish fare. The food is good, not great. But it's the atmosphere that keeps me coming back. After a day of shopping around Boston what better thing to do than sit back with a Smithwick's and some friends listening to someone play guitar and laughing the night away. Irish Rose....I heart you.
(4)
L. G.

Always have a good time here. And always seem to run into people I know, too. Never eaten here so I can't speak to the food, but it's good place to hang out, have a few beers and listen to some live music.
(4)
Lauren V.

This is about the only bar I can stand in the vicinity of Faneuil Hall. Black Rose is a two-floor Irish pub in what is technically the FD. The downstairs often has music pumping and its a little bit more, ahem, collegiate. (That's been my experience anyways.) I usually head upstairs so I can grab a drink, take a seat and relax next to the fake fire. [Aside] The fake fire is awesome. Drunks are like moths to an artificial flame with this thing. One time this dumb drunk ran over squealing about how she was going to "warm up" before she went out into the cold. Uh...good luck. But thanks for providing fodder for me and my BF. [End Aside] Anyways. Girls, as usual, you will have better luck getting a drink than your man. I would definitely suggest making this a pit stop on a night out. You know, an after dinner drink or a pre-drinkfest drink.
(3)
Stan B.

Friendly if inattentive staff. Nice atmosphere. The food was passable, nothing of note. Had the Fruit of the Rose. It was OK, but did not wow me by any means. Wine and beer selection is good. I would imagine this place being more for drinking and standard bar fare. Not a bad way to spend lunch, but there are better. Went back for drinks after dinner. It is a much better atmosphere for drinking and hanging out than eating. Irish music downstairs and upstairs. Good seating for small groups.
(3)
Morris W.

Declaimer: I have never eaten here, or step foot upstairs. Boston is a city that loves to show how Irish they are. BUT there are very few places you can count on to have Irish music. This place is one of them. Yes its crowded, and the Guinness a little expensive. However, if you are in the mood for some drunken Irish signing, this is the place.
(4)
Roxanne K.

Visited this place after my boss told us we had to go to an irish pub down at Fanueil hall. We were so glad we did! haha. We came here on Thursday evening ~8:30pm. It wasn't too crowded as we were able to get a table for 3 right away. Service was great! I got the pork chops and applesauce (never had it in my entire life). Pork chops were moist and delicious. I don't know if its because I'd never had it before, but adding the applesauce just made it funky... eh, not my cup of tea. oh well. the sausage stuffing was good too! The portion size was a bit large (for me), but they did charge $14.00 for it...sadly, i couldn't take the leftovers home since there's no microwave in the hotel. oh, i also ordered clam chowder. it was so yummy! it wasn't all sand-y.... or too salty or potato-y. My companions ordered the fishcakes and the spinach artichoke dip. both were really yummy!!!! For dessert we got boston cream pie and the bread pudding. i don't like bread pudding, so i can't comment on that. but the boston cream pie was yummy. Please note that everything tastes yummier when it's reimbursed by work.... right? hahahhaha While we were eating dessert, the band had started playing. They were so cute. There were 2 older men and a younger one playing the fiddle. haha. The old man had such a thick accent I couldn't understand, but that's part of the fun! There was an old couple who decided to get up and dance in the middle of the pub (soooo cute!) and everyone cheered them on. All in all, the atmosphere was great, service was quick and accomodating (splitting checks was not a big deal!), and food was decent. If I didn't have to get up early the next morning, I'd've tried some of their drinks... next time! hehe
(4)
Misty F.

Went there for St. Patrick's Day. My purse was full of gold dollar coins from the subway's machine, so I offered them to the doorman as my cover charge (which was $10). In a thick accent, he told me he hated those fucking gold coins and that I needed real money. I love Boston. Once I pulled out cash from the ATM, we were ready to get back inside. The door man then said it was a $20 cover charge per person, but I cracked some jokes with him and then he let me and my friend in for $10 total. We went to the up stairs area and was able to get super fast and friendly service to keep the level of alcohol in our system at an optimal level. There was a long line for the bathroom upstairs but these are old buildings that were built a million year ago and I forgive them. We pounded some beers until the wee hours of the morning (we made this our last bar on our bar hopping tour for St. Pattys day). They even gave us plenty of time to stumble out into the street where we found greasy street vendor food that tamed our drunk munchies.
(4)
Connie S.

