Tavern in the Square, a staple in the Boston bar scene frequented by the college crowd for its lively atmosphere and popular Thursday night outings, has shuttered its Allston location for good. The beloved sports bar, situated a stone's throw from Boston University on Brighton Avenue, made the announcement in a post on its Instagram page. "We have the unfortunate news to share that we are officially closed," the post read, marking the end of nearly two decades of business in the Allston community, as reported by CBS News Boston.
Despite the closure, Tavern in the Square continues to bolster its presence throughout New England. The chain, which made its debut in Cambridge's Central Square in 2004, operates multiple locations, including spots at Boston's North and South Stations and others across Massachusetts. Fans of the brand can look forward to expansion, with new outposts slated for Attleboro, as well as in Salem and Bedford, New Hampshire, according to the company's website. Yet, for the students and young professionals who turned the Allston location into their go-to spot, the loss seems irreplaceable. "End of an era, but forever in your memories," the company said, echoing the sentiments of the patrons mourning their beloved haunt.
Leading up to its closure, Tavern in the Square Allston had undergone significant renovations. In 2017, the interior was refreshed and the menu updated to include an array of shared bites, bar food classics, and the establishment's signature fishbowls. Despite the modern touches, it wasn't enough to keep the doors open. A local favorite for catching sports games on its many large screens and dancing to night-time DJ sessions, the bar was affectionately known among some patrons as "TITS," a nod to its high-energy ambience and party vibe.
Recognized as much for its black cards that granted line-skipping privileges as for its role in the building of friendships and memories, the establishment expressed gratitude towards the staff who contributed to its success over the years. "We want to firstly thank our hard working managers, servers, bartenders, kitchen crew, DJs, and door staff that made this location the place to be," the bar stated on Instagram. As word of the closure spread, customers shared their tributes online, with one patron remarking, "Nothing will compare to the Allston [Tavern in the Square] on Marathon Monday," as Boston.com captured.
It seems the chain is set to continue its expansion despite the closure of one of its key locations. Yet, the closing of Tavern in the Square in Allston represents more than just the loss of another nightlife spot; it signifies the end of a chapter for the local community it served—a home for countless memories that its former patrons will undoubtedly remember for years to come.
