Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: Doyles Cafe
Address: 3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130
Telephone: (617) 524-2345
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.60

Doyles Cafe

3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130

(617) 524-2345
Store is closed

Doyles Cafe Menu

Doyle's Traditional Appetizers

Garlic Cheese Bread Sticks

Potato Skins

Doyle's Hand-battered Onion Rings

Fries

Mozzarella Sticks Or Nachos

Wing Dings Wing Zings Or Chicken Fingers

Hot N' Spicy Buffalo Wings Or Fingers

Mexican Nachos

Vegetable Plate
Hand Crafted Soups Chili And Chowder

Soup Du Jour

Doyle's Boston Style Clam Chowder

Doyle's Hot Chili
Salad Medley

House Salad

Chef's Salad

Greek Salad

Grilled Steak Tip Salad

Baby Spinach Salad

Tuna Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad

Grilled Salmon Salad
Doyle's Famous Pizza

Pizza

Extra Toppings
Doyle's Famous Burgers

Bison Burger

Cheeseburger

Hamburger

The Braddock Burger

The Pot Belly

Turkey Burger

Vegetarian Garden Burger
Sandwiches And Clubs

Fish Sandwich

Grilled Cheese

Grilled Cheese And Tomato

Grilled Ham And Cheese

Grilled Reuben

Meatless Reuben

Turkey Reuben

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Ham And Cheese

Turkey Breast

Corned Beef

Blt

Pastrami And Cheese

Tuna Salad

Tuna Melt

All Clubs
Entrees

Certified Premium Sirloin Steak

Doyle's Own Marinated Bbq Steak Tips

Center Cut Pork Chops

Doyle's Own Marinated Bbq Turkey Tips

Broiled Rainbow Trout

Broiled Scrod

Doyle's Sautéed Scrod

Broiled Citrus Alaska Salmon

Fried Chicken Dinner

Grilled Chicken Breast
Doyle's Casual Dining

French Dip Sandwich

Knockwurst And Potato Salad

German Plate

Fish And Chips

Spaghetti And Meatballs

Quiche And Salad Of The Day

Chicken Quesadilla

Veggie Quesadilla

Chicken Cesar Wrap
Desserts

Key Lime Pie

Doyle's Mudd Pie

Chocolate Brownie Sundae

Grapenut Custard Pudding

Brian's Famous Bread Pudding

Apple Crisp With Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Shortcake

Plain Cheesecake

Boston Cream Pie

Carrot Cake

French Vanilla Ice Cream

Healthy Meal suggestions for Doyles Cafe

Doyle's Traditional Appetizers

Garlic Cheese Bread Sticks [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Doyle's Hand-battered Onion Rings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

Wing Dings Wing Zings Or Chicken Fingers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot N' Spicy Buffalo Wings Or Fingers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Vegetable Plate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hand Crafted Soups Chili And Chowder

Soup Du Jour [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Doyle's Boston Style Clam Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Doyle's Hot Chili [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salad Medley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grilled Salmon Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Doyle's Famous Pizza

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

Extra Toppings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Doyle's Famous Burgers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetarian Garden Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sandwiches And Clubs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ham And Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

Pastrami And Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

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

Doyle's Own Marinated Bbq Steak Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Center Cut Pork Chops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Doyle's Own Marinated Bbq Turkey Tips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broiled Rainbow Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Doyle's Sautéed Scrod [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broiled Citrus Alaska Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

Grilled Chicken Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Doyle's Casual Dining

French Dip Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

Spaghetti And Meatballs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Quiche And Salad Of The Day [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

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

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

Chocolate Brownie Sundae [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grapenut Custard Pudding [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brian's Famous Bread Pudding [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Apple Crisp With Vanilla Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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

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

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

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

French Vanilla Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Gene J.

7 different Sam Adams taps! Good French Dip sandwich.
(5)
Michael J.

Thank you to Doyle's for taking a chance on Jim Koch in 1985 when he was beginning his brewing business, and became the first bar to serve Sam Adams on tap. Who knows, without Doyle's there might not be a Sam Adams. So Sam Adams is loyal to Doyle's as they should be. We went there after the Sam Adams tour, after hearing that they were the first bar to serve their beer. We drove, and didn't take the trolley. I was able to get two different Sam Adams beers that are hard to find (or impossible) in any other bar. With the stamp from the tour, we got to keep the glasses. So here's the math: 1 empty glass at Sam Adams gift shop is $8; 1 glass plus beer at Doyle's is $6. Get it? We got a large pizza (which was $1 more than a small pizza), and it was pretty good for a bar. Equally important is the physical establishment. It's old. It hasn't been cleaned in 100 years. You can see where they used to have wood floors, then they tiled over it, and the tiles have worn through to show the wood again in the walking paths. wow. The bar is uneven. The ceiling is textured metal or something. The whole place just feels old, which is awesome. And they have pictures of notable Bostonians who have visited, and old newspaper articles framed on the wall. My favorite was the front page of the Globe from the Blizzard of 78, since we weren't able to get the paper that day because we were stuck at home due to the blizzard, of course. And thank you Doyle's for knowing when the Red Sox game starts, and turning the channel to it without me asking. My biggest pet peeve is when a Boston bar doesn't have the Red Sox game on, and I have to ask. Shame on those bars, but Doyle's knows...
(4)
Paige S.

After going to the Sam Adams Brewery for a tour, Doyle's was the recommended next stop. I would have given 4 stars if it had not been for the incredibly rude hostess. I have never encountered someone so outwardly offensive in the customer service industry. I was with my boyfriend and close friend and we were meeting two others, who had arrived shortly before we did. We weren't sure if they had gotten a table so my boyfriend told the hostess we were all set. Less than a minute later, we realized we needed a table, so I said (very politely), "I'm sorry, can we please get a table for five?" Her response literally made my jaw drop to the floor. She spoke to me in a tone that made me feel like I was gum on her shoe. "HE just said you DIDN'T need a table. Do you need a table or not?" I wiped the acid and spit from my face and picked my mouth up off the floor and told her that, yes, we would like a table. She continued to talk badly about me to the guy that was going to show us to our table (who was perfectly courteous) RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I was absolutely astounded that someone would act this way toward a customer. I'm not sure if she was having a bad night or she was just a b*tch, but it was unacceptable either way. I can barely even talk about the rest of the visit. The food was fine for fried bar food, and the server was perfectly nice, albeit somewhat forgetful, having not brought extra napkins when I asked and a beer here and there. I doubt I'll be going back here, though. Merry freakin' Christmas.
(2)
Lauretta L.

The sweet potato fries are actual hand cut slices of sweet potato. Each fry is different and most are huge, thick slabs of sweet potato. Unf! The garlic fries came with an assortment of dips, per our greedy request, and were our favorite. Honey mustard, ranch and the bbq sauce :). My favs were the honey mustard and ranch, mm mmm mmm. 1 order of each was enough to satisfy 5 hungry post-beer drinkers and the service was great!
(4)
Melanie M.

Came here to get my free glass after doing the Sam Adams tour. There is a free trolley that takes you from Sam Adams to Doyle's, then onto the T stop. The trolley might have been the most happening trolley I've ever been on and the ride was one big dance party over to Doyle's. If anything, you should go to Doyle's because of it's history. It was a rainy day when I went, so I got the clam chowder. It hit the spot right on for me. Might not have been the best clam chowder I ever had, but it was darn good. My friend got the Ruben and I felt a little disappointed, was lacking something. The beer is good and we got to keep our glasses as promised. They even gave us new, clean glasses when we left. Got to take the fun trolley right to the T stop.
(3)
Mary A.

Just really awful. When we entered the host was on the phone and didn't speak to us for a good five minutes. Then our waitress forgot my meal and didn't reappear until after everyone else was finished. And my glass was dirty and had floating gunk in it. She also was swearing up a storm in conversation with us. The place is dirty and dingy. I would never go back there.
(1)
Jessica B.

Doyle's! Good service with an old-timey atmosphere. The servers are attentive and entertaining. Plus one of the bartenders is super cute....
(5)
Wes D.

Older than Fenway. Frankly the best part was the super enthusiastic bus driver from the Sam Adams brewery over to Doyles. The food was meh, ok at best. Lots of Sams on tap. The lobster roll definitely was huge and delicious looking, but my chili in bread bowl was a mess and not very good.
(2)
Marie M.

Doyle's is great!! Classic pub in Boston! We were directed her by the Sam Adams brewery. Amazing food! The people are so fun! I highly recommend this place is you take the Sam Adams tour or happen to be in. Jamaica Plain. Awesome place!
(4)
Pierro B.

Nothing really special about this place. It's a typical old-school bar with mediocre food. They have lots of great beers on tap. If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the first places that served Sam Adams beer. We were sent here after visiting the Sam Adams brewery where we were promised a free Sam Adams glass (and we got it). If you're here, be sure to visit the brewery as it's free and lots of fun, and vice versa, if you're at the brewery, be sure to come here for your free Sam Adams glass. To be honest, if not for the enticement of the free glass, nothing really special about this place and I don't see myself coming in for just a beer with so many other great bars around.
(3)
Jacqui S.

Coming here was like the icing on the cake... I would move to Boston just so I could come to this pub. My husband and I ended up taking a tour of the Sam Adam's brewery and it was recommended that we try this place out. Let's say the party trolley was craaaazzzy. The bus driver was hilarious and gets you all pumped up for their food. He also gave us a little history of the pub which was pretty cool too. Oh, there's also a lot of fist pumping... Hey if that's your thing go for it. If you attend the tour and come here after, make sure you have your tickets because with the purchase of the beer, you end up getting the Sam Adam's beer glass for free. Apparently there is a science to the glass which makes the beer taste better or so my husband says. Otherwise the atmosphere of the pub wasn't anything special and the food was great. I would come back because the food tastes pretty good and the service was fast.
(5)
Clara L.

What a great place. We came on the party trolley from the Sam Adams tour with the promise of a free Sam pint glass with a beer. Sold. This place is rather large, and has no problem accommodating a large party trolley of people. Their sweet potato fries are some of the best I've had in town (well breaded and not at all soggy!) and there is a great atmosphere. The server we had was so incredibly friendly and even brought us clean pint glasses and paper to wrap them with. I'd be back!
(4)
Erin B.

Doyle's is probably one of my favorite pubs in the Boston area (only been once !) We came for lunch after the Sam Adams brewery tour (we drove to beat the crowd) and were seated right away at a booth. It's an old Irish pub with hard benches and chairs and a dark, yet lively atmosphere The server was friendly and patient, even with a full restaurant. I got the knockwurst with potato salad (After being in a beer hall for a while, I was still feeling more in touch with my German side than Irish) which was delicious. My partner got the pastrami sandwich....so tasty! Lean meat, not the fatty stuff. Good sized portions too. Can't wait to go back! Oh and they have lots of Sam Adams beer!
(5)
Eric H.

As an LA tourist in Beantown in October, hungry (and still thirsty) from the Sam Adams brewery tour, this was a real treat. Very, very old-school tavern - we sat at the bar where the father-son team brought food and beer and took great care of us. If you're a fan of Sam Adams, they had a half-dozen different SA brews on tap, all (supposedly, per the brewery tour) made at the original "mother" brewery; just about all the packaged/bottled Adams you see across the country is made at large facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. So the beer was quite fresh, having travelled maybe 1.5 miles from the brewery, and a few of the varieties don't get bottled ("Boston Red"), and are just made for the handful of local taverns that carried Sam Koch's beer when he was just getting started. Anyhow, the 1960's vintage campaign posters from JFK speak both to the longevity of the place, and the frequency with which they remodel, so it's pretty genuine. If you take the free trolley from the brewery, the driver will regale you with the movies shot in Doyle's -- basically every "Boston bar" scene you've ever seen in a film was shot here, so it probably will look/feel familiar even on your first visit.
(4)
Jeannine W.

Came here at the reccomendation of the Sam Adams brewery tour mainly due to the fact that you got a free 'perfect pint glass' if you showed your tour ticket and ordered a Sam Adams beer. They were the first to serve the beer and it's a 130+ year old Irish pub so lots of history. There were a TON of tour people there but the wait staff is obviously used to it. They were quick and efficient and the food was good. Our nice server even took our food order (there was 3 of us) before a large group even though they came in before us. It was very thoughtful of her. I had a cheeseburger and the garlic fries which were AWESOME. Definitely suggest those. I had the Sam Adams Boston Brick Red - only served in Boston - and it was also great. I had it a few more times throughout my trip in Boston. Whether you do the brewery tour or not this place is worth a visit but why not do the tour (which is free I might add) so you can use your ticket to get a free pint glass? It was a quick walk from the brewery but they also have a trolley that runs back and forth between the two.
(4)
Luis P.

Came her after the Samuel Adams Tour. Food was great. Ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich and it was big enough for two people. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar, very friendly and welcoming. The waiter was very friendly and attended to our every need. Took a bite of the sandwich and it was great. Just the right amount of spice. Sandwich was made better after adding some blue cheese. Couldn't even finish the burger, and I'm a big guy. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because beer was $6 for the "free cup" a little expensive if you ask me. Overall, was a great experience
(4)
Max W.

I've been going to Doyle's for years, and sadly, my experiences have been consistently and steadily declining. I live around the corner, but I'll go elsewhere for anything more than a beer, pizza, or chowder. Seriously, they charge $6 for a Sam Adams draft; that's almost half a 12-pack at the liquor store. Food wise, Doyle's couldn't be more disappointing. True, the pizza and chowder is great; but everything else is terrible. Sandwiches and entrees taste reheated and stale, and most everything is bland. Imagine a microwave dinner on a plate, and that's what you get. The sad thing is that it wasn't always like this. Even 4 or 5 years ago, Doyle's was much better. As it's focused more and more on Sam Adams tour traffic, though, it's become a tourist trap with nothing to offer the neighborhood people who built it up over 100 years. Let the out of towners waste their money and eat the bad food. I'd recommend any bar in JP over Doyle's, and I'm sorry that I have to say that.
(2)
Tara G.

We only went here because of the Sam Adams Tour. I love that Sam Adams sends so much business their way! I can't speak to the food because we didn't eat, but the beers were great! We just ordered beers at the bar so I also can't speak to the service We got to keep the pint glasses because we came from the tour. They also get exclusive Sam Adams beers that are only released to them! They do have a big selection of other beers besides Sam Adams. The atmosphere is cool too, you can tell it really is an old place.
(4)
Tori B.

I can't imagine a more perfect stop after consuming tons of Sam Adams beer during a brewery tour! Thanks to some augmented judgment my family and I decided to take the trolley to Doyles after the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour (which was awesome by the way). They really sucker you into going to this place after giving you beer and promising you some more beer and Sam Adams glasses if you go to Doyles, but turns out the food is actually pretty awesome (and that's not just the beer talking). Based on our trolley driver's very enthusiastic suggestion, we all ordered the reuben with onion rings and clam chowder. First off, the service wasn't fabulous, but our waitress was so nice and she was working really hard... it was just a pretty busy lunchtime rush. Now, the food. The clam chowder was AWESOME! Thick, creamy and full of flavor, served with crackers - yum. The reuben was also on point with plenty of meat, cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing. The onion rings were also fabulous with a nice crunch and salty taste. Sam Adams has a great Cherry Wheat beer, which we also tried here and went with our meal perfectly. Doyles coupled with a fun, singing trolley ride is an awesome time while you're in Boston. I would highly recommend the Sam Adams Brewery tour followed by Doyles... you won't be disappointed (especially if you drink as much as we did).
(4)
Leona Z.

Really good onion rings and political memorabilia! The combo setup with the Sam Adams brewery tour is an awesome partnership. Beer tasting, then if you buy a pint here afterwards, you get a free Sam Adams pint glass. And while drinking that pint, you can fill your tummy with some eats. There's a party trolley complete with disco lights and booty shaking jams that takes you from the factory to the pub and then either to the T or back to the factory. A great way to ensure responsible revelry!!!
(4)
Matt C.

Visited post our Sam Adams Brewery tour. Ordered the french dip and clam chowder, this place was quite appetizing and very filling. We ordered our beer, got the free glass and ate a hearty meal. Service was prompt and friendly, food was warm and delicious and the ambiance seems to have remained the same for the last 50 years.
(4)
Danoota M.

Doyle's is so far from what it used to be. Can't imagine a local walking into this place anymore. I never wanted to return after the last time I went in, but himself wanted to try. First, management could have told the rowdy crowd to tone it down, people were annoyed. Then we waited 45 minutes after ordering the food before everyone served(3). The fried foods were obviously cooked in oil that wasn't quite hot enough, and the cheese on the pizza must have come over from the New Balance factory, good for sneakers, not so much for pizza, but then the pizza sauce is so bland it wouldn't have mattered much in the long run.
(2)
Alayna D.

Love the history and the bar feel, the staff is uber friendly and nice to everyone! It's a tourist spot, but big enough to accommodate a huge amount of guests at one time. It's a big bar! The first bar to serve Sam Adams, the one shown in all the commercials and seen in movie bar scenes...you can't not love the bar feel, the staff and the customers are all there for one reason - fun and beer! We only ordered onion rings (since we had eaten before), which came highly recommended as soaked in beer batter...if by beer batter they meant cornmeal...maybe that would make more sense. Not exactly delicious though a huge mound of them arrived on our table to devour with pints of Sam Adams. Can't complain. Did see other tables with massive portions as well - nachos, wings, giant sandwiches and burgers. Would be curious how a true meal would be. I'm a fan of the history, of the staff and the bar. Gotta love a good glass of booze after a long day. NOTE: Prior to Doyles, we went to Sam Adams brewery down the road which offers frequent shuttles to Doyles after the brewery tour. Take the bus! The bus driver and bus ride singing Neil Diamond at the top of your lungs is a must when in Beantown.
(4)
Hung L.

Pizza took a while to come out but well worth the wait, service is great also, staff was very friendly
(4)
Mark F.

I spent my bachelor party in this fine establishment in Jamaica Plain. We first had a couple of rounds at the bar. The bar itself was a long wooden bar that led right from the entrance to some windows looking out to the street. Boston culture/Irish/WWII propaganda memorabilia all lined the walls. Several televisions were also across the bar, making it a cozy, easily accessible area to drink, socialize and watch the game. The restaurant itself seemed to have 3 dining areas: one in front of the bar, another in the middle of the restaurant (which we eventually ate at) and another room in the back. The place was still very crowded, loud and jovial making it a place that seems to be very busy but also will have a seat available for you and your large crowd. Drinks were various but mainly focused on Sam Adams, the first customer of the Boston Beer Company. They had the Brick Red Ale which they only carry at the moment, along with the seasonal Sam and the Boston Lager. The biggest disappointment for me was the food. Very typical pub food that had nothing spectacular to it. I wanted the pork/lamb dinner, but they did not have the pork or the lamb. So I had their burger which was very basic. Nachos and buffalo wing appetizers were also typical and actually quite small in portions for the amount of people we had (just 6 of us). I did see the bill which my best man and groomsmen graciously paid for and seeing we had several rounds of beer, two appetizers and 6 entrees in Boston it seemed pretty reasonable to me (I hope it was to everyone else). Overall, if I lived in Jamaica Plain, this would be a cool place to go now and again for drinks and socializing.
(3)
Yuka Y.

"DOYLE'S!" If you've been on the party trolley from Sam Adam's brewery to get here, you'll know the customary gesture with every DOYLE'S said. The gentleman is very entertaining, you'll be sorry if you didn't ride the complimentary trolley down to DOYLE'S post tour. There's plenty of history and old charm to this place. Appetizers recs: ++Clam chowder. One of the best I've had in Boston. Not only is it very thick and creamy, there's plenty of clams in there too. ++Sweet potato fries. Comes with bbq sauce dip. Present your Sam Adams entrance ticket when you order a Sam Adams beer at Doyle's and you get to keep the specially crafted glass.
(4)
Lucas W.

Chances are you took the trolley here and what could have easily been a super cheesy 5 minute ride was actually pretty awesome. I was super fearful of Doyle's being overpriced and mediocre at best while being a total tourist trap. Amazingly, it isn't. Actually it's a pretty solid option. No doubt the best part is being able to buy a Sam Adams and keep the glass (all for less than the cost of the glass in the brewery). And they have some decent Sam Adams options on top, always the seasonal and one other. And love keeping the glass. I had the reuben with sweet potato fries which was quite good. Not the best reuben I've had but certainly a good one and above average. I'd get it again. The sweet potato fries were fantastic. Waffle fries, good crisp to them and fries aplenty. I'd definitely get it again. My gf got the lobster roll which I can't eat but she said it was great and there was surely a heaping mound of lobster. They didn't skimp on the portion which is inevitably the normal complaint with lobster rolls. Overall, good meal, I'd be happy going back.
(4)
Brittany E.

I really enjoyed this place. A little busy, but if you went here after a Sam Adams tour and ordered a Sam Adams beer you got a glass to go home with essentially for free. I shared the clam plate with a friend and enjoyed the fried clams. It even had onion rings and French fries with it! It was a light lunch for us. I had the Sam Adams Brick Red which was delicious and a Boston only beer. Doyle's had the widest variety of Sam Adams beers and was even showed in a couple of TV shows. My favorite part was the trolley ride over from Sam Adams brewery. The driver, Jason, was very enthusiastic and made the ride over a good time.
(4)
Brittany A.

Was in Boston visiting my brother for his birthday who goes to college there and ended up at Doyle's Cafe after touring the Samuel Adams brewery ( a lot of fun btw) I ordered the Lobster roll. It was served on a thick piece of toast-like bread and had SO MUCH LOBSTER! If you're in the mood for a dump truck sized lobster roll and some great clam chowder look no further!
(5)
Hannah S.

Decided to go to Doyles from the Sam Adams tour. We went with a group of people we met on the tour and it turned out to be the perfect place to hang out! Got to keep the glass because we ordered Sam Adams beer. The lobster roll was not good, yet it still cost $20. Nothing great about the food that we experienced, but the atmosphere is lots of fun! Take the bus there from the Sam Adams Brewhouse--it's a party :)
(3)
Taylor N.

This was the first place I visited the day I moved to Boston from South Carolina. I LOVE DOYLES!! I ordered a Tuna Melt and Sweet Potato Fries. AWESOME!! Also, the bartender Patrick is BAD ASS!!! Fast, friendly service... like I've been coming here for years (but I'm still a newbie)!! Tuna Melt- Wheat bread toasted to buttery crunchy perfection... but not overly crunchy. The tuna itself was mouth-watering and had just the right amount of cheese to qualify the Sandwich as a melt and not a glob of cheese on bread n tuna. AWESOME FOOD! The Sweet Potato Fries have a Perfect potato to sugar ratio. Tender, sweet and a great compliment to any beer (except Guinness) lol. Service, cleanliness, and prompt food delivery are all A+. The atmosphere is that of a neighborhood bar where there are tourists and regulars. They even play a variety of music. There's no basic pub music here. Pop, rock n roll, R&B, rap... old school... anything and everything that could compliment a cold beer!! I'll be back soon... since I technically love in Boston now!
(5)
Jennifer D.

Great, historic pub with AMAZING lobster rolls for a fair price! Absolutely loved Doyle's after my visit to the Sam Adams Brewery! Took the shuttle over, which was so much fun!! Great staff, free Sam Adams glass*, and lots of delicious food and beer. Typical of what I was expecting for a Boston bar and loved it!!! *must have ticket from Sam Adams tour
(5)
Elsie W.

Pretty good lobster roll. Not on a typical roll, more like a sourdough sandwich. Came here after the Sam Adams tour, ample parking nearby, got a couple of beers and got to take away a glass for free (need to show your tour ticket, of course).
(4)
Madhuri G.

After Sam Adams tour we headed to this place for beers. Surprisingly the food turned out to be so good. We tried eggs Benedict, sautÃ©ed scrod, spaghetti and meatballs, German plate. All tasted so good.
(5)
A.J. C.

Another great pub in the JP area with outstanding food. I go nuts for these places. Pubs, Bars, and American Fare were somewhere near the top of my food pyramid growing up.
(4)
Christie L.

Came here after the Same Adams Brewery Tour on the free party trolley! My friends and I were starving so we kinda went all out on the food. Appetizer to share::Fresh battered onion rings made to order. YUM. We tried the lobster roll for only $16! Fresh, yummy and cheap! I didn't see it on the menu, but I'm sure you can always order it. Also tried the Grilled Reuben which was delicious! The sweet potato fries are an upgrade for $1.50, but I think they were worth it. If I were to come back I would probably choose the Reuben over the lobster roll though. I just feel that the Reuben had more flavor. I don't really know how to judge lobster rolls..this was my first one in New England so if you like lobster rolls you may like it more + great price.
(3)
Juan F.

I always come here after taking the Sam Adams brewery tour. The reason is because we were told that if we present our tour ticket and get a beer here we get their signature glass for free. Got the Alpine Spring, showed them my ticket, after I chugged my beer they got me a clean glass to take home. Definitely my new beer glass haha. Also, drafts are insanely cheap about $6 for a pint of Sam Adams is a great deal. Good stuff.
(4)
Wayne L.

Came here after the Sam Adams tour for the free glass but stayed and ate lunch. If you keep your ticket from the brewery, they let you keep a perfect pint glass for the cost of the beer which is cheaper than in the gift shop. My recommendations are the chocolate cherry beer which is 1/2 chocolate bock and half cherry wheat which is awesome and the chowder. I don't even like chowder and theirs was great. Memorabilia on the wall is also interesting look back at Boston. Took the party trolley and was glad I did.
(5)
Adam G.

If just for the history of Doyle's itself, this place rocks. Great pub food and friendly service. Love the affiliation with Sam Adams brewery. If you're planning on going to Doyle's, go to the brewery first. You'll get some free beer and a free trolley ride to the pub.
(4)
Joseph K.

This is my 3rd time here and it's better every time. I really like the atmosphere, the food, and the staff. One of my favorite place in the world and oldest restaurant I ever been to. Really stoked to be here.
(5)
Edd D.

Came after the Sam A tour. Service was poor. The manager had to tell the waitress a couple of times serve us after she sat us. BLT: bread was well toasted, bacon was crips, the mayonnaise was semi transparent (old) on the side. Mash potatoes and gravy had little of any taste. Clam Chowder in a bread bowl: bread was slightly toasted (nice touch), the chowder was not thin (nice but it was like there was a lot of flour filler and garlic). I was a bit surprised the Sam A was served in a generic glass.
(2)
Erin P.

The food was great, the beer was better, the service was horrible. I really looked the older atmosphere of the place but we had to announce ourselves to be seated, ask for a waitress, and the bathroom was in a complete disarray. All said and done... I'd probably still come back for the beer selection. I like beer.
(2)
Carolyn L.

DOYLE'S. This place is so full of awesome you'll walk out the door screaming "Doyle's" and punching your fist down. As recommended by our party trolley driver, my friends and I shared the Grilled Reuben and the Lobster Roll. Both were super satisfying! The reuben was probably my favorite but I really enjoyed both. The reuben had really great bread and juicy meat. Apparently the lobster roll got voted the biggest one in some sort of competition, but it really isn't that big. The lobster tasted fresh and the sandwich was flavorful overall so I have no complaints...especially at the unbeatable price of $16! We also shared a plate of their famous onion rings. They're cut and fried to order and taste deeeelicious! AND you've got to take the party trolley here! It's absolutely epic and has the best vibes. DOYLE'S!!!!
(4)
Jennifer S.

We took the party trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery to check out Doyle's, the first Boston bar to start serving Sam Adams beer. We loved visiting a true locals pub and our server made the experience all the better. She has a quick wit and made the entire visit so fun and enjoyable. We had some of their well known onion rings and some croquettes....pretty good for bar food, and of course some Sam Adams beer.
(4)
Tiffany W.

From my Sam Adams Brewery review, I recommended taking that trolley over to Doyle's... so here I am. Number one reason why the bf and I followed suit was because you can get a free Sam Adams' lager mug with a tour ticket. Only catch is that you still have to buy a Sam Adams beer on tap! It wasn't a big deal to me. I'm not much of a beer drinker and I chugged pretty much 21 ounces of beer because my boyfriend made me so "I could keep up." So yeah, I was a little buzzed and very much hungry by the time we got to the cafe. We ended up sitting at the bar because we didn't want to wait, and ordered ourselves a Lobster Roll with Fries and 2 beers. The beers were great but the winner was the Lobster Roll. For $15 (which need I point out was the CHEAPEST lobster roll we have ever purchased), it was awesomely delicious! And the fries... oh were they great, too. The only thing I absolutely felt disgusted by was the bathroom. Just like everything in Boston, it was pretty tiny, but the biggest problem is how the stalls' doors do not lock. What was more irritating is how the doors also creak open, so you're forced to have to hold the door shut.... I'd probably would've been less annoyed if 1. I wasn't drinking and 2. if the lights didn't freak me out either. By the way... the trolley guy made it quite clear that Doyle's is quite infamous in Hollywood showing up in films and shows like The Departed and Boston Legal. So if you're into that kind of stuff, this might make your trip a bit more worthwhile. You can come here and say that you've been to DOYLE'S (in a Boston accent with your fist pumped in the air)!
(4)
Kate K.

Definitely come for the beer. This is a very touristy spot but also a favorite neighborhood place. The food is fine, nothing special, The clam chowder is good and so are the grits sticks. Really. Fish and chips could have been better. The fish was fresh and delicious but the batter was soggy with almost no flavor. No crunch in the French fries, either but someone in our party loved the sweet potato fries. Did I mention that you should come for the beer?
(4)
Francisca W.

if not recommended by the Samuel Adams tour, wouldn't have come here passing by it a million times. sadly, would only return for a beer and the pint glass that you are allowed to take home w/your brewery tour receipt/beer label. (our glasses were almost taken away by our waitress so guard them well!!) maybe also to pay homage to the old-school decor (heard a scene of Good Will Hunting was shot here?). the place kind of smells old, though. but if based on food alone, wouldn't return for another million other times passing it by. overpriced, over-spiced (buffalo wings were super vinegary!), greasy, uninteresting American bar food. bleh at best. p.s. think they have a parking lot behind the bar. but was able to get street parking w/o an issue.
(2)
Danny H.

Lots of youth
(4)
Erin P.

Every time we come to Boston we stop here. Have had many menu items, my favorite is the Ruben and onion rings. I won't even eat a Ruben anywhere else....always wait for my annual Boston trip to get me some Doyle's!
(5)
Eileen K.

A great way to end the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour. A shuttle will bring you here, and after a few tastings of beer, you will hunger for food!!! A bar with lots of history (one of the oldest bars in Boston!!) Lobster roll: Delicious!! Toasted sourdough bread, huge chunks of fresh lobster, side of thick slices of crispy sweet potato fries: delicious beer accompaniment. Clam chowder: delicious!!! You get to keep the Sam Adam's cup when you order a beer here!!! (Tour guide will tell you why this cup is so awesome) Probably my second favorite clam chowder during my trip (I tried 5 different ones) and definitely my favorite lobster roll.
(4)
Michelle R.

Here's the thing- the Sam Adams Folk send people, and promise they can have a fancy beer cup if they go. So first of all, more than half the people in there just speed drank beer for like 1/2 hour and then took a trolley to get a cup. And, knowing what's up, Doyle's delivers eh pub food and beer. Nothing special, usually warm, inoffensive. This place is awesome, however, if and when you find yourself searching for someplace to distract your family or visitors? Send those fools on the Sam Adams Party Trolley.
(3)
Jessica L.

Very good portion sizes. The lobster roll was done right, just lobster and mayonnaise on a thin layer of lettuce on a buttered toasted bun. So delicious! Price is very fair too $16 at lunch. Bring cash for this place too.
(5)
Richard L.

A Boston staple - and somewhat of a tourist attraction if you go after the Samuel Adams brewery tour you'll have to go there to get your complimentary Sam Adams beer glass (but you'll have to buy a sam adams beer). Of course you don't just go here for one beer - you have to have 2 or 3 or 4! It's cheap enough - and they got some good food. I was sufficiently inebriated by the time lunch came around - so Super D and i split a lobster roll and a bowl of Clam Chowdah. The food was very tasty - clam chowder was flavorful, creamy and had a good amount of clam and potatos. Just the way it should have been. The lobster roll was delicious - bun was excellent and the lobster was sweet and tasty. Yeah it's not on the menu - but you can order it anyway haha. I'd definitely come back for this here!
(5)
Amy W.

I've lived in Boston for five years, but have never made more than a quick trip to Jamaica Plain, so I was unfamiliar with Doyle's prior to coming here after the Sam Adams tour. WHAT a shame that I've been missing out on this place for the past half-decade! This is truly a Boston gem. The character of the restaurant is incredible - everywhere I looked, I could imagine Jack Nicholson or Sean Penn sitting at the bar, walking through the aisles. The service was typical - Boston-standard; they get the job done, but they're not bending over backwards for anybody. Just how I like it. I got the clam chowder, which was the best I've ever had (keep in mind that I've lived in MA for 27 years) and my parents' cheese pizza looked absolutely phenomenal, and I don't like pizza. I'm just gonna say it - being at Doyle's makes you feel like one of the cool kids. Or a certified goodfella. Whatever tickles your fancy.
(5)
Adam S.

Sam Adams, Sam Adams, Sam Adams. I imagine most customers are here because of it. Decent food. Came here for the glasses. Great value. Bar always full since everyone is coming off of the tour.
(4)
Hillary V.

After your visit to the Sam Adams Brewery, Doyle's is worth a visit. It's interesting to look at it, and the history is kind of cool. The parking situation is a complete train wreck. The cool thing there is when you give them your ticket from the brewery tour, you get a free Sam Adams glass with the purchase of a drink. This glass is only exciting because it was scientifically crafted to beer-enjoying greatness. If you're only going to pour a Bud Light into it, keep moving. The majority of the beers on tap here are Sam Adams. Service-wise, our waitress was okay.
(3)
Andria B.

Damn. Expected better. Cool 130 year old establishment with the perk of the Sam Adams perfect pint glass if u take the brewery's tour. Food is mediocre at best. Clam chowder and onion rings possibly above mediocre. Didn't even finish my boring cheeseburger that was overcooked, had more bread then burger and the roll was lame. The sauerkraut on the Reuben was average at best. Nothing extraordinary here folks.
(2)
Steven F.

Come here after the Sam Adams Brewery Tour, buy a Sam Adams, drink the Sam Adams, show the Sam Adams Brewery Ticket, keep the Sam Adams Glass. Really simple, and really easy. Plus the food and service are fantastic. I had the Bison burger and I'm at a lost for words of how good it was! Pus our waitress was so nice and sweet, was on point even though we were a large group, it was awesome. If you do the Sam Adams Brewery Tour and DON'T COME HERE, you're committing a cardinal sin as well as robbing yourself of a great time. Plus the decor of the place is very cool! History Fact: Doyle's Cafe was the first bar that ever served Jim Koch's Sam Adams.
(5)
Marie M.

It was great, good old school Irish bar, always a little busy from the traffic from the Sam Adams tour but apart from that it's a good bar. Food was ok, just bar food nothing crazy fancy don't expect much but if you want good ale and good bartenders this is where to go.
(4)
Erin L.

Place was really cool, original setting over 130 years old. Had beers on draft you can't get back home. Grumpy monkey was really good. Chowder was amazing, big chunks of potatoes & the fish& chips was awesome!
(5)
Joey M.

Doyle's is fine. I really think that's the best way to describe it. Their beer selection is fine. The atmosphere, fine. The food, fine. The service when I was here varied. When we got in the front door we asked if we could sit anywhere and the woman simply took a sign that said "Please wait to be seated" and placed it in front of us. "What do you think?" She asked brusquely. OK maybe your having a bad night. Jeez. Our waitress however was amazing. Friendly, funny, patient. Really great. I got onion rings which were pretty dang good, and quite plentiful. At $10 though I wanted them to be the best onion rings known to man. It's fine that they weren't the best. If you're at Sam Adams and want to do the party bus or whatever, that's fine. But I wouldn't suggest going out of your way for this place.
(2)
Matt E.

If you go on a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery down the street (and you should), come here and you'll get a free pint glass. The place has a great relationship to the brewery (it's the first bar to serve the beer) which means you can get new and experimental beers from Sam Adams here that you just can't find elsewhere. Because of it's historic nature (it was established in 1882) and it's vintage look/feel, the bar has been a ritual stopping point to many area politians and a location to a number of movies (Mystic River, 21, Celtic Pride). The bar itself isn't anything special. The beers are a little pricey (most are $6-7) and the food looked average but I can't say for sure as I didn't get any. The service was about average as well. As for a bar I'd skip the place but for the other reasons mentioned it may be a good place to stop at, especially if you're a Sam Adams beer fan.
(3)
Mitchell R.

The place is worth the hype! Their portions are massive and the food is great! I highly recommend their clam chowder and any if their other soups of the day, their reuben, and their sweet potato fries. Everything is priced well and their beer selection is top notch. I highly recommend visiting the Sam Adams Brewery and taking the trolley afterward to Doyles.
(5)
Maureen D.

Slightly dive-y old school bar with decent selection of beer and pub food. They need to make the "meatless" reuben with a veggie burger, and I'd be sold. But I did catch the flu here. Really.
(3)
Adam V.

Doyle's Cafe is the original spot where Sam Adams sold their beer to the public. If you order a Sam Adams, you get to keep the glass! I am also a fan of the movie "21" and there is a small scene that is shot in this restaurant. My star rating for this place is purely attributed to the novelty factor and because of the souvenir glass. I was unimpressed by the normal items I would used to judge a restaurant. The service was slow. I liked our waitress. I think she did her best, but she was depressing. She gave me the impression that she led a hard life. She was super-slow, but I was very patient with her because it seemed like that last thing she needed was a pushy customer. The food was also below average. The term "Cafe" is a bit misleading. This place reminds me of a diner or something. There is a lot of fried stuff and nothing we had was particularly good. If you do the Sam Adams tour, they will mention this place. You may not want to walk it though. It is a bit of a hike and you will go through some sketchy areas. Get a cab or something. I enjoyed visiting Doyle's once, but that will do it for me. Pass on the food and just get a beer and an appetizer. It's neat to see a spot where a movie was filmed and to take away a Sam Adams glass, but there isn't really anything else to draw you back.
(3)
Marli E.

Honestly I didn't see the big deal about it, even though I completely understand its the oldest bar in Boston and pretty much a landmark there but its just your standard Pub food. The NE clam chowder was pretty good actually, thick and creamy, not too watery which is not something I look for when I want clam chowder. The wings are good, the buffalo has a nice hint of spice to it but not overwhelming - only brings 8, which you had a choice of amount. the nachos had a good flavor to it and my boyfriend ordered the rueben sandwich (the original) he really enjoyed it, i thought it was fine but the fries were delicious if that helps! (they were steak fries) Staff was really friendly and because we came from the Sam Adams tour they let us keep our sam adams glass
(3)
Joe A.

This place has more history than the pyramids and it has been an institution full of politics, beer, and bostonians for over a hundred years. History aside, Doyles IS Boston and it's certainly worth the stop anytime of day.
(5)
chelsea h.

This place is ONLY cool if you go on the trolley following a Sam Adams Brewery tour. I have been meaning to write a review of this place for awhile, and am just now getting around to it after having been several times. The food is okay- typical, if not slightly sub par pub food. The waitresses and the hostesses are HORRIBLE- if this review were just for service alone, I would have to give 0 stars. The atmosphere is dingy but cool just because it's one of the oldest bars in Boston, so it's allowed to be a bit out-of-date. All I have to say is the poor people who visit Boston and do a brewery tour, then go to this place- they think that all Bostonians are like the crusty, rude, classless women that wait on them here. As a native of Boston, that makes me sad. I recommend only going for the free beer glass after a brewery tour, and sticking to that. Just because this place is popular and historical, does NOT justify the horrible customer service they dish out, and for a pretty high price given the atmosphere and condition of the place.
(2)
Tammi P.

We went to Doyle's after the Sam Adams brew tour. Food was average. SERVICE IS HORRIBLE. The server messed up our order and brought food we didn't order. She said we had to pay for it because "we" let the food hit our table and they can't re-serve it. We didn't touch our food and let our server know her mistake as soon as we realized her mistake and saw her again. I should've asked for a manager but the server kept referring to "he" as though she has already spoken to the manager and it was a store policy that the server is always right and the customer has to pay for it. Average food for if the Server gets your order right.
(1)
Marifer S.

Went to Boston to experience its' older culture, including Sam Adams Brewery tour, authentic lobster rolls, lobsters, clam chowders, and so on. Needless to say, Doyle's has the best clam chowder I tried so far. It had good creamy consistency. T here was enough clams to potato ratio. my friend and I also shared a lobster roll with sweet potato fries. The sweet potato fries was delicious. Waffle cut, crunchy...Their lobster was also good, very fresh and they give you a good amount of lobster for the price. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the mayo. It lacked flavor and I added a little hot sauce.
(4)
Jeni S.

This review is for the complimentary post Sam Adams tour trolley & the Doyle's party trolley Freedom Trail tour: After touring Sam Adams brewery a complimentary trolley rolls up with party lights flashing, music blastin, and a fist pumpin' driver ready to take guests over to a bar..."DOYLE'S!" (fist pump). Doyle's is the first bar to sell Sam Adams, a pretty historic spot for Sam Adams beer enthusiasts. Just bring your Sam Adams ticket and for about $6 you can get a beer and a Sam Adams glass to keep (it's like a FREE souvenir, SCORE!). Jason, the driver, mentioned that he also offers a pahtee trolley touring the Freedom Trail and the first stop is the liquor store..."DOYLE'S!" (fist pump). The driver is so enthusiastic and passionate about sharing Bahhst-inn history all the while having some wicked FUN. The cost is $20 per person and the tour lasts about 90 minutes as most tours do. The best part is he will drop you off at whatever hot spot tourist location of your choice at the end of the tour. The Doyle's pahtee trolley Freedom Trail tour shares Bahhst-inn history the other tours don't AND..the trolley goes into the North End where you will drive right next to the home of Paul Revere. There's only one place that provides this one of a kind tour filled with Bostonian history..."DOYLE'S!" (fist pump)
(5)
Sherry J.

The atmosphere was awesome blended with the Sam adams tour and riding on the party bus went well together. The food was great prices reasonable. Staff courteous and attentive. Clam chowder was perfect.
(5)
David H.

This is my opinion, ergo non-suable. Awful. Zero charm, tasteless fare, and mediocre service. I know it's an old Irish Boston joint but the place just looks like a dive. Sat with bare acknowledgment from the host in the noisy bar area of a mostly empty restaurant. Had a waiter who was eating two tables away from where we were sat. A real 'we were inconveniencing him that we were there' attitude throughout our stay. Do I need to say I tip well prior to seating? The food was boring fried and without merit. Chili was tasteless and the turkey club was dry and again, boring. My friend had a chicken Caesar that was more dressing than salad. There are way better places that show the old Boston in Jamaica Plain. Skip this if you take the Sam Adams tour. Tell the driver to head down Centre Street: Eugene O'Neils, St. James Gate, Canary Row. Anything is better... I've been here multiple times, always hoping for better.
(1)
Nik K.

These people are (racist?) scumbags. Born in california (indian) came to boston for the sam adams brewery tour, got recommended to eat/drink at doyle's cafe so that's just what we did. Old woman failed to service us, treated us disrespectfully, giving us the bill once we ordered our first beers as if to kick us out before ordering food. They treated everyone else to new glasses once they finished their beer but we had to clean ours in the bathroom. Btw, we tipped over 20%. Don't support this place if you value respect and good service. Never coming back.
(1)
Justin T.

Enjoyed it all! The place needs an update but it is locals fav and our destination. Great Cod Fish and Chips, one of the best. Beer selection is on it also
(4)
Kimmy U.

Step 1: Go to the Sam Adams Brewery Tour Step 2: Take the FREE Party Trolley to Doyle's, supplied with dance music and poles ON the bus Step 3: Order a Sam Adams beer Step 4: TAKE HOME YOUR FREE GLASS! They spent a lot of time explaining the engineering behind the glass, which I completely forgot.. but I remember it being a cool concept! We spent quite a while at Sam Adams after our tour group left, so we were lucky and hopped on the trolley with no one else. They drop you off right at Doyle's- a typical pub with a lot of seating and a huge menu. Like really big menu. so many choices I got the spinach artichoke dip, the bf got a reuben, and my other friends got clam chowder, and shepherd's pie And of course, we all tried different Sam Adams beers I recommend the cider if you're not a huge beer fan. It was delicious! The spinach artichoke dip was pretty standard. I enjoyed it! Warm pita bread mmm My bf really liked his reuben, and I heard good things about the clam chowder and shepherd's pie too. Service was great! We had a funny older lady who seemed like she could have been working there for a long time and knows all the regulars- type of person. the place was pretty empty though when we went, so we got a lot of attention Doyle's is also super close to the T station, so we just walked there after
(3)
Clementine C.

You've got to go to Doyle's if you're in Boston - here's why: This is the first bar to carry Samuel Adams beer, so naturally there is a free trolley from the brewery to Doyle's. They also are the only bar that has access to the special 26.2 SA beer, crafted especially for the Boston Marathon. Also, if you show your tour ticket from the brewery and buy a Sam for $5, you get a Samuel Adams beer glass to go!!!!!! The service is standard, nothing special... The FOOD, the food, the food. I ordered Fish and Chips but subbed my fries for an extra side of coleslaw. The codfish was perfectly crispy, but buttery and flaky inside! The portion was four large pieces of cod. That was excellent. The coleslaw was so-so. But again, the cod was awesome. Beer selection - great selection of Sam (duh) but also beer from England, Belgium, and the US. This is an EXCELLENT followup to your time at the brewery... did I mention that you can get a free trolley ride from Doyles to the T-line trains or to the Sam Adam's brewery? Get going!
(4)
Bob Z.

This was the second time coming to Doyle's and it didn't disappoint. We came last year and loved it so tried it again this trip. The fish and chips were Great! Not greasy, the fish flakes apart and tasted awesome. My son had the lobster roll and enjoyed it as well! Will be back on our next trip to Boston!!! It's worth the visit...
(4)
B P.

Best place to pass the time if you are waiting for the Sam Adams Tour. Liked the free glass when we showed our tour tickets. Food was really tasty. Nice to recognize the inside from various movies.
(4)
Gary D.

I have been coming here for years and years (25+); I love it as an institution, I love the atmosphere, I love the fact that when game 1 of the ALCS in 2003 went to extra innings in Oakland, they locked us in so we could watch it to the end after closing time (shhhh!!). If you are a tourist perusing this for ideas about where to go in Boston, you need to get over here double quick time. Just don't expect it to be something it is not- it is a bar that serves food, not a gastropub! The food is fine ( I always get the Braddock Burger; my wife gets pizza or fish and chips- there: now you know what to expect). I always steer clear of the fancy dishes. 3 stars seem right for food and general restaurant-based rating: not great but satisfactory if you order the right stuff and don't expect haute cuisine. However, based on atmosphere and cultural significance I would give it 5 stars. I know the "real Cheers" epithet is an overworked cliche (although not exactly false- I have seen bikers, cops, lesbian groups, teachers, construction workers, hipsters, black, white, Hispanic, whatever combo of race, creed, ethnic background, age, etc you can think of here ) and I know there have been people griping about all the tourists visiting of late, but I am fine with that because otherwise all the old Irish families that came here for years have moved to Norwood and Braintree and don't get here as much as they might have done in the old days, and as the replacements seem to be 50% "Celiacs" and 80% "Vegans" and nearly all delusional "Foodies" the place would probably start to die without the stream of tourists to balance the books. It's in JP- there are only so many tourists that will ever get here so this is probably the limit already. All in all, this is one of the very few places remaining from the "old" JP and it has changed with the times enough to stay relevant but not so much that it has lost its identity. Pretty hard to say that about much in Boston these days, as it increasingly begins to look and feel like any gentrified urban space anywhere in America.
(3)
MARK P.

Went here on the party trolley after the Sam Adams tour. Wasn't expecting gourmet fare, just basic bar food, but this was sub-par all around. Whoever was manning the deep fryer must have been drunk, as everything was either way overcooked (fish, chicken) or undercooked (fries, rings.) Burgers were blah--why ask how we want them cooked if they're all going to come out well done? Service was slow, spacy and all-around lousy. Ride the trolley, have a beer, get your free glass..EAT SOMEWHERE ELSE!!
(2)
Daniel H.

Decent prices great food good craft beer I. Had a pepperoni pizza that was great wife had a lobster roll on grilled sourdough tons of lobster on this
(5)
Adriana L.

Oh Yelp, help me - why won't you post my edited version with the picture of the lobster claw I found on my lobster roll? Let's try again! DOYLE's rules!
(5)
Jiyea C.

Like most of the other reviewers, I came here after my Sam Adams brewery tour and it was fun! I think the trolley driver (fun meathead guy who definitely sold us on visiting "doy-uls"--yes, two distinct syllables) but either way, we didn't regret it! I must say that trolley ride is half of the experience. When we got to Doyle's, we had some Sam Adams beer here and some clam chowder, which was pretty good. Service was really fast and friendly. Extra props for being so nice and easygoing when we knocked (and shattered to smithereens) our souvenir pint glasses. They no-fuss cleaned up the mess and gave us new ones :) Certainly not my kind of joint and I probably wouldn't venture alllll~ the way to JP for this place, but if I have out-of-town visitors, there's a good chance I'll be back.
(3)
Victoria P.

Came here via the free trolley from Sam Adams (TAKE THE TROLLEY - JAMES IS AWESOME). Got our free pint glasses (with tour ticket and purchase of a beer) and ordered the calm chowder and grilled reuben with garlic fries and my boyfriend got the fish and chips with sweet potato waffle fries. Service was good and the food was pretty good. The clam chowder was probably one of the best I've had in the city and the portions of our meals were huge. Go to the brewery and then go to Doyle's - they go hand in hand.
(4)
Lisa R.

Went here after a tour at Sam Adam's Brewery. It is an old school tavern and the first home for Sam Adam's Brewery. If you order a Sam Adam's beer and show a ticket from the tour, you get to keep the glass (which is honestly the only reason we came here for dinner). The food was nothing extraordinary. Even the server revealed to us that the "famous" Doyle's burgers were nothing to rave about. Service was great and friendly. It's worth checking out for a free pint glass, but otherwise I probably would not return.
(2)
Alison V.

If you go on the Sam Adams Brewery tour, you're likely to end up at Doyle's. This is the place Sam Adams was first served and such, so they have an ongoing connect. As a matter of fact, you can take a trolley from Doyle's to Sam Adams and back. We came here after a tour ended. We missed the first trolley to head over there since we were in the gift shop, but jumped on a second that was pretty full. My initial hesitation was that we'd get off of a trolley full of people and have some huge wait to get a seat. I was wrong - wrong - wrong! Doyle's is clearly practiced at large waives of people coming in and have mastered the art. As fast as the host could go from host stand to table, people were getting seated. I was pleasantly surprised. After we were seated we quickly had a waitress waiting to take our orders. I went with the French dip, as it came highly recommended from someone at Sam Adams, and the husband went with a German platter of sorts. I was not disappointed in my food and neither was he. The food came out quick and was hot and delicious. Overall, I was impressed with the place and the service and enjoyed my time. I think I would probably even come back without incorporating the tour! If you've done the Sam Adams tour first, order a Sam Adams beer here and trade in your "ticket" for a beer glass to keep. The best part? Doyle's knows you don't want to walk around Boston with a glass you drank beer out of, so they have a "glass exchange" at the front bar where you can take up your dirty glass and get a clean one - perfect souvenir!
(3)
Mary J.

Free Sam Adams glass after taking a brewery tour! This was honestly one of the most satisfying meals I've ever had. My friend and I had just gone on the Samuel Adam's Brewery tour, at the end of which the tour guide suggested that we go to Doyle's. When you order a Sam Adam's beverage with proof that you had just come from the Brewery, you get a free glass (the big, official glass)! Talk about a good deal, right!? They even offered a free trolley ride from the Brewery to Doyle's complete with a disco ball and stripper pole, because why not? And now onto the food. The clam chowder was the best clam chowder I've ever had - it was thick without being lumpy, creamy without it being over-powering, and the chunks of potato were wonderfully tender. And, of course, the clams were delicious. My friend and I split a lobster salad sandwich and substituted onion rings in place of the french fries at the recommendation from the trolley driver. The sandwich was huge so it was a great idea to split it, and the onion rings fell apart in your mouth (in a good way). I am definitely coming back here the next time I am in Boston.
(5)
J K.

Came over on the Sam Adam's Tour Trolley. Was with a party of 9 at lunch time on Saturday. Was driven over by trolley driver Jason. He did an amazing job at hyping the place up, explaining it's unique history and culture. Several times during the drive over he'd just stand up and yell "We're going to DOY-les!". Very fun ride. We got there with our party and was seated immediately. Our server stated she'd been working there for 26 years, and she was great. She was prompt and very friendly. I got the Clam Chowder (Delicious!). On Jason's recommendation I got the Reuben with Sweet Potato fries. Amazing. Some of the best food I've had. I had a Sam Adam's Brick Red which was good. Got our free glassware, and took the trolley back. Everyone had a great time. They mention this place during the tour, and state that you can get the $8 glass for free when you purchase a Sam Adam's at Doyle's. The beer cost $6. It may sound like a tourist trap, and it could be to some extent, if it weren't for the fact that everything else was amazing. Bottom line. If you're hungry after the Sam Adam's tour (or just walking around Boston), recommend this place. Great trip. Highly recommend.
(5)
Michael G.

Myself and a few others went to this restaurant after receiving a suggestion from our tour guide at the Sam Adams brewery. To be bluntly honest, this is the first time I ever tipped below 15% and there was a very good reason for that. Our waitress was ridiculously rude, yelling at my friend after the waitress made mistakes on the beer menu, only showing up to give us the beer and our checks, nothing in between. Also we found a HAIR in our food which is absolutely disgusting ( which our waitress never came back to ask us how our food was so we never able to inform her of this), and they ran out of the free glasses that were promised to us by both the restaurant and the Sam Adams tour and they never offered us anything in replacement when telling them we were not rom the area. If you are like me and coming from the Sam Adams tour I'm hoping you had a chance to read this review because I'm not only saving you from not receiving the glass you were promised but also from wasting your time and money at a terrible bar with terrible food and terrible service.
(1)
M L.

Had a great lunch here after the Sam Adams tour. Big draft selection. Had a lobster roll sandwich which was as good as I had heard. Fun joint and highly recommended.
(4)
Kinsey C.

Would this place exist without Sam Adams Brewery recommendations?? Would Sam Adams exist without Doyle's? I digress. I, like many, came here after getting a tad tipsy at Sam Adams. We decided to walk here from the brewery and it only took about 10-12 minutes. We had lunch at around 2:30 on a Tuesday afternoon, so this place was mostly filled with other tour members. We sat at the bar and ordered Sam Adams- they have a good selection of brews so we were happy to get our free glass here. We started with a fried pickle app- greasy but perfect when you're washing it down with a few beers. My fiance followed this up with a fired scallop roll and I got the french dip sandwhich. Both were yummy- and did I mentioned we washed them down with tons of Sam Adams? All in all- I'm glad this place was recommended during the tour. Good pub food, attentive service at the bar and a free Sam Adams glass when you show them your tour ticket.
(4)
Arielle S.

Came here after taking the "party trolley" over from the brewery. I loved that the waitress had an authentic Boston accent. Was hoping to hear one during my visit. I had a grilled cheese sandwich, which was good. They have excellent rye bread here. I had the cider beer and it was great and tasted like juice. My friends had clam chowder and lobster rolls and i tasted a bite or two and those were really good as well. Definitely recommend checking this MA staple out when you are in town.
(4)
Andrew P.

Wow! Best lobster roll and clam chowder I have ever had. Found this place at end of Sam Adams brewery tour. More Sam Adams on tap than the brewery. Judging from our meals find a way to visit Doyle's. Walking distance from Orange Line - Green Street. Can't wait to go back and try more on the menu and expansive beer selection. Go.
(5)
Jason K.

Went here after the Sam Adams tour on the free trolley from the brewery. Had a Ruben with onion rings, both were very good. There service was a bit slow, but overall not bad. I would definitely recommend this place if you're in the Boston area.
(4)
Leslie E.

Ended up at Doyle's following the tour at the Sam Adams Brewery. The place was packed at 3pm on a Saturday. The staff wasn't very friendly, and our waitress disappeared for about 90% of our meal. And she got are order wrong. But I was on vacation, I wasn't in a hurry and I was drunk...so I really didn't care. I had the bison burger. Oh man the thing practically melted in my mouth. It was delectable to say the least. Damn good sweet potato fries too. From what I've been told, Doyle's is in a pretty shady area, but I have no qualms about the place. Bad service and all, I completely enjoyed myself and will recommend it anyone I know headed out to Boston.
(4)
James A.

I really don't understand all the good reviews about Doyle's. Everything we had was disgusting besides the potato skins which were surprisingly one of the best I've had. Other than that, the pizza was gross with way too much sauce, the clams tasted like sand and seawater, and all of the vegetables were out of a can. Finally, the waitress was quite rude. We were asking her questions about deserts, and she said "I'm kinda busy. Do you want desert or not?" Obviously this place is for alcoholics and we won't be returning.
(2)
Amy R.

When I yelp, I yelp on a variety of factors. Bang for one's buck must come into play here, and after reading a few other yelps, I'm comfortable leaving four stars. I'd do three and a half... but I'll round up for sheer experience. If you are looking for a culinary experience that will take your tastebuds to another level... this is not for you. If you are thinking of adding on Doyle's after the Sam Adams tour... you will not be disappointed. No doubt that most of this place's business comes from the party trolley after the brewery tour. Smart! People come for the tour, wait around getting hungry, consume some beer and then are like... crap. I'm a little buzzed and HUNGRY. Wait.. what? There is a FREE TROLLEY that will TAKE ME to FOOD!? Brilliant. Expect a little bit of a wait, but with all the room they have, it shouldn't be long. Their potato skins were AWESOME. Like little potato cupcakes with bacon, cheese, and sour cream. My bread bowl of chowder was ok. Not absolutely what I was looking for, but was still good. Red had a burger and fries... which received no complaints. Cheap eats + bargain Sam Adam's glasses + yummy beer = good time had by all. They get an extra star because as I sat there eating, I couldn't help but think that I was getting a good Boston experience. You couldn't have casted a better group of people sitting at the table next to us - it defies explanation, but it felt like... home.
(4)
Andrea E.

How can you have anything bad to say about this place?? Its a PUB with Pub food and a great place to come post Sam Adams tour...which is awesome, btw. If you're looking for a gastropub, don't come here, but if you're looking for a good beer selection and really decent burgers, fries and chowder, then you're in a good spot.
(4)
Jason P.

We have gone here twice after the Sam Adams Brewery tours, and it is just really cool. Our waitstaff was fine both times, and the ambience is what you would expect: pub-like with a bar, tv's, tables, and some cool retro stuff on the walls. I also like the fact you can walk out with a Sam Adams glass (with purchase of Sam's beer and presenting your "ticket"/beer bottle label from the Sam's tour to the waitstaff). As far as the food goes, wow! The first time, we got the clam chowder bread bowl. It was so good, we asked for an order of it to go. We walked out of there stuffed the first time, and the second time we had our fill as well (had the au jus sandwich the second time I believe). Bottom line, this is a great place. The ambience, the history, the Sam Adams connection, the food, etc. Just great! =)
(5)
Luisa D.

Well, how can I not give them a 4 star rating when the Sam Adams is so fresh, cold and close to where it was created? Ambiance- I loved walking into this bar and feeling like the walls told a story. The ads, drawings and advertisements let me understand that this bar was long-standing and a neighborhood favorite. The many coats of paint on the walls made me feel like there was some kind of reluctance to change what once was new. The staff was friendly and no-frills. The food was your average bar food, and I was very happy with that. The best part was drinking a nice cold beer while sitting in the old,wooden booth, taking in the scene.
(4)
John L.

Doyle's is a nice enough place: they have the standards, and are your basic, average dive food/bar place down in JP. And yes, there's a phone booth in the bar, which made me think of Doctor Who. In terms of munchies, it's not the greatest. I wasn't necessarily overwhelmed by their food options, though I appreciated the buffalo chicken tenders (those were done better than at some other places, though they are your average tenders). And I agree with Roni about the fries: not garlick-y enough for my own taste, just regular fries with the "garlic" label. What I do give them credit for are the beer prices (if I recall correctly, $3 for a Sammie Light) and the service. Mary was nothing but helpful with our crazy butts (there were about 8 of us, and combined with the other Yelp table, this totaled out to about 13 people or so doing various things at various times, jumping from table to table, taking pictures and discussing random things). Even when there was a screw-up (she accidentally put a pitcher on the bill rather than a beer), she was nothing but helpful in clearing the whole thing up. We can be a little crazy to deal with, but she was nothing but cool. I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars. The beer prices and services have me leaning towards 4, despite the food. The atmosphere's nice too, which can be hard to find in Boston. Overall a great experience shared with great Yelper-related types.
(4)
J K.

The beers and buffalo wings are a staple in my work week. Doyle's is my best friend and I ain't too proud to say it.
(4)
Aynia T.

The service was great and our waitress was very nice, despite that the place was very busy. She was running around a mile a minute, but still made time to see how we were. The food was a bit pricey, though that is possibly because they are now connected to the Sam Adam's Brewery tour, but their chowder was amazing, A must-have with a bread bowl. The beer-battered onion rings were also great. The decor is definitely unkempt and a little dark, a bit dive-ish, I would say. Definitely come here after the brewery tour and you can get the Sam Adams cup free to take home when you order any Sam Adams beer. Our waitress gave us a clean one from the back so we didn't have to worry about ours being still wet from the drink. All in all, a great experience.
(5)
Courtney T.

Tourist trap. Went here after the Sam Adams brewery tour. There was a free trolley to take us, which was nice because the neighborhood is full of barbershops and bodegas NOT pubs. (This place is a little too far to walk.) We waited in line outside for 10-15 mins just to get in the door. Around 3:30pm on a Friday. Ok, I can understand. It's a beautiful day and also St. Pat's weekend. We finally get in and there is no host/hostess, or maybe there was one there just doing a really bad job. Ok, so we quickly grab some corner seats at the jam packed bar so we don't have to continue to wait forever. Wrong. Typical crappy Boston service, the bartender doesn't ask you if you want a beer, they just kind of look at you and grunt. And we had to wait over an hour (!!!) to get our food. All this could have been forgiven if the food was good, but it wasn't. Soggy onion rings, and very mediocre chowder. It gets 2 stars for giving out a free Sam Adams glass and the very animated and fun trolley driver.
(2)
Evi D.

We came here after the Sam Adams Brewery tour via the trolley. We showed that we went for the tour so all of us got one of the cool Sam Adams glasses with the first beer. Great to see so many SA beers on tap (although I'm sure that's pretty popular in Boston). We got food, standard pub food and it was pretty good. I had the Boston Clam Chowder which was definitely delicious.
(3)
Adam E.

I want to like Doyle's. I lived right around the corner from it for a while and would go watch football there since I didn't have cable (shudder). I also went just about every week after my football games, to have lunch with my team. On the surface, Doyle's looks great- it's in all the Boston movies and has awesome pics of JFK and assorted politicians all over the place. And I'll hand it to them for having a decent beer selection. But the food is plain old bad. If you ask for your burger "medium" you get it beyond well-done, it's happened to me more than once (I'm dumb). The pizza is not good, not even with a lot of beer. The breakfast is ok, but you can definitely do better in JP. The waitresses are fun in that townie, surly kind of way. Basically, come here if you really need a beer, and just a beer.
(3)
Mike S.

Go on the FREE Sam Adams brewery tour before you go here. 1. There's a FREE trolley that takes you from the brewery to Doyle's. 2. With the purchase of a Sam Adams draft you get the "Sam Adams" glass for free (drafts were $5.50. Best deal on a Sam Adams you'll find in Boston.) 3. Reuben's are the best I've ever had. Burgers were really good and I was told they have the best chowdah in Boston. 4. Sweet potato French fries are really good. 5. Onion rings are battered in a Sam Adams Boston lager batter. AMAZING! Place is a typical old dive bar in Boston. It's pretty good size compared to most. Priced pretty reasonably, and like I mentioned before, if you go after the tour you get a free Sam Adams glass (which they even tell you at Sam Adams not to buy it from them for $8.50). Definitely worth the trip.
(5)
Lorena C.

We ended up at this place since they mention it to us at the Samuel Adams tour. By going here to eat after the tour you get a free beer glass (designed by MIT). In able to get the free glass you have to order the Samuel Adams beer but is so cheap compare to what im used to (miami prices are outrageous) . Anyways we order clam chowder with chips and beer. The clam chowder was so creamy and filling definitely one of the best I've had. The atmosphere was straight out of the movie "The Departed" maybe that's why they filmed it there! To top it all off it was extremely cheap and tasty. I would return to Boston just to eat here again and again :) P.S. Remember to do the tour prior to lunch so that you can get the party trolley from SamAdams brewery to Doyles! Then after lunch the trolley will pick you up and drop you off at the orange line to head back into town. Have fun enjoy Doyles!
(4)
Simon O.

Best clam chowder I've ever had. This is a great place with decent prices for the Boston area. Their grilled Ruben was delicious. The Doyle's Amber Ale was spot on as well. Our server was sweet, funny, and friendly...perfect. The next time we're playing the Midway Cafe I will be sure to make time to come back here.
(4)
Megan S.

Go here for the history-covered walls and Sam Adams special selection. Go here for greasy food and Townie waitstaff. Do not go here for a date or to get a decent dinner.
(2)
Francis L.

Excellent Irish Pub experience. Tour the Sam Adams factory and bring your tour ticket to Doyles and get a free Sam Adams sensory glass. Arrived about 11am to NO crowd. Take the tour bus from Sam Adams. Bus starts running at 11:30am. By the time we left, around 12:30 the place was packed. Service was very friendly. Portions were huge. Ordered the Mexican Nachos and the German Plate. Again portions were huge. Will defiantly go again.
(5)
Judy J.

Came here after our first two choices ended up being closed, and we ran into a duo of ladies (also headed for the jazz brunch we wanted to attend) who recommended Doyle's. The food and drinks were delicious - we had a couple of eggs benedict variations (one with spinach and mushrooms, one with homemade beef hash - YUM!), and some apple pancakes, plus bottomless coffee and a couple of cocktails.(though I had to mix my own poinsettia... not a problem, but interesting.), and - especially after living in NYC - the prices seemed quite reasonable. I wasn't sure if the staff just missed "how to treat your customer 101," or if the gruff kind-of avoidance based service is part of the "charm" of this place. It wasn't horrible service, just a little rough around the edges, and the bartender was absolutely charming to the two octogenarians behind us, but completely uninterested in any interaction with us, even though we made an excited effort to ask about his made-from-scratch bloody mary, and then ordered one. The whole place was interesting, I'd definitely like to try it again - maybe for something other than brunch.
(3)
Steve G.

Doyle's is a great place to meet. There's so much character here, it's a refreshing place compared to all the sameness of chain restaurants. Great beer and pub food. On the first Sunday of each month at 10 AM Doyles is nice enough to let us use their back room for a Boston Media Makers meeting. I've tried a lot of breakfast items... Join us if you are interested in hearing about new media. bostonmediamakers.wordprâ€¦ It's very informal.
(4)
BITCHFACE s.

Came here after the Sam adams tour and ordered clam chowder bowl and potato skins. Clam chowder was so good with bits of bacon and large pieces of clam. Probably the best chowder I've ever had. The potatoe skins are literally half a potato with cheese and lots of bacon. Can't complain those were some good skins.
(4)
Anne W.

Beware.. this is NOT Tommy Doyle's.. it's just Doyle's. We came here after the Sam Adam's tour nearby. They have a party trolley that takes you over here and back for free... the only reason why we came had to do more with the fact you get a free Sam Adam's glass valued at $9 in the gift shop for free if you ordered a glass of Sam Adam's. That was true.. each glass of beer was about $8 so you probably just ended up paying for the glass with them still making a profit. The party bus guy told us that this place had the best onion rings, sweet potato fries, clam chowder, and reuben. I'll just tell you.. this is a lie. Not a blatant one.. but any Bostonian knows that Doyle's is not the first place that comes to mind. The onion rings are okay.. they are supposedly beer battered. I didn't think they were that good for almost $8. The clam chowder is decent.. not a lot of potatoes.. but Legal Seafood's is better. My friend complained the reuben was dry.. and I am going to guess the sweet potatoe fries were nothing special. Supposedly.. a lot of tv shows have been taped here. Meh.. who cares.. I wanted to eat yummy food and drink beer. I'd skip this next time.. unless you're trying to get another free glass.
(2)
Sean F.

It hurts me to write this review as 13 years ago it would be easily reversed. I first came to Doyle's for a group breakfast after working and taking classes in Roxbury. It struck me as the quintessential Boston pub - not dark and dank, but welcoming and full of dusty history. Now? I live in the neighborhood and won't go near Doyle's on the weekend. The influx of business from Sam Adam's is great for the bar and the neighborhood, but Doyle's has rightly determined people falling off the Sam Adam's trolley will eat or drink anything. ANYTHING. Nothing's worse than waiting for a brewery drop-off crowd take five minutes to agonize over the list of beers on tap and decide... yes, I'll have a SAM ADAMS. But don't let that fool you - if you are going to drink at Doyle's, you had better get Sam, because all other beers on tap taste like they come through lines that haven't been cleaned in 20 years. Either drink Sam or get something in a bottle; otherwise you're in for some solid swill. Food prices have jumped, quality has dropped. Not sure where they're getting the food from lately but it all reeks of Sysco. And yet, people still pack in for nostalgia. It's almost as if Doyle's would be the perfect JP bar - if it weren't for the beer, food, and crowd. You know, the stuff you go to a bar for.
(1)
Melissa A.

Honestly, if you don't go to this place, you're screwin up. For one, if you go to the Sam Adams Brewery Tour, and you go there after, order a Sam's (Which by the way they have tons on tap, plus usually a specialty experimental brew available) and show them your label/ticket from the tour, you get a Sam's pint glass for free with the beer. Which is about $6. I highly recommend the onion rings and the clam chowder (bread bowl never fails). Best of both I've had. Also, the trolley was amazing. The driver was absolutely hilarious. He played reggae music on the way over, and had strobe lights, it was definitely an experience.
(5)
Amy J.

I was expecting to see a super-old pub with lots to catch the eye, but I really wasn't that impressed. If you go to the Sam Adam's Brewery you can catch a party bus to Doyles and back to the subway. The pro is that with your brew tour ticket you can trade it in for a Sam Adam's official glass. The cafe was the first to start serving Sam Adams brews in the 90s(?), the wait staff was super friendly, place crowded, but I really didn't think the food or atmosphere was anything special. I'd recommend you head back to Boston and grab a bite there! If you do go... there's a lobster roll that's not on the menu.
(2)
Mary H.

Awesome place to go after the Sam Adams Brewery Tour! Had the apple cider and it was one of the better stuff I have tasted. The clam chowder was pretty good. It had a frothy feel to it. The oyster crackers gave it more texture. Got the turkey burger and it felt almost like eating a hamburger!! It was awesome. Thick and juicy. The staff was very informative about guests who came from the tour. And really nice to remind us to take our free cups with us! (Tour - buy Sam Adams beer - free pint glass!!!)
(4)
Andreina C.

I totally love this place. It is what it is! Not pretentious, but cool. It has history but it's still modern. The food is great, staff member are awesome and will treat you like family. Great place to hang out and watch the game, eat good food with friends and family. Totally recommend it!
(5)
C B.

Looking for a place to hang out for a few hours before boarding our flight back to LA so decided to stop off at the Sam Adams Brewery for a quick tour and tasting. Unfortunately, the place was beyond packed (it was a drizzly Saturday afternoon) so we decided to skip Sam Adams and jump on the party bus to Doyle's Cafe. (A trolley car-type party bus complete with disco ball, strobe light, and blaring music was making runs between Sam Adams and Doyles - not sure if this is a regular thing, weekend thing, or summer thing, but it should definitely be a regular thing if it isn't already!). Our driver/tour guide was really funny and gave us a brief history on Doyle's Cafe, including the fact that it has been featured in a few films like Mystic River. By the time we arrived at Doyle's we were pretty hungry so eager to be seated. Thankfully space was not an issue and we were seated right away. Serving staff were friendly and attentive. Food was just ok - I can't even remember what I ordered! - but we didn't really come for the food as much as we did the historic experience and ambiance of a Boston pub. If you're in the area and have a hankering for a beer and onion rings in an old-ish Boston pub (I mean, it's the east coast where just about every building is somewhat old ...), definitely give this place a try.
(3)
Ella F.

I've come here a few times after the Sam Adams Brewery tour. The biggest perk is getting the Sam Adams glass if you order a Sam. They have 8 options, so you get to try more flavors than what they have at the brewery. The beer there is very good and fresh, and they mix up the selections so you can try new things pretty much every time. The food is okay. The driver on the shuttle rants and raves about the reuben and clam chowder. The clam chowder is pretty good, but I've had better Reubens else where. Generally, it's a standard pub menu, with nothing special about the taste of the food. It's very average. That being said, I've never come here for the food. I enjoy the beer, and the marketing trick with the glass definitely works. It's basically part of the Sam Adams tour experience.
(3)
Beau S.

If you want a free Sam Adams pint glass, visit here after the brewery tour. Food- standard pub fair. Burgers, fries. everything was good. Service- was fast until we paid the check...We had a party of 6, and our waitress butchered our check when we asked to split it. She split the wrong way, so half of us had the incorrect change, or the CC was billed incorrectly. It took us 20 minutes with the manager to sort out the mess she created. It was a great experience up till then.
(2)
Seth And Sophie G.

Classic Boston! DOYLE'S! Best reuben in Beantown! Got the onion rings too, was very solid. Tons of beers on tap (if you go on the Sam Adam's Tour, and bring your label, order a Sam Adams beer, you keep the cup) It's a fairly loud place with tons of people, so be prepared for that!
(4)
Voravut R.

Doyle's is a institution that has stood the test of time. The walls are covered with the history of Boston's cultural and sports life. This is a place I find are missing around the city and country. Just a good place to grab a cold beer and good food. No frills, no glitz, no BS. The room just feels like a comfortable place and the staff are not pretentious, soulless robots, they are real. Many places build themselves to be like a Doyle's but the magic of this place can not be built, it has to be earned off the people who have worked through the doors and the world that changed around it. Doyle's has been around for over 100 years and I hope for another 100. If U visit Boston, skip Cheers and go to Doyle's.
(4)
Samantha J.

Atmosphere was a little dingy, but I suppose it's allowed to be since it's such an old bar. Our server was very friendly, if a bit brash. I appreciated her telling me she had not tasted a particular beer I asked about instead of just pushing the sale. Food was nothing to write home about, but if you take the free trolly there from the Sam Adams brew tour, your food quality standards are likely to be a bit lower than usual. Cottage cut sweet potato fries were very good, but nothing you couldn't buy frozen from the grocery store. Prices were great- my beer was only $4! History of this place is neat to hear about.
(3)
Lauren N.

"DOYLE RULES" so said the trolley driver. It is in fact true. This place is fantastic. Full of small-time charm. The food is delicious, very homemade. Must have the garlic fries! I had a delicious & flavorful turkey burger and my husband had some chowder and fries...He said its the best clam chowda he ever had. (he is a new england native) The problem with this place is the fact that they are usually busy & have very tight quarters to deal with. Would not recommend for big groups or families. Be prepared to wait. Also, we had one horrible waitress, two average waitresses & one good waitress the times we went... i guess that means its the luck of the draw as far as service. A big plus is if you buy a sam adams on tap (around $6) you get to keep the scientific beer glass. (my husband loves them..we have about 6 glasses)
(4)
Bo F.

Ive been coming here over 20 years, it consistent, predictable and a great scene. During afternoon "tour" times it can get crowded around the bar but that add to the Blue collar experience, this place has history, and good food... Soak it in with a Sam Adams or Pint of Guinness.. Welcome to Boston!!
(4)
Kevin B.

Came here after the Sam Adams brewery tour and I'm so glad I did! We took the trolley from the brewery and it dropped us off right out front. We got a bunch of appetizers and they gave us massive portions. The food was fantastic and we really enjoyed ourselves. The best thing about Doyle's is the fact that you get to keep your Sam Adams glass with every Sam Adams you purchase (as long as you give them your ticket from the Sam Adams brewery tour). Awesome place!
(5)
Justin H.

Excellent food, not too far from Sam Adams Brewery. Major problem, however: A friend and I were visiting Doyle's and were attempting to close out. I ordered a round and asked for our check... 45 mins later out waitress re-emerged and had "forgotten" our check. She was basically on break. Not very good service. Otherwise, food was good. Would probably give this 4 stars, but being avoided for 45 mins is grounds for a comped meal in some parts.
(3)
Blaire R.

We went to Doyle's for lunch after finishing the Sam Adams Brewery. They offer a free "party trolley" service to and from, and if you order a Sam Adams, you can keep their new glass. Best clam chowder and onion rings we've ever had. BUT... the service was HORRIBLE. And I don't mean to generalize - the bartender seemed great from where we were sitting (at a table next to the bar) and the waitress for the table next to us also seemed great. Our waitress, though, completely forgot about us after dropping off our food. After almost an hour I had to get up and get her because the last trolley is at 4:30. I'm not going to say I was sweet as pie but I wasn't rude. Instead of apologizing, she was seriously rude to me and literally didn't say another word to us - she just brought the check, took my husband's card, and turned on her heels to run it. When I asked about the free glasses she tried to make us take the ones we had just had beer in, but the waitress for the table next to us was giving out clean glasses so I told her that's what we wanted. She all but threw them at me. Again, no apology, nothing.
(2)
Camilo Andres D.

Terrific customer service. You can have a really good pizza in here. I highly recommend to try the Samuel Adams winter edition.
(4)
Stephanie E.

Came after the Sam Adams brewery tour.. Lobster roll was worth it. Yummy onion rings too. You get to keep the glass after you order your beer if you come from the tour. Agree that the service isn't great, but it came out at a reasonable time and was delicious.
(4)
Andrew W.

Alright, I took the bait - hook, line, and sinker by coming to Doyle's Cafe. The Sam Adams Brewery and Doyle's Cafe have this deal worked out: After a tour of the Brewery, you can get on a party bus (free of charge) that takes you to Doyle's. Once there, after drinking a Sam Adams beer, you get to keep a Sam Adams beer glass. Not too shabby. There is a lot of history at Doyle's - it is the first location to serve Sam Adams beer and has been featured in numerous movies, Sam Adams commercials, and TV shows. Yeah, I get it, very touristy... but I still like it. The food was pretty good (typical New England pub cuisine), and despite being an obvious tourist destination, was priced reasonably. This is an absolute must after a tour of the Brewery.
(3)
Stephanie G.

This place was pretty neat. It was a pretty large space, divided up pretty well. We went to Samuel Adam's Brewery and they have a trolly that will take you from there to Doyle's. If you purchase a Sam Adams and show then your entry ticket from the tour you get to keep you glass! Sounds good to me! This place was the first place to start selling Sam Adam's when the brewery's owner, Jim Koch was first beginning in the 1980's. They helped them then, and now they share the wealth! We had a friend in the area, met up with him and walked on down. Each of us had a delicious, ice cold Sam Adams and a cup of clam chowder. It was thick, creamy and had great flavor. It was my first time eating chowder and I thought it lacked potatoes and that the clams were a little too chewy for my taste.
(4)
John T.

Great place. Lobster roll was the best I've had while in the northeast. Sweet potato fries were delicious as well. Food did not seem over priced. Their beer prices however are, and were the only thing keeping them from 5 stars.
(4)
Cassy H.

The only reason I went to Doyle's Cafe was by taking the "party bus" from the Sam Adams Brewery, which is like 5 minutes away. After the brewery tour, this party bus was waiting outside and giving rides to customers who were craving some bar food. So, my friends and I went. The actual place is your typical bar restaurant, but the service was pretty nice -- very attentive, down to earth ladies. We were craving bar food to go with our Sam Adams, so we ordered garlic bread, chicken tenders, and fries.... Oh, you get to keep the Sam Adams glass if you order a Sam Adams. :o) Overall, it's a nice place.. nothing to fancy, but definitely a fun place to watch sports. :o)
(3)
Mike O.

I've always held a certain element of disdain for Doyle's, partly because it's called a "cafe", partly because it is regarded as a St. Patrick's Day go-to spot, neither of which hold very much validity in my book. First, it's not a cafe; it's a pub, and an above average sized one at that. There's no getting around that. Second, as old and historic as this venue is (c.1882), I can't help but regard it as just that: a historic Boston tavern that neighborhood peoples had latched onto, which eventually caught the attention of some politicos, birthing its notoriety. Put that within close proximity to the old brewing facility for Sam Adams and you've got yourself another Boston icon. The truth is that they have some pretty decent food; it's really much better than most pub food you'd expect at the same price, and it is leaps and bounds more appetizing than the pictures on their menus would lead you to believe. They do serve some Irish staples and with a good selection of beer, it becomes one of the more reasonable destinations in the area. All in all there is nothing troubling to report about Doyle's. Sure the decor is a little drab; it really isn't trying to embrace the whole dive-bar vibe, but most likely holding on to a more nostalgic feel, and the waitstaff are generally kind and attentive. Again, I am partial to more authentic Irish establishments (one of which is right down the street), but for the value, Doyle's is not that bad...
(3)
Julie N.

I am yet another customer who came here because I was on the Sam Adams brewery tour. However, my group and I did it backwards haha. We had a very long wait for our tour and the party trolley driver drove by us and yelled at us to get on. We were instantly glad we did because we were looking for a great time that night. Let's start with the driver - flippin' hilarious! He's been driving that darn trolley for years probably every single day with all sorts of obnoxious drunk people and annoying tourists. You never would know it! He was funny, energetic, and got everyone singing and lively despite the fact that it was a very hot day. I have to meet this guy again because he made us have such a great time! We got to Doyle's and it was pure Boston! Crowded, loud, and full of old Boston charm. We were sitted rather quickly for the amount of customers that were in there and served our Sam Adams beers very fast. Our waitress was one of the sweetest ladies. She was very attentive despite the crowded bar and never once lost her patience with us because we couldn't figure out what to order. She suggested their famous onion rings as well as mozzarella sticks and a few other apps. Those onion rings were massive and fried in Sam Adams beer batter! Delicious! We didn't order entrees but the appetizers were great. Yes, the place was so loud that at times you had to yell. But it's an Irish pub in Boston on a Friday night folks! Our waitress was a doll, service was quick, and food was delicious. I will definitely be back for the whole experience. If you're looking for a great place to get a little loud and crazy watching the Sox, Pats, or Bruins, this is the place to go! And don't forget about the party trolley!
(4)
Travis L.

DOYLES!!!!! Have to tip my cap to this place. Just a rock solid bar. We tried to do the Sam Adams brewery tour but they said the wait was an hour and a half and you can't drink beer before the tour so we skipped that and hoped on the shuttle to Doyels. The best part about the whole experience is the shuttle. The driver was awesome and mixed in fun with history. We got to the bar and they had a nice selection of beer on tap and the place is a lot bigger than you would think. We heard the onion rings were amazing but were sadly disappointed when we got them. The chicken wings and nachos looked awesome but we didn't get them. From what I could tell they have large portions of food. I could come back here if I'm in this side of town. Overall a must stop if you are in boston.
(4)
Cec D.

Dear Doyles, How do I even begin to review you? It was love at first sight the first time I stepped inside your cavernous old timey Irish pub walls and sat at the bar where one of the opening scenes from "Mystic River" was filmed. The beer is always cold, the bartenders are friendly and the food is affordable and delicious. Breakfast served every day of the week and late night pizza are additional perks not to mention that they serve PITCHERS of bloody marys, pitchers! They also sponsor an annual 5 mile road race each March that cuts through Franklin Park and ends at Doyle's complete with 2 live bands and free beer. Sigh. This is true love.
(5)
Alexandra S.

One of the nice things about having a friend who is a writer, is that sometimes I get to tag along on his "research", Right now he has some ideas for an article about visiting historical bars and taverns in the US and Doyle's was on his list. I hadn't been here in many years and could only remember that it's a visually interesting place to go. The overall experience was primarily a good one but really only because I was with a fun group of people. Other than the terrific company I tend to keep, this place leaves much to be desired. The good news however is that it is really interesting inside from it's huge mahogany bar to all the fascinating photos and memorablia everywhere. There is a mural of famous patrons painted on a wall in the dining area where it's fun to guess who's who. There's a cheat sheet posted if you get stuck. There are old wooden scuffed floors that have a real charm to them. The bathrooms look original with an old tile floor, marble sinks and wooden stall doors. They do however, need to keep those bathrooms cleaner, thank you very much. You feel like you've stepped back in time once you enter Doyles and I love that feeling of being transported to another era. There is a lot of history to take in. There were a few of us tagging along on this particular evening jaunt and we were suprised by how few other people were in there. We were seated quickly at a large booth. Our waitperson came across as one tough cookie. She was super-gruff and no-nonsense. We joked amongst ourselves that it was a good thing none of us had any questions about the menu because we would have been too afraid to ask her. We weren't a rowdy or disrespectful group and were therefore in no need of her militaristic disciplinarian manner so I'm not sure what the deal is. Most of my friends ordered burgers and steak tips. I ordered a fish sandwich and one other person ordered a tuna melt. The portions are large. My fish sandwich however was just okay. I left most of it. It came with onion rings and french fries which was too much. How about one or the other and a salad instead? The folks with the steak tips and burgers were happy with their choices. Tuna melt woman only ate half but thought it was pretty good. We had an assortment of beers which were all fine and dandy just as they should have been. Prices are reasonable. Ultimately,I think the food here is beside the point. I wouldn't come back to eat. Maybe if I lived closer, I would come back to just to hang at that beautiful mahogany bar over a couple of beers with friends. Just maybe. Because this bar has some cool things to look at and some historical merit going for it, it may be worth at least one visit to you.. After we'd paid up and left a most excellent tip despite the gruff service, the waitress was suddenly very friendly and wanted to point out various things of interest throughout the bar/restaurant. My friend, the writer, took note. I think this visit served his research purposes (here's my shameless plug for his most recent book last year called "The Man Who Sold The World: Ronald Reagan and The Betrayal of Main St. America)...so we'll see what comes of all this after he's done visiting all the other bars and taverns on his list. It was a fun night but would only really recommend this place if you're a tavern history buff or if you live right in the neighborhood.
(2)
Chris S.

The hell with the Sam Adams tour. Go to this place for what it is. An historic old pub where you are as likely to be rubbing elbows with a Boston pol as you are with the guy who was in the Edison bucket truck in front of your house this morning. The food is can't miss and the character is off the charts.
(5)
Kristen C.

Doyles!! MA staple. The food isnt better than any other pub really but the beer is perfect temp and fresh- Id recommend the clam chowder and the reuben!!
(4)
Jennifer E.

This place was recommended by the Sam Adams Brewery folks. We were starving and buzzed after the tour so we decided to come here for dinner. Usually there is a free trolley that takes your from the Sam Adams Brewery to Doyle's. Unfortunately, the trolley stopped at 5pm and our tour started at 4:40pm so we had to walk our happy asses to Doyles which was not the most pleasant thing to do for tourists like us. Fortunately, we are good with directions and made it to Doyles and we loved the fact that its historical and I guess the food is too. I got the clam chowder and it was as good as a soup in a can. My hubby got the german plate and it was ok. I don't think I'll come back to this place again but I do recommend it if you're coming from the Sam Adams Brewery (with the free trolley).
(3)
Jessica R.

OK, my husband and I decided to try out Doyle's after taking the Sam Adam's tour on a recent trip to Boston. We were hungry, and at the moment we didn't really care what we were going to eat, we just wanted food and fast. (Oh and at the brewery they recommend it here, with the incentive you get a free pint with a take home glass if you show you went on the tour, so decision made) Upon walking in to Doyle's it reminded me of a cross between an Irish pub and a diner. I figured, hey, I like pub food and I like diner food...how bad can it be?? Here's the thing. It was great! We went simple....burgers and their garlic fries. Now while any pub/diner would be in bad shape to not serve up a half way decent burger and fries, these garlic fries wound up being the most amazing fries we've ever had, I mean, they still come up in conversation. Thats how perfect they were. Crispy, not greasy. Tons of flavor from the chunks of garlic.....I'm daydreaming about them as I type this...... So where I wouldn't usually recommend a pub/diner to friends visiting somewhere out of town, this rule no longer applies when it comes to Boston. Try Doyle's for lunch! Especially try them if you are doing the Sam Adams tour. Hey, if you happen to disagree with this review, you at least get a free pint (and glass) for your troubles.
(4)
Gina B.

Ah, Doyle's......my dad's favorite place to eat after a tour at Sam Adams, and my favorite bar to go to after the road race they hold every April. Was here today after a race with friends for brunch and the chef's omelette was good but I didn't get the English muffin I ordered- got rye toast instead. The Bloody Marys were spicy. And we got a table. However, our waitress was less than stellar, showing up sporadically and sticking around only long enough to get our order. Had to flag her down for multiple water refills and she kept getting irritated that we weren't accepting pancakes that we didn't order that she kept bringing. Oh well.
(3)
Steven R.

I'll give it a not bad. Apparently Doyle's is renown for for its cinematic reputation but it isn't too bad. Free pint glass after the Sam Adams brewery tour which gets you in the door, but it really isn't the worst place to have a fresh pint o' Sam or have a bowl of chowder. I had both and was pretty happy I came by. Best part is that if you're making a day out of it, you can easily get on Orange and get back to the city since given this area I was somewhat inclined to hang out near the cops (which is a first). Service was somewhat non-existent but given a busy Wednesday afternoon I'll discount that and accept it is a potentially awesome place.
(3)
Megan M.

We did the Sam Adam's Brewery tour this past Saturday - we then took the trolley to Doyle's! The trolley was AWESOME - the driver rocked, and it had great music and an awesome atmosphere. The ride to (double fist pump) Doyle's was about a mile, and before we got off, the driver let us know that at 4:30, they'd be taking the trolley for a drinking tour around downtown Boston - stops at Fenway and shows historical sites. It stops at a liquor store right in the beginning so you can get stuff to drink while on the 2 hour trolley tour. Easily the highlight of our trip and when we're back in Boston, you better believe we'll be doing it again!
(5)
Jonathan C.

Came here after the brewery tour like a lot of other people. I had really low expectations (with the food, at least) but we were hungry so ordered beer and a boneless bbq chicken platter. I was expecting warmed up frozen food or over fried food, but the chicken was actually really good! I think they pounded the chicken breast until it was flat...it didn't have that really dry taste associated with chicken breast. Gotta give them credit for going the extra step. The Sam also tasted extremely good. Maybe that's how it should taste and I've just been going to crappy bars...
(5)
Matthew T.

good bar, lots of sam adams selection. decent food too
(4)
Jessica F.

Like most people we came here on the "Party Bus" from the Sam Adams Tour lured in by the free glass with a beer promotion. The food was good and I liked the sweet potato fries. Our server was friendly enough although I felt like we could have seen her more. I was expecting the glass and beer to be very marked considering that is what often happens with these tours but was pleasantly surprised to find that it only cost $5 for the beer and the glass. I am not sure if there was an error there but I didn't question it!
(3)
Noel K.

A cash only restaurant ? Really ? Had a burger, asked for rare, it was medium. Onion rings were ok. The place is good to hang out and drink and chat.
(3)
Carol C.

God, how I miss living around the corner from Doyle's. Be still, my heart! They were the first to serve Sam Adams. Now if that doesn't deserve 5 freakin stars, nothing else in the world does. And they still pour a perfect pint, and you get a free glass from them if you visit the SA brewery then stop by Doyle's. This place is the epitome of the friendly neighborhood restaurant. And its so amazing how its preserved so much of its gorgeous history inside over the years. The dark wood, the wall frescos, the floorboards creaking under your feet. It is absolutely the farthest you can get from a trendy lounge/restaurant. This is the DEFINITION of a fucking dive, and...oh, my heart longs to be back there. Their brunches are ridiculous, you get so much food. Actually, now that I think about it, you get tons of food ALL the time. There's usually enough to take home. I recall crispy sweet potato fries, burgers that bled onto big buns, fresh lettuce underneath a million ingredients in their chef salad. I'm a Jersey girl so I'm spoiled about my pizzas, but theirs were decent. Giant club sandwiches. A great tap selection that really reflected what was in season, and everything on tap was good. They were always good for that. I can hear the Boston accent of every diner/dive waitress calling me "honey." The service was 8/10 times awesome, when it gets busy you gotta give a little (ie weekend brunch). Next time I have a Sam Adams, I'll toast to Doyle's. I'll be back there soon.
(5)
Mark J.

Had the lobster roll and the Reuben sandwich. All in all a great place to eat, relatively affordable and a good taste of a townie bar. I would eat here each day of the vacation if we happen to stay in the area.
(4)
Hillary C.

Nice beer selection but the food is never all that great. Always a fun and packed place for St. Patrick's day - a fun lively atmosphere on weekends.
(3)
Robert H.

We had already been here before Pre Yelp, and used to come here every so often. we took it off the rotation because it seemed to us that it was sort of coasting. Today we tried to get to The DogWood Cafe, based strictly on Yelps, but could not find any parking unless we were willing to cough up to park in the MBTA lot, which offends me since the lot is virtually empty but they still want to charge me. We thus decide to retry Doyle's, where we never recalled having a problem parking. Our memories were correct. Her omlette and my pizza were mailed in, no care, no pizzazz. They just don't give a f****. So I have adjusted my Yelp scores, where a 3 means I would go back. A 2 means I would not, and Doyle's in its current "la di da" state does not interest us. It does not matter that they have been there since 1882, it does not matter that Pols used to gather there, so what. How long do they plan on putting out mediocre plates of food whilst coasting on History ? The beerr selection was OK, but not enough to get the to a 3.
(2)
Roshan S.

Rude and lazy staff! If this is Boston's best then I've gotta move on. I came here from the Sam Adams tour, everything up until Doyle's was incredible. Walked in and no hostess to guide or seat you, but they were just there standing around talking to each other. The place is also filthy. I sat at the bar. The bartenders seem like they hate being there and not so much as a welcome 'hi', just 'what do you want'. After getting my beer the bartender (grey haired) bumps into it and luckily I hold on so it doesn't pour all over me, but it spills all over my hand. Not even a sorry. I ordered the turkey reuben sandwich, which was pretty good, but not excellent so was over-priced. Overall I would have been pleased if the service was there. I won't come back.
(2)
Binh L.

Honestly, Doyle's probably makes the most money from the brewery's tours. Why else would I have ventured into here? The beer + glass is a good deal! Everyone should do it if they don't want to pay 8 bucks for a souvenir glass. I had their sweet potato fries and buffalo wings to prevent being a drunk idiot. The sweet potato fries are oh-so-good. They might even be my favorite in New England. I need a larger sample though. Anyhow, they are crispy to perfection! Have you ever hated that buffalo wings don't have the kick like they used to? Most restaurants give you stale, over-salted, and boring wings? Well, fear no more. These will kick you in the mouth! Damn son!
(3)
Kelly O.

Classic old school pub... could easily be considered a tourist trap due to the relationship they have going with Sam Adams Brewery, but the attitude and service is the real deal, and the food is cheap and tasty, so I was happy. Doyle's is bigger than I thought, there are 3 giant rooms full of old dark wood benches that you can imagine grumpy old school men drinking pints and smoking stogies in. The ambiance is unabashedly old school, but this day was full of drunken tourists fresh off the party trolley from Sam Adams (ourselves included), so it was totally packed... fortunately our friends had taken an earlier tour and had already staked out a large booth for the 8 of us. Our waitress was old school (and old), and was a riot, no nonsense and complete honesty ("here's the first round of food, the second round is coming... I have no idea when"). But she also did right by us, bringing us what we needed when we needed it, never having to wait long for a fresh Sam, and telling us a bit about the food and the history/famous faces of Doyle's. I had the turkey burger with cheddar which I found delicious (keep in mind I was pretty tipsy by the time I had it though, if that changes anything), and ridiculously cheap for $6.95. It came with a ton of perfectly done steak fries (who even does steak fries anymore?!), and I couldn't stop eating them and thus was painfully full when I was done with my meal from the food + beer, in the best way possible. Everyone else was pleased with their ridiculously cheap meals too, especially the steak fries. The best part was being able to keep the Sam Adams glasses after buying a pint (well, the beer was the second best part, as I got a half Sam Cherry Wheat and half Chocolate Boch, and it was deeeelicious). Doyle's is what it is, part classic townie pub, part tourist trap, but the prices are right, the beer is fresh, and the glasses are free... what more do you want?
(4)
Julia N.

What more can you say at this point? Great beer selection, good burgers and bar food; spacious, good service and a parking lot to accommodate visitors. When a business has been around for quite some time, and still brings in groups of people, they're certainly doing something right.
(4)
Timothy J.

I started it with a 4 but realized it's hard to dock marks off this place. I have gone twice, both after the Sam Adam's tour. If you like character and good food then this place is for you. The Party Trolley that took us to the pub got us genuinely excited to go there. Without the Trolley it would have been pretty good not awesome (DOYLE'S *fistpump*). Reasons I love this place, it's old, has character, has tons of Sam Adam's and great food. I can see why someone might not like it because when it is busy you get that diner "I don't give a crap" attitude from the servers but whatever it happens. If you like Sam Adam's this place is a must visit. Chances are you are a tourist so why not add on a stop for lunch. I had the reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries but sample the Lobster Roll, Fish & chips as well as the clam chowder from my friends. No complaints from anyone, just raves. Like I said it's a solid place to go to. If I lived in Beantown it would still be a destination. If you go to the brewery do yourself a favor and take the Party Trolley regardless of how you got Sam Adams. It will enhance your experience. DOYLES!!!
(5)
Phil O.

So like most people here describing Doyle's, we went after the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour. The trolley driver really hyped it up. We ordered a breakfast, lobster roll, clam chowder and the onion rings. The lobster roll and onion rings were the two things we had to try according to the trolley driver. The onion rings are $9, but they give you a very large amount. They are beer battered in Boston lager and hand cut. They're very good. It's a great dish to share with your table. The lobster roll was very "seafoody." it had the taste of the ocean. I know its lobster, but I've had some before that didn't have the "seafoody" taste to it. But like the onion rings, you get a lot of lobster in it. The breakfast was big as well, but a typical breakfast, nothing too special. The clam chowder however, was phenomenal. I'd easily put it as one of the tops I've ever had. It's got a thick cream and great taste. Very filling. On top of all this, if you show your Sam Adam's brew tour ticket and order a Sam Adams you get to keep the glass. They have many Sam Adams types on draft; the most within Boston which is pretty cool. It's worth a trip after the tour.
(3)
Elizabeth M.

first "bar" in Boston.... Food 4*s - we got the onion rings (good), clam chowder (average) and the reuben was awesome service 1* - try not to get the old senile lady lol it took us 25 mins to get our beer and twice as long for our food and check that we asked for at least twice. Note: Trolley ride there from the Sam Adams factory was crazy!! Lol
(3)
Scott M.

Oldest pub in Boston, this is the first place to serve Sam Adams. Buy a Sam Adams on tap and get a free glass.
(4)
Matt M.

What a great surprise. We weren't planning to go to Doyles, but Sam Adam's brewery had a special where you could get a free party bus ride to the bar/restaurant and get a free glass if you order a beer. The food was great, even the pizza. The clam chowder was the best that some of our member of the party has ever had. The bratwurst was a little undercooked, but the burger was also very good. They only serve sam adams on draft, why would you otherwise, and you get to keep the glass for every beer you order. The highlight of this experience was the drive to and from. The bus driver was energetic and got the party bus rocking, literally. Remember if you go to the brewery tour, drink at DOYLE'S
(5)
Cassie T.

unorganized for a busy spot with frequent visitors. waited forever while larger parties got seated right away. not worth the free pint.
(1)
J H.

This is a great place to grab a cup of chowder and a Sam Adams after enjoying the brewery tour. There's a free party trolley that takes you to Doyles and then drops you off at the T afterwards. The servers are friendly, the place has history and the food is pretty good. There's also been several movies filmed here which adds to the charm! Go and enjoy the bar and get a Sam, you can't go wrong at Doyles!
(4)
Kacey B.

I have visited here plenty of times (love the fresh Sam Adams and complimentary glass) and will give an honest review. I'm not returning as my friend pointed out (and I observed later) they don't seem to follow the cleanest guidelines for a busy restaurant. There are a few other places towards Jamaica Plain center that are much, much better for cleanliness and taste.
(2)
Matt G.

This place is great, obviously the trolley from the Sam Tour is how I ended up in Jamaica Plain because it's not usually on my rounds. Drinks are cold and it's classic pub style food cooked right and served quick. Def recommend and worth the trip!
(4)
Mallory S.

We went here after the Sam Adams Brewery tour. We needed to get a pint of the Brick Red and score some free Sam Adams glasses. We arrived at Saturday at 11:30am. They had breakfast and their lunch menu available. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger ($7.95). It was good, slightly overcooked but did the trick. Service was friendly and quick. Bathrooms were a little yucky even through my beer goggles.
(3)
Kelsey M.

Went here after the Sam Adam's Brewery tour for lunch. The food is the standard Boston bar menu and the atmosphere is also nothing much to speak of. This place really pimps the Sam Adam's beer. Our waitress was decent but a little slow. The menu isn't geared towards the health conscious. The sweet potato fries were mediocre and dry. I picked at my friends regular fries. It's nice that you can keep the glass when you purchase SA's beer.
(3)
Doug W.

I've lived down the street from Doyle's for the last seven years, so when an local alumni organization that I'm involved with was looking for a place to hold a meeting, I suggested Doyle's, largely for my own convenience. After bandying about several suggestions, the group finally decided on Doyle's. "It looked good on Yelp," offered one of the group members. "That's funny," I thought, "I've been going to Doyle's regularly for years and never once thought about it's Yelp rating." So I decided to check it out. I was actually a bit disappointed when I saw that almost all of the recent reviews were by people who came to Doyle's on the the trolley after the Sam Adams Brewery tour. Not that there's anything wrong with getting your first dose of the Doyle's charm after touring the brewery, but most folks writing reviews in that situation have only visited Doyle's once and will probably never visit it again. I like Yelp because it gives me a sense of how the community regards a business. I like to hear from the locals. I want to know what the regulars think. And so, unless a place is extremely good or extremely bad, I as a rule never write a review of a restaurant until I've visited it at least three times, to make sure I really know the measure of the place. So if you want to read a review from a guy who considers Doyle's his neighborhood bar, this is your lucky day. This is that review. Writing a review of Doyle's is actually a bit daunting, because Doyle's looms large in this neighborhood. It's where my wife (then girlfriend) and I went to read over and sign our lease. Although the TVs are small and unobtrusive (a big plus in my book), it's where we watched the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007 and the Celtics win in 2008. It's where we watched Senate and mayoral debates, too (someone once described Doyle's as a sports bar where the sport is politics, and that, in my opinion, is a very apt description). The food, for the most part, is nothing to write home about--standard pub fare--but their garlic fries are probably the best garlic fries in the city and their pizzas are better than anything from the pizzerias in our area. I've never had a bad interaction with any of the wait staff: they're always friendly and accommodating, even if it's busy (which, if you come on the weekend from the brewery with a trolley full of other patrons, it will be). There's a good beer selection, including the Pickwick Ale, which is a delicious Doyle's exclusive. I sometimes wake up on the weekend craving their brunch, especially the pancakes medley or the artichoke omelet. The Sam Adams trolley has put an end to the quiet Saturdays when I would take over a booth with my laptop, getting some work in, but I can't fault Doyle's for having a different view of the merits of slow Saturday business. The ambiance, too, is worth a visit. You can learn a lot about Boston political history by studying the framed newspapers on the walls, and the whole place screams "Boston Pub." So much so, in fact, that sometimes we'll go to Doyle's only to find that it's closed for the filming of some movie that wants to capture the Boston pub feel. "Mystic River" is probably the most famous, but it's also featured in the Kevin Spacey film "21," and we once tried to go when Dane Cook was filming something there, although I never did find out what the was, because, well, Dane Cook. I called in an order for carry out on the night of the Martha Coakley/Scott Brown special election, only to find that Rachel Maddow was reporting on the election live from Doyle's. It's that kind of place. So come on by; check it out. I hear if you come on the trolley, they give you a free Sam Adams pint glass as well.
(4)
Lauren D.

This was a wonderful little spot in Boston! My boyfriend and I were on vacation and spent the weekend in Boston. Our first stop was the Sam Adams Brewery, where they provide a "Party Trolly" for transportation to Doyles. Doyles is supposedly the first pub ever to sell Sam Adams brew on draft, for that reason, if you go right after your brewery tour and show your stamp from the tour, you receive a free Sam Adams glass, specifically made for the Boston Lager. Besides that little novelty of the place, the ambiance was wonderful, friendly staff, and has delicious comfort food. They boast having the best clam chowder in Boston, and as far as my boyfriend and I are concerned they might be right! We tried the chowder everywhere we went, and theirs was top notch! It's a must stop if you are going to Boston!
(5)
Vishal M.

Wise partnership with the Sam Adams Brewery. Perfect place to go after a tour when you're craving junk food along with more beer. Lobster roll and home fries are solid. Souvenir cups are a nice touch.
(4)
April M.

If you're looking for an Irish dive bar in Boston, look no further my friends. If you're looking for the bar that gives out free Sam Adams glasses after the tour, again, look no further. Feast your eyes and your appetite on all that Doyle's has to offer. Yes, they are in cahoots with Sam Adams - and rightfully so! - they were the first bar in the country to serve Sam Adams on tap. I really don't even know where to start with Doyle's, there's as much to be said in a yelp review as decorates their many walls. This bar has been around since 1882, has seen the likes of many celebrities and politicians and has been the set of numerous Hollywood scenes including the Departed, Mystic River and Boston Public. You can't help but feel like you belong as soon as you walk through the doors. If the vibe here doesn't make you feel relaxed and welcome, I'm not sure what will. There's enough pictures, paintings, postings and papers on the walls of this place to have you walking around and looking for hours - literally. It's like a mini Boston bar/politics/sports museum in and of itself. And that's just the atmosphere - the beer and food make this an even more amazing place. Everything I've eaten here so far - burgers, pizza, pork chops, potato skins, buffalo chicken, fries, chocolate cake - have all been amazing. Comfort food to say the very least, and boy does it comfort! The potato skins are so damn good, that I'm creating a separate paragraph just to make that statement. And the beer - if you love a tasty, fresh draft, of Sam Adams (among other brands) you won't be disappointed. You know how there's always that spot in even a good 5-star yelp review where you say, well, there was just one thing - if it weren't for x y z - .... well that spot does not exist for Doyle's Cafe. This is a true 5-star establishment. A must do/see/eat/drink if you're living in or visiting the Boston area. Ever.
(5)
K F.

Nothing special. Atmosphere attempts to be vintage but just looks and feels dated and stale. Food is okay but again, nothing special.
(2)
Michael R.

"We're goin' to Doyle's!" - Jason the Bus Driver By now you know about the Sam Adams tour, the party bus (complete with stripper pole) and all of the Sam-related goodness surrounding this historic pub. But what you don't know is how awesome the food is, and that's even speaking from a sober standpoint. (For the record, it's twice as good when you've got a nice, solid buzz going from the Sam tour). Once you cross the threshold into the eclectic collection of local Boston history, you really feel like you're in the definition of what a Boston pub should be. Surrounded by nicknacks, framed memorabilia, and remnants of Boston days past, it's a great place to have a beer and a meal. And if I haven't mentioned Sam Adams enough in this review already, make sure you check out the Chocolate Covered Cherry -- a half-and-half of Cherry Wheat and Chocolate Bock. Plus you get to keep the glass! Enough about the beer with the guy with the silly haircut on the label, though. The highlight of my dining experience was the thick, Doyle's Boston Clam Chowdah (Boston accent added). Think a corn chowder with bacon and clams...exactly the way it should be made. The Grilled Reuben was also a pretty solid take on the diner classic, and hey, sue me for not being adventurous, but the Strawberry Shortcake was a pretty decent dessert too. Basically, if you're coming from the brewery tour, listen to my man Jason the Bus Driver. Order everything he says and you'll leave in a sublime state of buzzed and full.
(4)
Peter W.

Always dragged here by friends that want to go for some reason. I can't stand this place. The food is poor, the beer selection is lack luster, and usually flat. Maybe they can't sell anything that isn't a light. Dirty, dingy, everything. Just eh. Stay away.
(2)
Lisa M.

We took the party trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery Tour over to Doyle's on a Monday. The trolley driver had a ton of info on the place and good recommendations. We all had the clam chowder which was the best we had on our trip. It was super creamy and delicious! They also had lobster rolls served on sourdough bread that were one of the better ones we had as well. Just make sure you either take the T or call a cab to get home because we went back to the brewery thinking we could get a cab from there and there were none, we had to wait almost a half hour.
(4)
Eliza W.

If you are looking to meet some sexy after work softball and ultimate frisbee players have a beer here because it is next to the field... I like the paintings on the walls and red-checkered tables but not a place to eat dinner...They do make some pretty delicious-looking Daiquiris.
(3)
Vlad C.

DOYLES! Look up the history, but if you are too lazy just take the party bus after a free tour at Sam Adam's Brewery. You will have an unbelievable time. They have a lobster roll that is STUFFED with lobster, they have good chowder and lots of beer (and you get to keep the glass if you bring your Sam Adams ticket)!! I will come here whenever I am in the area. Great atmosphere, keep it jazzy.
(4)
Jamie S.

A lot of people here appear to be focusing on the Sam Adams party bus. Yes, if you try to get food at the same time the trolley is running, or happen to ride it yourself, you really shouldn't be surprised if the place is slammed when you and 20 other people suddenly show up to get food (so those peeps should shut it). If you happen to be lucky and grab a trolley ride with just a few people, it'll work out nicely. Or do it in reverse: go straight to Doyle's, get food, and then take the trolley to the brewery and do the tour. At any rate, the trolley is such a small aspect of this place. We ate here many times before we even realized this service existed, and even then it was quite a long time before we utilized it (a friend was in town so we did the tourist thing with them). Some might be put off by the outwards look of it as a bar of some sort. But fear not: this place is as such of a homey local neighborhood joint as you can get -- the staff are friendly. Awesome atmosphere, solid food, good beer selection & great prices. The hostess when you walk in the door can sometimes be missing or wait for you to initiate. A bit weird until you get used to it: just step up and announce you'd like a table for X people and they'll whisk you on your way. They changed cooks sometime ago and went through a bit of an identity crisis, but things have largely settled down now. The burgers & fries are pretty solid, as is the german plate, and their assortment of sandwiches. Try out their veggie burger as it's tasty too (just make sure to get cheddar cheese and bacon on top). If you're in the mood for pizza, pay attention to the toppings -- it's a damn good price for additional ones, and when you get extra cheese, they aren't talking about an extra sprinkle. You'll get so much cheese you could make nachos out of it when you have leftovers. Awesome if you love cheese. Some of the waitresses can be a bit indifferent/missing some of the nights, but overall, they're generally pretty good. For people who like Trivia, they partner up for Tuesday nights and it's a fun time with Dan. The dessert is a bit lacking, so unless you have a real desire for a particular item, you might want to pass and grab a bite elsewhere.
(5)
Sharon B.

Doyle's is a must stop when we visit Boston. Love the chowder and Grilled Reuben. Service is pleasant (we always sit at the bar) and always enjoy our visits here!
(5)
Julie D.

The owner of this restaurant is pretty smart. They have a free shuttle from Sam Adams Brewery where the tour guides gives them a plug and tells you about the offer of a free Sam Adams glass. Then, right on queue immediately after the tour ends, the party bus shuttle arrives. Music blaring. Playing Sweet Caroline. Who can resist? We went along. The ride itself is pretty fun. The restaurant seems like a chunk out of history. Service is about as old and moldy. BJ got clam chowder which he really likes. I got a fish sandwich which was just barely okay. But it pretty much worked out for the amount of time that we had on our last day in Boston. Can't wait to visit the city, again!
(3)
AmberandJoe M.

When my husband and I moved to Boston years ago, we decided to go on the Sam Adams tour which included a trolley ride to Doyle's after the tour. I am so glad we decided to go. Doyle's immediately became a favorite for our family. I am a vegetarian and struggle to find places like Doyle's that provide little more than side salads and French fries for me. I discovered the meatless Reuben and loved it! It quickly became my favorite meal in town, and I will drive all the way from the north shore to get it. (My husband gets the regular Reuben and raves about it as well.) Doyle's also has an amazing selection of Sam Adams beer. I highly recommend the Cherry Wheat beer (and 26.2 during the month of April).
(5)
Paul S.

This place was cool simply because they gave you a free Sam Adams pint glass if you came after the tour and bought a beer. So hey, better than paying $8 for one at the brewery.
(3)
Howard S.

the place where sam adams was launched... it's not a cafe, it's bar. in addition to being the first establishment to serve samuel adams beer, doyle's is also full oh history. you are surrounded by memorabilia from the 50's, 60's and the 70's, if you have some time, take a look in the back room. full of interesting stuff. and doyles have been featured in films such as the mystic river, celtic pride, the brinks job etc. samuel adams is the main thing here... so don't order anything else. the brick red is only available in this area, so enjoy it, the chocolate bock is like the holy grail, but it's too sweet for me... as is the chococlate/cherry bock. while we were there, we also had the 26.2, a beer to commemorate the boston marathon. the food is your standard tavern fair. what you will enjoy is the selection of samuel adams beer and a piece of new england history. last word? much much better bet than the place where the people always know your name...
(4)
Paige A.

Recommend visiting after the Sam Adams tour. Free trolley ride to the bar and then back to the T. Plus you get to keep your glass after purchasing a Sam Adams pint. They have the best chowder, better than Atlantic Fish Company in my opinion. Lobster roll is just so-so and the bison burger was not very good. The chowder made it worth the visit though.
(4)
Denis A.

Great food and beer.
(4)
Trish F.

It's a bit of a trek for me to get over to Doyle's. Commute-wise it's a combo of bus/walk or bus/train/walk, so I've only gone for events during brunch on the weekends. The food is bar/diner standard. Nothing too fancy, eggs/homefries/bread/muffins. I've always been with a large group and the waitresses have graciously handled us without rolling their eyes or any bit of sass (I'm used to that being a Jersey girl). What I dig about Doyle's is that they're definitely supportive of the community. They lend their back room to Boston Media Makers ( bostonmediamakers.com ) and Mass Mouth ( massmouth.ning.com ). Last BMM event I went to, folks even took up a collection to get wifi in the joint. That's some neighborly love! Watch out for it next time you're in.
(3)
Sandy B.

I love you, Doyle's, but you're turning into a jerk. I think the Sam Adams tour is going to your head. You're just too expensive. Last night, one small entree, one cup of chowder, and one order of wings came out to $28.00. Seriously? We didn't even get anything to drink, just water! What gives? And charging a dollar per wing? That's just offensive. I'll say it again, I love you, Doyle's! I like your surly but somehow friendly service and your neighborhood-centric atmosphere. Your chowder is delicious, most of your food is pretty good, and you're a cool place to hang out. I even love the waiter who appears to hate me for no reason. Please deflate your ego a bit and welcome back your regulars.
(4)
Kevin M.

Love this place! Not always the best service, not the largest selection of beer, but you're surrounded by history and a great atmosphere! It's not a pretentious crowd (unless you're here midday surrounded by the tourists that just got out of the Brewery), just working-class folk trying to drown their day's sorrow with a cold pint of beer. Again, not the largest selection of beer unless you're a Sam Adams connoisseur like I am. They always have a couple of Sam's on tap like cherry wheat and brick red, and maybe even chocolate bock. The pizza is the best pizza in this area! I always get sausage and pepper. It is so good that I always leave Doyle's with the roof of my mouth burnt! Other fare on the menu is alright, but again, you're here only for beer and atmosphere.
(5)
Amanda B.

Yay Doyle's! I love this place. I've been here for a few meals, but mostly, my experience here has centered around post-show fun. I do shows at the Footlight Club and after at least one show during the run, we end up at Doyle's A whole mess of us take over the back room and order a crazy amount of pizza. I love their pizza. It's bar pizza.Thin with lots of goopy cheese. DELICIOUS. The staff usually assigns someone to take care of us and it's always good service. Like I said, over the years I've visited and gotten sandwiches and entrees that were tasty, but I come back for the pizza. Always. As a whiskey/scotch drinker, I'm always happy to see their great selection. After all, it IS a pub.
(5)
Celeste M.

Doyle's has some thngs going for it. It's near the Sam Adams Brewery in case you want some more beer after their tour. It's across from English High and teenagers sometimes make you want to drink. It's got Magners on tap. They have lots of space and can accommodate big groups. They take credit cards now. But I have become increasingly disappointed with their food. Their sweet potato fries are really good but my turkey burger was pretty charred the last two times I came in. Come there to drink and enjoy your friends' company.
(3)
Paula H.

Had clam chawda and a cheeseburger. It. Was. Amazing! Service blew, but if you aren't in a rush (like we were) it wouldn't have been that big of a deal
(4)
Kathy C.

I go to Doyle's to meet up with people in a convenient place that has atmosphere, good beer (and other drinks) but the food is blah. Soggy pizza, thick, lumpy clam chowder. You don't go for the food. Be forewarned.
(2)
Kevin L.

Went to Doyle's after my Sam Adams tour. They had a free shuttle bus (one of those that looks like a trolley) pick us up shortly after the end of the tour and advertised a free glass to keep with the purchase of a pint of Sam Adams. Doyle's is about a 10 minute shuttle ride from the brewery and it's a fairly fun ride, sine the bus is equipped with party gear and lights inside. The restaurant itself looked pretty nice. It resembled a really old tavern with furniture and decorations that looked like it came from the early 20th century. Food-wise, it was a rather ordinary. They have the usual assortment of American food from nachos and wings to sandwiches for lunch hour. The bus driver recommended clam chowder so I picked a bowl of it and shared a plate of nachos with the table. Clam chowder was nothing really to call home about and the nachos were pretty ordinary. Nothing we got really stood out and were pretty ordinary. They have sizeable menu so it might have been our fault to sample some of the lower hanging fruit on the menu. Overall, it's a nice diversion if you're hungry after the Sam Adam's tour. The food is okay and they have plenty of beer to keep you content. The shuttle bus also comes back around to drive you back to the orange line. You'd probably find better eats back in the city but it's convenient and the free glass is a nice incentive to stop by for a pint.
(3)
Paulina B.

Stopped at Doyle's on a Saturday afternoon following a tour of the Sam Adam's Brewery. The trolley ride to Doyle's was absolutely hysterical, for any of you who have experienced it. We only stayed for one beer. With a quick look around, you can definitely see the long history and cozy, neighborhood feel. Regulars dotted the bar mixed along with tourists and brewery visitors. We really liked that we were able to keep a Sam Adams glass if you showed your tour stamp. Didn't try the food, although some of the stuff coming out of the kitchen looked good.
(3)
Barbara S.

I really enjoyed the food in this place. I came here after the Samuel Adams tour and they mentioned that here you can get a free Samuel Adams glass if you get their beer. I ordered the clam chowder and a veggie burger with sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious and at a reasonable price. The service was fast and the waitress was very friendly. I have never liked clam chowder, but I ordered it because it is a Boston thing, and I'm glad I did! I will definitely come back again!
(5)
Rob K.

This was my second time doing the Sam Adams Brew tour and subsequent visits to DOYLES! Our first visit was back in 2008 prior to the trolley that is run now. Our first visit my wife had a Reuben (loved it) and I had the French Dip. Both were good. This past time she got the grilled cheese and onion rings (both very good) and I got a burger. The burger was good, not great. We did partake in the wonderful special of getting a free Sam Adams pint glass for going on the tour and ordering a Sam Adams beer. I highly recommend the Boston Brick Red which is only available in Boston. This is definately a great bar that is a little off the beaten path. If the Sam Adams tour wasnt a trolley stop away we would never have come here, which we would miss out. We will be back on our next trip to Boston.
(4)
Lyndi S.

BUY THE GLASS! RENT THE BEER! DOYLE'S!! Oh yeah, that happened. The party bus from Sam Adams to Doyle's was a total trip. The trolley driver was a roided out, incredibly funny mix of hyper, music, yelling and well, just LOUDness. It was awesome. I can't tell you how incredibly thrilled and surprised I was to see all of my dreams come true at once. Doyle's was a pretty chill pub/old style cafe with delicious Sam Adams beer options, and boasted what looked to be a pretty tasty menu. Not to mention our server was really nice and took great care of us. I'm sad I didn't stay longer, but I guess I was in town for a wedding or something ridiculous that I had to attend. If you want the true Doyle's Experience, I highly recommend taking the Sam Adams brew tour first. Seriously. Do it. This place DID NOT disappoint.
(5)
Donna B.

Yes, tourists go there. Yes, we were tourists. But we had a great lunch, wonderful service, and a wonderful time. What more can one ask for when visiting a landmark.
(4)
Tracy N.

Came here after the Sam Adams Brewery tour via the party trolley! It was fun! Got additional free beer glasses to the one provided to us during the tour. They have tons of Sam Adams brewskis on tap for your pleasure (love the cherry wheat!) and the food - typical pub/bar food - was on point!
(4)
Karina A.

I stopped here after a tour at Sam Adams Brewery. At first it seemed as if it was an amazing place with all the hype from the brewery. The food was great, I ordered the Boston Clam Chowder. When the bill came, the server accused me of not paying enough money to cover the bill, even though I gave her the full amount and a fair tip. She was extremely rude and yelled at me and snatched the bill from my hands. It turns out she was wrong but the server and management were too embarrassed to even speak to me or give me an apology. I highly doubt I will come here again. It was a horrible experience.
(1)
Ashley D.

3.5 stars the novelty of doyle's is definitely the free party trolly ride and free pint glass from the sam adams brewery tour. they do market themselves well in this aspect because the food and drinks are actually really good. and the trolly guy is a great time. they have a bunch of sam beers on tap (one of the first bars to serve sam adams in the city) and for $5.50 and a brewery tour ticket you buy the beer and keep the glass as a souvenir. the food is great too. sweet potato fries and boston lager beer battered onion rings are my favorites, especially after drinking. my friends have also tried the clam chowder and say it's pretty decent. i wouldn't come out here on my own but for a pre or post-game for the brewery tour down the street it's a great time. friendly bartenders and pretty good service but it does get crazy crowded early afternoons on fridays/saturdays.
(4)
Melanie C.

We stopped off here after doing a tour of the Sam Adams brewery. You get a free Sam Adams glass if you come here after the tour and order a beer. This place is interesting because it's been around since the late 1800's and was the first place to sell Sam Adams, so it's steeped in history. The food is OK - your standard pub fare (I'd recommend the garlic fries) - but the reason to come here is for the beer, as they have a large selection of Sam Adams brews.
(3)
Sara M.

Some friends and I did the post-Brewery lunch here and had a nice lunch. Touristy feel but lots of fun. My turkey club was good (mayo on the side?) and the fries were crispy. BTW - pitchers of bloody marys - woohoo
(4)
Jim S.

Took the Sam Adams tour and trolly here but sat next to some locals at the bar and enjoyed every minute. Had the German plate, substituting German potato salad for the fries. .. Great! about $10. Fun crowd and recommended!
(5)
joyce k.

This is a typical dive bar, but with crappy service and not so good food. We went on a Saturday afternoon and sat at the bar. It wasn't even that busy, but it took forever for someone to take our order. The food wasn't that good either, it wouldn't surprise me if they bought all their stuff frozen at Sam's Club and basically just reheated it. I'm sorry, i wish i could give them more accolades, especially considering that so many movies have been filmed at Doyle's but our experience was just meh.
(2)
Lina L.

perfect after the brewery tour. don't get your sam adams glass at the brewery, come here and order any sam adams beer for 8.50 and you get to keep the glass, just exchange for a new glass at the bar. food here was okay, service was awesome though. i probably would come here again just for the service.
(3)
Jess N.

Wait where's the trolley taking us? Oh Doyle's... I headed hear with a slew of folks after a Sam Adams Brewery tour. The restaurant seemed like it was packed with fellow tour-goers. Party of 9, no reservation during lunch time on a Saturday -- no problem (plus 1). The waitress took our orders promptly. Everyone ordered burgers except for me, I ordered a cup of clam chowder. Yet, I waited for at least 5 minutes while everyone ate for a cup of soup... does it really take that long to scoop (minus 1)? No one really exclaimed about their food, and the clam chowder was average (neutral point). I don't really see any other reason to come here except if you're trying to get a Sam Adams glass on a discount with you brewery ticket... besides, JP is full places my tummy rates more than 2 stars.
(2)
Ashley L.

I always come here after the sam adams brewery tour and so far I've had the reuben the chowder, the sweet potato fries and the pot belly All were delicious and I was them down with a glass of Sam Adams. I especially love this place because they always get exclusive Sam beers like the 26.1 that Sam produced for the marathon, which is my favorite of all time. Love the boston history on the walls and the always patient wait staff.
(5)
JBird Z.

Doyle's is a good place to come to relax with friends, have a few beers, watch a game etc. I wouldn't come here for the first-10th dates though. While the food does lean on the nasty side (They are capable of screwing up onion rings!), I've been pleased with their pizza, burgers, and German Plate (2 kinds of wurst, saukraut, rye bread ...). The wait staff is usually pretty friendly, not around much when it gets busy, the atmosphere is great with interesting photographs, posters, and signs to occupy your eyes while your friend runs to the loo.
(3)
Chris L.

Doyle's existed and was a local institution before it became a stop on the Sam Adams brewery tour and before Mystic River. My grandfather brought my parents to Doyle's in the late 1940s and 1950s. My uncle is in the 1955 Mary Curley School class picture hanging outside the bathrooms. When I was born in 1960 I was brought home to a house a few doors down on Williams Street and my parents brought me in to Doyle's. When my kids were little I brought them to Doyle's. Recently my girlfriend and I visited on a Thursday afternoon. The place was packed. The bartender was hustling filling drink orders for the waitresses, taking orders from the patrons at the bar, and washing the Sam Adams MIT engineered beer glasses as fast as he could. We found a couple seats at the bar. When the bartender came over, He apologized, "I'm good at my job, but I tell you, I'm getting my ass kicked. I'll get to you as soon as get these glasses cleared." In a few minutes, as promised, he took our drink orders: Sam Adams Chocolate Bock and a Sam Adams Brick Red Irish Ale. That's one of the benefits of the Sam Adams/Doyle's alliance: you can find hard to get, if not impossible to find elsewhere, Sam Adams brews. The downside is the Sam Adams party trolley that arrives full of new customers looking for their free MIT engineered Sam Adams glass full of beer. In a bit, the waitress came over. The bartenders don't do food. We ordered New England Boiled Dinner and fish sandwich. Both came quickly and were excellent. I hope Doyle's popularity as a destination on the Sam Adams tour doesn't wreck it as a great place to grab a beer and food. I want it to be around when my kids have kids. And by the way, any real clam chowder worth eating has pork fat in it - smokey, smokey, pork fat.
(5)
Justin R.

STROBE LIGHTS! STRIPPER POLES! FOG MACHINES! KARAOKE! DISCO BALLS! PARTY MUSIC! DOYLE'S!!!!!!!!!! That's exactly how our party bus driver greeted us. Really, it was! It sounds ridiculous, but its true. We took the bus from the Sam Adams Brewery over to Doyle's, because why not? It was free and they were giving us a ride to a bar. Sounds like winning to me. After starting the party bus, he (who I forgot his name) floored it while simultaneously pumping the breaks! This made for an interesting ride over to Doyle's to say the least. Some fellow riders, had a look of fear in there eyes. But now us, we embrace our ride. Once you get to Doyle's you can buy a pint of Sam Adams for $5.50 and keep the awesome Sam Adams glass. Deal? More like steal! The food looked delicious, but we had just eaten, so nothing but beer filled our bellies. If you are at Sam Adams, a ride on the party bus to Doyle's is a must do. Don't worry, if you fly out of your seat there is always a stripper pole to grab onto.
(5)
Susan L.

We were part of the Sam Adams tour so we took the trolley here for lunch and free beer glasses. We ordered what the trolley guy recommended: reuben, onion rings, bison burger, and the lobster roll. He kept going on and on about how the lobster roll is so much cheaper there than in the city. Its true about the cheaper price but it wasn't as amazing as he hyped it up to be. Same goes for the rest of the food, I thought it was better than regular American food but nothing amazing. I will admit that I liked the Sam Adams Cider and normally I don't like any kind of beer. The place is huge so don't worry about not getting a table.
(3)
Tyler L.

We consider ourselves pescetarians although we eat fish very rarely. While taking the party trolly from Sam Adams the driver was gushing about "Doyle's famous clam chowder," so we decided this was going to be one of those times we'd give in. We arrived in a great mood from leaving the brewery and liked the feel of the pub. We promptly ordered two beers (you get to keep the glasses if you have a tour ticket) and put in an order for clam chowder and onion rings. I feel like these are two very safe bets to order in a pub. Well, upon receiving the chowder and giving it a try, I realized it had a funny taste. I definitely detected the taste of pork in my chowder. We asked the waitress and sure enough, there was bacon in the chowder! The menu description definitely did not list bacon. The waitress didn't really apologize or anything - just asked if we wanted cream of mushroom or another soup. Eventually we asked to talk to the manager, if only to make ourselves feel better. We went on to explain to him what had happened and that we hadn't eaten pork since another restaurant blind-sided us. He said he was sorry in a manner that seemed disingenuous, then said, "Doesn't clam chowder always have bacon in it?" NO!!! Never in my life have I ordered clam chowder and received a bowl with pig-flesh in it. Maybe you'd be fine with this place if you eat meat but we rate it NSFV: NOT SAFE FOR VEGETARIANS!
(2)
Saejin L.

Brought here after the Sam Adams tour like everyone else. The free bus ride here from the brewery and back to the T is great! Food is alright. I had the french dip, my friend had the pastrami with sweet potato fries, and my other friend had the lobster sandwich. Out of the three the pastrami was the best. Their portions are quite large and no one at our table was remotely close to finishing their plate. Lots of wasted fries. Sad. The sweet potato fries are better than the steak fries. It was difficult to get the attention of a server and they seem rushed, but it's all a part of the charm of the place, I suppose.
(3)
Ryan W.

For drinks and apps, you can't beat it. For a free Sam Adams glass if you've gone through the free Sam Adams tour- it doesn't get much better. It's a few blocks from the Sam Adams Brewery and they talked it up during the tour. My fiance and I went here for a drink and some onion rings after our tour. For less than $20, we had two beers (Sam Adams Chocolate Cherry Bock, TRY IT!), an order of onion rings- and we got to take home two Sam Adams glasses. Pretty awesome. Service was nice. Atmosphere was nice. Price wasn't bad. I don't have many complaints about this place. Not sure i'd go here to drink as its more of a restaurant-type pub. If you're doing the Sam Adams tour, make sure you take the free shuttle here to get your Sam Adams glass.
(4)
Heather S.

Like many others, we ventured here via the post-brewery tour "Party Trolley." We hadn't originally planned a trip, but the free ride, free pint glass with a beer purchase, and the fact that we were basically drunk and hungry at noon detoured us to Doyle's. Glad we went! It was a fun, friendly atmosphere. The waitress was great and the clam chowda was delish!
(4)
Andrew R.

"Yay! I'm a fan." says it all - if only for the simple fact that it's the best place to get a free Sam pint glass (aside from swiping it from somewhere - but you wouldn't do that, right?)
(4)
Jeffrey K.

Stony Brook on the Orange Line! As it seems with everyone else, we hit up Doyle's after the Sam Adam's brewery tour. One can tell that this place's sole purpose in life is to receive the drunken patrons of the tour :-) You have to go here after the tour because (a) the party trolley on the way over is pretty much the best thing ever (see my review of the Brewery and it's reference to stripper poles, etc), and (b) you need to get the Sam Adams special glass; it's cheaper and you get beer in it. That being said, they're not so hot. The food is standard american/irish pub grub, and the service is really slow. They're certainly riding on their guaranteed business from Sam Adams. So I suggest going there once after your first time to Sam Adams for the fun and the glass. Everytime after the first, just go if you're with someone who's never been, or you need more of the glasses.
(2)
Dawn E.

I'm pretty sure our AWESOME Waitress, Mary, was my mother's waitress when she went here in the late 60's. She was just the right combination of ornery and sweet. LOVED HER. None of our stuff came out together, but that wasn't her fault, since no one ordered together. And she had no issues creating a separate check when I asked in advanced. The setting it okay... run of the mill Irish pub except maybe a little bit too well lit. But then, in that part of town, maybe too well lit isn't such a bad idea. The food was pretty damned good. No one ordered anything that wasn't bar food so maybe that had something to do with it, but even bar food can be bad. Also, I have a strawberry shortcake which was tasty and not too big. And Murphy's Stout for $4? WIN!
(4)
Alexis B.

DOYLE'S!?! What happened?? You used to be so great. We went there twice this weekend. Twice? Yes twice. First we were told they were serving lunch. All I wanted was a burger and onion rings. We sit we decide our order the waitress comes over and no lunch. Excuse me but the definition of brunch is breakfast and lunch. So we left. Went back the next day. Again promised they had burgers. They did! Yay! 3 burgers, onion rings, and chowder. It takes thirty minutes for the rings to come out. Ok. We mow them down. It's quite unearthly how fast they are gone. We wait. We wait. We have been there for over an hour and fifteen minutes now. The waitress is really nice and brings us out fries. If they can make fries- why can't they make burgers? I don't get it. Finally after an hour and fourty minutes we get the check and leave burgerless. I don't know what happened or much less don't care. We will not return to this establishment as long as I live in Boston. Wow Doyle's way to lose a customer!
(1)
Amanda S.

NEWS FLASH- Doyle's now accepts credit cards! This is great for those of us who never carry any cash. The people at Doyle's are so friendly and accomodating. The menu has a good selection of your classic bar food- potato skins, buffalo wings, burgers (including a veggie), sandwiches (great reubens- I had the turkey), soups & salads. Everything with the exception of the dinner plates is around $8, dinner plates are $15+. A simple children's menu is also available. Doyle's can look a bit menacing from the outside, but step on in and the place is warm & inviting- plenty of seating in the bar, but also additional rooms with tables/booths if you prefer to dine outside of the bar.
(4)
Brian D.

I'm making an effort to go to every pub that I've basically written off over the last few years to give them a second chance. This is my way of contributing to the economic recovery. Aren't I a very conscientious citizen? You can read 'citizen' as 'rummy' if you so choose. For your benefit I may even spell check this review. I end up at Doyle's usually about twice a year. It's never anything to rave about. Unless. Unless you are part of a kick ass party or unless you are already hammered and there on St. Paddy's Day to see all the local Boston semi political celebrities. It's pissah, kid. Here are some things to know about this joint: -The service at Doyle's is so hit or miss. -The food quality at Doyle's is so hit or miss. -There is often a wait for a table. Coming with a group, either call or bring your patience cap. -The atmosphere at Doyle's is always colorful. -Mediocre beer list. -Tuesday is trivia night. -The ATM machine charges a $3 surcharge. -They DO accept credit cards (this is a recent upgrade). -The Sunday brunch is hell on earth but excellent people watching. -Somebody punched a hole in the door to the men's room. -There are 3 parking lots. -Children tend to run wild in the aisles and climb the booths like monkeys. -The booths are tiny and will cause loss of circulation in your thighs and lower back. Dr. Brian recommends a stiff drink to offset this agony. All in all. Doyle's is totally mehhhhhhhhhh. But. I just can't give this place 2 stars. It really is a neighborhood haunt, despite all the tourists that love it and come through for the Sam Adams Brewery Tour (which is a total waste for beer geeks but fun for everybody else). It's a classic. For god's sake it's had cameos in movies (Mystic River). Go at least once and form your own opinion.
(3)
Kelsy S.

I really enjoyed Doyle's. It's nice that they have the free shuttle from the Sam Adams Brewery and it's even nicer that you get a free Sam Adams glass with your first beer purchase (after having gone to the tour). The shuttle ride has a colored disco ball and the driver makes it seem like it's a party bus, which is funny. The clam chowder was REALLY tasty and creamy (but not too heavy), my husband and I loved it. I had the tuna melt and it was very good with a good amount of flavor (not bland like some tuna melts I've had). The "garlic" fries were good...except that they didn't really taste like garlic at all. I asked the waitress about it and she said they just sprinkle garlic salt to make them garlic fries. It doesn't really work in my opinion. A sweet potato fry got mixed in on accident and it was very good :) My husband had the mozzarella garlic bread. The marinara sauce that came with it was pretty gross, but the bread was good dipped in the chowder.
(4)
Jenna A.

