My favorite Boston bars

I'm 25 and have lived in Boston for almost three years now. My "going out" habits and preferences have definitely changed somewhat during the last couple of years - I no longer wait in lines in 30 degree weather in a tank top with no coat, and I appreciate, more and more, casual, low key bars. So, I thought I would compile a little list of my four favorite spots around the city.

Coolidge Corner Clubhouse (307 Harvard Street, Brookline) This sports bar might just be my favorite place in the area. It's definitely small and will get crowded, but there is something about it that keeps me, and my friends, coming back. After stopping by the CCC for several years at this point, we know just about every bartender, which does make for good conversation, creative shots, and reduced tabs. Besides the friendly staff, there are also more televisions then you would ever think could fit in the place and quite possibly the largest menu that I've ever seen. All of the sandwiches are named after athletes, but I must say that my favorite item on the menu (and just about the only thing I ever order) are the Southwestern Chicken Egg Rolls - amazing! I love that on a random Tuesday night, we can show up for dinner, easily grab a parking spot behind the building, and grab a seat at the bar. Oh, and where else would I have gone to watch the Sox opener from Japan at 6am?

Sissy K's (6 Commercial Street, Boston) Dollar drafts and the "guitar guy" are my two favorite things about this Faneuil Hall bar. Make sure you get there early for the dollar drafts before the kegs get kicked, but once they run out it might just be time to start on the test tube shots that are always going around. Downstairs, the "guitar guy" that hangs around on Friday and Saturday nights plays great covers, but if you want to dance, head upstairs. This is definitely a great happy hour/starter bar.

The Place (2 Broad Street, Boston) I'm getting to the point where getting all dressed up and waiting in line in 30 degree Boston weather is not as fun as it used to be. But, when I'm in the mood to go dancing, then this is the place that I usually want to head to. There isn't typically much of a line, which makes this a great destination during the winter months, but there are still plenty of people inside to make it a good time. There is great music and videos that are played on large screens throughout the bar. If there is a game on, there are definitely plenty of televisions that are devoted to sports, as well.

Sweetwater Cafe (3 Boylston Place, Boston) This casual bar is one of my favorite spots for a low key kind of night (which usually doesn't end up low key). At Sweetwater, we usually head to one of the back booths where we plant ourselves for the night. We always come armed with a deck of cards and dice for some games (the staff is cool with this), then order a couple of pitchers, and we are set for the night. If it's nice, there are tables outside, and live music downstairs. One of the best parts of this place is the walk through the Alley. The lines for all of the other bars down there are always ridiculous on the weekend, but you just walk right into Sweetwater.

Other good spots....

Publick House (1648 Beacon Street, Brookline)

The Avenue Bar & Grille (1249 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston)

The Black Rose (160 State Street, Boston)

The Harp (85 Causeway Street, Boston)

White Horse Tavern (116 Brighton Avenue, Allston)