The Bell in Hand Tavern, Boston

Exploring Boston, Massachusetts, is different during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many shops, restaurants and historical sites are closed to the public and walking around feels like a ghost town. However, you can step back in time to enjoy history and have a bite to eat in the oldest tavern in America, The Bell in Hand Tavern.

  Photo: Audrey Lee

Established in 1795, this tiny pour house was a popular meeting place for politicians, printers, students and sailors. The first owner, Jimmy Wilson, was Boston’s town crier for 50 years who spread the word on some of the most historic moments in American history, like the Boston Tea Party and when the Declaration of Independence was signed. This is how the tavern got its name and logo of a town crier bell.

This corner spot has wraparound windows to enjoy people watching on the (typically) bustling streets of downtown Boston. Offering a wide range of local beers from surrounding breweries, you can sample some of Massachusetts’s best brews. Lobster rolls are freshly made, hot or cold, with a side of well-seasoned fries. There are plenty of options for those who love fresh, New England seafood right from the dock or those land-lovers who enjoy a bite from the grill.

Photo: Audrey Lee