Don’t Leave Boston Without Trying These Bars
At the best bars in Boston, sip on inventive cocktail menus paired with exciting bites and fun vibes.
Although most famous for its pub scene, Boston is home to plenty of coveted restaurants and bars that know how to craft the perfect cocktail or mocktail. Whether you’re looking for a classic drink or something more on the creative side, the city is packed with options–it just depends on what mood you’re in. Are you looking for a laid back hang-out? Or are you hoping to get on your feet as soon as the live music starts? Luckily, there’s a little bit of everything here. So if you’re the one calling the shots, keep reading to discover some of the top spots to grab a boozy (or nonalcoholic) beverage in Boston.
Leather District
Like an authentic speakeasy, Offsuit may be difficult to locate, but once inside, you’ll find an intimate, 20-seat bar with a wealth of crafty concoctions, classic cocktails, and even your favorite light beer (PBR and a shot of Jack, anyone?). We highly recommend trying to snag a reservation online, but if you decide to take the risk and see if there’s any seating open for walk-ins, you can always get on the waiting list and listen to the vinyls spinning from outside. The Espresso F****** Martini is worth the wait.
South End
If you’re looking for something tropical, who says you need to leave the city? From its lively decor to its tiki-inspired drink menu, this hideaway in the South End is far from the neighborhood norm. Not to mention its culinary options pack an even stronger punch, with Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts, Gochujang Wings, and Okonomiyaki Tater Tots worth adding to your tab. Afterall, the restaurant and bar is brought to you by the brilliant team behind Bar Mezzana, No Relation and Black Lamb.
East Boston
Another (quite literally) hidden gem, this swanky East Boston speakeasy is disguised to look like an old locksmith shop from the outside. But once you manage to get in through the secret door on the patio of Pazza on Porter, a long list of upscale, elaborate cocktails and a robust raw bar menu awaits. And don’t forget the dessert, with options like Chocolate Gelato EVOO, Florentine Tacors, and Lemon Mascarpone Tart.
Fenway
Located next to The Verb Hotel and directly behind Fenway Stadium, Hojoko’s prime location is not even the best part about this happening tavern. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese izakayas, Hojoko serves sushi, ramen, robata and small plates amidst loud music, with an extensive list of sake and Japanese whiskey along with crafted cocktails, frozen drinks, wine and beer. You can also order a spiked punch bowl for the table, which serves three to six people.
Harvard Square
Located above Alden & Harlow, The Longfellow Bar explores award-winning chef and restaurateur Michael Scelf’s approach to experiencing meals around the kitchen counter, hence the cozy seating. Given its limited space, we recommend nabbing a reservation online to enjoy playlist-inspired house cocktails, including, Rhiannon, made with Old Tom gin, strawberry balsamic, rhubarb and tonic or Texas Hold ‘Em, featuring Paranubes rum, Nixta corn liquor, guava, cilantro, fresno, and lime. Just make sure you have room for the re-imagined bar snacks like the Crab Rangoon Nachos, Pigs ‘N Blankets and Longfellow Messy Fries.
South End
If you’re a live music fanatic, look no further. The Beehive in the South End has been a longtime hotspot for dinner and drinks followed by entertainment and dancing for over a decade. The nightly performances feature talented artists representing all kinds of genres, including jazz, soul, reggae, blues, and funk. The Beehive’s sister restaurant, Cósmica, is another fun and nearby option, with events and themed brunches on the regular.
Union Square
In the alleyway behind Bronwyn, you’ll find a nondescript red door that leads to none other than Union Square’s beloved Backbar. With a seasonal menu to keep things fresh, Backbar’s known for its creative cocktails and friendly atmosphere paired with comfortable seating and some quirky decor. (If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll appreciate the nostalgic references.)
Downtown Crossing
A 2024 James Beard Semi-Finalist for “Outstanding Wine Program,” haley.henry is the product of founder Haley Fortier’s 20+ years in the hospitality industry, where she developed a passion for small production and natural wines. Accompanying haley.henry’s carefully curated menu, you can pair a generous pour with another one of Fortier’s specialties, tinned seafood and charcuterie. It’s casual, it’s interesting, and with a revolving wine list sourced from around the world, featuring full and half-bottle offerings, it all adds up to a fantastic place to unwind.
Back Bay
This otherworldly, mythological-inspired 24-seat cocktail bar located under Greek restaurant Krasi transports you to a completely different realm, where bartenders are better known as “spirit guides” and the menu appears in a leatherbound book full of elaborate illustrations. Choose from carefully crafted concoctions, including the Malleus Maleficarum (aka The Witches’ Hammer), which features ingredients like tequila and spiced guava sorbet or Katabasis (aka a journey to the underworld), featuring vodka, huckleberry, goji, florina pepper, and acidified tomatillo.
Roxbury
After making history in 2011 as the city’s first craft distillery, Bully Boy Distillers continues to offer tours so that guests can get a firsthand glimpse into the distillation process. Once the tour has wrapped, you can enjoy the distillery’s Cocktail Garden & Bar open Thursday to Sunday, which features a rotating menu of frozen drinks all summer long and cocktails with fresh juices, homemade tinctures, and locally sourced ingredients.
Somerville
With trivia, live music, stand up, and more organized fun on the regular, Aeronaut Brewing Company next to Brooklyn Boulders in Somerville is a guaranteed good time. With plenty of IPAs, sours, and lagers to go around, you’ll be among beer local beer connoisseurs and enthusiasts–or just folks looking to enjoy the taproom’s quality atmosphere and outdoor space. You can also hop over to Aeronaut’s beer garden in Allston for even more live music and your favorite brews on tap.
Downtown Crossing Connected to sister restaurants jm Curley’s and Bogie’s Place, the Wig Shop on Temple Street is an elevated cocktail lounge with couch-only seating meant for cozying up and sipping on classic drinks with an exquisite twist, like the I Feel Pretty, featuring Ketel One Citroen, raspberry, elderflower, and a glitter foam to match its glitz and glam aesthetic. There’s even absinthe on the menu so make sure you fill up accordingly on snacks for the table like the Steak Tartare Toast and Wagyu Slider.
Brookline
The award-winning and nationally acclaimed Blossom Bar was founded by mixologist mastermind Ran Duan, who grew up working behind the scenes of his family’s restaurant, Sichuan Garden. The bar, which now sits at the front of the transformed Sichuan Garden, serves classic Chinese cuisine along with exotic cocktails, including the popular Duan’s Whip, which blends Havana Club Añejo Blanco, tangerine, coconut washed St Germain, Cynar, lime, and pineapple together with dole whip–and there’s even a mocktail version.
Central Square
Located above the former Central Kitchen, Brick & Mortar is easily one of the most effortlessly cool bars to grab a serious cocktail in Cambridge. Its dimly lit, exposed brick design with a huge copper bar makes for a solid destination to start or ultimately, end the night. Plus the music is A+–as long as you can handle the volume.