The grilled pork dish was the toughest piece of pork I have eaten. Service was lousy. The waitress was too busy in her social conversation to even fill my water glass. It remained empty until the last 10 minutes of the meal. I couldn't even get her attention. My husband's lamb burger patty was so small, most of the bites were just the buns. The flavor was good. To top it off, the price was too high for what you get. Won't go back.
(1)
Dianna B.

Great location and great food. We ordered Guinness Beef Stew, Shepherds Pie, Clam Chowder and the Bread Pudding. It was all very good, the service was great and the beers cold.
(4)
Deanna K.

My Guiness was a perfect pour-the clam chowda and lobster roll were delicious! We even bought a souvenir t-shirt, we enjoyed ourselves so much!
(5)
Sarah G.

I wouldn't recommend the Black Rose solely on the merit of the food, but on our second trip here, eat we did. I had the lobster roll with side of clam chowder, which was great because it saved me the trouble of ordering a cup... but then created the dilemma of ordering a side of fries. The curry chips appetizer was okay, but the weird gravy-like consistency of the curry might be off-putting for some. And bonus, I asked for my soup ahead of the roll, then another cup showed up on the plate when my sandwich arrived! joy! Unfortunately, Bill didn't think much of his reuben, and the bite I had spoke volumes that all summarized to bland. Still, the roll and soup were pretty decent and the $3 Sapporo cans were random, but much appreciated. Hey, this is at the core, a bar. Not a restaurant. So drink up and enjoy.
(3)
Christina L.

The service was pretty good and the atmosphere was really nice. There's a live band every night and everyone looked like they were having a good time. The food, however, was average. I got steak tips which were a little over cooked and my boyfriend got the lamb, which he claimed was mediocre. We also got their crab cakes which was overpriced and tasted more like flour than crab.
(3)
Steve E.

Atmosphere was great! The band was great! But after I ordered my first beer from the bar, everything went downhill. The waitress was rude, my Rueben was one of the worst I've ever had. Bread was stale, meat was dry, very little sauerkraut. I'd only go back to this place for the bar and the music.
(1)
Melissa W.

nothing better than relaxing at a bar with a cold beer and live irish music. some of the staff could use a few lessons in politeness, but definitely a great time overall
(4)
Reid N.

I had the beef stew which was quite good but the portion was quite small for 15 dollars. Nothing special.
(3)
Marci Y.

Their lobster special is awesome. $12 lobster and pint of beer. #whhhaaa the lobster was perfectly cooked. We also ordered the shepherds pie and holy hell it was taaasssttttyyyy. Did Mention the black velvets?? Their are made to perfection. #yourewelcome. #comehere and the entertainment wasn't too loud or invasive and actually sounded great
(5)
Mike F.

Had the corned beef sandwich and friend had a burger. Burger nothing to write home about and corned beef seemed like it came from a cheap supermarket. Was literally just corned beef on crappy brown bread and tiny bit of mustard. Service was meh. No need to go back. Should have eaten at Quincy Market.
(2)
Victoria K.

They have hands down the rudest bartender I've ever had the displeasure of ordering from. I tried ordering a glass of water and a mixed drink, but got cut off at the water, so he could serve a clearly over intoxicated man who couldn't even verbalize his drink order because he was too drunk. The bartender set him up with two bud lights, and left to the next person, while I was still trying to get his attention. My friend saw the situation, and tried to help by saying excuse me, and the bartender whipped around and warned my friend he had one more chance or he was getting kicked out. My friend had been sitting at the bar just sipping scotch, doing nothing. At this point, my friend said "oy" to try and ask that the matter was, and the bartender went immediately to the bouncer and had him kicked out. That was my first time there, I had heard good things about the band, but I'm never going there again, and I don't expect my friends to be patrons there either.
(1)
Melody S.

