The food at this Irish pub is so underrated. Â In fact, it's one of my favorite places to grab a casual bite to eat. Â Our favorite things on the menu are the Beef Skewers - yummy, tender, with a little kick, and the delicious salads. Â Sure a salad with grilled chicken seems easy, but I have had so many in Boston with dry, almost inedible meat. Â The salads at Shenanigans are HUGE and the grilled chicken is warm and juicy and a very generous portion. Â Their balsamic vin is a mild white balsamic that is just to die for. Â My favorite is the apple and goat cheese salad - try it - you won't be sorry. Â Best night for dinner is Wednesdays for pub trivia. Â Great date night!
Review Source:Nothing here impressed me that much; it was fine.
It's nice inside. They have a lot of HDTVs. There's a patio out back. The bartenders are pretty. The mediocre reggae band played their renditions of Ace of Base's "Don't Turn Around" and Phil Collins's "Another Day in Paradise."
You can't make that last sentence up. It must be true then, right?
Give the stars to the bartenders though. Even though this place was hopelessly crowded by 11PM, no one in our party waited particularly long to be attended to. Also, the prices weren't bad for the big city. Two well drinks and two ciders on tap for $23 on a Friday Night. You could do worse, for sure.
For those of you looking to meet women [self not included], I did notice a good ratio of ladies to gents, most of whom were quite attractive by my standards. My friend hit one of them; she looked like Alison Brie from Mad Men... if that gives you a good idea.
So it's a pretty good hangout spot. Close to the T and reasonably priced.
On 1st visit, food was good but waitress was horrible. Â On 2nd visit 4/7/13, got same bad waitress & food was just ok. Ordered burger & steak tips. Waitress never came back after food was served to make sure was cooked ok. Was given empty bottle of ketchup. The place was not busy. When i was able to locate waitress she was just sitting down at a table. Â Its too bad. Cute place but wont go back.
Review Source:This bar was filled with men on Friday night. Â Someone must have put out the word for all the attractive late 20s early 30s men to show up at Shenannigans and the forgot to invite the ladies. Â It was around a 8:1 males to female ratio! Â The reggae band seemed a bit out of place for the clientele but I loved it! Â I'll be going back and bringing all my single gals.
Review Source:I always go here for lunch on Fridays when I have doctor's appointments in the area. So that's the context. Great food for a pub environment, though I rarely get more than a cup of chowder. I really like the vibe and the other people who frequent the spot during daytime (think older locals who are very vibrant and friendly.) It was a breath of fresh air to go there today, after seeing, to my horror, the Starbucks and high priced residential building being constructed by Broadway station, and feel like the place was still dominated by down to earth Southie types, construction workers on lunch break etc... who never lack a smile or conversation starter (love how people were talking across the room to each other from several tables away.) It's clearly a spot that people are regulars and recognize other regulars. It's a nice touch that they have appealing specials; too many casual pubs don't even bother mixing it up to keep steady clientele entertained with new options. I haven't been out there just to hang at night since 2007, so I can only speak to the daytime vibe, which is super comforting, especially on this chilly Winter day.
Review Source:I just left Shenanigans for my fathers birthday. We had a party of 6 and were looking for something affordable and reliable. Shenanigans is always a guaranteed GREAT meal and a good time! I ordered the Cajun Haddock special and it was great! Our bill for 6 came to less than we expected and the service was much more than we expected!! Â There is also a reggae band on Fridays at 9 that is THE BEST!!!
Review Source:I went here for lunch on a Saturday. I had an amazing Fish Sandwich that I would certainly want again!! Everyone I was with loved the food as well
The service though was not the best. It took forever to be waited on, then get drinks, forget for our friend who ordered a beer. Â When you can see the bar it is tough to justify why it is taking so long. Our server was not on the floor much and did not seem interested in making sure we had the best experience possible.
Their food is great but just don't expect to be in and out of there quickly or wowed by their service
I enjoy Shenannigans. Â Food is really good!!! Â I enjoy the ambiance and decor. Â The band on Friday night was awesome. Â I'd definitely stop in again for dinner/lunch or to grab a beer. Â I was a little disappointed that they didn't have the NFL ticket. Â Of course they have the Pats game on, but my friend was hoping to see another game. Â
Overall great neighborhood spot.
