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JJ Foley’s Cafe, founded in 1909, is Boston’s original Irish pub and a true neighborhood gem in the South End. Family-owned for generations, it embodies the welcoming spirit of a classic local gathering spot where everyone feels at home. Whether enjoying a hearty dinner, celebrating Sunday Funday with friends, or sipping the perfect pint of Guinness, JJ Foley’s is a beloved hub for locals and visitors alike. With handcrafted cocktails, an extensive draught list, and a lively yet warm atmosphere, it’s where Boston’s rich history and community come together over great food, drinks, and good company. Generations of Bostonians have made it their go-to spot for creating lasting memories.
Neighborhood pub founded in 1909 offering Irish-American eats & diversions such as TVs & darts.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 728-9101
Website: https://www.jjfoleyscafe.com/
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J.J. Foley’s Cafe in Boston, MA. Call us at (617) 728-9101. Check out our location and hours, and latest menu with photos and reviews.
JJ Foley’s
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Welcome to JJ Foley’s Cafe, Boston’s original Irish pub! Join us today for great food, drinks, and fun. 117 East Berkeley Street, Boston, MA
Reviews
Brian “Bmanpitt” Pitcher
When stepping through the curtain from the rainy winter Boston streets…It hits perfect the old pub the original and family run for 5 generations and home of the perfect Guinness in America. Beyound that a family I mean whole family that passion for service is on display. The steak tips and fish and chips a staple. For me a clam chowder piping hot with croutons steamy and delicious hometown indulgence. This is Boston history in a cozy nook alone, on a date, with family good for the sould fun. I can’t say enough they make it seem effortless tasty food and drinks to perfection.
… moreNing Shao
I was charged a higher price than what was clearly listed on the menu.
No one informed me of any additional charges before I ordered or before I paid. After I noticed the discrepancy and called the restaurant, the owner explained that the reason was written on the receipt after payment, and mentioned that paying with cash would be cheaper.
I find this practice misleading. A menu should reflect the actual price customers are expected to pay, or at least clearly disclose any additional fees upfront. Information provided only after payment does not give customers a real choice.
The owner said it was too busy to explain this to every customer. If that is the case, then this information should be clearly stated on the menu or communicated before ordering — not afterward.
In addition, my friend ordered a fried seafood dish, but most of it was unexpectedly soft and soggy, almost as if it had just been taken out of water. Out of the entire plate, only one or two pieces were actually crispy. This did not match expectations for a fried dish.
I’m leaving this review so future customers can be aware and decide for themselves.
… moreNo one informed me of any additional charges before I ordered or before I paid. After I noticed the discrepancy and called the restaurant, the owner explained that the reason was written on the receipt after payment, and mentioned that paying with cash would be cheaper.
I find this practice misleading. A menu should reflect the actual price customers are expected to pay, or at least clearly disclose any additional fees upfront. Information provided only after payment does not give customers a real choice.
The owner said it was too busy to explain this to every customer. If that is the case, then this information should be clearly stated on the menu or communicated before ordering — not afterward.
In addition, my friend ordered a fried seafood dish, but most of it was unexpectedly soft and soggy, almost as if it had just been taken out of water. Out of the entire plate, only one or two pieces were actually crispy. This did not match expectations for a fried dish.
I’m leaving this review so future customers can be aware and decide for themselves.
Aidan Mahoney
Creamy Guinness. The burger was cooked to my liking. Friendly bartender Mike. Good authentic Irish bar feel. Definitely a place to visit while in Boston for a quick bite to eat and a beer.
… moreKevin O
Awesome food, service and environment. It’s a family run business which shows in how much they care about the customer. The food was excellent and serving sizes, especially on the chicken tenders, are massive. They also have the best Guinness in Boston
… moreRic Douglas
If you’re gonna visit Boston, put JJ’s on your to-do list. It’s owned by the same family-five gens!-since 1909. It’s got great personality, the staff is awesome and the food will surprise you- pleasantly!
