State Park Boston
The platonic dive bar
"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.
About this spot
1 Kendall Square
- Mon - Wed 11:00 - 01:00, Thu - Fri 11:00 - 02:00, Sat 10:00 - 02:00, Sun 10:00 - 01:00
Beer:
US$
4
61784843556
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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...
By
Kristian
Beck
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?
By
Kristian
Beck
Red's Best Fish Market
Must - Try Seafood
You can’t visit Boston without trying clam chowder and a lobster roll! Red’s Best at Boston Public Market serves up the freshest, most delicious seafood.
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Greystone Cafe
Charming Café for Seize The Day
Greystone in Boston’s South End is a charming café with great coffee, fresh pastries, and a no-laptop vibe. Come here for a relaxed morning or lunch break!
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Bricco Panetteria
Hidden Bakery Gem
Bricco Panetteria is a hidden bakery in Boston’s North End, offering artisan breads, pastries & a cozy, old-world charm. Try their Sfogliatelle!
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Cafe Sauvage
A French Miracle in Boston
Café Sauvage in Back Bay is a tropical-inspired spot blending French cuisine with African flavors. Enjoy their signature Roasted Chicken!
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Sabina Mezcaleria
Boston’s Mezcal Haven
Sabina Mezcaleria is Boston’s first mezcal bar, offering smoky spirits, bold Mexican flavors, live salsa, and a vibrant Latin jazz brunch & tastings!
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Eat At Jumbo's
Go vegan, eat burgers
"Eat at Jumbo's" in Boston is a warm/cozy little vegan/veggie paradise! The menu is huge and everything I've tried to date just exceptional...
By
Kristian
Beck
Caffé Vittoria
Boston’s Timeless Italian Gem
Caffé Vittoria, Boston’s first Italian café since 1929, serves rich espresso, tiramisu, and affogato in a charming, old-world setting. A must-visit in the North End—cash only!
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Bakey
Memorable Fresh-Baked Treats
Enjoy fresh pastries from Bakey any morning and take it to the Public Garden. Don’t miss their irresistible chocolate babka and burekas!
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Parkside Bookshop
Calling all book lovers!
Parkside Bookshop in Boston’s South End is a cozy, pet-friendly gem with a thoughtfully curated selection, cozy reading nooks, and community events.
By
Sara
Bozdemir
Christina's Ice Cream
Save room for dessert
"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
By
Zac
Cardwell
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 this weekend?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 128 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Boston
Get to know our other Spotters from Boston
As featured on:
