The 13 Best Experiential Bars Around Boston  

Boston is entering a new era of experiential bars and we are psyched about it. Grabbing a drink with friends is great, but now you can do so while you show off your ping-pong skills or compete in creative mini-golf challenges. Friday night just got a whole lot more fun. by Celina Colby 1) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/flight-club-darts-boston-seaport/364967">Flight Club</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190701/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.001_mshezw.jpg"> Where: Seaport Cost: $12/per person for 90 minutes Info: Your dive bar darts game just got a huge upgrade. Book a lane with friends and play competitive darts games requiring more than just a bullseye. Toast your win with cocktails and truffle fries or hit the dining area after a game for more substantial eats.  2) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/versus-arcade-bar/396915">VERSUS Arcade Bar</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190701/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.002_h8xnid.jpg"> Where: Downtown Cost: $5/per person for unlimited games Info: It turns out you can go back to your childhood. VERSUS is a 1980s and ‘90s style arcade haven with pinball, old-school Nintendo, Pac-Man, Skee Ball, and tons of other games. And, of course, they have themed cocktails and bar food eats to keep your gaming energy high. 3) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/pickleball-bar-pkl-now-open-south-boston/386793">Pickleball Bar PKL</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190701/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.003_cgqkfc.jpg"> Where: South Boston Cost: $25+/per hour Info: Pickleball is the new phenomenon that’s swept the nation and now you can play it with a drink in your hand. At PKL in South Boston you can learn the game or hone your expert skills with a tournament. After a game you can attend lively events like Trivia Wednesdays, Live Music Saturdays, DJs, Drag Bingo, and more 4) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/candlepin-bowling-at-american-flatbread/397366">Candlepin Bowling at American Flatbread</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190702/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.005_fhvtmi.jpg"> Where: Brighton, Davis Square Cost: $30/per hour Info: Try your hand at old-school candlepin bowling at this relaxed local bowling alley, bar, and restaurant. Play a game (no experience necessary) then chow down on wood-fired pizza and toast your success with beer, wine, and cocktails.  5) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/axe-throwing-at-urban-axes-somerville-ma/366179">Urban Axes</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190701/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.004_q9lxk2.jpg"> Where: Somerville Cost: $40/per person for 90 minutes Info: If you’re looking to get some aggression out, or hone your Medieval warfare skills, Urban Axes is where it’s at. Learn how to properly throw an axe at a target, then have a tournament with your friends to see who wields the most axe expertise. Wine, beer, and cider are available on site and you can bring your own food.  6) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/spin-ping-pong-bar-seaport/367352">SPIN Ping Pong Bar</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190702/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.006_buqjnb.jpg"> Where: Seaport Cost: $39+/per hour for a table Info: At SPIN you can play a friendly game of ping-pong, sip cocktails and snack on chef-driven eats, experience (and Instagram) work by local artists, and witness a high-energy professional ping-pong tournament all in one place. Bring your A game.  7) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/tavern-of-tales-game-bar/390353">Tavern of Tales</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190701/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.007_kw2agg.jpg"> Where: Mission Hill Cost: $25/per hour for a game room Info: This interactive board game bar currently offers seven interactive, sound-enhanced game adventures for groups. Play one of these story-led group games in a private room or opt for something more classic like chess or Connect Four in the main bar area. The restaurant offers an all-day menu and cocktails.  8) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/puttshack-boston-grand-opening-announced-the-world-s-first-tech-infused-mini-golf-experience-opens-on-wed-oct-19-2022/395225">Puttshack</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190702/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.008_dwjm5a.jpg"> Where: Seaport Cost: $18/person Info: Level up your mini-golf game at this newly opened tech-infused bar and mini-golf nightlife spot. Sip a craft cocktail while you practice your swing with a series of unique putting games each with a different objective and design.  9) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/lucky-strike/396923">Lucky Strike</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190703/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.009_xoiafs.jpg"> Where: Fenway, Somerville Cost: $18-22/per person per hour Info: Grab a drink and a pair of shoes and hit the floor for a high-tech bowling experience. When you tire of bowling (if that’s possible) check out the enormous arcade, the pool tables, the restaurant slinging delicious eats, and the 800-foot video wall installation. 10) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/knight-moves-board-game-cafe-brookline/365039">Knight Moves Board Game Cafe</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190701/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.010_ratbgn.jpg"> Where: Brookline Cost: $10-15/per person per day Info: Harken back to the glory days of board games at this cafe where there are literally thousands of games to choose from. The cafe on site serves espresso drinks, lunch, and snacks, and for a $5 fee you can bring your own alcohol and food. 11) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/a4cade-by-area-four/367350">Roxy's Arcade</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190702/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.011_cadmgm.jpg"> Where: Central Square Cost: Free entry, purchase tokens for gameplay  Info: Sip on craft cocktails while you play retro arcade games in this trendy speakeasy-style arcade. Food and drinks are available for purchase as well. But arrive early! This is a first-come-first-served spot. 12) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/urban-wild-bar-and-bowling-charlestown/426496">Urban Wild</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190702/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.012_zonmxo.jpg"> Where: Charlestown Cost: Free entry, bowling is $40/hour for up to 6 players Info: This fun hub in Charlestown is part restaurant, part music venue, and part bowling alley. You can jam out to a concert, view custom murals and artwork, work on your bowling game, and snack on brisket sliders and cherry pepper flatbreads all in one night.  13) <a href="https://www.thebostoncalendar.com/events/level99-a-world-of-challenges-natick-ma/365041">Level99</a> <img src="https://media.thebostoncalendar.com/image/upload/v1701190702/experiential%20bars%20in%20boston/experiential_bars.013_pbin4g.jpg"> Where: Natick Cost: $29.99/per person for two hours Info: At Level99 you have 48,000 square feet of games to explore. Check out the escape rooms that test your physical and mental stamina and team communication skills, hunt down art pieces in the Instagrammable scavenger hunt, and compete with other players in group challenges. Afterwards grab a pizza and a local brew from the on-site Night Shift Beer Hall. Also in town, keep an eye out for Natick’s first pickleball club, aiming to open <a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/natick/mas-first-dedicated-pickleball-club-coming-natick">fall 2024</a>.

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

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S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

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S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

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S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

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S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

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S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

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S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

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S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

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S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

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The 13 Best Experiential Bars Around Boston

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