After touring the Sam Adams brewery, my friends and I hopped on the party trolley to come here. We wanted something quick to eat and, of course, to get a couple free glasses. I had the potato skins and... meh. Worst potato skins I've ever had. Service... was... really... s... l... o... w. Ask for a beer and it takes ten minutes to show up. When the waitress brought my friends burgers and fries, she neglected to bring ketchup. And she never checked to see if I needed more water or anything. But yes, the ride here is free. And for the cost of a beer ($4 or $5), you get a free glass. And the food is pretty cheap. I guess it's worth coming here if you're going on the Sam Adams tour.
(2)
D. B.

Gourmet food this is not, but Doyle's is a great place to go to grab a bite to eat and a couple of drinks. It's got neighborhood-pub-charm, and that's enough for me! My friends and I used to frequent the place for lunch during the work week or dinner and drinks. (Once a week Doyle's offers STUMP trivia... it's free to play and the winners usually win gift certificates to Doyle's -- runners up win free shirts, mugs, etc.) I've never been disappointed with my food at Doyle's. Over the years I've tried a bunch of pub classics: turkey club, salads, turkey burger, all manner of appetizers (nachos, potato skins, etc.), sweet potato fries, the pizza, and even some of the "fancier" dishes that occasionally grace the menu. My friends favorites also include the BLT, the German plate, the Reuben, and a few of the dinner specials. The service isn't particularly great, nor is the atmosphere anything to write home about. That being said, Doyle's can (and does) easily accommodate large parties with virtually no notice. They're willing to let us sit around for a few hours having dinner, playing trivia, and having a drink. In fact, if you're looking for somewhere to loiter, I'd vote for Doyle's -- I've never felt like I'm getting the boot. The food is reasonably priced, the drinks are good, and it's a good place to gather with a group of friends.
(4)
Ally M.

I loved the feel and decor of this bar, very New England. We stopped off here after going to the Sam Adam's brewery. I had already made dinner reservations at another place beforehand but had I not; we would've eaten here. The food looked and smelled delicious! They have an extensive beer draft list. A must stop if you take the Sam Adam's tour. The guy that drives the trolley is hands down one of the funniest characters I've ever met!!
(5)
Christina V.

We came here after the Samuel Adams tour to score some free beer glasses! The waitress was efficient, and really helpful when we inquired on the seemingly nonexistent nightlife around the area. I ordered the 'wing-dings' with the buffalo sauce on the side (she said they were really spicy) and my fiance ordered a burger and fries. All of our food was DELICIOUS! Seriously.. and I'm not just saying that because I was beer buzzed when I went in there!! lol My fiance and i couldn't have had a better time! GO DOYLES!!!!!! LOVE YA!!
(5)
Roni E.

Ohhhh Doyle's. His place is really nothing special, really. It's roomy, got a bunch of booths. Even a phone booth. But Doyle's seem to be more of a sit down kinda place than an actual bar. Me likes they have a menu. But..... there really wasn't anything that particularly jumped out at me. John and I ended up splitting the buffalo chicken and the garlic fries. Hmmm..... the garlic fries, aren't really all that garlicky. They just seemed like regular fries to me. Can we please get some garlic up in here? The buff chicken - probably frozen tenders with buffalo sauce poured over it. The margarita - mehhhh I've had better. But Mary, our server, she was great for dealing with us and thank you for that. Although I wasn't impressed with neither the food or the drinks, I did enjoy the atmosphere and the way they are set up. The overly large booths allows you to have up to 8 or 9 Yelpers in 1 booth and enough privacy because of the tall backs, that you don't need to worry about having "dirty" conversations.
(3)
Diane S.

After the sammuel adams brewery tour we went here to doyle's via the free trolly to get our free glasses! I had the most amazing beer here it was dark & I'm pretty sure cherry chocolate flavored. Prices were moderate I spent $40 on 5 beers & a side of fries including tip. My buddy said the fries were amazing, they were good but my heart belongs to McDonald's & red robins bottomless fries haha! I was so drunk, and had to pee every 30 minutes literally! Thank goodness their bathroom was clean. We also had a shot of alcohol at this bar & my bestie was raving about the bartender being so generous with the glass of diet coke. I suggest going here after your tour, grad a bite to eat, get some sam adams beer served no where else & get your free glass :)
(4)
Rob C.

If i had only an hour or so to give an out-of-towner a flavor of Boston, i think i could probably do worse than taking them to Doyle's. It's dingy, old, used, and comfortable, replete with memorabilia from politicians famous and otherwise. The waitstaff seem like they've been there forever, and our waitress was very grandmotherly and nice. They pour a good Guinness and have a convenient arrangement with the nearby Sam Adams brewery whereby they have a good selection of their beers. It's a good beer selection in general. They've got comfy booths, a big, long bar, several big rooms, and the only TVs are at the bar if you want to avoid that sort of thing. The food is pretty standard pub food, simple, but tasty and done well. It goes well with beer, not unlike myself.
(4)
Josephine F.

Getting here was so fun, the crazy free bus ride, from San Adams Brewery tour. The bus driver really made the trip to Doyle's extra interesting, loud music, disc lights, strip pole and the way he braked OMG better hang on to your seats. They were busy and I had my heart set on the Bison Burger but they were all sold out! So Cheeseburger it was, and it was juicy and cooked just right. The fries were still hot! / i1221.photobucket.com/alâ€¦ Hubby ordered Grilled Reuben Sandwich, wow after a few bites of his sandwich I think I ate most of his, very tasty. / i1221.photobucket.com/alâ€¦ Fast & Friendly service.
(4)
Walker H.

I biked to this place with a friend who lives nearby in Jamaica plain. The food was decent, the beer selection was alright (they're right down the street from the Sam Adams Brewery & I've been told were one of the first places to serve Sam Adams beer), and the service was friendly and fairly efficient.
(3)
Opal L.

I live close to this place and it's reliable in terms of getting a good meal for a reasonable price. I love the lamb dinner (when they have it) on Saturday nights. Otherwise, the turkey dinner or pizza are great options. If you have friends coming to visit, it's a great place to go because they serve typical American food with Sam Adams beer. The paintings and decorations on the wall with Paul Revere, Bill Clinton, and other famous people would make any red-blooded American proud. Just remember that this is a pub. Don't go expecting high class gourmet food. It can get noisy because there is no carpeting and there might be a lot of people in there. Just enjoy the beer and the big piles of food!
(4)
George W.

Old-school Boston at it's finest/worst. I'm 3rd generation Bostonian, so (probably) like all of you natives I have a love hate relationship with our fair city. Here's the quick lowdown, cause no one wants to hear my life story: The Wicked Pissah: -Great chowda-clammy, creamy, baconish. -Good Guiness pour-clean tap lines -You get free glassware if you tell them you went on the Sam Adams tour -Badass breakfast hash. It'll put meat on your bones and kill a JP yuppie dad at first bite. -JFK ate here -Boston cops and firemen eat here -Big place, easy to get a table -Decent pizza -Folks from the area run the joint, a true Boston restaurant. The frickin bullshit dude: -You apparently need 750 years of experience to be on the waitstaff. They all have Alzheimer's and will forget that they sat you, or got your order, or you asked for the check or that the civil war is over. The bartenders are fine. -Weak Bloody Marys. No booze in them at all. -Drunk ass brawlers hang out there at night. I don't mind, just be aware. -Folks from the area run the joint, a true Boston restaurant.
(4)
juan g.

It may be a tourist trap, but it's a tourist trap with some personality and a free Sam Adam's glass. They partner with Sam Adam's and shuttle people to and from it so there is a continuous stream of folks being shipped in semi liquored up state who are looking to continue there lush ways all day. I know, I was lushered in at a little past noon. Standard bar fare, wings, burgers, pizza. I had a cheeseburger with a few fine Boston lagers to accompany my meal. The service is sufficient, not to shabby for a place this large. The food is good; it's a bar after all so don't expect some gourmet grub here. The best part IMO is the ton of posters and items they have hanging on the walls all over the place. The joint is huge and everywhere you look WWII, WWI, Vietnam memorabilia is up. Remember TOJO is watching!
(3)
Amanda B.

Rating: 3.5 stars. The best thing about Doyle's is their great selection of beer. We came here right after the Sam Adam's brewery tour. The free trolley and promise of more beer was all we needed to hear. I had the grilled cheese with tomato and sweet potato fries and the cherry wheat sam adams. The grilled cheese was good - a diner version of the grilled cheese I know and love from childhood. But the sweet potato fries - wow. just wow. LOVED those. I think they're somewhat common in Boston, but this was my introduction to them - and I'm so glad we finally met! The cherry wheat ale was also really great. They paired well together too. I haven't been able to find the cherry wheat ale since then. The booths seemed old - I could tell Doyle's had been around for while. The ladies room was older too. The toilets took a minute to flush - and the whole place felt a little muggy. But overall, it was a pleasant ambiance with a wide variety of people there. Families with small children, as well as business lunches. And although they weren't the friendliest, the waitstaff never kept us waiting for very long.
(4)
A H.

Took the party trolley from the Sam Adams brewery and ate the best lobster roll ever! This place is great. And Jason, the trolley driver, is hilarious. The only downside is the service. They're really slow here, especially when it gets even remotely busy. So, be prepared to wait.
(4)
Christopher W.

Overall terrible experience here. Incredibly loud due to the fact that the place was packed with tour groups (which was to be expected), but the hostess made no effort to speak over the volume, and disappeared for minutes at a time while "allegedly" preparing tables. We then waited about 15 minutes for someone to serve us, but to no avail. Finally flagged down a waitress who notified a rather grouchy lady with pour hygiene that we had been seated in her section. I ordered a burger which was mediocre, and the rest of my group ordered a flavorless chowder, a sub-par pastrami sandwich and a "non-traditional" Caesar salad that came with eggs and tomatoes and showed up as a Greek salad on the bill. We didn't even bother ordering beers from our waitress; it would have taken longer to eat our meal than to actually get our drink orders filled. The whole ordeal took about an hour and a half, during which we saw our waitress twice. Good riddance Doyle's. You have successfully lowered my standards for dive bars.
(2)
Jill G.

Not so great food, but the atmosphere is cute and the drinks are pretty standard. The Sam Adam's Brewery Tour recommends you to Doyle's afterwards, and if you get a drink there you get to keep your glass. A nice perk!
(3)
Sean J.

Good drink selection and the food seems great. But why do I have to sit on the toilet for hours after I go to you.. Take out the Olean from your deep fryer :(
(3)
Stephen K.

Doyle's is an institution - they know it and they milk it for all it's worth. The whole Boston Irish diaspora theme is plastered all over the walls, with pictures of famous Boston pols everywhere. The food is more expensive than it should be and the service can be very spotty. However, the fact of the matter is that this is an awesome place to get drunk.
(3)
Sarah S.

It gets an A+ for atmosphere, but the food's really not all that good. The most disappointing thing, foodwise, is that they don't have the full menu on weekends until like, 4pm or some shit. When I go out for a beer after my softball game, usually I'm not looking for an american cheeze omelet to go with it, ya know? The beer selection's quite good. The regular menu's hit or miss, with almost nothing in the way of vegetarian fare, and the brunch menu kinda blows. The service is pretty good, and they can usually seat large parties (like a softball team) pretty quickly because they're so large. So if you have a big group, it's a good place to go and have some chance of being seated.
(3)
Margery G.

Went to Doyle's for a beer after work. We sat at the bar where the bartender carefully ignored us-- too busy taking out the trash. After waiting a while, we walked out, went to James Gate (which was great).
(2)
Melissa C.

This is a great spot for drinks and bar food. It is super casual, has an authentic feel, and friendly service. Decent beer selection and big food portions. The food is a little pricey, but hey, it's Boston.
(4)
Matthew M.

Doyle's is the kind of place that fits the stereotype of Irish Boston. It's no wonder so many movies that take place in Boston include scenes that were shot here. The food is mediocre-to-good, depending on what you order, but really, this is just a great place to come with a group of friends to drink Guinness and chill (or to watch a sox game!). I do have one caveat: NEVER go here on St. Patrick's day. A group of friends and I tried it this year and wound up waiting in line for two hours to get in. What was the reward for being so patient/persistent? Some drunken fratboy almost jumped me when I complained to the bouncer that he cut in front of us in line. The drunkard was allowed in ... we weren't. We wound up going somewhere else where the crowd was less belligerent. What upsets me the most is that the guys working the door refused to tell us when they would let more people in, that it could be "any minute" but that they weren't sure. All they had to do was say "it'll be awhile" and we would have gone somewhere else and saved everybody alot of frustration. Instead, 2 hours of our lives were slowly leached out of us, you know, kind of like when you've been waiting for the bus for a long time and you're tempted to just walk, but you keep thinking "I've been waiting so long that it HAS to come soon," but it never does, and you spend twice as long waiting as it would have taken you to walk, if you had only known? It was kind of like that, only with lots of drunken frat-types surrounding you. Nevertheless, despite my rant, one bad experience does not a bad review make. Doyle's is definitely one of my favorite places in Boston overall.
(5)
Tanya C.

The best chowda! The services was good during the lunch rush.
(4)
Kate M.

Had fish and chips waiting for a Sam Adams brewery tour, they were surprisingly good. Could've been that my expectations are lower unless it's a real chip shop. Great beer selection (natch) if you're into that kind of thing. No complaints.
(3)
Jenn H.

im sorry to say this but Doyles is wayy over rated. The food is just not good. Their turkey special, i felt as if i was going to throw up, the whole thing tasted like in was soaked in alcohol. Their fish is dry. I wouldn't waste my money in there anymore.
(1)
Day B.

This place is just all-around fun to be at. They've got a good tap selection, they are open late, tv show the games, lots of tables. The food is actually really good, especially brunch. It's a real Boston-feel hangout, esp. on Saturdays. However, they don't accept credit cards...aarrggghhhh! I saw that someone else here doesn't like the little salads, but I happen to really like them. Yeah, they are iceberg and all, but they are pretty yummy with the topings, and their creamy italian dressing tastes good.
(4)
Max N.

Dismal. Awful food, depressing atmosphere (overwhelmingly huge and charmless). If I want an Irish pub, I'll go to the utterly charming little gem of Matt Murphy's in Brookline, with extremely good food, hearty Irish soda bread, friendly waitstaff, and excellent non-beer drinks. (I drink nearly any alcoholic beverage, but not beer.)
(1)
Susan D.

I came here for a Saturday brunch. They accommodated our 12+ group rather quickly even sans reservations. My end of the table got mostly lunch items on which I can only comment. Personally I got a burger with mushroom and cheese. It had a fancy name that I fail to remember, probably related to something or someone local. It was decent though overcooked for medium-well. My significant other got the garlic fries, which taste fine - sorta like steak fries. And a pal got his burger with the sweet potato fries, which were great! Overall, the food was typical bar/commercial American-style food that please most people's palate. Though nothing extraordinary. This place is actually a 3.5 stars, mainly for good service and good location from the Sam Adams Brewery.
(3)
Kristina M.

A longstanding institution in the area this place certainly has history. A good old-school pub that you should have visited at least once if you live in the area, but all in all it's average as far as food and service go.
(3)
matt o.

Its average in a good way
(3)
David R.

Came here after the Sam Adams tour. Showed my tour stamp and bought my Sam Adams and got to keep the "pefect pint" glass. Stayed for some chowder, got it in the bread bowl. Best bread bowl chowder I've ever had.
(4)
Amanda G.

Went to Doyles on a sat night hoping it'd be some cool irish pub - not quite happening. More a family dinner scene and an older bar crowd, but the bartender was nice and people were chill locals so wouldn't be so bad to make it your towny bar. I always see lots of people smoking outside.... does that make you wanna go? or not go?
(3)
Jamie F.

Came here for breakfast...while the service was a bit slow, especially since we were pretty much the only customers there, the food was decent. Try the poached eggs and hash. However, the highlight for me was their Bloody Mary's. The best I've had in quite a while! I'd definitely go back again, just for those.
(4)
alex f.

It's your prototypical Irish mob front with cheapish tap beers and turkey burgers that aren't cooked all the way through. Two doors from the Midway it provides an easy place to save 50 cents a beer before marching into the bedlams that are lesbian dance nights, and is always an ideal spot for eating fried food after a Sam Adam's Brewery tour that you're still questioning why you went. You'll be served by someone who could care less about you, but if you don't mind that and the tribes of sox fans enjoy! But in all seriousness cut your turkey burger in half before eating it to check for raw pink spots.
(2)
Nancy N.

It pains me to write this, but since no one has been listening to me for several years, i feel obliged. I've been a regular at Doyle's since before the Orange line came down. For those non-Bostonians out there, that means over 20 years. I know the joint. Firstly let me say that the atmosphere is fabulous. High tin ceilings, old dark wooden bar, oak booths, creaky wooden floors (ok half wood and half worn-out linoleum!) large painted murals on the walls and oodles of political paraphernalia everywhere. I only sit in the front room as, for me, that is the real Doyles (the back two rooms were added in the early 90s) The wait staff are terrific- most of them have been working there for several years, if not decades. The beer menu is top-notch. Naturally it features Sam Adams' products, but there are plenty others to choose from. (though why go outside the Sam family, I don't know!) Now for the not-so-nice part. The food, which was never stellar, has been going steadily downhill for years. The last two years it has only accelerated. The pizza was always reliable, but even that isn't worth it anymore. The burgers- meh. The potato skins, ok (at least they still use real potatoes and bacon) Is it worth stopping in here? Yes. Great libations and a hip atmosphere; just don't go with any expectations of good food. .
(2)
Marcus D.

Doyles is great for beers only - the food sucks. Friends born and bred in JP warned me, but I had to see first hand - I think I've eaten there twice and both times were disappointing (the restaurant service was horrible). That aside, it's a fun time sitting at the bar - you will always meet a character or two and enjoy some laughs. They have a great selection of beers and the bartenders are cool. The place smells old (like Amrheins before they ruined it) and it's a haunt of all the State House hacks - check the newspapers, if some politico dies or a relative of a sitting solon kicks the bucket, chances are if the burial is at Forest Hills, there will be some very thirsty mourners knocking back a few at Doyles, whether it be the Postmaster of Boston or the Mayor Mumbles. A friend decribed Doyles as what Cheers the TV show tried to impress on people but in reality the real Cheers is a HUGE joke. For better food, hit the Galway House on Centre St.
(3)
Bonnie G.

Great for large groups or just having a drink with a friend/date at the bar. Food is fine, drinks are well poured and I think I am always too drunk to notice the music. This place IS Boston in a way and deserves a visit if you are from outta town. If you live in Boston, get your ass over here-this is the REAL John Hancock.
(4)
seana m.

If you don't know Doyle's you must be living under a rock. You don't need a car to get there either. You can take the Orange line to Green Street and walk up Washington Street to get there. You'll often see local politicians like Menino and his cohorts. Many movies and TV shows have been shot there. One time I visited and the cast of Boston Public was filiming. The place is huge. Go over for a beer after work or for Sunday brunch, after a softball game with the whole team, or for takeout. Great burgers, beef stew, soups, pizza, and more.
(5)
Charlie J.

You don't go to this place for the food but if you are careful you can be happy with what you order. If you are a tourist, you MUST go to Doyle's as the atmosphere is really amazing. Make sure you don't visit Boston without going to Doyle's at least once. Limited vegetarian menu but they do have a veggie burger and you can order the veggies of the day as side orders. If you love imported beer and history, you will love this place. It really is a favorite for locals, in fact, 95% of their business is local so it can't be all that bad. The locale can be creepy if you are from small town USA so just go for lunch instead of dinner. New Yorkers will be comfortable going there any time of the day. Parking in the back as well as on the street and additional parking down the small lane across from the entrance. Breakfast is the most dependable meal. You will be happy with anything you order. For lunch or dinner, ask your waitperson for suggestions.
(5)
Mike C.

one of my all time favorites,an original Boston Landmark that still maintains Boston character, Great selection of beer, serves brunch, pizza and dinner, Food is solid, Dinner specials daily, pretty good pizza, worth the visit
(4)
P D.

Great destination for a lazy weekend breakfast. Great atmosphere, good food, good service. Yum!
(4)
Jean J.

Decent food. Horrible service. I usually only go now if I have guests who want to go somewhere "famous".
(3)
patrick g.

They only place I really want to have breakfast in JP. Irish to a fault - you've never seen so many Kennedy and Pope pictures on the wall in one place. Sweet potato fries? Divine corned beef hash? Surly Boston Irish waitresses? And the bar's whiskey selection is second to none.
(4)
chungo m.

not so hot food. not so fast service. good cheap everything and nice bathrooms.
(3)
Christopher M.

I should first say that I live right around the corner from Doyle's and therefore order Doyle's take-out probably more often than I should. The food is typical of most bars, but they do have some exceptionally delicious items. I'm in love with the Reuben, best I've ever had, hands down. The burgers are all quality (not quite Bartley's, but...), the Caribbean Chicken Wings come with a very unique, delicious sauce and the Royal Turkey Dinner special is exactly what you want it to be. Contrary to other comments, I truly think their breakfast is solid. They may not have the unique charm of Sorella's or Centre St. Cafe, but damn do they know how to cook eggs! If you want a perfect set of eggs over easy, with good home fries and toast, don't waste your time in line anywhere else in JP. And I really should say that I think their pizza is a solid pie. Fresh tomatoes can always be tasted in the sauce and the crust is far superior to nearby Burritos Pizzeria. Same Old Place might be a little better, but they're both quality pizzas. The recent credit card thing is nice too.
(5)
Kyle F.

the food is hit or miss (i do say they have some fantastic sandwiches and turkey burgers), but it's the atmosphere that make's Doyle's great. the history. and the excellent beer selection.
(4)
Lacey P.

If you come here for breakfast you better have all day to spend here, because these people are slooooowwwww.. I once ordered a pizza for breakfast on Halloween. And also french toast and fries. Ok I had a hangover. So the pizza came first but not the rest of the food and as a waitress myself I know it is not cool to bring just some of the food, unless of course it is an appetizer, which a pizza isn't. Then after we had eaten the pizza, which was good, we tried to tell the waitress that we didn't want the other food because it was taking too long and we didn't really feel that good, and she insisted that we wait for it and pay for it and take it home. It wasn't very good out of a styrofoam box. I have mixed reviews of this place. So the decor is nice and it has history, but I live up the street from it ,and I don't frequent it.
(2)
Joe B.

Doyle's is certainly a cool piece of history. But it should be noted that it is more of a cafe than it is a bar. The bar area is right in the same area you see families with little kids eating, and it's very bright. So it's a cool place, but you'd rather take your mother there to eat than go with friends to drink. I still give it 4 stars for having a really unique atmosphere though.
(4)
Max B.

I have been going to Doyle's since I was about four years old and climbing obnoxiously all over the comfortable privacy of their massive, wooden booths. For the family with the younguns, Doyle's offers a friendly, appropriate atmosphere; for the of-age, they have a large, stocked bar and plently of reasonably-priced Americana for your consuming pleasure. Excellent potato skins, big ol' cheeseburgers, and yes, it is very, very Irish, and very, very Boston. Go eat.
(4)
Merri L.

i lived fairly close to this place for a couple of years and my then roommates were fans of this place. i thought it was ok. the food was average pub food, but a little bit worse tasting. i didnt like the pizza. the veggie burger is very yummy tho. the fruit pancakes are not. i once got a free strawberry shortcake for lunch on my birthday! dont try to get in here for st patricks day, its too packed. i went one year for new years and it was very cheesy but fun. they had dinner and a champagne toast at midnight. i think the price went up from that, and i didnt want to do it again, but it was fun for once. so, a local hang out type place to get irishy pub food and know you're in a place that's famous enough to have lots of politicians and tv shows want to go there.
(3)
Ellie L.

Back before gastropubs and microbreweries were de rigeur, there was Doyle's in Jamaica Plain. Founded in 1882, this iconic Irish bar is a brick and mortar testament to latter-day Boston. From the crusty bartenders to the peeling green paint, every inch of this corner spot breathes Beantown atmosphere. With expertly poured pints, murals of lush Irish hills, and side-by-side posters of Uncle Sam and Sam Adams, Doyle's offers history without pretense. While you might not hear the latest music, you will taste the most recent seasonal beers from nearby breweries, which are offered along a selection of reasonably priced imports and toxic-looking Scotches. You'll more likely meet a suited politician than a potential suitor, so don't be afraid to sprawl in an ancient wooden booth, order a burger and a Guinness, and even drop a casual "wicked cool" into the conversation---it doesn't get more local than this.
(4)
Melissa B.

Great place for a pint & a burger. The food used to be better when I was a kid, but now I'm more interested in the Guinness.
(4)
bruno p.

my favorite indoor spot in boston. 'nuff said. good times.
(5)
Peter C.

DOYLES!!! (fist clench, pump) PROS: Free Sam Adams fancy (Scientific) glass when you order a Sam Adams. They say you need your tour ticket from Sam Adams brewery, but no one ever asks for mine, and I've been here 5 times (and counting), with large groups of friends visiting. Free Shuttle/Trolley over to Doyles from Sam Adams Brewery. Perfect to get lunch right after the tour, especially if you were guilty of pouring multiple beers using the left over pitcher excess that no one else wanted during the tasting. You know who you are! Don't drive, get some food and free glass via the shuttle ride to Doyles. Even if you only go to Doyle's for the glass, ride the Party Trolley. That thing is awesome. The driver/host guy (Jason), if off the hook. And I never use that term, EVER. He's literally the most excited person I've ever seen in my life. He's an internet meme... personified. The guy throws out movie references, history, trivia, you name it. Tip him!! He works hard to bring you laughs. DOYLES!! Some of the food is average, or slightly better than average. Reuben, Sweet Potato Fries, Clam Chowder, German Plate, the Burger... come to mind. CONS: The rest of the food at Doyles is really lackluster. Honestly, I had a few pretty bad things there, but most of it wasn't too exciting for me. Lobster roll wasn't great. And most of the stuff is greasy, average bar food, that Doyles doesn't seem to care to elevate, because they get the brewery traffic non-stop. OVERALL: I'd never go out of my way to go to Doyles to eat. BUT, to have a Sam Adams, get a free glass, buy a tee shirt, and maybe share an appetizer as I got buzzed... it's perfect. The attachment to Sam Adams Brewery and the free trolley make Doyle's a MUST visit.
(4)
Jess L.

I'm obviously not alone for only knowing about this place because of the Sam Adams tour. Just because I have to state it: Trolley at the end of the Sam Adams tour, crazy driver, DOYLES!, oldest highshcool, yada yada, get to DOYLES! Honestly guys, I was just there for the free glass you get by showing them your tour ticket. That being said, our waitress was sweet, the place had a really cool old vibe to it, and it was a super fun time because we had been amped up for it. If you're on the Sam Adams tour and don't have plans for a meal, hop on the trolley to DOYLES!
(4)
Michael P.

We, like pretty much everyone here, came from the Sam Adams beer tour to have lunch and claim our free glass. The service here was pretty good, Fast with bringing food and drinks. Friendly too! So you know the deal, come here after your Sam tour (either walking, cab or trolley) and order a Sam product and you can keep the glass - can't go wrong with that. I had the Bison burger. The meat is delicious but I did notice that it was overcooked for medium. This lead to it tasting a little drier than I like. The rest of the meal was great. The steak fries they serve with the burger are amazing. I'll definitely be back - be sure to come here after Sam to get your free glass! I hope they can fix whatever seems to be the issue that they seem to have where they overcook the meat. I'll be sure to upgrade to 5 stars if they do that.
(4)
Jennifer T.

Came here after going on the Sams Adam Brewery tour and so glad we did!! If you come and order a beer after your tour you get to keep your Sam Adams beer glass. They even have a great little station set up to wrap your glass in so you can get it safely home. Now onto what I really want to review and why the 5 stars. The Lobster Roll!! Which our trolley driver said was the best. So we figured we would give it a try and I'm so glad we did!! Best lobster roll, perfectly tender lobster not to much dressing..... Perfect! The only negative is that I want and crave it everyday. And now that I am back home it's not making me very happy!!
(5)
Emma H.

I've gone to Doyles Cafe sporadically throughout the years and it is your typical local Irish pub provided with a great selection of beers and historic decorations. The best thing about this place has to be their partnership with Sam Adams and having fresh brew on staff daily. As a big Sam Adams fan, it's great to go to a place with all the latest and greatest Sam Adam's brew's. As for the food--it's typically pub food. Not amazing nor terrible, but slightly in between. I suggest getting seafood or burgers here since the salad's aren't that great. Fun spot to check out local history in Boston and would recommend it to those who go on the brewery tour since you get to keep the beer glass you drink out of.
(4)
Jennifer G.

This restaurant is very mediocre. I came here after a Sam Adam's Brewery Tour, and I had high hopes, but...ultimately those hopes were crushed. I like the selection of Sam Adams. I ordered a cup of clam chowder and a pastrami sandwich to share with a friend. The chowder was decent, but nothing special. Pastrami sandwich took forever to come, and service was slow. Our waitress messed up our order and kept forgetting to bring waters, messed up our check, among many other things. The pastrami sandwich was so underwhelming. The meat was extremely dry, and I took forever to eat it. Fries were just average. I'm glad I got to try this restaurant for the experience, but I won't be coming back.
(2)
Georgie M.

I remember passing Doyle's back in the day. Jamaica Plain in the late 80s was in transition. The Green Line was not in the best of shape and a lot of homes were rundown, a few in foreclosure. Well all that has changed, hasn't it? Doyle's was one of those great bars that somehow managed to survive. Heck, even flourish, thanks to a little help from their friends. Now this may all be urban legend, but it is rumored the Sam Adams had its start here. Right here. What hasn't changed is that it's still a great place, good food, even better stuff on tap. I forgot all about this place until the Tour was over and I was heading here to pickup my free glass and hoping the the cook hadn't gone home. LOL I've taken a few photos of the interior and one of the exterior. If those floor boards and knotty wood bar could talk. Yes, a little corny, but Doyle's is old school. Very old school. I would have come here even if there wasn't a tie-in with Sam Adams, but only if I knew there were still here! Well, they are. Enjoy! PS -- Order the Reuben, it's delicious. Or maybe, that's the Sam Adams talking.
(4)
Patty G.

DOYLES!!! A free trolley takes you to Doyles if you come from the Sam Adams brewery. If you show them your ticket from the brewery you get to keep your Sam Adams glass when ordering a Sam Adams beer. This pub is definitely a local spot filled of character and history. Our waitress was absolutely the cutest!! She was sweet and helpful. Although the food was just okay I think we were more excited about the ambience. We both ordered their special which was grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots. Kinda bland but not the worst meal I've had. Even if it's once you should definitely visit DOLEYS. This place is truly one of a kind and will give you a good Boston experience.
(3)
Queenie D.

Came in here during the 4th of July The guy that drove us from Sam Adams brewery to Doyle was absolutely a firecracker. He was so funny and made that short trip sooooo memorable. My husband and I travels A LOT and this 10 minute drive is one of our most favorite travel adventure. The driver was so hilarious and I suggest to leave him a tip before getting of the van. Now, Doyle's itself was pretty good. They were busy, but service was fast and friendly. We ordered the fried chicken dinner and it was big enough for two people to share. The chicken was flavorful and pretty good. We had the rice pilaf and I enjoyed that. We had a side order of salad as well, and I say, skip the salad cuz that was bleh. Now, if u order a glass of draft Sam Adams, u get to take a free glass home. All in all, it was a fun stop. Its not top notch, but it's most definitely pub fare. But seriously, that shuttle driver was hilarious!! DOYLES!!!!
(5)
Zaneta O.

For a neighborhood pub it's pretty busy but the fact that the trolley from Sam Adams brought over a huge group of people helped add to that fact. Unfortunately we arrived right after the trolley did, so we had to wait a few minutes to get inside. People were crowding around near the door instead of taking a seat. A waitress finally came over and got us a table. Knowing how busy it was we decided just to get drinks because it probably would have taken a while for our food to come out and we had several more stops in our journey. We had just come back from the brewery tour and we turned in our tickets for 3 full sized Sam Adams glasses (not small like the tasting glasses we were given at the brewery). I tried to order three different beers and I was having a stint of bad luck. It seemed like every single beer I tried to order was not available. I finally just settled on a random Sam Adams beer. I wasn't very happy with my choice but I drank it anyway. I was kind of looking forward to trying something I hadn't tried before. The waitress was very friendly. The place had the usual pub style decor, nothing fancy. I didn't like the saloon style bathroom stalls. There's no way to close or lock the door behind you do anyone can just walk in on you. Just as the next trolley arrived to pick people up the placed cleared out just as quickly as it filled up.
(3)
Chhai M.

Alright Samuel, you got me! The promotion that Sam Adams has with this place is a little genius, and totally worth it as this place would unrightfully go unnoticed by many who aren't locals otherwise. There's not much to say about this place that hasn't already been said or can be seen in the pictures posted. Alas, I will try. The place looks and feels like what a classic New England bar should be like, and dare I say, even a gold standard to traditional bars. Signs and posters advertising for local brews, pictures and paintings depicting the greatness of Americana, and classic bar or booth sitting as expected. The menu is classic, straightforward, and simple, but the food is not to be underestimated. I had a pulled pork while my friend had the fish and chips, both were really well done and definitely made with care as the meals came out looking like they came from a TV ad. Overall it was a great experience and a great find.
(5)
Pete H.

This is a great law enforcement friendly spot. The food was average, they primarily serve Sam Adams products but the service was outstanding. Our server was witty and funny and the bartenders were attentive. It also doesn't hurt that it is likely one of the oldest restaurants in the nation.
(3)
Chi T.

We came here after our tour of the Sam Adam's Brewery because we would get a free Sam Adams glass with a beer purchase. If you show proof that you've been to the Sam Adams brewery, then the glass is yours to keep gratis. Doyle's was the first restaurant to sell Samuel Adams beer, so they have special place in the heart of the brewery. It's basically pub food. I ordered their cheeseburger and my bf ordered their Reuben sandwich recommended by the driver who took us here. He really enjoyed his meal, while, I thought mine was ok. The burger was big, but not very tasty. I've had cheaper burgers in other establishments that were far better. I would not recommend the burger and if I were to come back, I'd just get their beer for the glass.
(3)
Chas K.

Doyle's continues on an accelerated path in the wrong direction. Service remains subpar. Despite it being a quiet Wednesday night with many open tables in the bar area, we waited for 15 minutes for a server before going to the bar in hopes of some attention there where it's harder to hide. What's worse is that our server was the woman who sat us. She knew we were there waiting. Turns out she was setting a table for a large party. To her credit - I think - she came to us at the bar and invited us back to the table. Service was good from that point. Two other big disappointments: 1. The beer list is substantially smaller and less interesting than it used to be. There are too many Sam Adams products I can get at any packey. I'm well aware of the longstanding relationship between Boston Beer and Doyle's, but they used to have pilot brews and limited editions on tap. That seems to be over; at least when we were in last week; 2. Boneless Chinese spare ribs are gone from the menu. On the plus side, my wife liked her Lamb Burger and my Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla hit the spot (both about $10).
(2)
Collin W.

My wife and I ended up at Doyle's after a tour of the Sam Adams brewery. Unfamiliar with the Jamaica Plains area of Boston we were pleasantly surprised with this restaurant. I ordered the lobster roll and my wife ordered the chowder plus we added two pints of Sam Adams because as we learned this establishment was the first to pour Sam Adams beer. The food was amazing, the service was great and the ambiance had that good old Boston feel to it. If you are in Boston, make the trip to Doyle's...you won't regret it!
(5)
J. N.

Perfect fried fish- not greasy, nicely flaky cod a and large portion. Lobster rolls were very generous portion of the classic. Onion rings were home made and sweet. Not just a nostalgic History lesson, great food too.
(5)
Morgan J.

The fan vibe and the overall enthusiasm of the bar made it seem like an exciting place to venture to, but as far as taste and prices, Doyle's was nothing special. After going to the Sam Adams Brewery, we took the shuttle to Doyle's. I really like how Doyle's has been included in Boston as a main attraction for movies and stuff, but the food is just average. Like slightly above your every day chain restaurant. I think because I was getting hyped up on the shuttle and the individuals at the Brewery, I expected a lot more. That's not to say I'm totally disappointed. I didn't really have anything that proved Doyle's goes above and beyond any other restaurant. I had a bowl of clam chowder which was creamy but you couldn't really taste the clams, which was what I was going for. I also had a beer, which is beer. Yay beer. My friend had the lobster sandwich and she thought it was very good. For her decent meal, I think it's worth at least a three, but I've had better. I liked the atmosphere and how old everything looked. This place goes way way back. The floors are wooden, the booths are old but updated. I can really appreciate a business that keeps it's old rustic flavor but can keep the place renovate and clean-looking. I'd go back, but probably for a drink and not so much the food.
(3)
Neil H.

First time here. Unique flavor. Ambiance is typical Boston, very proud and patriotic. Our waitress, Joyce, was very nice. Still waiting for the lobster roll but I am told it is well worth it. Beer is fresh from the Sam Adams Brewery!
(4)
Sammii S.

After the Samuel Adams brewery tour we grabbed a bite to eat here. With your entrance ticket from the brewery you get to keep a beer glass. The food was really good. Our waitress was really nice and attentive. The only thing I would say that was wrong was that my fiancÃ©e asked for cheddar on his burger and got swiss cheese. But that did the take away from the experience and the burger was still delicious. Hand battered onion rings were seriously the best onions rings I've ever had. Nice little bar especially after the brewery tour.
(4)
Joseph P.

Came by this place after the Sam Adams brewery tour for the free glass. Sam Adams and Doyles have a good thing going. I believe the story goes that Doyle's was the first place to start ordering Sam Adams. Ordered the clam chowder which was good. The Sam Adams was as expected. The ambiance is your typical bar restaurant. They didn't seem bothered when you mentioned that you came from the tour for the free glass. You would hope that they wouldn't, but you never know at some places. In fact they wrap up a clean glass and don't make you take the one you are drinking out of. I would recommend this place if you do the brewery tour. It is a short shuttle ride, or as I recall a 10-15 minute walk away from the brewery.
(3)
Vic G.

Not too many places can be called Institutions - when it comes to restaurant / bars businesses these days. Put Doyles Cafe in that category. Been around forever, the place has managed to keep up with the times and yet retain it's own unique identity - staying true to it's old school image and personality. While I have visited Doyles a couple of times via the Party bus route from the Sam Adams brewery tour, this past weekend was my first time eating there. And boy was I IMPRESSED! I was used to the bar at the front where you get your pint of Sam Adams Lager and the legendary glass to go with it, but little did I know that this was a huge restaurant behind the main bar and the dining area. We got a big booth just right next to the back exit overlooking the street outside. Love love love the old style booths, with so much privacy given the office cubicle like wooden boards separating one booth from the other. Even the tine 2 seater booths for couples - so so cute! Our waiter was very nice and very quick in tending to whatever we wanted; whether it were drinks or apps or the main dinner. He was just around the corner keeping an eye on how everyone was doing and would magically appear whenever we needed something. Just like that! We all ordered drinks and the very delicious onion rings. They were really good - perfectly cut, not too greasy, super crunchy (says someone who is not a fan of many things fried). 2 of us ordered Fish and Chips. The fillet of cod was very well seasoned and very fresh and flaky. Even the coleslaw was so fresh and the small plastic crucible of tartar sauce. The fries were hand cut and warm and yummy. I enjoyed every bite and was completely full at the end of my meal. I must have over indulged but managed to wolf it all down because I avoided a pint of beer - somehow having this premonition that it was going to be a big plate of food. And sure it was. Others in our group ordered the Steak Tips (very tasty and they were polished away till the last layer of the delicious sauce), the Sauteed Scrod (again - who got that dish had only great things to talk about it) and a Very large (and rightly famous) Pizza - and it was really very large and looked delicious. In a nutshell, the service was first class, the food was great and the evening was fantastic with loved ones getting together to enjoy each other's company and some good times!
(5)
Alexandra M.

I'm shocked to be giving this place 5 stars. When you hear that lots of people go after the Sam Adams tour, which is a tourist thing, you expect a tourist bar, right? Not so. We were all a bit hesitant about the menu as well--its a tourist bar, the food can't be that good, right? And the options were all very standard...BUT DELICIOUS. Maybe my mozzarella sticks came from a box, and maybe the sauce did too, but it was great and not expensive, especially for the size. Everyone cleared their plates (except the person who got nachos, because nachos are always huge, but I helped him with that). Service was on point and fast. Bathroom was clean. Good beer selection, and you can keep your glass without looking super sketchy leaving. Use the paper place mat to wrap it.
(5)
Heather A.

The place feels like a nice tavern. The woman had an authentic accent and was pretty alright. The menu looked pretty good to. She called me sir, twice. The pizza and two burgers were pretty good. I didn't really taste any pesto on the chicken sandwich and the lobster salad was good. It was a good recommendation from the Samuel Adams Brewery.
(4)
Monica T.

Excellent service by friendly, attentive staff. Pub fare with a twist. Blue cheese grilled cheese served with big, thick cut fries. Good prices, historical pub, great beer selection.
(4)
Chris B.

I got suckered in for the free beer glass. We decided to go to Doyle's before heading to the airport. The trolley ride was quick and fun. The interior was basic, a lot of old pictures on the wall. We were sat at an uncomfortable table by the exit of the kitchen. The beer was pricey but good. We each had a burger which was average at best. Our server was hard to find. Never good when a beer glass sits empty for so long. The food was lukewarm, but the portion size was large. Seemed more of a tourist trap type restaurant.
(3)
Nancy P.

This was my second time back at Doyle's CafÃ©, both times were post-Sam Adams tour. Of course my friends wanted the cool pint glass so we decided to stop by. Luck for us, there was a free trolley that took us from the Brewery to the cafÃ© (how convenient). The driver was also hilarious and informative. The last time I was at Doyle's, I had the Clam Chowder and it was super tasty. The second time, it was a let down. I was super disappointed so I just had to ask the waitress. We apparently went during Lent (whoops) and they leave out the bacon during this time. It definitely made a difference and I left pretty disappointed since I totally talked up the chowder to EVERYONE. sigh. But we also ordered the lobster roll, sweet potato fries and the Rueben sandwich. The lobster roll definitely triumphed for the visit. Super packed with lobster. The sweet potato fries were nice and crispy. The Rueben was okay, but not my favorite.
(4)
Patrice P.

I'm giving it 3 stars for atmosphere and all the history but that's it the food is mediocre at best and expensive I guess you're paying for the atmosphere and history nothing special here the pizza is ok the rest of the food is meh. I don't mind coming here for a quick drink but that's all and the tour from Sam Adams to Doyle's is nice you get a free glass with a 6 buck beer this joint at best is a 2 star for food the extra star is cause I'm from JP and this place has been a fixture for over 100 years call me sentimental I guess
(3)
Kirk S.

This place was our stop after taking the trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery tour. This place is a historical one, similar to many other stops in the city of Boston itself. They mainly serve Sam Adams beers on draft, and they allow you to keep the 'perfect pint' after you have finished your beers. The food, however, is really hit or miss. I ordered the German plate, and it was mediocre at best. The sauerkraut was very dry and bland, the sausage was meh. My friends ordered the steak tips and turkey tips, and those were both amazing! The staff is very fun here, and the Doyle's party trolly tour that departs from here in the evening is highly highly recommended if the opportunity arises!
(4)
Clemens W.

I think we did this all wrong because there was such a huge line for the Sam Adams Brewery tour on this past rainy Fourth of July and we wanted to grab a beer and have some lunch before going on the tour. As a frequent yelper, I looked for suggestions and this place got the best reviews in the area. I had no idea it's supposed to be a post-game party following the party trolley instead of a pregame one. Either way, we made the order simple: 1 chili bread bowl and 3 new England clam chowder bread bowls. Loved the clam chowder. Eating breadbowls always reminds me of skiing, but the skiing ones usually aren't warm and filled with the high quality goods. This certainly did not disappoint (and also made me want to go skiing again). It was pretty crowded (which I'm sure it always is), but we eventually got a seat and watched the world cup game and Nathan's hotdog eating contest. Service is a little slow, but that's probably because of the crowd. I personally love the hostess who screams out names. She's a bit on the rude side (since she has to deal with tourists everyday), but I can tell she's got good intentions.
(4)
Chris M.

I went to the Sam Adam's brewery tour, and as part of the quest of the free 'perfect pint' glass a trip to Doyle's was required. Sure it was 11AM on a Saturday and we had to walk because the party bus doesn't start til noon... but m'eh! It was well worth it. The staff, knew how to handle the tourists who were rolling in. They know you are there for the glass and are ready to serve you. They are super nice, super attentive, and super into trying to sell the 'doyle's swag'. Which I was cool with, you know your audience! We sat at the bar, I was able to fill my pint glass with Angry Orchard to meet the requirements to get the glass, and could not have been happier. If I lived in the area I'd go back for food, the place was spacious and had a lot of locals having breakfast/brunch.
(5)
Michael C.

I've driven by Doyle's almost every time I've had to drive to JP in the last decade. I always look at it as somewhat of an entry way to the area but having never stopped in I was always curious about the place. The bar is comprised of 3 decent sized rooms. The first is the main part of the restaurant/bar while the back 2 can be used for private functions or overflow from the main room. We were here for a baby shower and since both sexes were welcome it was really an ideal and family friendly place despite the unwelcoming exterior. The staff was friendly and did a nice job continually cleaning up while people ate buffet style. For the most part this a fried food and beer type of place, but the world needs these! The fried chicken tenders were great, The pizza was fine, and the atmosphere was good for a casual get together. In the room next to ours someone else was have a 90th birthday party.
(3)
Samantha S.

Eh, this place was mediocre at best. Came after the Sam Adams brewery tour, and it was nice to take home the perfect pint glass after, but that's about it. Service was slow, food was subpar (nothing memorable) and our server actually looked at how much we each tipped while we were still at the table.
(2)
Julia K.

You'll regret not coming here after the Sam Adam's tour, so make sure to stop by. If you purchase a Sam Adam beer and redeem your tour ticket, you get to keep the "perfect pint" glass. Fried food and beer - c'mon what could be better! The thick cut fries and lobster roll were divine. The jumbo pieces of lobster meat were tender and not overly drenched with mayo. The clam chowder had a really good thick consistency. I'd skip the bread bowl and just go for a cup.
(4)
Natasha A.

One word, SCARY! I love charm and I love older buildings but this restaurant was just dirty. It has a pub feel from 1942 without one mop ever passing the floor since it opened. Everything was a low quality to me from the friendly waitress, who was kind enough but made a few mistakes, to the cheap table clothes, poorly cut to fit each table with complimentary with crumbs in it, to the dirty walls. It made me wonder what the kitchen looked like. I will say the fries were good. They were warm. The buffalo chicken was fatty and under cooked.
(1)
Alexandra N.

Amazing food, great service, fun people. Great way to end the Sam Adams tour and get a free perfect Sam Adams pint. Went in for lunch and ended up having a fireball shot with a stranger!!! Can't beat that.
(4)
Joie S.

Honestly, I don't really get the hype. The service was bad and the food was mediocre. Our waitress took forever to take our order, and even longer to bring things over. It took 20 minutes to get the bill. We did the Sam Adams tour and took the party trolley to Doyle's but were overall disappointed with the experience. Maybe we didn't eat the right things...or maybe we were there at a bad time? I'd be willing to try it again based on the other reviews here but I really just wasn't impressed.
(2)
Bobby B.

Doyles! Clever strategizing by the Sam Adams brewery seduced us to take the party trolley over to this fine establishment. The driver was charismatic and funny, and rattled off a few interesting facts about Doyles. I'll tell you something about Doyles. Yes, they give ya a special pint class when you order a Sam Adams. Yes, the atmosphere is dope. And yes, they have the best lobster roll that I had in Boston. This is in comparison to several ones we tried in the downtownish area from other places. ::Homer simpson drool:: Mmm..red brick ale...
(4)
Vicky H.

For Pub Food, this place ROCKS!! Three other friends and I came here after a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery. Bring your ticket with you and you get to keep the glass for free! How excellent is that?!?! Ok... So the place was packed because there was a tour just about every 15 minutes so you can imagine the crowd here because they advertise Doyle's as the pub to go to after the tour. You can either walk over, drive over, or take the Trolley tour bus over with a dancing pole... WHAT?! Yea... the trolley it is!! LOL From the very beginning, the bus driver drums you up for Doyle's with some recommendations and a little history so how can you not be pumped for DOYLE'S?! We were seated and in no time our server comes over to get our drinks. She asked if we had the ticket and informed us the glasses to keep. Soon she came back to take our order and it was placed without issues. We had a change in mind for one of the orders and as she passed by us, we informed her of such a change if it wasn't too late. She didn't seem to be happy with it but went along anyways and grumpily and jokingly asked if that was all.. ahhh she does have a sense of humour! Our drinks came and soon after the CHOWDAH arrived - YES, it was VERY yummy chowder... although there weren't much clams and I was a bit disappointed about it. No matter, now our food came. And now, the onions rings... AH_MA-ZING!!! light and crispy. Onions are wholesome but they weren't too overly fried and has a slight sweet taste. YOU MUST ORDER Onion rings if you come here!! My friend ordered the Burger Americano -- lol. Burger was very classic and it was good. came with a couple of quarters of pickles to which i ate both... and huge steak fries. YES!! and they were DELISH!!! I had the Reuben. We substituted with Sweet potato fries that were steak fried cuts.. yes yes yes!! it was so good, so nicely done. Big portions. We cut up the burger and sandwich and all had a bit. The only thing that could have been better for the reuben was that it could have been NOT as dry but otherwise very good. My 3rd friend ordered buffalo wings. Nothing special about it. just pretty much like any other place. Overall, service was pretty good. We were barely able to finish our beers but did wash up the glasses, wrapped it up and took it home. We were amazingly full the rest of the evening and that was only around 4pm. Would we come back? Probably... maybe just for the onion rings and sweet potato fries... they really were that good!
(4)
Benjamin M.

After knocking out the awesome Sam Adams brewery tour, we figured we'd join the crowd for some food and drink at Doyle's Cafe, the first bar in the city to serve Sam's Boston Lager, which is only about a ten minute walk from the brewery. First things first, we gave up our Sam's beer labels/tour admission tickets for a reduced price Cherry Wheat and Angry Orchard in one of their specially designed pint glasses, which you can take with you! That's a heck of a lot better than buying an empty one in the gift shop after the tour. The place was a mad house, filled with fellow tourers, but we didn't have to wait very long for a small table and decided to order a late lunch of fish and chips. The platters were huge and we probably could have easily split one between us. Everything was very good, including the fish, fries and coleslaw. After eating, we skipped the walk back and jumped on the Sam's party trolley for a free ride back. The driver was funny (and a little crazy) and we only slightly feared for our life as we stood near the front of the bus on the way back. Overall, a good time with good food and good beer. Why wouldn't you make this stop #2? 3.5 Stars.
(3)
Mike G.

Yumm the lobstah roll !! Nice place food is always on point. And the beer selection is great.
(4)
Tim B.

A must-do if you hit the sam adam's brew tour. take a thrilling 4 min trolley ride with a bus full of people that made the responsible decision to not drive themselves. It's a cool place because it is old...really OLD...perhaps the oldest in the city. But to be honest food and service was very standard operating procedure. nothing special from what our group could find. in case you missed it in 400 other reviews: your brew tour ticket will allow you to keep a sam adams pint glass if you order a beer here. I would always recommend coming here after the brew tour...though the food at the restaurant next to sam adam's was better.
(3)
Laura J.

Probably the best Reuben I've ever had. Would highly recommend stopping here for lunch after visiting Sam Adams brewery. Would recommend taking the party bus to Doyle's aka the free trolley just for the experience. If we ever go back to Boston, we will definitely take the party trolley throughout Boston that leaves Doyle's at 5.
(5)
Mary B.

Pairs well with the Sam Adams Brewery tour. Must take the free party trolley here! Food was ok, but who could complain about getting a free Sam Adams beer glass with any Sam Adams beer purchase?
(4)
Amy W.

Take the free shuttle bus from Sam Adams Brewery and get your free glass with your beer label admission. 10+ stars for hospitality and service!
(5)
Dominique D.

This review leans more towards 3.5 stars. You really should take your Sam Adams tour ticket to Doyle's Cafe to get your free beer glass with purchase of a beer. This place is housed in an older, historic building. It was quite animated with the buzz of crowds eating here but it wasn't overly loud. I happened to be on the hungrier side that day and ordered the bison burger with cheddar. The burger was just okay and came with Swiss cheese instead. Due to time constraints and hunger, I went with it. The steak fries were just what I needed, although I did have to chase the waitresses down for a bottle of malt vinegar. Service was fair but not all that attentive. I like that I didn't get any tourist trap vibe from the place and I think it's a solid choice for lunch. Also, beer. Boston Brick Red. Just saying.
(3)
Scott G.

Awesome place you can feel the history but also modern. Food is out of the world. Best burgers onion rings, and lobster roll in Boston.
(5)
Carolyn O.

Go for the atmosphere and beer selection, but don't bother if efficient or friendly table service is especially important to you - often this is hit or miss. The food is usually good (especially brunch), but not the best pub food in Boston by a mile. However, it's a great place to check out if you're looking for a true piece of Boston history that's not a tourist trap.
(3)
Sarah B.

My friends and I had reservations about taking the free trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery to Doyle's - "ew, that's like, so touristy." (Okay, so I was the snob that wanted to avoid tourist traps that had my doubts.) But I'm really glad we went! First, our trolley driver, Jason, was hysterical. He got everyone on the trolley pumped for our visit to DOYLE'S (fist-pump and added emphasis on the "DOY"). He gave us a little bit of history about Doyle's and blasted music. The experience wouldn't have been complete without the shuttle's built-in disco ball (obviously). When we arrived, my friends and I were sad to part ways with Jason but he offers a 4:15 drinking trolley tour of the city so we wondered if we'd be seeing him again .. Anyway, on to the actual bar/restaurant. Doyle's is huge so our packed trolley was able to comfortably fit everyone inside. Service was friendly and fast. My two girl friends and I all ordered lobster rolls and different Sam Adams drinks, so we got to keep our awesome pint glasses. The food was great, the ambiance was great - so yes, overall, I was pleasantly surprised by what I was sure to be a kitschy tourist trap, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else visiting Boston who wants to check out the brewery AND grab some good eats. (And score a free glass.)
(5)
Janet H.

Just a typical pub in JP. If you visit the Sam Adams brewery tour, they'll give you a ticket to receive a free glass when you order a beer for $6. I was starving by that time, so I got the quiche... the one they were serving that day tasted like pizza, as it was loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and tomatoes... mmm delicious. It also came with a side of salad, which was nothing too fancy, but a good way to fill you up. It was also a pretty generous portion.
(3)
Mike C.

Reasonable prices, great service and the perfect stop after the Sam Adams Brewery Tour! I recommend this place with caution though only as it could quickly derail your plans as it has a nice vibe and you could sit for hours. Also a great spot to bring a group!
(4)
Peter K.

When visiting Sam Adams, you must make a stop at Doyle's. Yes, it's a tourist trap, but it's worth a visit. Just make sure you bring your tour ticket with you so that, after enjoying a beer at Doyle's, you can take that laser-etched Sam Adam's glass home with you. Hungry? Doyle's serves up the usual bar food that is surprisingly pretty good. The service is friendly and fast. The decor is very classic-bar-style with the wall of frames and knick knacks through out. The restrooms are a bit tight, though. If you can, relieve yourself at Sam Adams.
(4)
Felicia R.

Went to Doyle's Cafe after the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour - CLAM CHOWDER WAS AMAZING. Also the Fish & Chips was rather outstanding. The tartar sauce was interesting with relish. We just got a cup of the clam chowder, and literally talked about it for the rest of the weekend. Actually the best c-chowder I've ever had. Service was good and fast, friendly/helpful staff, we got our free sam adam's glass afterwards -- everything was pleasant. BUT REALLY YOU GUYS, THE CLAM CHOWDER
(5)
Lindsay C.

Stopped by after the Sam Adams Brewery tour and was pleased with the menu and drink selection. I had the Sam Adams Angry Orchard hard cider which was fantastic and we got to keep the glass as we went on the brewery tour which was awesome. We ordered the fish and chips which was tasty, the garden burger which was okay and a cheese pizza which was the best item we tried and had good flavor and lots of melty cheese. Definitely recommend visiting after the tour as it is perfect drinking food
(3)
Kristy R.

Doyle's is the place you typically take the Sam Adams shuttle to AFTER your tour but since the tours were backed up for roughly two hours when we arrived, the staff at the brewery suggested we go before. This would normally be a short, pleasant walk but in 90 degree weather with bags, it was a sweaty walk. All sweaty walks should be rewarded with good beer. From the outside, Doyle's looks pretty small. It's not until you're inside that you see it's actually pretty large. We were seated fairly quick and we immediately turned into tourists and started taking pictures of the vintage decor. Our waitress was a sweetheart and didn't even ask if we were coming from Sam Adams, she just sort of knew and reminded us that we got to take our glasses home once we finished our beers. Did you know that Doyle's offers more Sam Adams beers than the actual tasting room at the brewery? The more you know! We each went with the summer ale since it seemed fitting considering how warm it was outside. For our entree, most of us went with the fish & chips, the chowder (chowdahhh), and one went simply with mozzarella sticks. Of course we asked for Malt Vinegar and a huge, new bottle was put on our table. If you're eating fish and chips without this stuff, you're doing it wrong. The food was very tasty and fresh. Everything went perfectly with the beer. Service was a bit slow at times but I liked that they didn't pressure you to hurry up. The bill wasn't bad. $116 for 4 people. Just remember to wash out your Sam Adams glass in the bathroom! Oh, and to the person who had a Corona at the next table, yes I was judging you.
(4)
Karisa D.

***** 3 1/2 Stars***** Doyle's is a fun local bar in Jamaica Plain that just happens to be part of the Sam Adams Brewery tour (whether you like it or not). I definitely recommend coming here after your tour. They offer many beers including Sam Adams (of course) but they have some beers on tap that aren't always featured on the tour, like Sam Adams Brick Red, which is one of my personal favorites. Even better, when you order a Sam Adams, you get the fancy Sam Adams glass which you get to keep if you went on the tour. I've also eaten here too. The sandwiches and potato skins are good. Starch and beer? Good combination!
(3)
Tina H.

Beautiful old pub. 130 years and it's never been remodeled. I love the old phone booth they have here and the servers are very prompt. I was recommended to this place after the Sam Adams brewery tour for the free glass. It's free in the sense you buy a Sam Adams and then you get the glass free when you turn in your entry ticket from the tour. It's worth it since the beer is $6 and at the brewery the same glass is $10 without beer in it. The walk from the brewery to the restaurant is about 15 minutes/ 0.6 mile. Or you can take the free trolley if it is operating. It wasn't running because it was the middle of the week and there was maybe 15 people on my tour. I had the fried chicken sandwich with french fries. It comes up really fast and hot. The chicken was crispy and the fries were the thick cut kind that burn your mouth because they look so yummy and you're hungry after a brewery tour. The pub is also used in many TV shows and movies because of the interior. I would recommend to come see it, even if you don't order food.
(4)
Andrew D.

Eh, I think I'm all set with Doyle's. I work close by, and have swung by a few times with coworkers for food and drinks. The food is decent. Standard pub fare, slightly expensive for what it is. The atmosphere is fine by me . But man, is the service rough. I was here earlier today with seven other coworkers. We all order some food and drinks, planning on staying for a while. One person orders Sam's Cold Snap, and is told they don't have it. No prob. She orders something else. After a bit, some lady comes out holding our food, screaming 'tuna melt' at the top of her lungs. Evidently we didn't hear her the first time , so she made herself heard. Once we're done eating, the waitress drops the bill on the table. Didn't ask if we needed anything else. Just dropped it and walked off. We split the bill over 8 cards, carefully adding everything up and writing it all out, making sure everything is covered. The waitress comes over and says she won't do 8 cards but instead will split it over two, and the rest can use the ATM, and she's too busy. We refused, and continued to sit at the table. She then complained to every other waitress about it, making no attempt to hide it from us, who were sitting a foot away. Another waitress finally did it for us. It took all of a minute. This is how you treat paying customers? No thanks. Oh, turns out they had Cold Snap on tap at the bar. So much for knowing your product, Doyle's!
(2)
patty l.

This is a great neighborhood spot. The menu is very reasonable and is very eclectic . There are sandwiches, full entrees, pizza, daily specials and a great brunch on the weekend. For those of you visiting Sam Adams Brewery(free) you can take the free party bus to get back and forth. There is a full bar. There is a lot of history here as well. For those who do not drive the venue is about a half mile walk from Forest Hills station and is also on the 42 bus line.
(4)
Phil M.

DOYLE'S Nice pub. Of course I came here, like almost everyone else...due to the Brewery Tour. Not bad. I got my free glass with my purchase of Sam Adams beer. DOYLE'S Typical pub fair, nothing super impressive...but then again I didn't order the chowder or lobster roll, that they advertised on the trolly DOYLE'S If I were to go back to the brewery for a tour with friends, we'd have to go back to DOYLE'S as well. I think it is at least worth a visit, and the beer selection and service were above average, hence the 4/5. DOYLE'S
(4)
Anna C.

The best part about this place is that you get to keep the Sam Adams glass (after you pay for the beer) if you show them your Sam Adams tour ticket. In fact, that's the only reason why I come here. Service is relatively good, food is standard pub fare, and atmosphere is full of post-Sam-Adams-tour types. Not a bad place, but a little out of the way if you're not going to Sam Adams.
(3)
Nancy O.

Great lobster roll! Better than the overpriced rolls downtown. Must visit, especially with the free trolley from the Samuel Adams brewery!
(4)
April R.

Tasty pub food. Basic solid selections but mediocre service. Good convenient stop after the Sam Adams tour but not worth coming out of your way. Feels like a locals joint which is nice. Beer on tap has quite variety. Love that. Also the sweet potato fries really are special. There isn't really another good spot close. So if you're doing the SA tour, give this spot a try OR wait til you get back into Boston proper for lunch.
(3)
Andrew N.

Doyle's! Was shuttled here from Sam Adams Brewery after the tour. Kind of a tourist trap I think, but still they had good food. The most memorable items I had were: Clam Chowder: Thick, creamy, hearty, fresh, delicious Potato skins: very hot, perfect amount of crispness, great with sour cream Order a beer here after the tour and you get to keep the glass.
(4)
Anthony M.

The only reason I came here was because of the Sam Adams Tour. Go to Doyle's...bring your Sam Adams tour ticket, order a Sam Adams and you get to keep your pint glass. This bar was the first bar to ever carry Sam Adams, so it has a special place in Jim Cook's Heart. I would have never gone here unless the tour told me. (I'm such a follower or a sucker for a free beer glass) I ordered a salad and onion rings. The Onion Rings were really good too!!! It says each order is made fresh. They were so yummy! But there was no dipping sauce though. I used my leftover blue cheese dressing. Nice old bar...has been here since the late 1800's according to the sign. It is worth a trip for the free pint glass. There is a trolley on the weekend that shuttles people. Also a parking lot in back...big plus!!!
(4)
Nick N.

I live down the street from this place. The food is terrible, and over priced. Only thing I like is the clam chowder. Brunch stops around noon... Who gets up that early on a Sunday? It used to be a local spot, now it's mostly tourists from the Sam Adams brew tour. Staff is friendly. They have every kind of Sam Adams on tap.
(2)
Jessica B.

This Doyle's is a bit of a dump. This would be a two star review but I don't want to be a Bitter Betty for getting creamed at trivia. When we played last Tuesday the guy running it was really nice. That is, until he started asking pop culture questions that none of us knew. Um... if you watch TV you should have come and hung out with us! The picture of Mittens on the wall was amusing. They were good about having plenty of room for our group on a Tuesday night, but our server left people waiting to order drinks for quite awhile. I've never seen food that looked appealing, but then, I don't eat fried junk. The fried fish with soggy fries looked particularly gross. They are no longer cash only, they take credit cards and they have an ATM inside, with a $3 fee. Since I don't live near JP, I have no desire to return.
(3)
Terry W.

Definitely not what it used to be. I remember when you could just get in the door here it was so crowded. It used to be a fun place to go but it seems the crowd is a bit sketchier. I was happy to see they had fried pickles on the menu but when I was there with friends and we got them it was just a few sad looking slices. The service does suck somewhat but the real disappointment is in the food.
(2)
Mike P.

Doyle's cafÃ© is more of a pub then a cafÃ©. I feel like their customer base on the weekends is larger due to the Sam Adams brewery tour. Which promises a free Sam Adams beer glass if you order a pint here. The food I thought was pretty good, I ordered their Ruben and as I took my first bite I became a little euphoric. The sandwich was really amazing I was glad I got it, I also ordered the onion rings which were pretty good as well. I sampled there chowder and that was really fantastic although the sweet potato fries were good, not worth the extra imo. We did wait a little while for our food but the staff was friendly and the place filled with people from the brewery. Overall I would come back just to have another Ruben.
(4)
Ruthe L.

While the food was just okay, the atmosphere made up for it. Our waitress was great, and the history of this location is amazing
(3)
Noa N.

The lobster roll was crazy good - they kept it simple without a lot of sauce or seasoning and there was so much lobster - probably enough for 2 rolls. The sweet potato fries with ketchup and the Oktoberfest beer were the perfect accompaniment. I sat at the bar and service was really good. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Rhonda G.

Loved this place! Gritty, not very delicate. Good beer, good food, easy on the wallet. If you're nervous about trying the lobster roll special, don't be. It's delicious and i'm happy to report that i'm still alive and kicking many days later. Do it.
(5)
Sharon O.

Ugh. Listen, it's great that Doyle's was the first place to sell Sam Adams beer. (Wait, did anyone ever say this on the tour or at Doyle's? It could be a lie... if it is true... Doyle's should be shouting it from the rafters.) It's great they get special elusive beers from Sam Adams. It's nice that there's a trolley from the Sam Adams tour to Doyle's. It's great that if you show your tour token label after you order a Sam Adams here you get to keep your glass. That's about where it ends. The food is nothing special- mediocre at best, overpriced, and why does it take 30 minutes to get a grilled cheese (no frills), small portions of fries, and a reuben? The reuben was also first brought to us without any meat on it. People eat reubens without meat on them? I guess they do here! Worth it for the glasses post-brewery tour & the exclusive beers, likely the only things keeping this piece of history from becoming extinct. Too bad. Props to the collaboration between the brewery and here though, trying to keep it alive.
(2)
Michelle U.

We were told about this place on the Sam Adams brewery tour. We are glad we listened on the tour. The ambience is a little confusing...feels like a bar but at the same time a diner. Our waitress was great and made the right recommendations. We had the Reuben and the fish and chips and we were both very happy with our choices and couldn't stop eating off of each others plates! Almost forgot about the free Sam Adams glasses that we got with our beers...bonus!
(4)
Julie H.

Took the party bus here after the Sammy tour. It was very busy here in a Saturday and we spent more time here than I would have liked to- the food was good, not excellent and a little tiny bit more expensive than I would have liked to pay. It was a little run down and dirty as there were so many people I'm sure it's hard to clean properly between parties. But I think I would have liked this experience better if it weren't so crowded!
(3)
Angela S.

The best onion rings I've ever had. Got a lobster roll on sourdough and it was very delicious. Chunky and not too much mayo. The bread was buttery with a slight crunch to it. The clam chowder was to die for! So thick that all of it didn't come off the spoon when i took it out of my mouth. It was rib stickingly delicious. I didn't find it to be overly touristy but it was an early Monday afternoon. I took the trolley from Sam Adams and that was so much fun that I wished the trip was longer. We had a YMCA sing along complete with disco lights and you would've sworn the trolley was on hydraulics with the amount of bouncing we did on the way. Lol! What a fun time!
(5)
Alex K.