The stars they get are for the food alone. Â The steak tips and turkey tips are DELICIOUS.
I used to come here at least once a week for dinner and once a month with my coworkers for an early happy hour. Â We had half days so we were typically there around 2:30 on a Friday. Â Not a busy time but still get the absolute SNUB. Â
I'm talking a group of 10-12 people all drinking more than one drink, with about half staying for dinner. Â I'm talking a hefty bill with people accommodating tips for our large party size.
We're a rowdy bunch and had made this our place for over a year. Â But the past few times we've been we've gotten nothing but rudeness and cold shoulders. Â Bad bad bad service and acting like how dare we bring a large group into a dead restaurant at 2:30 on a Friday?
We've made Telegraph Hill our new spot. Â Awesome drinks, food, and they servers actually talk to you, make suggestions, and want you to come back.
This is EXACTLY what i never knew I always wanted #heartheartheart
Facts: It is is Southie; the space is GORGEOUS and clean; they serve up a mean shipyard pumpkin with sugar and spice and everything nice, and the crowd is deliciously Southie-Student-Yuppie hybrid.
I couldn't ask for more. I'm dying to go back. The music was great, they had always sunny on the telly, the bartenders were friendly but didn't harass you.
I could totally see this as my favorite haunt. Haven't been this in love with a bar (and felt like I belonged) since the Mission Bar in Mission Hill.
Last weekend I suggested coming here for lunch solely so I could say the classic Super Troopers line: "I swear to God I'm going to pistol whip the next guy who says Shenannigans."
Not really. Truthfully I just moved to Southie and wanted to check out some of the places closest to my new digs. My friends and I got prime seats right next to a big open window on quite the beautiful day. Can't really beat that. I ordered one of the sandwich specials -- grilled chicken, swiss, acocado, and chiptole mayo (?). There was SO much food on this sandwich. Look at the picture, I think they put an entire avocado on top -- I'm not complaining. The fries were decent and my friend's salad looked awesome, for a salad that is.
They also have a cute little outside area that makes me wish it was July. I'm sure I'll be back for some hangover food!
Head over to Shenannigans on Friday nights for live reggae - yeppers REGGAE! It's a amazingly random combination and yet fabulous at the same time. Townie Southie boys all dressed up in their red soxes attire, popped collars and perfectly white sneakers swaying to the music of Jamaica. Plus the reggae band is amazing. I could watch the keyboardist play all night and pretty sure I laughed out loud when the lead singer pulled out a joint during the drum solo and took a hit - now that's what I call reggae.
Food here is above average for a pub. Good burgers, huge salads and all the bar food munchy apps you could want. The beer selection is what's great - tons of beers on tap and plenty of bartenders to get you a cold one.
Ladies - on the weekends you're in luck. If you're on the prowl for a Boston bred Southie man the odds are in your favor here - it's about 3-1 men. ohh ya!
One of my favorite places to go in Southie- but only during the week! On weekends, the vibe in here is really weird. The people are local Southie people who get completely dressed up for a night at a casual bar (they often look like they are going clubbing).
On weeknights, the place is great. I can usually find a seat at the bar, and the bartenders are very friendly. It is the kind of place where other people in the bar will  make small talk with you.
Additionally, it's not gourmet but as far as bar food- it blows Playwright and Beer Garden away. The onion rings are phenomenol, many of the sandwhiches are huge and delicious, and the main courses aren't half bad either.
I really don't like this place. I've been here 3 times over the last 1.5 or 2 years or so and hope to never be back.
In my 3 visits, I've never had anything stand out. There are quite a few reviews here that rave about one dish or another but I, at best, have found them all to be forgettable or, at worse, have had them make me or my friends ill. Its just not worth it.
And the service is terrible too. The bartender does a good job of not seeing you, whether you're trying to order some food, get another drink, or trying to get the check so you can get the heck out of there, its almost impossible to get anything done in a reasonable amount of time.
With so many options on Broadway and surrounding area, I'd avoid this place and keep walking to somewhere that can get it right.
Been here a few times and am always very pleased. The service is nice and really friendly and the food is delicious!
First of all food, I mean come on food always comes first!