We had a very disappointing whale watch ride yesterday morning and were in a bad mood wandering the street (it was freezing and rainy). Luckily we stumbled into the Black Rose! The honest first impression was a) it's freakin LOUD in here b) loving all the Gaelic decor. We sat down, checked out the Irish-esque menu and ordered spinach & artichoke dip for app, chicken pot pie and fish/chips for meals. The dip was great-actually ran out of chips vs the usual other way around. I adored my pot pie, delicious mashed potatoes! My husband's fish was awesome with (or without) the cole slaw. I also ordered a hot cocoa which was great. The man on stage was singing Gaelic music, so good I bought his cd.
(5)
Eric H.

Very laid back atmosphere and even better at night. This is definitely a place to go after the sun is down. There is a cover charge but if you are older than 25 I would recommend paying this cover charge versus waiting in a 45min line anywhere else around. It's a must try if you are in the Boston area!
(5)
Emily M.

Hands-down one of my favorite bars in the Faneuil Hall area. I always receive good service, good drinks, and good food! Definitely one of the better places to come stumbling into late at night on the weekends where you can clap along to the live Irish Music with no shame in your game.
(5)
Pat M.

This place is great! Their Irish coffee is made with Jamison whiskey, real whipped cream & a bit of sugar---- yum! The seafood stew was perfect: lobster, cod, & shrimp broiled in butter with mashed potatoes & root veggies-- filling but healthy -- unless you drink all the butter sauce! Irish tunes are live, March Madness plays on a big screen tv & everyone is chatting. Somehow it is not too much--- it's all good. The Black Rose is anything but black; it's a kaleidoscope of colors!
(5)
Andrew C.

This place has the best chowder and fish and chips. If you want a great Irish atmosphere and a perfect bite I would recommend swinging into the Black Rose
(5)
Lindsay F.

There are quite a few bars in faneuil hall to choose from - if you want to be treated well, come to the black Rose and make sure to ask for Devon nicest guy in boston.
(5)
Gary J.

The place is decent and the service is good, but the food is pretty bland. I had the pork loin and my friend had the tips. Meh. I wouldn't rush back. Maybe a good place to stop for a beer.
(3)
Alicia P.

First time in Boston. First Bostonian restaurant. We were a party of 6 and reserved ahead of time for dinner. Was it necessary to reserve? I would suggest it for a large group but not for 4 or less. Plenty of people at the bar being very merry. We had 2 nice waitresses, one regular and one that was shadowing her. We ordered a margarita, one coke, and for the rest had Sam Adam seasonal. They did bring another beer for one of us instead of a SamAd but quickly rectified the error. We ordered the following appetizers: the mussels, the calamari and originally the nachos (but got that change after to the curry). All very good. My mother-in-law who ordered the curry chips wasn't much of a fan of the chips but the rest of us ate it up with delight. The mussels had plenty of sauce to dip our breeds in, though not enough bread for the amount of sauce we had. Then I ordered the fish & chips - huge. Way too much, especially after all the appetizers. But it was good. My fiancÃ© ordered the beef stew and loved it. Nice hearty meal with the beef being really tender. Another ordered the lobster roll and thought it was on the dry side. Would have preferred more mayo so maybe order some on the side for a little extra. And the other orders were of the steak sandwich. Some didn't like it and said it was too fatty, others said it was ok but wished it had more blue cheese on it. All in all I'd go just for the appetizers that will fill you up. Also they have an upstairs but it was closed for some reason that night. Go for good drinks and appetizers and good music. Didn't notice any live music when I was there.
(4)
Tegan J.

I was here Christmas night, place was packed. One of my fav Irish bars in Boston.
(5)
Jim G.

