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    J J Donovan's

    3.6 (67 reviews)
    ModerateDive Bars, Beer Bar
    Open 11:30 am - 1:00 AM (Next day)

    J J Donovan's Photos

    J J DONOVAN'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Juke Box
    Quiet
    Divey
    Casual

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    Recommended Reviews - J J Donovan's

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    WD S.

    Cold Smithwicks on draft. Wicked Good! Fun walking around a huge food court and stopping for a cold beer. It is your typical dive bar - Cash Only $$$

    Sam Adams Summer Ale in a Red Sox glass
    Lisa T.

    We stopped in here because it was hot outside and the sign said "$4.00 beers." Once inside we found out it was only Miller High Life that was $4.00. I had a Sam Adams Summer Ale & my husband had a Guinness. They were both cold and we didn't have to wait long to get served. It was kind of a dive bar, not much atmosphere, and the beers ended up being $9.00 each. (A little overpriced but not unheard of in a touristy area.). I used the bathroom while I was there and it was actually cleaner than I expected. I read some reviews complaining that it was cash only with little signage to warn customers; but we planned to pay with cash anyway, so not a problem. JJ Donovan's was a good place to escape the heat and have a cold beer; but I wouldn't make a special trip to go there.

    Donovan's is such a fun atmosphere and great dive bar feel! Higgins was an amazing bartender making us feel at home. If you're looking for a dive bar this is the best bar to go to

    Storefront of JJ Donovan's
    Shannen D.

    I hated this place. It was my first time going to a dive bar, so we started with one that I'd walked by a thousand times and is usually pretty empty. The whole time we were there, the guy wouldn't talk to anyone but the man in our group. There was no food and very few options for drinks. I ended up getting a coke, which was weirdly warm. The other guests (though there were just a handful of people) seemed like real old regulars. It was weird, like getting dragged to your 2nd cousin's dad's favorite bar. Like if Cheers was about a bunch of cranky old people from Southie. We only stayed long enough for my brother in law to finish his beer.

    Storefront
    Andres D.

    Donovan's has a dingy atmosphere somewhere between a dive bar and a sports bar. When a local team plays it will play here and have a more sports bar feel. Otherwise it'll be laugh jukebox music and a moodier vibe like a dive bar. The drinks selection isn't large but they've got one version of all the big beer categories and can make most basic well drinks. The place is cash only and a bit pricey for a vibe ($8 beer, $1 jukebox songs) unless you're taking advantage of the specials. Still, a pretty fun place to hang out with passably nice service and in a good location.

    the outside of a restaurant

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    3 years ago

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    8 months ago

    Higgins is a trip!! Highly recommend! Great place to grab a pint and hand out for a great atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

    Yes it's cash only but there is an ATM in the back. Great atmosphere, hang out for a bit and catch some of that local flavor.

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    2 years ago

    Overpriced. No service. Don't waste your time. Never going back. But easily to get to.

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    3 years ago

    Beware! Count your cash back, we were shorted $50! I guess too trusting and didn't count our cash back from a hundred.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - J J Donovan's

    Review Highlights - J J Donovan's

    The service is wonderful and Higgins kept us laughing and attended to us like we were a "boss".

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden

    Distraction & Democracy Beer Garden

    (11 reviews)

    Loved this Beer Garden. We noticed it around while walking around the area - Government Center and…read moreFaneuil Hall. After checking out the famed Feneuil Hall and Quincy Market, my husband was ready to go on a sightseeing strike if I wouldn't have gotten him a beer! The Sam Adams tap room was there, but too crowded and popular. We love indie places so we went back to Distraction & Democracy and it was the wisest decision! The space is big, wide, the ladies working the counter are super helpful and friendly, we tried their Amber Ale, it was great, so we ordered a couple of cold ones. Lots of cool seating options, we got some in the shade at a table facing Faneuil Hall. Hard to beat that view! The beer was amazing, the place relaxing, some friendly folks around chilling, taking a break in action like us! They have clean portable toilets with water sinks and soap. Lots of them! Great experience! Enjoyed our well deserved beer break here! Fun and relaxing, cherished a cold one surrounded by the city's history! Cheers!

    Wanted to check out a market that was supposed to be in this space, but when we arrived it was dead…read moreand empty. The bartender told us the market folks rescheduled at the last minute, then offered beers on the house for our trouble. It's a great location with views of the Sam Adams brewery and Faneuil Hall. Super affordable drinks if you were to pay for them, and a great chill place to sit down with friends or enjoy on your own. Staff was incredible. Big props to those ladies holding it down!

    Wicked Craft - Showdown in Little Tokyo

    Wicked Craft

    (173 reviews)

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    Every year my fiancé and I try a new restaurant for our anniversary and this year we went to Wicked…read moreCraft Co. From the moment we stepped in, we felt the brunch vibes. The music, the atmosphere and staff were amazing. The owner, Steve, was attentive as well. He came over, congratulated us on our anniversary and spoke about his vision for the restaurant. The drinks have fun, catchy names but are absolutely delicious. We ordered shots and the presentation with the smoke was fantastic. The food portions on the brunch menu were just right. Overall, this is a great restaurant with fun vibes. We will definitely be back to try the dinner menu.

    Did not realize we were walking into a club scene, for lunch at noon. Wow, just really taken back…read moreon the entire experience. Sat directly under the speaker, was deaf 10 minutes in. Staff were extremely friendly, but just a weird experience (for North End IN Boston). People walking around in sunglasses, loud poppers being shot with confetti in the air, lots of yelling- just a loud, rambunctious scene. Food on the menu wasn't bad (although they were out of certain items); I tried the chicken sliders, the chicken tacos (with mango and pineapple), and the champagne strawberry pop-tarts. Fun (and wide) selection of food; and lots of cocktails (all for show- little alcohol but all had a "fun" presentation). Not my vibe so would not return- but if you're looking for a Miami club vibe, this restaurant is for you. Maybe drink before you get there, if you actually want to feel the alcohol.

    J J Donovan's - divebars - Updated May 2026

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