Doyle's Cafe

The story

This 137-year-old Irish pub was the first bar to pour Sam Adams beer and served as a speakeasy bootlegging operation disguised as a candy shop.

Everything that was here

• 1882–2019

  Doyle's CafeBar

  This 137-year-old Irish pub was the first bar to pour Sam Adams beer and served as a speakeasy bootlegging operation disguised as a candy shop.

  See the map in 1883 →
• 1909–2007

  Filene's BasementDepartment Store

  The legendary 'Running of the Brides' saw hundreds of women in matching team shirts stampede for discounted wedding gowns at this famous bargain basement.

  See the map in 1910 →
• 1881–2006

  Filene's Department StoreDepartment Store

  The basement that invented discount shopping drew 25,000 shoppers on its famous 'Running of the Brides' wedding dress sales.

  See the map in 1882 →
• 1861–1996

  Jordan MarshDepartment Store

  America's first department store pioneered credit cards and heated sidewalks, and its demolition sparked the creation of Boston's landmarks preservation commission.

  See the map in 1862 →
• 1968–1995

  Naked i CabaretStrip Club

  A Harvard football player was killed by pimps outside this infamous Combat Zone strip club, whose iconic neon sign was salvaged by a sculptor.

  See the map in 1969 →

Nearby history