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Bell in Hand Tavern

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 Boston, 02108

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Call: +1 617-227-2098
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About

The Bell in Hand describes itself as America’s oldest continuously operating tavern, with its first pour in 1795, and the story it tells about its founding is part of the draw. Jimmy Wilson, the first owner, had spent fifty years as Boston’s town crier; when he retired he opened a tavern and named it after the tool of his old trade. Today it is a large pub and kitchen on Union Street whose first floor alone holds two rooms and three full-service bars.

It suits a first-time visitor who wants a pint and a lobster roll with a side of Boston history, a group that needs room to gather, and anyone planning a late night downtown, with live music and a DJ on weekends. The tavern stands at 45 Union Street in Downtown Boston, just north of Faneuil Hall.

The story the tavern tells

The Bell in Hand credits Wilson’s ale as much as the man. By the tavern’s account he refused to sell the whiskey, rum and gin other taverns poured and served only ale, so thick that it came in two mugs, one for the ale and one for the froth. Printers and politicians, sailors and students made it their local, and the tavern counts Daniel Webster among those who dropped in. Read the details as the house history they are; the 1795 date is the one the Bell in Hand puts front and center.

Food and drink

The kitchen covers the dishes many visitors want on a first night in Boston: raw oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder, fish and chips, burgers and salads, with appetizers, bowls and desserts filling out the main menu. The kitchen closes earlier than the bar, which matters if you arrive late and hungry; the times are in the FAQ. The drinks list sits beside the main menu on the tavern’s website.

Weekends and groups

Live music and a DJ play on weekends, and the tavern keeps an events calendar on its website. For parties, the first floor can be booked for groups of 20 up to 296, with a stage, large-screen TVs, A/V with a microphone, internet access, a designated coat check and a separate function menu. The website does not offer online table booking for everyday visits, so smaller groups simply turn up.

Sources: About the Bell in Hand, hours and location, menus, private events. Checked September 30, 2026.

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Contact Information

Company Name
Bell in Hand Tavern
Phone Number
See Phone Number
Call: +1 617-227-2098
Location
45 Union Street
Boston, 02108
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About Bell in Hand Tavern

Quick answer: Bell in Hand Tavern is a tavern at 45 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108. Union Street tavern that says it has poured since 1795: oysters, lobster rolls and chowder, weekend live music and a DJ, open until 2 a.m.

Last updated

The Bell in Hand describes itself as America’s oldest continuously operating tavern, with its first pour in 1795, and the story it tells about its founding is part of the draw. Jimmy Wilson, the first owner, had spent fifty years as Boston’s town crier; when he retired he opened a tavern and named it after the tool of his old trade. Today it is a large pub and kitchen on Union Street whose first floor alone holds two rooms and three full-service bars.

It suits a first-time visitor who wants a pint and a lobster roll with a side of Boston history, a group that needs room to gather, and anyone planning a late night downtown, with live music and a DJ on weekends. The tavern stands at 45 Union Street in Downtown Boston, just north of Faneuil Hall.

The story the tavern tells

The Bell in Hand credits Wilson’s ale as much as the man. By the tavern’s account he refused to sell the whiskey, rum and gin other taverns poured and served only ale, so thick that it came in two mugs, one for the ale and one for the froth. Printers and politicians, sailors and students made it their local, and the tavern counts Daniel Webster among those who dropped in. Read the details as the house history they are; the 1795 date is the one the Bell in Hand puts front and center.

Food and drink

The kitchen covers the dishes many visitors want on a first night in Boston: raw oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder, fish and chips, burgers and salads, with appetizers, bowls and desserts filling out the main menu. The kitchen closes earlier than the bar, which matters if you arrive late and hungry; the times are in the FAQ. The drinks list sits beside the main menu on the tavern’s website.

Weekends and groups

Live music and a DJ play on weekends, and the tavern keeps an events calendar on its website. For parties, the first floor can be booked for groups of 20 up to 296, with a stage, large-screen TVs, A/V with a microphone, internet access, a designated coat check and a separate function menu. The website does not offer online table booking for everyday visits, so smaller groups simply turn up.

Sources: About the Bell in Hand, hours and location, menus, private events. Checked September 30, 2026.

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Phone: +1 617-227-2098

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where is the Bell in Hand Tavern?+
At 45 Union Street, Boston, MA 02108, in Downtown Boston just north of Faneuil Hall.
Q. What are the opening hours?+
The tavern lists its hours as 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, with the kitchen serving until midnight.
Q. Is the Bell in Hand really America’s oldest tavern?+
That is the tavern’s own claim: it describes itself as America’s oldest continuously operating tavern, with its first pour in 1795.
Q. Can I reserve a table?+
The tavern’s website does not offer online reservations for regular dining, so most visitors walk in. For questions, call +1 617-227-2098. Parties of 20 or more can book the first floor through the Private Events page.
Q. What food does the Bell in Hand serve?+
The tavern highlights raw oysters, lobster rolls, clam chowder, fish and chips, burgers and salads. The main menu also has appetizers, soups, salads and bowls, and desserts.
Q. Is there live music?+
Yes. The tavern says live music and a DJ play on weekends; its Calendar page lists upcoming events.
Q. Can I host a private event there?+
Yes. The first floor has two rooms with three full-service bars and takes groups of 20 to 296, with a stage, large-screen TVs, A/V and a microphone, internet access, a coat check and a function menu. Inquiries go through the Private Events page.

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