The buffalo chicken quesadillas are really good and creamy
the Onion rings come with a fantastic sauce that I suggest you keep and use on everything!
The shepard pie is well words can't describe
Chicken Pot Pie is alright too sweet for my savory desires
Potatoe Skins good
Drinks!
Reasonably priced and really generously poured. LOVE THAT!
Atmosphere. perfect for what you want on different days of the week. Early dinner... soft lighting quiet music and calm
Lat night ... great music lots of people great reggae band on friday
TRIVIA! Wednesday night ... and they have fun prizes full of alcohol nothing better.
You should go here if in the south end.
How about you guys leave the kitchen open after 9pm if you are open until 2am?
Went here with Elizabeth D. after a Yelp event to get a drink at the bar. I got a Landshark which I loved and she got a Blue Moon with an orange slice. Â The bartender was a bit quick to cash us out even though we were just hanging out, that was a bit weird. Â We were able to look at the menu, which looked to be ok, but a bit expensive, good place for beer, the Blue Moon was only $4.75. I wouldn't go here for late night food since it's non existent!
This is a chill bar ideal for having lunch or an after-work beer. The food is quite good and portions are generous. I especially recommend their salads which are always HUGE and fresh. On a nice day they can slide open the large windows in the front of the building and let in some fresh air. Also of note, they have large flatscreen tvs around the restaurant so you can eat lunch and watch the world cup ;)
I would not recommend this bar to people looking for a super energetic, loud, young scene. It's just not that kind of place. However, it is clean, reasonably priced, has nice staff, serves good food, and is a great spot to catch up with a friend.
No Shenannigan's Allowed at Shenannigan's!!!!!
Meh. The 1st time I did the bar crawl here they said we were too loud and people were trying to eat lunch. Â 2nd time here,... we were too loud and people were trying to eat their lunch. 3rd time... welp, there wont be a 3rd time for the Red Scare.
Though I did enjoy one of the bartenders who was quite pleasant he was very happy to take pictures for us :)
Don't let the name fool you. Shenannigan's... Ha!
I am taking away one star because the bartenders seemed to have gotten worse. Â I went in here TWICE in the last month on a Friday night only to stare at the bartenders for 20 minutes, be ignored, get annoyed and go next door. Â There were 3 bartenders. Â The bar is not that big.
Now why would I come here twice in a month if that's what happened to me the first time? Â The Friday night reggae band is awesome. Â I might just have to start sneaking in nips or something so I can have a drink while I listen to them.
This place is hard to figure out. I have been in here on days when the atmosphere is good, and on days when the atmosphere is downright horrible. It seems with this place if you time it just right it's a good place to stop into for some drinks and food.
The food here is good. I had a daily special here once of spicy shrimp gumbo and it was fantastic, but nothing else comes to mind to brag about on their full menu.
Their tap choices are actually not bad, and the bar is big enough so usually you don't get squeezed off the bar while trying to order.
Every other time I am in here though something always goes array, and it always has to do with the other people who show up to this place. Once the scantly dressed Miller Lite Girls showed up and every meat head in the place became uber frat boy and annoying. The Party Trolley also shows up quite often to dump off a bunch of black out drunks onto the scene, which is always a good time as well.
The sad part is this would probably be at least a 4 star establishment if it wasn't located in Southie and the people inside weren't so annoying sometimes.
Here's the SITUATION:
Came here with the boyfriend after work on a Friday, 5:00-ish, sat at the bar, didn't leave until 9:00-ish (four hours? yes, we were surprised too!). It was empty when we got there and full when we left. I've also been here before for just drinks.
I have random thoughts of my experience and feel the need to make pro and con bullet points...
ATMOSPHERE
+Comfy bar stools
+Chill feel
+Random crowd, all ages aside from kids
+Flat screens, some with the games on
-One of the T.V.'s had CNN on which was airing a disturbing segment. The T.V. sound wasn't on so I'm not sure if it was even a sad story, but the visual def was...I just felt the need to mention this as it was a bizarre part of my experience
DRINKS:
+Good enough beer selection
+Delish chocolate martini
-The drink menu is basically all vodka drinks...would've liked to seen more of a variety. Vodka is usually not my friend
-The pinot grigio I had was no bueno
FOOD:
+Boyfriend claims that the beef skewer app was delish and like a fellow yelper also thought the sauce was not needed. This could've been a meal with the bed of rice they were served over
+Onion ring app was good as well. Wish the sauce was a little spicier but that's just my preference.