With a lovely, old world feel, this pub was a welcome delight from the standard fare. Our wait lass was first-gen Irish with a delightful accent. The drinks were quickly served and the food came shortly thereafter. Tasty, with good presentation, we would go again if we ever visit historic Boston again.
(4)
Tatiana B.

They do great burgers, good lemonade and average prices. Overall we had good experience there!
(5)
Robyn W.

We stopped into the Black Rose on our trip to Boston. Love the pubs on the East Coast. Beer selection was good, as you would expect in a pub. The food was good as well. We had the fish & chips, steak tips, and Sheppard's pie. All were nicely prepared and I love that the veggies were fresh and cooked just right. Great little spot in Boston!
(3)
Lauren C.

Can I put in a request for some better bathrooms? For a pub this size, two tiny poorly maintained stalls is just not adequate. Bathrooms aside, The Black Rose is aight. The draft list wasn't terribly exciting, but was a reasonable length. The live music is a nice touch, but be careful where you sit or you'll need to yell to your dining companions. I didn't eat, but my dining companion seemed pretty happy with her burger. You could do a lot worse.
(3)
Ys C.

Lobster specials are a great value. Irish lamb shank also hit the spot. Great location next to Quincy Market and Faneuil hall, but with very reasonable prices and more than agreeable food and service. I wouldn't expect it in a touristy spot, but it turned out very nicely.
(4)
Rachel G.

One of my fav pubs in Boston! Wonderful atmosphere. A bit loud, but its a pub! And great delicious pub food (I can't understand the poor reviews here!) We even have brought out of town guests here, and it was unanimous. Get a guinness (or 2), with a lobster roll, and a cup of clam chowder (which is super good here), and you are all set...
(5)
Donald R.

Some reviews continue to amaze me ! First off the draft selection my not be to exiting to some folks because it is an Irish place. This means very good Irish beer! If you are a bud or miller person go somewhere else. The food is amazing! I don't know how folks can not see that. You guys can stick to your hot dogs! One person was upset about the bathrooms. Well we are dealing with a very old building. The bathrooms are clean. You want a fancy bathroom go to Morton's. Plain and simple this place has great food, drinks, service, and fun times!!
(5)
Karen G.

During a recent trip to Boston, we were looking for a place to kick back after a day of bootin it around the the city. Being of Irish background and a fiddle player myself, stopped in at the Black Rose after hearing some live Celtic music wafting through the air on State St. Loved the live band, the older gentleman/singer/guitarist had a lot of "en-tu-siasm" and had the whole crowd going, singing along and dancing. Good crowd on a Saturday and Sunday night (yes, we came back again on Sunday after perusing the area and finding no place with the same vivality), no cover on Sunday but a worthy $5 cover on Saturday. Pretty big place with an upstairs, although we never went up. Only downfall is there were no locals. When I travel, I like to blend in and prefer to do as the Romans do, but unknowingly fell into the tourist spot. Was well worth it though, and will return the next time I'm in town.
(4)
Christian C.

Good service, had the farmhouse bbq chicken sandwich and it was pretty good. Reasonable prices and a good atmosphere. Would give it another try!
(3)
Brad S.

While on an extended stay in Boston with my girlfriend we were trying to get to as many bars as we could so the visits usually only lasted a beer or two. I really like this one. We went on a Friday night and there was live music which I enjoyed, though they could've turned down the amps. The service was pretty quick considering how busy they were. I'd definitely go again.
(4)
Bridgid M.

After walking through Faneuil Hall, we stumbled upon the Black Rose. We were famished. After peeking in we fell in love with the atmosphere, historical vibe and overall warmth of the place. A plus was the rich Irish accented waitress and waiter. It must be said, I had never heard of, or tasted a lobster roll before; I actually had no idea what one looked like until I saw a beautifully plated lobster roll pass by. I was easily convinced and ordered the lobster roll lunch special, that had previously caught my eye as it was posted on the outside board. When it was delivered to our table, one bite was all that was needed. I am now a lobster roll fan. It was very tasty and nicely prepared. However, as the bartering began, and we traded off portions of each others dish, I was also able to enjoy the fish and chips... I must say it was the best fish and chips I have ever had. So much so, that I was willing to give up my entire lobster roll for just one section of the fish and chips... Mind you, the portions are sizable, so it was easily done :)
(5)
Simone H.

