Canary Square

Dorchester / Jamaica Plain, Boston –

Even the most tattooed of Jamaica Plain’s routinely plaid-clad denizens can tire of swilling PBR, and that’s where Canary Square comes in.

This cozy gastropub attracts much the same crowd of hipsters, artists, and laid-back pals as the authentic and popular Brendan Behan's Pub up the street, but pumps up the food and alcohol selection with nearly thirty craft taps, inventive cocktails, and a range of classic American cuisine.

Locals in cardigans chat at the dinner tables in the front of the warm brick room, snacking on comfort food like jerk chicken wings and wood-grilled burgers beneath funky clusters of bulbs arranged to resemble chandeliers.

The scene by the slick wooden bar is cozier still, with couples snuggling into the recycled soda bottle chairs to hold hands over basil mojitos and rummy Ramboozles, while thick-rimmed beer snobs peruse the chalkboards for the latest draft.

Consistently loud with conversation on Fridays, the bar provides a lounge area with a long black leather couch perfect for larger groups to boisterously throw back margaritas and sangria, though anyone who can’t decide between the two can always opt for a signature Sangarita.

Those who come back in the morning will find that brunch brings on the Bacon Bloodys, as friendly flannelled regulars park at the two-tops adjacent the bar to get a slow buzz and keep an eye on the flat-screens.

Comfortable and rustic, Canary Square is a beer lover’s dream, a cocktailer’s paradise, and a cool kid’s diner all rolled into one.