“It is a good time if you want to get away from the sports life,” the bar leads at Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden said.
The World Cup has taken over Boston, along with the city’s nightlife.
A normal line to get into some popular downtown bars has gone from long to never ending, most notably at The Dubliner. Your favorite cocktail lounge may now feel more like a sports bar, with what feels like every bar in the state broadcasting the World Cup.
If you are all “World Cup-ed out” you can head to these places that are unlikely to be overrun with World Cup revelers, are they’re not even showing the games.
First up … a dive bar with no television.
Grendel’s Den Restaurant & Bar: Cambridge
Grendel’s in Harvard Square has the familiar look and feel of a well-loved pub. But unlike some similar haunts, this one does not have a television.
At Grendel’s, you can sip away your drink free from any sort of World Cup chatter. For a similar vibe that does have a TV, head down the street to the bar’s sister restaurant, The Sea Hag.
Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden: Brookline
Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden is a traditional Chinese restaurant and cocktail lounge. The interior is quiet and peaceful looking, with matcha-colored walls and antique detailing.
Blossom Bar bar lead Alex Blakelock said the bar has not seen a large influx of World Cup fans and dubbed it the perfect safe haven from FIFA.
“[Its been] relatively slow,” Blakelock told Boston.com, adding that the bar has seen some FIFA fans later in the night around closing time.
“It is a good time if you want to get away from the sports life,” Blakelock said.
Long Bar & Terrace: Back Bay
If you usually opt for a rooftop bar but have found your go-to spot has been taken over by World Cup tourists, head to Long Bar & Terrace.
The bar confirmed that they don’t have a television, so no one will be surrounding a TV yelling for their favorite player.
The bar is at the top of the Raffles Boston hotel, and the cocktail lounge allows reservations to ensure your spot is saved.
Wusong Tiki Bar: Cambridge
For a tropical vibe, trot to Wusong Tiki Bar in Cambridge.
“We don’t show any of the World Cup games,” Zach Bechard, a manager at the Harvard Square establishment, told Boston.com.
Bechard recommends guests book one to two weeks out in advance on weekends and two to three days out for weekday seating.
Wink and Nod: South End
Wink and Nod in the South End can definitely drown out the World Cup noise with its flavorful cocktails.
The speakeasy cocktail lounge has a quiet vibe and sophisticated look. And, it doesn’t have a TV, so the World Cup can’t get you within its walls.
Equal Measure: Fenway
Equal Measure provides an alternative to a jam-packed Fenway sports bar.
“No sports of any kind back there,” Jackson Cannon, beverage director for Eastern Standard Hospitality, told Boston.com.
With one TV that won’t play sports and guests rarely see, there is plenty of freedom from FIFA at this cocktail bar.
“Great place to get away with your group, small or large and disappear in your own little world there,” Cannon said.
Next Door Speakeasy: East Boston
If you bailed on the hours-long line at The Tall Ship but still want to get a drink in Eastie, consider walking 15 minutes to Next Door Speakeasy.
The speakeasy has no television and has a resemblance to a war bunker that looks like it can withstand World Cup crowds.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.