THROUGHOUT BOSTON and its surrounding areas, people devour delicious local food and attend regular events. However, when the Stanley Cup Final best-of-seven series is on, Boston’s selection of sports bars is the only viable option for many sports lovers in the city.

While the Boston Bruins look to regroup this offseason following an underwhelming first round exit from the postseason, fans of the franchise still have the opportunity to enjoy the Stanley Cup Finals.

A meeting between two formidable NHL sides, many locals make a day of certain clashes. Once they’ve devoured a filling breakfast and assessed any Stanley Cup odds, they then meet friends in town before heading to a nearby bar to finalize any fantasy picks. Likewise, fans wear team merchandise, they passionately chant, and the overall atmosphere during these season-defining clashes is fantastic. Especially when you throw a good DJ into the mix as well.

For Bostonians looking to sample this unique sporting product, below I highlight some of the best options in the city to take in the Stanley Cup Final in this edition of Pit Boss.

The Fours

A legendary sports bar that many local people are fully aware of, The Fours in Quincy is the go-to spot for many ice hockey fans. When the Stanley Cup is on, it’s always buzzing with passionate ice hockey fans. Devouring the venue’s famous chili and watching the big game on the big screen understandably appeals to many people in Boston, with The Fours having a strong reputation with the city’s population of sports fans.

Bleacher Bar

Located directly underneath the centerfield bleachers at Fenway Park, the Bleacher Bar generally houses baseball fans. However, when ice hockey is on, fans assemble to watch tense clashes like the Stanley Cup Final. Whether you’re there for Game 1 or Game 5, this unique venue with a huge glass window that looks out onto the field is a wonderful location to watch ice hockey’s unrivaled series.

Thirsty Scholar Pub

Pubs are warm and welcoming places. For Boston’s sports fans, the Thirsty Scholar Pub therefore piques their interest for major sporting matchups like the Stanley Cup Final. This Irish-style pub shows a variety of live sports, meaning it tends to house a diverse community of sports fanatics. Additionally, its stunning interior and hearty grub make for the perfect vibe while you’re taking in any end-to-end action on the ice. Once the game is over, you could even stay for one of the Thirsty Scholar Pub’s legendary quiz nights.

Banners

Alongside serving up American fare and a range of refreshing drinks to try, Banners is known for showcasing the biggest and best sporting occasions, including the Stanley Cup Final. This much-loved sports bar is the official location of the Boston Bruins, meaning ice hockey connoisseurs are welcome. However, if you’re affiliated with another team, you might want to keep it to yourself in a popular spot that tends to be filled with Bruins fans.

Cask ‘n Flagon

Located very near Fenway Park, Cask ‘n Flagon is a sports bar and restaurant that will undoubtedly fill up during the Stanley Cup Final. You might need to book a table in advance, with people from all over the city adoring this charming pub that is steeped in history. Since 1969, Boston’s sports communities have been visiting this famous watering hole, with classic pub grub on offer and plenty of screens dotted around the venue to follow the action live. Overall, if you haven’t been to Cask ‘n Flagon to watch a huge game, then you really should.

Other bars in Boston to watch the Stanley Cup Finals, where you also may be able to find me at depending on who the DJ is that night, include: 730 Tavern, King’s, Game On!, The Harp, The Greatest Bar, and Elm Street Taproom.

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Soufiane ‘Lil Boss’ Boutrig is a Boston music, sports and entertainment ambassador who champions visibility in his support of local clubs, sports bars, lounges and restaurants. He is a key figure in Boston’s security & protection culture where he provides resources to numerous venues in the hospitality industry helping to ensure that guests enjoy watching games, dancing to music, and vibing with friends in a safe and secure environment.