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9 places to watch the NBA Finals near TD Garden
Head to Boston's West End neighborhood to see why Celtics fans are truly #DifferentHere.
Don’t have tickets to watch the Celtics take on the Mavericks in the NBA Finals? Don’t sweat it.
Just beyond the emerald green arches of TD Garden, lies a stretch of sports bars dedicated to celebrating Boston teams. Whether you’re in the mood for some spirited company, or prefer to watch the game over a family-friendly meal, look no further than Boston’s West End.
With Game 1 of the Finals tipping off Thursday, here are nine bars, restaurants, and watch parties to cheer on the Celtics near TD Garden.
Night Shift Brewery, Lovejoy Wharf
Get into the game day spirit while sipping on a crisp Garden Party Pilsner at Night Shift Brewery’s flagship Lovejoy Wharf location. This in-house brewery has a sprawling patio overlooking the Zakim Bridge and TD Garden, while the inside is big enough to accommodate large parties.
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Make sure to order one of Night Shift’s acclaimed Detroit-style pizzas and ask about the mouth-watering seasonal menu specials like the new Mediterranean Chicken Pizza, Jamaican Jerk Wings, and Pride Month Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich.
1 Lovejoy Wharf #101
Tavern in the Square
No reservation? No problem. This New England chain is one of the few dinner joints in the area that won’t require planning – on game days they seat on a first-come, first-serve basis. The restaurant is located just across from TD Garden and is a popular game day spot thanks to its extensive drink menu and classic bar bites. They even offer gluten-free options and vegan options, meaning there’s a little something for everyone.
If you’re after cheap beer and no-fuss appetizers, Tavern in the Square has you covered.
120 Beverly St.
Banners Kitchen & Tap
Banners has everything a good sports bar should, and then some. A 39.5-foot diagonal LED television, a sprawling bar, chicken wings sold by the pound, and comfortable seating. All that, plus it’s attached to TD Garden.
Slip into the sea of green and share beers with fellow Celtics fans before indulging in the stacked nachos or mini sliders.
Banners is popping on game days, so if you don’t want to test your luck with the open-bar seating, consider making a reservation a few days in advance.
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82 Causeway St.
Sullivan’s Tap
Sullivan’s is the quintessential no-frills West End dive, just a few feet from TD Garden. This joint first opened in 1933, and is a true blast from the past.
Shoot some pool, watch the game, play a few tunes on the jukebox. But don’t come hungry — Sullivan’s strictly serves drinks.
168 Canal St.
The Harp
Besides their buffalo chicken dip (served with waffle fries) and three bars, the best thing about the Harp is the ability to skip the line outside.
You heard us. Skip. The. Line.
LineLeap, an app that allows patrons to pay their cover fee from their phones and skip the line, makes The Harp an enticing place to watch the Finals. This West End classic has taken the leap into the twenty-first century, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
85 Causeway St.
Watch Parties
Sam Adams Tap Room
The Samuel Adams Downtown Boston Tap Room is hosting a Game 1 watch party Thursday, featuring green beer (#bleedinggreen) and a new limited-edition brew. Derrick’s Draft Pick Lager, which celebrates Sam Adams’ newest “cousin” from Boston, will be available on tap until it runs out!
The watch party kicks off at 6 p.m.
60 State St.
Hurricane’s
Chances are if you’ve ever been to the Garden to catch a game, you’ve heard of Hurricanes. Maybe you listened to a DJ set pouring out of the open-air restaurant, or caught a glimpse of the action on one of the many televisions. Either way, one thing is for certain — Hurricane’s throws a good party.
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Celebrate Game 1 on Thursday with 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Michael Felger & Tony Massarotti. The duo will be live from Hurricane’s at 2 p.m. ahead of the Finals matchup.
150 Canal St.
Scores
At scores, every seat is a good seat. With 33 televisions split between two levels, Celtics fans can catch all the action in this old-school West End joint. While the upstairs restaurant appeals to a more relaxed crowd (and serves up everything from buffalo wings to bao buns), the downstairs bar welcomes a lively fan experience.
Celebrate Game 1 at the Scores watch party on Thursday. Walk-ins are welcome between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., while reservations are required for restaurant and bar seating. There’s a $20 cover charge for standing room after 7:30 p.m.
166 Canal St.
The Greatest Bar
Four floors. Two Bars. One 24-foot LED television. It’s called “the greatest” for a reason.
If you’re looking for a hype (admittedly rowdy, at times) crowd, this is your place. Die hard fans flock to the this West End mainstay for atmosphere — which, at times, makes you feel like you’re inside the Garden.
The Greatest Bar gets packed during the playoffs, so don’t expect to find a seat unless you reserve one ahead of time. Doors open at 6 p.m., and there’s a $20 cover charge.
262 Friend St.
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