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Boston's Best Rainy Day Bars

Although many folks stay indoors during rainy days, there are plenty of bars within the city of Boston that serve as excellent respites from the weather for those who have cabin fever, and simply need to get out of the house. From bars with great food to bars with fantastic live music, here are five excellent options for Boston bars to visit next time the rain comes down in the city.
Bell In Hand
(Photo Credit: Bell In Hand)

Bell In Hand Tavern
45 Union St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-2098
www.bellinhand.com

Boston's Bell In Tavern is located on Boston's historic freedom trail, and holds a distinguished reputation as the oldest bar in America, dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War. A visit to the Bell In Hand is great for folks looking for a bit of history to go along with their escape from the elements, while this Union St. spot also provides great lunch options - think burgers and fries, along with some cold beer - upon which to munch, while watching raindrops fall outside on the city streets.

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Wally's Cafe
(Photo Credit: Wally's Cafe)

Wally's Cafe
427 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 424-1408
www.wallyscafe.com

What better way to escape the rainy day doldrums than to watch some of the city's brightest musical minds jazz it up with true passion and technical skill? Wally's Cafe is a haven for students from Boston's Berklee College of Music, many of whom come here to play and practice their jazz chops, much to the delight of the local crowds. Traditional jazz, fusion and Latin jazz notes can often be heard wafting from the doors of Wally's Cafe, making a trip here an prime choice to music fans on a rainy day.

Les Zygomates
(Photo Credit: Les Zygomates)

Les Zygomates
129 South St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 542-5108
www.winebar.com

The heart of jazz music also beats strong here at Les Zygomates, a South Street spot centered within the city's Waterfront Leather District, near Essex St. and Atlantic Avenue. The atmosphere here at Les Zygomates is cut more from the classic European cafe models of France, however, featuring elevated French cuisine on the menu and live combos of smooth, low key jazz music to foster the perfect mood for a date or after dinner drink. Heck, a rainy day here outside Les Zygomates should only set up a better mood for lovebirds seeking a perfect backdrop to a night out on the town.

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The Green Dragon Tavern
(Photo Credit: The Green Dragon Tavern)

Green Dragon Tavern
11 Marshall St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 367-0055
greendragonboston.com

The Green Dragon Tavern - located on Marshall Street, near Haymarket Station on Boston's historic Freedom Trail - is another city pub with tons of back story and historical significance as one of the country's oldest operating bars. Many an afternoon visitor can be seen sidling at the Green Dragon Tavern on any given day, but the friendly atmosphere and staff here at the make a trip here perfect for families on a rainy day, who are seeking to skip making dinner for the night and enjoy some comfort food classics while the weather roars outside.

The Beehive
(Photo Credit: The Beehive)

The Beehive
541 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0069
www.beehiveboston.com

The Beehive has been one of Boston's more popular pubs for years now, and has consistently packed in a loyal fan following, no matter what the elements happen to be outside. Rain or shine, The Beehive is always a bustling place, with inclement weather never dampening the enthusiasm customers have for this Tremont St. spot's inventive drink ideas, varied kitchen menu and swingin' live jazz soundtrack, which gives The Beehive a vibe similar to something out of a smoky detective novel or film noir. So don't let a rainy day keep you away from all the awesome The Beehive has to offer.

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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