Good Irish bar for nice bar food, drinks and watching soccer with the sound on! Friendly staff
(4)
Tyler R.

An Irish bar in Boston? No! Yes! Yes! So after various attempts to Google / Yelp a good place to get more drinks (to continue our bachelor party) one of the guys we were with suggested we just go here, a place he is familiar with and also happened to have no line to get in. Overall, good choice. The live Irish music put a "jig in our stumble" and an abundance of Guinness, Irish Car Bombs, Magners, and straight up shots of Baileys kept that stumble ripe throughout the night. Our bachelor was able to find all the predetermined ladies to do shots with, and we were able to provide him all of the alcohol required to achieve the goals we had set -- for much cheaper than I would have thought. No food - just a lot of Irish drinking, Irish music, and some seriously speedy bartenders. As others have said - this place is pretty standard on the Irish drinks but heavy on some really nice atmosphere. Too bad it closes down at 1:30, just like everything else in Boston...
(3)
Jim B.

Stopped in last night for a nice pint and met some lovely people. At about 9pm the live music started up.
(4)
Ryan B.

The men's restroom was disgusting. The waitstaff was having a good time chatting amongst themselves instead of working. The appetizers ranged from fine (one-dimensional boneless buffalo wings), to middling (flavorless artichoke dip), to poor (dry stale nachos). The drinks list was fine but nothing special. The waitress steered me away from the Reuben with, "it's good sometimes", and instead recommended the fish and chips, which were tasteless and utterly forgettable. I wouldn't consider this a fair deal at half the price...I'd rather walk to the North End or take the T anywhere (you can see the Aquarium stop from the door)....but here I am in the Financial District. I recommend avoiding The Black Rose if you like food.
(2)
Ryan M.

We stopped in for a quick drink and found an amazing place for Irish Whiskey and beers on tap. Great bartenders and large enough place where everyone seemed comfortable on a Friday night.
(5)
Jakub W.

3.5 stars really, rounded to 4 just cause. Came in here during first night in Boston. Was 8pm on a Friday but managed to get a table in the back. Service was friendly and when we had a food problem, was very attentive. Food. Hmmm. Had surf & turf. Lobster was good, "medium-rare steak" was atrocious (i think rubber tastes better). Wife's fries were a joke, but chowder was decent. Drinks. Good. (My Sam great, wife's Guiness was ok) What gets this to the 3.5 and thus the 4, was the Friday night music, the atmosphere, and in the end the waitress who after the steak, gave a free drink and dessert. Kudos to her for fixing the kitchens job, and reinforcing that sometimes service is just necessary.
(4)
Frank C.

Must stop for any Irishman when visiting Boston. Great selection and authentic Irish bartenders with great attitude.
(4)
Victor C.

Awesome food. Service was fast and friendly. Prices are right about avg for Boston. Cosy atmosphere. Very warm for a cold night. A must for visitors.
(5)
Abbie M.

This review is for the bar/drinks only. I've been here a few times with friends who work around State Street, and most recently I recently met my cousin and her girlfriend here for a drink after work. They are from out of town and had of course heard of the tourist trap (ahem) Black Rose. There's nothing WRONG with the Black Rose. The bartender was nice though brusque. It's a fine place with good beers on tap. I'm just always on the lookout for a good deal, and dropping $6+ on one beer just isn't my thing. You can go next door to Sissy K's and get a beer for $1.50. It's not a "good" beer, but that's more my target price range. If you want a Guinness, this place has a great pour. If you want a Bud Light, go next door.
(3)
Brian D.

Visiting in Boston for a few days, stopped into the black rose to grab a drink with some friends and had a blast! Live music, great Irish atmosphere and nice people. Will be back here again
(5)
Jennifer A.

