Want to check out the newest bars in Boston? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to visit the next time you're in search of a bar near you.
Versus
42 Province St., Downtown
Versus is not just a bar, but also an arcade and a restaurant. Operated by Big Night Entertainment Group (BNEG), whose other properties include Empire, Explorateur and Red Lantern, Versus can be found in Downtown Crossing.
It offers craft beers like the Baked Goods pale ale and Space Cake double IPA from local brewer Clown Shoe. There are also house cocktails and wine.
As for food, look for pub grub like onion rings, pizza and burgers. Stay entertained with video games, pinball, Skee-Ball, air hockey and much more.
Yelpers are liking the new spot, giving it five stars out of eight reviews.
"With a little work this will be a great spot that arcade junkies and people looking for a fun time will really love," Matthias D. wrote. "The venue is a little crowded, but the beer is good. They've got arcade basketball, Skee-Ball and shuffleboard, too."
Yelper Sara W. wrote, "Really pleasantly surprised by this new spot! Inside is super cool — definitely an arcade vibe, but also has a sweet full bar with great drinks. The vibe would be great with friends, but also made a great date night if you're not a sore loser."
Versus is open from 11 a.m.–11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. on Friday, 4 p.m.–1 a.m. on Saturday, and noon–8 p.m. on Sunday.
Casa Caña
1234 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton
Rum bar and Latin American eatery Casa Caña is another new drinks spot, located in the Studio Allston Hotel.
"Caña" suggests the sugar cane from which rum ultimately derives, and it's an apt name for this bar. House drinks include Santa Teresa on Fire, made with Santa Teresa 1796 rum, Ancho Reyes chili liqueur, lime, pineapple and Hellfire bitters, while the Old Cuban has Havana Club Classico, lime, panela, some bubbly and mint.
While you drink, explore the flavors of the Americas with dishes like Mexican-style grilled corn with cotija cheese, chilies and aioli; Cuban ropa vieja made with short ribs; or the Brazilian fish stew known as moqueca.
With a four-star rating out of 21 reviews on Yelp, Casa Caña has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Lucien K., who reviewed it on Sept. 15, wrote, "The entrance is colorful and inviting, the decor is well done, modern, understated in the best way but with enough flourishes to keep the eye occupied if not entertained. The cocktail list was awesome."
Casa Caña is open from 7 a.m.–10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.–2 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.–2 a.m. on weekends.
Fenway Johnnie's
96 Brookline Ave., Fenway
Fenway Johnnie's is a bar near the ballpark that comes from the team behind West End Johnnie’s.
At the new spot, you’ll find neon lights, sports on the TVs and drinks, including signature cocktails, craft beer and a handful of wines.
There's also bar food, such as guacamole, spicy honey wings and meatballs in marinara sauce. More substantial main dishes include steak frites, house-made risotto and pan-seared salmon.
With a 3.5-star rating out of eight reviews on Yelp, Fenway Johnnie's is still finding its way, but it's early days.
John S. noted, "It's a must for before and after Sox games. Probably even a good place to watch the game if you don't have tickets. Beers cocktails and food are all really good, with awesome bartenders and waitstaff."
Yelper Ericka W. wrote, "Best bar close to Fenway. Reasonably priced, amazing food and stellar service. Strongly recommended if on a budget while waiting for a game or for a good dinner by the park. There's little to no wait time."
Fenway Johnnie's is open from 4 p.m.–midnight on Tuesday-Thursday and 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
