The Pine Bar, the only full-service bar inside the Boston Public Market, stopped serving drinks as of May 6, 2026 after a licensing fight and eviction case left the counter without its original operator. The shutdown pulls the plug on the market’s full-alcohol spot and leaves vendors and regulars waiting to see what, if anything, replaces it.
According to the Boston Business Journal, Boston Public Market removed operator Philip Frattaroli from the market’s liquor license and has not allowed the Pine Bar to resume service. The outlet also reports that a judge sided with Frattaroli in an April eviction ruling even as the market moved to take control of the license.
As described by the Boston Public Market, the Pine Bar opened in 2022 as the building’s full-service cocktail counter, highlighting New England beers, wines and spirits. It was intended to stretch the market’s hours and serve as an on-site anchor for events and pre-game crowds.
Court Fight Over Rent Reporting
Landlord filings said the Pine Bar’s rent was set at 20% of gross sales and accused the operator of withholding the financial backup needed to calculate the percentage rent, which led BPM Events LLC to seek eviction. That hearing and the landlord’s allegations were detailed by The Boston Globe, which noted that the bar’s legal response contested the balance the landlord claimed was owed.
Liquor Licenses Add Another Twist
Liquor licensing in Boston has been in flux after new state and city actions created a batch of restricted licenses and updated transfer rules, which can make reassigning or replacing an on-premises license more complicated. As Boston.com explains, many licenses are restricted and must be returned to the city instead of being sold privately, a setup that adds friction when landlords and operators land in a dispute.
What It Means For The Market
The Pine Bar’s closure removes the market’s only full-alcohol anchor and may cut into evening foot traffic and event business that leaned on on-site alcohol service. For a market that had signaled hopes of expanded hours when the bar opened, the loss is likely to be felt most on nights when vendors and organizers depend on late shoppers and catered events…