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Boston's Best Anti-Football Bars

A wise man once said silence is golden, and that statement still holds true, even if it doesn't necessarily apply to most Boston bars. There are some that exist within city limits, however; places where you can escape the hustle, bustle and sports chatter about whichever sports game is on any of the 13 flat screens in the bar. Although some claim you'd be hard pressed in finding quiet local bars in Boston, these offer an atmosphere in which everyone will still know your name, even without the Pats on in the background.
12/15 Nightlife & Music City Bar
Photo Credit: Citybarboston.com

City Bar

61 Exeter St.
Boston, MA 02199
(617) 536-5300

www.citybarboston.com

Surprisingly enough, this Back Bay destination doesn't have a single TV, yet City Bar still provides plenty of good food, good times and atmosphere at the ready for those looking for a little interpersonal time without having to worry about competition with the latest sports game. City Bar is dimly lit and perfect for those longing for a little intimacy. With a fancy pants drink menu full of cocktails, rather than cheapo brews, it also lends itself nice to date night. This nook isn't exactly for the 20-something crowd as much as it is for the intelligently well-dressed who are seeking that cool lounge atmosphere for a night on the town.

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Nightlife & Music Sunday Night, Drink
Photo Credit: Drink via Facebook

Drink
348 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02228
(617) 695-1806

www.drinkfortpoint.com

Located near the Waterfront in Southie, Drink is fairly inconspicuous upon first look. The lack of a sign gives the place a certain aura of mystery, although once inside, customers might be pleasantly surprised by the casual yet classy setting that awaits. The lack of televisions here at Drink ensure the focus will be placed primarily on its unique drink and dining fare, as well as the bustling conversation, which can admittedly become quite loud as the place crowds up on weekends. Despite this, however, Drink is a great place to bring a small group of friends.

tom-english
(Photo Credit: Tom English's Cottage/Facebook)

Tom English's Cottage
118 Emerson St.
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 269-9805
www.facebook.com/

The name Tom English's Cottage might evoke mental images of a quaint, European bed and breakfast, packed up with charming locals and spirited suburban discussion. But don't be fooled. This Southern local practically screams "dive" in the best possible fashion. Located on Emerson Street between H and I streets, Tom English's Cottage is well known to locals as the place to drive, walk or stumble to for some of the cheapest beers in the city. At a mere $2 a draft, most folks who visit Tom English's are too busy pounding 'em back or playing Keno to notice or talk much about what's going on in the sports world. The Big Buck Hunter and dart games located in the back of the bar ensure that, if you're going to Tom English's for a night, the odds are fairly good that attention won't be split between booze and Brady on the tube.

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bukowski
(Photo Credit: Bukowski/Facebook)

Bukowski Tavern
50 Dalton St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 437-9999

www.bukowskitavern.net

Adopting its moniker from the celebrated American writer Charles Bukowski — often labeled as a low-life poet laureate, and a notorious alcoholic — Bukowski Tavern does indeed play an occasional game on its television. With the pub's ridiculously expansive beer selection, it's doubtful you'll find many visitors paying much attention on any given night. Bukowski's is one of Boston's most beloved bars amongst its hipster jet set, who come here anxious to indulge their creative obsessions for the man by imbibing as much of the unholy brew as possible -- all while gorging themselves on Bukowski's equally indulgent menu. This menu includes the don't-knock-it-till-you've-tried-it peanut butter burger, which is just one of the many reasons why Bukowski remains a must-see spot.

3/8 Nightlife & Music Guinness Beer
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Delux Cafe
100 Chandler St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 338-5258

Speaking of the city's hipster population, many of them tend to frequent this South End spot, the Delux Cafe on Chandler Street, in between Clarendon and Columbus Avenue. Get your kicks out of a year-round Christmas tree and Cartoon Network blaring on the TV, ensuring the latest sports scores will be placed as far away from your mind as humanly possible. Beware, however, for Delux Cafe holds a strict cash only policy which is additionally hampered by the lack of an ATM on the premises.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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