Method
What we use
Prices come from a bar's own published menu (its website, a PDF, an ordering or menu platform) or recent reporting. Each price row keeps its source link, the date we checked it and the menu's own date when it shows one. We do not use review-site prices, tips or guesses.
Typical beer, as listed
For each bar we take the listed price of a domestic light draft, Sam Adams Boston Lager and the cheapest local IPA on draft, and use the median of what that bar lists. An area's figure is the median across its bars. Most menus print no pour size, so we do not call the figure a pint. Where a size is stated we show it and the 16 oz equivalent beside the listed price.
When an area is ranked
An area is ranked only when at least 5 of its bars list a price for one of those beers. Every figure shows how many bars it rests on, and areas below the line are listed as not enough menus yet. This is early data, not a survey.
Happy-hour prices
Massachusetts rules bar drink happy hours, so the index uses regular menu prices only and skips any "happy hour" or limited-time drink price. MA bans drink happy hours. 204 CMR 4.03(1)(a) free drinks; 4.03(1)(c) price below that regularly charged for the same calendar week; 4.03(1)(d) unlimited drinks for a fixed price in a set period; exception for private functions not open to the public. ABCC reissues compliance reminders each holiday season.
Limits
Menus change and bars don't always post prices, so this is a snapshot of listed prices, last checked Nov 9, 2026. Pours, brands and taxes vary. If a price is out of date, email corrections@bostonlastcall.com.