+Portions were generous
-I ordered the mussels and linguine with the "white" sauce for my dinner. Sauce was really just an odd butter mixture with a funky taste. Wouldn't recommend it, maybe try the "red" sauce instead
SERVICE:
+When we first got there, our server was friendly and attentive, and after changing shifts the new ones were as well
+The guy bartender that ended up taking care of us for the night was attentive and friendly...and cute, bonus.
-During the shift change we were neglected for quite a while and sat there with our app dishes in front of us waiting for our order to be taken and dishes to be cleared
--The bartenders all chomped their gum. I feel as though I should take a star away this drives me so crazy! One of my biggest pet peeves and I couldn't even understand what one of them was trying to say to me.
RANDOM POINTS:
+Taxi stand right outside the entrance
+Clean bathroom
-Not that close to the T
-Who doesn't have a website these days?
OVERALL:
Although I liked my app and drink, and am sure that there's better items on the large menu than the mussels, and service without the gum and shift change might have been superb, I just can't bring myself to give it 4 stars. Especially not with the competition around them. Would/will I go back? Of course. I think I would def be more impressed on another visit, seems like a good enough place.
I haven't frequented Southie much at all. But the couple of times I've been it's involved this particular place and if anything, it's a good place to be acquainted with Southie.
The bar is fun in general. They have different nights. Thursday is Karaoke nights and Fridays/Saturdays they have a DJ spinning various music and taking requests (though you may have to fight with him to play your song of choice at times). The best part about this place however are the bartenders and how nice and efficient they are. Right from the start they pay attention to you and no matter how full the bar may be make their way around and never give you the need or the attitude that comes with a busy bar.
The crowd here is a mix of age groups, but generally one that is always interesting. I haven't tried their food so I can't write about that much, but as far as drinks and bartenders and atmosphere goes, I do enjoy this place.
If I find myself in Southie, this will definitely be a place I come again and again.
I stopped in here for a bite and a beer before meeting some friends for an evening of joviality. The bartender, Rob, was quite friendly and let me sample one of the draft beer selections before I made my decision and was more than happy to answer any question I might have had about the menu.
I was only seeking an appetizer, and I chose the beef teriyaki skewers, which were quite delish. They came out served on a bed of rice (done just the way I like it - a bit sticky) with some chopped tomato for garnish and a serving of peanut sauce, which was also quite tasty, even though the beef did not need any additional seasoning - it was wonderful just as it was served.
Overall, I liked the place very much, nice atmosphere, very clean, when I arrived, it was pretty quiet, but it was starting to fill up by the time I left. I would definitely be open to returning to Shenannigans for an entire meal.
WOW- i have lived next to this bar for over two years now and have also been on yelp for just as long and i have no excuse whatsoever for not writing a review.
it has been a quite and adventure for myself and shananers... when i first moved over there i would have said this bar was a two, i thought the best thing about it was the changing lights in the ceiling. i wasn't a big fan of the menu and it was a little to quite.
since then they have opened the back patio! amazing, that's all i have to say about that. they a constantly running beer specials and they have quite the selection on draft. not mention they were one of the first to have Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka available. Billie M's and my excitement for this find that we drank the whole bottle in one night. no lie.
the bartenders there are great, friendly and personable. if you bump into them on the street, you may end up having a small conversation. Believe me this happens more to me and than some would like to admit. but I'm OK with it.
karaoke on Thursdays is hit or miss. sometimes there is a line and you cant even get near the joint and sometimes its low key, i prefer the low key but i am always up for dealing with a crowd. if you don't like the crowd head next door to its sister bar the CLOCK TAVERN.
The one thing i wish they had more of was live entertainment. they usually have something going on Friday and Saturday. but sometimes its just a DJ. a little more live music never hurt anyone. just saying.
Oh sweet Shenannigans, how you brighten my week up my week, 2-3 nights at a time!
Worst in the league.
If you want to stand around a bar and wait for the bartenders to come to you, try Shenannigan's. Â You will lose your buzz rather quickly - trust me.
