Bukowski Tavern is a bar in Back Bay that looks like a dive but has far better beer than that.

Bartley's is a casual Harvard Square spot where you can eat a good burger in the same seat Al Pacino once sat in (and maybe also had a good burger).

The Gallows is a very solid gastropub in the South End.

Toad is a great little bar in Porter Square.

Vito's Tavern is a North End sports bar with a full menu of better than average bar food.