Quite simply one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. To see a 3.5 star out of 5 rating on this site blows my mind. Like most people, I came here on the trolly after the Samuel Adams tour. While I wasn't hungry, I was recommended the clam chowder, so I got a bowl of that, a reuben, and a Boston-only Samuel Adams -- Brick Red. First off, the service here I thought was great. The two guys there were really friendly and even paid for one of my dad's beers for basically no reason at all. This review is all over the place so far, but I don't know how to get my mind straight... Alright -- the chowder. I haven't had many variations of chowder in my life (because I don't generally care for seafood), but Doyle's clam chowder has to be one of my favorite soups I have EVER had. My only regret here is that I didn't get the bread bowl. Creamy, smooth, and super flavorful. I gotta tell you, if I lived in the Boston area, I'd be in Doyle's about 40 hours a week. The reuben was good in the few bites I had, but I split it three ways so I didn't get to eat much of it. However, the sweet potato fries I got with it were very good, and I'd also get THOSE again if I went to Doyle's. While the Brick Red isn't a Doyle's-only beer, it IS one of the few places you CAN get it, so I'd recommend any beer afficianado try it out. To me it tastes a lot like a Boston Lager, but with a less bitter-bite at the finish. I also drank a few sips of the 26.2 IPA -- which is also a Boston exclusive -- and enjoyed THAT beer even MORE. Boston, I'm not sure how you can get any work done with beer like that in your city. Doyle's and the Samuel Adams Brewery are ABSOLUTE MUSTS for anyone 21+ in Boston.
(5)
Christina T.

It's not fair rating Doyle's for what it isn't. It's not a upscale eatery. It's not supposed to be fancy or aesthetically pleasing. It's not trying to sell you on decor. It's a local Boston bar, with standard pub food, and rated on that scale, it's awesome. Service is fast and pleasant but they don't fawn over you (because native, local Bostonians don't fawn). Great chowder, GREAT sweet potato fries, and big servings of food that will fill you up. It's a big place, so there's always a place to sit, which can be a rarity in JP. So that's cool too.
(4)
Monica W.

The Sam Adams beer battered Onion Rings are the best Onion Rings I've ever had! I can't order onion rings anywhere else now without feeling disappointed. They also have several Sam Adams brews on tap that you can't find anywhere else. If you are visiting Boston, you must stop in this place.
(4)
Richard C.

"Loved the Feel. Historic - First Bar Ever to Serve Sam Adams. Arrived on the Sam Adams Trolley." For those who plan to go to the Sam Adams Brewery: At the end of the tour, the Sam Adams Trolley will take you directly to Doyle's. With the tour stamp presented, Doyle's will give you a souvenir full size pint glass after ordering any Sam Adams brew on tap. The Sam Adam's Trolley ride to Doyle's in itself is a great Bostonian experience as the Driver dj's great music (some Boston themed - "Shipping Off to Boston" and points out local Bostonian history on the way, all donning a real thick Bostonian accent. Doyle's Cafe is was of the oldest continuous Irish Pub's in Boston (or so they claim) and is the first bar ever to serve Sam Adams. Films like 21 and Mystic River, among others, have been filmed at Doyle's. As my Sam Adam's Trolley driver said, "When you come to Boston, you don't go to Cheers. Nobody knows your name there. When you come to Boston, you go to Doyyyyles"!
(5)
Bill B.

All hype and that's where it ends. This place was a massive disappointment especially having been recommended by the Sam Adams staff. The bar service was adequate at best. Tap selection was adequate at best. THe clam chowder was excellent (the highpoint of the visit) and the onion rings were good. The Shepherds Pie was disgusting unless you like unseasoned ground meat lumped together with grease and topped with bad tasting mashed potatoes. By the way, as you got to the center of the pie it was ice cold. The waitresses that came by the bar did nothing but complain about customers with two of them stating that they were ready to kill some people. The bartender responded, "that's not good, especially with her husband here and he has his gun with him" I would stay clear of this place and find another bar to go to. Maybe it was great in its heyday but they have long lived past those days.
(1)
Nikhil S.

We went here like most people, after the Sam Adams brewery tour. It's a nice little place that has this old bar look and feel. The service was great. We just went for drinks so cannot comment on the food. Don't forget to show your brewery tours stub to get your free "perfect pint" glass. They offer almost 70 kinds of Sam Adams brews on tap so you'll definitely find one you like.... or maybe two ;)
(5)
Elise K.

I'd normally consider a place like Doyle's a dive bar, but perceptions change when you realize you're in a 100+ year old establishment. Not only that, but Doyle's was the first Boston bar to agree to carry Sam Adams. There is a party bus (complete with golden stripper poles and 80's music) that picks you up right at the Sam Adams brewery (for free) and drops you at Doyle's. Doyle's is large and the service is fast and friendly. The beer is cheap (~$6) and comes in an Sam Adams glass that you get to keep (glass retails for $ 8.75 in the Sam Adams gift shop). The food is just okay - nothing special, but the experience makes up for it. Additionally, it is right on the Orange line, so you can drink as much as you want and not worry about driving home.
(3)
Sean O.

2 Stars for the rudeness of the management. The food was good. Waiter was great...a nice humble attentive guy. The Guinness stew was a delight. Really was. The hostess sat us quickly and was polite. The experience was going so well until the manager started re-arranging the furniture beside us and eyeing our table with contempt (translated as: shove that food down your throat, I have a money-maker larger party waiting). He admonished the waiter for not getting the bill to us quicker. He stood by our table. We weren't even lingering as we actually had some place to be. We complained to the hostess who seemed like she was also getting in the ear. She apologized. We live a block away. We're locals. We told our neighbors. Message to management: Bad for business.
(2)
Nam C.

I had an ulterior motive for visiting this hidden spot after the tour at the Samuel Adams Brewery. If you show them the tour ticket, they give you the perfect glass for beer from Sam Adams. Luckily for me and my friends, the food, the drinks, and the hospitality was bar none the most satisfying experience I've ever had. Sorry for the other reviewers, but our waitress was really friendly and accommodating. Because we just arrived from Sam Adams, we all got different draft beers from them. I had the Grumpy monk and then the Brick Red. They were both really good beers, but the Brick red was great and had to try it, because they only serve them as drafts in Boston. I had the staple french dip sandwich and a cup of clam chowder. I regret for getting the sandwich, because the chowder was amazing. I wish I grabbed the chowder in the bread bowl instead. I've had many, many versions of the clam chowder out there in the world and tried to create my version of the chowder, but Doyle's chowder is in a another universe of flavors. Most places out there will use more of clam juice than the cream or even the clams to enhance the flavor and save more bucks for a larger profit gain. However Doyle's used more cream and clams in their chowder than any I have ever tried in my life. The chowder is so thick that the bottom of the cup could not be seen even if there is only couple more spoonfuls left. The full creamy texture and flavors dances in your tongue and then you bite in to their thick chunks of clams is just awe inspiring. Will I ever look at another clam chowder and savor the meal to come? Possibly, but not as heart pounding as Doyle's clam chowder. If I'm to spend another day in Boston, I'm definitely spending lunch and dinner at Doyle's with Brick Red and the chowder.
(5)
Chrizzle D.

Good not great. Came here for Brunch on an early Sunday morning and enjoyed the ambiance (mostly because it wasn't filled with a whole bunch of drunk college kids). Our waitress was nice and helpful whereas the rest of the staff was pretty blah (I asked for A1 for my mediocre breakfast steak and she looked upset that I responded to her "Can I get you anything else?" question). There was A LOT of food. If you're able to eat a decent amount of food, sharing a plate will be sufficient (this isn't a joke, thank me later!). I can't say there was anything that stood out to me. Tried everyone's food and it seemed like they all had the same experience I did. Either way, I'd go if I was waiting for my tour at the Sam Adams Brewery, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to get here (especially with so many other awesome places in JP).
(3)
Jia J.

Doyle's is a delightful place that both represents stereotypes and authenticities (not that I grew up there) of Southie. Nowadays, people might associate Jamaica Plain with JP Licks and good hospitals, but before the area became a Mecca for the up-and-coming who wished they lived in Newton or Brookline, it was a rough black-and-white kind of 'hood with plenty of depression, gang violence, neglect, and arson. Before that, it was - presumably and apparently - a community ruled by the Irish, whose legacy remains throughout Boston, which still bleeds green. End of careless and sweeping history of JP, onto Doyle's... Established in 1882, this cavernous corner cafe has received shoutouts from everyone from the Mayor of Galway to National Geographic. But like so many others, I found was led to Doyle's not from its rich heritage or its quiet cameos in movies and TV shows pertaining to Boston, but by an accidental journey on the Sam Adam's post-tour party bus. My friends and I had missed the very last tour at the brewery, and the guy at the door had given us conciliatory stamps on the hand that earned us passage onto a disco-lit van full of obese, boisterous, predominantly Caucasian drunks headed straight for Doyles. As "Sweet Caroline" blared on the speakers and the lights twirled around the carpeted interior of the vehicle, the driver pumped us up for our arrival by shouting over a crackly PA system. "When people come to BAH-stin, they wanna go to Cheeahs, where nobody knows ya name. But the REAL Bahstin baah is DOY-uhls. When they filmed ____ and _____, they were doin' it at DOY-uhls. In the movie ______ when ____and____were ____ing, they were doin' it at DOY-uhls." [Raucous cheers and howls from passengers] ]And so on... It was about 3 p.m. on President's Day, and the place was already packed, and not just with party bussers who were funneled in through the door into the mahogany inlaid indoors. Luckily, there was plenty of room to go around for the hordes of obese Americans champing at the bit for ale battered onion rings (huge portions, some of the best I've ever had) and grease burgers. Tables and booths were generously spaced out across the wide paneled wood floor that looks as if it's been oft danced and stomped on by reveling crowds in the night. Turns out, our free drink (also a benefit of the hand stamp) was really a free glass, so I paid $5.50 for my first pint of Cherry Wheat, and similar prices for pints thereafter. How this place confirms TRUE stereotypes of the area: *Just about everyone did have The Boston Accent - for real - defnitely not Blake Lively's fat Latino tranny voice as an attempt to duplicate it on "The Town" *Plenty of people in there were sporting Red Sox caps with Pats jackets over their Bruins jerseys and Celtics sweatpants even if it wasn't a game day. *The waitresses were older women of Irish descent with gold cross necklaces dangling over their sweaters. *"Irish car bombs" here are known as just plain car bombs. *Speaking of cars, there was a nasty wreck out on the quiet streetcorner with a huge swarm of cops attending to it, inspiring an imagined feel of foul play in the air How this place thankfully defies stereotypes, whether true or untrue, of the area: *There was not a single trace of racism or "locals only" b.s. hostility *There were no brawls *There were normal, nice families all around with their well behaved kids, proving that this pub is good for general audiences *The wood shelves of dishware might have been sagging in their antiquity, but were whistle-clean, as was the rest of the place, right down to the bathrooms. Had such a good time in the fading winter light of day that I dare say I might go out of my way to bring out of towners here in the future. Plus, I have actually succeed in taking the Sam Adams tour and try Doyle's's garlic fries - the only sign of the much longed for treat I've seen outside of California.
(4)
Greg S.

Nice old pub. I too came here after the brewery tour my first day in Boston. I ordered the lobster roll, my first. As directed by the barkeep I ordered it on toasted sourdough with onion rings. It was very good. Now after having eaten several more during my stay I can say this was as good as any lobster salad sandwich in the city.
(4)
Vicky D.

The only special thing about this place is the history behind it. And the potato skins. Definitely get the potato skins if you get the chance. I like that they give you a new Sam Adams glass with a ticket from the tour so that you don't have to go into the bathroom to wash it off, too. Also, they have some Sam Adams on tap that isn't on the tour and isn't sold in bottles. The service was ok, but I'd still recommend eating here after you tour the brewery to get the full experience.
(3)
Karrin P.

What an amazing time! We caught the party trolley after our Sam Adam's tour and found ourselves in the center of a really good time. The driver is a true blue Bostonian who clearly bleeds for his city and its historic Doyle's. He informed of its history and how so many famous movies shot scenes there. When we arrived, we were greeted by an incredibly friendly staff. They carry a selection of beers and even have an exclusive Sam Adams beer, Nitro, that we got to taste, which was delicious! It was Sam's version of Guiness. The food was excellent and the fries were sinfully good. Since we were from the tour, they gifted us a free perfect pint Sam Adams glass. Overall, it was awesome. I highly recommend a visit to this city's treasure. Enjoy!
(4)
Marina W.

I keep updating my reviews and Doyle's keeps getting a downgrade. Their food is quite expensive for the quality of it. I have lived near them for years, and the prices have gone up unreasonably considering the quality has not. I understand inflation and everything, but no other place has raised their prices like this. Twelve dollars for a reuben now? You've got to be kidding me! I'm glad they they are doing more business now what with the Sam Adam's partnership, but it sucks for people who live in the area and just need something simple to eat. I am unhappy with you Doyle's. Last night, I needed someone else to prepare something for me to eat. A sandwich and 2 beers (plus a 15% tip) should NOT cost 29 bucks. I'm not rockafeller over here. Eff you, Doyle's.
(2)
Jonathan P.

I will never come back to this place again simply because of the service. TERRIBLE! If you are going to give terrible service at least have decent food. They have a pretty damn good thing going with Sam Adams to ship unknowing customers who went on the tour over. This was one tour I wish I didn't take!!!
(1)
Oguz B.

After the Samuel Adams tour they suggest to doyle's bar optionally.They take you there free with a white party trolley that you can even dance inside the trolley. If you go there and have a sam adams beer with showing your ticket, the curved original sam adams glass is given for free. Tried that one also with a pizza. Pizza was awesome and so the beer. Also the bar crew was so polite and helpful that I am looking for the next trip to that place. Thanks to the barmens fot their generosity...
(4)
Chuck K.

I desperately want to give this place 5 stars but the inconsistency of the food won't allow it. Still, there are so many great things about this restaurant that it'll take a few moments to list them all Â° History - Opened in 1882, when you weren't even alive. Expanded in 1907. Operated as a speakeasy during Prohibiton. Visited by every Boston politician worth mentioning. Kennedys, Dukakis, legendary Mayor Curley, "Honey" Fitz. Check, check, check, check. And they've got photographic evidence on the wall to prove that no, you little twerp, this ain't Houlihan's or similar-style corporate slut-bags. Bonus: It's the first place to serve Sam Adams beer. Â° Great space: Cavernous, but in a good way. If you're even the least bit claustrophobic, as I am, most bars give you the heebie-jeebies. Not this place. Big, comfy booths for sitting. High ceilings. Happiness. Â° Service: This is Boston, so I cannot get my beloved Southern Hospitality. But the food comes quick and if you have a problem with your order, they'll fix it. Â° Prices: Fair. Â° Food: Ah, the achilles heel. Some stuff is amazing and some is frankly disappointing. The sweet potato fries are heaven. The Buffalo Burger was tasty as heck. Momz got a swordfish steak and it was good. A brunch visit confirmed that they do some nifty variations on Eggs Benedict. But I'd avoid their Ruben sandwich. And let's just say that these guys do not know how to make vegetables into something you particularly want to eat. Â° Drinks: Mixed strong enough. To repeat, the atmosphere and storied history of this place make it worth a visit or five. The place really stokes my enthusiasm for being a(n imported) Boston resident. Everyone come to Doyle's!
(4)
Dea R.

I bet this is the greatest place in the larger Boston dinner's world to have a good old Irish American food fight. Least ways the one I attended as a guest last night was delicious too. I had fists sized portions of fresh caught cod hidden among a generous portion of chips that guarded their treasures of fresh tartar and slaw. The Angry Scotsman ate pizza floating to the skirmish in its aroma of cheese and large discs of pepperoni. And his Bonnie Kate enamored herself with a sword and trident prepared to defend her succulent portions of the most elegant glazed tri-tip this side of Edinburgh that a Scott ever saw. By the wane of the ensuing battle, an armistice was finally called to terms into secure taking the remaining portions home for another midnight raid to the fridge. And another legend is born into the annals of the history of a dinner's repertoire on a list of great places to eat.
(5)
Rebecca M.

Doyle's was a great spot after our group of 40+ took a tour at the brewery last week. We had made a reservation for the crowd and we were greeted with tables of coffee, fruit, mini-muffins, coffee cake, and cookies. These are things you need immediately after doing a brewery tour at 10am, trust me. The staff was wonderful, we had a good amount of space. We had planned for a smaller menu for the group to choose from and everything was priced well, the food arrived at about the same time for everyone. Walking away with a free Sam Adams pint glass didn't hurt, either. :) The trolly ride was an experience, but probably some of the best laughter I've had during this crappy weather. Just remember to hold on tight.
(4)
Jessica J.

We came here after the Sam Adams tour (thanks Jason!) I had the Braddok Burger, which although it was really tasty, was a bit underdone. The servers were fun and your standard career-pub-watiresses and we loved them! Also the free beer glass with the pint of Sam Adams was nice.
(3)
Dana B.

We went after the Sam Adams Tour to score our free pint glasses and have a delicious Sam Adams. Once the taste hits your lips, it's hard to drink anything for the rest of the day. Doyle's is what it is - plain and simple. It's a pub that is also family friendly where they serve everything imaginable on the menu. Like an underground Fridays or Pizzeria Unos. We split a plate of nachos which were good, drank our beer, and left. Not memorable, but not terrible. Great place to score a free pint glass.
(3)
Robert S.

Had lunch here the other day post Sam Adams brewery tour and was thoroughly impressed. I had the German plate with knockwurst bratwurst sauerkraut and fries, gastronomical nightmare but friggin delicious. My gf had a classic reuben and sweet potato fries. In her words "this is the best reuben I've ever had" the fries were perfect as well. I would have given it a 5 star but the waitress seemed rushed and wasn't quite attentive but with food fare like this especially after having so much beer on the tour I will definitely return. Did I mention that if u go here and order a Sam Adams anything they put it in that special Sam glass and you get to keep it. So I would definitely return to good ol Jamaica plain for this place. :-)
(4)
chio s.

Went two years ago after the Samuel Adams Tour and the onion rings were AMAZING. I never like onion rings prior but I still think about them, non greasy , delicious. Getting the Sam Adam glass was a cool souvenir. Wish the trolley had existed then but we got there eventually.
(4)
Frank B.

Probably one of the best bars anywhere. Great beer selection ,great mixed drinks,Hands down the Best" Bloody Mary" anywhere.As far as food Great Pub Food,burgers,soups,pizza,daily specials,all a winner. One of the best places to get a boiled dinner. It's loud,busy ,and comfortable all once.You never know who you'll run into. A "must" around Patties Day
(4)
Tenley W.

I am figuring that Doyle's is a mainstay in the Jamaica Plain community that pays the bills by cashing in on being the first bar to ever carry Sam Adams. Comfortable atmosphere feels like you are in an Irish Catholic living room, complete with photos of JFK.
(3)
Rich F.

I have been going here for a while, but I never wrote a review. Here it goes. A group I belong to used to meet here one a week, but we decided that after repeatedly bad service we would change venues. The food is good pub food and the prices are pretty good. I have been here for both breakfast and dinner meals and they were both good. The Eggs Benedict is average and the pancakes are also just average. I have eaten dinner here several times and for the life of me I can't remember what I had other than y table shared an order of Sweet Potato Fries (which are pretty good) I think this is an indication that the food was neither bad nor great because I would have remembered it either way. So far you might be thinking that this sounds like a four star review, but I have not talked about the servers yet. I think out of the roughly 6 times I have been here we had good service once. Try to imagine the most inattentive, middle-aged, lazy person in the greater Boston area and then imagine them serving you food. Yes, it was that good. We once had to wait 20 minutes to get a refill on coffee. It wasn't that she never saw us, it is that every time we asked she completely ignored us. One time our server was just on the other side of the booth and I got her attention while she was talking to her coworker. She put up a hand motioning for me to wait a moment. When she had finished her conversation (which was about what she was going to do after work. Yes, she was that close) she turned in the opposite direction and didn't return for almost 10 minutes. Overall, if you are looking for a place to go with a group of friends and want to spend a long time waiting for food and then get treated like crap Doyle's is the place for you. On the other hand, they are the only bar that carries limited edition beer from Samuel Adams on tap, so you could probably suck it up and go for the beer.
(2)
Rich O.

My trips to Doyle's are few and far between but it's always a good take. The beer selections is good without being absurd and the beer menu (when we found one) was broken down by type. Our table ended up heavy on Sam Smith (various and sundry), Chimay Blue (then Red when they ran out of Blue :-(), and Smithwicks and one beer which was supposed to be a Chimay Blue but as it came already in a glass (not a Chimay bottle) and looked nothing like Blue, we still aren't sure. The server, while pleasant enough, was odd to say the least and unorthodox in how he did things at best. I've yet to figure out if that's a compliment or insult. The food, as everyone has mentioned, is pretty standard pub fare but everyone seemed to enjoy what they got with one exception (see below). I got an excellent french dip (was highly recommended to me) and tried a piece of a decent thin crust pizza. The toasted rav were good but hardly memorable. The only part of the meal that disappointed (ok, along with the mystery beer) was dessert. Someone got what was called bread pudding but looked and had the texture of marble rye french toast. Maybe that's how it read in the description but none of the 8 of us had ever seen bread pudding like that before. All and all (and this is a long ass review by my standards) Doyle's is a fun, old school pub with good beer and good food so go with good friends
(4)
Erin R.

If you're looking for pub food and a place with an historical feel, Doyles is a good fit. I've never had to wait for a table, but I usually only go with my husband, so it's not hard to seat us. Service can be hit or miss. We have sometimes waited a while for refills or for the check. The food is solid (for pub fare), but nothing spectacular. So why 4 stars? It's really for the sense of history and nostalgia I feel when I go there. My great grandparents came over from Ireland in the 1920s and settled in JP. I am told that my grandfather and great-uncles were regulars at Doyles, which was a place Irish immigrants used to go to find work back in the day. So, it's kind of cool to go and eat somewhere that you know your ancestors used to frequent. Plus you can't live in JP and not go to Doyles at least once. I think that's against the law or something. ;-)
(4)
Michael R.

Lots of beer on tap, great burgers and the pastrami sandwich is the best. Very cool atmosphere and fantastic service. I would love to eat here again.
(4)
Matt W.

I love this place. I have for a long time, and I'm not going to give it a bad review. But prices have gone up and it's pretty annoying when it's loaded with party bus tourists from Sam Adams brewery. I don't fault them for making the changes - it's a solid business model. But my neighborhood bar for the past decade has been turned into a tourist destination, and that kind of hurts.
(4)
Patrick S.

Great Irish restaurant. Had the pot pie and pot belly burger! Great portions. Free glass with a sam Adams draft purchase.
(5)
Liz E.

Doyle's is perfect for a casual, inexpensive, low-key bite to eat. Great pizzas, solid burgers, lots of the usual "pub" fare. Good beer selection, too. Fun atmosphere, lots of junk on the walls to look at if you don't feel like talking to your dinner-mates.
(4)
Aluminum Chefs, C and T.

C here. After 3 years of legal drinkery, I finally have a home bar to call my own. People will always be able to find things to complain about at Doyles, but I maintain that they simply want it to be something it isn't. Atmosphere is the number one draw for Doyles - tons of dark wood, shelves bowed from years of being packed with pint glasses, and history everywhere you look, whether it's newspaper clippings on the wall, or grimy nooks and crannies of the floor. The waitresses call you hon, can sometimes be gruff, and are known to disappear, but that's exactly what you want when you're nursing a beer with a friend. Beer is next on the list - Sam Adams selections abound, plus Naragansett, Wachusett, and a surprisingly palatable $2 house amber. Food is tasty. I don't know if I'll even find myself craving a particular item off the Doyles menu, but that's fine by me. I just want something to munch while I drink my beer. All in all, I love Doyles. It feels more like an extension of my living room than anything else. If I'm not at home and not at work, you'll probably find me nursing a Musty over a game of Scrabble at Doyles.
(5)
Leslie P.

I only go to Doyle's Cafe for Boston Media Makers meetings ( bostonmediamakers.wordprâ€¦ ), so I've only experienced their brunch, and how they handle large groups. Not being a breakfast person, I'd love to try their lunch or dinner options one day, but so far I've had the eggs benedict, an egg white omelette with home fries, various bagels and their english muffin (not all at once!). Nothing wowed me, but it was all fine. They do a great virgin bloody mary, and their wait staff is very tolerant of our large group (we sometimes reach 60 people). They have serving us down to a science, and there is a lot to be said for that kind of efficiency. They have a rich political history with Boston politicians, so arriving a bit early and looking at the history in photos and plaques on the walls is interesting as well. They do have Wifi - installed after the meeting I am usually attending became a regular event, but it often seems to fade in and out and become unstable, even before the group gets to the back room. If you are hosting a tech event, bring an extension cord - they have only one or two available plugs, and being able to share with other laptop users at a meetings will make you a lot of new friends. They do have parking, which is a bonus in any part of the Boston area. Minor drawback for the technological age: they only take cash. They do have an ATM on site, but it is on occasion broken, so don't rely on it. Overall, I'd recommend this to someone planning a group event - it's worth it for the efficient waitstaff and kitchen alone. It's rare for a busy establishment to be able to handle their usual brunch and bar crowds (substantial) and a huge group in a private room without missing a beat.
(3)
Anita D.

After the brewery we continued our bar crawl to Doyle's. We did not have a chance to try the food except for the fries. My friends liked it, I thought they were just standard. The Sam Adams beer we had here was out of this world. I don't remember what it was, but it had hints of coffee/chocolate. YUM! I could use one right now. Also when I took my shot of Jameson (gross) and asked for a DIet Coke back, the bartender literally gave me a whole glass full eqivalent to the size of a beer. Wow! :)
(4)
Sami W.

What Heather said in her review below! "Heather H. 8/12/2005 Although it's a hotbed of controversy, you can't beat Doyle's. 100% Irish, good beer, good food, and good atmosphere. you never know, Menino might just pop in." I'd like to add to it, that it's a good place for people visiting Boston, it has a lot of character, from the history to the angry older looking waiters/waitresses. Typical Boston! And that is why I LOVE THIS PLACE! You have a great beer selection and you can't go wrong with the food. Taking a good dump the next morning is an indication that the food I ate was good. AND I JUST DID!!
(4)
Rondal B.

Good burgers and good beer. The service here can be a little off sometimes but in general my experiences have been pleasant enough to make it our go to place for dinner after doing the tour at Samuel Adams Brewery which is walking distance away. The menu is pretty good if you like pub food and the prices are ok for what you get. For all you Sam Adams fans, you'll be pleased to find wide selection of the local brewery's beer on tap including the seasonal unless they happen to run out.
(4)
John C.

not to be mistaken for tommy doyles which was portrayed in goodwill hunting. doyles cafe has been in other movies though. mystic river i believe... it's also had it's share of celebrities and politicians. jfk opened one of the expansion rooms and named it after his mother or mother in law way back in the day... a group of friends and i went to doyles because we had some groupons. figured, what the hey, i could go out for a black and tan or half and half. upon getting to doyles the first thing i noticed was that it had 3 entrances, but only 1 of them was available for use. the other ones must have been the original entrances, these days you have to enter through the side door. the place was huge, filled with photographs of older politicians, mumbles when he was younger and all the booths and tables had very nicely weathered looks. i was happy, exactly the type of place i want to get a guiness from.. the first thing we noticed was the smell of o-rings. it was immediately sold, we wanted some for appetizers. looking over the menu i wasn't very excited, i settled on a bison burger, how could you screw up a burger right? i'm at an establishment that has a history and a pretty good crowd, if your burgers suck there is no way you stay in business. we ordered wing dings and o-rings for appetizers. so far so good. my half and half was good, you can't really screw that up anyways. i also had a cup of clam chowder.. before i took the first bite i knew something was wrong. it was off. the others who ordered chowder thought it was fine and other taste tests confirmed the normality. i got shit for being a wanna be elite yelper, ha ha. but i stuck to my palate. something was not right, being born and raised in MA i know what my chowda should taste like. i couldn't hold my tongue, i had to ask.. the waitress came back and told me there was parsley and bay leaves in the chowda. it wasn't disgusting, but why would you try to be fancy and add garbage like that in good ole clam chowder. EPIC FAIL. just when i thought things couldn't get any worse we got the entrees. my buddy's rare steak came out medium well. my medium rare burger came back medium well and the swordfish was beyond awful. first off, the ONLY time you should have frozen burger patties served to you are 1) fast food chains (even then, wendy's doesn't even serve frozen patties) and 2) elementary school cafeterias. my bison burger patty was a frozen patty cooked over a grill. the texture was completely processed. i DID NOT finish my burger. for those that know me, i don't leave food around. the swordfish was even worse. the sauce was just horrible. the fish itself was overcooked. have you ever purchased swordfish, forgot you had it and decided to freeze it to save it. then try to cook it but got caught up watching an extra minute of the celtics? well that's what the chef was probably doing. the swordfish looked and tasted like processed chicken. you are not supposed to be able to take a fork and cut a fish into a perfect square block and toss it to your friend across the table to eat. that's what we could have done with this swordfish. 15 bucks for this? wow. i would never, ever, EVER go back to doyles for food. if a friend in the area wanted a beer and some fried snacks sure, real food? i think not. go to dogwoods half a mile down the street, the food is 50X better. service: 3.5 stars (the waitress was rocking some BO) entrees: 0 stars appetizers: 3 stars beer list: 4 stars
(2)
Matthew A.

Yuck! This is a greasy, loud and cold trying to be an Irish pub. Bartenders are standoffish and the waitress practically throw the food at you. There are better choices in Boston. Skip the hype.
(2)
Louis K.

What could you possibly not like about Doyles? Is it white linen tablecloth dining? Of course not! People, it's a divey bar with divey bar food and divey bar drinks. Embrace it for what it is, get a burger and a Guinness and enjoy.
(4)
Patrick J.

When film school and yelp collide, you do things like trek to Doyle's with your classmates because notable Boston films have been shot there. You ooh and ahh over the decor and atmosphere. Listen to the old dude's stories about showing Clint Eastwood the place. Make camera frames with your hands and talk about the best way to shoot your chowder bread bowl. It's great looking place and has a good vibe. The food is pub food. Nothing fancy, but hits the spot. If you're expecting more from a place like this, you gotta get your expectations realigned.
(4)
A K.

Took the trolley over from Samuel Adams and had lunch. I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich, which was okay, and my husband had a burger. He liked the beer selection but the place was a tad old/dirty looking. Given our choice, we probably wouldn't go again but it was easy to get to.
(3)
Ed M.

First of all, the walk from the Sam Adams brewery to here is not as close as the brewery workers claim. The Sam Adams styles on tap are cool, as some you don't see elsewhere in the city. The drinks are reasonably priced at around $4 a beer, and there is a Doyle's Amber for $2. Sitting at the bar, my friend from out of town and I decided to get a couple appetizers, but had to wait for a waitress to come and take the order, then give us a different check just for the food. Not sure why but maybe it's easier for them? Found that quite strange. The service was alright, not as bad as other reviews, but nothing awesome. The waitress disappeared for a bit while we ate, then suddenly dropped the check in front of us folded in a pint glass without asking if we wanted anything else. The food was mediocre and basic bar food, chicken fingers, wings, nachos, etc. One thing that stood out as delicious was the sausage plate the wife and I got first time there. It was very nice.
(3)
Hannah M.

this review is for the experience. partnered with the Sam Adams Brewery Tour, the trolley ride between the 2 might be the best part. when waiting for the FREE brewery tour, a crazy ass, music bumpin, hype man drivin trolley takes you to DOYLES! there you get a free Sam Adams pint glass when you buy a $6 beer. Coming from NY the beer price was already cheap for a tourist spot! Lovely way to kill time while waiting for my free tour. didn't eat any food.
(4)
Norwin E.

Good thing there's a free trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery and that they offer a free Sam Adams specialty pint glass with a purchase of Sam Adams beer cuz otherwise I would probably never go here. Sam Adams beer is $5.50 while the glass itself is $8 alone at the Sam Adams gift shop--good deal i'd say. Kinda sucks that you can't sit down at one of their tables to just drink unless you order an appetizer. Oh well, I guess that's what the bar is for. I'm happy with my beer and free glass. Didn't even have to show my tour ticket.
(4)
Justin I.

We are fans of Doyle's. Good pub, solid food, and good trivia. We came here about ten days ago for the first time because we were looking for a place that was doing trivia near by. We invited a bunch of friends down and we ended up having a nice group of about 12 people. None of us had ever been there but just about all of us had a great time. The service was the only thing that kept us from giving it five stars but we did not expect good service so it didn't bother us too much. The place is pretty big. The bathrooms are a little old and not the cleanest but again that was pretty much expected for such a hole in the wall pub. They had a full bar and some solid beer and wine to choose from. Great spot for groups of friends to hang out and be loud and have a good time.
(4)
J. W.

Visiting Boston and my local buddy suggested that Doyle's was a great place to experience. I took an opportunity to check Yelp and immediately wondered what I was in for. As it turned out, I didn't experience anything particularly negative, it was a pub that served pub food. The waitress was attentive and pleasant. The beer was tasty with some nice Sam Adams brews. The food was average to below average at best. We started with the fried ravioli. It was the same stuff I could buy at Costco combined with a cup of tomato sauce that tasted suspiciously like Prego. For dinner I had a corned beef dinner, there wasn't enough salt and pepper on the table to make it what I might call seasoned. However, I probably should have known better than to venture away from the sandwich page. My buddy had a burger that looked pretty tasty. In the end, this was a pretty cool restaurant with a great history. Lower your dining expectations and go for the overall experience.
(3)
Tim B.

Doyle's is a fantastic relic and if you can't appreciate the history and atmosphere of this place, maybe you should go eat with the giant-sunglasses-wearing, teenie-dog-carrying Bostonians at the Armani Exchange restaurant on Newbury Street. Doyle's has a great atmosphere, great food, good brunch and a fantastic beer selection. Most of the trash talk on the food comes from people who ordered salads. Why the hell would you order a salad at a place like this?!? Get real and go for the pastrami and swiss or corn-beefed for crying out loud! "Well, you see, the frisee in my mesclun green salad was a tad wilted." Give me a break. When you're at a pub go for the pub food. I'm definitely a stickler for a service but I also am aware that there is a time and a place for surly, and Doyle's is it baby! So just sit back and enjoy the experience!
(5)
Caitlin C.

Historical bar and has a lot of history. If you head to the Sam Adams brewery there is a trolley that will bring you here for a beer while you wait for your tour. If you buy a sam adams beer you get to keep the traditional sam adams glass. So if a beer runs you about $6 it is really a great deal for a beer and a souvenir glass. As for the food, it is always great. Always came here for brunch so don't have much to say about their other meals, but brunch is great!
(4)
Dave G.

I kind of feel like I have no business reviewing a place like this. People are going to be packed in there no matter what anyone says: It's an institution! It's a bar with a huge dining space and just okay food. You're not going to be coming here because it's delicious, but because you and 20 of your pals can meet and get fed and drunk at the same table.
(3)
Vito M.

Perfect Saturday: wake up early, hit up the Sam Adams brewery tour at 10am, finish up around 11:30, party trolley to Doyle's, score a free Sam Adams pint glass with a quality quaff, and enjoy some awesome bar food at Doyle's. Great neighborhood joint with amazing hot wings. Had a little buyer's remorse when I saw plates of onion rings going by. Great place with great ties to the local area. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
B D.

Why would you go to Doyles, when you have The Dogwood Cafe, James Gate (which serves foot all night), Jeanie Johnson, etc? The only reason to go to Doyle's is to drink, or for the atmosphere and decorations; they've got all sorts of old-school-Boston mementos like old front pages dating back decades, campaign flyers, etc. There's a cool mural in the back dining room, too. The back-back room is a disturbing shrine to the Kennedy family. The service is abominable and grumpy; ask for the slightest thing and you'll get a visible, exasperated reaction. The kitchen closes at some ridiculous hour except for pizza you can't tell from the box it came in. The TVs are probably older than you are, so it's a lousy place to watch The Game. The food is exceedingly bland americana/bar fare; the menu talks it up like no tomorrow like there's a pro chef hiding back there lovingly slaving over everything, but everything is straight out of a can or the freezer, and the cook they do have is incompetent- can't even handle a basic burger.
(1)
Scott P.

Can't not go after the brewery tour at Sammy for the glass. Food and chowdah was good. Watch out, the ride over on the trolley/bus may kill you.
(3)
Amanda M.

Came here on the Trolley from the Sam Adams brewery tour(which is great too!) ordered Sam Adams beer of course and sweet potato fries which were cooked perfectly and delicious! I ordered the burger, which was just ok, but what my mom and brother ordered were amazing! The Rueben and French dip, so amazing! Def go for the sandwiches, onion rings, and sweet potato fries when you come here!
(4)
Sarah S.

The first time I ever ate here was enough to keep me away for the next year, year and a half. The eggs were rubbery. And I swear the bacon was not bacon. I don't know what that was. It looked like bacon but... wasn't. Shudder. After some prodding, I finally came back. My meal was better this time. The bacon was bacon, thankfully. But it's still not good. Is that the appeal? It is what it is. However, the prices are beyond reasonable. One special morning I got the steak and eggs. It was a huge slab of meat for like $10. Yeah, that's right. And it was delicious too. The one time I've eaten here that left me wondering if I hadn't just dreamed the other past experiences. It is very old school. My boyfriend told me they once filmed a scene from Boston Public in here. And presidents and politicos apparently come to chow here too. If there were celebrities often enough in here, I might be swayed to be a regular.
(3)
Maggie G.

Fish n chips are great. Other foods are good too. Waitress attitude could improve.
(4)
Yolanda Y.

This seems like the big historic pub to visit because several movies had parts shot here and of course because there is a trolley that takes you from the Sam Adams brewery directly here. The tour guide on the trolley itself was really funny by the way and I was really surprised by how fun the whole ride was. As promised we got our free glasses with the purchase of a beer and for food I got fish & chips. The food was good but nothing outstanding. There is a ton of seating inside so it seems that even though a new bus brings people from the brewery on the hour it's not a problem. They accept credit cards and if you want to order prime rib the menu says they only start to serve it after six or so.
(3)
Catherine F.

I had a terrible experience at Doyle's cafe. I was sitting at the bar and the bartender spilled an entire beer on me. I never receive an appology from her, rather had to listen to her laugh about it to man whoms beer she spilled. I continually asked for napkins, finally had to yell for them and was thrown a dirty dish towel. I wasn't expecting to start my evening out smelling like beer, let alone smell like a dirty dish towel and have damp jeans and jacket. The bartender told the person whoms beer spilled that it was on the house because "ha ha" pointing at me, I ended up wearing it. She continued by giving me a bill with my one beer on it. I had to ask a different bartender if that's right I be charged. He immediately apologized for her and took it off my bill. Terrible Iraq experience to Doyle's, especially considering my excitment to go. For 6 pm on a Friday the bartenders should be MUCH more friendly.
(1)
Abbie T.

To go with an old cliche, Doyle's is what it is. It is an old, traditional, historic political Boston pub. The people who post less than positive reviews here probably just want or expected it to be something it isn't. There's history here. I remember seeing Mayor Flynn in here as a kid, and the mural on the wall depicts all the political figures who held court in Doyle's back in the day. You can feel the political machinery at work in these rooms decorated in newspaper articles and photos. The staff can be gruff and tell it like it is, but they're just like the pub itself - exactly who they are and not pretending to be anything else. The general rule of thumb at Doyle's is if it's bad for you it's delicious, but if it's good for you it's probably pretty bad. So go for a pint and a burger, and save your health food purchases for someplace else.
(5)
Kerri O.

Truth to my review, I came here last night with my Aunt Jane, and spent the next couple of hours being bought beer, and hearing stories about her, my Mama (RIP), and my Uncle Al. Then, we met an old Irish Duffer, who knew my Great Grandma Nana Mulvey. He was the son of a guy who Came Over with her. Well, stick a fork in me. I'm totally done and happy. I traded stories with him, and talked some Gaelic. It was simply Magic.
(5)
G. B.

We did the Sam Adams Brewery tour today and they steered us to this place with the temptation of a free Sam Adams signature glass with the beer (paid 6 bucks a beer, so in reality we probably paid for the glasses too. Oh well). We got the Lobster Mac n Cheese and it was very good. Neat place to go when visiting the Boston area.
(4)
Mike M.

Went there on a recent Saturday night and had a great time. Parking was a breeze and no problem getting great seats at the bar. The bartenders are overly courteous and we never had to wait for a refill. The food is typical but that is what we like. I had the pastrami and swiss and it was very good, but the one served at Lewis' in Norwood is slightly better - sorry. Plenty of beer selections to satisfy anyone's needs and I think they have the only tap of Sam Adams Brick Red available. One can only imagine the people that have passed through the doors here.
(4)
James C.

Took the trolley from Sam Adams Factory to Doyle's and had some more Sam Adams beer to drink! I also ordered up the clam chowder which I have to say was actually the best clam chowder I had amongst 3 other places in Boston! It didn't taste like someone in the back opened up a can of Progresso or Campbell's soup. Sat at the bar and just yucked it up with random people from Pittsburgh which is a testament to how laid back the place is. The bartenders were both 2 young women, one with a very noticeable Irish accent!
(3)
Brian T.

My friend and his wife brought us to Doyle's and it was what you would imagine if you wanted a Irish Pub in Boston. Good selection for the menu and the portions are good sized and are a good quality for a Irish Pub. Service can be a bit spotty depending on the waitress though. I will add that yes we did hit it up again after the Sam Adams tour. I would go back again.
(4)
Sean B.

Doyles. They rate a "meh" They make a delicious Reuben - but never order a salad. They have many beer options - but their quiche is the worst. They serve brunch all day on Sunday - it's greasy as eff and the potatoes are usually undercooked. They have various different kind of french fries that all cost the same amount as a side, but if you chose a different kind of fries with a meal they charge $1 more. 80% of the time their Bloody Mary's are wonderful. The decorations It's possible that you aren't drunk yet, the murals just have dizzying depth perception. Service 20% great (I have two favourite waitress, efficient and really nice. Barbara is one of them) 50% adequate 25% awful 5% worst service I've ever had. I repeat NEVER GET A SALAD. But I enjoy it regardless of all it's flaws and go frequently. 3.5 stars
(3)
Karen S.

I went here yesterday, and it was great. The food was greasy, messy, and absolutely delicious. Their fries were heavenly. When I went I was basically broke, so I just mooched off of everyone else and contributed ~$3, so I had the chance to try a ton of stuff. Guess what? Everything seemed good. Drinks, food, service, etc. The waitress came often and was polite and nice, but not pushy. The atmosphere was nice as well--- comfortable and nice for chatting. I can't seem to find anything wrong with this place. Visit it!
(5)
Joe K.

This is a bar/restaurant that relies on past reputation and illusion more than anything else. It thrives on the tourists who visit Boston and have heard of Doyle's or those who visit the Sam Adams' Brewery and are directed here and buy the Tshirts. Other than the day bartender (Keith), you'll find the evening/weekend barstaff more absorbed in talking to each other than attending to the patrons at the bar. In fact, that seems to be the 'politics' past-time, gossiping or complaining about shifts or who's not doing what. Ever have a bartender sigh out loud because you order another round on a quiet Sunday afternoon, because he has to get up from where he's sitting? Moving here about two years ago, my patience has worn thin. Unlike the Corrib in Brookline, where you are greeted and welcomed, and even engaged in conversation!, at Doyle's you're lucky to steal the attention to get another beer. Sitting at the table? I guess it depends on the service, but the few times I have, food was lukewarm, the server acted without warmth, really a disappointment. The history of the bar, the atmosphere, the authenticity of the barstools, tables, seats, whatever, don't mean a thing if the beer isn't served to a full glass promptly and the food hot and tasty. And where, for the most part, you never really feel welcomed. Too bad, those are the requirements for a true Irish bar.
(2)
Paul F.

This is such an amazing part of Boston's pride and history. Been here since 1882. I crave the homemade sauce of the beef steak tips, so yummy. Just a good old classic feeling, not like these new yuppy modern looking places they make now. I am from Rozzi and did not discover this place till I was 20 back in 1998. Very much worth the trip, over the years I have taken girl friends, friends from other states, even took my boss here and they all loved the place, my boss bought me a Doyle's t-shirt.
(5)
R. B.

Food: I like the fish and chips and also the fried clams. Brownie points for the sweet potato fries. Minus points for the bacon in the clam chowder (sorry, I know everyone puts bacon in the clam chowder around here, but its still disappointing), and also minus points for some attributes of the breakfast food. The breakfast potatoes are kind of substandard. Coffee- eh. Ambiance- just perfect for a pub. Love it. Beer selection is great. Waitstaff, very friendly and accommodating. 5 stars for that.
(3)
Tyler N.

Got free Sam Adams glasses for being on the brewery tour. Also Clint Eastwood shot the bar scene in mystic river here! The price of the beer as I recall was decent, around $4.50? I'm so used to the North End prices that it was nice to have a good draft and get the "Sam" designed glass for free. My wife and I ordered some food, don't remember what we had so must have been just typical bar food.
(3)
gerard f.

Been coming here for 20 years. A great JP institution. The best beer on tap. Super sweet potato fries. You can't go wrong with the prime rib. Most everything else, just passable, but you go there for the history and atmosphere.
(5)
Jenny M.

Good, good Reuben Sandwiches!!! Very sloppy and delicious. Can never go wrong with that. I don't ever go to their brunch on Sunday. They have a very limited menu and it is the only thing served until 4pm. Blah. Good beers. The service is well, not the best. Once again, these waitresses who have probably worked their since the place opened they take off and can't be found. I think they actually work a large part of the restaurant and forget about their tables. It takes a long time to get a second beer. My brother hates it there. He sits at the bar and gets ignored every time. I think his friend and him almost got in a fight with the bartender once because they were sitting their politely for a number of minutes and just got completely ignored. Took my Dad there because of the history and memorabilia, etc. A lot of people go there because of the Sam Adams tour, so it can get touristy. It is still a decent place to go. It is kind of an institution and you have to go there at least once in your life!
(4)
L-Train A.

Doyle's is great in many different ways. It has a great feel to it - very down to earth, comfortable, laid-back, family friendly, neighborhoody. I love going here and we go here a lot. Doyle's has a lot of history, including being an important political hangout, the first place to serve Sam Adams, and a speakeasy during Prohibition. Stonybrook runs through its basement. They have a really good brunch with excellent Bloody Mary's and poached egg options. They have an awesome turkey rueben, good beer selection, turkey tips, and even really good pizza! We just got the chicken fajita pizza there this week and it was great. You do want to avoid fancier type stuff though. For example, the turkey dinner is great, but the grilled salmon is no good. They have great fries and a wide selection including curly, steak fries, and sweet potato fries. The wait staff is great too. They are the types of waiters and waitresses that just know what they're doing inside and out and there is no extra fuss. Doyle's is one of the best places for groups. You can show up whenever with a bunch of people and be sat right away because the place is huge and well set up with giant booths that can fit ten people.
(5)
Judah D.

For drinks, Doyles is a fine establishment. The food and service could definitely be improved upon. Over the years, it has gotten to be a bit too touristy for my taste. We go there for beer/cocktails once in awhile, now and then.
(2)
Beck N.

Good news! They accept credit cards now - so no need to pay the fee at the ATM. Also, they are having a promotion with Sam Adams -- hurray for free glasses!
(4)
Cecilia L.

I had one of the worst brunches of my life here. My bf had been here once before with friends and had a good omelet. But when he took me, we were struggling to choke our food down. I had poached eggs over a disgusting, flavorless corned beef hash. It had the consistency of dog food, and the home fries were similarly flavorless and mushy. The steak that came with bf's steak and eggs was huge, but completely bland and tough. We're the type of conflict-averse people who would never send a dish back, but we contemplated hiding the food in our napkins before the waitress came like little kids, and also lamented the fact that we had not brought a dog to feed under the table. Nice local gathering place with a neighborhood feel, but I would never eat here again.
(2)
Mk E.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: if you don't like Doyle's, we probably can't be friends. Yes, their food is often ghastly. Yes, sometimes there are enormous groups of ultimate players and your service suffers. Yes, the televisions are ridiculously tiny. But- but!- sometimes the food is wonderful. Sometimes the servers remember that you like the sliced pickles. The beer selection is always awesome (how could someone compare it to Applebee's?) And, yes, it's a Boston institution. Word to the wise: come with cash! No credit cards at Doyle's. They do have an ATM, but you'll pay at least two bucks in fees, depending on your bank. (For those complaining of a dearth of vegetarian-friendly offerings: yes, this is true. But if you go to a burger joint expecting fine vegan cuisine, it's really your decision-making skills to blame, not the menu.)
(4)
Beth E.

Yeah, I know, Doyle's is supposed to be an institution. I just don't absolutely love it. I'm thinking that's because I've gone mainly to eat, and have never really gone just for drinks. Moral of the story, I need to drink more.
(3)
April P.

My review is based more on takeout that eating in. I've done both, but just had takeout last night, and was not impressed at all. I should have known better, ordering a salad from an Irish Pub; but I'm a vegetarian and didn't want to order anything deep fried. Sooo, yeah. I got a Greek salad. It was iceberg lettuce (ick), 2 cherry tomatoes, 2 slices of green pepper, a couple of canned olives, onion, and feta chunks. The dressing was decent. My friends got pepperoni pizza and wings, both of which they loved. So I guess it really depends on what you order. I did go here for brunch once, and liked the atmosphere and the beer selection. My meal wasn't memorable though- I have no idea what I ordered. The waitress was nice enough. 2 stars for food, 3 if you consider beer. Although I would say if you are looking for a good Irish pub in JP, the James Gate is waaay better.
(2)
Bernadette S.

I took visiting family there yesterday. I'm never really impressed, but it's always fine. I grew up in a bar and am accustomed to bar food, and this is exactly what you'll get - burgers and roasts and your basic meats and potatoes. I prefer bar food elsewhere but we were there for the atmosphere, not the food. I like the draught beer selection immensely and the place sure does have character... Our server was super sweet but also scarce, though it was admittedly ultra busy for Mother's Day. I ordered the BBQ Steak Tips with potato and veggie. I got mashed potatoes and pureed squash. The potatoes were bland; the squash was yummy. The tips themselves were slathered with BBQ sauce and were what you'd expect from steak tips - a little chewy and flavorless save for the sauce. I'm not complaining, but if I want a great meal, I'll go elsewhere.
(3)
D J.

First bar to serve sam adams beer. I got a free glass after the tour
(4)
Josh S.

When you walk in, you get a very good idea of what the experience will be like. This is a no frills place, where the food is typical pub fare with some additional unexpected menu items. The service is okay, with surly servers, but I think that is more Boston curtness than rudeness. I would suggest giving the salads a pass, unless you like iceberg lettuce (a lot of iceberg lettuce), but most other items are acceptable or even good. Drinks are good and strong. Prices are great for what you get!
(4)
Rhea B.

This is one of my favorite JP hangouts. The food is pretty good (not always perfect), but I don't care. It's the atmosphere and the community feeling that I love. They also host a locally produced story slam and comedy series in the back room.
(4)
Sasha N.

Legit Irish bar. Dont come here unless you are ready to drink. The food is surprisingly good, but its the atmosphere you go there for. Nothing is better on a Sunday morning then a pitcher of their awesome bloody mary and breakfast at Doyles!!!!
(4)
S.Y. T.

I ate here only once with my family. My brother claimed it has really good burgers, even better than bartley's in harvard square. Hence, I tried the doyle burger including a side of fries. In addition, we ordered the sweet potato fries. Indeed, the burger was good and juicy but I'm not quite sure if it was better than bartley's (the latter has more variety in choices). The sweet potato fries were superb IMO so I would suggest ordering it and ignore the side of standard fries coming with your entree. I would also say that this place is good for large gatherings because the atmosphere invites bigger crowds. So if you are into more quieter settings, this is not the place for you, at all. I remember this place being CASH ONLY but don't take my word for it. I could be wrong. This place was pretty busy when I went on a weekend. Overall, if you feel like eating standard American food in a historical pub, this is a place for you. One of the better American food joints I've been in a long time. Just don't eat this everyday or I'll guarantee that you will gain weight in a drastic fashion. Seriously.
(3)
Apolinaras S.

Went to Doyle's after visiting Boston Beer Company with in-laws (hey, got to support the bar that was first to sell Sam Adams). Before you read my review, do keep in mind, I am a foodie :-) So let us start with food: 3 stars max. It is simple pub grub, nothing else. They do try very hard with a broad selection, but they may just want to get back to their roots and reduce it all down to 1 menu (instead of 3). One good thing - portions are generous, so you will be taking some food home. Atmosphere: solid 3 stars. Place is an institution, BUT a large group of 20-30 somethings drunk by 2PM was definitely bothersome. Might have been an Irish wake, but that is not an excuse to not do a better job to ensure enjoyment of other patrons and keeping the rowdy ones confined to that private dining room. Service: 2 stars. Slow, indifferent... waitress would have been served well by having a coffee or two. Folks in the booth next to us waited forever for their order to be taken.
(3)
Olivia C.

Doyle's All about Atmosphere. It's been in the neighborhood for a hundred years, is huge, and makes you feel like you are in the old country. It's also a museum. I'm second generation, so my family likes to come in and gawk at the Kennedy pictures, and old mayors, ie Ray Flynn, and Tommy Boy. We sit on the wooden benches and order the Guinness. That B-movie with Dan Akroyd Celtic Pride (Shame) was partly filmed here and also the movie_______________ (help me people) We joke that the food sucks. When my real Irish cousins came to Boston we brought them to Doyle's' because everyone knows Irish people like plain ass food with no spice. (That withstanding, my grandmother is still the best cook on the planet) The pastrami sand witch is damn good though, and rivals Jame's Gate's, if you are into greasy salty protein pickled goodness and you are not at a proper New York Deli. The Irish blood sausage hash surprise or whatever scared the hell out of me, and I don't consider myself a picky eater, but my friend loved it. The bloody Marys?! are spicy. The fish sand witch is also one of the must haves. Fresh cod, kid. Some rave about the sweet potato fries, and I do like them, but I am not ready to make any commitments with them. The pizza is 'aight. And absolutely perfect if you want plain little kid soul food. My Auntie loves the grapeseed pudding (but way toooo much after all that pub food) and the brownie sundae is fun. I wanna try breakfast here, it's all day!! I wanna try more and we can actually talk and hear each other with all the locals, tourists, politicians, and dead Irish people-
(3)
Emily D.

I'm not from Boston, so this comes from an outsider. But what is UP with the surly service here?! I'm nice to you, you're snippy to me. What did I do to you?! Anyway. Other than our cranky waitress, my friends and I had a pretty good brunch here. The omelette was gigantic and fresh. The fruit cup (salad? whatever) was just 4 or 5 pieces of melon with one forlorn grape at the bottom. In other words, diner-ish food. For what it's worth, they do take credit cards for brunch. We sat here for a bunch of hours, chatting, and the surly waitress didn't seem to mind. I'd come back!
(3)
William B.

Ok, so I went here with a good friend of mine after touring the Samuel Adams Brewery. I'm not sure if it was the beer beforehand, but the pizza was very much one of the best I've had in a while. That was after wolfing down the bacon cheeseburger and several of the copious pile of pub fries that came with it. Sadly, while the pizza was fantastic, the burger was only a bit better than average. Both, however, go well with the very good Sam Adams selection. If you're going to the brewery for the tour, this is definitely a good place for lunch of dinner afterward.
(4)
Kylie S.

I thought this place was great. It probably helped that I had low expectations--I just wanted something to eat before going to the Midway. I ordered the fish and chips and my friend who was trying not to spend too much money ordered the clam chowder. I'm always psyched when restaurants offer at least one low cost option. The fish and chips was really good--light batter, tasty, lots of food. I like the booths. Good food, low key atmosphere and not too expensive.
(4)
Levi C.

Worst service experience of my life. I won't be returning ever again.
(1)
Captain C.

It surprises me that people think this place is "an instution." It sucks, big time. First off everytime I have been here on a Friday or Saturday night it has been empty. Like 2 or 3 people sitting at the bar tops. It is also way too big. You walk in and are like whoa a lot bigger than I thought it would be, then you look through the hallway and realize they have a whole other room. That much space doesn't help when the place is so empty. The food isnt particulary good either. 2 stars just because it is slightly better than the Drinking Fountain a few feet away.
(2)
Ginnette P.

went there recently and I loved the mac & cheese oh so good I finished it all.. the pumpkin cheesecake is also a must have when its on the menu...
(4)
Kimberly L.

Came here on the free shuttle from the Sam Adams Brewery tour. We just wanted more beer (and the glass that came with it). First off, the party shuttle that took us was hilarious. Disco lights and rocking out to 80s music. When we got to the place, it was just as lunch was starting so it was crowded (if it ever does). The driver told us some of his favorite foods at Doyle's, one of which was the clam chowder. Clam chowder being one of my favorite foods, I had to order it. It definitely wasn't one of the best I'd ever had but it was pretty good. I just thought it didn't have enough clam in it (I probably had 2 in my cup). But it wasn't super salty or heavy. For the main meal, I had a french dip sandwich with fries which I thought was average. It was actually quite salty after awhile but the portions were large and filling. I think the sandwich would have been better if the bread was toasted more and if the dip was less salty. Overall, just an average place to go but convenient since the shuttle takes you from the tour to this place and then takes you to a train station afterwards.
(3)
Milly M.

Doyles is an amazing space, and a great place to get a beer. Don't expect any fancy cocktails or healthy delicious cuisine, but there's certainly OK pizza and bar food. There are two real things that set Doyles apart though. The first- the aforementioned atmosphere. Doyle's houses incredible history with fantastic aesthetics all with room enough for everyone to sit down and actually hear each other. The second noteworthy plus is the staff. Example; Tom, the evening manager/bartender. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but a sweetheart as well. He's quick and attentive with customers while still taking the time to learn the names and favorites of the many regulars.
(4)
Josephine P.

We went to Doyle's after a tour at the Samuel Adam's Brewery tour on a Saturday. I'm nt sure if they do this everyday, but it turns out that if you keep your Imperial ticket from your tour, you can bring it to Doyle's and show it when you order a Samuel Adam's draft beer on tap and get a FREE custom Boston Lager cup! It's normally $8 retail price if you get it from the gift shop or on line. A beer here is only $4.50 so it's pretty much half priced. Good stuff. We ordered some garlic fries- it was ok, but none of it really tasted like garlic. I did like the honey mustard sauce that it came with. Yay for free stuff!
(3)
Judy H.

Doyles is a great location institution. It is a great place to bring a crowd, I remember showing up once with 12 people for brunch and it was not a problem. Speaking of which, brunch is great, wonderful selection of omlettes and they can even make eggs substitute taste good. I recommend the Artichoke Tomato Omlette. Wonderful. My only peeve; the salads are awful. You would think by now they might have learned that there is more to life than iceberg and cardboard tomatoes, but sadly not. Pizza is pretty good and good burgers. However , great staff ,fun laid back atmosphere.
(3)
Tom H.

Some bars take on personalities of there own, their legend passed down for generations. In a city where the political landscape had been dominated by rosy-faced Irishmen (up until the last decade) for over a century, Doyle's, which first opened its doors in the 1880's, has been the watering hole of choice for local and national politicians ever since. While its been said that every good Irish-American pub (and home) should have a picture of JFK somewhere, Doyle's takes it a step further, with the dedication of an entire room to the late president on St. Patty's day 1988. Doyle's also benefits greatly from their long-standing relationship with Sam Adams, as the first bar to purchase a keg of the original Boston Lager for resale; Doyle's is the official lunch spot of the Sam Adams brewery tour (shuttle provided) and enjoys first-access privileges to their newest brews. Their menu is a mix of Irish dishes and pub food, and is brought to you courtesy of the notoriously gruff wait staff.
(3)
A J.

One of my favorite local spots. Typical bar food, but great old-school atmosphere. My favorite on their menu would have to be the sweet potato fries. The place to be on St. Patrick's Day (if you don't mind a major crowd) Note: they do accept credit cards now.
(4)
Al N.

I live near Doyle's, so me, the wife, and kids are there all the time. It's a family-friendly joint, but it's also a drunken-sports-fan-friendly joint. Go figyuh. Food-wise, it's hit and miss. Sometimes the pizza is fantastic and almost New Yorkish, but once I got a pizza that was a soupy mess. Burgers are excellent, likewise the fries. They are very good with cooking stuff they way you ask for it (like if you order your steak tips medium rare, it comes to the table medium rare, damnit). The service is usually very friendly (If you're lucky, you'll be served by local music legend Rick Berlin), though the time your meal takes can vary widely, from "holy crap, I just ordered it" to "I could've drunk enough to kill a Kennedy by now." Bar-wise, Doyle's rules. They know how to pour a Guiness, and the beer selection is always good and always features local brews. The single-malt selection and prices is unbeatable. If you're a scotch snob, it's worth the trip to Doyle's. Doyle's is a kind of museum of Boston history. If you got friends coming from out of town, tell them that Cheers is crap and take them to Doyle's instead.
(3)
Don A.

Doyle's is a great bar for drinking, and fairly decent for burgers and fries as well. I get their prime rib sandwich with sweet potato fries fairly often and have yet to be disappointed. The atmosphere here is great, every Irish-American chain bar Bennigan's Friday's etc. wishes it was Doyle's. The walls are exploding with the real thing instead of some new fake Irish knock-offs, look around you will see authentic posters from WWII and the 1930s and tons of other Boston memorabilia. The best way to end a night at Doyle's is a Guinness float, this item is not on the menu but they will make one for you. It is a lot like a root beer float, but instead of root beer they use Guinness and put a large scoop of ice-cream along the side of the glass to eat and melt into your already thick beer. The sweetness of the ice-cream nicely compliments the thick malty Guinness and the hop profile of the Guinness is accentuated by the vanilla ice cream. Give it a try you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Jacqueline L.

I was taken here for dinner, being told it was a Boston staple, having been there since 1882. The Guinness was great. I ordered the classic reuben (excellent, deserves to be a classic) with perfectly crispy sweet potato fries and was quite satisfied. The service was lacking, very impersonal and slow. It's a fun, slightly kitschy atmosphere. Diner food, paper placemats, etc. If you want a good sandwich and fries with a frosty brew, this is a good place to go. I think I might sit at the bar next time though.
(4)
Pamela P.

I generally only come for brunch on the weekends so my review only encompasses that aspect of Doyles...and for that I give it 4 stars. Not too expensive, decent food, nice interior and service... That being said, don't even bother trying to get in on St. Patty's ...line up to the yin yang...it's insane...they only let in cops or people in the "know"...or else get there hella early. Actually I have been inside for one St. Patty's and it was like a glorified frat party...beer served in plastic cups (oh the horror...the horror...) and general rowdiness en masse....but if that's your bag then go for it...last year however they had a bag-piper corps and I really wanted to get in, but there was no way in hell it was going to happen...unless I wanted to wait 3 hours...
(4)
Ashley K.

Our group never would have come to/known about this place if it wasn't for the Samuel Adam's tour. There's a trolley ride from the brewery that takes you to this place and if you show your brewery tour ticket when you order a beer, you get a free glass. Everyone loves free stuff! This place is huge and definitely gets packed as the day goes on. The onion rings were good - they weren't greasy. I have the grilled cheese and tomato. And it wasn't that great. The tomatoes were not ripe yet and there was just something that didn't really do it for me about the sandwich. The sweet potato fries were not good either. They were soggy and not cooked enough. Apparently the clam chowder is very good though. Also, they have the Sam Adams Brick Red beer here, and it's very good! Our waitress was very nice and apologized for the long wait time for our food with free clam chowder. The bathrooms were kind of gross here though. But I would definitely recommend coming here post-brewery tour.
(3)
John K.

Three words: Flat out awesome. The $8 amber light pitchers are unbeatable. The waitstaff is quick and friendly as hell. Doyle's is a great place to go when with a group of people. The booths are huge. The mood is awesome. There are pictures up everywhere of old Boston ballplayers and politicians. The tables and booths are made of old wood. I love Doyle's!
(5)
Jessica F.

Great homestyle pub fare. And by homestyle I mean that the nachos were round Tostitos topped with a can of chili with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and Cheez Whiz. But damn were they delicious! Fantastic burgers too! I even had a Sam Adams that (as far as I could tell) is not yet being sold in stores. We were calling it the Red Brick Road, but that's not quite it's name. Forgive my forgetfulness, but I had just come from a tasting at the brewery so my brain was pretty happy. And after a stop at Doyle's, so was my tummy. :)
(4)
Andrea B.

I at first was excited to see a Bison Burger on the menu, that was until I tried it. Ordered the burger Medium and I received a well done meatloaf bison burger that tasted like old grease or oddly similar to my high school cafeteria burger. I couldn't eat it. The nachos I received were covered in cold nacho cheese sauce and were soggy with some sort of liquid other than the cheese. They were the kind you'd receive in a dirty bowling alley. Very disappointed!! I do admit they have a great beer selection though...
(1)
James H.

Terrible tourist trap. Stinko food. Phoney boloney "atmosphere".
(2)
mike g.

It used to be our neighborhood spot, so I've done it all: lunches, brunches, dinners, St. Paddys, afternoon scotch sessions, takeout, beers after work, beers before going to Midway, etc. etc. The fact that it never changes is what makes it cool. I love how the linoleum tiles are worn down to the wood beneath, everything fits like an old pair of shoes. Food's hit and miss. (I once had a grilled reuben that I could have rung out the grease like a kitchen sponge). So now I stick to the garlic pizza, where they sprinkle on whole cloves of roasted garlic. One other heads up: CASH ONLY!!!
(4)
R F.

I like this place, it's better than average and is pretty good. It has a decent beer selection and good liquor selection (my friend doesn't like their martinis because he's a martini queen so he just got vodka on the rocks) and it's a very cool looking, old, wooden, pub type, Irish American Boston Cafe/Bar with pictures and paintings with historical meaning... or something like that. The food was good, nothing special, but definitely above average, and not too expensive, so I like this place and will most likely come back here on a random occasion. EDiT - 2nd time, service was just as good as the first time, and we tried a pizza this time. I added extra cheese, fresh garlic, and grilled chicken and it was amazing. The bill was only like $22 with a couple beers and my friend got a salad too.
(4)
Hailey T.

Of course we came here after the Sam Adams tour and I was pleasantly surprised. Cool bar, lots of people and it was a mixed crowd. You have people from the tour, but also locals and it's a nice blend. Perfect little lunch spot in the area. The rueben sandwich was one of the best I've had in a long time and the garlic fries were awesome. I like the interior of the restaurant a lot, supposedly it has cinematic history as well. Great way to pass a couple hours.
(4)
Hal C.

Well all you gourmands, sophisticates, epicureans, south of francers, sushi swillers, and gourmet hamburger aficionados won't be happy with this place. That is not what this is. It is a neighborhood bar, with a great tradition of conversation and shared camaraderie. I went there as a student back in the eighties when that area was a mess. It was an oasis of gentility amongst an area in dire need of urban renewal. But with a large party of loud boisterous youngsters drinking the fine guiness it was fine. Cops, pols, DPW workers, regular guys and gals all mixed it up. Shared conversations, jokes, joshing with the wait staff etc. made it what it is. The food always sucked. But the place was a revelation.
(4)
Nicole M.

I miss Doyle's. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, anything! The first day I moved to JP we stopped in here for a break. We ordered a pizza as an app and then moved onto other equally delicious and greasy things. Since then, I mostly returned for brunch. And typically while hungover. The pancakes were my item of choice while my now-husband and our friends downed bloody mary's and chili omelettes. The place is huge and has so much atmosphere. I don't venture out to those parts of the city anymore, but if someone was willing to go to Doyle's for brunch, I'd be the first one out the door!
(4)
Lisa S.

I lived in J.P. for a few years and Doyles was the mainstay. Now whenever I visit Boston, it's back to Doyles. Amazing bar, history, beer, movie scenes shot, and the food is decent too. Love Doyles!
(4)
sydney A.

2 stars for $2 drafts. Food inedible. My friend puked up the overcooked slim, frozen, asscrack of a burger patty, and they brought me a brownie sundae with no ice cream. Oh Doyle's, you are so close to my house! Please gather up your nutsack and cook me a decent meal.
(2)
Laura L.

Nothing bad to say about Doyle's. It's great food, great drinks, and great atmosphere. Very interesting history too! A Boston must-see!
(5)
Topher D.

This place is an institution. Have always had solid pub food, cold beer and good service at a reasonable price. Kinda a combination of townie/businesspeople/tourists here but it works
(4)
Ken V.

This place is awesomeee. It has the "Boston Tavern" feel without the off-putting masses of Bro-dudes and Southie hotheads (most of the time). Tuesday is Stump! Trivia night, which is always a blast. The beers are cheap and the food is good They make a great pastrami sandwich and burgers, but skip the house fries and get the sweet potato ones instead. Elbows on the table, low-key and comfortable.
(4)
Kevin M.

