8 Best Bars in Government Center, Boston

Steeped in history and serving Yankee classics like roast beef rib and Indian pudding since 1828, Durgin-Park is mostly visited by tourists looking to see some old-time Boston character. Happy hour brings in Faneuil Hall 9-to-5ers looking for cheap beer and snacks, like the $3 hot dog and fries.

This famed global chain draws rock music and memorabilia fans to its large space with a double bar—decorated with hundreds of Zildjian cymbals—dance floor, bandstand, restaurant (wall art of signed photos, LPs, guitars, and gear), and private party room. The Cavern Club welcomes name (think Psychedelic Furs and Charlie Puth) or tribute bands (Doors, Aerosmith, and Pixies) occasionally on weekends for ticketed entry, while the Rock Shop sells iconic and collectible merchandise. Fuel up on their legendary burgers.

Grab a seat by the windows overlooking Faneuil Hall on hot summer days, or cozy up to a coal fireplace in winter, and enjoy your pint (or a pick from one of the largest selections of single malt whiskies in Boston). There's live music at Hennessy's most nights of the week, as well as plenty of rowdy crowds that overrun the yellow-and-black confines for Top 40 cover bands mixed with DJs on weekends from 9 pm to 1 am at Upstairs at Hennessy's.

Aptly overlooking its namesake's statue, the 15,000-square-feet Sam Adams Boston Taproom boasts three floors, including a rooftop terrace with views over Faneuil Hall. Drink like a local, by choosing a flight of innovative styles and rotating experimental beers from the nano-brewery as well as fan favorites such as Boston Lager and seasonal brews like Summer Ale. Suds occasionally sit secondary to fun events like yoga, drag shows, and comedy nights. Thursday translates to newly introduced drafts on the menu.

America's oldest continuously operating pub (founded 1795) is named after its original owner, town crier Jimmy Wilson, whose bell-ringing wooden sign still hangs on the wall. On the edge of the Freedom Trail, this glassed-in flatiron pub serves fried haddock sandwiches, burgers, and New England's favorite entrées, against a background of live music. Bands (and the occasional comedian) play each night downstairs, and DJs spin Top 40 for dancers Thursday through Saturday upstairs; there's karaoke every Tuesday. Expect long lines of twentysomethings on the weekends.

Hung with 20 bright county banners, decorated with pictures of Ireland and portraits of Samuel Beckett, Lady Gregory, and James Joyce, The Rose draws as many tourists as Ireland-loving locals. Friendly Irish bartenders serve up pints, blarney, and far more Irish whiskeys (28) than Scotches (12). Nightly shows by traditional Irish and contemporary musicians confirm its abiding Gaelic good cheer, or craic. Dine on Guinness beef stew and fish-and-chips—all served by staffers with authentic brogues.

Less rowdy than its Faneuil Hall neighbors, this now-Irish bar claims to have housed the "Headquarters of the Revolution" and was the inn where silversmith Paul Revere overheard plans for a British assault on Lexington and Concord, prompting his famous ride. While yesteryear found John Hancock (whose brother lived next door) strolling past its doors, today The Green Dragon is known for a great Guinness pour and Irish music—soloists play in the evenings from 5 to 9 Wednesday through Friday, and bands bring it on nightly beginning at 9. There's comedy night every Monday and a selection of Top 40 cover bands playing Tuesday through Sunday. College kids and young professionals tend to crowd the bar in the evenings.

Packed with bachelorettes and frat guys with straws stuck into potent Scorpion Bowls, this party spot serves up $1 teriyaki skewers, drafts, and shots, and hosts daily karaoke with contests and weekly dating games for revelers on the dance floor. A frequent stop on bar crawls, the Hong Kong does a big trade in tacky gear and earned souvenirs like Buddha mai-tai cups.