Jun 9, 2025

State Park Boston

The platonic dive bar

""State Park" in Boston is a dive bar, but with all the bad parts removed - it's the dive bar as it exists in our collective imagination..."

"Do you think we've hit Peak Plaid?" My friend asks me this as I sip my red wine. I don't know what the vintage is, because the menu choices are French Red, Italian Red, Italian White or German white. If I was in a mood where I cared for more information than that, I wouldn't be drinking at State Park, and that's all you need to know about what sort of place this is. And, yes, there is a lot of plaid.

State Park is a dive bar, but not the sort of dive where disputes are resolved with broken glass or where the toilets might give you cancer. It's a dive bar as it exists in our collective imaginations, fueled by films of cops, grifters and construction workers, sharing stories over a pint of beer. There's a comfortable vibe, cheap snacks, and quarters for pinball. There's shuffleboard and pool, and a whole bunch of neon everywhere. It's the Platonic ideal of the dive bar if Plato drank Miller High Life and ate potato chips.  

I shrug at my friend's question. Yes, there's also a lot of plaid, waxed hair, black-framed glasses and other hallmarks of the American hipster. However, that's a feature, not a bug. The city has a ton of fancy cocktail bars and beer nerd halls but it has few places that are as uncomplicated as State Park, and that is a relief.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

1 Kendall Square

Beer:

US$

4

61784843556

Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Boston guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Boston

Genki Ya

Genki YaSSSSS

Genki Ya Boston is the best vegetarian/vegan sushi restaurant because they have options! No more sad cucumber rolls. Here you can even get brown rice...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kristian

Beck

Jul 13, 2025

Boston Burger Company

The behemoth of beef

Boston Burger Company is a restaurant known for more than just its insane burgers — how about The King Behemoth freak frappe milkshake with... bacon?

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Kristian

Beck

Jul 11, 2025

Schlesinger Library

A true hidden gem in Boston!

Don’t miss Schlesinger Library on Harvard’s campus, a hidden gem in Boston, for an enriching experience of women’s works. Look for original manuscripts!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Union Park

The Perfect Residential Oasis

Union Park, located near downtown, was designed in the mid-19th century, inspired by English-style residential squares. Come for a tranquil retreat!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Sip of Joy

A Cozy Coffee Haven in South End

Sip of Joy, a cozy family-run café in South End, blends Turkish and American flavors, offering flawless coffee, pastries, and a peaceful retreat.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Tiffany Windows

The Dazzling Legacy of Tiffany

Arlington Street Church in Boston houses the world's largest themed collection of Tiffany stained glass windows — an unmistakeble artistic marvel.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Glass Flowers

A Botanical Masterpiece in Glass

The Harvard Museum of Natural History's Glass Flowers exhibit showcases 4,300 stunning glass plant models, crafted by the Blaschkas between 1887 and 1936.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

The Puppet Free Library

Hidden Puppet Wonderland

Step into Boston’s Puppet Free Library on Newbury Street, where over 200 vibrant puppets await, spreading joy through lending since 1976.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Rouvalis Flowers

Beacon Hill in Bloom

Rouvalis Flowers in Beacon Hill charms every season with stunning blooms, dried arrangements, and gifts — perfect for adding beauty to any Boston day.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Cacao

A Sweet Escape in Boston

Cacao in Boston, run by a Dominican couple, offers rich hot chocolate, spicy cocoa, and delightful truffles — sweet haven for reading or writing.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Zuzu’s Petals

A kingdom of sweets and wines!

Escape the rush at Zuzu’s Petals in Cambridge’s Inman Square — a cozy, screen-free haven for fondue, wine, conversation, and homemade delights.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Gypsy Place Coffee and Juice Bar

Bohemian Vegan

Gypsy Place in Cambridge offers a bohemian vibe, fresh juices, vegan treats, and great coffee. Try the Azurite Bowl or Tiger’s Eye Truffles for a delicious energy boost!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Jul 1, 2025

Heading to Boston?

128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Boston?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

128 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Boston

Get to know our other Spotters from Boston

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
66
Made with the 💚 of 489 Spotters.
Filters