Came here after the Sam Adams tour. Decent selection of beer, and the free glass deal was nice. I ordered some nachos and shared with my girlfriend. They were quite good, and it was enough to fill up both of us. I would come here again if I was in the neighbourhood.
(4)
Alyssa N.

I've got to agree with Peter N. Doyle's makes a good backup to the much superior food at James's Gate. It has reliable burgers, decent diner fries, and fine pizza. If you're there during a Sox game it can be busy, but lacks that horrible sports bar vibe. Just a lot of excited people who cheer a lot. no one will maul you or spill beer. And they have free parking out back- who in Boston doesn't love free parking? Avoid the brunch. My cheese omelet was covered in gooey orange stuff that bore a very close resemblance to Velveeta- way too close for my taste. Pancakes are plate-sized, but nothing you couldn't make yourself at home on a smaller scale.
(2)
Jesse F.

Best neighborhood bar to have in your neighborhood, ever!
(5)
Mike C.

Reasonable prices, great service and the perfect stop after the Sam Adams Brewery Tour! I recommend this place with caution though only as it could quickly derail your plans as it has a nice vibe and you could sit for hours. Also a great spot to bring a group!
(4)
Peter K.

When visiting Sam Adams, you must make a stop at Doyle's. Yes, it's a tourist trap, but it's worth a visit. Just make sure you bring your tour ticket with you so that, after enjoying a beer at Doyle's, you can take that laser-etched Sam Adam's glass home with you. Hungry? Doyle's serves up the usual bar food that is surprisingly pretty good. The service is friendly and fast. The decor is very classic-bar-style with the wall of frames and knick knacks through out. The restrooms are a bit tight, though. If you can, relieve yourself at Sam Adams.
(4)
Felicia R.

Went to Doyle's Cafe after the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour - CLAM CHOWDER WAS AMAZING. Also the Fish & Chips was rather outstanding. The tartar sauce was interesting with relish. We just got a cup of the clam chowder, and literally talked about it for the rest of the weekend. Actually the best c-chowder I've ever had. Service was good and fast, friendly/helpful staff, we got our free sam adam's glass afterwards -- everything was pleasant. BUT REALLY YOU GUYS, THE CLAM CHOWDER
(5)
Hung L.

Pizza took a while to come out but well worth the wait, service is great also, staff was very friendly
(4)
Phil M.

DOYLE'S Nice pub. Of course I came here, like almost everyone else...due to the Brewery Tour. Not bad. I got my free glass with my purchase of Sam Adams beer. DOYLE'S Typical pub fair, nothing super impressive...but then again I didn't order the chowder or lobster roll, that they advertised on the trolly DOYLE'S If I were to go back to the brewery for a tour with friends, we'd have to go back to DOYLE'S as well. I think it is at least worth a visit, and the beer selection and service were above average, hence the 4/5. DOYLE'S
(4)
Anna C.

The best part about this place is that you get to keep the Sam Adams glass (after you pay for the beer) if you show them your Sam Adams tour ticket. In fact, that's the only reason why I come here. Service is relatively good, food is standard pub fare, and atmosphere is full of post-Sam-Adams-tour types. Not a bad place, but a little out of the way if you're not going to Sam Adams.
(3)
Nancy O.

Great lobster roll! Better than the overpriced rolls downtown. Must visit, especially with the free trolley from the Samuel Adams brewery!
(4)
April R.

Tasty pub food. Basic solid selections but mediocre service. Good convenient stop after the Sam Adams tour but not worth coming out of your way. Feels like a locals joint which is nice. Beer on tap has quite variety. Love that. Also the sweet potato fries really are special. There isn't really another good spot close. So if you're doing the SA tour, give this spot a try OR wait til you get back into Boston proper for lunch.
(3)
Andrew N.

Doyle's! Was shuttled here from Sam Adams Brewery after the tour. Kind of a tourist trap I think, but still they had good food. The most memorable items I had were: Clam Chowder: Thick, creamy, hearty, fresh, delicious Potato skins: very hot, perfect amount of crispness, great with sour cream Order a beer here after the tour and you get to keep the glass.
(4)
Anthony M.

The only reason I came here was because of the Sam Adams Tour. Go to Doyle's...bring your Sam Adams tour ticket, order a Sam Adams and you get to keep your pint glass. This bar was the first bar to ever carry Sam Adams, so it has a special place in Jim Cook's Heart. I would have never gone here unless the tour told me. (I'm such a follower or a sucker for a free beer glass) I ordered a salad and onion rings. The Onion Rings were really good too!!! It says each order is made fresh. They were so yummy! But there was no dipping sauce though. I used my leftover blue cheese dressing. Nice old bar...has been here since the late 1800's according to the sign. It is worth a trip for the free pint glass. There is a trolley on the weekend that shuttles people. Also a parking lot in back...big plus!!!
(4)
Nick N.

I live down the street from this place. The food is terrible, and over priced. Only thing I like is the clam chowder. Brunch stops around noon... Who gets up that early on a Sunday? It used to be a local spot, now it's mostly tourists from the Sam Adams brew tour. Staff is friendly. They have every kind of Sam Adams on tap.
(2)
Jessica B.

This Doyle's is a bit of a dump. This would be a two star review but I don't want to be a Bitter Betty for getting creamed at trivia. When we played last Tuesday the guy running it was really nice. That is, until he started asking pop culture questions that none of us knew. Um... if you watch TV you should have come and hung out with us! The picture of Mittens on the wall was amusing. They were good about having plenty of room for our group on a Tuesday night, but our server left people waiting to order drinks for quite awhile. I've never seen food that looked appealing, but then, I don't eat fried junk. The fried fish with soggy fries looked particularly gross. They are no longer cash only, they take credit cards and they have an ATM inside, with a $3 fee. Since I don't live near JP, I have no desire to return.
(3)
Terry W.

Definitely not what it used to be. I remember when you could just get in the door here it was so crowded. It used to be a fun place to go but it seems the crowd is a bit sketchier. I was happy to see they had fried pickles on the menu but when I was there with friends and we got them it was just a few sad looking slices. The service does suck somewhat but the real disappointment is in the food.
(2)
Mike P.

Doyle's cafÃ© is more of a pub then a cafÃ©. I feel like their customer base on the weekends is larger due to the Sam Adams brewery tour. Which promises a free Sam Adams beer glass if you order a pint here. The food I thought was pretty good, I ordered their Ruben and as I took my first bite I became a little euphoric. The sandwich was really amazing I was glad I got it, I also ordered the onion rings which were pretty good as well. I sampled there chowder and that was really fantastic although the sweet potato fries were good, not worth the extra imo. We did wait a little while for our food but the staff was friendly and the place filled with people from the brewery. Overall I would come back just to have another Ruben.
(4)
Ruthe L.

While the food was just okay, the atmosphere made up for it. Our waitress was great, and the history of this location is amazing
(3)
Tara G.

We only went here because of the Sam Adams Tour. I love that Sam Adams sends so much business their way! I can't speak to the food because we didn't eat, but the beers were great! We just ordered beers at the bar so I also can't speak to the service We got to keep the pint glasses because we came from the tour. They also get exclusive Sam Adams beers that are only released to them! They do have a big selection of other beers besides Sam Adams. The atmosphere is cool too, you can tell it really is an old place.
(4)
Noa N.

The lobster roll was crazy good - they kept it simple without a lot of sauce or seasoning and there was so much lobster - probably enough for 2 rolls. The sweet potato fries with ketchup and the Oktoberfest beer were the perfect accompaniment. I sat at the bar and service was really good. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Rhonda G.

Loved this place! Gritty, not very delicate. Good beer, good food, easy on the wallet. If you're nervous about trying the lobster roll special, don't be. It's delicious and i'm happy to report that i'm still alive and kicking many days later. Do it.
(5)
Sharon O.

Ugh. Listen, it's great that Doyle's was the first place to sell Sam Adams beer. (Wait, did anyone ever say this on the tour or at Doyle's? It could be a lie... if it is true... Doyle's should be shouting it from the rafters.) It's great they get special elusive beers from Sam Adams. It's nice that there's a trolley from the Sam Adams tour to Doyle's. It's great that if you show your tour token label after you order a Sam Adams here you get to keep your glass. That's about where it ends. The food is nothing special- mediocre at best, overpriced, and why does it take 30 minutes to get a grilled cheese (no frills), small portions of fries, and a reuben? The reuben was also first brought to us without any meat on it. People eat reubens without meat on them? I guess they do here! Worth it for the glasses post-brewery tour & the exclusive beers, likely the only things keeping this piece of history from becoming extinct. Too bad. Props to the collaboration between the brewery and here though, trying to keep it alive.
(2)
Michelle U.

We were told about this place on the Sam Adams brewery tour. We are glad we listened on the tour. The ambience is a little confusing...feels like a bar but at the same time a diner. Our waitress was great and made the right recommendations. We had the Reuben and the fish and chips and we were both very happy with our choices and couldn't stop eating off of each others plates! Almost forgot about the free Sam Adams glasses that we got with our beers...bonus!
(4)
Alex K.

Quite simply one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. To see a 3.5 star out of 5 rating on this site blows my mind. Like most people, I came here on the trolly after the Samuel Adams tour. While I wasn't hungry, I was recommended the clam chowder, so I got a bowl of that, a reuben, and a Boston-only Samuel Adams -- Brick Red. First off, the service here I thought was great. The two guys there were really friendly and even paid for one of my dad's beers for basically no reason at all. This review is all over the place so far, but I don't know how to get my mind straight... Alright -- the chowder. I haven't had many variations of chowder in my life (because I don't generally care for seafood), but Doyle's clam chowder has to be one of my favorite soups I have EVER had. My only regret here is that I didn't get the bread bowl. Creamy, smooth, and super flavorful. I gotta tell you, if I lived in the Boston area, I'd be in Doyle's about 40 hours a week. The reuben was good in the few bites I had, but I split it three ways so I didn't get to eat much of it. However, the sweet potato fries I got with it were very good, and I'd also get THOSE again if I went to Doyle's. While the Brick Red isn't a Doyle's-only beer, it IS one of the few places you CAN get it, so I'd recommend any beer afficianado try it out. To me it tastes a lot like a Boston Lager, but with a less bitter-bite at the finish. I also drank a few sips of the 26.2 IPA -- which is also a Boston exclusive -- and enjoyed THAT beer even MORE. Boston, I'm not sure how you can get any work done with beer like that in your city. Doyle's and the Samuel Adams Brewery are ABSOLUTE MUSTS for anyone 21+ in Boston.
(5)
Christina T.

It's not fair rating Doyle's for what it isn't. It's not a upscale eatery. It's not supposed to be fancy or aesthetically pleasing. It's not trying to sell you on decor. It's a local Boston bar, with standard pub food, and rated on that scale, it's awesome. Service is fast and pleasant but they don't fawn over you (because native, local Bostonians don't fawn). Great chowder, GREAT sweet potato fries, and big servings of food that will fill you up. It's a big place, so there's always a place to sit, which can be a rarity in JP. So that's cool too.
(4)
Monica W.

The Sam Adams beer battered Onion Rings are the best Onion Rings I've ever had! I can't order onion rings anywhere else now without feeling disappointed. They also have several Sam Adams brews on tap that you can't find anywhere else. If you are visiting Boston, you must stop in this place.
(4)
Richard C.

"Loved the Feel. Historic - First Bar Ever to Serve Sam Adams. Arrived on the Sam Adams Trolley." For those who plan to go to the Sam Adams Brewery: At the end of the tour, the Sam Adams Trolley will take you directly to Doyle's. With the tour stamp presented, Doyle's will give you a souvenir full size pint glass after ordering any Sam Adams brew on tap. The Sam Adam's Trolley ride to Doyle's in itself is a great Bostonian experience as the Driver dj's great music (some Boston themed - "Shipping Off to Boston" and points out local Bostonian history on the way, all donning a real thick Bostonian accent. Doyle's Cafe is was of the oldest continuous Irish Pub's in Boston (or so they claim) and is the first bar ever to serve Sam Adams. Films like 21 and Mystic River, among others, have been filmed at Doyle's. As my Sam Adam's Trolley driver said, "When you come to Boston, you don't go to Cheers. Nobody knows your name there. When you come to Boston, you go to Doyyyyles"!
(5)
Julie H.

Took the party bus here after the Sammy tour. It was very busy here in a Saturday and we spent more time here than I would have liked to- the food was good, not excellent and a little tiny bit more expensive than I would have liked to pay. It was a little run down and dirty as there were so many people I'm sure it's hard to clean properly between parties. But I think I would have liked this experience better if it weren't so crowded!
(3)
Bill B.

All hype and that's where it ends. This place was a massive disappointment especially having been recommended by the Sam Adams staff. The bar service was adequate at best. Tap selection was adequate at best. THe clam chowder was excellent (the highpoint of the visit) and the onion rings were good. The Shepherds Pie was disgusting unless you like unseasoned ground meat lumped together with grease and topped with bad tasting mashed potatoes. By the way, as you got to the center of the pie it was ice cold. The waitresses that came by the bar did nothing but complain about customers with two of them stating that they were ready to kill some people. The bartender responded, "that's not good, especially with her husband here and he has his gun with him" I would stay clear of this place and find another bar to go to. Maybe it was great in its heyday but they have long lived past those days.
(1)
Nikhil S.

We went here like most people, after the Sam Adams brewery tour. It's a nice little place that has this old bar look and feel. The service was great. We just went for drinks so cannot comment on the food. Don't forget to show your brewery tours stub to get your free "perfect pint" glass. They offer almost 70 kinds of Sam Adams brews on tap so you'll definitely find one you like.... or maybe two ;)
(5)
Elise K.

I'd normally consider a place like Doyle's a dive bar, but perceptions change when you realize you're in a 100+ year old establishment. Not only that, but Doyle's was the first Boston bar to agree to carry Sam Adams. There is a party bus (complete with golden stripper poles and 80's music) that picks you up right at the Sam Adams brewery (for free) and drops you at Doyle's. Doyle's is large and the service is fast and friendly. The beer is cheap (~$6) and comes in an Sam Adams glass that you get to keep (glass retails for $ 8.75 in the Sam Adams gift shop). The food is just okay - nothing special, but the experience makes up for it. Additionally, it is right on the Orange line, so you can drink as much as you want and not worry about driving home.
(3)
Sean O.

2 Stars for the rudeness of the management. The food was good. Waiter was great...a nice humble attentive guy. The Guinness stew was a delight. Really was. The hostess sat us quickly and was polite. The experience was going so well until the manager started re-arranging the furniture beside us and eyeing our table with contempt (translated as: shove that food down your throat, I have a money-maker larger party waiting). He admonished the waiter for not getting the bill to us quicker. He stood by our table. We weren't even lingering as we actually had some place to be. We complained to the hostess who seemed like she was also getting in the ear. She apologized. We live a block away. We're locals. We told our neighbors. Message to management: Bad for business.
(2)
Angela S.

The best onion rings I've ever had. Got a lobster roll on sourdough and it was very delicious. Chunky and not too much mayo. The bread was buttery with a slight crunch to it. The clam chowder was to die for! So thick that all of it didn't come off the spoon when i took it out of my mouth. It was rib stickingly delicious. I didn't find it to be overly touristy but it was an early Monday afternoon. I took the trolley from Sam Adams and that was so much fun that I wished the trip was longer. We had a YMCA sing along complete with disco lights and you would've sworn the trolley was on hydraulics with the amount of bouncing we did on the way. Lol! What a fun time!
(5)
Nam C.

I had an ulterior motive for visiting this hidden spot after the tour at the Samuel Adams Brewery. If you show them the tour ticket, they give you the perfect glass for beer from Sam Adams. Luckily for me and my friends, the food, the drinks, and the hospitality was bar none the most satisfying experience I've ever had. Sorry for the other reviewers, but our waitress was really friendly and accommodating. Because we just arrived from Sam Adams, we all got different draft beers from them. I had the Grumpy monk and then the Brick Red. They were both really good beers, but the Brick red was great and had to try it, because they only serve them as drafts in Boston. I had the staple french dip sandwich and a cup of clam chowder. I regret for getting the sandwich, because the chowder was amazing. I wish I grabbed the chowder in the bread bowl instead. I've had many, many versions of the clam chowder out there in the world and tried to create my version of the chowder, but Doyle's chowder is in a another universe of flavors. Most places out there will use more of clam juice than the cream or even the clams to enhance the flavor and save more bucks for a larger profit gain. However Doyle's used more cream and clams in their chowder than any I have ever tried in my life. The chowder is so thick that the bottom of the cup could not be seen even if there is only couple more spoonfuls left. The full creamy texture and flavors dances in your tongue and then you bite in to their thick chunks of clams is just awe inspiring. Will I ever look at another clam chowder and savor the meal to come? Possibly, but not as heart pounding as Doyle's clam chowder. If I'm to spend another day in Boston, I'm definitely spending lunch and dinner at Doyle's with Brick Red and the chowder.
(5)
Chrizzle D.

Good not great. Came here for Brunch on an early Sunday morning and enjoyed the ambiance (mostly because it wasn't filled with a whole bunch of drunk college kids). Our waitress was nice and helpful whereas the rest of the staff was pretty blah (I asked for A1 for my mediocre breakfast steak and she looked upset that I responded to her "Can I get you anything else?" question). There was A LOT of food. If you're able to eat a decent amount of food, sharing a plate will be sufficient (this isn't a joke, thank me later!). I can't say there was anything that stood out to me. Tried everyone's food and it seemed like they all had the same experience I did. Either way, I'd go if I was waiting for my tour at the Sam Adams Brewery, but I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to get here (especially with so many other awesome places in JP).
(3)
Jia J.

Doyle's is a delightful place that both represents stereotypes and authenticities (not that I grew up there) of Southie. Nowadays, people might associate Jamaica Plain with JP Licks and good hospitals, but before the area became a Mecca for the up-and-coming who wished they lived in Newton or Brookline, it was a rough black-and-white kind of 'hood with plenty of depression, gang violence, neglect, and arson. Before that, it was - presumably and apparently - a community ruled by the Irish, whose legacy remains throughout Boston, which still bleeds green. End of careless and sweeping history of JP, onto Doyle's... Established in 1882, this cavernous corner cafe has received shoutouts from everyone from the Mayor of Galway to National Geographic. But like so many others, I found was led to Doyle's not from its rich heritage or its quiet cameos in movies and TV shows pertaining to Boston, but by an accidental journey on the Sam Adam's post-tour party bus. My friends and I had missed the very last tour at the brewery, and the guy at the door had given us conciliatory stamps on the hand that earned us passage onto a disco-lit van full of obese, boisterous, predominantly Caucasian drunks headed straight for Doyles. As "Sweet Caroline" blared on the speakers and the lights twirled around the carpeted interior of the vehicle, the driver pumped us up for our arrival by shouting over a crackly PA system. "When people come to BAH-stin, they wanna go to Cheeahs, where nobody knows ya name. But the REAL Bahstin baah is DOY-uhls. When they filmed ____ and _____, they were doin' it at DOY-uhls. In the movie ______ when ____and____were ____ing, they were doin' it at DOY-uhls." [Raucous cheers and howls from passengers] ]And so on... It was about 3 p.m. on President's Day, and the place was already packed, and not just with party bussers who were funneled in through the door into the mahogany inlaid indoors. Luckily, there was plenty of room to go around for the hordes of obese Americans champing at the bit for ale battered onion rings (huge portions, some of the best I've ever had) and grease burgers. Tables and booths were generously spaced out across the wide paneled wood floor that looks as if it's been oft danced and stomped on by reveling crowds in the night. Turns out, our free drink (also a benefit of the hand stamp) was really a free glass, so I paid $5.50 for my first pint of Cherry Wheat, and similar prices for pints thereafter. How this place confirms TRUE stereotypes of the area: *Just about everyone did have The Boston Accent - for real - defnitely not Blake Lively's fat Latino tranny voice as an attempt to duplicate it on "The Town" *Plenty of people in there were sporting Red Sox caps with Pats jackets over their Bruins jerseys and Celtics sweatpants even if it wasn't a game day. *The waitresses were older women of Irish descent with gold cross necklaces dangling over their sweaters. *"Irish car bombs" here are known as just plain car bombs. *Speaking of cars, there was a nasty wreck out on the quiet streetcorner with a huge swarm of cops attending to it, inspiring an imagined feel of foul play in the air How this place thankfully defies stereotypes, whether true or untrue, of the area: *There was not a single trace of racism or "locals only" b.s. hostility *There were no brawls *There were normal, nice families all around with their well behaved kids, proving that this pub is good for general audiences *The wood shelves of dishware might have been sagging in their antiquity, but were whistle-clean, as was the rest of the place, right down to the bathrooms. Had such a good time in the fading winter light of day that I dare say I might go out of my way to bring out of towners here in the future. Plus, I have actually succeed in taking the Sam Adams tour and try Doyle's's garlic fries - the only sign of the much longed for treat I've seen outside of California.
(4)
Greg S.

Nice old pub. I too came here after the brewery tour my first day in Boston. I ordered the lobster roll, my first. As directed by the barkeep I ordered it on toasted sourdough with onion rings. It was very good. Now after having eaten several more during my stay I can say this was as good as any lobster salad sandwich in the city.
(4)
Vicky D.

The only special thing about this place is the history behind it. And the potato skins. Definitely get the potato skins if you get the chance. I like that they give you a new Sam Adams glass with a ticket from the tour so that you don't have to go into the bathroom to wash it off, too. Also, they have some Sam Adams on tap that isn't on the tour and isn't sold in bottles. The service was ok, but I'd still recommend eating here after you tour the brewery to get the full experience.
(3)
Karrin P.

What an amazing time! We caught the party trolley after our Sam Adam's tour and found ourselves in the center of a really good time. The driver is a true blue Bostonian who clearly bleeds for his city and its historic Doyle's. He informed of its history and how so many famous movies shot scenes there. When we arrived, we were greeted by an incredibly friendly staff. They carry a selection of beers and even have an exclusive Sam Adams beer, Nitro, that we got to taste, which was delicious! It was Sam's version of Guiness. The food was excellent and the fries were sinfully good. Since we were from the tour, they gifted us a free perfect pint Sam Adams glass. Overall, it was awesome. I highly recommend a visit to this city's treasure. Enjoy!
(4)
Marina W.

I keep updating my reviews and Doyle's keeps getting a downgrade. Their food is quite expensive for the quality of it. I have lived near them for years, and the prices have gone up unreasonably considering the quality has not. I understand inflation and everything, but no other place has raised their prices like this. Twelve dollars for a reuben now? You've got to be kidding me! I'm glad they they are doing more business now what with the Sam Adam's partnership, but it sucks for people who live in the area and just need something simple to eat. I am unhappy with you Doyle's. Last night, I needed someone else to prepare something for me to eat. A sandwich and 2 beers (plus a 15% tip) should NOT cost 29 bucks. I'm not rockafeller over here. Eff you, Doyle's.
(2)
Anne W.

Beware.. this is NOT Tommy Doyle's.. it's just Doyle's. We came here after the Sam Adam's tour nearby. They have a party trolley that takes you over here and back for free... the only reason why we came had to do more with the fact you get a free Sam Adam's glass valued at $9 in the gift shop for free if you ordered a glass of Sam Adam's. That was true.. each glass of beer was about $8 so you probably just ended up paying for the glass with them still making a profit. The party bus guy told us that this place had the best onion rings, sweet potato fries, clam chowder, and reuben. I'll just tell you.. this is a lie. Not a blatant one.. but any Bostonian knows that Doyle's is not the first place that comes to mind. The onion rings are okay.. they are supposedly beer battered. I didn't think they were that good for almost $8. The clam chowder is decent.. not a lot of potatoes.. but Legal Seafood's is better. My friend complained the reuben was dry.. and I am going to guess the sweet potatoe fries were nothing special. Supposedly.. a lot of tv shows have been taped here. Meh.. who cares.. I wanted to eat yummy food and drink beer. I'd skip this next time.. unless you're trying to get another free glass.
(2)
Sean F.

It hurts me to write this review as 13 years ago it would be easily reversed. I first came to Doyle's for a group breakfast after working and taking classes in Roxbury. It struck me as the quintessential Boston pub - not dark and dank, but welcoming and full of dusty history. Now? I live in the neighborhood and won't go near Doyle's on the weekend. The influx of business from Sam Adam's is great for the bar and the neighborhood, but Doyle's has rightly determined people falling off the Sam Adam's trolley will eat or drink anything. ANYTHING. Nothing's worse than waiting for a brewery drop-off crowd take five minutes to agonize over the list of beers on tap and decide... yes, I'll have a SAM ADAMS. But don't let that fool you - if you are going to drink at Doyle's, you had better get Sam, because all other beers on tap taste like they come through lines that haven't been cleaned in 20 years. Either drink Sam or get something in a bottle; otherwise you're in for some solid swill. Food prices have jumped, quality has dropped. Not sure where they're getting the food from lately but it all reeks of Sysco. And yet, people still pack in for nostalgia. It's almost as if Doyle's would be the perfect JP bar - if it weren't for the beer, food, and crowd. You know, the stuff you go to a bar for.
(1)
Melissa A.

Honestly, if you don't go to this place, you're screwin up. For one, if you go to the Sam Adams Brewery Tour, and you go there after, order a Sam's (Which by the way they have tons on tap, plus usually a specialty experimental brew available) and show them your label/ticket from the tour, you get a Sam's pint glass for free with the beer. Which is about $6. I highly recommend the onion rings and the clam chowder (bread bowl never fails). Best of both I've had. Also, the trolley was amazing. The driver was absolutely hilarious. He played reggae music on the way over, and had strobe lights, it was definitely an experience.
(5)
Amy J.

I was expecting to see a super-old pub with lots to catch the eye, but I really wasn't that impressed. If you go to the Sam Adam's Brewery you can catch a party bus to Doyles and back to the subway. The pro is that with your brew tour ticket you can trade it in for a Sam Adam's official glass. The cafe was the first to start serving Sam Adams brews in the 90s(?), the wait staff was super friendly, place crowded, but I really didn't think the food or atmosphere was anything special. I'd recommend you head back to Boston and grab a bite there! If you do go... there's a lobster roll that's not on the menu.
(2)
Mary H.

Awesome place to go after the Sam Adams Brewery Tour! Had the apple cider and it was one of the better stuff I have tasted. The clam chowder was pretty good. It had a frothy feel to it. The oyster crackers gave it more texture. Got the turkey burger and it felt almost like eating a hamburger!! It was awesome. Thick and juicy. The staff was very informative about guests who came from the tour. And really nice to remind us to take our free cups with us! (Tour - buy Sam Adams beer - free pint glass!!!)
(4)
Andreina C.

I totally love this place. It is what it is! Not pretentious, but cool. It has history but it's still modern. The food is great, staff member are awesome and will treat you like family. Great place to hang out and watch the game, eat good food with friends and family. Totally recommend it!
(5)
C B.

Looking for a place to hang out for a few hours before boarding our flight back to LA so decided to stop off at the Sam Adams Brewery for a quick tour and tasting. Unfortunately, the place was beyond packed (it was a drizzly Saturday afternoon) so we decided to skip Sam Adams and jump on the party bus to Doyle's Cafe. (A trolley car-type party bus complete with disco ball, strobe light, and blaring music was making runs between Sam Adams and Doyles - not sure if this is a regular thing, weekend thing, or summer thing, but it should definitely be a regular thing if it isn't already!). Our driver/tour guide was really funny and gave us a brief history on Doyle's Cafe, including the fact that it has been featured in a few films like Mystic River. By the time we arrived at Doyle's we were pretty hungry so eager to be seated. Thankfully space was not an issue and we were seated right away. Serving staff were friendly and attentive. Food was just ok - I can't even remember what I ordered! - but we didn't really come for the food as much as we did the historic experience and ambiance of a Boston pub. If you're in the area and have a hankering for a beer and onion rings in an old-ish Boston pub (I mean, it's the east coast where just about every building is somewhat old ...), definitely give this place a try.
(3)
Ella F.

I've come here a few times after the Sam Adams Brewery tour. The biggest perk is getting the Sam Adams glass if you order a Sam. They have 8 options, so you get to try more flavors than what they have at the brewery. The beer there is very good and fresh, and they mix up the selections so you can try new things pretty much every time. The food is okay. The driver on the shuttle rants and raves about the reuben and clam chowder. The clam chowder is pretty good, but I've had better Reubens else where. Generally, it's a standard pub menu, with nothing special about the taste of the food. It's very average. That being said, I've never come here for the food. I enjoy the beer, and the marketing trick with the glass definitely works. It's basically part of the Sam Adams tour experience.
(3)
Beau S.

If you want a free Sam Adams pint glass, visit here after the brewery tour. Food- standard pub fair. Burgers, fries. everything was good. Service- was fast until we paid the check...We had a party of 6, and our waitress butchered our check when we asked to split it. She split the wrong way, so half of us had the incorrect change, or the CC was billed incorrectly. It took us 20 minutes with the manager to sort out the mess she created. It was a great experience up till then.
(2)
Seth And Sophie G.

Classic Boston! DOYLE'S! Best reuben in Beantown! Got the onion rings too, was very solid. Tons of beers on tap (if you go on the Sam Adam's Tour, and bring your label, order a Sam Adams beer, you keep the cup) It's a fairly loud place with tons of people, so be prepared for that!
(4)
Voravut R.

Doyle's is a institution that has stood the test of time. The walls are covered with the history of Boston's cultural and sports life. This is a place I find are missing around the city and country. Just a good place to grab a cold beer and good food. No frills, no glitz, no BS. The room just feels like a comfortable place and the staff are not pretentious, soulless robots, they are real. Many places build themselves to be like a Doyle's but the magic of this place can not be built, it has to be earned off the people who have worked through the doors and the world that changed around it. Doyle's has been around for over 100 years and I hope for another 100. If U visit Boston, skip Cheers and go to Doyle's.
(4)
Samantha J.

Atmosphere was a little dingy, but I suppose it's allowed to be since it's such an old bar. Our server was very friendly, if a bit brash. I appreciated her telling me she had not tasted a particular beer I asked about instead of just pushing the sale. Food was nothing to write home about, but if you take the free trolly there from the Sam Adams brew tour, your food quality standards are likely to be a bit lower than usual. Cottage cut sweet potato fries were very good, but nothing you couldn't buy frozen from the grocery store. Prices were great- my beer was only $4! History of this place is neat to hear about.
(3)
Lauren N.

"DOYLE RULES" so said the trolley driver. It is in fact true. This place is fantastic. Full of small-time charm. The food is delicious, very homemade. Must have the garlic fries! I had a delicious & flavorful turkey burger and my husband had some chowder and fries...He said its the best clam chowda he ever had. (he is a new england native) The problem with this place is the fact that they are usually busy & have very tight quarters to deal with. Would not recommend for big groups or families. Be prepared to wait. Also, we had one horrible waitress, two average waitresses & one good waitress the times we went... i guess that means its the luck of the draw as far as service. A big plus is if you buy a sam adams on tap (around $6) you get to keep the scientific beer glass. (my husband loves them..we have about 6 glasses)
(4)
Bo F.

Ive been coming here over 20 years, it consistent, predictable and a great scene. During afternoon "tour" times it can get crowded around the bar but that add to the Blue collar experience, this place has history, and good food... Soak it in with a Sam Adams or Pint of Guinness.. Welcome to Boston!!
(4)
Kevin B.

Came here after the Sam Adams brewery tour and I'm so glad I did! We took the trolley from the brewery and it dropped us off right out front. We got a bunch of appetizers and they gave us massive portions. The food was fantastic and we really enjoyed ourselves. The best thing about Doyle's is the fact that you get to keep your Sam Adams glass with every Sam Adams you purchase (as long as you give them your ticket from the Sam Adams brewery tour). Awesome place!
(5)
Justin H.

Excellent food, not too far from Sam Adams Brewery. Major problem, however: A friend and I were visiting Doyle's and were attempting to close out. I ordered a round and asked for our check... 45 mins later out waitress re-emerged and had "forgotten" our check. She was basically on break. Not very good service. Otherwise, food was good. Would probably give this 4 stars, but being avoided for 45 mins is grounds for a comped meal in some parts.
(3)
Blaire R.

We went to Doyle's for lunch after finishing the Sam Adams Brewery. They offer a free "party trolley" service to and from, and if you order a Sam Adams, you can keep their new glass. Best clam chowder and onion rings we've ever had. BUT... the service was HORRIBLE. And I don't mean to generalize - the bartender seemed great from where we were sitting (at a table next to the bar) and the waitress for the table next to us also seemed great. Our waitress, though, completely forgot about us after dropping off our food. After almost an hour I had to get up and get her because the last trolley is at 4:30. I'm not going to say I was sweet as pie but I wasn't rude. Instead of apologizing, she was seriously rude to me and literally didn't say another word to us - she just brought the check, took my husband's card, and turned on her heels to run it. When I asked about the free glasses she tried to make us take the ones we had just had beer in, but the waitress for the table next to us was giving out clean glasses so I told her that's what we wanted. She all but threw them at me. Again, no apology, nothing.
(2)
Camilo Andres D.

Terrific customer service. You can have a really good pizza in here. I highly recommend to try the Samuel Adams winter edition.
(4)
Stephanie E.

Came after the Sam Adams brewery tour.. Lobster roll was worth it. Yummy onion rings too. You get to keep the glass after you order your beer if you come from the tour. Agree that the service isn't great, but it came out at a reasonable time and was delicious.
(4)
Andrew W.

Alright, I took the bait - hook, line, and sinker by coming to Doyle's Cafe. The Sam Adams Brewery and Doyle's Cafe have this deal worked out: After a tour of the Brewery, you can get on a party bus (free of charge) that takes you to Doyle's. Once there, after drinking a Sam Adams beer, you get to keep a Sam Adams beer glass. Not too shabby. There is a lot of history at Doyle's - it is the first location to serve Sam Adams beer and has been featured in numerous movies, Sam Adams commercials, and TV shows. Yeah, I get it, very touristy... but I still like it. The food was pretty good (typical New England pub cuisine), and despite being an obvious tourist destination, was priced reasonably. This is an absolute must after a tour of the Brewery.
(3)
Stephanie G.

This place was pretty neat. It was a pretty large space, divided up pretty well. We went to Samuel Adam's Brewery and they have a trolly that will take you from there to Doyle's. If you purchase a Sam Adams and show then your entry ticket from the tour you get to keep you glass! Sounds good to me! This place was the first place to start selling Sam Adam's when the brewery's owner, Jim Koch was first beginning in the 1980's. They helped them then, and now they share the wealth! We had a friend in the area, met up with him and walked on down. Each of us had a delicious, ice cold Sam Adams and a cup of clam chowder. It was thick, creamy and had great flavor. It was my first time eating chowder and I thought it lacked potatoes and that the clams were a little too chewy for my taste.
(4)
John T.

Great place. Lobster roll was the best I've had while in the northeast. Sweet potato fries were delicious as well. Food did not seem over priced. Their beer prices however are, and were the only thing keeping them from 5 stars.
(4)
Cassy H.

The only reason I went to Doyle's Cafe was by taking the "party bus" from the Sam Adams Brewery, which is like 5 minutes away. After the brewery tour, this party bus was waiting outside and giving rides to customers who were craving some bar food. So, my friends and I went. The actual place is your typical bar restaurant, but the service was pretty nice -- very attentive, down to earth ladies. We were craving bar food to go with our Sam Adams, so we ordered garlic bread, chicken tenders, and fries.... Oh, you get to keep the Sam Adams glass if you order a Sam Adams. :o) Overall, it's a nice place.. nothing to fancy, but definitely a fun place to watch sports. :o)
(3)
Mike O.

I've always held a certain element of disdain for Doyle's, partly because it's called a "cafe", partly because it is regarded as a St. Patrick's Day go-to spot, neither of which hold very much validity in my book. First, it's not a cafe; it's a pub, and an above average sized one at that. There's no getting around that. Second, as old and historic as this venue is (c.1882), I can't help but regard it as just that: a historic Boston tavern that neighborhood peoples had latched onto, which eventually caught the attention of some politicos, birthing its notoriety. Put that within close proximity to the old brewing facility for Sam Adams and you've got yourself another Boston icon. The truth is that they have some pretty decent food; it's really much better than most pub food you'd expect at the same price, and it is leaps and bounds more appetizing than the pictures on their menus would lead you to believe. They do serve some Irish staples and with a good selection of beer, it becomes one of the more reasonable destinations in the area. All in all there is nothing troubling to report about Doyle's. Sure the decor is a little drab; it really isn't trying to embrace the whole dive-bar vibe, but most likely holding on to a more nostalgic feel, and the waitstaff are generally kind and attentive. Again, I am partial to more authentic Irish establishments (one of which is right down the street), but for the value, Doyle's is not that bad...
(3)
Julie N.

I am yet another customer who came here because I was on the Sam Adams brewery tour. However, my group and I did it backwards haha. We had a very long wait for our tour and the party trolley driver drove by us and yelled at us to get on. We were instantly glad we did because we were looking for a great time that night. Let's start with the driver - flippin' hilarious! He's been driving that darn trolley for years probably every single day with all sorts of obnoxious drunk people and annoying tourists. You never would know it! He was funny, energetic, and got everyone singing and lively despite the fact that it was a very hot day. I have to meet this guy again because he made us have such a great time! We got to Doyle's and it was pure Boston! Crowded, loud, and full of old Boston charm. We were sitted rather quickly for the amount of customers that were in there and served our Sam Adams beers very fast. Our waitress was one of the sweetest ladies. She was very attentive despite the crowded bar and never once lost her patience with us because we couldn't figure out what to order. She suggested their famous onion rings as well as mozzarella sticks and a few other apps. Those onion rings were massive and fried in Sam Adams beer batter! Delicious! We didn't order entrees but the appetizers were great. Yes, the place was so loud that at times you had to yell. But it's an Irish pub in Boston on a Friday night folks! Our waitress was a doll, service was quick, and food was delicious. I will definitely be back for the whole experience. If you're looking for a great place to get a little loud and crazy watching the Sox, Pats, or Bruins, this is the place to go! And don't forget about the party trolley!
(4)
Travis L.

DOYLES!!!!! Have to tip my cap to this place. Just a rock solid bar. We tried to do the Sam Adams brewery tour but they said the wait was an hour and a half and you can't drink beer before the tour so we skipped that and hoped on the shuttle to Doyels. The best part about the whole experience is the shuttle. The driver was awesome and mixed in fun with history. We got to the bar and they had a nice selection of beer on tap and the place is a lot bigger than you would think. We heard the onion rings were amazing but were sadly disappointed when we got them. The chicken wings and nachos looked awesome but we didn't get them. From what I could tell they have large portions of food. I could come back here if I'm in this side of town. Overall a must stop if you are in boston.
(4)
Cec D.

Dear Doyles, How do I even begin to review you? It was love at first sight the first time I stepped inside your cavernous old timey Irish pub walls and sat at the bar where one of the opening scenes from "Mystic River" was filmed. The beer is always cold, the bartenders are friendly and the food is affordable and delicious. Breakfast served every day of the week and late night pizza are additional perks not to mention that they serve PITCHERS of bloody marys, pitchers! They also sponsor an annual 5 mile road race each March that cuts through Franklin Park and ends at Doyle's complete with 2 live bands and free beer. Sigh. This is true love.
(5)
Alexandra S.

One of the nice things about having a friend who is a writer, is that sometimes I get to tag along on his "research", Right now he has some ideas for an article about visiting historical bars and taverns in the US and Doyle's was on his list. I hadn't been here in many years and could only remember that it's a visually interesting place to go. The overall experience was primarily a good one but really only because I was with a fun group of people. Other than the terrific company I tend to keep, this place leaves much to be desired. The good news however is that it is really interesting inside from it's huge mahogany bar to all the fascinating photos and memorablia everywhere. There is a mural of famous patrons painted on a wall in the dining area where it's fun to guess who's who. There's a cheat sheet posted if you get stuck. There are old wooden scuffed floors that have a real charm to them. The bathrooms look original with an old tile floor, marble sinks and wooden stall doors. They do however, need to keep those bathrooms cleaner, thank you very much. You feel like you've stepped back in time once you enter Doyles and I love that feeling of being transported to another era. There is a lot of history to take in. There were a few of us tagging along on this particular evening jaunt and we were suprised by how few other people were in there. We were seated quickly at a large booth. Our waitperson came across as one tough cookie. She was super-gruff and no-nonsense. We joked amongst ourselves that it was a good thing none of us had any questions about the menu because we would have been too afraid to ask her. We weren't a rowdy or disrespectful group and were therefore in no need of her militaristic disciplinarian manner so I'm not sure what the deal is. Most of my friends ordered burgers and steak tips. I ordered a fish sandwich and one other person ordered a tuna melt. The portions are large. My fish sandwich however was just okay. I left most of it. It came with onion rings and french fries which was too much. How about one or the other and a salad instead? The folks with the steak tips and burgers were happy with their choices. Tuna melt woman only ate half but thought it was pretty good. We had an assortment of beers which were all fine and dandy just as they should have been. Prices are reasonable. Ultimately,I think the food here is beside the point. I wouldn't come back to eat. Maybe if I lived closer, I would come back to just to hang at that beautiful mahogany bar over a couple of beers with friends. Just maybe. Because this bar has some cool things to look at and some historical merit going for it, it may be worth at least one visit to you.. After we'd paid up and left a most excellent tip despite the gruff service, the waitress was suddenly very friendly and wanted to point out various things of interest throughout the bar/restaurant. My friend, the writer, took note. I think this visit served his research purposes (here's my shameless plug for his most recent book last year called "The Man Who Sold The World: Ronald Reagan and The Betrayal of Main St. America)...so we'll see what comes of all this after he's done visiting all the other bars and taverns on his list. It was a fun night but would only really recommend this place if you're a tavern history buff or if you live right in the neighborhood.
(2)
Chris S.

The hell with the Sam Adams tour. Go to this place for what it is. An historic old pub where you are as likely to be rubbing elbows with a Boston pol as you are with the guy who was in the Edison bucket truck in front of your house this morning. The food is can't miss and the character is off the charts.
(5)
Kristen C.

Doyles!! MA staple. The food isnt better than any other pub really but the beer is perfect temp and fresh- Id recommend the clam chowder and the reuben!!
(4)
Jennifer E.

This place was recommended by the Sam Adams Brewery folks. We were starving and buzzed after the tour so we decided to come here for dinner. Usually there is a free trolley that takes your from the Sam Adams Brewery to Doyle's. Unfortunately, the trolley stopped at 5pm and our tour started at 4:40pm so we had to walk our happy asses to Doyles which was not the most pleasant thing to do for tourists like us. Fortunately, we are good with directions and made it to Doyles and we loved the fact that its historical and I guess the food is too. I got the clam chowder and it was as good as a soup in a can. My hubby got the german plate and it was ok. I don't think I'll come back to this place again but I do recommend it if you're coming from the Sam Adams Brewery (with the free trolley).
(3)
Jessica R.

OK, my husband and I decided to try out Doyle's after taking the Sam Adam's tour on a recent trip to Boston. We were hungry, and at the moment we didn't really care what we were going to eat, we just wanted food and fast. (Oh and at the brewery they recommend it here, with the incentive you get a free pint with a take home glass if you show you went on the tour, so decision made) Upon walking in to Doyle's it reminded me of a cross between an Irish pub and a diner. I figured, hey, I like pub food and I like diner food...how bad can it be?? Here's the thing. It was great! We went simple....burgers and their garlic fries. Now while any pub/diner would be in bad shape to not serve up a half way decent burger and fries, these garlic fries wound up being the most amazing fries we've ever had, I mean, they still come up in conversation. Thats how perfect they were. Crispy, not greasy. Tons of flavor from the chunks of garlic.....I'm daydreaming about them as I type this...... So where I wouldn't usually recommend a pub/diner to friends visiting somewhere out of town, this rule no longer applies when it comes to Boston. Try Doyle's for lunch! Especially try them if you are doing the Sam Adams tour. Hey, if you happen to disagree with this review, you at least get a free pint (and glass) for your troubles.
(4)
Gina B.

Ah, Doyle's......my dad's favorite place to eat after a tour at Sam Adams, and my favorite bar to go to after the road race they hold every April. Was here today after a race with friends for brunch and the chef's omelette was good but I didn't get the English muffin I ordered- got rye toast instead. The Bloody Marys were spicy. And we got a table. However, our waitress was less than stellar, showing up sporadically and sticking around only long enough to get our order. Had to flag her down for multiple water refills and she kept getting irritated that we weren't accepting pancakes that we didn't order that she kept bringing. Oh well.
(3)
Steven R.

I'll give it a not bad. Apparently Doyle's is renown for for its cinematic reputation but it isn't too bad. Free pint glass after the Sam Adams brewery tour which gets you in the door, but it really isn't the worst place to have a fresh pint o' Sam or have a bowl of chowder. I had both and was pretty happy I came by. Best part is that if you're making a day out of it, you can easily get on Orange and get back to the city since given this area I was somewhat inclined to hang out near the cops (which is a first). Service was somewhat non-existent but given a busy Wednesday afternoon I'll discount that and accept it is a potentially awesome place.
(3)
Megan M.

We did the Sam Adam's Brewery tour this past Saturday - we then took the trolley to Doyle's! The trolley was AWESOME - the driver rocked, and it had great music and an awesome atmosphere. The ride to (double fist pump) Doyle's was about a mile, and before we got off, the driver let us know that at 4:30, they'd be taking the trolley for a drinking tour around downtown Boston - stops at Fenway and shows historical sites. It stops at a liquor store right in the beginning so you can get stuff to drink while on the 2 hour trolley tour. Easily the highlight of our trip and when we're back in Boston, you better believe we'll be doing it again!
(5)
Jonathan C.

Came here after the brewery tour like a lot of other people. I had really low expectations (with the food, at least) but we were hungry so ordered beer and a boneless bbq chicken platter. I was expecting warmed up frozen food or over fried food, but the chicken was actually really good! I think they pounded the chicken breast until it was flat...it didn't have that really dry taste associated with chicken breast. Gotta give them credit for going the extra step. The Sam also tasted extremely good. Maybe that's how it should taste and I've just been going to crappy bars...
(5)
Matthew T.

good bar, lots of sam adams selection. decent food too
(4)
Jessica F.

Like most people we came here on the "Party Bus" from the Sam Adams Tour lured in by the free glass with a beer promotion. The food was good and I liked the sweet potato fries. Our server was friendly enough although I felt like we could have seen her more. I was expecting the glass and beer to be very marked considering that is what often happens with these tours but was pleasantly surprised to find that it only cost $5 for the beer and the glass. I am not sure if there was an error there but I didn't question it!
(3)
Noel K.

A cash only restaurant ? Really ? Had a burger, asked for rare, it was medium. Onion rings were ok. The place is good to hang out and drink and chat.
(3)
Carol C.

God, how I miss living around the corner from Doyle's. Be still, my heart! They were the first to serve Sam Adams. Now if that doesn't deserve 5 freakin stars, nothing else in the world does. And they still pour a perfect pint, and you get a free glass from them if you visit the SA brewery then stop by Doyle's. This place is the epitome of the friendly neighborhood restaurant. And its so amazing how its preserved so much of its gorgeous history inside over the years. The dark wood, the wall frescos, the floorboards creaking under your feet. It is absolutely the farthest you can get from a trendy lounge/restaurant. This is the DEFINITION of a fucking dive, and...oh, my heart longs to be back there. Their brunches are ridiculous, you get so much food. Actually, now that I think about it, you get tons of food ALL the time. There's usually enough to take home. I recall crispy sweet potato fries, burgers that bled onto big buns, fresh lettuce underneath a million ingredients in their chef salad. I'm a Jersey girl so I'm spoiled about my pizzas, but theirs were decent. Giant club sandwiches. A great tap selection that really reflected what was in season, and everything on tap was good. They were always good for that. I can hear the Boston accent of every diner/dive waitress calling me "honey." The service was 8/10 times awesome, when it gets busy you gotta give a little (ie weekend brunch). Next time I have a Sam Adams, I'll toast to Doyle's. I'll be back there soon.
(5)
Mark J.

Had the lobster roll and the Reuben sandwich. All in all a great place to eat, relatively affordable and a good taste of a townie bar. I would eat here each day of the vacation if we happen to stay in the area.
(4)
Hillary C.

Nice beer selection but the food is never all that great. Always a fun and packed place for St. Patrick's day - a fun lively atmosphere on weekends.
(3)
Robert H.

We had already been here before Pre Yelp, and used to come here every so often. we took it off the rotation because it seemed to us that it was sort of coasting. Today we tried to get to The DogWood Cafe, based strictly on Yelps, but could not find any parking unless we were willing to cough up to park in the MBTA lot, which offends me since the lot is virtually empty but they still want to charge me. We thus decide to retry Doyle's, where we never recalled having a problem parking. Our memories were correct. Her omlette and my pizza were mailed in, no care, no pizzazz. They just don't give a f****. So I have adjusted my Yelp scores, where a 3 means I would go back. A 2 means I would not, and Doyle's in its current "la di da" state does not interest us. It does not matter that they have been there since 1882, it does not matter that Pols used to gather there, so what. How long do they plan on putting out mediocre plates of food whilst coasting on History ? The beerr selection was OK, but not enough to get the to a 3.
(2)
Roshan S.

Rude and lazy staff! If this is Boston's best then I've gotta move on. I came here from the Sam Adams tour, everything up until Doyle's was incredible. Walked in and no hostess to guide or seat you, but they were just there standing around talking to each other. The place is also filthy. I sat at the bar. The bartenders seem like they hate being there and not so much as a welcome 'hi', just 'what do you want'. After getting my beer the bartender (grey haired) bumps into it and luckily I hold on so it doesn't pour all over me, but it spills all over my hand. Not even a sorry. I ordered the turkey reuben sandwich, which was pretty good, but not excellent so was over-priced. Overall I would have been pleased if the service was there. I won't come back.
(2)
Binh L.

Honestly, Doyle's probably makes the most money from the brewery's tours. Why else would I have ventured into here? The beer + glass is a good deal! Everyone should do it if they don't want to pay 8 bucks for a souvenir glass. I had their sweet potato fries and buffalo wings to prevent being a drunk idiot. The sweet potato fries are oh-so-good. They might even be my favorite in New England. I need a larger sample though. Anyhow, they are crispy to perfection! Have you ever hated that buffalo wings don't have the kick like they used to? Most restaurants give you stale, over-salted, and boring wings? Well, fear no more. These will kick you in the mouth! Damn son!
(3)
Kelly O.

Classic old school pub... could easily be considered a tourist trap due to the relationship they have going with Sam Adams Brewery, but the attitude and service is the real deal, and the food is cheap and tasty, so I was happy. Doyle's is bigger than I thought, there are 3 giant rooms full of old dark wood benches that you can imagine grumpy old school men drinking pints and smoking stogies in. The ambiance is unabashedly old school, but this day was full of drunken tourists fresh off the party trolley from Sam Adams (ourselves included), so it was totally packed... fortunately our friends had taken an earlier tour and had already staked out a large booth for the 8 of us. Our waitress was old school (and old), and was a riot, no nonsense and complete honesty ("here's the first round of food, the second round is coming... I have no idea when"). But she also did right by us, bringing us what we needed when we needed it, never having to wait long for a fresh Sam, and telling us a bit about the food and the history/famous faces of Doyle's. I had the turkey burger with cheddar which I found delicious (keep in mind I was pretty tipsy by the time I had it though, if that changes anything), and ridiculously cheap for $6.95. It came with a ton of perfectly done steak fries (who even does steak fries anymore?!), and I couldn't stop eating them and thus was painfully full when I was done with my meal from the food + beer, in the best way possible. Everyone else was pleased with their ridiculously cheap meals too, especially the steak fries. The best part was being able to keep the Sam Adams glasses after buying a pint (well, the beer was the second best part, as I got a half Sam Cherry Wheat and half Chocolate Boch, and it was deeeelicious). Doyle's is what it is, part classic townie pub, part tourist trap, but the prices are right, the beer is fresh, and the glasses are free... what more do you want?
(4)
Julia N.

What more can you say at this point? Great beer selection, good burgers and bar food; spacious, good service and a parking lot to accommodate visitors. When a business has been around for quite some time, and still brings in groups of people, they're certainly doing something right.
(4)
Timothy J.

I started it with a 4 but realized it's hard to dock marks off this place. I have gone twice, both after the Sam Adam's tour. If you like character and good food then this place is for you. The Party Trolley that took us to the pub got us genuinely excited to go there. Without the Trolley it would have been pretty good not awesome (DOYLE'S *fistpump*). Reasons I love this place, it's old, has character, has tons of Sam Adam's and great food. I can see why someone might not like it because when it is busy you get that diner "I don't give a crap" attitude from the servers but whatever it happens. If you like Sam Adam's this place is a must visit. Chances are you are a tourist so why not add on a stop for lunch. I had the reuben sandwich with sweet potato fries but sample the Lobster Roll, Fish & chips as well as the clam chowder from my friends. No complaints from anyone, just raves. Like I said it's a solid place to go to. If I lived in Beantown it would still be a destination. If you go to the brewery do yourself a favor and take the Party Trolley regardless of how you got Sam Adams. It will enhance your experience. DOYLES!!!
(5)
Phil O.

So like most people here describing Doyle's, we went after the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour. The trolley driver really hyped it up. We ordered a breakfast, lobster roll, clam chowder and the onion rings. The lobster roll and onion rings were the two things we had to try according to the trolley driver. The onion rings are $9, but they give you a very large amount. They are beer battered in Boston lager and hand cut. They're very good. It's a great dish to share with your table. The lobster roll was very "seafoody." it had the taste of the ocean. I know its lobster, but I've had some before that didn't have the "seafoody" taste to it. But like the onion rings, you get a lot of lobster in it. The breakfast was big as well, but a typical breakfast, nothing too special. The clam chowder however, was phenomenal. I'd easily put it as one of the tops I've ever had. It's got a thick cream and great taste. Very filling. On top of all this, if you show your Sam Adam's brew tour ticket and order a Sam Adams you get to keep the glass. They have many Sam Adams types on draft; the most within Boston which is pretty cool. It's worth a trip after the tour.
(3)
Elizabeth M.

first "bar" in Boston.... Food 4*s - we got the onion rings (good), clam chowder (average) and the reuben was awesome service 1* - try not to get the old senile lady lol it took us 25 mins to get our beer and twice as long for our food and check that we asked for at least twice. Note: Trolley ride there from the Sam Adams factory was crazy!! Lol
(3)
Scott M.

Oldest pub in Boston, this is the first place to serve Sam Adams. Buy a Sam Adams on tap and get a free glass.
(4)
Vicky H.

For Pub Food, this place ROCKS!! Three other friends and I came here after a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery. Bring your ticket with you and you get to keep the glass for free! How excellent is that?!?! Ok... So the place was packed because there was a tour just about every 15 minutes so you can imagine the crowd here because they advertise Doyle's as the pub to go to after the tour. You can either walk over, drive over, or take the Trolley tour bus over with a dancing pole... WHAT?! Yea... the trolley it is!! LOL From the very beginning, the bus driver drums you up for Doyle's with some recommendations and a little history so how can you not be pumped for DOYLE'S?! We were seated and in no time our server comes over to get our drinks. She asked if we had the ticket and informed us the glasses to keep. Soon she came back to take our order and it was placed without issues. We had a change in mind for one of the orders and as she passed by us, we informed her of such a change if it wasn't too late. She didn't seem to be happy with it but went along anyways and grumpily and jokingly asked if that was all.. ahhh she does have a sense of humour! Our drinks came and soon after the CHOWDAH arrived - YES, it was VERY yummy chowder... although there weren't much clams and I was a bit disappointed about it. No matter, now our food came. And now, the onions rings... AH_MA-ZING!!! light and crispy. Onions are wholesome but they weren't too overly fried and has a slight sweet taste. YOU MUST ORDER Onion rings if you come here!! My friend ordered the Burger Americano -- lol. Burger was very classic and it was good. came with a couple of quarters of pickles to which i ate both... and huge steak fries. YES!! and they were DELISH!!! I had the Reuben. We substituted with Sweet potato fries that were steak fried cuts.. yes yes yes!! it was so good, so nicely done. Big portions. We cut up the burger and sandwich and all had a bit. The only thing that could have been better for the reuben was that it could have been NOT as dry but otherwise very good. My 3rd friend ordered buffalo wings. Nothing special about it. just pretty much like any other place. Overall, service was pretty good. We were barely able to finish our beers but did wash up the glasses, wrapped it up and took it home. We were amazingly full the rest of the evening and that was only around 4pm. Would we come back? Probably... maybe just for the onion rings and sweet potato fries... they really were that good!
(4)
Benjamin M.

After knocking out the awesome Sam Adams brewery tour, we figured we'd join the crowd for some food and drink at Doyle's Cafe, the first bar in the city to serve Sam's Boston Lager, which is only about a ten minute walk from the brewery. First things first, we gave up our Sam's beer labels/tour admission tickets for a reduced price Cherry Wheat and Angry Orchard in one of their specially designed pint glasses, which you can take with you! That's a heck of a lot better than buying an empty one in the gift shop after the tour. The place was a mad house, filled with fellow tourers, but we didn't have to wait very long for a small table and decided to order a late lunch of fish and chips. The platters were huge and we probably could have easily split one between us. Everything was very good, including the fish, fries and coleslaw. After eating, we skipped the walk back and jumped on the Sam's party trolley for a free ride back. The driver was funny (and a little crazy) and we only slightly feared for our life as we stood near the front of the bus on the way back. Overall, a good time with good food and good beer. Why wouldn't you make this stop #2? 3.5 Stars.
(3)
Mike G.

Yumm the lobstah roll !! Nice place food is always on point. And the beer selection is great.
(4)
Tim B.

A must-do if you hit the sam adam's brew tour. take a thrilling 4 min trolley ride with a bus full of people that made the responsible decision to not drive themselves. It's a cool place because it is old...really OLD...perhaps the oldest in the city. But to be honest food and service was very standard operating procedure. nothing special from what our group could find. in case you missed it in 400 other reviews: your brew tour ticket will allow you to keep a sam adams pint glass if you order a beer here. I would always recommend coming here after the brew tour...though the food at the restaurant next to sam adam's was better.
(3)
Laura J.

Probably the best Reuben I've ever had. Would highly recommend stopping here for lunch after visiting Sam Adams brewery. Would recommend taking the party bus to Doyle's aka the free trolley just for the experience. If we ever go back to Boston, we will definitely take the party trolley throughout Boston that leaves Doyle's at 5.
(5)
Mary B.

Pairs well with the Sam Adams Brewery tour. Must take the free party trolley here! Food was ok, but who could complain about getting a free Sam Adams beer glass with any Sam Adams beer purchase?
(4)
Amy W.

Take the free shuttle bus from Sam Adams Brewery and get your free glass with your beer label admission. 10+ stars for hospitality and service!
(5)
Dominique D.

This review leans more towards 3.5 stars. You really should take your Sam Adams tour ticket to Doyle's Cafe to get your free beer glass with purchase of a beer. This place is housed in an older, historic building. It was quite animated with the buzz of crowds eating here but it wasn't overly loud. I happened to be on the hungrier side that day and ordered the bison burger with cheddar. The burger was just okay and came with Swiss cheese instead. Due to time constraints and hunger, I went with it. The steak fries were just what I needed, although I did have to chase the waitresses down for a bottle of malt vinegar. Service was fair but not all that attentive. I like that I didn't get any tourist trap vibe from the place and I think it's a solid choice for lunch. Also, beer. Boston Brick Red. Just saying.
(3)
Scott G.

Awesome place you can feel the history but also modern. Food is out of the world. Best burgers onion rings, and lobster roll in Boston.
(5)
Carolyn O.

Go for the atmosphere and beer selection, but don't bother if efficient or friendly table service is especially important to you - often this is hit or miss. The food is usually good (especially brunch), but not the best pub food in Boston by a mile. However, it's a great place to check out if you're looking for a true piece of Boston history that's not a tourist trap.
(3)
Sarah B.

My friends and I had reservations about taking the free trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery to Doyle's - "ew, that's like, so touristy." (Okay, so I was the snob that wanted to avoid tourist traps that had my doubts.) But I'm really glad we went! First, our trolley driver, Jason, was hysterical. He got everyone on the trolley pumped for our visit to DOYLE'S (fist-pump and added emphasis on the "DOY"). He gave us a little bit of history about Doyle's and blasted music. The experience wouldn't have been complete without the shuttle's built-in disco ball (obviously). When we arrived, my friends and I were sad to part ways with Jason but he offers a 4:15 drinking trolley tour of the city so we wondered if we'd be seeing him again .. Anyway, on to the actual bar/restaurant. Doyle's is huge so our packed trolley was able to comfortably fit everyone inside. Service was friendly and fast. My two girl friends and I all ordered lobster rolls and different Sam Adams drinks, so we got to keep our awesome pint glasses. The food was great, the ambiance was great - so yes, overall, I was pleasantly surprised by what I was sure to be a kitschy tourist trap, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone else visiting Boston who wants to check out the brewery AND grab some good eats. (And score a free glass.)
(5)
Janet H.

Just a typical pub in JP. If you visit the Sam Adams brewery tour, they'll give you a ticket to receive a free glass when you order a beer for $6. I was starving by that time, so I got the quiche... the one they were serving that day tasted like pizza, as it was loaded with cheese, pepperoni, and tomatoes... mmm delicious. It also came with a side of salad, which was nothing too fancy, but a good way to fill you up. It was also a pretty generous portion.
(3)
Mark F.

I spent my bachelor party in this fine establishment in Jamaica Plain. We first had a couple of rounds at the bar. The bar itself was a long wooden bar that led right from the entrance to some windows looking out to the street. Boston culture/Irish/WWII propaganda memorabilia all lined the walls. Several televisions were also across the bar, making it a cozy, easily accessible area to drink, socialize and watch the game. The restaurant itself seemed to have 3 dining areas: one in front of the bar, another in the middle of the restaurant (which we eventually ate at) and another room in the back. The place was still very crowded, loud and jovial making it a place that seems to be very busy but also will have a seat available for you and your large crowd. Drinks were various but mainly focused on Sam Adams, the first customer of the Boston Beer Company. They had the Brick Red Ale which they only carry at the moment, along with the seasonal Sam and the Boston Lager. The biggest disappointment for me was the food. Very typical pub food that had nothing spectacular to it. I wanted the pork/lamb dinner, but they did not have the pork or the lamb. So I had their burger which was very basic. Nachos and buffalo wing appetizers were also typical and actually quite small in portions for the amount of people we had (just 6 of us). I did see the bill which my best man and groomsmen graciously paid for and seeing we had several rounds of beer, two appetizers and 6 entrees in Boston it seemed pretty reasonable to me (I hope it was to everyone else). Overall, if I lived in Jamaica Plain, this would be a cool place to go now and again for drinks and socializing.
(3)
Yuka Y.

"DOYLE'S!" If you've been on the party trolley from Sam Adam's brewery to get here, you'll know the customary gesture with every DOYLE'S said. The gentleman is very entertaining, you'll be sorry if you didn't ride the complimentary trolley down to DOYLE'S post tour. There's plenty of history and old charm to this place. Appetizers recs: ++Clam chowder. One of the best I've had in Boston. Not only is it very thick and creamy, there's plenty of clams in there too. ++Sweet potato fries. Comes with bbq sauce dip. Present your Sam Adams entrance ticket when you order a Sam Adams beer at Doyle's and you get to keep the specially crafted glass.
(4)
Lucas W.

Chances are you took the trolley here and what could have easily been a super cheesy 5 minute ride was actually pretty awesome. I was super fearful of Doyle's being overpriced and mediocre at best while being a total tourist trap. Amazingly, it isn't. Actually it's a pretty solid option. No doubt the best part is being able to buy a Sam Adams and keep the glass (all for less than the cost of the glass in the brewery). And they have some decent Sam Adams options on top, always the seasonal and one other. And love keeping the glass. I had the reuben with sweet potato fries which was quite good. Not the best reuben I've had but certainly a good one and above average. I'd get it again. The sweet potato fries were fantastic. Waffle fries, good crisp to them and fries aplenty. I'd definitely get it again. My gf got the lobster roll which I can't eat but she said it was great and there was surely a heaping mound of lobster. They didn't skimp on the portion which is inevitably the normal complaint with lobster rolls. Overall, good meal, I'd be happy going back.
(4)
Brittany E.

I really enjoyed this place. A little busy, but if you went here after a Sam Adams tour and ordered a Sam Adams beer you got a glass to go home with essentially for free. I shared the clam plate with a friend and enjoyed the fried clams. It even had onion rings and French fries with it! It was a light lunch for us. I had the Sam Adams Brick Red which was delicious and a Boston only beer. Doyle's had the widest variety of Sam Adams beers and was even showed in a couple of TV shows. My favorite part was the trolley ride over from Sam Adams brewery. The driver, Jason, was very enthusiastic and made the ride over a good time.
(4)
Brittany A.

Was in Boston visiting my brother for his birthday who goes to college there and ended up at Doyle's Cafe after touring the Samuel Adams brewery ( a lot of fun btw) I ordered the Lobster roll. It was served on a thick piece of toast-like bread and had SO MUCH LOBSTER! If you're in the mood for a dump truck sized lobster roll and some great clam chowder look no further!
(5)
Hannah S.

Decided to go to Doyles from the Sam Adams tour. We went with a group of people we met on the tour and it turned out to be the perfect place to hang out! Got to keep the glass because we ordered Sam Adams beer. The lobster roll was not good, yet it still cost $20. Nothing great about the food that we experienced, but the atmosphere is lots of fun! Take the bus there from the Sam Adams Brewhouse--it's a party :)
(3)
Taylor N.

This was the first place I visited the day I moved to Boston from South Carolina. I LOVE DOYLES!! I ordered a Tuna Melt and Sweet Potato Fries. AWESOME!! Also, the bartender Patrick is BAD ASS!!! Fast, friendly service... like I've been coming here for years (but I'm still a newbie)!! Tuna Melt- Wheat bread toasted to buttery crunchy perfection... but not overly crunchy. The tuna itself was mouth-watering and had just the right amount of cheese to qualify the Sandwich as a melt and not a glob of cheese on bread n tuna. AWESOME FOOD! The Sweet Potato Fries have a Perfect potato to sugar ratio. Tender, sweet and a great compliment to any beer (except Guinness) lol. Service, cleanliness, and prompt food delivery are all A+. The atmosphere is that of a neighborhood bar where there are tourists and regulars. They even play a variety of music. There's no basic pub music here. Pop, rock n roll, R&B, rap... old school... anything and everything that could compliment a cold beer!! I'll be back soon... since I technically love in Boston now!
(5)
Jennifer D.

Great, historic pub with AMAZING lobster rolls for a fair price! Absolutely loved Doyle's after my visit to the Sam Adams Brewery! Took the shuttle over, which was so much fun!! Great staff, free Sam Adams glass*, and lots of delicious food and beer. Typical of what I was expecting for a Boston bar and loved it!!! *must have ticket from Sam Adams tour
(5)
Elsie W.

Pretty good lobster roll. Not on a typical roll, more like a sourdough sandwich. Came here after the Sam Adams tour, ample parking nearby, got a couple of beers and got to take away a glass for free (need to show your tour ticket, of course).
(4)
Madhuri G.

After Sam Adams tour we headed to this place for beers. Surprisingly the food turned out to be so good. We tried eggs Benedict, sautÃ©ed scrod, spaghetti and meatballs, German plate. All tasted so good.
(5)
A.J. C.

Another great pub in the JP area with outstanding food. I go nuts for these places. Pubs, Bars, and American Fare were somewhere near the top of my food pyramid growing up.
(4)
Christie L.

Came here after the Same Adams Brewery Tour on the free party trolley! My friends and I were starving so we kinda went all out on the food. Appetizer to share::Fresh battered onion rings made to order. YUM. We tried the lobster roll for only $16! Fresh, yummy and cheap! I didn't see it on the menu, but I'm sure you can always order it. Also tried the Grilled Reuben which was delicious! The sweet potato fries are an upgrade for $1.50, but I think they were worth it. If I were to come back I would probably choose the Reuben over the lobster roll though. I just feel that the Reuben had more flavor. I don't really know how to judge lobster rolls..this was my first one in New England so if you like lobster rolls you may like it more + great price.
(3)
Juan F.

I always come here after taking the Sam Adams brewery tour. The reason is because we were told that if we present our tour ticket and get a beer here we get their signature glass for free. Got the Alpine Spring, showed them my ticket, after I chugged my beer they got me a clean glass to take home. Definitely my new beer glass haha. Also, drafts are insanely cheap about $6 for a pint of Sam Adams is a great deal. Good stuff.
(4)
Wayne L.

