6 The Black Rose- everytime I come here I end up shouting along, tapping my toe and pounding on the table (and that's when I'm still sober!). The Black Rose is the epitome of good irish fun. This bi-level floor appeals to all looking for a casual good time. The great thing about it is that it's next door to dozens of other bars and a few top spots like Ned Divine's.
7 Jerry Remy's Seaport- another booming summertime Seaport spot, this sports bar has the best of both worlds- dancing/crowds and your fill of sports. Perhaps the only city where you can go out and dance/flirt while feeling like you're staying in watching a game with the guys and Jerry Remy's is the best place to take advantage of this fact.
8 Patron's- looks like this one may be coming off the list after announcing they are expecting to close but Patron's is your large location, lots of beers on tap, plenty of places to sit, pool to play and tvs to watch. This extremely well laid out bar isn't for the fancy nor the dive bar enthusiasts and perhaps thats where they ran into trouble.
9 Loretta's- who doesn't love live country music and drinking out of a mason jar during the summer months? Head on over to Loretta's for some country fun but arrive before 930 as shows start at 10 and the lines get really long in all seasons.
10 Empire- another place where you can usually catch a pretty good audience- while sipping on a great mai tai. This Tao-esque restaurant and bar gets pretty crowded on the weekends as the actual bar space is small. My recommendation, put your name in at Envoy and spend your time waiting at Empire :).
11 Top of the Hub- while the food is overrated, the bar scene is surprisingly not. The 50+ stories high view makes for a fantastic 360 degree view of Boston and its suburbs. The live music is always pretty good (generally accept requests too) and the cocktails are not only good, but the choices are excellent as well. Take your visiting parents, or go for a 3rd+ date for a more relaxed scene.
12 W Boston- one of the better looking crowds in Boston. While you wouldn't think to flock to a hotel lobby bar, W does a great job with its cocktails, music and layout to make up for a rather everyday space.
13 Legal Harborside- "in the summertime, when the weather is fine"... go to Legal Harborside. While Mungo Jerry didn't sing those lyrics, he may as well have. The popular third floor rooftop has beautiful views of the water. Show up early as this area is a beacon for all Bostonians in the summer.
14 Carrie Nation- this dual bar spot is elegant and refined; a bit dry out front but head to the back for a unique atmosphere boasting two pool tables, an unusual "room inside a room" and a dimly lit vibe. Note- the drinks were surprisingly disappointing.
15 Liberty Lobby Bar- this popular hotel, once prison, attracts the attractive and while Alibi may feature more eye candy on the busy nights, Liberty is an inviting, pleasantly busy but not overly crowded, spot to have a drink.