Oh and.....no dancing. Â Bouncers get mad. Â When the DJ is blasting music and you are trying to dance, they tell you to cut it out and sit down.
They also have flat, warm beers. Â The drinks are weak.
Trust me on this one. Â If you're in the Southie area, stay away from Shenannigan's.
Good place to watch a game and enjoy a beer. Tons of flat screens so you won't miss any of the action.
The Cajun chicken sandwich is good but the roll it is on dissolves while you are eating it. Burgers and aps are also good.
Bar is fun. There is ussually a band playing on Friday or Saturday night and Karaoke on Thursdays. I shall return.
I Will Pay A $20 Cover To Go To This Bar When Pigs Fly, And Then When One Of The Flying Pigs Lands And Bitch-Slaps Me.
Until then, don't count on ever seeing me hand over a $20 to get in this door. Â I'm going to take this out on Shenannigan's, because I cant review three bars all at once, but apparently on Sunday the Playwright and Boston Beerworks in Southie were also charging $20 covers.
Here's a thought - about one trillion people would go buy beers at your establishments if you wouldnt try to jack 20 bucks off of us to get in. Â I know, you can only fit so many people in, so why not make the extra money. Â But I have another idea - why not NOT be douchebags? Â Great question.
I especially have a problem with this because of how much we all needed to pee at the parade. Â Obviously we were drinking beers standing on the street, so after a few of those the need to pee was somewhere between "if I wasn't 26 I would shamelessly piss myself" and "nobody knows me in Southie, who cares if I piss myself." Â Ideally, I could have just walked into Shenannigan's across the street, peed, and then I'd be writing a review that was like "Oh man, Shenannigans is f*cking awesome, their bathrooms are so nice and I just love thier decor." Â Okay, whatever, I would never write anything like that, but you get my point. Â But no. Â $20 bucks to hang out inside and drink, $20 bucks to pee. Â Let me make myself clear - I would gladly pee on the shoes of the dude taking the 20s before I gave him the 20. Â I kinda still want to.
Anyway, instead of going to Shenannigans, my friends and I went to a strangers home, used their bathroom and then hung out at their party drinking their beer. Â I think they loved it.
Don't pay a cover to go to a bar in Southie unless Whitey Bulger is there holding a gun to your head.
Favorite pub in SoBo.
Fantastic Irish pub food - try the pan fried steak and mashed potatoes or fish & chips - and great apps for games. Salads too - chicken fiesta salad with home made chipotle dressing. Yum.
They have flat screens everywhere, a back patio, extremely clean everything, and lots and lots of beers on tap. The waitresses are friendly and fast and remember your drink orders. It's always a great place to grab a bite on a week night or catch a game.
I recently moved to Southie from Beacon Hill...and live right around the corner from Shenannigans...so my roomie and I decided to check it out.
We've only been on weeknights--once just for drinks and once for dinner.
The first time we were greeted by a very friendly bartender. The bar was pretty busy on the night we went and we were having trouble finding 2 spots together at the bar--and the bartender came out of his way and finagled 2 seats for us--and then was very tentative all night!
Second time --food was mediocre..and service also! Our server wasnt horrible, but he may have only said three words to us all night. Decor is decent--and the resto was pretty clean! There was a mixed crowd between the young professionals, probably new to the area like ourselves and the older 40+ regulars...
The Sox were also playing one of the times we went--and if you like hearing the commentators--this would be a great bar for you--they had the tv up and music off--and there were also plenty of flat screens around...
We'll be back for drinks for sure--and maybe just stick to the apps!
So it's still a three, but now it's a HIGH three instead of a low three. Â
Why?
Back patio. Â
10 tables outside, under shadowy lattice work strung with hanging plants. Â NEVER a wait, and finally (!) a waitress with some pizzazz.
I'm slowly coming around to you Shenannigan's. Â Just give me a little more time.
Don't come here and expect to finish giving your order to your waiter. He has better things to do.