Came here after the Sam Adams tour for the free glass but stayed and ate lunch. If you keep your ticket from the brewery, they let you keep a perfect pint glass for the cost of the beer which is cheaper than in the gift shop. My recommendations are the chocolate cherry beer which is 1/2 chocolate bock and half cherry wheat which is awesome and the chowder. I don't even like chowder and theirs was great. Memorabilia on the wall is also interesting look back at Boston. Took the party trolley and was glad I did.
(5)
Adam G.

If just for the history of Doyle's itself, this place rocks. Great pub food and friendly service. Love the affiliation with Sam Adams brewery. If you're planning on going to Doyle's, go to the brewery first. You'll get some free beer and a free trolley ride to the pub.
(4)
Joseph K.

This is my 3rd time here and it's better every time. I really like the atmosphere, the food, and the staff. One of my favorite place in the world and oldest restaurant I ever been to. Really stoked to be here.
(5)
Edd D.

Came after the Sam A tour. Service was poor. The manager had to tell the waitress a couple of times serve us after she sat us. BLT: bread was well toasted, bacon was crips, the mayonnaise was semi transparent (old) on the side. Mash potatoes and gravy had little of any taste. Clam Chowder in a bread bowl: bread was slightly toasted (nice touch), the chowder was not thin (nice but it was like there was a lot of flour filler and garlic). I was a bit surprised the Sam A was served in a generic glass.
(2)
Erin P.

The food was great, the beer was better, the service was horrible. I really looked the older atmosphere of the place but we had to announce ourselves to be seated, ask for a waitress, and the bathroom was in a complete disarray. All said and done... I'd probably still come back for the beer selection. I like beer.
(2)
Carolyn L.

DOYLE'S. This place is so full of awesome you'll walk out the door screaming "Doyle's" and punching your fist down. As recommended by our party trolley driver, my friends and I shared the Grilled Reuben and the Lobster Roll. Both were super satisfying! The reuben was probably my favorite but I really enjoyed both. The reuben had really great bread and juicy meat. Apparently the lobster roll got voted the biggest one in some sort of competition, but it really isn't that big. The lobster tasted fresh and the sandwich was flavorful overall so I have no complaints...especially at the unbeatable price of $16! We also shared a plate of their famous onion rings. They're cut and fried to order and taste deeeelicious! AND you've got to take the party trolley here! It's absolutely epic and has the best vibes. DOYLE'S!!!!
(4)
Jennifer S.

We took the party trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery to check out Doyle's, the first Boston bar to start serving Sam Adams beer. We loved visiting a true locals pub and our server made the experience all the better. She has a quick wit and made the entire visit so fun and enjoyable. We had some of their well known onion rings and some croquettes....pretty good for bar food, and of course some Sam Adams beer.
(4)
Tiffany W.

From my Sam Adams Brewery review, I recommended taking that trolley over to Doyle's... so here I am. Number one reason why the bf and I followed suit was because you can get a free Sam Adams' lager mug with a tour ticket. Only catch is that you still have to buy a Sam Adams beer on tap! It wasn't a big deal to me. I'm not much of a beer drinker and I chugged pretty much 21 ounces of beer because my boyfriend made me so "I could keep up." So yeah, I was a little buzzed and very much hungry by the time we got to the cafe. We ended up sitting at the bar because we didn't want to wait, and ordered ourselves a Lobster Roll with Fries and 2 beers. The beers were great but the winner was the Lobster Roll. For $15 (which need I point out was the CHEAPEST lobster roll we have ever purchased), it was awesomely delicious! And the fries... oh were they great, too. The only thing I absolutely felt disgusted by was the bathroom. Just like everything in Boston, it was pretty tiny, but the biggest problem is how the stalls' doors do not lock. What was more irritating is how the doors also creak open, so you're forced to have to hold the door shut.... I'd probably would've been less annoyed if 1. I wasn't drinking and 2. if the lights didn't freak me out either. By the way... the trolley guy made it quite clear that Doyle's is quite infamous in Hollywood showing up in films and shows like The Departed and Boston Legal. So if you're into that kind of stuff, this might make your trip a bit more worthwhile. You can come here and say that you've been to DOYLE'S (in a Boston accent with your fist pumped in the air)!
(4)
Kate K.

Definitely come for the beer. This is a very touristy spot but also a favorite neighborhood place. The food is fine, nothing special, The clam chowder is good and so are the grits sticks. Really. Fish and chips could have been better. The fish was fresh and delicious but the batter was soggy with almost no flavor. No crunch in the French fries, either but someone in our party loved the sweet potato fries. Did I mention that you should come for the beer?
(4)
Francisca W.

if not recommended by the Samuel Adams tour, wouldn't have come here passing by it a million times. sadly, would only return for a beer and the pint glass that you are allowed to take home w/your brewery tour receipt/beer label. (our glasses were almost taken away by our waitress so guard them well!!) maybe also to pay homage to the old-school decor (heard a scene of Good Will Hunting was shot here?). the place kind of smells old, though. but if based on food alone, wouldn't return for another million other times passing it by. overpriced, over-spiced (buffalo wings were super vinegary!), greasy, uninteresting American bar food. bleh at best. p.s. think they have a parking lot behind the bar. but was able to get street parking w/o an issue.
(2)
Erin P.

Every time we come to Boston we stop here. Have had many menu items, my favorite is the Ruben and onion rings. I won't even eat a Ruben anywhere else....always wait for my annual Boston trip to get me some Doyle's!
(5)
Eileen K.

A great way to end the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour. A shuttle will bring you here, and after a few tastings of beer, you will hunger for food!!! A bar with lots of history (one of the oldest bars in Boston!!) Lobster roll: Delicious!! Toasted sourdough bread, huge chunks of fresh lobster, side of thick slices of crispy sweet potato fries: delicious beer accompaniment. Clam chowder: delicious!!! You get to keep the Sam Adam's cup when you order a beer here!!! (Tour guide will tell you why this cup is so awesome) Probably my second favorite clam chowder during my trip (I tried 5 different ones) and definitely my favorite lobster roll.
(4)
Michelle R.

Here's the thing- the Sam Adams Folk send people, and promise they can have a fancy beer cup if they go. So first of all, more than half the people in there just speed drank beer for like 1/2 hour and then took a trolley to get a cup. And, knowing what's up, Doyle's delivers eh pub food and beer. Nothing special, usually warm, inoffensive. This place is awesome, however, if and when you find yourself searching for someplace to distract your family or visitors? Send those fools on the Sam Adams Party Trolley.
(3)
Jessica L.

Very good portion sizes. The lobster roll was done right, just lobster and mayonnaise on a thin layer of lettuce on a buttered toasted bun. So delicious! Price is very fair too $16 at lunch. Bring cash for this place too.
(5)
Richard L.

A Boston staple - and somewhat of a tourist attraction if you go after the Samuel Adams brewery tour you'll have to go there to get your complimentary Sam Adams beer glass (but you'll have to buy a sam adams beer). Of course you don't just go here for one beer - you have to have 2 or 3 or 4! It's cheap enough - and they got some good food. I was sufficiently inebriated by the time lunch came around - so Super D and i split a lobster roll and a bowl of Clam Chowdah. The food was very tasty - clam chowder was flavorful, creamy and had a good amount of clam and potatos. Just the way it should have been. The lobster roll was delicious - bun was excellent and the lobster was sweet and tasty. Yeah it's not on the menu - but you can order it anyway haha. I'd definitely come back for this here!
(5)
Amy W.

I've lived in Boston for five years, but have never made more than a quick trip to Jamaica Plain, so I was unfamiliar with Doyle's prior to coming here after the Sam Adams tour. WHAT a shame that I've been missing out on this place for the past half-decade! This is truly a Boston gem. The character of the restaurant is incredible - everywhere I looked, I could imagine Jack Nicholson or Sean Penn sitting at the bar, walking through the aisles. The service was typical - Boston-standard; they get the job done, but they're not bending over backwards for anybody. Just how I like it. I got the clam chowder, which was the best I've ever had (keep in mind that I've lived in MA for 27 years) and my parents' cheese pizza looked absolutely phenomenal, and I don't like pizza. I'm just gonna say it - being at Doyle's makes you feel like one of the cool kids. Or a certified goodfella. Whatever tickles your fancy.
(5)
Adam S.

Sam Adams, Sam Adams, Sam Adams. I imagine most customers are here because of it. Decent food. Came here for the glasses. Great value. Bar always full since everyone is coming off of the tour.
(4)
Hillary V.

After your visit to the Sam Adams Brewery, Doyle's is worth a visit. It's interesting to look at it, and the history is kind of cool. The parking situation is a complete train wreck. The cool thing there is when you give them your ticket from the brewery tour, you get a free Sam Adams glass with the purchase of a drink. This glass is only exciting because it was scientifically crafted to beer-enjoying greatness. If you're only going to pour a Bud Light into it, keep moving. The majority of the beers on tap here are Sam Adams. Service-wise, our waitress was okay.
(3)
Andria B.

Damn. Expected better. Cool 130 year old establishment with the perk of the Sam Adams perfect pint glass if u take the brewery's tour. Food is mediocre at best. Clam chowder and onion rings possibly above mediocre. Didn't even finish my boring cheeseburger that was overcooked, had more bread then burger and the roll was lame. The sauerkraut on the Reuben was average at best. Nothing extraordinary here folks.
(2)
Steven F.

Come here after the Sam Adams Brewery Tour, buy a Sam Adams, drink the Sam Adams, show the Sam Adams Brewery Ticket, keep the Sam Adams Glass. Really simple, and really easy. Plus the food and service are fantastic. I had the Bison burger and I'm at a lost for words of how good it was! Pus our waitress was so nice and sweet, was on point even though we were a large group, it was awesome. If you do the Sam Adams Brewery Tour and DON'T COME HERE, you're committing a cardinal sin as well as robbing yourself of a great time. Plus the decor of the place is very cool! History Fact: Doyle's Cafe was the first bar that ever served Jim Koch's Sam Adams.
(5)
Marie M.

It was great, good old school Irish bar, always a little busy from the traffic from the Sam Adams tour but apart from that it's a good bar. Food was ok, just bar food nothing crazy fancy don't expect much but if you want good ale and good bartenders this is where to go.
(4)
Erin L.

Place was really cool, original setting over 130 years old. Had beers on draft you can't get back home. Grumpy monkey was really good. Chowder was amazing, big chunks of potatoes & the fish& chips was awesome!
(5)
Joey M.

Doyle's is fine. I really think that's the best way to describe it. Their beer selection is fine. The atmosphere, fine. The food, fine. The service when I was here varied. When we got in the front door we asked if we could sit anywhere and the woman simply took a sign that said "Please wait to be seated" and placed it in front of us. "What do you think?" She asked brusquely. OK maybe your having a bad night. Jeez. Our waitress however was amazing. Friendly, funny, patient. Really great. I got onion rings which were pretty dang good, and quite plentiful. At $10 though I wanted them to be the best onion rings known to man. It's fine that they weren't the best. If you're at Sam Adams and want to do the party bus or whatever, that's fine. But I wouldn't suggest going out of your way for this place.
(2)
Matt E.

If you go on a tour of the Sam Adams Brewery down the street (and you should), come here and you'll get a free pint glass. The place has a great relationship to the brewery (it's the first bar to serve the beer) which means you can get new and experimental beers from Sam Adams here that you just can't find elsewhere. Because of it's historic nature (it was established in 1882) and it's vintage look/feel, the bar has been a ritual stopping point to many area politians and a location to a number of movies (Mystic River, 21, Celtic Pride). The bar itself isn't anything special. The beers are a little pricey (most are $6-7) and the food looked average but I can't say for sure as I didn't get any. The service was about average as well. As for a bar I'd skip the place but for the other reasons mentioned it may be a good place to stop at, especially if you're a Sam Adams beer fan.
(3)
Mitchell R.

The place is worth the hype! Their portions are massive and the food is great! I highly recommend their clam chowder and any if their other soups of the day, their reuben, and their sweet potato fries. Everything is priced well and their beer selection is top notch. I highly recommend visiting the Sam Adams Brewery and taking the trolley afterward to Doyles.
(5)
Maureen D.

Slightly dive-y old school bar with decent selection of beer and pub food. They need to make the "meatless" reuben with a veggie burger, and I'd be sold. But I did catch the flu here. Really.
(3)
Adam V.

Doyle's Cafe is the original spot where Sam Adams sold their beer to the public. If you order a Sam Adams, you get to keep the glass! I am also a fan of the movie "21" and there is a small scene that is shot in this restaurant. My star rating for this place is purely attributed to the novelty factor and because of the souvenir glass. I was unimpressed by the normal items I would used to judge a restaurant. The service was slow. I liked our waitress. I think she did her best, but she was depressing. She gave me the impression that she led a hard life. She was super-slow, but I was very patient with her because it seemed like that last thing she needed was a pushy customer. The food was also below average. The term "Cafe" is a bit misleading. This place reminds me of a diner or something. There is a lot of fried stuff and nothing we had was particularly good. If you do the Sam Adams tour, they will mention this place. You may not want to walk it though. It is a bit of a hike and you will go through some sketchy areas. Get a cab or something. I enjoyed visiting Doyle's once, but that will do it for me. Pass on the food and just get a beer and an appetizer. It's neat to see a spot where a movie was filmed and to take away a Sam Adams glass, but there isn't really anything else to draw you back.
(3)
Marli E.

Honestly I didn't see the big deal about it, even though I completely understand its the oldest bar in Boston and pretty much a landmark there but its just your standard Pub food. The NE clam chowder was pretty good actually, thick and creamy, not too watery which is not something I look for when I want clam chowder. The wings are good, the buffalo has a nice hint of spice to it but not overwhelming - only brings 8, which you had a choice of amount. the nachos had a good flavor to it and my boyfriend ordered the rueben sandwich (the original) he really enjoyed it, i thought it was fine but the fries were delicious if that helps! (they were steak fries) Staff was really friendly and because we came from the Sam Adams tour they let us keep our sam adams glass
(3)
Joe A.

This place has more history than the pyramids and it has been an institution full of politics, beer, and bostonians for over a hundred years. History aside, Doyles IS Boston and it's certainly worth the stop anytime of day.
(5)
chelsea h.

This place is ONLY cool if you go on the trolley following a Sam Adams Brewery tour. I have been meaning to write a review of this place for awhile, and am just now getting around to it after having been several times. The food is okay- typical, if not slightly sub par pub food. The waitresses and the hostesses are HORRIBLE- if this review were just for service alone, I would have to give 0 stars. The atmosphere is dingy but cool just because it's one of the oldest bars in Boston, so it's allowed to be a bit out-of-date. All I have to say is the poor people who visit Boston and do a brewery tour, then go to this place- they think that all Bostonians are like the crusty, rude, classless women that wait on them here. As a native of Boston, that makes me sad. I recommend only going for the free beer glass after a brewery tour, and sticking to that. Just because this place is popular and historical, does NOT justify the horrible customer service they dish out, and for a pretty high price given the atmosphere and condition of the place.
(2)
Tammi P.

We went to Doyle's after the Sam Adams brew tour. Food was average. SERVICE IS HORRIBLE. The server messed up our order and brought food we didn't order. She said we had to pay for it because "we" let the food hit our table and they can't re-serve it. We didn't touch our food and let our server know her mistake as soon as we realized her mistake and saw her again. I should've asked for a manager but the server kept referring to "he" as though she has already spoken to the manager and it was a store policy that the server is always right and the customer has to pay for it. Average food for if the Server gets your order right.
(1)
Jeni S.

This review is for the complimentary post Sam Adams tour trolley & the Doyle's party trolley Freedom Trail tour: After touring Sam Adams brewery a complimentary trolley rolls up with party lights flashing, music blastin, and a fist pumpin' driver ready to take guests over to a bar..."DOYLE'S!" (fist pump). Doyle's is the first bar to sell Sam Adams, a pretty historic spot for Sam Adams beer enthusiasts. Just bring your Sam Adams ticket and for about $6 you can get a beer and a Sam Adams glass to keep (it's like a FREE souvenir, SCORE!). Jason, the driver, mentioned that he also offers a pahtee trolley touring the Freedom Trail and the first stop is the liquor store..."DOYLE'S!" (fist pump). The driver is so enthusiastic and passionate about sharing Bahhst-inn history all the while having some wicked FUN. The cost is $20 per person and the tour lasts about 90 minutes as most tours do. The best part is he will drop you off at whatever hot spot tourist location of your choice at the end of the tour. The Doyle's pahtee trolley Freedom Trail tour shares Bahhst-inn history the other tours don't AND..the trolley goes into the North End where you will drive right next to the home of Paul Revere. There's only one place that provides this one of a kind tour filled with Bostonian history..."DOYLE'S!" (fist pump)
(5)
Sherry J.

The atmosphere was awesome blended with the Sam adams tour and riding on the party bus went well together. The food was great prices reasonable. Staff courteous and attentive. Clam chowder was perfect.
(5)
David H.

This is my opinion, ergo non-suable. Awful. Zero charm, tasteless fare, and mediocre service. I know it's an old Irish Boston joint but the place just looks like a dive. Sat with bare acknowledgment from the host in the noisy bar area of a mostly empty restaurant. Had a waiter who was eating two tables away from where we were sat. A real 'we were inconveniencing him that we were there' attitude throughout our stay. Do I need to say I tip well prior to seating? The food was boring fried and without merit. Chili was tasteless and the turkey club was dry and again, boring. My friend had a chicken Caesar that was more dressing than salad. There are way better places that show the old Boston in Jamaica Plain. Skip this if you take the Sam Adams tour. Tell the driver to head down Centre Street: Eugene O'Neils, St. James Gate, Canary Row. Anything is better... I've been here multiple times, always hoping for better.
(1)
Kimmy U.

Step 1: Go to the Sam Adams Brewery Tour Step 2: Take the FREE Party Trolley to Doyle's, supplied with dance music and poles ON the bus Step 3: Order a Sam Adams beer Step 4: TAKE HOME YOUR FREE GLASS! They spent a lot of time explaining the engineering behind the glass, which I completely forgot.. but I remember it being a cool concept! We spent quite a while at Sam Adams after our tour group left, so we were lucky and hopped on the trolley with no one else. They drop you off right at Doyle's- a typical pub with a lot of seating and a huge menu. Like really big menu. so many choices I got the spinach artichoke dip, the bf got a reuben, and my other friends got clam chowder, and shepherd's pie And of course, we all tried different Sam Adams beers I recommend the cider if you're not a huge beer fan. It was delicious! The spinach artichoke dip was pretty standard. I enjoyed it! Warm pita bread mmm My bf really liked his reuben, and I heard good things about the clam chowder and shepherd's pie too. Service was great! We had a funny older lady who seemed like she could have been working there for a long time and knows all the regulars- type of person. the place was pretty empty though when we went, so we got a lot of attention Doyle's is also super close to the T station, so we just walked there after
(3)
Clementine C.

You've got to go to Doyle's if you're in Boston - here's why: This is the first bar to carry Samuel Adams beer, so naturally there is a free trolley from the brewery to Doyle's. They also are the only bar that has access to the special 26.2 SA beer, crafted especially for the Boston Marathon. Also, if you show your tour ticket from the brewery and buy a Sam for $5, you get a Samuel Adams beer glass to go!!!!!! The service is standard, nothing special... The FOOD, the food, the food. I ordered Fish and Chips but subbed my fries for an extra side of coleslaw. The codfish was perfectly crispy, but buttery and flaky inside! The portion was four large pieces of cod. That was excellent. The coleslaw was so-so. But again, the cod was awesome. Beer selection - great selection of Sam (duh) but also beer from England, Belgium, and the US. This is an EXCELLENT followup to your time at the brewery... did I mention that you can get a free trolley ride from Doyles to the T-line trains or to the Sam Adam's brewery? Get going!
(4)
Bob Z.

This was the second time coming to Doyle's and it didn't disappoint. We came last year and loved it so tried it again this trip. The fish and chips were Great! Not greasy, the fish flakes apart and tasted awesome. My son had the lobster roll and enjoyed it as well! Will be back on our next trip to Boston!!! It's worth the visit...
(4)
B P.

Best place to pass the time if you are waiting for the Sam Adams Tour. Liked the free glass when we showed our tour tickets. Food was really tasty. Nice to recognize the inside from various movies.
(4)
Gary D.

I have been coming here for years and years (25+); I love it as an institution, I love the atmosphere, I love the fact that when game 1 of the ALCS in 2003 went to extra innings in Oakland, they locked us in so we could watch it to the end after closing time (shhhh!!). If you are a tourist perusing this for ideas about where to go in Boston, you need to get over here double quick time. Just don't expect it to be something it is not- it is a bar that serves food, not a gastropub! The food is fine ( I always get the Braddock Burger; my wife gets pizza or fish and chips- there: now you know what to expect). I always steer clear of the fancy dishes. 3 stars seem right for food and general restaurant-based rating: not great but satisfactory if you order the right stuff and don't expect haute cuisine. However, based on atmosphere and cultural significance I would give it 5 stars. I know the "real Cheers" epithet is an overworked cliche (although not exactly false- I have seen bikers, cops, lesbian groups, teachers, construction workers, hipsters, black, white, Hispanic, whatever combo of race, creed, ethnic background, age, etc you can think of here ) and I know there have been people griping about all the tourists visiting of late, but I am fine with that because otherwise all the old Irish families that came here for years have moved to Norwood and Braintree and don't get here as much as they might have done in the old days, and as the replacements seem to be 50% "Celiacs" and 80% "Vegans" and nearly all delusional "Foodies" the place would probably start to die without the stream of tourists to balance the books. It's in JP- there are only so many tourists that will ever get here so this is probably the limit already. All in all, this is one of the very few places remaining from the "old" JP and it has changed with the times enough to stay relevant but not so much that it has lost its identity. Pretty hard to say that about much in Boston these days, as it increasingly begins to look and feel like any gentrified urban space anywhere in America.
(3)
MARK P.

Went here on the party trolley after the Sam Adams tour. Wasn't expecting gourmet fare, just basic bar food, but this was sub-par all around. Whoever was manning the deep fryer must have been drunk, as everything was either way overcooked (fish, chicken) or undercooked (fries, rings.) Burgers were blah--why ask how we want them cooked if they're all going to come out well done? Service was slow, spacy and all-around lousy. Ride the trolley, have a beer, get your free glass..EAT SOMEWHERE ELSE!!
(2)
Daniel H.

Decent prices great food good craft beer I. Had a pepperoni pizza that was great wife had a lobster roll on grilled sourdough tons of lobster on this
(5)
Adriana L.

Oh Yelp, help me - why won't you post my edited version with the picture of the lobster claw I found on my lobster roll? Let's try again! DOYLE's rules!
(5)
Marifer S.

Went to Boston to experience its' older culture, including Sam Adams Brewery tour, authentic lobster rolls, lobsters, clam chowders, and so on. Needless to say, Doyle's has the best clam chowder I tried so far. It had good creamy consistency. T here was enough clams to potato ratio. my friend and I also shared a lobster roll with sweet potato fries. The sweet potato fries was delicious. Waffle cut, crunchy...Their lobster was also good, very fresh and they give you a good amount of lobster for the price. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of the mayo. It lacked flavor and I added a little hot sauce.
(4)
Nik K.

These people are (racist?) scumbags. Born in california (indian) came to boston for the sam adams brewery tour, got recommended to eat/drink at doyle's cafe so that's just what we did. Old woman failed to service us, treated us disrespectfully, giving us the bill once we ordered our first beers as if to kick us out before ordering food. They treated everyone else to new glasses once they finished their beer but we had to clean ours in the bathroom. Btw, we tipped over 20%. Don't support this place if you value respect and good service. Never coming back.
(1)
Justin T.

Enjoyed it all! The place needs an update but it is locals fav and our destination. Great Cod Fish and Chips, one of the best. Beer selection is on it also
(4)
Jiyea C.

Like most of the other reviewers, I came here after my Sam Adams brewery tour and it was fun! I think the trolley driver (fun meathead guy who definitely sold us on visiting "doy-uls"--yes, two distinct syllables) but either way, we didn't regret it! I must say that trolley ride is half of the experience. When we got to Doyle's, we had some Sam Adams beer here and some clam chowder, which was pretty good. Service was really fast and friendly. Extra props for being so nice and easygoing when we knocked (and shattered to smithereens) our souvenir pint glasses. They no-fuss cleaned up the mess and gave us new ones :) Certainly not my kind of joint and I probably wouldn't venture alllll~ the way to JP for this place, but if I have out-of-town visitors, there's a good chance I'll be back.
(3)
Victoria P.

Came here via the free trolley from Sam Adams (TAKE THE TROLLEY - JAMES IS AWESOME). Got our free pint glasses (with tour ticket and purchase of a beer) and ordered the calm chowder and grilled reuben with garlic fries and my boyfriend got the fish and chips with sweet potato waffle fries. Service was good and the food was pretty good. The clam chowder was probably one of the best I've had in the city and the portions of our meals were huge. Go to the brewery and then go to Doyle's - they go hand in hand.
(4)
Lisa R.

Went here after a tour at Sam Adam's Brewery. It is an old school tavern and the first home for Sam Adam's Brewery. If you order a Sam Adam's beer and show a ticket from the tour, you get to keep the glass (which is honestly the only reason we came here for dinner). The food was nothing extraordinary. Even the server revealed to us that the "famous" Doyle's burgers were nothing to rave about. Service was great and friendly. It's worth checking out for a free pint glass, but otherwise I probably would not return.
(2)
Alison V.

If you go on the Sam Adams Brewery tour, you're likely to end up at Doyle's. This is the place Sam Adams was first served and such, so they have an ongoing connect. As a matter of fact, you can take a trolley from Doyle's to Sam Adams and back. We came here after a tour ended. We missed the first trolley to head over there since we were in the gift shop, but jumped on a second that was pretty full. My initial hesitation was that we'd get off of a trolley full of people and have some huge wait to get a seat. I was wrong - wrong - wrong! Doyle's is clearly practiced at large waives of people coming in and have mastered the art. As fast as the host could go from host stand to table, people were getting seated. I was pleasantly surprised. After we were seated we quickly had a waitress waiting to take our orders. I went with the French dip, as it came highly recommended from someone at Sam Adams, and the husband went with a German platter of sorts. I was not disappointed in my food and neither was he. The food came out quick and was hot and delicious. Overall, I was impressed with the place and the service and enjoyed my time. I think I would probably even come back without incorporating the tour! If you've done the Sam Adams tour first, order a Sam Adams beer here and trade in your "ticket" for a beer glass to keep. The best part? Doyle's knows you don't want to walk around Boston with a glass you drank beer out of, so they have a "glass exchange" at the front bar where you can take up your dirty glass and get a clean one - perfect souvenir!
(3)
Mary J.

Free Sam Adams glass after taking a brewery tour! This was honestly one of the most satisfying meals I've ever had. My friend and I had just gone on the Samuel Adam's Brewery tour, at the end of which the tour guide suggested that we go to Doyle's. When you order a Sam Adam's beverage with proof that you had just come from the Brewery, you get a free glass (the big, official glass)! Talk about a good deal, right!? They even offered a free trolley ride from the Brewery to Doyle's complete with a disco ball and stripper pole, because why not? And now onto the food. The clam chowder was the best clam chowder I've ever had - it was thick without being lumpy, creamy without it being over-powering, and the chunks of potato were wonderfully tender. And, of course, the clams were delicious. My friend and I split a lobster salad sandwich and substituted onion rings in place of the french fries at the recommendation from the trolley driver. The sandwich was huge so it was a great idea to split it, and the onion rings fell apart in your mouth (in a good way). I am definitely coming back here the next time I am in Boston.
(5)
J K.

Came over on the Sam Adam's Tour Trolley. Was with a party of 9 at lunch time on Saturday. Was driven over by trolley driver Jason. He did an amazing job at hyping the place up, explaining it's unique history and culture. Several times during the drive over he'd just stand up and yell "We're going to DOY-les!". Very fun ride. We got there with our party and was seated immediately. Our server stated she'd been working there for 26 years, and she was great. She was prompt and very friendly. I got the Clam Chowder (Delicious!). On Jason's recommendation I got the Reuben with Sweet Potato fries. Amazing. Some of the best food I've had. I had a Sam Adam's Brick Red which was good. Got our free glassware, and took the trolley back. Everyone had a great time. They mention this place during the tour, and state that you can get the $8 glass for free when you purchase a Sam Adam's at Doyle's. The beer cost $6. It may sound like a tourist trap, and it could be to some extent, if it weren't for the fact that everything else was amazing. Bottom line. If you're hungry after the Sam Adam's tour (or just walking around Boston), recommend this place. Great trip. Highly recommend.
(5)
Lindsay C.

Stopped by after the Sam Adams Brewery tour and was pleased with the menu and drink selection. I had the Sam Adams Angry Orchard hard cider which was fantastic and we got to keep the glass as we went on the brewery tour which was awesome. We ordered the fish and chips which was tasty, the garden burger which was okay and a cheese pizza which was the best item we tried and had good flavor and lots of melty cheese. Definitely recommend visiting after the tour as it is perfect drinking food
(3)
Kristy R.

Doyle's is the place you typically take the Sam Adams shuttle to AFTER your tour but since the tours were backed up for roughly two hours when we arrived, the staff at the brewery suggested we go before. This would normally be a short, pleasant walk but in 90 degree weather with bags, it was a sweaty walk. All sweaty walks should be rewarded with good beer. From the outside, Doyle's looks pretty small. It's not until you're inside that you see it's actually pretty large. We were seated fairly quick and we immediately turned into tourists and started taking pictures of the vintage decor. Our waitress was a sweetheart and didn't even ask if we were coming from Sam Adams, she just sort of knew and reminded us that we got to take our glasses home once we finished our beers. Did you know that Doyle's offers more Sam Adams beers than the actual tasting room at the brewery? The more you know! We each went with the summer ale since it seemed fitting considering how warm it was outside. For our entree, most of us went with the fish & chips, the chowder (chowdahhh), and one went simply with mozzarella sticks. Of course we asked for Malt Vinegar and a huge, new bottle was put on our table. If you're eating fish and chips without this stuff, you're doing it wrong. The food was very tasty and fresh. Everything went perfectly with the beer. Service was a bit slow at times but I liked that they didn't pressure you to hurry up. The bill wasn't bad. $116 for 4 people. Just remember to wash out your Sam Adams glass in the bathroom! Oh, and to the person who had a Corona at the next table, yes I was judging you.
(4)
Tina H.

Beautiful old pub. 130 years and it's never been remodeled. I love the old phone booth they have here and the servers are very prompt. I was recommended to this place after the Sam Adams brewery tour for the free glass. It's free in the sense you buy a Sam Adams and then you get the glass free when you turn in your entry ticket from the tour. It's worth it since the beer is $6 and at the brewery the same glass is $10 without beer in it. The walk from the brewery to the restaurant is about 15 minutes/ 0.6 mile. Or you can take the free trolley if it is operating. It wasn't running because it was the middle of the week and there was maybe 15 people on my tour. I had the fried chicken sandwich with french fries. It comes up really fast and hot. The chicken was crispy and the fries were the thick cut kind that burn your mouth because they look so yummy and you're hungry after a brewery tour. The pub is also used in many TV shows and movies because of the interior. I would recommend to come see it, even if you don't order food.
(4)
Andrew D.

Eh, I think I'm all set with Doyle's. I work close by, and have swung by a few times with coworkers for food and drinks. The food is decent. Standard pub fare, slightly expensive for what it is. The atmosphere is fine by me . But man, is the service rough. I was here earlier today with seven other coworkers. We all order some food and drinks, planning on staying for a while. One person orders Sam's Cold Snap, and is told they don't have it. No prob. She orders something else. After a bit, some lady comes out holding our food, screaming 'tuna melt' at the top of her lungs. Evidently we didn't hear her the first time , so she made herself heard. Once we're done eating, the waitress drops the bill on the table. Didn't ask if we needed anything else. Just dropped it and walked off. We split the bill over 8 cards, carefully adding everything up and writing it all out, making sure everything is covered. The waitress comes over and says she won't do 8 cards but instead will split it over two, and the rest can use the ATM, and she's too busy. We refused, and continued to sit at the table. She then complained to every other waitress about it, making no attempt to hide it from us, who were sitting a foot away. Another waitress finally did it for us. It took all of a minute. This is how you treat paying customers? No thanks. Oh, turns out they had Cold Snap on tap at the bar. So much for knowing your product, Doyle's!
(2)
patty l.

This is a great neighborhood spot. The menu is very reasonable and is very eclectic . There are sandwiches, full entrees, pizza, daily specials and a great brunch on the weekend. For those of you visiting Sam Adams Brewery(free) you can take the free party bus to get back and forth. There is a full bar. There is a lot of history here as well. For those who do not drive the venue is about a half mile walk from Forest Hills station and is also on the 42 bus line.
(4)
Michael J.

Thank you to Doyle's for taking a chance on Jim Koch in 1985 when he was beginning his brewing business, and became the first bar to serve Sam Adams on tap. Who knows, without Doyle's there might not be a Sam Adams. So Sam Adams is loyal to Doyle's as they should be. We went there after the Sam Adams tour, after hearing that they were the first bar to serve their beer. We drove, and didn't take the trolley. I was able to get two different Sam Adams beers that are hard to find (or impossible) in any other bar. With the stamp from the tour, we got to keep the glasses. So here's the math: 1 empty glass at Sam Adams gift shop is $8; 1 glass plus beer at Doyle's is $6. Get it? We got a large pizza (which was $1 more than a small pizza), and it was pretty good for a bar. Equally important is the physical establishment. It's old. It hasn't been cleaned in 100 years. You can see where they used to have wood floors, then they tiled over it, and the tiles have worn through to show the wood again in the walking paths. wow. The bar is uneven. The ceiling is textured metal or something. The whole place just feels old, which is awesome. And they have pictures of notable Bostonians who have visited, and old newspaper articles framed on the wall. My favorite was the front page of the Globe from the Blizzard of 78, since we weren't able to get the paper that day because we were stuck at home due to the blizzard, of course. And thank you Doyle's for knowing when the Red Sox game starts, and turning the channel to it without me asking. My biggest pet peeve is when a Boston bar doesn't have the Red Sox game on, and I have to ask. Shame on those bars, but Doyle's knows...
(4)
Paige S.

After going to the Sam Adams Brewery for a tour, Doyle's was the recommended next stop. I would have given 4 stars if it had not been for the incredibly rude hostess. I have never encountered someone so outwardly offensive in the customer service industry. I was with my boyfriend and close friend and we were meeting two others, who had arrived shortly before we did. We weren't sure if they had gotten a table so my boyfriend told the hostess we were all set. Less than a minute later, we realized we needed a table, so I said (very politely), "I'm sorry, can we please get a table for five?" Her response literally made my jaw drop to the floor. She spoke to me in a tone that made me feel like I was gum on her shoe. "HE just said you DIDN'T need a table. Do you need a table or not?" I wiped the acid and spit from my face and picked my mouth up off the floor and told her that, yes, we would like a table. She continued to talk badly about me to the guy that was going to show us to our table (who was perfectly courteous) RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I was absolutely astounded that someone would act this way toward a customer. I'm not sure if she was having a bad night or she was just a b*tch, but it was unacceptable either way. I can barely even talk about the rest of the visit. The food was fine for fried bar food, and the server was perfectly nice, albeit somewhat forgetful, having not brought extra napkins when I asked and a beer here and there. I doubt I'll be going back here, though. Merry freakin' Christmas.
(2)
Karisa D.

***** 3 1/2 Stars***** Doyle's is a fun local bar in Jamaica Plain that just happens to be part of the Sam Adams Brewery tour (whether you like it or not). I definitely recommend coming here after your tour. They offer many beers including Sam Adams (of course) but they have some beers on tap that aren't always featured on the tour, like Sam Adams Brick Red, which is one of my personal favorites. Even better, when you order a Sam Adams, you get the fancy Sam Adams glass which you get to keep if you went on the tour. I've also eaten here too. The sandwiches and potato skins are good. Starch and beer? Good combination!
(3)
Lauretta L.

The sweet potato fries are actual hand cut slices of sweet potato. Each fry is different and most are huge, thick slabs of sweet potato. Unf! The garlic fries came with an assortment of dips, per our greedy request, and were our favorite. Honey mustard, ranch and the bbq sauce :). My favs were the honey mustard and ranch, mm mmm mmm. 1 order of each was enough to satisfy 5 hungry post-beer drinkers and the service was great!
(4)
Melanie M.

Came here to get my free glass after doing the Sam Adams tour. There is a free trolley that takes you from Sam Adams to Doyle's, then onto the T stop. The trolley might have been the most happening trolley I've ever been on and the ride was one big dance party over to Doyle's. If anything, you should go to Doyle's because of it's history. It was a rainy day when I went, so I got the clam chowder. It hit the spot right on for me. Might not have been the best clam chowder I ever had, but it was darn good. My friend got the Ruben and I felt a little disappointed, was lacking something. The beer is good and we got to keep our glasses as promised. They even gave us new, clean glasses when we left. Got to take the fun trolley right to the T stop.
(3)
Mary A.

Just really awful. When we entered the host was on the phone and didn't speak to us for a good five minutes. Then our waitress forgot my meal and didn't reappear until after everyone else was finished. And my glass was dirty and had floating gunk in it. She also was swearing up a storm in conversation with us. The place is dirty and dingy. I would never go back there.
(1)
Jessica B.

Doyle's! Good service with an old-timey atmosphere. The servers are attentive and entertaining. Plus one of the bartenders is super cute....
(5)
Wes D.

Older than Fenway. Frankly the best part was the super enthusiastic bus driver from the Sam Adams brewery over to Doyles. The food was meh, ok at best. Lots of Sams on tap. The lobster roll definitely was huge and delicious looking, but my chili in bread bowl was a mess and not very good.
(2)
Marie M.

Doyle's is great!! Classic pub in Boston! We were directed her by the Sam Adams brewery. Amazing food! The people are so fun! I highly recommend this place is you take the Sam Adams tour or happen to be in. Jamaica Plain. Awesome place!
(4)
Pierro B.

Nothing really special about this place. It's a typical old-school bar with mediocre food. They have lots of great beers on tap. If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the first places that served Sam Adams beer. We were sent here after visiting the Sam Adams brewery where we were promised a free Sam Adams glass (and we got it). If you're here, be sure to visit the brewery as it's free and lots of fun, and vice versa, if you're at the brewery, be sure to come here for your free Sam Adams glass. To be honest, if not for the enticement of the free glass, nothing really special about this place and I don't see myself coming in for just a beer with so many other great bars around.
(3)
Jacqui S.

Coming here was like the icing on the cake... I would move to Boston just so I could come to this pub. My husband and I ended up taking a tour of the Sam Adam's brewery and it was recommended that we try this place out. Let's say the party trolley was craaaazzzy. The bus driver was hilarious and gets you all pumped up for their food. He also gave us a little history of the pub which was pretty cool too. Oh, there's also a lot of fist pumping... Hey if that's your thing go for it. If you attend the tour and come here after, make sure you have your tickets because with the purchase of the beer, you end up getting the Sam Adam's beer glass for free. Apparently there is a science to the glass which makes the beer taste better or so my husband says. Otherwise the atmosphere of the pub wasn't anything special and the food was great. I would come back because the food tastes pretty good and the service was fast.
(5)
Clara L.

What a great place. We came on the party trolley from the Sam Adams tour with the promise of a free Sam pint glass with a beer. Sold. This place is rather large, and has no problem accommodating a large party trolley of people. Their sweet potato fries are some of the best I've had in town (well breaded and not at all soggy!) and there is a great atmosphere. The server we had was so incredibly friendly and even brought us clean pint glasses and paper to wrap them with. I'd be back!
(4)
Erin B.

Doyle's is probably one of my favorite pubs in the Boston area (only been once !) We came for lunch after the Sam Adams brewery tour (we drove to beat the crowd) and were seated right away at a booth. It's an old Irish pub with hard benches and chairs and a dark, yet lively atmosphere The server was friendly and patient, even with a full restaurant. I got the knockwurst with potato salad (After being in a beer hall for a while, I was still feeling more in touch with my German side than Irish) which was delicious. My partner got the pastrami sandwich....so tasty! Lean meat, not the fatty stuff. Good sized portions too. Can't wait to go back! Oh and they have lots of Sam Adams beer!
(5)
Eric H.

As an LA tourist in Beantown in October, hungry (and still thirsty) from the Sam Adams brewery tour, this was a real treat. Very, very old-school tavern - we sat at the bar where the father-son team brought food and beer and took great care of us. If you're a fan of Sam Adams, they had a half-dozen different SA brews on tap, all (supposedly, per the brewery tour) made at the original "mother" brewery; just about all the packaged/bottled Adams you see across the country is made at large facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. So the beer was quite fresh, having travelled maybe 1.5 miles from the brewery, and a few of the varieties don't get bottled ("Boston Red"), and are just made for the handful of local taverns that carried Sam Koch's beer when he was just getting started. Anyhow, the 1960's vintage campaign posters from JFK speak both to the longevity of the place, and the frequency with which they remodel, so it's pretty genuine. If you take the free trolley from the brewery, the driver will regale you with the movies shot in Doyle's -- basically every "Boston bar" scene you've ever seen in a film was shot here, so it probably will look/feel familiar even on your first visit.
(4)
Jeannine W.

Came here at the reccomendation of the Sam Adams brewery tour mainly due to the fact that you got a free 'perfect pint glass' if you showed your tour ticket and ordered a Sam Adams beer. They were the first to serve the beer and it's a 130+ year old Irish pub so lots of history. There were a TON of tour people there but the wait staff is obviously used to it. They were quick and efficient and the food was good. Our nice server even took our food order (there was 3 of us) before a large group even though they came in before us. It was very thoughtful of her. I had a cheeseburger and the garlic fries which were AWESOME. Definitely suggest those. I had the Sam Adams Boston Brick Red - only served in Boston - and it was also great. I had it a few more times throughout my trip in Boston. Whether you do the brewery tour or not this place is worth a visit but why not do the tour (which is free I might add) so you can use your ticket to get a free pint glass? It was a quick walk from the brewery but they also have a trolley that runs back and forth between the two.
(4)
Luis P.

Came her after the Samuel Adams Tour. Food was great. Ordered the buffalo chicken sandwich and it was big enough for two people. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the bar, very friendly and welcoming. The waiter was very friendly and attended to our every need. Took a bite of the sandwich and it was great. Just the right amount of spice. Sandwich was made better after adding some blue cheese. Couldn't even finish the burger, and I'm a big guy. Only reason I'm giving 4 stars is because beer was $6 for the "free cup" a little expensive if you ask me. Overall, was a great experience
(4)
Max W.

I've been going to Doyle's for years, and sadly, my experiences have been consistently and steadily declining. I live around the corner, but I'll go elsewhere for anything more than a beer, pizza, or chowder. Seriously, they charge $6 for a Sam Adams draft; that's almost half a 12-pack at the liquor store. Food wise, Doyle's couldn't be more disappointing. True, the pizza and chowder is great; but everything else is terrible. Sandwiches and entrees taste reheated and stale, and most everything is bland. Imagine a microwave dinner on a plate, and that's what you get. The sad thing is that it wasn't always like this. Even 4 or 5 years ago, Doyle's was much better. As it's focused more and more on Sam Adams tour traffic, though, it's become a tourist trap with nothing to offer the neighborhood people who built it up over 100 years. Let the out of towners waste their money and eat the bad food. I'd recommend any bar in JP over Doyle's, and I'm sorry that I have to say that.
(2)
Tori B.

I can't imagine a more perfect stop after consuming tons of Sam Adams beer during a brewery tour! Thanks to some augmented judgment my family and I decided to take the trolley to Doyles after the Sam Adam's Brewery Tour (which was awesome by the way). They really sucker you into going to this place after giving you beer and promising you some more beer and Sam Adams glasses if you go to Doyles, but turns out the food is actually pretty awesome (and that's not just the beer talking). Based on our trolley driver's very enthusiastic suggestion, we all ordered the reuben with onion rings and clam chowder. First off, the service wasn't fabulous, but our waitress was so nice and she was working really hard... it was just a pretty busy lunchtime rush. Now, the food. The clam chowder was AWESOME! Thick, creamy and full of flavor, served with crackers - yum. The reuben was also on point with plenty of meat, cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing. The onion rings were also fabulous with a nice crunch and salty taste. Sam Adams has a great Cherry Wheat beer, which we also tried here and went with our meal perfectly. Doyles coupled with a fun, singing trolley ride is an awesome time while you're in Boston. I would highly recommend the Sam Adams Brewery tour followed by Doyles... you won't be disappointed (especially if you drink as much as we did).
(4)
Leona Z.

Really good onion rings and political memorabilia! The combo setup with the Sam Adams brewery tour is an awesome partnership. Beer tasting, then if you buy a pint here afterwards, you get a free Sam Adams pint glass. And while drinking that pint, you can fill your tummy with some eats. There's a party trolley complete with disco lights and booty shaking jams that takes you from the factory to the pub and then either to the T or back to the factory. A great way to ensure responsible revelry!!!
(4)
Matt C.

Visited post our Sam Adams Brewery tour. Ordered the french dip and clam chowder, this place was quite appetizing and very filling. We ordered our beer, got the free glass and ate a hearty meal. Service was prompt and friendly, food was warm and delicious and the ambiance seems to have remained the same for the last 50 years.
(4)
Danoota M.

Doyle's is so far from what it used to be. Can't imagine a local walking into this place anymore. I never wanted to return after the last time I went in, but himself wanted to try. First, management could have told the rowdy crowd to tone it down, people were annoyed. Then we waited 45 minutes after ordering the food before everyone served(3). The fried foods were obviously cooked in oil that wasn't quite hot enough, and the cheese on the pizza must have come over from the New Balance factory, good for sneakers, not so much for pizza, but then the pizza sauce is so bland it wouldn't have mattered much in the long run.
(2)
Alayna D.

Love the history and the bar feel, the staff is uber friendly and nice to everyone! It's a tourist spot, but big enough to accommodate a huge amount of guests at one time. It's a big bar! The first bar to serve Sam Adams, the one shown in all the commercials and seen in movie bar scenes...you can't not love the bar feel, the staff and the customers are all there for one reason - fun and beer! We only ordered onion rings (since we had eaten before), which came highly recommended as soaked in beer batter...if by beer batter they meant cornmeal...maybe that would make more sense. Not exactly delicious though a huge mound of them arrived on our table to devour with pints of Sam Adams. Can't complain. Did see other tables with massive portions as well - nachos, wings, giant sandwiches and burgers. Would be curious how a true meal would be. I'm a fan of the history, of the staff and the bar. Gotta love a good glass of booze after a long day. NOTE: Prior to Doyles, we went to Sam Adams brewery down the road which offers frequent shuttles to Doyles after the brewery tour. Take the bus! The bus driver and bus ride singing Neil Diamond at the top of your lungs is a must when in Beantown.
(4)
Ashley K.

Our group never would have come to/known about this place if it wasn't for the Samuel Adam's tour. There's a trolley ride from the brewery that takes you to this place and if you show your brewery tour ticket when you order a beer, you get a free glass. Everyone loves free stuff! This place is huge and definitely gets packed as the day goes on. The onion rings were good - they weren't greasy. I have the grilled cheese and tomato. And it wasn't that great. The tomatoes were not ripe yet and there was just something that didn't really do it for me about the sandwich. The sweet potato fries were not good either. They were soggy and not cooked enough. Apparently the clam chowder is very good though. Also, they have the Sam Adams Brick Red beer here, and it's very good! Our waitress was very nice and apologized for the long wait time for our food with free clam chowder. The bathrooms were kind of gross here though. But I would definitely recommend coming here post-brewery tour.
(3)
John K.

Three words: Flat out awesome. The $8 amber light pitchers are unbeatable. The waitstaff is quick and friendly as hell. Doyle's is a great place to go when with a group of people. The booths are huge. The mood is awesome. There are pictures up everywhere of old Boston ballplayers and politicians. The tables and booths are made of old wood. I love Doyle's!
(5)
Jessica F.

Great homestyle pub fare. And by homestyle I mean that the nachos were round Tostitos topped with a can of chili with beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and Cheez Whiz. But damn were they delicious! Fantastic burgers too! I even had a Sam Adams that (as far as I could tell) is not yet being sold in stores. We were calling it the Red Brick Road, but that's not quite it's name. Forgive my forgetfulness, but I had just come from a tasting at the brewery so my brain was pretty happy. And after a stop at Doyle's, so was my tummy. :)
(4)
Andrea B.

I at first was excited to see a Bison Burger on the menu, that was until I tried it. Ordered the burger Medium and I received a well done meatloaf bison burger that tasted like old grease or oddly similar to my high school cafeteria burger. I couldn't eat it. The nachos I received were covered in cold nacho cheese sauce and were soggy with some sort of liquid other than the cheese. They were the kind you'd receive in a dirty bowling alley. Very disappointed!! I do admit they have a great beer selection though...
(1)
James H.

Terrible tourist trap. Stinko food. Phoney boloney "atmosphere".
(2)
mike g.

It used to be our neighborhood spot, so I've done it all: lunches, brunches, dinners, St. Paddys, afternoon scotch sessions, takeout, beers after work, beers before going to Midway, etc. etc. The fact that it never changes is what makes it cool. I love how the linoleum tiles are worn down to the wood beneath, everything fits like an old pair of shoes. Food's hit and miss. (I once had a grilled reuben that I could have rung out the grease like a kitchen sponge). So now I stick to the garlic pizza, where they sprinkle on whole cloves of roasted garlic. One other heads up: CASH ONLY!!!
(4)
R F.

I like this place, it's better than average and is pretty good. It has a decent beer selection and good liquor selection (my friend doesn't like their martinis because he's a martini queen so he just got vodka on the rocks) and it's a very cool looking, old, wooden, pub type, Irish American Boston Cafe/Bar with pictures and paintings with historical meaning... or something like that. The food was good, nothing special, but definitely above average, and not too expensive, so I like this place and will most likely come back here on a random occasion. EDiT - 2nd time, service was just as good as the first time, and we tried a pizza this time. I added extra cheese, fresh garlic, and grilled chicken and it was amazing. The bill was only like $22 with a couple beers and my friend got a salad too.
(4)
Hailey T.

Of course we came here after the Sam Adams tour and I was pleasantly surprised. Cool bar, lots of people and it was a mixed crowd. You have people from the tour, but also locals and it's a nice blend. Perfect little lunch spot in the area. The rueben sandwich was one of the best I've had in a long time and the garlic fries were awesome. I like the interior of the restaurant a lot, supposedly it has cinematic history as well. Great way to pass a couple hours.
(4)
Hal C.

Well all you gourmands, sophisticates, epicureans, south of francers, sushi swillers, and gourmet hamburger aficionados won't be happy with this place. That is not what this is. It is a neighborhood bar, with a great tradition of conversation and shared camaraderie. I went there as a student back in the eighties when that area was a mess. It was an oasis of gentility amongst an area in dire need of urban renewal. But with a large party of loud boisterous youngsters drinking the fine guiness it was fine. Cops, pols, DPW workers, regular guys and gals all mixed it up. Shared conversations, jokes, joshing with the wait staff etc. made it what it is. The food always sucked. But the place was a revelation.
(4)
Nicole M.

I miss Doyle's. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, anything! The first day I moved to JP we stopped in here for a break. We ordered a pizza as an app and then moved onto other equally delicious and greasy things. Since then, I mostly returned for brunch. And typically while hungover. The pancakes were my item of choice while my now-husband and our friends downed bloody mary's and chili omelettes. The place is huge and has so much atmosphere. I don't venture out to those parts of the city anymore, but if someone was willing to go to Doyle's for brunch, I'd be the first one out the door!
(4)
Lisa S.

I lived in J.P. for a few years and Doyles was the mainstay. Now whenever I visit Boston, it's back to Doyles. Amazing bar, history, beer, movie scenes shot, and the food is decent too. Love Doyles!
(4)
sydney A.

2 stars for $2 drafts. Food inedible. My friend puked up the overcooked slim, frozen, asscrack of a burger patty, and they brought me a brownie sundae with no ice cream. Oh Doyle's, you are so close to my house! Please gather up your nutsack and cook me a decent meal.
(2)
Laura L.

Nothing bad to say about Doyle's. It's great food, great drinks, and great atmosphere. Very interesting history too! A Boston must-see!
(5)
Topher D.

This place is an institution. Have always had solid pub food, cold beer and good service at a reasonable price. Kinda a combination of townie/businesspeople/tourists here but it works
(4)
Ken V.

This place is awesomeee. It has the "Boston Tavern" feel without the off-putting masses of Bro-dudes and Southie hotheads (most of the time). Tuesday is Stump! Trivia night, which is always a blast. The beers are cheap and the food is good They make a great pastrami sandwich and burgers, but skip the house fries and get the sweet potato ones instead. Elbows on the table, low-key and comfortable.
(4)
Kevin M.

Came here after the Sam Adams tour. Decent selection of beer, and the free glass deal was nice. I ordered some nachos and shared with my girlfriend. They were quite good, and it was enough to fill up both of us. I would come here again if I was in the neighbourhood.
(4)
Alyssa N.

I've got to agree with Peter N. Doyle's makes a good backup to the much superior food at James's Gate. It has reliable burgers, decent diner fries, and fine pizza. If you're there during a Sox game it can be busy, but lacks that horrible sports bar vibe. Just a lot of excited people who cheer a lot. no one will maul you or spill beer. And they have free parking out back- who in Boston doesn't love free parking? Avoid the brunch. My cheese omelet was covered in gooey orange stuff that bore a very close resemblance to Velveeta- way too close for my taste. Pancakes are plate-sized, but nothing you couldn't make yourself at home on a smaller scale.
(2)
Jesse F.

Best neighborhood bar to have in your neighborhood, ever!
(5)
Michael G.

Myself and a few others went to this restaurant after receiving a suggestion from our tour guide at the Sam Adams brewery. To be bluntly honest, this is the first time I ever tipped below 15% and there was a very good reason for that. Our waitress was ridiculously rude, yelling at my friend after the waitress made mistakes on the beer menu, only showing up to give us the beer and our checks, nothing in between. Also we found a HAIR in our food which is absolutely disgusting ( which our waitress never came back to ask us how our food was so we never able to inform her of this), and they ran out of the free glasses that were promised to us by both the restaurant and the Sam Adams tour and they never offered us anything in replacement when telling them we were not rom the area. If you are like me and coming from the Sam Adams tour I'm hoping you had a chance to read this review because I'm not only saving you from not receiving the glass you were promised but also from wasting your time and money at a terrible bar with terrible food and terrible service.
(1)
M L.

Had a great lunch here after the Sam Adams tour. Big draft selection. Had a lobster roll sandwich which was as good as I had heard. Fun joint and highly recommended.
(4)
Danny H.

Lots of youth
(4)
Kinsey C.

Would this place exist without Sam Adams Brewery recommendations?? Would Sam Adams exist without Doyle's? I digress. I, like many, came here after getting a tad tipsy at Sam Adams. We decided to walk here from the brewery and it only took about 10-12 minutes. We had lunch at around 2:30 on a Tuesday afternoon, so this place was mostly filled with other tour members. We sat at the bar and ordered Sam Adams- they have a good selection of brews so we were happy to get our free glass here. We started with a fried pickle app- greasy but perfect when you're washing it down with a few beers. My fiance followed this up with a fired scallop roll and I got the french dip sandwhich. Both were yummy- and did I mentioned we washed them down with tons of Sam Adams? All in all- I'm glad this place was recommended during the tour. Good pub food, attentive service at the bar and a free Sam Adams glass when you show them your tour ticket.
(4)
Arielle S.

Came here after taking the "party trolley" over from the brewery. I loved that the waitress had an authentic Boston accent. Was hoping to hear one during my visit. I had a grilled cheese sandwich, which was good. They have excellent rye bread here. I had the cider beer and it was great and tasted like juice. My friends had clam chowder and lobster rolls and i tasted a bite or two and those were really good as well. Definitely recommend checking this MA staple out when you are in town.
(4)
Andrew P.

Wow! Best lobster roll and clam chowder I have ever had. Found this place at end of Sam Adams brewery tour. More Sam Adams on tap than the brewery. Judging from our meals find a way to visit Doyle's. Walking distance from Orange Line - Green Street. Can't wait to go back and try more on the menu and expansive beer selection. Go.
(5)
Jason K.

Went here after the Sam Adams tour on the free trolley from the brewery. Had a Ruben with onion rings, both were very good. There service was a bit slow, but overall not bad. I would definitely recommend this place if you're in the Boston area.
(4)
Leslie E.

Ended up at Doyle's following the tour at the Sam Adams Brewery. The place was packed at 3pm on a Saturday. The staff wasn't very friendly, and our waitress disappeared for about 90% of our meal. And she got are order wrong. But I was on vacation, I wasn't in a hurry and I was drunk...so I really didn't care. I had the bison burger. Oh man the thing practically melted in my mouth. It was delectable to say the least. Damn good sweet potato fries too. From what I've been told, Doyle's is in a pretty shady area, but I have no qualms about the place. Bad service and all, I completely enjoyed myself and will recommend it anyone I know headed out to Boston.
(4)
James A.

I really don't understand all the good reviews about Doyle's. Everything we had was disgusting besides the potato skins which were surprisingly one of the best I've had. Other than that, the pizza was gross with way too much sauce, the clams tasted like sand and seawater, and all of the vegetables were out of a can. Finally, the waitress was quite rude. We were asking her questions about deserts, and she said "I'm kinda busy. Do you want desert or not?" Obviously this place is for alcoholics and we won't be returning.
(2)
Gene J.

7 different Sam Adams taps! Good French Dip sandwich.
(5)
Amy R.

When I yelp, I yelp on a variety of factors. Bang for one's buck must come into play here, and after reading a few other yelps, I'm comfortable leaving four stars. I'd do three and a half... but I'll round up for sheer experience. If you are looking for a culinary experience that will take your tastebuds to another level... this is not for you. If you are thinking of adding on Doyle's after the Sam Adams tour... you will not be disappointed. No doubt that most of this place's business comes from the party trolley after the brewery tour. Smart! People come for the tour, wait around getting hungry, consume some beer and then are like... crap. I'm a little buzzed and HUNGRY. Wait.. what? There is a FREE TROLLEY that will TAKE ME to FOOD!? Brilliant. Expect a little bit of a wait, but with all the room they have, it shouldn't be long. Their potato skins were AWESOME. Like little potato cupcakes with bacon, cheese, and sour cream. My bread bowl of chowder was ok. Not absolutely what I was looking for, but was still good. Red had a burger and fries... which received no complaints. Cheap eats + bargain Sam Adam's glasses + yummy beer = good time had by all. They get an extra star because as I sat there eating, I couldn't help but think that I was getting a good Boston experience. You couldn't have casted a better group of people sitting at the table next to us - it defies explanation, but it felt like... home.
(4)
Andrea E.

How can you have anything bad to say about this place?? Its a PUB with Pub food and a great place to come post Sam Adams tour...which is awesome, btw. If you're looking for a gastropub, don't come here, but if you're looking for a good beer selection and really decent burgers, fries and chowder, then you're in a good spot.
(4)
Jason P.

We have gone here twice after the Sam Adams Brewery tours, and it is just really cool. Our waitstaff was fine both times, and the ambience is what you would expect: pub-like with a bar, tv's, tables, and some cool retro stuff on the walls. I also like the fact you can walk out with a Sam Adams glass (with purchase of Sam's beer and presenting your "ticket"/beer bottle label from the Sam's tour to the waitstaff). As far as the food goes, wow! The first time, we got the clam chowder bread bowl. It was so good, we asked for an order of it to go. We walked out of there stuffed the first time, and the second time we had our fill as well (had the au jus sandwich the second time I believe). Bottom line, this is a great place. The ambience, the history, the Sam Adams connection, the food, etc. Just great! =)
(5)
Luisa D.

Well, how can I not give them a 4 star rating when the Sam Adams is so fresh, cold and close to where it was created? Ambiance- I loved walking into this bar and feeling like the walls told a story. The ads, drawings and advertisements let me understand that this bar was long-standing and a neighborhood favorite. The many coats of paint on the walls made me feel like there was some kind of reluctance to change what once was new. The staff was friendly and no-frills. The food was your average bar food, and I was very happy with that. The best part was drinking a nice cold beer while sitting in the old,wooden booth, taking in the scene.
(4)
John L.

Doyle's is a nice enough place: they have the standards, and are your basic, average dive food/bar place down in JP. And yes, there's a phone booth in the bar, which made me think of Doctor Who. In terms of munchies, it's not the greatest. I wasn't necessarily overwhelmed by their food options, though I appreciated the buffalo chicken tenders (those were done better than at some other places, though they are your average tenders). And I agree with Roni about the fries: not garlick-y enough for my own taste, just regular fries with the "garlic" label. What I do give them credit for are the beer prices (if I recall correctly, $3 for a Sammie Light) and the service. Mary was nothing but helpful with our crazy butts (there were about 8 of us, and combined with the other Yelp table, this totaled out to about 13 people or so doing various things at various times, jumping from table to table, taking pictures and discussing random things). Even when there was a screw-up (she accidentally put a pitcher on the bill rather than a beer), she was nothing but helpful in clearing the whole thing up. We can be a little crazy to deal with, but she was nothing but cool. I'm waffling between 3 and 4 stars. The beer prices and services have me leaning towards 4, despite the food. The atmosphere's nice too, which can be hard to find in Boston. Overall a great experience shared with great Yelper-related types.
(4)
J K.

The beers and buffalo wings are a staple in my work week. Doyle's is my best friend and I ain't too proud to say it.
(4)
Aynia T.

The service was great and our waitress was very nice, despite that the place was very busy. She was running around a mile a minute, but still made time to see how we were. The food was a bit pricey, though that is possibly because they are now connected to the Sam Adam's Brewery tour, but their chowder was amazing, A must-have with a bread bowl. The beer-battered onion rings were also great. The decor is definitely unkempt and a little dark, a bit dive-ish, I would say. Definitely come here after the brewery tour and you can get the Sam Adams cup free to take home when you order any Sam Adams beer. Our waitress gave us a clean one from the back so we didn't have to worry about ours being still wet from the drink. All in all, a great experience.
(5)
Courtney T.

Tourist trap. Went here after the Sam Adams brewery tour. There was a free trolley to take us, which was nice because the neighborhood is full of barbershops and bodegas NOT pubs. (This place is a little too far to walk.) We waited in line outside for 10-15 mins just to get in the door. Around 3:30pm on a Friday. Ok, I can understand. It's a beautiful day and also St. Pat's weekend. We finally get in and there is no host/hostess, or maybe there was one there just doing a really bad job. Ok, so we quickly grab some corner seats at the jam packed bar so we don't have to continue to wait forever. Wrong. Typical crappy Boston service, the bartender doesn't ask you if you want a beer, they just kind of look at you and grunt. And we had to wait over an hour (!!!) to get our food. All this could have been forgiven if the food was good, but it wasn't. Soggy onion rings, and very mediocre chowder. It gets 2 stars for giving out a free Sam Adams glass and the very animated and fun trolley driver.
(2)
Evi D.

We came here after the Sam Adams Brewery tour via the trolley. We showed that we went for the tour so all of us got one of the cool Sam Adams glasses with the first beer. Great to see so many SA beers on tap (although I'm sure that's pretty popular in Boston). We got food, standard pub food and it was pretty good. I had the Boston Clam Chowder which was definitely delicious.
(3)
Adam E.

I want to like Doyle's. I lived right around the corner from it for a while and would go watch football there since I didn't have cable (shudder). I also went just about every week after my football games, to have lunch with my team. On the surface, Doyle's looks great- it's in all the Boston movies and has awesome pics of JFK and assorted politicians all over the place. And I'll hand it to them for having a decent beer selection. But the food is plain old bad. If you ask for your burger "medium" you get it beyond well-done, it's happened to me more than once (I'm dumb). The pizza is not good, not even with a lot of beer. The breakfast is ok, but you can definitely do better in JP. The waitresses are fun in that townie, surly kind of way. Basically, come here if you really need a beer, and just a beer.
(3)
Mike S.

Go on the FREE Sam Adams brewery tour before you go here. 1. There's a FREE trolley that takes you from the brewery to Doyle's. 2. With the purchase of a Sam Adams draft you get the "Sam Adams" glass for free (drafts were $5.50. Best deal on a Sam Adams you'll find in Boston.) 3. Reuben's are the best I've ever had. Burgers were really good and I was told they have the best chowdah in Boston. 4. Sweet potato French fries are really good. 5. Onion rings are battered in a Sam Adams Boston lager batter. AMAZING! Place is a typical old dive bar in Boston. It's pretty good size compared to most. Priced pretty reasonably, and like I mentioned before, if you go after the tour you get a free Sam Adams glass (which they even tell you at Sam Adams not to buy it from them for $8.50). Definitely worth the trip.
(5)
Lorena C.

We ended up at this place since they mention it to us at the Samuel Adams tour. By going here to eat after the tour you get a free beer glass (designed by MIT). In able to get the free glass you have to order the Samuel Adams beer but is so cheap compare to what im used to (miami prices are outrageous) . Anyways we order clam chowder with chips and beer. The clam chowder was so creamy and filling definitely one of the best I've had. The atmosphere was straight out of the movie "The Departed" maybe that's why they filmed it there! To top it all off it was extremely cheap and tasty. I would return to Boston just to eat here again and again :) P.S. Remember to do the tour prior to lunch so that you can get the party trolley from SamAdams brewery to Doyles! Then after lunch the trolley will pick you up and drop you off at the orange line to head back into town. Have fun enjoy Doyles!
(4)
Simon O.

Best clam chowder I've ever had. This is a great place with decent prices for the Boston area. Their grilled Ruben was delicious. The Doyle's Amber Ale was spot on as well. Our server was sweet, funny, and friendly...perfect. The next time we're playing the Midway Cafe I will be sure to make time to come back here.
(4)
Megan S.

Go here for the history-covered walls and Sam Adams special selection. Go here for greasy food and Townie waitstaff. Do not go here for a date or to get a decent dinner.
(2)
Francis L.

Excellent Irish Pub experience. Tour the Sam Adams factory and bring your tour ticket to Doyles and get a free Sam Adams sensory glass. Arrived about 11am to NO crowd. Take the tour bus from Sam Adams. Bus starts running at 11:30am. By the time we left, around 12:30 the place was packed. Service was very friendly. Portions were huge. Ordered the Mexican Nachos and the German Plate. Again portions were huge. Will defiantly go again.
(5)
Judy J.

Came here after our first two choices ended up being closed, and we ran into a duo of ladies (also headed for the jazz brunch we wanted to attend) who recommended Doyle's. The food and drinks were delicious - we had a couple of eggs benedict variations (one with spinach and mushrooms, one with homemade beef hash - YUM!), and some apple pancakes, plus bottomless coffee and a couple of cocktails.(though I had to mix my own poinsettia... not a problem, but interesting.), and - especially after living in NYC - the prices seemed quite reasonable. I wasn't sure if the staff just missed "how to treat your customer 101," or if the gruff kind-of avoidance based service is part of the "charm" of this place. It wasn't horrible service, just a little rough around the edges, and the bartender was absolutely charming to the two octogenarians behind us, but completely uninterested in any interaction with us, even though we made an excited effort to ask about his made-from-scratch bloody mary, and then ordered one. The whole place was interesting, I'd definitely like to try it again - maybe for something other than brunch.
(3)
Steve G.

Doyle's is a great place to meet. There's so much character here, it's a refreshing place compared to all the sameness of chain restaurants. Great beer and pub food. On the first Sunday of each month at 10 AM Doyles is nice enough to let us use their back room for a Boston Media Makers meeting. I've tried a lot of breakfast items... Join us if you are interested in hearing about new media. bostonmediamakers.wordprâ€¦ It's very informal.
(4)
BITCHFACE s.

Came here after the Sam adams tour and ordered clam chowder bowl and potato skins. Clam chowder was so good with bits of bacon and large pieces of clam. Probably the best chowder I've ever had. The potatoe skins are literally half a potato with cheese and lots of bacon. Can't complain those were some good skins.
(4)
Jonathan P.

I will never come back to this place again simply because of the service. TERRIBLE! If you are going to give terrible service at least have decent food. They have a pretty damn good thing going with Sam Adams to ship unknowing customers who went on the tour over. This was one tour I wish I didn't take!!!
(1)
Oguz B.

