The Bebop. Boston, Massachusetts.

1116 Boylston Street

Guinness Tag: $9.00 | Overall Rating: 7.25

Today's Dedicated Pint: Zack from behind the bar | Ray Finkle

One day in the mid 90's, some dude named Craig was recycling a bunch of cardboard tubes when he noticed that each differently sized tube made its own uniquely pitched sound as they struck impact onto the concrete/can/whatever. He then went on to invent the product, "Boomwhackers." Apparently, they're popular in elementary schools, however, I think my graduating class may have been a little early to the party, because today was the first time I've ever heard of a Boomwhacker, and to my disappointment, Bebop, the fun little Pub along Boylston Street inspired by music, did not have any Boomwhackers for me to enjoy on stage. I was made to feel like a bit of an oaf for not knowing what a Boomwhacker was, so my question to you is .... Have you ever heard of one of these silly instruments? Or have I been under a rock for the last 30 years?

The Bebop offers such a fun way of bringing both the American and Irish cultures together in a musical sense here in the Back Bay. The term "bebop" originated in NYC as a really upbeat jazz that's almost too quick for dancing. There's a stage right near the front door, and it provides live music 7 days a week. I tallied it up, they actually play music 62 hours every week, which means 37% of every waking moment in time: music is being performed here at the Bebop. That's impressive. It's almost too impressive.

Many things about this place tickle the fancies. For one, it sits on Boylston Street: the world-famous finish line of the Boston Marathon, a hub for fine dining and shopping, and a short walk to the Boston Public Garden. The curb appeal here is charming, and the colors provide a fun little pop. The interior is nice and open with tall ceilings and a loft that overlooks both the bar and the stage. There's one small bathroom downstairs, and a couple of bigger ones upstairs. So, if you're in a wheelchair and the toilet is clogged, then one of your friends is going to have to carry your fat ass up some stairs for you to pinch a loaf. I'll carry you up, but you're on your own coming back down.

The prices here aren't as outrageous as they could be, as a Guinness just a couple of blocks down the street will run you 13 bucks (Sweeney's). They provide all the light beer you want along with great drafts: Smithwick's, Magners, Guinness, and White Hag. The Guinness pour was a little weak today, but not as frail as the whiskey selection. I'm a little shocked at how limited their overall liquor choices are, because I'd imagine a place with such a strong music scene in the middle of one of the most famous areas in America would want to offer a lot more than just the basics. Hey, what do I know?

They do offer food. I personally could care less if you offer food or not, because some of the best Pubs out there don't focus on food: they focus on the Craic. It'll only help you if you do sell food (even if it's not very good), but I'm not out here trying to find out who drops the meanest basket of fries into a deep fryer. I'm not a psychotic: of course I enjoy eating tasty food, and if you're known for your Reuben then I'm 100% ordering one. What I'm getting at here is that food shouldn't be the focal point of any Irish Pub here in America (few exceptions, of course). However ... they do sell food here at the Bebop, and they keep the kitchen running 12 hours each day!

As you sit at the bar and do a 360 spin, you'll notice nicely placed, small golden ceiling tiles, music decor, zero TVs, string lights, and bubbly folk music during the downtime. I typically fall in love with Pubs that don't supply any TVs, as it requires people at the bar to actually talk to each other and focus on what's happening right in front of everyone's face rather than staring at the screen in their pocket and the screen on the wall. It'd be hard to argue the fact that the overall vibe in here is a lot of fun. I can't say I like the light fixtures above the barstools, and the furniture as a whole in here feels pretty cheap. I'm big on worthy furniture, especially the seating: how can you expect me to sit inside your establishment for 3+ hours if you give me a cruddy, uncomfortable potato plopper to plop on?

Boston might be my new second home in a few years, because I'm falling in love with it as I keep discovering it. The Bebop is definitely on my recommendation list, as I do enjoy it here, but I can't see myself placing it on the Highest Rated Pubs list at this time. It's a great place to hang out and kill time. There are too many other places out there that I'd tell you to go to first if you're in the market for a true, traditional Irish Pub. This one's fun, but it's not exactly what I'm craving. I know a few of you would appreciate it a lot more than I do.

Thanks for the fun conversation, Zack. I'm off to spend 13 bucks on a pour at Sweeney's. Slainte!