The Cask'N Flagon

THE BREAKDOWN:

LOCATION - 9.5

This is what puts it over the top. It’s proximity to Fenway make it an absolute must visit for any Sox fan. Before, during or after the game – if you want to experience the magic of the Fens, but can’t get into the park, this is the place to be. Boston eats, sleeps and breathes Red Sox baseball – that’s why the Cask’N Flagon is the best bar to be at – because it breathes and sleeps it with you.

FOOD/DRINK – 8

Nothing out of the ordinary here. Creative menu items give them a slight edge, but the food remains decent at best. Fortunately for them, their nachos remain near the top Boston’s list in my mind – which is just about all that matters during the game. After all, you’re not ever going to sit down for a Sox-Yanks game, and grab a grilled cheese, are you? No. It’s beer, nachos, wings, and good old fashioned leather.

PRICE – 7.5

A little bit of a hit here – it remains a tad pricy as compared to the competitors. But don’t forget – you’re paying for more than just food and drink. I can’s stress enough how eery it is inside the Cask – it actually seems like Fenway. The fans are just as loud, the game is just as intense, and it makes the price that much easier to stomach.

ATOMPSHERE – 9.5

The magic is there. The people are great. They didn’t come to dance, they didn’t come to eat, they came for one reason – to watch their boys win. That, and to have a damn good time doing it. And you know what? That’s alright with me. After all, that’s why I came too.

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THE RECAP:

It feels like Fenway. It smells like Fenway. It’s right next door to Fenway. The only knock? It gets a little more intense then Fenway.

But believe me – that’s why you want to be here during a game.

Countless televisions line the inner bar, which are guaranteed to be tuned into NESN from 6:05 until post-game every weekday – unless of course, the home-town boys have the day off. In that case, they’re normally on Comcast Sports Net, checking out the Celtics’ hardwood, back on NESN to catch the Big, Bad and Yellow on the ice, or on ESPN filling the building with sports, sports and more sports.

Don’t get me wrong – it’s not always sports intense. And that’s the beauty of the Cask. During the day, it’s a wonderful place to stop by, grab a meal, and enjoy the Fenway Park atmosphere with the family. Why not go check out a Fenway Park tour when you’re done? After all, it’s right across the street.

Which is a huge reason why it ranks number one on this list.

The food is okay – nothing to write home about. The drink selection, well, it’s a drink selection – they have it all, and it all tastes the same. Sure, they have televisions – but what bar doesn’t?

The reason it’s Boston’s Best? Location, location, location.

It’s front entrance faces Brookline Ave., while it’s side doors point towards the famous Lansdowne street. One step out? And you’re staring up at the Green Monster.

As a result, it’s the epitome of a “Hub Hot Spot” before, during, and especially after every single Sox game – especially the home ones. As the throngs of crazed Sox fans cross the Brookline Bridge and enter into Fenway territory, many pour into the Flagon, grabbing a beer and a burger before the game.

After it gets out? Same deal – they pour right back into the Cask, where the post-game breakdown amongst the fans occur, conversations about “Lester’s unhittable curve tonight,” “Cameron’s tremendous grab,” or even “Papi’s inability to hit the slider” can be heard buzzing around the bar.

As I mentioned earlier, the menu is decent, average bar food. The drinks are solid, plentiful, but none too special. The reason you have to go to the Cask?

The Fenway magic.

It’s second to only being within the park during a game. And after Papelbon fans the final batter for out three, it becomes the number one spot for fans to head.

Boston fans know their baseball. And they also know their bars. Which explains why Cask’N Flagon remains one of Boston’s top sports bars.

And my personal number one.