J.J. Foley’s Cafe

Family-owned and operated since 1909, J.J. Foley’s Cafe is one of Boston’s most historic Irish pubs. Located in the South End at 117 East Berkeley Street, the bar has been run by the Foley family for five generations, making it one of the oldest continuously operating family-owned restaurants in Massachusetts.

Stepping inside feels like stepping into a piece of Boston history. The pub blends the warmth of a traditional Irish bar with a deep connection to the city’s past. Boston memorabilia lines the walls, and over the decades the bar has welcomed politicians, police officers, journalists, and neighborhood regulars. It was even the site where Boston’s first police union was formed and was once a favorite gathering place for staff from the Boston Herald when the newspaper was headquartered nearby.

The space itself offers two distinct experiences. The classic pre-Prohibition bar area is perfect for enjoying a properly poured pint of Guinness, catching a game, or queuing up a song on TouchTunes. There’s also a comfortable seated dining room that works well for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. The menu features a wide range of seasonal dishes alongside classic pub favorites. Guests can enjoy grilled pizza, burgers, salads, appetizers, homemade desserts, and creative daily specials. The bar is well stocked with Guinness, a strong selection of beer, wine, and spirits, and plenty of options to pair with a hearty meal. J.J. Foley’s also hosts private parties and corporate events, offering guests a genuine Irish-American pub experience in one of Boston’s most historic settings.

More than a century after it first opened its doors, J.J. Foley’s remains a welcoming neighborhood institution—serving great food, great drinks, and the kind of friendly service that has defined the pub since 1909.