After having clam chowder in several different places this week, JJ’s was the best. Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that either! And if you order fries, get a side of the curry! Then finish it off with the banoffee pie!
See Tony! He’ll take good care of you!
… moreAfter having clam chowder in several different places this week, JJ’s was the best. Yeah, I wasn’t expecting that either! And if you order fries, get a side of the curry! Then finish it off with the banoffee pie!
See Tony! He’ll take good care of you!
Charlotte Sedgwick
We used to love this place, but there is no bouncer anymore and no one checking IDs at the bar either, so we’ve seen more and more young kids each time we go. Tonight it was packed with clearly underaged kids. The atmosphere has completely changed, do not recommend going anymore.
… moreGrace Jung
Not the review you’d expect but worth mentioning…was here this past weekend and was ordering a drink at the bar when an extremely rude, racist woman turned to me and proceeded to yell upsetting, racist comments at me. I was startled and could not get myself to speak back, but thankfully the bartender noticed and immediately asked her to stop. I was able to get my drink and walk away from the situation. I was shaken, and as I was leaving, thanked the bartender again for standing up for me. He stopped to acknowledge how hurtful the situation was and that he got her to leave the bar entirely. Although I never got my word in with the deranged woman I was glad to know that this establishment employed kind hearted, responsible humans!
… moreMindy W.
I was dropping my friend off at the airport, but since her flight was delayed, we decided to grab food and drinks nearby. This was our first time at JJ Foley’s Cafe. When we arrived, the table we were seated at was dirty, which wasn’t a great first impression.
I ordered the Blue Lemonade, and my friend had a Long Island Iced Tea. The drinks were decent but not very strong.
For food, we ordered the wings with buffalo sauce on the side and the duck poutine fries. Unfortunately, the wings were completely unseasoned, tasting like they had just been battered in flour and fried without any seasoning. The duck poutine fries were burnt. While I didn’t want to make a big deal, my friend decided to bring it up with the bartender. His response was dismissive, he said since we had “dug into,” he couldn’t take the dish off the bill, even though we’d only had two bites.
Later, we spoke with the manager and pointed out that the fries were burnt. His response? “That’s why there’s gravy, to soften the fries.” While he eventually removed the dish from our bill, his attitude was unnecessary and unprofessional. For the rest of our time there, he ignored us, even when we were clearly trying to get his attention to pay the bill.
Overall, the experience left a bad taste in our mouths. A dirty table, lack of attentiveness, and dismissive behavior cost them a star in my book.
… moreI ordered the Blue Lemonade, and my friend had a Long Island Iced Tea. The drinks were decent but not very strong.
For food, we ordered the wings with buffalo sauce on the side and the duck poutine fries. Unfortunately, the wings were completely unseasoned, tasting like they had just been battered in flour and fried without any seasoning. The duck poutine fries were burnt. While I didn’t want to make a big deal, my friend decided to bring it up with the bartender. His response was dismissive, he said since we had “dug into,” he couldn’t take the dish off the bill, even though we’d only had two bites.
Later, we spoke with the manager and pointed out that the fries were burnt. His response? “That’s why there’s gravy, to soften the fries.” While he eventually removed the dish from our bill, his attitude was unnecessary and unprofessional. For the rest of our time there, he ignored us, even when we were clearly trying to get his attention to pay the bill.
Overall, the experience left a bad taste in our mouths. A dirty table, lack of attentiveness, and dismissive behavior cost them a star in my book.
Laura Jean
Classic Boston Irish pub, two sided so lots of bar area. Seating includes booths and tables but if you go later in the evening it is packed and people standing everywhere. Crowd on a Saturday night skewed young but okay mix of ages. Decent selection of beer, very professional bar tenders.
… moreEmily Ryan
Loved this bar so much! Guinness was as good as Dublin. Service was amazing the guy behind the bar was great. Good was amazing, if you’re looking for a great afternoon with good vibes this place is it!
… more