Meet Urban AdvenTours (nice play on words there). Urban AdvenTours is a unique, eco-friendly company, offering bike tours, rentals, and sales out of Boston’s Historic North End. They’ve come a long way since their founder, Andrew Prescott, started running bike tours out of his apartment in 2004. Since then, they’ve expanded by way of partnering with other local bike shops and spreading the word. Now, they have two storefronts of their very own: the tour and rental shop at 103 Atlantic Avenue, and the bike shop a few doors down at 109 Atlantic Avenue.
Now, you don't have to participate in a tour if you don't want to--you can just rent different types of bikes from the company for a number of hours or for a whole day (which is what we suggest doing if you're already familiar with Boston). You can rent a tandem bike for four hours for just $50. This is the perfect amount of time to cruise around and sample a reasonable amount of drinks from some awesome bars with your closest peeps. Remember, Boston is a bustling city and you want to be safe traveling around its busy streets. Always wear a helmet and obey traffic signals! That being said, here are the top 5 bars the Improper Bostonian recommends for some end of summer fun!
Café ArtScience
The region’s Mr. Wizard of mixology, Todd Maul, plies the cocktail craft with greater creativity than ever at this new Kendall Square venture alongside brainchild of food innovator and Harvard engineer David Edwards. At a big, beaker-stocked bar, Maul employs his trademark techniques, prompting new experiments, like potions “sipped” from Le Whaf, a decanter-like device that emits billowing flavor clouds. Cambridge’s current hit gives booze geeks a taste of the future, but flavor, not flash, is always the goal. Visit them at 650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge!
Row 34
The Island Creek team’s Fort Point seafood experts has been dubbed a “workingman’s oyster bar,” but it’s beer director Megan Parker-Gray who does a bang-up job with the ambitious beer program proves the place has a woman's touch too. Old-fashioned letter boards announce the unfamiliar brews that flow from 24 rotating taps, from Maine farmhouse ales to Czech pilsners, many smoked, soured or barrel-aged, you can never try them all. Bike to them at 383 Congress St., Boston!
Pier 6
Tavern on the Water had its Charlestown charm. The boxy tri-level building’s new inhabitant retain a killer harborside view while offering a much sleeker look throughout. Young professionals hit the spacious roof-deck for cocktails garnished with awe-inspiring, uninterrupted ocean vistas. And the glass-walled interior, with its nautical-inspired bar and dining rooms, attracts a sea of singles hoping to reel in a date. The panorama is impressive, inside and out. Travel to them at 1 8th St., Boston!
Lone Star Taco Bar
Lone Star has done for taquerias in this town what sister restaurant and next-door neighbor Deep Ellum did for beer bars: officially upped the ante. The tiny joint hits all the sweet spots with Mexican street food, a varied mezcal and tequila menu and a killer selection of strong margaritas and cocktails. And boy do we love a good margarita! Tables are limited but locals are free to linger over rounds of micheladas or any of the Mexican beers on offer (like Tecate cans for $3.50). Swing by 479 Cambridge St., Boston during your travels!
Post 390
After 5pm you can expect a cast of suits, ties and pencil skirts running over to this city-sleek tavern for much deserved drinks. Stiff cocktails, a 200-strong wine list, 40-plus craft beers and regular beer dinners that spotlight regional brewers encompass this buzzing restaurant. Cousin to the much recognized steakhouse Grill 23, Post 390 has similarly handsome airs—but with a hip, younger crowd. Get over to 406 Stuart St., Boston!
We hope you get to enjoy some exercise while celebrating the last weeks of summer and devour the details of these top 5 bars in Boston!