Get the lobster roll and cup of chowder combo, then upgrade the cup to a bread bowl. The bread is toasty, the soup is great. It's a perfect combo. The fries are some of the best I think I've ever had. They are very thick; crispy outside and soft inside. Not really a fan of the nachos. If you're from the west coast/southwest, you probably know better than to get nachos at an Irish pub in Boston. They are a far cry from the more authentic Mexican variety, but will get you through a good New England hangover just fine. I didn't like the salad I got because it came without dressing of any sort, but maybe that's what I get for ordering a salad at a pub? My friends who got the clam chowder bread bowl were all much happier. Great service, though, so I had a fine time.
(3)
Jim M.

While in Boston on our honeymoon in April 2014 we spent a lot of evenings at the Black Rose Irish Pub. I visited here a few years ago and couldn't wait to visit again. This pub is a must stop for some great Irish music that was provided to the public by the Celtic Clan and of course the perfect Guinness. My wife which is Georgia born really enjoyed the city of Boston and for a home sick Yankee, a trip of a life time. Thank you to the Black Rose staff and the Celtic Clan. When we return for our second honeymoon, we will see you then. Jim and Rhonda Murphy
(5)
Alexandra M.

I went on a week night and during the day on saturday and the staff were nice and attentive both times. Dont trust the board or the menu as they often run out of things. Can get packed on the weekends, so if you want to eat id make a reservation. Old man crowd during the week...who were both upset at what I ordered (jameson and ginger, very strong) and insisted theyd try it.
(4)
Sarah O.

To be sure, this would not have been my first choice lunch spot but for the fact that it was freezing out last week, and we wanted to limit the time we spent outdoors after an event at Faneuil Hall. Plus, my Dad was riding the nostalgia train and wanted to revisit this restaurant, where he logged a number of hours in the 1970s. The menu is limited, but you'll find a standard assortment of fish and chips, bangers and mash, and shepherd's pie. In other words, all of your low-cal favorites from the Emerald Isle are represented. I ordered the fish and chips, and it was pretty run-of-the-mill. Not bad, but definitely under-seasoned.
(3)
Hannah K.

I want to say that this place was AWESOME - but it let me down in so many different ways. Well actually just 2....I didn't have very many items in my "Want to do/see in Boston" - see Harvard, the Garden (of course I wore my Laker gear all around town), do the freedom tour, get a lobster roll, and get a cool Guinness pour! I thought, man Black Rose will knock out 2 things on my list - SCORE! So here's what happened... Waitress: Hi! What can I get for you today? Me: I will start with a pint of Guinness Waitress: Great! Me: Oh! Do you think I could get a cool pattern on top? Waitress: I'm so sorry, there's nobody here that can do that! Me: Darn! Okay...(thinking: well your lobster roll better make up for it!) ...............a few minutes later...................... Waitress: What would you like to order? Me: Lobster Roll please! Waitress: I'm so sorry, we ran out! Me: REALLY? Why did I come here?!?! I was sadly disappointed :(
(2)
Chris G.

Authentic bar. Just about the worst bar tender on record. Absent minded. How this guy gets through st Patrick's day is a puzzle you will never be served if he is working.
(1)
Michelle R.

On weekends and at night I love this place. Great beer selections, crowd and live music. Lunch? Not so much. Food is unimpressive and service was slow (wasn't busy). Maybe an off day but I rather other places for food.
(4)
Dan K.

Me and my wife stopped into the Black Rose the other day for lunch. This place is a Irish Pub the food was great for lunch was not to expensive. The service was very good and very friendly. Will will stop in here again when we are in Boston.
(5)

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Address : 160 State St
Boston, MA, 02109
Phone (617) 742-2286
Website https://www.blackroseboston.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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The Black Rose

160 State St, Boston, MA, 02109

The Black Rose Menu

Appetizers

Salads

Salad Additions

Sandwiches

Entrees

Breakfast

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Black Rose

Appetizers

Salads

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Entrees

Breakfast

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