Michael T. “Nuf Ced” McGreevy was the founder of Boston’s legendary Royal Rooters and godfather of Red Sox Nation. For thousands of fans, his Third Base saloon was literally “the last place before home.” No matter whether the Boston Americans (as they were known when America’s first “sports bar” was originally established in 1894) won or lost (as they often did), fans and foes were equally welcome at this more fan-friendly bar. And if any trouble or shenanigans broke out (as they often did), the owner would earn his own nickname by lawing down Boston law with a hardy “Nuf Ced.”

Today, fans of the AL East’s most storied team still gather at McGreevy’s both before and after games and also before and after work and other life-sustaining events.

Revived in 2004 by members of another Boston institution- the Dropkick Murphys – McGreevy’s combines original art and artifact from the original place (including glass cases containing everything from balls to bagpipes and the original sheet music for the unofficial team theme/fight song, “Tessie,” as well as lighting fixtures made from bats and a stained-glass likeness of Mighty Mike behind the sequesterable back bar that overlooks the entire place, just as McGreevy used to do in the original incarnation) with modern technology (the plethora of flat screens assure that – unlike at Fenway – there are no “obstructed view” seats) and a solid bill fare that works whether it is Game Day, St. Patrick’s Day (the bar’s sham-rockin’ parties are also the stuff of legend) or just Tuesday.

Approaching the front door, fans are greeted with a sign that informs them that it is a mere 1,200 steps to Fenway Park. While many may immediately think “What time do I have to leave in order to make first pitch?” the better question (especially this year) may be, “Why bother?” With its comfortable seating, good food, friendly service, and a museum-full of memorabilia (much of which is numbered to coincide with a key located en route to the downstairs dugout lounge and restrooms), a visit to McGreevy’s may be the best part of the game!

Despite the musical roots of the re-born Rooters roost, there is nary a cover charge at McGreevy’s (all the more to spend on beer, My Dear!). Once inside, as your eyes flash around the room from photo to photo to cute chick to hot guy, etc., your nose will be similarly enticed by the smell of beer, fries, and other pub staples. But no regular pub is McGreevy’s. Though the menu is easily navigable – divided as it is into Starters, soups and salads, sandwiches, pub plates, and desserts, each section is surprisingly rich and diverse and every portion is- well, to say “satisfying” would be an understatement! From fresh-baked sea-salted pretzels with amazing mustard and dipably-thinned nacho cheese to fried calamari and crispy fried pickles to McGreevy’s signature bacon cheeseburger pizza, the team at Third Base gets you started right. Once you have your first pint (or any of their creative bar concoctions) in your hand, you may proceed to such healthy options as the Caesar, steak and blue cheese, apple and spiced walnut or House salad (any of which are meal makers) or to such sandwich selections as the “Fat Tom” turkey sub, the regular, blue cheese or veggie burger, the grilled American cheese with tomatoes, or the “Irish BLT” with Irish bacon flown in from the Motherland. If your appetite is even hardier, the four-cheese mac ‘n’ is a great choice, as are the authentic (and enormous!) fish & chips, grilled marinated steak tips, authentic bangers & mash and Shepherds pie and the perhaps surprising broccoli penne and rosemary grilled chicken. As the game (or the evening) winds down, be sure to save room for the “wicked big” Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight, the warm brownie sundae or the “Nuf Ced” strawberry cheesecake.

So whether you are looking to revel in the Red Sox glory days, sing along to your favorite Boston band (the Murphys filmed a video in the bar and drop by often) or just grab a great bite with great people, make McGreevy’s your last stop before home. You may never want to round the bases again!

McGreevy’s

911 Boylston Street, Boston, MA

617 262 0911

www.mcgreevysboston.com