After the Samuel Adams tour they suggest to doyle's bar optionally.They take you there free with a white party trolley that you can even dance inside the trolley. If you go there and have a sam adams beer with showing your ticket, the curved original sam adams glass is given for free. Tried that one also with a pizza. Pizza was awesome and so the beer. Also the bar crew was so polite and helpful that I am looking for the next trip to that place. Thanks to the barmens fot their generosity...
(4)
Chuck K.

I desperately want to give this place 5 stars but the inconsistency of the food won't allow it. Still, there are so many great things about this restaurant that it'll take a few moments to list them all Â° History - Opened in 1882, when you weren't even alive. Expanded in 1907. Operated as a speakeasy during Prohibiton. Visited by every Boston politician worth mentioning. Kennedys, Dukakis, legendary Mayor Curley, "Honey" Fitz. Check, check, check, check. And they've got photographic evidence on the wall to prove that no, you little twerp, this ain't Houlihan's or similar-style corporate slut-bags. Bonus: It's the first place to serve Sam Adams beer. Â° Great space: Cavernous, but in a good way. If you're even the least bit claustrophobic, as I am, most bars give you the heebie-jeebies. Not this place. Big, comfy booths for sitting. High ceilings. Happiness. Â° Service: This is Boston, so I cannot get my beloved Southern Hospitality. But the food comes quick and if you have a problem with your order, they'll fix it. Â° Prices: Fair. Â° Food: Ah, the achilles heel. Some stuff is amazing and some is frankly disappointing. The sweet potato fries are heaven. The Buffalo Burger was tasty as heck. Momz got a swordfish steak and it was good. A brunch visit confirmed that they do some nifty variations on Eggs Benedict. But I'd avoid their Ruben sandwich. And let's just say that these guys do not know how to make vegetables into something you particularly want to eat. Â° Drinks: Mixed strong enough. To repeat, the atmosphere and storied history of this place make it worth a visit or five. The place really stokes my enthusiasm for being a(n imported) Boston resident. Everyone come to Doyle's!
(4)
Dea R.

I bet this is the greatest place in the larger Boston dinner's world to have a good old Irish American food fight. Least ways the one I attended as a guest last night was delicious too. I had fists sized portions of fresh caught cod hidden among a generous portion of chips that guarded their treasures of fresh tartar and slaw. The Angry Scotsman ate pizza floating to the skirmish in its aroma of cheese and large discs of pepperoni. And his Bonnie Kate enamored herself with a sword and trident prepared to defend her succulent portions of the most elegant glazed tri-tip this side of Edinburgh that a Scott ever saw. By the wane of the ensuing battle, an armistice was finally called to terms into secure taking the remaining portions home for another midnight raid to the fridge. And another legend is born into the annals of the history of a dinner's repertoire on a list of great places to eat.
(5)
Rebecca M.

Doyle's was a great spot after our group of 40+ took a tour at the brewery last week. We had made a reservation for the crowd and we were greeted with tables of coffee, fruit, mini-muffins, coffee cake, and cookies. These are things you need immediately after doing a brewery tour at 10am, trust me. The staff was wonderful, we had a good amount of space. We had planned for a smaller menu for the group to choose from and everything was priced well, the food arrived at about the same time for everyone. Walking away with a free Sam Adams pint glass didn't hurt, either. :) The trolly ride was an experience, but probably some of the best laughter I've had during this crappy weather. Just remember to hold on tight.
(4)
Jessica J.

We came here after the Sam Adams tour (thanks Jason!) I had the Braddok Burger, which although it was really tasty, was a bit underdone. The servers were fun and your standard career-pub-watiresses and we loved them! Also the free beer glass with the pint of Sam Adams was nice.
(3)
Dana B.

We went after the Sam Adams Tour to score our free pint glasses and have a delicious Sam Adams. Once the taste hits your lips, it's hard to drink anything for the rest of the day. Doyle's is what it is - plain and simple. It's a pub that is also family friendly where they serve everything imaginable on the menu. Like an underground Fridays or Pizzeria Unos. We split a plate of nachos which were good, drank our beer, and left. Not memorable, but not terrible. Great place to score a free pint glass.
(3)
Robert S.

Had lunch here the other day post Sam Adams brewery tour and was thoroughly impressed. I had the German plate with knockwurst bratwurst sauerkraut and fries, gastronomical nightmare but friggin delicious. My gf had a classic reuben and sweet potato fries. In her words "this is the best reuben I've ever had" the fries were perfect as well. I would have given it a 5 star but the waitress seemed rushed and wasn't quite attentive but with food fare like this especially after having so much beer on the tour I will definitely return. Did I mention that if u go here and order a Sam Adams anything they put it in that special Sam glass and you get to keep it. So I would definitely return to good ol Jamaica plain for this place. :-)
(4)
Rich F.

I have been going here for a while, but I never wrote a review. Here it goes. A group I belong to used to meet here one a week, but we decided that after repeatedly bad service we would change venues. The food is good pub food and the prices are pretty good. I have been here for both breakfast and dinner meals and they were both good. The Eggs Benedict is average and the pancakes are also just average. I have eaten dinner here several times and for the life of me I can't remember what I had other than y table shared an order of Sweet Potato Fries (which are pretty good) I think this is an indication that the food was neither bad nor great because I would have remembered it either way. So far you might be thinking that this sounds like a four star review, but I have not talked about the servers yet. I think out of the roughly 6 times I have been here we had good service once. Try to imagine the most inattentive, middle-aged, lazy person in the greater Boston area and then imagine them serving you food. Yes, it was that good. We once had to wait 20 minutes to get a refill on coffee. It wasn't that she never saw us, it is that every time we asked she completely ignored us. One time our server was just on the other side of the booth and I got her attention while she was talking to her coworker. She put up a hand motioning for me to wait a moment. When she had finished her conversation (which was about what she was going to do after work. Yes, she was that close) she turned in the opposite direction and didn't return for almost 10 minutes. Overall, if you are looking for a place to go with a group of friends and want to spend a long time waiting for food and then get treated like crap Doyle's is the place for you. On the other hand, they are the only bar that carries limited edition beer from Samuel Adams on tap, so you could probably suck it up and go for the beer.
(2)
Rich O.

My trips to Doyle's are few and far between but it's always a good take. The beer selections is good without being absurd and the beer menu (when we found one) was broken down by type. Our table ended up heavy on Sam Smith (various and sundry), Chimay Blue (then Red when they ran out of Blue :-(), and Smithwicks and one beer which was supposed to be a Chimay Blue but as it came already in a glass (not a Chimay bottle) and looked nothing like Blue, we still aren't sure. The server, while pleasant enough, was odd to say the least and unorthodox in how he did things at best. I've yet to figure out if that's a compliment or insult. The food, as everyone has mentioned, is pretty standard pub fare but everyone seemed to enjoy what they got with one exception (see below). I got an excellent french dip (was highly recommended to me) and tried a piece of a decent thin crust pizza. The toasted rav were good but hardly memorable. The only part of the meal that disappointed (ok, along with the mystery beer) was dessert. Someone got what was called bread pudding but looked and had the texture of marble rye french toast. Maybe that's how it read in the description but none of the 8 of us had ever seen bread pudding like that before. All and all (and this is a long ass review by my standards) Doyle's is a fun, old school pub with good beer and good food so go with good friends
(4)
Erin R.

If you're looking for pub food and a place with an historical feel, Doyles is a good fit. I've never had to wait for a table, but I usually only go with my husband, so it's not hard to seat us. Service can be hit or miss. We have sometimes waited a while for refills or for the check. The food is solid (for pub fare), but nothing spectacular. So why 4 stars? It's really for the sense of history and nostalgia I feel when I go there. My great grandparents came over from Ireland in the 1920s and settled in JP. I am told that my grandfather and great-uncles were regulars at Doyles, which was a place Irish immigrants used to go to find work back in the day. So, it's kind of cool to go and eat somewhere that you know your ancestors used to frequent. Plus you can't live in JP and not go to Doyles at least once. I think that's against the law or something. ;-)
(4)
Michael R.

Lots of beer on tap, great burgers and the pastrami sandwich is the best. Very cool atmosphere and fantastic service. I would love to eat here again.
(4)
Matt W.

I love this place. I have for a long time, and I'm not going to give it a bad review. But prices have gone up and it's pretty annoying when it's loaded with party bus tourists from Sam Adams brewery. I don't fault them for making the changes - it's a solid business model. But my neighborhood bar for the past decade has been turned into a tourist destination, and that kind of hurts.
(4)
Patrick S.

Great Irish restaurant. Had the pot pie and pot belly burger! Great portions. Free glass with a sam Adams draft purchase.
(5)
Liz E.

Doyle's is perfect for a casual, inexpensive, low-key bite to eat. Great pizzas, solid burgers, lots of the usual "pub" fare. Good beer selection, too. Fun atmosphere, lots of junk on the walls to look at if you don't feel like talking to your dinner-mates.
(4)
Aluminum Chefs, C and T.

C here. After 3 years of legal drinkery, I finally have a home bar to call my own. People will always be able to find things to complain about at Doyles, but I maintain that they simply want it to be something it isn't. Atmosphere is the number one draw for Doyles - tons of dark wood, shelves bowed from years of being packed with pint glasses, and history everywhere you look, whether it's newspaper clippings on the wall, or grimy nooks and crannies of the floor. The waitresses call you hon, can sometimes be gruff, and are known to disappear, but that's exactly what you want when you're nursing a beer with a friend. Beer is next on the list - Sam Adams selections abound, plus Naragansett, Wachusett, and a surprisingly palatable $2 house amber. Food is tasty. I don't know if I'll even find myself craving a particular item off the Doyles menu, but that's fine by me. I just want something to munch while I drink my beer. All in all, I love Doyles. It feels more like an extension of my living room than anything else. If I'm not at home and not at work, you'll probably find me nursing a Musty over a game of Scrabble at Doyles.
(5)
Leslie P.

I only go to Doyle's Cafe for Boston Media Makers meetings ( bostonmediamakers.wordprâ€¦ ), so I've only experienced their brunch, and how they handle large groups. Not being a breakfast person, I'd love to try their lunch or dinner options one day, but so far I've had the eggs benedict, an egg white omelette with home fries, various bagels and their english muffin (not all at once!). Nothing wowed me, but it was all fine. They do a great virgin bloody mary, and their wait staff is very tolerant of our large group (we sometimes reach 60 people). They have serving us down to a science, and there is a lot to be said for that kind of efficiency. They have a rich political history with Boston politicians, so arriving a bit early and looking at the history in photos and plaques on the walls is interesting as well. They do have Wifi - installed after the meeting I am usually attending became a regular event, but it often seems to fade in and out and become unstable, even before the group gets to the back room. If you are hosting a tech event, bring an extension cord - they have only one or two available plugs, and being able to share with other laptop users at a meetings will make you a lot of new friends. They do have parking, which is a bonus in any part of the Boston area. Minor drawback for the technological age: they only take cash. They do have an ATM on site, but it is on occasion broken, so don't rely on it. Overall, I'd recommend this to someone planning a group event - it's worth it for the efficient waitstaff and kitchen alone. It's rare for a busy establishment to be able to handle their usual brunch and bar crowds (substantial) and a huge group in a private room without missing a beat.
(3)
Anita D.

After the brewery we continued our bar crawl to Doyle's. We did not have a chance to try the food except for the fries. My friends liked it, I thought they were just standard. The Sam Adams beer we had here was out of this world. I don't remember what it was, but it had hints of coffee/chocolate. YUM! I could use one right now. Also when I took my shot of Jameson (gross) and asked for a DIet Coke back, the bartender literally gave me a whole glass full eqivalent to the size of a beer. Wow! :)
(4)
Sami W.

What Heather said in her review below! "Heather H. 8/12/2005 Although it's a hotbed of controversy, you can't beat Doyle's. 100% Irish, good beer, good food, and good atmosphere. you never know, Menino might just pop in." I'd like to add to it, that it's a good place for people visiting Boston, it has a lot of character, from the history to the angry older looking waiters/waitresses. Typical Boston! And that is why I LOVE THIS PLACE! You have a great beer selection and you can't go wrong with the food. Taking a good dump the next morning is an indication that the food I ate was good. AND I JUST DID!!
(4)
Rondal B.

Good burgers and good beer. The service here can be a little off sometimes but in general my experiences have been pleasant enough to make it our go to place for dinner after doing the tour at Samuel Adams Brewery which is walking distance away. The menu is pretty good if you like pub food and the prices are ok for what you get. For all you Sam Adams fans, you'll be pleased to find wide selection of the local brewery's beer on tap including the seasonal unless they happen to run out.
(4)
chio s.

Went two years ago after the Samuel Adams Tour and the onion rings were AMAZING. I never like onion rings prior but I still think about them, non greasy , delicious. Getting the Sam Adam glass was a cool souvenir. Wish the trolley had existed then but we got there eventually.
(4)
John C.

not to be mistaken for tommy doyles which was portrayed in goodwill hunting. doyles cafe has been in other movies though. mystic river i believe... it's also had it's share of celebrities and politicians. jfk opened one of the expansion rooms and named it after his mother or mother in law way back in the day... a group of friends and i went to doyles because we had some groupons. figured, what the hey, i could go out for a black and tan or half and half. upon getting to doyles the first thing i noticed was that it had 3 entrances, but only 1 of them was available for use. the other ones must have been the original entrances, these days you have to enter through the side door. the place was huge, filled with photographs of older politicians, mumbles when he was younger and all the booths and tables had very nicely weathered looks. i was happy, exactly the type of place i want to get a guiness from.. the first thing we noticed was the smell of o-rings. it was immediately sold, we wanted some for appetizers. looking over the menu i wasn't very excited, i settled on a bison burger, how could you screw up a burger right? i'm at an establishment that has a history and a pretty good crowd, if your burgers suck there is no way you stay in business. we ordered wing dings and o-rings for appetizers. so far so good. my half and half was good, you can't really screw that up anyways. i also had a cup of clam chowder.. before i took the first bite i knew something was wrong. it was off. the others who ordered chowder thought it was fine and other taste tests confirmed the normality. i got shit for being a wanna be elite yelper, ha ha. but i stuck to my palate. something was not right, being born and raised in MA i know what my chowda should taste like. i couldn't hold my tongue, i had to ask.. the waitress came back and told me there was parsley and bay leaves in the chowda. it wasn't disgusting, but why would you try to be fancy and add garbage like that in good ole clam chowder. EPIC FAIL. just when i thought things couldn't get any worse we got the entrees. my buddy's rare steak came out medium well. my medium rare burger came back medium well and the swordfish was beyond awful. first off, the ONLY time you should have frozen burger patties served to you are 1) fast food chains (even then, wendy's doesn't even serve frozen patties) and 2) elementary school cafeterias. my bison burger patty was a frozen patty cooked over a grill. the texture was completely processed. i DID NOT finish my burger. for those that know me, i don't leave food around. the swordfish was even worse. the sauce was just horrible. the fish itself was overcooked. have you ever purchased swordfish, forgot you had it and decided to freeze it to save it. then try to cook it but got caught up watching an extra minute of the celtics? well that's what the chef was probably doing. the swordfish looked and tasted like processed chicken. you are not supposed to be able to take a fork and cut a fish into a perfect square block and toss it to your friend across the table to eat. that's what we could have done with this swordfish. 15 bucks for this? wow. i would never, ever, EVER go back to doyles for food. if a friend in the area wanted a beer and some fried snacks sure, real food? i think not. go to dogwoods half a mile down the street, the food is 50X better. service: 3.5 stars (the waitress was rocking some BO) entrees: 0 stars appetizers: 3 stars beer list: 4 stars
(2)
Matthew A.

Yuck! This is a greasy, loud and cold trying to be an Irish pub. Bartenders are standoffish and the waitress practically throw the food at you. There are better choices in Boston. Skip the hype.
(2)
Frank B.

Probably one of the best bars anywhere. Great beer selection ,great mixed drinks,Hands down the Best" Bloody Mary" anywhere.As far as food Great Pub Food,burgers,soups,pizza,daily specials,all a winner. One of the best places to get a boiled dinner. It's loud,busy ,and comfortable all once.You never know who you'll run into. A "must" around Patties Day
(4)
Tenley W.

I am figuring that Doyle's is a mainstay in the Jamaica Plain community that pays the bills by cashing in on being the first bar to ever carry Sam Adams. Comfortable atmosphere feels like you are in an Irish Catholic living room, complete with photos of JFK.
(3)
Louis K.

What could you possibly not like about Doyles? Is it white linen tablecloth dining? Of course not! People, it's a divey bar with divey bar food and divey bar drinks. Embrace it for what it is, get a burger and a Guinness and enjoy.
(4)
Patrick J.

When film school and yelp collide, you do things like trek to Doyle's with your classmates because notable Boston films have been shot there. You ooh and ahh over the decor and atmosphere. Listen to the old dude's stories about showing Clint Eastwood the place. Make camera frames with your hands and talk about the best way to shoot your chowder bread bowl. It's great looking place and has a good vibe. The food is pub food. Nothing fancy, but hits the spot. If you're expecting more from a place like this, you gotta get your expectations realigned.
(4)
A K.

Took the trolley over from Samuel Adams and had lunch. I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich, which was okay, and my husband had a burger. He liked the beer selection but the place was a tad old/dirty looking. Given our choice, we probably wouldn't go again but it was easy to get to.
(3)
Ed M.

First of all, the walk from the Sam Adams brewery to here is not as close as the brewery workers claim. The Sam Adams styles on tap are cool, as some you don't see elsewhere in the city. The drinks are reasonably priced at around $4 a beer, and there is a Doyle's Amber for $2. Sitting at the bar, my friend from out of town and I decided to get a couple appetizers, but had to wait for a waitress to come and take the order, then give us a different check just for the food. Not sure why but maybe it's easier for them? Found that quite strange. The service was alright, not as bad as other reviews, but nothing awesome. The waitress disappeared for a bit while we ate, then suddenly dropped the check in front of us folded in a pint glass without asking if we wanted anything else. The food was mediocre and basic bar food, chicken fingers, wings, nachos, etc. One thing that stood out as delicious was the sausage plate the wife and I got first time there. It was very nice.
(3)
Hannah M.

this review is for the experience. partnered with the Sam Adams Brewery Tour, the trolley ride between the 2 might be the best part. when waiting for the FREE brewery tour, a crazy ass, music bumpin, hype man drivin trolley takes you to DOYLES! there you get a free Sam Adams pint glass when you buy a $6 beer. Coming from NY the beer price was already cheap for a tourist spot! Lovely way to kill time while waiting for my free tour. didn't eat any food.
(4)
Norwin E.

Good thing there's a free trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery and that they offer a free Sam Adams specialty pint glass with a purchase of Sam Adams beer cuz otherwise I would probably never go here. Sam Adams beer is $5.50 while the glass itself is $8 alone at the Sam Adams gift shop--good deal i'd say. Kinda sucks that you can't sit down at one of their tables to just drink unless you order an appetizer. Oh well, I guess that's what the bar is for. I'm happy with my beer and free glass. Didn't even have to show my tour ticket.
(4)
Justin I.

We are fans of Doyle's. Good pub, solid food, and good trivia. We came here about ten days ago for the first time because we were looking for a place that was doing trivia near by. We invited a bunch of friends down and we ended up having a nice group of about 12 people. None of us had ever been there but just about all of us had a great time. The service was the only thing that kept us from giving it five stars but we did not expect good service so it didn't bother us too much. The place is pretty big. The bathrooms are a little old and not the cleanest but again that was pretty much expected for such a hole in the wall pub. They had a full bar and some solid beer and wine to choose from. Great spot for groups of friends to hang out and be loud and have a good time.
(4)
J. W.

Visiting Boston and my local buddy suggested that Doyle's was a great place to experience. I took an opportunity to check Yelp and immediately wondered what I was in for. As it turned out, I didn't experience anything particularly negative, it was a pub that served pub food. The waitress was attentive and pleasant. The beer was tasty with some nice Sam Adams brews. The food was average to below average at best. We started with the fried ravioli. It was the same stuff I could buy at Costco combined with a cup of tomato sauce that tasted suspiciously like Prego. For dinner I had a corned beef dinner, there wasn't enough salt and pepper on the table to make it what I might call seasoned. However, I probably should have known better than to venture away from the sandwich page. My buddy had a burger that looked pretty tasty. In the end, this was a pretty cool restaurant with a great history. Lower your dining expectations and go for the overall experience.
(3)
Tim B.

Doyle's is a fantastic relic and if you can't appreciate the history and atmosphere of this place, maybe you should go eat with the giant-sunglasses-wearing, teenie-dog-carrying Bostonians at the Armani Exchange restaurant on Newbury Street. Doyle's has a great atmosphere, great food, good brunch and a fantastic beer selection. Most of the trash talk on the food comes from people who ordered salads. Why the hell would you order a salad at a place like this?!? Get real and go for the pastrami and swiss or corn-beefed for crying out loud! "Well, you see, the frisee in my mesclun green salad was a tad wilted." Give me a break. When you're at a pub go for the pub food. I'm definitely a stickler for a service but I also am aware that there is a time and a place for surly, and Doyle's is it baby! So just sit back and enjoy the experience!
(5)
Caitlin C.

Historical bar and has a lot of history. If you head to the Sam Adams brewery there is a trolley that will bring you here for a beer while you wait for your tour. If you buy a sam adams beer you get to keep the traditional sam adams glass. So if a beer runs you about $6 it is really a great deal for a beer and a souvenir glass. As for the food, it is always great. Always came here for brunch so don't have much to say about their other meals, but brunch is great!
(4)
Dave G.

I kind of feel like I have no business reviewing a place like this. People are going to be packed in there no matter what anyone says: It's an institution! It's a bar with a huge dining space and just okay food. You're not going to be coming here because it's delicious, but because you and 20 of your pals can meet and get fed and drunk at the same table.
(3)
Vito M.

Perfect Saturday: wake up early, hit up the Sam Adams brewery tour at 10am, finish up around 11:30, party trolley to Doyle's, score a free Sam Adams pint glass with a quality quaff, and enjoy some awesome bar food at Doyle's. Great neighborhood joint with amazing hot wings. Had a little buyer's remorse when I saw plates of onion rings going by. Great place with great ties to the local area. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
B D.

Why would you go to Doyles, when you have The Dogwood Cafe, James Gate (which serves foot all night), Jeanie Johnson, etc? The only reason to go to Doyle's is to drink, or for the atmosphere and decorations; they've got all sorts of old-school-Boston mementos like old front pages dating back decades, campaign flyers, etc. There's a cool mural in the back dining room, too. The back-back room is a disturbing shrine to the Kennedy family. The service is abominable and grumpy; ask for the slightest thing and you'll get a visible, exasperated reaction. The kitchen closes at some ridiculous hour except for pizza you can't tell from the box it came in. The TVs are probably older than you are, so it's a lousy place to watch The Game. The food is exceedingly bland americana/bar fare; the menu talks it up like no tomorrow like there's a pro chef hiding back there lovingly slaving over everything, but everything is straight out of a can or the freezer, and the cook they do have is incompetent- can't even handle a basic burger.
(1)
Scott P.

Can't not go after the brewery tour at Sammy for the glass. Food and chowdah was good. Watch out, the ride over on the trolley/bus may kill you.
(3)
Amanda M.

Came here on the Trolley from the Sam Adams brewery tour(which is great too!) ordered Sam Adams beer of course and sweet potato fries which were cooked perfectly and delicious! I ordered the burger, which was just ok, but what my mom and brother ordered were amazing! The Rueben and French dip, so amazing! Def go for the sandwiches, onion rings, and sweet potato fries when you come here!
(4)
Sarah S.

The first time I ever ate here was enough to keep me away for the next year, year and a half. The eggs were rubbery. And I swear the bacon was not bacon. I don't know what that was. It looked like bacon but... wasn't. Shudder. After some prodding, I finally came back. My meal was better this time. The bacon was bacon, thankfully. But it's still not good. Is that the appeal? It is what it is. However, the prices are beyond reasonable. One special morning I got the steak and eggs. It was a huge slab of meat for like $10. Yeah, that's right. And it was delicious too. The one time I've eaten here that left me wondering if I hadn't just dreamed the other past experiences. It is very old school. My boyfriend told me they once filmed a scene from Boston Public in here. And presidents and politicos apparently come to chow here too. If there were celebrities often enough in here, I might be swayed to be a regular.
(3)
Maggie G.

Fish n chips are great. Other foods are good too. Waitress attitude could improve.
(4)
Yolanda Y.

This seems like the big historic pub to visit because several movies had parts shot here and of course because there is a trolley that takes you from the Sam Adams brewery directly here. The tour guide on the trolley itself was really funny by the way and I was really surprised by how fun the whole ride was. As promised we got our free glasses with the purchase of a beer and for food I got fish & chips. The food was good but nothing outstanding. There is a ton of seating inside so it seems that even though a new bus brings people from the brewery on the hour it's not a problem. They accept credit cards and if you want to order prime rib the menu says they only start to serve it after six or so.
(3)
Catherine F.

I had a terrible experience at Doyle's cafe. I was sitting at the bar and the bartender spilled an entire beer on me. I never receive an appology from her, rather had to listen to her laugh about it to man whoms beer she spilled. I continually asked for napkins, finally had to yell for them and was thrown a dirty dish towel. I wasn't expecting to start my evening out smelling like beer, let alone smell like a dirty dish towel and have damp jeans and jacket. The bartender told the person whoms beer spilled that it was on the house because "ha ha" pointing at me, I ended up wearing it. She continued by giving me a bill with my one beer on it. I had to ask a different bartender if that's right I be charged. He immediately apologized for her and took it off my bill. Terrible Iraq experience to Doyle's, especially considering my excitment to go. For 6 pm on a Friday the bartenders should be MUCH more friendly.
(1)
Abbie T.

To go with an old cliche, Doyle's is what it is. It is an old, traditional, historic political Boston pub. The people who post less than positive reviews here probably just want or expected it to be something it isn't. There's history here. I remember seeing Mayor Flynn in here as a kid, and the mural on the wall depicts all the political figures who held court in Doyle's back in the day. You can feel the political machinery at work in these rooms decorated in newspaper articles and photos. The staff can be gruff and tell it like it is, but they're just like the pub itself - exactly who they are and not pretending to be anything else. The general rule of thumb at Doyle's is if it's bad for you it's delicious, but if it's good for you it's probably pretty bad. So go for a pint and a burger, and save your health food purchases for someplace else.
(5)
Kerri O.

Truth to my review, I came here last night with my Aunt Jane, and spent the next couple of hours being bought beer, and hearing stories about her, my Mama (RIP), and my Uncle Al. Then, we met an old Irish Duffer, who knew my Great Grandma Nana Mulvey. He was the son of a guy who Came Over with her. Well, stick a fork in me. I'm totally done and happy. I traded stories with him, and talked some Gaelic. It was simply Magic.
(5)
G. B.

We did the Sam Adams Brewery tour today and they steered us to this place with the temptation of a free Sam Adams signature glass with the beer (paid 6 bucks a beer, so in reality we probably paid for the glasses too. Oh well). We got the Lobster Mac n Cheese and it was very good. Neat place to go when visiting the Boston area.
(4)
Mike M.

Went there on a recent Saturday night and had a great time. Parking was a breeze and no problem getting great seats at the bar. The bartenders are overly courteous and we never had to wait for a refill. The food is typical but that is what we like. I had the pastrami and swiss and it was very good, but the one served at Lewis' in Norwood is slightly better - sorry. Plenty of beer selections to satisfy anyone's needs and I think they have the only tap of Sam Adams Brick Red available. One can only imagine the people that have passed through the doors here.
(4)
James C.

Took the trolley from Sam Adams Factory to Doyle's and had some more Sam Adams beer to drink! I also ordered up the clam chowder which I have to say was actually the best clam chowder I had amongst 3 other places in Boston! It didn't taste like someone in the back opened up a can of Progresso or Campbell's soup. Sat at the bar and just yucked it up with random people from Pittsburgh which is a testament to how laid back the place is. The bartenders were both 2 young women, one with a very noticeable Irish accent!
(3)
Brian T.

My friend and his wife brought us to Doyle's and it was what you would imagine if you wanted a Irish Pub in Boston. Good selection for the menu and the portions are good sized and are a good quality for a Irish Pub. Service can be a bit spotty depending on the waitress though. I will add that yes we did hit it up again after the Sam Adams tour. I would go back again.
(4)
Sean B.

Doyles. They rate a "meh" They make a delicious Reuben - but never order a salad. They have many beer options - but their quiche is the worst. They serve brunch all day on Sunday - it's greasy as eff and the potatoes are usually undercooked. They have various different kind of french fries that all cost the same amount as a side, but if you chose a different kind of fries with a meal they charge $1 more. 80% of the time their Bloody Mary's are wonderful. The decorations It's possible that you aren't drunk yet, the murals just have dizzying depth perception. Service 20% great (I have two favourite waitress, efficient and really nice. Barbara is one of them) 50% adequate 25% awful 5% worst service I've ever had. I repeat NEVER GET A SALAD. But I enjoy it regardless of all it's flaws and go frequently. 3.5 stars
(3)
Karen S.

I went here yesterday, and it was great. The food was greasy, messy, and absolutely delicious. Their fries were heavenly. When I went I was basically broke, so I just mooched off of everyone else and contributed ~$3, so I had the chance to try a ton of stuff. Guess what? Everything seemed good. Drinks, food, service, etc. The waitress came often and was polite and nice, but not pushy. The atmosphere was nice as well--- comfortable and nice for chatting. I can't seem to find anything wrong with this place. Visit it!
(5)
Joe K.

This is a bar/restaurant that relies on past reputation and illusion more than anything else. It thrives on the tourists who visit Boston and have heard of Doyle's or those who visit the Sam Adams' Brewery and are directed here and buy the Tshirts. Other than the day bartender (Keith), you'll find the evening/weekend barstaff more absorbed in talking to each other than attending to the patrons at the bar. In fact, that seems to be the 'politics' past-time, gossiping or complaining about shifts or who's not doing what. Ever have a bartender sigh out loud because you order another round on a quiet Sunday afternoon, because he has to get up from where he's sitting? Moving here about two years ago, my patience has worn thin. Unlike the Corrib in Brookline, where you are greeted and welcomed, and even engaged in conversation!, at Doyle's you're lucky to steal the attention to get another beer. Sitting at the table? I guess it depends on the service, but the few times I have, food was lukewarm, the server acted without warmth, really a disappointment. The history of the bar, the atmosphere, the authenticity of the barstools, tables, seats, whatever, don't mean a thing if the beer isn't served to a full glass promptly and the food hot and tasty. And where, for the most part, you never really feel welcomed. Too bad, those are the requirements for a true Irish bar.
(2)
Paul F.

This is such an amazing part of Boston's pride and history. Been here since 1882. I crave the homemade sauce of the beef steak tips, so yummy. Just a good old classic feeling, not like these new yuppy modern looking places they make now. I am from Rozzi and did not discover this place till I was 20 back in 1998. Very much worth the trip, over the years I have taken girl friends, friends from other states, even took my boss here and they all loved the place, my boss bought me a Doyle's t-shirt.
(5)
R. B.

Food: I like the fish and chips and also the fried clams. Brownie points for the sweet potato fries. Minus points for the bacon in the clam chowder (sorry, I know everyone puts bacon in the clam chowder around here, but its still disappointing), and also minus points for some attributes of the breakfast food. The breakfast potatoes are kind of substandard. Coffee- eh. Ambiance- just perfect for a pub. Love it. Beer selection is great. Waitstaff, very friendly and accommodating. 5 stars for that.
(3)
Tyler N.

Got free Sam Adams glasses for being on the brewery tour. Also Clint Eastwood shot the bar scene in mystic river here! The price of the beer as I recall was decent, around $4.50? I'm so used to the North End prices that it was nice to have a good draft and get the "Sam" designed glass for free. My wife and I ordered some food, don't remember what we had so must have been just typical bar food.
(3)
gerard f.

Been coming here for 20 years. A great JP institution. The best beer on tap. Super sweet potato fries. You can't go wrong with the prime rib. Most everything else, just passable, but you go there for the history and atmosphere.
(5)
Jenny M.

Good, good Reuben Sandwiches!!! Very sloppy and delicious. Can never go wrong with that. I don't ever go to their brunch on Sunday. They have a very limited menu and it is the only thing served until 4pm. Blah. Good beers. The service is well, not the best. Once again, these waitresses who have probably worked their since the place opened they take off and can't be found. I think they actually work a large part of the restaurant and forget about their tables. It takes a long time to get a second beer. My brother hates it there. He sits at the bar and gets ignored every time. I think his friend and him almost got in a fight with the bartender once because they were sitting their politely for a number of minutes and just got completely ignored. Took my Dad there because of the history and memorabilia, etc. A lot of people go there because of the Sam Adams tour, so it can get touristy. It is still a decent place to go. It is kind of an institution and you have to go there at least once in your life!
(4)
L-Train A.

Doyle's is great in many different ways. It has a great feel to it - very down to earth, comfortable, laid-back, family friendly, neighborhoody. I love going here and we go here a lot. Doyle's has a lot of history, including being an important political hangout, the first place to serve Sam Adams, and a speakeasy during Prohibition. Stonybrook runs through its basement. They have a really good brunch with excellent Bloody Mary's and poached egg options. They have an awesome turkey rueben, good beer selection, turkey tips, and even really good pizza! We just got the chicken fajita pizza there this week and it was great. You do want to avoid fancier type stuff though. For example, the turkey dinner is great, but the grilled salmon is no good. They have great fries and a wide selection including curly, steak fries, and sweet potato fries. The wait staff is great too. They are the types of waiters and waitresses that just know what they're doing inside and out and there is no extra fuss. Doyle's is one of the best places for groups. You can show up whenever with a bunch of people and be sat right away because the place is huge and well set up with giant booths that can fit ten people.
(5)
Judah D.

For drinks, Doyles is a fine establishment. The food and service could definitely be improved upon. Over the years, it has gotten to be a bit too touristy for my taste. We go there for beer/cocktails once in awhile, now and then.
(2)
Beck N.

Good news! They accept credit cards now - so no need to pay the fee at the ATM. Also, they are having a promotion with Sam Adams -- hurray for free glasses!
(4)
Cecilia L.

I had one of the worst brunches of my life here. My bf had been here once before with friends and had a good omelet. But when he took me, we were struggling to choke our food down. I had poached eggs over a disgusting, flavorless corned beef hash. It had the consistency of dog food, and the home fries were similarly flavorless and mushy. The steak that came with bf's steak and eggs was huge, but completely bland and tough. We're the type of conflict-averse people who would never send a dish back, but we contemplated hiding the food in our napkins before the waitress came like little kids, and also lamented the fact that we had not brought a dog to feed under the table. Nice local gathering place with a neighborhood feel, but I would never eat here again.
(2)
Mk E.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: if you don't like Doyle's, we probably can't be friends. Yes, their food is often ghastly. Yes, sometimes there are enormous groups of ultimate players and your service suffers. Yes, the televisions are ridiculously tiny. But- but!- sometimes the food is wonderful. Sometimes the servers remember that you like the sliced pickles. The beer selection is always awesome (how could someone compare it to Applebee's?) And, yes, it's a Boston institution. Word to the wise: come with cash! No credit cards at Doyle's. They do have an ATM, but you'll pay at least two bucks in fees, depending on your bank. (For those complaining of a dearth of vegetarian-friendly offerings: yes, this is true. But if you go to a burger joint expecting fine vegan cuisine, it's really your decision-making skills to blame, not the menu.)
(4)
Beth E.

Yeah, I know, Doyle's is supposed to be an institution. I just don't absolutely love it. I'm thinking that's because I've gone mainly to eat, and have never really gone just for drinks. Moral of the story, I need to drink more.
(3)
April P.

My review is based more on takeout that eating in. I've done both, but just had takeout last night, and was not impressed at all. I should have known better, ordering a salad from an Irish Pub; but I'm a vegetarian and didn't want to order anything deep fried. Sooo, yeah. I got a Greek salad. It was iceberg lettuce (ick), 2 cherry tomatoes, 2 slices of green pepper, a couple of canned olives, onion, and feta chunks. The dressing was decent. My friends got pepperoni pizza and wings, both of which they loved. So I guess it really depends on what you order. I did go here for brunch once, and liked the atmosphere and the beer selection. My meal wasn't memorable though- I have no idea what I ordered. The waitress was nice enough. 2 stars for food, 3 if you consider beer. Although I would say if you are looking for a good Irish pub in JP, the James Gate is waaay better.
(2)
Bernadette S.

I took visiting family there yesterday. I'm never really impressed, but it's always fine. I grew up in a bar and am accustomed to bar food, and this is exactly what you'll get - burgers and roasts and your basic meats and potatoes. I prefer bar food elsewhere but we were there for the atmosphere, not the food. I like the draught beer selection immensely and the place sure does have character... Our server was super sweet but also scarce, though it was admittedly ultra busy for Mother's Day. I ordered the BBQ Steak Tips with potato and veggie. I got mashed potatoes and pureed squash. The potatoes were bland; the squash was yummy. The tips themselves were slathered with BBQ sauce and were what you'd expect from steak tips - a little chewy and flavorless save for the sauce. I'm not complaining, but if I want a great meal, I'll go elsewhere.
(3)
D J.

First bar to serve sam adams beer. I got a free glass after the tour
(4)
Josh S.

When you walk in, you get a very good idea of what the experience will be like. This is a no frills place, where the food is typical pub fare with some additional unexpected menu items. The service is okay, with surly servers, but I think that is more Boston curtness than rudeness. I would suggest giving the salads a pass, unless you like iceberg lettuce (a lot of iceberg lettuce), but most other items are acceptable or even good. Drinks are good and strong. Prices are great for what you get!
(4)
Rhea B.

This is one of my favorite JP hangouts. The food is pretty good (not always perfect), but I don't care. It's the atmosphere and the community feeling that I love. They also host a locally produced story slam and comedy series in the back room.
(4)
Sasha N.

Legit Irish bar. Dont come here unless you are ready to drink. The food is surprisingly good, but its the atmosphere you go there for. Nothing is better on a Sunday morning then a pitcher of their awesome bloody mary and breakfast at Doyles!!!!
(4)
S.Y. T.

I ate here only once with my family. My brother claimed it has really good burgers, even better than bartley's in harvard square. Hence, I tried the doyle burger including a side of fries. In addition, we ordered the sweet potato fries. Indeed, the burger was good and juicy but I'm not quite sure if it was better than bartley's (the latter has more variety in choices). The sweet potato fries were superb IMO so I would suggest ordering it and ignore the side of standard fries coming with your entree. I would also say that this place is good for large gatherings because the atmosphere invites bigger crowds. So if you are into more quieter settings, this is not the place for you, at all. I remember this place being CASH ONLY but don't take my word for it. I could be wrong. This place was pretty busy when I went on a weekend. Overall, if you feel like eating standard American food in a historical pub, this is a place for you. One of the better American food joints I've been in a long time. Just don't eat this everyday or I'll guarantee that you will gain weight in a drastic fashion. Seriously.
(3)
Apolinaras S.

Went to Doyle's after visiting Boston Beer Company with in-laws (hey, got to support the bar that was first to sell Sam Adams). Before you read my review, do keep in mind, I am a foodie :-) So let us start with food: 3 stars max. It is simple pub grub, nothing else. They do try very hard with a broad selection, but they may just want to get back to their roots and reduce it all down to 1 menu (instead of 3). One good thing - portions are generous, so you will be taking some food home. Atmosphere: solid 3 stars. Place is an institution, BUT a large group of 20-30 somethings drunk by 2PM was definitely bothersome. Might have been an Irish wake, but that is not an excuse to not do a better job to ensure enjoyment of other patrons and keeping the rowdy ones confined to that private dining room. Service: 2 stars. Slow, indifferent... waitress would have been served well by having a coffee or two. Folks in the booth next to us waited forever for their order to be taken.
(3)
Olivia C.

Doyle's All about Atmosphere. It's been in the neighborhood for a hundred years, is huge, and makes you feel like you are in the old country. It's also a museum. I'm second generation, so my family likes to come in and gawk at the Kennedy pictures, and old mayors, ie Ray Flynn, and Tommy Boy. We sit on the wooden benches and order the Guinness. That B-movie with Dan Akroyd Celtic Pride (Shame) was partly filmed here and also the movie_______________ (help me people) We joke that the food sucks. When my real Irish cousins came to Boston we brought them to Doyle's' because everyone knows Irish people like plain ass food with no spice. (That withstanding, my grandmother is still the best cook on the planet) The pastrami sand witch is damn good though, and rivals Jame's Gate's, if you are into greasy salty protein pickled goodness and you are not at a proper New York Deli. The Irish blood sausage hash surprise or whatever scared the hell out of me, and I don't consider myself a picky eater, but my friend loved it. The bloody Marys?! are spicy. The fish sand witch is also one of the must haves. Fresh cod, kid. Some rave about the sweet potato fries, and I do like them, but I am not ready to make any commitments with them. The pizza is 'aight. And absolutely perfect if you want plain little kid soul food. My Auntie loves the grapeseed pudding (but way toooo much after all that pub food) and the brownie sundae is fun. I wanna try breakfast here, it's all day!! I wanna try more and we can actually talk and hear each other with all the locals, tourists, politicians, and dead Irish people-
(3)
Emily D.

I'm not from Boston, so this comes from an outsider. But what is UP with the surly service here?! I'm nice to you, you're snippy to me. What did I do to you?! Anyway. Other than our cranky waitress, my friends and I had a pretty good brunch here. The omelette was gigantic and fresh. The fruit cup (salad? whatever) was just 4 or 5 pieces of melon with one forlorn grape at the bottom. In other words, diner-ish food. For what it's worth, they do take credit cards for brunch. We sat here for a bunch of hours, chatting, and the surly waitress didn't seem to mind. I'd come back!
(3)
William B.

Ok, so I went here with a good friend of mine after touring the Samuel Adams Brewery. I'm not sure if it was the beer beforehand, but the pizza was very much one of the best I've had in a while. That was after wolfing down the bacon cheeseburger and several of the copious pile of pub fries that came with it. Sadly, while the pizza was fantastic, the burger was only a bit better than average. Both, however, go well with the very good Sam Adams selection. If you're going to the brewery for the tour, this is definitely a good place for lunch of dinner afterward.
(4)
Kylie S.

I thought this place was great. It probably helped that I had low expectations--I just wanted something to eat before going to the Midway. I ordered the fish and chips and my friend who was trying not to spend too much money ordered the clam chowder. I'm always psyched when restaurants offer at least one low cost option. The fish and chips was really good--light batter, tasty, lots of food. I like the booths. Good food, low key atmosphere and not too expensive.
(4)
Levi C.

Worst service experience of my life. I won't be returning ever again.
(1)
Captain C.

It surprises me that people think this place is "an instution." It sucks, big time. First off everytime I have been here on a Friday or Saturday night it has been empty. Like 2 or 3 people sitting at the bar tops. It is also way too big. You walk in and are like whoa a lot bigger than I thought it would be, then you look through the hallway and realize they have a whole other room. That much space doesn't help when the place is so empty. The food isnt particulary good either. 2 stars just because it is slightly better than the Drinking Fountain a few feet away.
(2)
Ginnette P.

went there recently and I loved the mac & cheese oh so good I finished it all.. the pumpkin cheesecake is also a must have when its on the menu...
(4)
Kimberly L.

Came here on the free shuttle from the Sam Adams Brewery tour. We just wanted more beer (and the glass that came with it). First off, the party shuttle that took us was hilarious. Disco lights and rocking out to 80s music. When we got to the place, it was just as lunch was starting so it was crowded (if it ever does). The driver told us some of his favorite foods at Doyle's, one of which was the clam chowder. Clam chowder being one of my favorite foods, I had to order it. It definitely wasn't one of the best I'd ever had but it was pretty good. I just thought it didn't have enough clam in it (I probably had 2 in my cup). But it wasn't super salty or heavy. For the main meal, I had a french dip sandwich with fries which I thought was average. It was actually quite salty after awhile but the portions were large and filling. I think the sandwich would have been better if the bread was toasted more and if the dip was less salty. Overall, just an average place to go but convenient since the shuttle takes you from the tour to this place and then takes you to a train station afterwards.
(3)
Milly M.

Doyles is an amazing space, and a great place to get a beer. Don't expect any fancy cocktails or healthy delicious cuisine, but there's certainly OK pizza and bar food. There are two real things that set Doyles apart though. The first- the aforementioned atmosphere. Doyle's houses incredible history with fantastic aesthetics all with room enough for everyone to sit down and actually hear each other. The second noteworthy plus is the staff. Example; Tom, the evening manager/bartender. Not only is he easy on the eyes, but a sweetheart as well. He's quick and attentive with customers while still taking the time to learn the names and favorites of the many regulars.
(4)
Josephine P.

We went to Doyle's after a tour at the Samuel Adam's Brewery tour on a Saturday. I'm nt sure if they do this everyday, but it turns out that if you keep your Imperial ticket from your tour, you can bring it to Doyle's and show it when you order a Samuel Adam's draft beer on tap and get a FREE custom Boston Lager cup! It's normally $8 retail price if you get it from the gift shop or on line. A beer here is only $4.50 so it's pretty much half priced. Good stuff. We ordered some garlic fries- it was ok, but none of it really tasted like garlic. I did like the honey mustard sauce that it came with. Yay for free stuff!
(3)
Judy H.

Doyles is a great location institution. It is a great place to bring a crowd, I remember showing up once with 12 people for brunch and it was not a problem. Speaking of which, brunch is great, wonderful selection of omlettes and they can even make eggs substitute taste good. I recommend the Artichoke Tomato Omlette. Wonderful. My only peeve; the salads are awful. You would think by now they might have learned that there is more to life than iceberg and cardboard tomatoes, but sadly not. Pizza is pretty good and good burgers. However , great staff ,fun laid back atmosphere.
(3)
Tom H.

Some bars take on personalities of there own, their legend passed down for generations. In a city where the political landscape had been dominated by rosy-faced Irishmen (up until the last decade) for over a century, Doyle's, which first opened its doors in the 1880's, has been the watering hole of choice for local and national politicians ever since. While its been said that every good Irish-American pub (and home) should have a picture of JFK somewhere, Doyle's takes it a step further, with the dedication of an entire room to the late president on St. Patty's day 1988. Doyle's also benefits greatly from their long-standing relationship with Sam Adams, as the first bar to purchase a keg of the original Boston Lager for resale; Doyle's is the official lunch spot of the Sam Adams brewery tour (shuttle provided) and enjoys first-access privileges to their newest brews. Their menu is a mix of Irish dishes and pub food, and is brought to you courtesy of the notoriously gruff wait staff.
(3)
A J.

One of my favorite local spots. Typical bar food, but great old-school atmosphere. My favorite on their menu would have to be the sweet potato fries. The place to be on St. Patrick's Day (if you don't mind a major crowd) Note: they do accept credit cards now.
(4)
Al N.

I live near Doyle's, so me, the wife, and kids are there all the time. It's a family-friendly joint, but it's also a drunken-sports-fan-friendly joint. Go figyuh. Food-wise, it's hit and miss. Sometimes the pizza is fantastic and almost New Yorkish, but once I got a pizza that was a soupy mess. Burgers are excellent, likewise the fries. They are very good with cooking stuff they way you ask for it (like if you order your steak tips medium rare, it comes to the table medium rare, damnit). The service is usually very friendly (If you're lucky, you'll be served by local music legend Rick Berlin), though the time your meal takes can vary widely, from "holy crap, I just ordered it" to "I could've drunk enough to kill a Kennedy by now." Bar-wise, Doyle's rules. They know how to pour a Guiness, and the beer selection is always good and always features local brews. The single-malt selection and prices is unbeatable. If you're a scotch snob, it's worth the trip to Doyle's. Doyle's is a kind of museum of Boston history. If you got friends coming from out of town, tell them that Cheers is crap and take them to Doyle's instead.
(3)
Don A.

Doyle's is a great bar for drinking, and fairly decent for burgers and fries as well. I get their prime rib sandwich with sweet potato fries fairly often and have yet to be disappointed. The atmosphere here is great, every Irish-American chain bar Bennigan's Friday's etc. wishes it was Doyle's. The walls are exploding with the real thing instead of some new fake Irish knock-offs, look around you will see authentic posters from WWII and the 1930s and tons of other Boston memorabilia. The best way to end a night at Doyle's is a Guinness float, this item is not on the menu but they will make one for you. It is a lot like a root beer float, but instead of root beer they use Guinness and put a large scoop of ice-cream along the side of the glass to eat and melt into your already thick beer. The sweetness of the ice-cream nicely compliments the thick malty Guinness and the hop profile of the Guinness is accentuated by the vanilla ice cream. Give it a try you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Jacqueline L.

I was taken here for dinner, being told it was a Boston staple, having been there since 1882. The Guinness was great. I ordered the classic reuben (excellent, deserves to be a classic) with perfectly crispy sweet potato fries and was quite satisfied. The service was lacking, very impersonal and slow. It's a fun, slightly kitschy atmosphere. Diner food, paper placemats, etc. If you want a good sandwich and fries with a frosty brew, this is a good place to go. I think I might sit at the bar next time though.
(4)
Pamela P.

I generally only come for brunch on the weekends so my review only encompasses that aspect of Doyles...and for that I give it 4 stars. Not too expensive, decent food, nice interior and service... That being said, don't even bother trying to get in on St. Patty's ...line up to the yin yang...it's insane...they only let in cops or people in the "know"...or else get there hella early. Actually I have been inside for one St. Patty's and it was like a glorified frat party...beer served in plastic cups (oh the horror...the horror...) and general rowdiness en masse....but if that's your bag then go for it...last year however they had a bag-piper corps and I really wanted to get in, but there was no way in hell it was going to happen...unless I wanted to wait 3 hours...
(4)
Matt M.

What a great surprise. We weren't planning to go to Doyles, but Sam Adam's brewery had a special where you could get a free party bus ride to the bar/restaurant and get a free glass if you order a beer. The food was great, even the pizza. The clam chowder was the best that some of our member of the party has ever had. The bratwurst was a little undercooked, but the burger was also very good. They only serve sam adams on draft, why would you otherwise, and you get to keep the glass for every beer you order. The highlight of this experience was the drive to and from. The bus driver was energetic and got the party bus rocking, literally. Remember if you go to the brewery tour, drink at DOYLE'S
(5)
Cassie T.

unorganized for a busy spot with frequent visitors. waited forever while larger parties got seated right away. not worth the free pint.
(1)
J H.

This is a great place to grab a cup of chowder and a Sam Adams after enjoying the brewery tour. There's a free party trolley that takes you to Doyles and then drops you off at the T afterwards. The servers are friendly, the place has history and the food is pretty good. There's also been several movies filmed here which adds to the charm! Go and enjoy the bar and get a Sam, you can't go wrong at Doyles!
(4)
Kacey B.

I have visited here plenty of times (love the fresh Sam Adams and complimentary glass) and will give an honest review. I'm not returning as my friend pointed out (and I observed later) they don't seem to follow the cleanest guidelines for a busy restaurant. There are a few other places towards Jamaica Plain center that are much, much better for cleanliness and taste.
(2)
Matt G.

This place is great, obviously the trolley from the Sam Tour is how I ended up in Jamaica Plain because it's not usually on my rounds. Drinks are cold and it's classic pub style food cooked right and served quick. Def recommend and worth the trip!
(4)
Doug W.

I've lived down the street from Doyle's for the last seven years, so when an local alumni organization that I'm involved with was looking for a place to hold a meeting, I suggested Doyle's, largely for my own convenience. After bandying about several suggestions, the group finally decided on Doyle's. "It looked good on Yelp," offered one of the group members. "That's funny," I thought, "I've been going to Doyle's regularly for years and never once thought about it's Yelp rating." So I decided to check it out. I was actually a bit disappointed when I saw that almost all of the recent reviews were by people who came to Doyle's on the the trolley after the Sam Adams Brewery tour. Not that there's anything wrong with getting your first dose of the Doyle's charm after touring the brewery, but most folks writing reviews in that situation have only visited Doyle's once and will probably never visit it again. I like Yelp because it gives me a sense of how the community regards a business. I like to hear from the locals. I want to know what the regulars think. And so, unless a place is extremely good or extremely bad, I as a rule never write a review of a restaurant until I've visited it at least three times, to make sure I really know the measure of the place. So if you want to read a review from a guy who considers Doyle's his neighborhood bar, this is your lucky day. This is that review. Writing a review of Doyle's is actually a bit daunting, because Doyle's looms large in this neighborhood. It's where my wife (then girlfriend) and I went to read over and sign our lease. Although the TVs are small and unobtrusive (a big plus in my book), it's where we watched the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007 and the Celtics win in 2008. It's where we watched Senate and mayoral debates, too (someone once described Doyle's as a sports bar where the sport is politics, and that, in my opinion, is a very apt description). The food, for the most part, is nothing to write home about--standard pub fare--but their garlic fries are probably the best garlic fries in the city and their pizzas are better than anything from the pizzerias in our area. I've never had a bad interaction with any of the wait staff: they're always friendly and accommodating, even if it's busy (which, if you come on the weekend from the brewery with a trolley full of other patrons, it will be). There's a good beer selection, including the Pickwick Ale, which is a delicious Doyle's exclusive. I sometimes wake up on the weekend craving their brunch, especially the pancakes medley or the artichoke omelet. The Sam Adams trolley has put an end to the quiet Saturdays when I would take over a booth with my laptop, getting some work in, but I can't fault Doyle's for having a different view of the merits of slow Saturday business. The ambiance, too, is worth a visit. You can learn a lot about Boston political history by studying the framed newspapers on the walls, and the whole place screams "Boston Pub." So much so, in fact, that sometimes we'll go to Doyle's only to find that it's closed for the filming of some movie that wants to capture the Boston pub feel. "Mystic River" is probably the most famous, but it's also featured in the Kevin Spacey film "21," and we once tried to go when Dane Cook was filming something there, although I never did find out what the was, because, well, Dane Cook. I called in an order for carry out on the night of the Martha Coakley/Scott Brown special election, only to find that Rachel Maddow was reporting on the election live from Doyle's. It's that kind of place. So come on by; check it out. I hear if you come on the trolley, they give you a free Sam Adams pint glass as well.
(4)
Lauren D.

This was a wonderful little spot in Boston! My boyfriend and I were on vacation and spent the weekend in Boston. Our first stop was the Sam Adams Brewery, where they provide a "Party Trolly" for transportation to Doyles. Doyles is supposedly the first pub ever to sell Sam Adams brew on draft, for that reason, if you go right after your brewery tour and show your stamp from the tour, you receive a free Sam Adams glass, specifically made for the Boston Lager. Besides that little novelty of the place, the ambiance was wonderful, friendly staff, and has delicious comfort food. They boast having the best clam chowder in Boston, and as far as my boyfriend and I are concerned they might be right! We tried the chowder everywhere we went, and theirs was top notch! It's a must stop if you are going to Boston!
(5)
Vishal M.

Wise partnership with the Sam Adams Brewery. Perfect place to go after a tour when you're craving junk food along with more beer. Lobster roll and home fries are solid. Souvenir cups are a nice touch.
(4)
April M.

If you're looking for an Irish dive bar in Boston, look no further my friends. If you're looking for the bar that gives out free Sam Adams glasses after the tour, again, look no further. Feast your eyes and your appetite on all that Doyle's has to offer. Yes, they are in cahoots with Sam Adams - and rightfully so! - they were the first bar in the country to serve Sam Adams on tap. I really don't even know where to start with Doyle's, there's as much to be said in a yelp review as decorates their many walls. This bar has been around since 1882, has seen the likes of many celebrities and politicians and has been the set of numerous Hollywood scenes including the Departed, Mystic River and Boston Public. You can't help but feel like you belong as soon as you walk through the doors. If the vibe here doesn't make you feel relaxed and welcome, I'm not sure what will. There's enough pictures, paintings, postings and papers on the walls of this place to have you walking around and looking for hours - literally. It's like a mini Boston bar/politics/sports museum in and of itself. And that's just the atmosphere - the beer and food make this an even more amazing place. Everything I've eaten here so far - burgers, pizza, pork chops, potato skins, buffalo chicken, fries, chocolate cake - have all been amazing. Comfort food to say the very least, and boy does it comfort! The potato skins are so damn good, that I'm creating a separate paragraph just to make that statement. And the beer - if you love a tasty, fresh draft, of Sam Adams (among other brands) you won't be disappointed. You know how there's always that spot in even a good 5-star yelp review where you say, well, there was just one thing - if it weren't for x y z - .... well that spot does not exist for Doyle's Cafe. This is a true 5-star establishment. A must do/see/eat/drink if you're living in or visiting the Boston area. Ever.
(5)
K F.

Nothing special. Atmosphere attempts to be vintage but just looks and feels dated and stale. Food is okay but again, nothing special.
(2)
Mallory S.

We went here after the Sam Adams Brewery tour. We needed to get a pint of the Brick Red and score some free Sam Adams glasses. We arrived at Saturday at 11:30am. They had breakfast and their lunch menu available. I ordered the bacon cheeseburger ($7.95). It was good, slightly overcooked but did the trick. Service was friendly and quick. Bathrooms were a little yucky even through my beer goggles.
(3)
Michael R.

"We're goin' to Doyle's!" - Jason the Bus Driver By now you know about the Sam Adams tour, the party bus (complete with stripper pole) and all of the Sam-related goodness surrounding this historic pub. But what you don't know is how awesome the food is, and that's even speaking from a sober standpoint. (For the record, it's twice as good when you've got a nice, solid buzz going from the Sam tour). Once you cross the threshold into the eclectic collection of local Boston history, you really feel like you're in the definition of what a Boston pub should be. Surrounded by nicknacks, framed memorabilia, and remnants of Boston days past, it's a great place to have a beer and a meal. And if I haven't mentioned Sam Adams enough in this review already, make sure you check out the Chocolate Covered Cherry -- a half-and-half of Cherry Wheat and Chocolate Bock. Plus you get to keep the glass! Enough about the beer with the guy with the silly haircut on the label, though. The highlight of my dining experience was the thick, Doyle's Boston Clam Chowdah (Boston accent added). Think a corn chowder with bacon and clams...exactly the way it should be made. The Grilled Reuben was also a pretty solid take on the diner classic, and hey, sue me for not being adventurous, but the Strawberry Shortcake was a pretty decent dessert too. Basically, if you're coming from the brewery tour, listen to my man Jason the Bus Driver. Order everything he says and you'll leave in a sublime state of buzzed and full.
(4)
Peter W.

Always dragged here by friends that want to go for some reason. I can't stand this place. The food is poor, the beer selection is lack luster, and usually flat. Maybe they can't sell anything that isn't a light. Dirty, dingy, everything. Just eh. Stay away.
(2)
Lisa M.

We took the party trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery Tour over to Doyle's on a Monday. The trolley driver had a ton of info on the place and good recommendations. We all had the clam chowder which was the best we had on our trip. It was super creamy and delicious! They also had lobster rolls served on sourdough bread that were one of the better ones we had as well. Just make sure you either take the T or call a cab to get home because we went back to the brewery thinking we could get a cab from there and there were none, we had to wait almost a half hour.
(4)
Eliza W.

If you are looking to meet some sexy after work softball and ultimate frisbee players have a beer here because it is next to the field... I like the paintings on the walls and red-checkered tables but not a place to eat dinner...They do make some pretty delicious-looking Daiquiris.
(3)
Vlad C.

DOYLES! Look up the history, but if you are too lazy just take the party bus after a free tour at Sam Adam's Brewery. You will have an unbelievable time. They have a lobster roll that is STUFFED with lobster, they have good chowder and lots of beer (and you get to keep the glass if you bring your Sam Adams ticket)!! I will come here whenever I am in the area. Great atmosphere, keep it jazzy.
(4)
Jamie S.

A lot of people here appear to be focusing on the Sam Adams party bus. Yes, if you try to get food at the same time the trolley is running, or happen to ride it yourself, you really shouldn't be surprised if the place is slammed when you and 20 other people suddenly show up to get food (so those peeps should shut it). If you happen to be lucky and grab a trolley ride with just a few people, it'll work out nicely. Or do it in reverse: go straight to Doyle's, get food, and then take the trolley to the brewery and do the tour. At any rate, the trolley is such a small aspect of this place. We ate here many times before we even realized this service existed, and even then it was quite a long time before we utilized it (a friend was in town so we did the tourist thing with them). Some might be put off by the outwards look of it as a bar of some sort. But fear not: this place is as such of a homey local neighborhood joint as you can get -- the staff are friendly. Awesome atmosphere, solid food, good beer selection & great prices. The hostess when you walk in the door can sometimes be missing or wait for you to initiate. A bit weird until you get used to it: just step up and announce you'd like a table for X people and they'll whisk you on your way. They changed cooks sometime ago and went through a bit of an identity crisis, but things have largely settled down now. The burgers & fries are pretty solid, as is the german plate, and their assortment of sandwiches. Try out their veggie burger as it's tasty too (just make sure to get cheddar cheese and bacon on top). If you're in the mood for pizza, pay attention to the toppings -- it's a damn good price for additional ones, and when you get extra cheese, they aren't talking about an extra sprinkle. You'll get so much cheese you could make nachos out of it when you have leftovers. Awesome if you love cheese. Some of the waitresses can be a bit indifferent/missing some of the nights, but overall, they're generally pretty good. For people who like Trivia, they partner up for Tuesday nights and it's a fun time with Dan. The dessert is a bit lacking, so unless you have a real desire for a particular item, you might want to pass and grab a bite elsewhere.
(5)
Sharon B.

Doyle's is a must stop when we visit Boston. Love the chowder and Grilled Reuben. Service is pleasant (we always sit at the bar) and always enjoy our visits here!
(5)
Julie D.

The owner of this restaurant is pretty smart. They have a free shuttle from Sam Adams Brewery where the tour guides gives them a plug and tells you about the offer of a free Sam Adams glass. Then, right on queue immediately after the tour ends, the party bus shuttle arrives. Music blaring. Playing Sweet Caroline. Who can resist? We went along. The ride itself is pretty fun. The restaurant seems like a chunk out of history. Service is about as old and moldy. BJ got clam chowder which he really likes. I got a fish sandwich which was just barely okay. But it pretty much worked out for the amount of time that we had on our last day in Boston. Can't wait to visit the city, again!
(3)
AmberandJoe M.

When my husband and I moved to Boston years ago, we decided to go on the Sam Adams tour which included a trolley ride to Doyle's after the tour. I am so glad we decided to go. Doyle's immediately became a favorite for our family. I am a vegetarian and struggle to find places like Doyle's that provide little more than side salads and French fries for me. I discovered the meatless Reuben and loved it! It quickly became my favorite meal in town, and I will drive all the way from the north shore to get it. (My husband gets the regular Reuben and raves about it as well.) Doyle's also has an amazing selection of Sam Adams beer. I highly recommend the Cherry Wheat beer (and 26.2 during the month of April).
(5)
Paul S.

This place was cool simply because they gave you a free Sam Adams pint glass if you came after the tour and bought a beer. So hey, better than paying $8 for one at the brewery.
(3)
Howard S.

the place where sam adams was launched... it's not a cafe, it's bar. in addition to being the first establishment to serve samuel adams beer, doyle's is also full oh history. you are surrounded by memorabilia from the 50's, 60's and the 70's, if you have some time, take a look in the back room. full of interesting stuff. and doyles have been featured in films such as the mystic river, celtic pride, the brinks job etc. samuel adams is the main thing here... so don't order anything else. the brick red is only available in this area, so enjoy it, the chocolate bock is like the holy grail, but it's too sweet for me... as is the chococlate/cherry bock. while we were there, we also had the 26.2, a beer to commemorate the boston marathon. the food is your standard tavern fair. what you will enjoy is the selection of samuel adams beer and a piece of new england history. last word? much much better bet than the place where the people always know your name...
(4)
Paige A.

Recommend visiting after the Sam Adams tour. Free trolley ride to the bar and then back to the T. Plus you get to keep your glass after purchasing a Sam Adams pint. They have the best chowder, better than Atlantic Fish Company in my opinion. Lobster roll is just so-so and the bison burger was not very good. The chowder made it worth the visit though.
(4)
Denis A.

Great food and beer.
(4)
Trish F.

It's a bit of a trek for me to get over to Doyle's. Commute-wise it's a combo of bus/walk or bus/train/walk, so I've only gone for events during brunch on the weekends. The food is bar/diner standard. Nothing too fancy, eggs/homefries/bread/muffins. I've always been with a large group and the waitresses have graciously handled us without rolling their eyes or any bit of sass (I'm used to that being a Jersey girl). What I dig about Doyle's is that they're definitely supportive of the community. They lend their back room to Boston Media Makers ( bostonmediamakers.com ) and Mass Mouth ( massmouth.ning.com ). Last BMM event I went to, folks even took up a collection to get wifi in the joint. That's some neighborly love! Watch out for it next time you're in.
(3)
Kelsey M.

Went here after the Sam Adam's Brewery tour for lunch. The food is the standard Boston bar menu and the atmosphere is also nothing much to speak of. This place really pimps the Sam Adam's beer. Our waitress was decent but a little slow. The menu isn't geared towards the health conscious. The sweet potato fries were mediocre and dry. I picked at my friends regular fries. It's nice that you can keep the glass when you purchase SA's beer.
(3)
Sandy B.

I love you, Doyle's, but you're turning into a jerk. I think the Sam Adams tour is going to your head. You're just too expensive. Last night, one small entree, one cup of chowder, and one order of wings came out to $28.00. Seriously? We didn't even get anything to drink, just water! What gives? And charging a dollar per wing? That's just offensive. I'll say it again, I love you, Doyle's! I like your surly but somehow friendly service and your neighborhood-centric atmosphere. Your chowder is delicious, most of your food is pretty good, and you're a cool place to hang out. I even love the waiter who appears to hate me for no reason. Please deflate your ego a bit and welcome back your regulars.
(4)
Kevin M.

Love this place! Not always the best service, not the largest selection of beer, but you're surrounded by history and a great atmosphere! It's not a pretentious crowd (unless you're here midday surrounded by the tourists that just got out of the Brewery), just working-class folk trying to drown their day's sorrow with a cold pint of beer. Again, not the largest selection of beer unless you're a Sam Adams connoisseur like I am. They always have a couple of Sam's on tap like cherry wheat and brick red, and maybe even chocolate bock. The pizza is the best pizza in this area! I always get sausage and pepper. It is so good that I always leave Doyle's with the roof of my mouth burnt! Other fare on the menu is alright, but again, you're here only for beer and atmosphere.
(5)
Amanda B.

Yay Doyle's! I love this place. I've been here for a few meals, but mostly, my experience here has centered around post-show fun. I do shows at the Footlight Club and after at least one show during the run, we end up at Doyle's A whole mess of us take over the back room and order a crazy amount of pizza. I love their pizza. It's bar pizza.Thin with lots of goopy cheese. DELICIOUS. The staff usually assigns someone to take care of us and it's always good service. Like I said, over the years I've visited and gotten sandwiches and entrees that were tasty, but I come back for the pizza. Always. As a whiskey/scotch drinker, I'm always happy to see their great selection. After all, it IS a pub.
(5)
Kevin L.

Went to Doyle's after my Sam Adams tour. They had a free shuttle bus (one of those that looks like a trolley) pick us up shortly after the end of the tour and advertised a free glass to keep with the purchase of a pint of Sam Adams. Doyle's is about a 10 minute shuttle ride from the brewery and it's a fairly fun ride, sine the bus is equipped with party gear and lights inside. The restaurant itself looked pretty nice. It resembled a really old tavern with furniture and decorations that looked like it came from the early 20th century. Food-wise, it was a rather ordinary. They have the usual assortment of American food from nachos and wings to sandwiches for lunch hour. The bus driver recommended clam chowder so I picked a bowl of it and shared a plate of nachos with the table. Clam chowder was nothing really to call home about and the nachos were pretty ordinary. Nothing we got really stood out and were pretty ordinary. They have sizeable menu so it might have been our fault to sample some of the lower hanging fruit on the menu. Overall, it's a nice diversion if you're hungry after the Sam Adam's tour. The food is okay and they have plenty of beer to keep you content. The shuttle bus also comes back around to drive you back to the orange line. You'd probably find better eats back in the city but it's convenient and the free glass is a nice incentive to stop by for a pint.
(3)
Paulina B.

