Bukowski Tavern

A craving struck for a good cheap burger. Adventures ensued when we decided to walk to Bukowski on a whim. We took the scenic route through the Boston Common and The Public Garden.

The fountain at Park Street was on!

We stopped to nap and stare at the pretty trees.

As we wandered down Marlborough Street we ended up stopping at the Unitarian Universalist Church.
We were carousing outside - intrigued by the building itself and the grounds. Then a nice man with a set of keys offered to show us around inside. He gave us a tour and a mini history lesson. I didn't get any great shots (I kind of felt bad snapping pics in the space of worship as the nice man was talking) but this church can be described as none other than an architectural wonder. The sanctuary below. We learned the same architects who designed Boston City Hall also designed this space. The similarities in design and the use of concrete was striking. It is an incredible space which we both marveled over. We later discussed how this is they type of place you could live your whole life here, even in this very neighborhood, and never realize that this church existed. And so perhaps the same could be said about Bukowski Tavern which we slowly but surely made our way over to. Not before stopping to observe some purple stones in the sidewalk on Clarendon Street.

Bukwoski is a narrow inlet of a bar located at 50 Dalton Street in between the Pilgrim Parking Garage and the Mass Pike. The bright red exterior and odd placement allow it to stand out on one hand, but its tiny facade under a tall building perched over the highway seem to hide it on the other. Also good to note: Bukowski is cash only + beer and wine only. I love that you enter into a vestibule warning you of that fact. The vintage chandelier which hangs from the ceiling is funky piece of décor.

The long narrow dive bar opens up to a small seating area emitting relaxed vibes.

We took a seat in the corner by this window which provides a unique view.

I enjoyed watching the cars whiz down the turnpike and the Boylston Street landscape in the distance. 
I was in more of a bloody mary mood but this is a beer bar. Could I handle more beer? After all I consumed the night before?

I chose a frothy pint of the Boulder Sweaty Betty Blonde ($6) from the Draught list. Brewed by the Boulder Beer Company, Sweaty Betty is their signature summer brew, an unfiltered cloudy wheat beer with subtle hints of clove and banana.

Our waiter was a cool guy. It was fairly quiet in there but worthwhile to mention that he greeted us right away and was on the ball the whole time.
Then it was time to decide on a Burger which cost between $9 and $10. Now we're talkin'. [Come before 8pm on a weekday and your burger is $1.99.] Here are the choices:Adam choose a burger off the specials menu, basically the Barfly Burger but with mushrooms and onions. And he chose mashed potatoes as his side. They were definitely a fun choice! I needed fries though. I chose the Hangover Helper ($10) at the recommendation of my waiter. Gee, what gave it away? Bacon and a fried egg? It is brunch on a burger! I dove in headfirst and barely came up for air. This burger was a mess and a half. I'm talking runny egg yolk and drippy chipoltle mayo everywhere. Don't get me wrong it was amazing! Adam laughed at me pretty much the entire time. I laughed at myself too. When I headed to the bathroom to go wash up he made some joke about hoping there was a shower in the bathroom. If you've discovered a way to eat a gigantic burger with melted cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, chipoltle mayo and a fried egg without getting it all over your face and hands, let me know.
If you haven't tried a burger with a fried egg and are now craving one after my glamorous description, head to Bukowski Tavern in Back Bay! Or just head there for the great beer in an atmosphere with character.