The Squealing Pig

The food is really good for a pub that's in the middle of a less exciting neighborhood.

Thursdays are the best night, but the most crowded, when there's a regular live singer who plays guitar. If you like banging on tables to a tune and singing your favorite parts of the song, and being around friendly people, this is the place for you.

But it's crowded enough as it is so... stay away.

This is a solid, 3 1/2 star neighborhood place.   The food is good, and shows some thought.  The decor is terrific, but it's a little small and can be loud.  It's a bar with food, but the food is better than that would normally indicate and the beer selection ain't too shabby either.

I had the Mission Burger with cheese and bacon and the fires with curry.  The curry was fine, better than the James' Gate but not as good as the Green Briar.  For a dollar, the cheese was a nice thick piece so that you could still taste it, but for the same cost of an additional dollar my extra crispy bacon was a single piece right out of the fryer.  In the meantime, my wife's Prosciutto/Fig sauce/Gorgonzola pizza was very nice, and this coming from someone who hates gorgonzola.

In other words, the place has a few small flaws, and doesn't really break any new ground.  But in the category of neighborhood beer bars that offer a good burger and bandy the world "Irish" about, it punches its weight plus a little extra.

Everything is tasty. The service is good and the bartenders friendly. I've done late lunch, early dinner, and brunch here. I'm sure there are plenty of busy times and I magically find the times when they're quiet. Which is how I like it.

Bloody Mary's are great-- not too spicy but still plenty of flavor. Great sandwiches, salad, soups and entrees. Haven't had a bad meal here! Super convenient to Brigham Circle/MassArt/Simmons.