Came here with a group of six (family). Sat on the patio in the afternoon. Must have been a leper colony based on the way our waiter treated us. Four people in our group had given him our order and when the fifth wasn't fast as lightning to give hers he simply walked away. No "Do you need another minute?" or even asking the sixth member of our party what she would have liked. Just walked away. And nevermind trying to get oh, lets say, a refill of water on a hot Saturday. In the end we just got desserts which are actually made at the bakery across the street, so I can't speak for the food. Our waiter acted as if he had to make the cakes from scratch in his own kitchen. Anyone know if constantly rolling your eyes is indicative of a nervous tic or maybe a brain tumor?
Either way, he should see a doctor. Or maybe a therapist.
I have never seen such an attitude in someone who works essentially for tips, so I figured him for a manager. Asked the hostess on the way out and she said he was a server. The hostesses I should add are very nice and must be overworked apologizing for service. This is definitely a gentrified Southie bar and I'm sad to say I'd rather take my chances in the old Southie bars than visit this sorry excuse for a business again.
I won't pay someone to treat me like trash.
This is my bar of choice if going out in Southie. If you don't want the meat market atmosphere of the Beer Garden and Playwright, take yourself to Shenannigan's. It is a more mature crowd without all the flim flam of trying to get a piece of ass.
The staff is friendly and real...lovely Irish accents.
Drinks are strong and the Cajun chicken sandwich is honestly the BEST chicken sandwich I have ever had. Good place to watch a ball game, as well.
Not awful, but definitely not worth the trip.
This place personifies gentrification. Â It's smack dab in the middle of a relatively seedy area. Â Getting out of Broadway T and not knowing where to go, but looking for a "Southie bar," my friend and I wandered all the way down to this place. Â Obviously, we failed it our mission.
Shenanigans seems to suffer from a kind of schizophrenia at not knowing which clientle to cater towards - trendy yuppies, or drunken Brandies frat boys. Clearly, well-groomed college students were not even in the running.
Oh, and the service was awful. Â We were sitting at the bar, but couldn't get the bartender's attention for anything. Â When you bring a dessert menu, you return to take the order. Â The bouncer left the door open (brrrr....).
Nothing special - no amazing menu, no amazing drinks, no amazing scene. Â Next time - skeevy dive bar. Â At least there I'll get what I ask for.
Love this place. Â And, I'm not even Irish. Â Shalom, and welcome to South Boston, you mashugina.
No, you won't find Matzo Balls or Latkes, but you will find what I consider to be the best non-Jewish, pub food around (is there Jewish pub food?). Â What do I mean? Â I mean good, honest American, errr, Irish, food, that's what I mean. Â Steak tips, curry, wraps - and get this - fresh salads and traditional Irish breakfasts, etc. Â And, all of it is fresh and very flavorful. Â I'm actually tempted to say that you can find some of the best noshes in Southie here. Â Yup. Â That's right. Â I'm kvelling because the menu is so varied, so consistently good, and so affordable. Â Also, the place is clean with a contemporary look - from the floors to the bar to the bathrooms.
Also, every experience with the staff here has been fantastic. Â They're a bunch of mensches. Â They're comprised of about 143% Irish goys, and they're great. Â Always a smile. Â Always willing to share a story. Â Matter of fact, when I pop in with my little boy, the staff takes him for a walk around the entire place, and plays with him if it's not too busy. Â Free babysitting!!!!!!!!!!
I can't gush enough. Â This place is so good for bar food and pleasant conversation (the music can get a little loud late). Â I mean, we spend so much time here that my wife practically gave birth at the table by one of the sliding, wide open windows while watching the World Cup (great place to catch a game - lots of flat screens and it's never standing room only). Â Seriously. Â We were counting contractions over Smithwicks (at least I was). Â Hours later, my boy popped out with an Irish brogue.
Shenannigan's food is pretty good, and it's a good after-work spot, but as a late night bar it doesn't do much for me. Â Bartenders go either way -- super nice or kind of not. Â Karaoke nights are fun. Â The deco is nice and the bathrooms are clean and there's supposedly a patio out back (?!?). Â In the evenings, they crank up the tunes WAY too loud, and it's impossibly trying to listen to your friends, let alone the fellow with an accent who's trying to chat with you. Â But hey, rarely is there ever not a place to sit.
"Whats the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy sh*t on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?" Â This isn't *that* Shenannigans, but I'm still going to pistol-whip you if you say that word again;)