Stopped at Doyle's on a Saturday afternoon following a tour of the Sam Adam's Brewery. The trolley ride to Doyle's was absolutely hysterical, for any of you who have experienced it. We only stayed for one beer. With a quick look around, you can definitely see the long history and cozy, neighborhood feel. Regulars dotted the bar mixed along with tourists and brewery visitors. We really liked that we were able to keep a Sam Adams glass if you showed your tour stamp. Didn't try the food, although some of the stuff coming out of the kitchen looked good.
(3)
Barbara S.

I really enjoyed the food in this place. I came here after the Samuel Adams tour and they mentioned that here you can get a free Samuel Adams glass if you get their beer. I ordered the clam chowder and a veggie burger with sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious and at a reasonable price. The service was fast and the waitress was very friendly. I have never liked clam chowder, but I ordered it because it is a Boston thing, and I'm glad I did! I will definitely come back again!
(5)
Rob K.

This was my second time doing the Sam Adams Brew tour and subsequent visits to DOYLES! Our first visit was back in 2008 prior to the trolley that is run now. Our first visit my wife had a Reuben (loved it) and I had the French Dip. Both were good. This past time she got the grilled cheese and onion rings (both very good) and I got a burger. The burger was good, not great. We did partake in the wonderful special of getting a free Sam Adams pint glass for going on the tour and ordering a Sam Adams beer. I highly recommend the Boston Brick Red which is only available in Boston. This is definately a great bar that is a little off the beaten path. If the Sam Adams tour wasnt a trolley stop away we would never have come here, which we would miss out. We will be back on our next trip to Boston.
(4)
Celeste M.

Doyle's has some thngs going for it. It's near the Sam Adams Brewery in case you want some more beer after their tour. It's across from English High and teenagers sometimes make you want to drink. It's got Magners on tap. They have lots of space and can accommodate big groups. They take credit cards now. But I have become increasingly disappointed with their food. Their sweet potato fries are really good but my turkey burger was pretty charred the last two times I came in. Come there to drink and enjoy your friends' company.
(3)
Lyndi S.

BUY THE GLASS! RENT THE BEER! DOYLE'S!! Oh yeah, that happened. The party bus from Sam Adams to Doyle's was a total trip. The trolley driver was a roided out, incredibly funny mix of hyper, music, yelling and well, just LOUDness. It was awesome. I can't tell you how incredibly thrilled and surprised I was to see all of my dreams come true at once. Doyle's was a pretty chill pub/old style cafe with delicious Sam Adams beer options, and boasted what looked to be a pretty tasty menu. Not to mention our server was really nice and took great care of us. I'm sad I didn't stay longer, but I guess I was in town for a wedding or something ridiculous that I had to attend. If you want the true Doyle's Experience, I highly recommend taking the Sam Adams brew tour first. Seriously. Do it. This place DID NOT disappoint.
(5)
Donna B.

Yes, tourists go there. Yes, we were tourists. But we had a great lunch, wonderful service, and a wonderful time. What more can one ask for when visiting a landmark.
(4)
Tracy N.

Came here after the Sam Adams Brewery tour via the party trolley! It was fun! Got additional free beer glasses to the one provided to us during the tour. They have tons of Sam Adams brewskis on tap for your pleasure (love the cherry wheat!) and the food - typical pub/bar food - was on point!
(4)
Karina A.

I stopped here after a tour at Sam Adams Brewery. At first it seemed as if it was an amazing place with all the hype from the brewery. The food was great, I ordered the Boston Clam Chowder. When the bill came, the server accused me of not paying enough money to cover the bill, even though I gave her the full amount and a fair tip. She was extremely rude and yelled at me and snatched the bill from my hands. It turns out she was wrong but the server and management were too embarrassed to even speak to me or give me an apology. I highly doubt I will come here again. It was a horrible experience.
(1)
Ashley D.

3.5 stars the novelty of doyle's is definitely the free party trolly ride and free pint glass from the sam adams brewery tour. they do market themselves well in this aspect because the food and drinks are actually really good. and the trolly guy is a great time. they have a bunch of sam beers on tap (one of the first bars to serve sam adams in the city) and for $5.50 and a brewery tour ticket you buy the beer and keep the glass as a souvenir. the food is great too. sweet potato fries and boston lager beer battered onion rings are my favorites, especially after drinking. my friends have also tried the clam chowder and say it's pretty decent. i wouldn't come out here on my own but for a pre or post-game for the brewery tour down the street it's a great time. friendly bartenders and pretty good service but it does get crazy crowded early afternoons on fridays/saturdays.
(4)
Melanie C.

We stopped off here after doing a tour of the Sam Adams brewery. You get a free Sam Adams glass if you come here after the tour and order a beer. This place is interesting because it's been around since the late 1800's and was the first place to sell Sam Adams, so it's steeped in history. The food is OK - your standard pub fare (I'd recommend the garlic fries) - but the reason to come here is for the beer, as they have a large selection of Sam Adams brews.
(3)
Paula H.

Had clam chawda and a cheeseburger. It. Was. Amazing! Service blew, but if you aren't in a rush (like we were) it wouldn't have been that big of a deal
(4)
Kathy C.

I go to Doyle's to meet up with people in a convenient place that has atmosphere, good beer (and other drinks) but the food is blah. Soggy pizza, thick, lumpy clam chowder. You don't go for the food. Be forewarned.
(2)
Sara M.

Some friends and I did the post-Brewery lunch here and had a nice lunch. Touristy feel but lots of fun. My turkey club was good (mayo on the side?) and the fries were crispy. BTW - pitchers of bloody marys - woohoo
(4)
Jim S.

Took the Sam Adams tour and trolly here but sat next to some locals at the bar and enjoyed every minute. Had the German plate, substituting German potato salad for the fries. .. Great! about $10. Fun crowd and recommended!
(5)
joyce k.

This is a typical dive bar, but with crappy service and not so good food. We went on a Saturday afternoon and sat at the bar. It wasn't even that busy, but it took forever for someone to take our order. The food wasn't that good either, it wouldn't surprise me if they bought all their stuff frozen at Sam's Club and basically just reheated it. I'm sorry, i wish i could give them more accolades, especially considering that so many movies have been filmed at Doyle's but our experience was just meh.
(2)
Lina L.

perfect after the brewery tour. don't get your sam adams glass at the brewery, come here and order any sam adams beer for 8.50 and you get to keep the glass, just exchange for a new glass at the bar. food here was okay, service was awesome though. i probably would come here again just for the service.
(3)
Jess N.

Wait where's the trolley taking us? Oh Doyle's... I headed hear with a slew of folks after a Sam Adams Brewery tour. The restaurant seemed like it was packed with fellow tour-goers. Party of 9, no reservation during lunch time on a Saturday -- no problem (plus 1). The waitress took our orders promptly. Everyone ordered burgers except for me, I ordered a cup of clam chowder. Yet, I waited for at least 5 minutes while everyone ate for a cup of soup... does it really take that long to scoop (minus 1)? No one really exclaimed about their food, and the clam chowder was average (neutral point). I don't really see any other reason to come here except if you're trying to get a Sam Adams glass on a discount with you brewery ticket... besides, JP is full places my tummy rates more than 2 stars.
(2)
Ashley L.

I always come here after the sam adams brewery tour and so far I've had the reuben the chowder, the sweet potato fries and the pot belly All were delicious and I was them down with a glass of Sam Adams. I especially love this place because they always get exclusive Sam beers like the 26.1 that Sam produced for the marathon, which is my favorite of all time. Love the boston history on the walls and the always patient wait staff.
(5)
Chris L.

Doyle's existed and was a local institution before it became a stop on the Sam Adams brewery tour and before Mystic River. My grandfather brought my parents to Doyle's in the late 1940s and 1950s. My uncle is in the 1955 Mary Curley School class picture hanging outside the bathrooms. When I was born in 1960 I was brought home to a house a few doors down on Williams Street and my parents brought me in to Doyle's. When my kids were little I brought them to Doyle's. Recently my girlfriend and I visited on a Thursday afternoon. The place was packed. The bartender was hustling filling drink orders for the waitresses, taking orders from the patrons at the bar, and washing the Sam Adams MIT engineered beer glasses as fast as he could. We found a couple seats at the bar. When the bartender came over, He apologized, "I'm good at my job, but I tell you, I'm getting my ass kicked. I'll get to you as soon as get these glasses cleared." In a few minutes, as promised, he took our drink orders: Sam Adams Chocolate Bock and a Sam Adams Brick Red Irish Ale. That's one of the benefits of the Sam Adams/Doyle's alliance: you can find hard to get, if not impossible to find elsewhere, Sam Adams brews. The downside is the Sam Adams party trolley that arrives full of new customers looking for their free MIT engineered Sam Adams glass full of beer. In a bit, the waitress came over. The bartenders don't do food. We ordered New England Boiled Dinner and fish sandwich. Both came quickly and were excellent. I hope Doyle's popularity as a destination on the Sam Adams tour doesn't wreck it as a great place to grab a beer and food. I want it to be around when my kids have kids. And by the way, any real clam chowder worth eating has pork fat in it - smokey, smokey, pork fat.
(5)
Justin R.

STROBE LIGHTS! STRIPPER POLES! FOG MACHINES! KARAOKE! DISCO BALLS! PARTY MUSIC! DOYLE'S!!!!!!!!!! That's exactly how our party bus driver greeted us. Really, it was! It sounds ridiculous, but its true. We took the bus from the Sam Adams Brewery over to Doyle's, because why not? It was free and they were giving us a ride to a bar. Sounds like winning to me. After starting the party bus, he (who I forgot his name) floored it while simultaneously pumping the breaks! This made for an interesting ride over to Doyle's to say the least. Some fellow riders, had a look of fear in there eyes. But now us, we embrace our ride. Once you get to Doyle's you can buy a pint of Sam Adams for $5.50 and keep the awesome Sam Adams glass. Deal? More like steal! The food looked delicious, but we had just eaten, so nothing but beer filled our bellies. If you are at Sam Adams, a ride on the party bus to Doyle's is a must do. Don't worry, if you fly out of your seat there is always a stripper pole to grab onto.
(5)
Tyler L.

We consider ourselves pescetarians although we eat fish very rarely. While taking the party trolly from Sam Adams the driver was gushing about "Doyle's famous clam chowder," so we decided this was going to be one of those times we'd give in. We arrived in a great mood from leaving the brewery and liked the feel of the pub. We promptly ordered two beers (you get to keep the glasses if you have a tour ticket) and put in an order for clam chowder and onion rings. I feel like these are two very safe bets to order in a pub. Well, upon receiving the chowder and giving it a try, I realized it had a funny taste. I definitely detected the taste of pork in my chowder. We asked the waitress and sure enough, there was bacon in the chowder! The menu description definitely did not list bacon. The waitress didn't really apologize or anything - just asked if we wanted cream of mushroom or another soup. Eventually we asked to talk to the manager, if only to make ourselves feel better. We went on to explain to him what had happened and that we hadn't eaten pork since another restaurant blind-sided us. He said he was sorry in a manner that seemed disingenuous, then said, "Doesn't clam chowder always have bacon in it?" NO!!! Never in my life have I ordered clam chowder and received a bowl with pig-flesh in it. Maybe you'd be fine with this place if you eat meat but we rate it NSFV: NOT SAFE FOR VEGETARIANS!
(2)
Saejin L.

Brought here after the Sam Adams tour like everyone else. The free bus ride here from the brewery and back to the T is great! Food is alright. I had the french dip, my friend had the pastrami with sweet potato fries, and my other friend had the lobster sandwich. Out of the three the pastrami was the best. Their portions are quite large and no one at our table was remotely close to finishing their plate. Lots of wasted fries. Sad. The sweet potato fries are better than the steak fries. It was difficult to get the attention of a server and they seem rushed, but it's all a part of the charm of the place, I suppose.
(3)
Ryan W.

For drinks and apps, you can't beat it. For a free Sam Adams glass if you've gone through the free Sam Adams tour- it doesn't get much better. It's a few blocks from the Sam Adams Brewery and they talked it up during the tour. My fiance and I went here for a drink and some onion rings after our tour. For less than $20, we had two beers (Sam Adams Chocolate Cherry Bock, TRY IT!), an order of onion rings- and we got to take home two Sam Adams glasses. Pretty awesome. Service was nice. Atmosphere was nice. Price wasn't bad. I don't have many complaints about this place. Not sure i'd go here to drink as its more of a restaurant-type pub. If you're doing the Sam Adams tour, make sure you take the free shuttle here to get your Sam Adams glass.
(4)
Heather S.

Like many others, we ventured here via the post-brewery tour "Party Trolley." We hadn't originally planned a trip, but the free ride, free pint glass with a beer purchase, and the fact that we were basically drunk and hungry at noon detoured us to Doyle's. Glad we went! It was a fun, friendly atmosphere. The waitress was great and the clam chowda was delish!
(4)
Andrew R.

"Yay! I'm a fan." says it all - if only for the simple fact that it's the best place to get a free Sam pint glass (aside from swiping it from somewhere - but you wouldn't do that, right?)
(4)
Jeffrey K.

Stony Brook on the Orange Line! As it seems with everyone else, we hit up Doyle's after the Sam Adam's brewery tour. One can tell that this place's sole purpose in life is to receive the drunken patrons of the tour :-) You have to go here after the tour because (a) the party trolley on the way over is pretty much the best thing ever (see my review of the Brewery and it's reference to stripper poles, etc), and (b) you need to get the Sam Adams special glass; it's cheaper and you get beer in it. That being said, they're not so hot. The food is standard american/irish pub grub, and the service is really slow. They're certainly riding on their guaranteed business from Sam Adams. So I suggest going there once after your first time to Sam Adams for the fun and the glass. Everytime after the first, just go if you're with someone who's never been, or you need more of the glasses.
(2)
Dawn E.

I'm pretty sure our AWESOME Waitress, Mary, was my mother's waitress when she went here in the late 60's. She was just the right combination of ornery and sweet. LOVED HER. None of our stuff came out together, but that wasn't her fault, since no one ordered together. And she had no issues creating a separate check when I asked in advanced. The setting it okay... run of the mill Irish pub except maybe a little bit too well lit. But then, in that part of town, maybe too well lit isn't such a bad idea. The food was pretty damned good. No one ordered anything that wasn't bar food so maybe that had something to do with it, but even bar food can be bad. Also, I have a strawberry shortcake which was tasty and not too big. And Murphy's Stout for $4? WIN!
(4)
Alexis B.

DOYLE'S!?! What happened?? You used to be so great. We went there twice this weekend. Twice? Yes twice. First we were told they were serving lunch. All I wanted was a burger and onion rings. We sit we decide our order the waitress comes over and no lunch. Excuse me but the definition of brunch is breakfast and lunch. So we left. Went back the next day. Again promised they had burgers. They did! Yay! 3 burgers, onion rings, and chowder. It takes thirty minutes for the rings to come out. Ok. We mow them down. It's quite unearthly how fast they are gone. We wait. We wait. We have been there for over an hour and fifteen minutes now. The waitress is really nice and brings us out fries. If they can make fries- why can't they make burgers? I don't get it. Finally after an hour and fourty minutes we get the check and leave burgerless. I don't know what happened or much less don't care. We will not return to this establishment as long as I live in Boston. Wow Doyle's way to lose a customer!
(1)
Brian D.

I'm making an effort to go to every pub that I've basically written off over the last few years to give them a second chance. This is my way of contributing to the economic recovery. Aren't I a very conscientious citizen? You can read 'citizen' as 'rummy' if you so choose. For your benefit I may even spell check this review. I end up at Doyle's usually about twice a year. It's never anything to rave about. Unless. Unless you are part of a kick ass party or unless you are already hammered and there on St. Paddy's Day to see all the local Boston semi political celebrities. It's pissah, kid. Here are some things to know about this joint: -The service at Doyle's is so hit or miss. -The food quality at Doyle's is so hit or miss. -There is often a wait for a table. Coming with a group, either call or bring your patience cap. -The atmosphere at Doyle's is always colorful. -Mediocre beer list. -Tuesday is trivia night. -The ATM machine charges a $3 surcharge. -They DO accept credit cards (this is a recent upgrade). -The Sunday brunch is hell on earth but excellent people watching. -Somebody punched a hole in the door to the men's room. -There are 3 parking lots. -Children tend to run wild in the aisles and climb the booths like monkeys. -The booths are tiny and will cause loss of circulation in your thighs and lower back. Dr. Brian recommends a stiff drink to offset this agony. All in all. Doyle's is totally mehhhhhhhhhh. But. I just can't give this place 2 stars. It really is a neighborhood haunt, despite all the tourists that love it and come through for the Sam Adams Brewery Tour (which is a total waste for beer geeks but fun for everybody else). It's a classic. For god's sake it's had cameos in movies (Mystic River). Go at least once and form your own opinion.
(3)
Kelsy S.

I really enjoyed Doyle's. It's nice that they have the free shuttle from the Sam Adams Brewery and it's even nicer that you get a free Sam Adams glass with your first beer purchase (after having gone to the tour). The shuttle ride has a colored disco ball and the driver makes it seem like it's a party bus, which is funny. The clam chowder was REALLY tasty and creamy (but not too heavy), my husband and I loved it. I had the tuna melt and it was very good with a good amount of flavor (not bland like some tuna melts I've had). The "garlic" fries were good...except that they didn't really taste like garlic at all. I asked the waitress about it and she said they just sprinkle garlic salt to make them garlic fries. It doesn't really work in my opinion. A sweet potato fry got mixed in on accident and it was very good :) My husband had the mozzarella garlic bread. The marinara sauce that came with it was pretty gross, but the bread was good dipped in the chowder.
(4)
Jenna A.

After touring the Sam Adams brewery, my friends and I hopped on the party trolley to come here. We wanted something quick to eat and, of course, to get a couple free glasses. I had the potato skins and... meh. Worst potato skins I've ever had. Service... was... really... s... l... o... w. Ask for a beer and it takes ten minutes to show up. When the waitress brought my friends burgers and fries, she neglected to bring ketchup. And she never checked to see if I needed more water or anything. But yes, the ride here is free. And for the cost of a beer ($4 or $5), you get a free glass. And the food is pretty cheap. I guess it's worth coming here if you're going on the Sam Adams tour.
(2)
Susan L.

We were part of the Sam Adams tour so we took the trolley here for lunch and free beer glasses. We ordered what the trolley guy recommended: reuben, onion rings, bison burger, and the lobster roll. He kept going on and on about how the lobster roll is so much cheaper there than in the city. Its true about the cheaper price but it wasn't as amazing as he hyped it up to be. Same goes for the rest of the food, I thought it was better than regular American food but nothing amazing. I will admit that I liked the Sam Adams Cider and normally I don't like any kind of beer. The place is huge so don't worry about not getting a table.
(3)
D. B.

Gourmet food this is not, but Doyle's is a great place to go to grab a bite to eat and a couple of drinks. It's got neighborhood-pub-charm, and that's enough for me! My friends and I used to frequent the place for lunch during the work week or dinner and drinks. (Once a week Doyle's offers STUMP trivia... it's free to play and the winners usually win gift certificates to Doyle's -- runners up win free shirts, mugs, etc.) I've never been disappointed with my food at Doyle's. Over the years I've tried a bunch of pub classics: turkey club, salads, turkey burger, all manner of appetizers (nachos, potato skins, etc.), sweet potato fries, the pizza, and even some of the "fancier" dishes that occasionally grace the menu. My friends favorites also include the BLT, the German plate, the Reuben, and a few of the dinner specials. The service isn't particularly great, nor is the atmosphere anything to write home about. That being said, Doyle's can (and does) easily accommodate large parties with virtually no notice. They're willing to let us sit around for a few hours having dinner, playing trivia, and having a drink. In fact, if you're looking for somewhere to loiter, I'd vote for Doyle's -- I've never felt like I'm getting the boot. The food is reasonably priced, the drinks are good, and it's a good place to gather with a group of friends.
(4)
Ally M.

I loved the feel and decor of this bar, very New England. We stopped off here after going to the Sam Adam's brewery. I had already made dinner reservations at another place beforehand but had I not; we would've eaten here. The food looked and smelled delicious! They have an extensive beer draft list. A must stop if you take the Sam Adam's tour. The guy that drives the trolley is hands down one of the funniest characters I've ever met!!
(5)
Christina V.

We came here after the Samuel Adams tour to score some free beer glasses! The waitress was efficient, and really helpful when we inquired on the seemingly nonexistent nightlife around the area. I ordered the 'wing-dings' with the buffalo sauce on the side (she said they were really spicy) and my fiance ordered a burger and fries. All of our food was DELICIOUS! Seriously.. and I'm not just saying that because I was beer buzzed when I went in there!! lol My fiance and i couldn't have had a better time! GO DOYLES!!!!!! LOVE YA!!
(5)
Roni E.

Ohhhh Doyle's. His place is really nothing special, really. It's roomy, got a bunch of booths. Even a phone booth. But Doyle's seem to be more of a sit down kinda place than an actual bar. Me likes they have a menu. But..... there really wasn't anything that particularly jumped out at me. John and I ended up splitting the buffalo chicken and the garlic fries. Hmmm..... the garlic fries, aren't really all that garlicky. They just seemed like regular fries to me. Can we please get some garlic up in here? The buff chicken - probably frozen tenders with buffalo sauce poured over it. The margarita - mehhhh I've had better. But Mary, our server, she was great for dealing with us and thank you for that. Although I wasn't impressed with neither the food or the drinks, I did enjoy the atmosphere and the way they are set up. The overly large booths allows you to have up to 8 or 9 Yelpers in 1 booth and enough privacy because of the tall backs, that you don't need to worry about having "dirty" conversations.
(3)
Diane S.

After the sammuel adams brewery tour we went here to doyle's via the free trolly to get our free glasses! I had the most amazing beer here it was dark & I'm pretty sure cherry chocolate flavored. Prices were moderate I spent $40 on 5 beers & a side of fries including tip. My buddy said the fries were amazing, they were good but my heart belongs to McDonald's & red robins bottomless fries haha! I was so drunk, and had to pee every 30 minutes literally! Thank goodness their bathroom was clean. We also had a shot of alcohol at this bar & my bestie was raving about the bartender being so generous with the glass of diet coke. I suggest going here after your tour, grad a bite to eat, get some sam adams beer served no where else & get your free glass :)
(4)
Rob C.

If i had only an hour or so to give an out-of-towner a flavor of Boston, i think i could probably do worse than taking them to Doyle's. It's dingy, old, used, and comfortable, replete with memorabilia from politicians famous and otherwise. The waitstaff seem like they've been there forever, and our waitress was very grandmotherly and nice. They pour a good Guinness and have a convenient arrangement with the nearby Sam Adams brewery whereby they have a good selection of their beers. It's a good beer selection in general. They've got comfy booths, a big, long bar, several big rooms, and the only TVs are at the bar if you want to avoid that sort of thing. The food is pretty standard pub food, simple, but tasty and done well. It goes well with beer, not unlike myself.
(4)
Josephine F.

Getting here was so fun, the crazy free bus ride, from San Adams Brewery tour. The bus driver really made the trip to Doyle's extra interesting, loud music, disc lights, strip pole and the way he braked OMG better hang on to your seats. They were busy and I had my heart set on the Bison Burger but they were all sold out! So Cheeseburger it was, and it was juicy and cooked just right. The fries were still hot! / i1221.photobucket.com/alâ€¦ Hubby ordered Grilled Reuben Sandwich, wow after a few bites of his sandwich I think I ate most of his, very tasty. / i1221.photobucket.com/alâ€¦ Fast & Friendly service.
(4)
Walker H.

I biked to this place with a friend who lives nearby in Jamaica plain. The food was decent, the beer selection was alright (they're right down the street from the Sam Adams Brewery & I've been told were one of the first places to serve Sam Adams beer), and the service was friendly and fairly efficient.
(3)
Opal L.

I live close to this place and it's reliable in terms of getting a good meal for a reasonable price. I love the lamb dinner (when they have it) on Saturday nights. Otherwise, the turkey dinner or pizza are great options. If you have friends coming to visit, it's a great place to go because they serve typical American food with Sam Adams beer. The paintings and decorations on the wall with Paul Revere, Bill Clinton, and other famous people would make any red-blooded American proud. Just remember that this is a pub. Don't go expecting high class gourmet food. It can get noisy because there is no carpeting and there might be a lot of people in there. Just enjoy the beer and the big piles of food!
(4)
George W.

Old-school Boston at it's finest/worst. I'm 3rd generation Bostonian, so (probably) like all of you natives I have a love hate relationship with our fair city. Here's the quick lowdown, cause no one wants to hear my life story: The Wicked Pissah: -Great chowda-clammy, creamy, baconish. -Good Guiness pour-clean tap lines -You get free glassware if you tell them you went on the Sam Adams tour -Badass breakfast hash. It'll put meat on your bones and kill a JP yuppie dad at first bite. -JFK ate here -Boston cops and firemen eat here -Big place, easy to get a table -Decent pizza -Folks from the area run the joint, a true Boston restaurant. The frickin bullshit dude: -You apparently need 750 years of experience to be on the waitstaff. They all have Alzheimer's and will forget that they sat you, or got your order, or you asked for the check or that the civil war is over. The bartenders are fine. -Weak Bloody Marys. No booze in them at all. -Drunk ass brawlers hang out there at night. I don't mind, just be aware. -Folks from the area run the joint, a true Boston restaurant.
(4)
juan g.

It may be a tourist trap, but it's a tourist trap with some personality and a free Sam Adam's glass. They partner with Sam Adam's and shuttle people to and from it so there is a continuous stream of folks being shipped in semi liquored up state who are looking to continue there lush ways all day. I know, I was lushered in at a little past noon. Standard bar fare, wings, burgers, pizza. I had a cheeseburger with a few fine Boston lagers to accompany my meal. The service is sufficient, not to shabby for a place this large. The food is good; it's a bar after all so don't expect some gourmet grub here. The best part IMO is the ton of posters and items they have hanging on the walls all over the place. The joint is huge and everywhere you look WWII, WWI, Vietnam memorabilia is up. Remember TOJO is watching!
(3)
Amanda B.

Rating: 3.5 stars. The best thing about Doyle's is their great selection of beer. We came here right after the Sam Adam's brewery tour. The free trolley and promise of more beer was all we needed to hear. I had the grilled cheese with tomato and sweet potato fries and the cherry wheat sam adams. The grilled cheese was good - a diner version of the grilled cheese I know and love from childhood. But the sweet potato fries - wow. just wow. LOVED those. I think they're somewhat common in Boston, but this was my introduction to them - and I'm so glad we finally met! The cherry wheat ale was also really great. They paired well together too. I haven't been able to find the cherry wheat ale since then. The booths seemed old - I could tell Doyle's had been around for while. The ladies room was older too. The toilets took a minute to flush - and the whole place felt a little muggy. But overall, it was a pleasant ambiance with a wide variety of people there. Families with small children, as well as business lunches. And although they weren't the friendliest, the waitstaff never kept us waiting for very long.
(4)
A H.

Took the party trolley from the Sam Adams brewery and ate the best lobster roll ever! This place is great. And Jason, the trolley driver, is hilarious. The only downside is the service. They're really slow here, especially when it gets even remotely busy. So, be prepared to wait.
(4)
Christopher W.

Overall terrible experience here. Incredibly loud due to the fact that the place was packed with tour groups (which was to be expected), but the hostess made no effort to speak over the volume, and disappeared for minutes at a time while "allegedly" preparing tables. We then waited about 15 minutes for someone to serve us, but to no avail. Finally flagged down a waitress who notified a rather grouchy lady with pour hygiene that we had been seated in her section. I ordered a burger which was mediocre, and the rest of my group ordered a flavorless chowder, a sub-par pastrami sandwich and a "non-traditional" Caesar salad that came with eggs and tomatoes and showed up as a Greek salad on the bill. We didn't even bother ordering beers from our waitress; it would have taken longer to eat our meal than to actually get our drink orders filled. The whole ordeal took about an hour and a half, during which we saw our waitress twice. Good riddance Doyle's. You have successfully lowered my standards for dive bars.
(2)
Jill G.

Not so great food, but the atmosphere is cute and the drinks are pretty standard. The Sam Adam's Brewery Tour recommends you to Doyle's afterwards, and if you get a drink there you get to keep your glass. A nice perk!
(3)
Sean J.

Good drink selection and the food seems great. But why do I have to sit on the toilet for hours after I go to you.. Take out the Olean from your deep fryer :(
(3)
Stephen K.

Doyle's is an institution - they know it and they milk it for all it's worth. The whole Boston Irish diaspora theme is plastered all over the walls, with pictures of famous Boston pols everywhere. The food is more expensive than it should be and the service can be very spotty. However, the fact of the matter is that this is an awesome place to get drunk.
(3)
Sarah S.

It gets an A+ for atmosphere, but the food's really not all that good. The most disappointing thing, foodwise, is that they don't have the full menu on weekends until like, 4pm or some shit. When I go out for a beer after my softball game, usually I'm not looking for an american cheeze omelet to go with it, ya know? The beer selection's quite good. The regular menu's hit or miss, with almost nothing in the way of vegetarian fare, and the brunch menu kinda blows. The service is pretty good, and they can usually seat large parties (like a softball team) pretty quickly because they're so large. So if you have a big group, it's a good place to go and have some chance of being seated.
(3)
Matthew M.

Doyle's is the kind of place that fits the stereotype of Irish Boston. It's no wonder so many movies that take place in Boston include scenes that were shot here. The food is mediocre-to-good, depending on what you order, but really, this is just a great place to come with a group of friends to drink Guinness and chill (or to watch a sox game!). I do have one caveat: NEVER go here on St. Patrick's day. A group of friends and I tried it this year and wound up waiting in line for two hours to get in. What was the reward for being so patient/persistent? Some drunken fratboy almost jumped me when I complained to the bouncer that he cut in front of us in line. The drunkard was allowed in ... we weren't. We wound up going somewhere else where the crowd was less belligerent. What upsets me the most is that the guys working the door refused to tell us when they would let more people in, that it could be "any minute" but that they weren't sure. All they had to do was say "it'll be awhile" and we would have gone somewhere else and saved everybody alot of frustration. Instead, 2 hours of our lives were slowly leached out of us, you know, kind of like when you've been waiting for the bus for a long time and you're tempted to just walk, but you keep thinking "I've been waiting so long that it HAS to come soon," but it never does, and you spend twice as long waiting as it would have taken you to walk, if you had only known? It was kind of like that, only with lots of drunken frat-types surrounding you. Nevertheless, despite my rant, one bad experience does not a bad review make. Doyle's is definitely one of my favorite places in Boston overall.
(5)
Tanya C.

The best chowda! The services was good during the lunch rush.
(4)
Kate M.

Had fish and chips waiting for a Sam Adams brewery tour, they were surprisingly good. Could've been that my expectations are lower unless it's a real chip shop. Great beer selection (natch) if you're into that kind of thing. No complaints.
(3)
Jenn H.

im sorry to say this but Doyles is wayy over rated. The food is just not good. Their turkey special, i felt as if i was going to throw up, the whole thing tasted like in was soaked in alcohol. Their fish is dry. I wouldn't waste my money in there anymore.
(1)
Day B.

This place is just all-around fun to be at. They've got a good tap selection, they are open late, tv show the games, lots of tables. The food is actually really good, especially brunch. It's a real Boston-feel hangout, esp. on Saturdays. However, they don't accept credit cards...aarrggghhhh! I saw that someone else here doesn't like the little salads, but I happen to really like them. Yeah, they are iceberg and all, but they are pretty yummy with the topings, and their creamy italian dressing tastes good.
(4)
Max N.

Dismal. Awful food, depressing atmosphere (overwhelmingly huge and charmless). If I want an Irish pub, I'll go to the utterly charming little gem of Matt Murphy's in Brookline, with extremely good food, hearty Irish soda bread, friendly waitstaff, and excellent non-beer drinks. (I drink nearly any alcoholic beverage, but not beer.)
(1)
JBird Z.

Doyle's is a good place to come to relax with friends, have a few beers, watch a game etc. I wouldn't come here for the first-10th dates though. While the food does lean on the nasty side (They are capable of screwing up onion rings!), I've been pleased with their pizza, burgers, and German Plate (2 kinds of wurst, saukraut, rye bread ...). The wait staff is usually pretty friendly, not around much when it gets busy, the atmosphere is great with interesting photographs, posters, and signs to occupy your eyes while your friend runs to the loo.
(3)
Susan D.

I came here for a Saturday brunch. They accommodated our 12+ group rather quickly even sans reservations. My end of the table got mostly lunch items on which I can only comment. Personally I got a burger with mushroom and cheese. It had a fancy name that I fail to remember, probably related to something or someone local. It was decent though overcooked for medium-well. My significant other got the garlic fries, which taste fine - sorta like steak fries. And a pal got his burger with the sweet potato fries, which were great! Overall, the food was typical bar/commercial American-style food that please most people's palate. Though nothing extraordinary. This place is actually a 3.5 stars, mainly for good service and good location from the Sam Adams Brewery.
(3)
Kristina M.

A longstanding institution in the area this place certainly has history. A good old-school pub that you should have visited at least once if you live in the area, but all in all it's average as far as food and service go.
(3)
matt o.

Its average in a good way
(3)
David R.

Came here after the Sam Adams tour. Showed my tour stamp and bought my Sam Adams and got to keep the "pefect pint" glass. Stayed for some chowder, got it in the bread bowl. Best bread bowl chowder I've ever had.
(4)
Amanda G.

Went to Doyles on a sat night hoping it'd be some cool irish pub - not quite happening. More a family dinner scene and an older bar crowd, but the bartender was nice and people were chill locals so wouldn't be so bad to make it your towny bar. I always see lots of people smoking outside.... does that make you wanna go? or not go?
(3)
Jamie F.

Came here for breakfast...while the service was a bit slow, especially since we were pretty much the only customers there, the food was decent. Try the poached eggs and hash. However, the highlight for me was their Bloody Mary's. The best I've had in quite a while! I'd definitely go back again, just for those.
(4)
alex f.

It's your prototypical Irish mob front with cheapish tap beers and turkey burgers that aren't cooked all the way through. Two doors from the Midway it provides an easy place to save 50 cents a beer before marching into the bedlams that are lesbian dance nights, and is always an ideal spot for eating fried food after a Sam Adam's Brewery tour that you're still questioning why you went. You'll be served by someone who could care less about you, but if you don't mind that and the tribes of sox fans enjoy! But in all seriousness cut your turkey burger in half before eating it to check for raw pink spots.
(2)
Amanda S.

NEWS FLASH- Doyle's now accepts credit cards! This is great for those of us who never carry any cash. The people at Doyle's are so friendly and accomodating. The menu has a good selection of your classic bar food- potato skins, buffalo wings, burgers (including a veggie), sandwiches (great reubens- I had the turkey), soups & salads. Everything with the exception of the dinner plates is around $8, dinner plates are $15+. A simple children's menu is also available. Doyle's can look a bit menacing from the outside, but step on in and the place is warm & inviting- plenty of seating in the bar, but also additional rooms with tables/booths if you prefer to dine outside of the bar.
(4)
Margery G.

Went to Doyle's for a beer after work. We sat at the bar where the bartender carefully ignored us-- too busy taking out the trash. After waiting a while, we walked out, went to James Gate (which was great).
(2)
Melissa C.

This is a great spot for drinks and bar food. It is super casual, has an authentic feel, and friendly service. Decent beer selection and big food portions. The food is a little pricey, but hey, it's Boston.
(4)
Nancy N.

It pains me to write this, but since no one has been listening to me for several years, i feel obliged. I've been a regular at Doyle's since before the Orange line came down. For those non-Bostonians out there, that means over 20 years. I know the joint. Firstly let me say that the atmosphere is fabulous. High tin ceilings, old dark wooden bar, oak booths, creaky wooden floors (ok half wood and half worn-out linoleum!) large painted murals on the walls and oodles of political paraphernalia everywhere. I only sit in the front room as, for me, that is the real Doyles (the back two rooms were added in the early 90s) The wait staff are terrific- most of them have been working there for several years, if not decades. The beer menu is top-notch. Naturally it features Sam Adams' products, but there are plenty others to choose from. (though why go outside the Sam family, I don't know!) Now for the not-so-nice part. The food, which was never stellar, has been going steadily downhill for years. The last two years it has only accelerated. The pizza was always reliable, but even that isn't worth it anymore. The burgers- meh. The potato skins, ok (at least they still use real potatoes and bacon) Is it worth stopping in here? Yes. Great libations and a hip atmosphere; just don't go with any expectations of good food. .
(2)
Marcus D.

Doyles is great for beers only - the food sucks. Friends born and bred in JP warned me, but I had to see first hand - I think I've eaten there twice and both times were disappointing (the restaurant service was horrible). That aside, it's a fun time sitting at the bar - you will always meet a character or two and enjoy some laughs. They have a great selection of beers and the bartenders are cool. The place smells old (like Amrheins before they ruined it) and it's a haunt of all the State House hacks - check the newspapers, if some politico dies or a relative of a sitting solon kicks the bucket, chances are if the burial is at Forest Hills, there will be some very thirsty mourners knocking back a few at Doyles, whether it be the Postmaster of Boston or the Mayor Mumbles. A friend decribed Doyles as what Cheers the TV show tried to impress on people but in reality the real Cheers is a HUGE joke. For better food, hit the Galway House on Centre St.
(3)
Bonnie G.

Great for large groups or just having a drink with a friend/date at the bar. Food is fine, drinks are well poured and I think I am always too drunk to notice the music. This place IS Boston in a way and deserves a visit if you are from outta town. If you live in Boston, get your ass over here-this is the REAL John Hancock.
(4)
Charlie J.

You don't go to this place for the food but if you are careful you can be happy with what you order. If you are a tourist, you MUST go to Doyle's as the atmosphere is really amazing. Make sure you don't visit Boston without going to Doyle's at least once. Limited vegetarian menu but they do have a veggie burger and you can order the veggies of the day as side orders. If you love imported beer and history, you will love this place. It really is a favorite for locals, in fact, 95% of their business is local so it can't be all that bad. The locale can be creepy if you are from small town USA so just go for lunch instead of dinner. New Yorkers will be comfortable going there any time of the day. Parking in the back as well as on the street and additional parking down the small lane across from the entrance. Breakfast is the most dependable meal. You will be happy with anything you order. For lunch or dinner, ask your waitperson for suggestions.
(5)
Mike C.

one of my all time favorites,an original Boston Landmark that still maintains Boston character, Great selection of beer, serves brunch, pizza and dinner, Food is solid, Dinner specials daily, pretty good pizza, worth the visit
(4)
P D.

Great destination for a lazy weekend breakfast. Great atmosphere, good food, good service. Yum!
(4)
Jean J.

Decent food. Horrible service. I usually only go now if I have guests who want to go somewhere "famous".
(3)
patrick g.

They only place I really want to have breakfast in JP. Irish to a fault - you've never seen so many Kennedy and Pope pictures on the wall in one place. Sweet potato fries? Divine corned beef hash? Surly Boston Irish waitresses? And the bar's whiskey selection is second to none.
(4)
chungo m.

not so hot food. not so fast service. good cheap everything and nice bathrooms.
(3)
Christopher M.

I should first say that I live right around the corner from Doyle's and therefore order Doyle's take-out probably more often than I should. The food is typical of most bars, but they do have some exceptionally delicious items. I'm in love with the Reuben, best I've ever had, hands down. The burgers are all quality (not quite Bartley's, but...), the Caribbean Chicken Wings come with a very unique, delicious sauce and the Royal Turkey Dinner special is exactly what you want it to be. Contrary to other comments, I truly think their breakfast is solid. They may not have the unique charm of Sorella's or Centre St. Cafe, but damn do they know how to cook eggs! If you want a perfect set of eggs over easy, with good home fries and toast, don't waste your time in line anywhere else in JP. And I really should say that I think their pizza is a solid pie. Fresh tomatoes can always be tasted in the sauce and the crust is far superior to nearby Burritos Pizzeria. Same Old Place might be a little better, but they're both quality pizzas. The recent credit card thing is nice too.
(5)
Kyle F.

the food is hit or miss (i do say they have some fantastic sandwiches and turkey burgers), but it's the atmosphere that make's Doyle's great. the history. and the excellent beer selection.
(4)
seana m.

If you don't know Doyle's you must be living under a rock. You don't need a car to get there either. You can take the Orange line to Green Street and walk up Washington Street to get there. You'll often see local politicians like Menino and his cohorts. Many movies and TV shows have been shot there. One time I visited and the cast of Boston Public was filiming. The place is huge. Go over for a beer after work or for Sunday brunch, after a softball game with the whole team, or for takeout. Great burgers, beef stew, soups, pizza, and more.
(5)
Lacey P.

If you come here for breakfast you better have all day to spend here, because these people are slooooowwwww.. I once ordered a pizza for breakfast on Halloween. And also french toast and fries. Ok I had a hangover. So the pizza came first but not the rest of the food and as a waitress myself I know it is not cool to bring just some of the food, unless of course it is an appetizer, which a pizza isn't. Then after we had eaten the pizza, which was good, we tried to tell the waitress that we didn't want the other food because it was taking too long and we didn't really feel that good, and she insisted that we wait for it and pay for it and take it home. It wasn't very good out of a styrofoam box. I have mixed reviews of this place. So the decor is nice and it has history, but I live up the street from it ,and I don't frequent it.
(2)
Joe B.

Doyle's is certainly a cool piece of history. But it should be noted that it is more of a cafe than it is a bar. The bar area is right in the same area you see families with little kids eating, and it's very bright. So it's a cool place, but you'd rather take your mother there to eat than go with friends to drink. I still give it 4 stars for having a really unique atmosphere though.
(4)
Max B.

I have been going to Doyle's since I was about four years old and climbing obnoxiously all over the comfortable privacy of their massive, wooden booths. For the family with the younguns, Doyle's offers a friendly, appropriate atmosphere; for the of-age, they have a large, stocked bar and plently of reasonably-priced Americana for your consuming pleasure. Excellent potato skins, big ol' cheeseburgers, and yes, it is very, very Irish, and very, very Boston. Go eat.
(4)
Merri L.

i lived fairly close to this place for a couple of years and my then roommates were fans of this place. i thought it was ok. the food was average pub food, but a little bit worse tasting. i didnt like the pizza. the veggie burger is very yummy tho. the fruit pancakes are not. i once got a free strawberry shortcake for lunch on my birthday! dont try to get in here for st patricks day, its too packed. i went one year for new years and it was very cheesy but fun. they had dinner and a champagne toast at midnight. i think the price went up from that, and i didnt want to do it again, but it was fun for once. so, a local hang out type place to get irishy pub food and know you're in a place that's famous enough to have lots of politicians and tv shows want to go there.
(3)
Ellie L.

Back before gastropubs and microbreweries were de rigeur, there was Doyle's in Jamaica Plain. Founded in 1882, this iconic Irish bar is a brick and mortar testament to latter-day Boston. From the crusty bartenders to the peeling green paint, every inch of this corner spot breathes Beantown atmosphere. With expertly poured pints, murals of lush Irish hills, and side-by-side posters of Uncle Sam and Sam Adams, Doyle's offers history without pretense. While you might not hear the latest music, you will taste the most recent seasonal beers from nearby breweries, which are offered along a selection of reasonably priced imports and toxic-looking Scotches. You'll more likely meet a suited politician than a potential suitor, so don't be afraid to sprawl in an ancient wooden booth, order a burger and a Guinness, and even drop a casual "wicked cool" into the conversation---it doesn't get more local than this.
(4)
Melissa B.

Great place for a pint & a burger. The food used to be better when I was a kid, but now I'm more interested in the Guinness.
(4)
bruno p.

my favorite indoor spot in boston. 'nuff said. good times.
(5)
Peter C.

DOYLES!!! (fist clench, pump) PROS: Free Sam Adams fancy (Scientific) glass when you order a Sam Adams. They say you need your tour ticket from Sam Adams brewery, but no one ever asks for mine, and I've been here 5 times (and counting), with large groups of friends visiting. Free Shuttle/Trolley over to Doyles from Sam Adams Brewery. Perfect to get lunch right after the tour, especially if you were guilty of pouring multiple beers using the left over pitcher excess that no one else wanted during the tasting. You know who you are! Don't drive, get some food and free glass via the shuttle ride to Doyles. Even if you only go to Doyle's for the glass, ride the Party Trolley. That thing is awesome. The driver/host guy (Jason), if off the hook. And I never use that term, EVER. He's literally the most excited person I've ever seen in my life. He's an internet meme... personified. The guy throws out movie references, history, trivia, you name it. Tip him!! He works hard to bring you laughs. DOYLES!! Some of the food is average, or slightly better than average. Reuben, Sweet Potato Fries, Clam Chowder, German Plate, the Burger... come to mind. CONS: The rest of the food at Doyles is really lackluster. Honestly, I had a few pretty bad things there, but most of it wasn't too exciting for me. Lobster roll wasn't great. And most of the stuff is greasy, average bar food, that Doyles doesn't seem to care to elevate, because they get the brewery traffic non-stop. OVERALL: I'd never go out of my way to go to Doyles to eat. BUT, to have a Sam Adams, get a free glass, buy a tee shirt, and maybe share an appetizer as I got buzzed... it's perfect. The attachment to Sam Adams Brewery and the free trolley make Doyle's a MUST visit.
(4)
Jess L.

I'm obviously not alone for only knowing about this place because of the Sam Adams tour. Just because I have to state it: Trolley at the end of the Sam Adams tour, crazy driver, DOYLES!, oldest highshcool, yada yada, get to DOYLES! Honestly guys, I was just there for the free glass you get by showing them your tour ticket. That being said, our waitress was sweet, the place had a really cool old vibe to it, and it was a super fun time because we had been amped up for it. If you're on the Sam Adams tour and don't have plans for a meal, hop on the trolley to DOYLES!
(4)
Michael P.

We, like pretty much everyone here, came from the Sam Adams beer tour to have lunch and claim our free glass. The service here was pretty good, Fast with bringing food and drinks. Friendly too! So you know the deal, come here after your Sam tour (either walking, cab or trolley) and order a Sam product and you can keep the glass - can't go wrong with that. I had the Bison burger. The meat is delicious but I did notice that it was overcooked for medium. This lead to it tasting a little drier than I like. The rest of the meal was great. The steak fries they serve with the burger are amazing. I'll definitely be back - be sure to come here after Sam to get your free glass! I hope they can fix whatever seems to be the issue that they seem to have where they overcook the meat. I'll be sure to upgrade to 5 stars if they do that.
(4)
Jennifer T.

Came here after going on the Sams Adam Brewery tour and so glad we did!! If you come and order a beer after your tour you get to keep your Sam Adams beer glass. They even have a great little station set up to wrap your glass in so you can get it safely home. Now onto what I really want to review and why the 5 stars. The Lobster Roll!! Which our trolley driver said was the best. So we figured we would give it a try and I'm so glad we did!! Best lobster roll, perfectly tender lobster not to much dressing..... Perfect! The only negative is that I want and crave it everyday. And now that I am back home it's not making me very happy!!
(5)
Emma H.

I've gone to Doyles Cafe sporadically throughout the years and it is your typical local Irish pub provided with a great selection of beers and historic decorations. The best thing about this place has to be their partnership with Sam Adams and having fresh brew on staff daily. As a big Sam Adams fan, it's great to go to a place with all the latest and greatest Sam Adam's brew's. As for the food--it's typically pub food. Not amazing nor terrible, but slightly in between. I suggest getting seafood or burgers here since the salad's aren't that great. Fun spot to check out local history in Boston and would recommend it to those who go on the brewery tour since you get to keep the beer glass you drink out of.
(4)
Jennifer G.

This restaurant is very mediocre. I came here after a Sam Adam's Brewery Tour, and I had high hopes, but...ultimately those hopes were crushed. I like the selection of Sam Adams. I ordered a cup of clam chowder and a pastrami sandwich to share with a friend. The chowder was decent, but nothing special. Pastrami sandwich took forever to come, and service was slow. Our waitress messed up our order and kept forgetting to bring waters, messed up our check, among many other things. The pastrami sandwich was so underwhelming. The meat was extremely dry, and I took forever to eat it. Fries were just average. I'm glad I got to try this restaurant for the experience, but I won't be coming back.
(2)
Georgie M.

I remember passing Doyle's back in the day. Jamaica Plain in the late 80s was in transition. The Green Line was not in the best of shape and a lot of homes were rundown, a few in foreclosure. Well all that has changed, hasn't it? Doyle's was one of those great bars that somehow managed to survive. Heck, even flourish, thanks to a little help from their friends. Now this may all be urban legend, but it is rumored the Sam Adams had its start here. Right here. What hasn't changed is that it's still a great place, good food, even better stuff on tap. I forgot all about this place until the Tour was over and I was heading here to pickup my free glass and hoping the the cook hadn't gone home. LOL I've taken a few photos of the interior and one of the exterior. If those floor boards and knotty wood bar could talk. Yes, a little corny, but Doyle's is old school. Very old school. I would have come here even if there wasn't a tie-in with Sam Adams, but only if I knew there were still here! Well, they are. Enjoy! PS -- Order the Reuben, it's delicious. Or maybe, that's the Sam Adams talking.
(4)
Patty G.

DOYLES!!! A free trolley takes you to Doyles if you come from the Sam Adams brewery. If you show them your ticket from the brewery you get to keep your Sam Adams glass when ordering a Sam Adams beer. This pub is definitely a local spot filled of character and history. Our waitress was absolutely the cutest!! She was sweet and helpful. Although the food was just okay I think we were more excited about the ambience. We both ordered their special which was grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and carrots. Kinda bland but not the worst meal I've had. Even if it's once you should definitely visit DOLEYS. This place is truly one of a kind and will give you a good Boston experience.
(3)
Queenie D.

Came in here during the 4th of July The guy that drove us from Sam Adams brewery to Doyle was absolutely a firecracker. He was so funny and made that short trip sooooo memorable. My husband and I travels A LOT and this 10 minute drive is one of our most favorite travel adventure. The driver was so hilarious and I suggest to leave him a tip before getting of the van. Now, Doyle's itself was pretty good. They were busy, but service was fast and friendly. We ordered the fried chicken dinner and it was big enough for two people to share. The chicken was flavorful and pretty good. We had the rice pilaf and I enjoyed that. We had a side order of salad as well, and I say, skip the salad cuz that was bleh. Now, if u order a glass of draft Sam Adams, u get to take a free glass home. All in all, it was a fun stop. Its not top notch, but it's most definitely pub fare. But seriously, that shuttle driver was hilarious!! DOYLES!!!!
(5)
Zaneta O.

For a neighborhood pub it's pretty busy but the fact that the trolley from Sam Adams brought over a huge group of people helped add to that fact. Unfortunately we arrived right after the trolley did, so we had to wait a few minutes to get inside. People were crowding around near the door instead of taking a seat. A waitress finally came over and got us a table. Knowing how busy it was we decided just to get drinks because it probably would have taken a while for our food to come out and we had several more stops in our journey. We had just come back from the brewery tour and we turned in our tickets for 3 full sized Sam Adams glasses (not small like the tasting glasses we were given at the brewery). I tried to order three different beers and I was having a stint of bad luck. It seemed like every single beer I tried to order was not available. I finally just settled on a random Sam Adams beer. I wasn't very happy with my choice but I drank it anyway. I was kind of looking forward to trying something I hadn't tried before. The waitress was very friendly. The place had the usual pub style decor, nothing fancy. I didn't like the saloon style bathroom stalls. There's no way to close or lock the door behind you do anyone can just walk in on you. Just as the next trolley arrived to pick people up the placed cleared out just as quickly as it filled up.
(3)
Chhai M.

Alright Samuel, you got me! The promotion that Sam Adams has with this place is a little genius, and totally worth it as this place would unrightfully go unnoticed by many who aren't locals otherwise. There's not much to say about this place that hasn't already been said or can be seen in the pictures posted. Alas, I will try. The place looks and feels like what a classic New England bar should be like, and dare I say, even a gold standard to traditional bars. Signs and posters advertising for local brews, pictures and paintings depicting the greatness of Americana, and classic bar or booth sitting as expected. The menu is classic, straightforward, and simple, but the food is not to be underestimated. I had a pulled pork while my friend had the fish and chips, both were really well done and definitely made with care as the meals came out looking like they came from a TV ad. Overall it was a great experience and a great find.
(5)
Pete H.

This is a great law enforcement friendly spot. The food was average, they primarily serve Sam Adams products but the service was outstanding. Our server was witty and funny and the bartenders were attentive. It also doesn't hurt that it is likely one of the oldest restaurants in the nation.
(3)
Chi T.

We came here after our tour of the Sam Adam's Brewery because we would get a free Sam Adams glass with a beer purchase. If you show proof that you've been to the Sam Adams brewery, then the glass is yours to keep gratis. Doyle's was the first restaurant to sell Samuel Adams beer, so they have special place in the heart of the brewery. It's basically pub food. I ordered their cheeseburger and my bf ordered their Reuben sandwich recommended by the driver who took us here. He really enjoyed his meal, while, I thought mine was ok. The burger was big, but not very tasty. I've had cheaper burgers in other establishments that were far better. I would not recommend the burger and if I were to come back, I'd just get their beer for the glass.
(3)
Chas K.

Doyle's continues on an accelerated path in the wrong direction. Service remains subpar. Despite it being a quiet Wednesday night with many open tables in the bar area, we waited for 15 minutes for a server before going to the bar in hopes of some attention there where it's harder to hide. What's worse is that our server was the woman who sat us. She knew we were there waiting. Turns out she was setting a table for a large party. To her credit - I think - she came to us at the bar and invited us back to the table. Service was good from that point. Two other big disappointments: 1. The beer list is substantially smaller and less interesting than it used to be. There are too many Sam Adams products I can get at any packey. I'm well aware of the longstanding relationship between Boston Beer and Doyle's, but they used to have pilot brews and limited editions on tap. That seems to be over; at least when we were in last week; 2. Boneless Chinese spare ribs are gone from the menu. On the plus side, my wife liked her Lamb Burger and my Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla hit the spot (both about $10).
(2)
Collin W.

My wife and I ended up at Doyle's after a tour of the Sam Adams brewery. Unfamiliar with the Jamaica Plains area of Boston we were pleasantly surprised with this restaurant. I ordered the lobster roll and my wife ordered the chowder plus we added two pints of Sam Adams because as we learned this establishment was the first to pour Sam Adams beer. The food was amazing, the service was great and the ambiance had that good old Boston feel to it. If you are in Boston, make the trip to Doyle's...you won't regret it!
(5)
J. N.

Perfect fried fish- not greasy, nicely flaky cod a and large portion. Lobster rolls were very generous portion of the classic. Onion rings were home made and sweet. Not just a nostalgic History lesson, great food too.
(5)
Morgan J.

The fan vibe and the overall enthusiasm of the bar made it seem like an exciting place to venture to, but as far as taste and prices, Doyle's was nothing special. After going to the Sam Adams Brewery, we took the shuttle to Doyle's. I really like how Doyle's has been included in Boston as a main attraction for movies and stuff, but the food is just average. Like slightly above your every day chain restaurant. I think because I was getting hyped up on the shuttle and the individuals at the Brewery, I expected a lot more. That's not to say I'm totally disappointed. I didn't really have anything that proved Doyle's goes above and beyond any other restaurant. I had a bowl of clam chowder which was creamy but you couldn't really taste the clams, which was what I was going for. I also had a beer, which is beer. Yay beer. My friend had the lobster sandwich and she thought it was very good. For her decent meal, I think it's worth at least a three, but I've had better. I liked the atmosphere and how old everything looked. This place goes way way back. The floors are wooden, the booths are old but updated. I can really appreciate a business that keeps it's old rustic flavor but can keep the place renovate and clean-looking. I'd go back, but probably for a drink and not so much the food.
(3)
Neil H.

First time here. Unique flavor. Ambiance is typical Boston, very proud and patriotic. Our waitress, Joyce, was very nice. Still waiting for the lobster roll but I am told it is well worth it. Beer is fresh from the Sam Adams Brewery!
(4)
Sammii S.

After the Samuel Adams brewery tour we grabbed a bite to eat here. With your entrance ticket from the brewery you get to keep a beer glass. The food was really good. Our waitress was really nice and attentive. The only thing I would say that was wrong was that my fiancÃ©e asked for cheddar on his burger and got swiss cheese. But that did the take away from the experience and the burger was still delicious. Hand battered onion rings were seriously the best onions rings I've ever had. Nice little bar especially after the brewery tour.
(4)
Joseph P.

Came by this place after the Sam Adams brewery tour for the free glass. Sam Adams and Doyles have a good thing going. I believe the story goes that Doyle's was the first place to start ordering Sam Adams. Ordered the clam chowder which was good. The Sam Adams was as expected. The ambiance is your typical bar restaurant. They didn't seem bothered when you mentioned that you came from the tour for the free glass. You would hope that they wouldn't, but you never know at some places. In fact they wrap up a clean glass and don't make you take the one you are drinking out of. I would recommend this place if you do the brewery tour. It is a short shuttle ride, or as I recall a 10-15 minute walk away from the brewery.
(3)
Vic G.

Not too many places can be called Institutions - when it comes to restaurant / bars businesses these days. Put Doyles Cafe in that category. Been around forever, the place has managed to keep up with the times and yet retain it's own unique identity - staying true to it's old school image and personality. While I have visited Doyles a couple of times via the Party bus route from the Sam Adams brewery tour, this past weekend was my first time eating there. And boy was I IMPRESSED! I was used to the bar at the front where you get your pint of Sam Adams Lager and the legendary glass to go with it, but little did I know that this was a huge restaurant behind the main bar and the dining area. We got a big booth just right next to the back exit overlooking the street outside. Love love love the old style booths, with so much privacy given the office cubicle like wooden boards separating one booth from the other. Even the tine 2 seater booths for couples - so so cute! Our waiter was very nice and very quick in tending to whatever we wanted; whether it were drinks or apps or the main dinner. He was just around the corner keeping an eye on how everyone was doing and would magically appear whenever we needed something. Just like that! We all ordered drinks and the very delicious onion rings. They were really good - perfectly cut, not too greasy, super crunchy (says someone who is not a fan of many things fried). 2 of us ordered Fish and Chips. The fillet of cod was very well seasoned and very fresh and flaky. Even the coleslaw was so fresh and the small plastic crucible of tartar sauce. The fries were hand cut and warm and yummy. I enjoyed every bite and was completely full at the end of my meal. I must have over indulged but managed to wolf it all down because I avoided a pint of beer - somehow having this premonition that it was going to be a big plate of food. And sure it was. Others in our group ordered the Steak Tips (very tasty and they were polished away till the last layer of the delicious sauce), the Sauteed Scrod (again - who got that dish had only great things to talk about it) and a Very large (and rightly famous) Pizza - and it was really very large and looked delicious. In a nutshell, the service was first class, the food was great and the evening was fantastic with loved ones getting together to enjoy each other's company and some good times!
(5)
Alexandra M.

I'm shocked to be giving this place 5 stars. When you hear that lots of people go after the Sam Adams tour, which is a tourist thing, you expect a tourist bar, right? Not so. We were all a bit hesitant about the menu as well--its a tourist bar, the food can't be that good, right? And the options were all very standard...BUT DELICIOUS. Maybe my mozzarella sticks came from a box, and maybe the sauce did too, but it was great and not expensive, especially for the size. Everyone cleared their plates (except the person who got nachos, because nachos are always huge, but I helped him with that). Service was on point and fast. Bathroom was clean. Good beer selection, and you can keep your glass without looking super sketchy leaving. Use the paper place mat to wrap it.
(5)
Heather A.

The place feels like a nice tavern. The woman had an authentic accent and was pretty alright. The menu looked pretty good to. She called me sir, twice. The pizza and two burgers were pretty good. I didn't really taste any pesto on the chicken sandwich and the lobster salad was good. It was a good recommendation from the Samuel Adams Brewery.
(4)
Monica T.

Excellent service by friendly, attentive staff. Pub fare with a twist. Blue cheese grilled cheese served with big, thick cut fries. Good prices, historical pub, great beer selection.
(4)
Chris B.

I got suckered in for the free beer glass. We decided to go to Doyle's before heading to the airport. The trolley ride was quick and fun. The interior was basic, a lot of old pictures on the wall. We were sat at an uncomfortable table by the exit of the kitchen. The beer was pricey but good. We each had a burger which was average at best. Our server was hard to find. Never good when a beer glass sits empty for so long. The food was lukewarm, but the portion size was large. Seemed more of a tourist trap type restaurant.
(3)
Nancy P.

This was my second time back at Doyle's CafÃ©, both times were post-Sam Adams tour. Of course my friends wanted the cool pint glass so we decided to stop by. Luck for us, there was a free trolley that took us from the Brewery to the cafÃ© (how convenient). The driver was also hilarious and informative. The last time I was at Doyle's, I had the Clam Chowder and it was super tasty. The second time, it was a let down. I was super disappointed so I just had to ask the waitress. We apparently went during Lent (whoops) and they leave out the bacon during this time. It definitely made a difference and I left pretty disappointed since I totally talked up the chowder to EVERYONE. sigh. But we also ordered the lobster roll, sweet potato fries and the Rueben sandwich. The lobster roll definitely triumphed for the visit. Super packed with lobster. The sweet potato fries were nice and crispy. The Rueben was okay, but not my favorite.
(4)
Patrice P.

I'm giving it 3 stars for atmosphere and all the history but that's it the food is mediocre at best and expensive I guess you're paying for the atmosphere and history nothing special here the pizza is ok the rest of the food is meh. I don't mind coming here for a quick drink but that's all and the tour from Sam Adams to Doyle's is nice you get a free glass with a 6 buck beer this joint at best is a 2 star for food the extra star is cause I'm from JP and this place has been a fixture for over 100 years call me sentimental I guess
(3)
Kirk S.

This place was our stop after taking the trolley from the Sam Adams Brewery tour. This place is a historical one, similar to many other stops in the city of Boston itself. They mainly serve Sam Adams beers on draft, and they allow you to keep the 'perfect pint' after you have finished your beers. The food, however, is really hit or miss. I ordered the German plate, and it was mediocre at best. The sauerkraut was very dry and bland, the sausage was meh. My friends ordered the steak tips and turkey tips, and those were both amazing! The staff is very fun here, and the Doyle's party trolly tour that departs from here in the evening is highly highly recommended if the opportunity arises!
(4)
Clemens W.

I think we did this all wrong because there was such a huge line for the Sam Adams Brewery tour on this past rainy Fourth of July and we wanted to grab a beer and have some lunch before going on the tour. As a frequent yelper, I looked for suggestions and this place got the best reviews in the area. I had no idea it's supposed to be a post-game party following the party trolley instead of a pregame one. Either way, we made the order simple: 1 chili bread bowl and 3 new England clam chowder bread bowls. Loved the clam chowder. Eating breadbowls always reminds me of skiing, but the skiing ones usually aren't warm and filled with the high quality goods. This certainly did not disappoint (and also made me want to go skiing again). It was pretty crowded (which I'm sure it always is), but we eventually got a seat and watched the world cup game and Nathan's hotdog eating contest. Service is a little slow, but that's probably because of the crowd. I personally love the hostess who screams out names. She's a bit on the rude side (since she has to deal with tourists everyday), but I can tell she's got good intentions.
(4)
Chris M.

I went to the Sam Adam's brewery tour, and as part of the quest of the free 'perfect pint' glass a trip to Doyle's was required. Sure it was 11AM on a Saturday and we had to walk because the party bus doesn't start til noon... but m'eh! It was well worth it. The staff, knew how to handle the tourists who were rolling in. They know you are there for the glass and are ready to serve you. They are super nice, super attentive, and super into trying to sell the 'doyle's swag'. Which I was cool with, you know your audience! We sat at the bar, I was able to fill my pint glass with Angry Orchard to meet the requirements to get the glass, and could not have been happier. If I lived in the area I'd go back for food, the place was spacious and had a lot of locals having breakfast/brunch.
(5)
Michael C.

I've driven by Doyle's almost every time I've had to drive to JP in the last decade. I always look at it as somewhat of an entry way to the area but having never stopped in I was always curious about the place. The bar is comprised of 3 decent sized rooms. The first is the main part of the restaurant/bar while the back 2 can be used for private functions or overflow from the main room. We were here for a baby shower and since both sexes were welcome it was really an ideal and family friendly place despite the unwelcoming exterior. The staff was friendly and did a nice job continually cleaning up while people ate buffet style. For the most part this a fried food and beer type of place, but the world needs these! The fried chicken tenders were great, The pizza was fine, and the atmosphere was good for a casual get together. In the room next to ours someone else was have a 90th birthday party.
(3)
Samantha S.

Eh, this place was mediocre at best. Came after the Sam Adams brewery tour, and it was nice to take home the perfect pint glass after, but that's about it. Service was slow, food was subpar (nothing memorable) and our server actually looked at how much we each tipped while we were still at the table.
(2)
Julia K.

You'll regret not coming here after the Sam Adam's tour, so make sure to stop by. If you purchase a Sam Adam beer and redeem your tour ticket, you get to keep the "perfect pint" glass. Fried food and beer - c'mon what could be better! The thick cut fries and lobster roll were divine. The jumbo pieces of lobster meat were tender and not overly drenched with mayo. The clam chowder had a really good thick consistency. I'd skip the bread bowl and just go for a cup.
(4)
Natasha A.

One word, SCARY! I love charm and I love older buildings but this restaurant was just dirty. It has a pub feel from 1942 without one mop ever passing the floor since it opened. Everything was a low quality to me from the friendly waitress, who was kind enough but made a few mistakes, to the cheap table clothes, poorly cut to fit each table with complimentary with crumbs in it, to the dirty walls. It made me wonder what the kitchen looked like. I will say the fries were good. They were warm. The buffalo chicken was fatty and under cooked.
(1)
Alexandra N.

Amazing food, great service, fun people. Great way to end the Sam Adams tour and get a free perfect Sam Adams pint. Went in for lunch and ended up having a fireball shot with a stranger!!! Can't beat that.
(4)
Joie S.

Honestly, I don't really get the hype. The service was bad and the food was mediocre. Our waitress took forever to take our order, and even longer to bring things over. It took 20 minutes to get the bill. We did the Sam Adams tour and took the party trolley to Doyle's but were overall disappointed with the experience. Maybe we didn't eat the right things...or maybe we were there at a bad time? I'd be willing to try it again based on the other reviews here but I really just wasn't impressed.
(2)
Bobby B.

Doyles! Clever strategizing by the Sam Adams brewery seduced us to take the party trolley over to this fine establishment. The driver was charismatic and funny, and rattled off a few interesting facts about Doyles. I'll tell you something about Doyles. Yes, they give ya a special pint class when you order a Sam Adams. Yes, the atmosphere is dope. And yes, they have the best lobster roll that I had in Boston. This is in comparison to several ones we tried in the downtownish area from other places. ::Homer simpson drool:: Mmm..red brick ale...
(4)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 3484 Washington St
Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130
Phone (617) 524-2345
Website https://www.doylescafeboston.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :9:00 am - 12:00pm

Specialities

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

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Doyles Cafe

3484 Washington St, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130

Doyles Cafe Menu

Doyle's Traditional Appetizers

Hand Crafted Soups Chili And Chowder

Salad Medley

Doyle's Famous Pizza

Doyle's Famous Burgers

Sandwiches And Clubs

Entrees

Doyle's Casual Dining

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Doyles Cafe

Doyle's Traditional Appetizers

Hand Crafted Soups Chili And Chowder

Salad Medley

Doyle's Famous Pizza

Doyle's Famous Burgers

Sandwiches And Clubs

Entrees

Doyle's Casual Dining

Desserts

Gene J.

Michael J.

Paige S.

Lauretta L.

Melanie M.

Mary A.

Jessica B.

Wes D.

Marie M.

Pierro B.

Jacqui S.

Clara L.

Erin B.

Eric H.

Jeannine W.

Luis P.

Max W.

Tara G.

Tori B.

Leona Z.

Matt C.

Danoota M.

Alayna D.

Hung L.

Mark F.

Yuka Y.

Lucas W.

Brittany E.

Brittany A.

Hannah S.

Taylor N.

Jennifer D.

Elsie W.

Madhuri G.

A.J. C.

Christie L.

Juan F.

Wayne L.

Adam G.

Joseph K.

Edd D.

Erin P.

Carolyn L.

Jennifer S.

Tiffany W.

Kate K.

Francisca W.

Danny H.

Erin P.

Eileen K.

Michelle R.

Jessica L.

Richard L.

Amy W.

Adam S.

Hillary V.

Andria B.