Playing by the Buk
I cannot tell a lie. I frequented the Back Bay location of Bukowski’s Tavern five times last week. The maiden voyage was to escape a scene my friend deemed “a real-life version of ‘The Hills.’” After marinating in overpriced mixed drinks, we wanted simplicity, specifically in the form of hops. This is where Bukowski’s excels: Beers range from “high-octane” (up to 12 percent alcohol) to “featured swill” (think tall boys), all artfully poured by your waitress and in appropriate glassware.
When a central meeting place was needed for pre-show (Robyn, if you must know) festivities, we dropped in. Dinner was required and luckily the kitchen doles out no frills cooking with an eccentric twist: The peanut butter burger, white trash cheese dip, and the latest concoction from the one lovingly known as the Soup Bitch — I still dream of pineapple gazpacho — should not be missed. Night owls, after midnight everything on the menu is $4.99. Save your plastic for shopping on Newbury Street — cold hard cash is the only way to settle up. Seriously, do you think the literary sot who is the bar’s namesake had a credit card?
Thursday was the pick of a Bostonian transplanted to Chicago. Given the choice on her visit, she wanted to wet her whistle here. An insider tip from years of experience to spare newcomers drunken embarrassment: The bathrooms are up front!
Seeking refuge from the rain Saturday, I ducked inside. Two magazines, two pints and one lunch special (always a smart choice) later, I was fortified and able to brave the elements again. Finally, we ended up here late on Saturday night, wanting a chill atmosphere with no line. Despite the surly bouncer on the way in, as always, Bukowksi’s served up our order.
Clearly, I’m in need of some variety, so please, dear readers, where do you think I should go next? Send your recommendations to my e-mail in the black box at the top of this column. … No strip clubs, please!
Bukowski’s Tavern
50 Dalton St., Boston
MBTA: Orange Line to Back Bay
617-437-9999
Kate Coughlin is a freelance writer living in Boston.
