The 29 best bars in Boston

What is it? A cozy 9-seat cocktail bar on the Nort End, just down the street from Paul Revere's house. Unlike a typical bar where you stroll in and order a drink, Farmacia offers a curated tasting menu of multiple cocktails and snacks. Phillip Rolfe, the mastermind behind Farmacia, is dedicated to making the best drinks possible. He personally selects each spirit, cold-presses every juice, and infuses every syrup used in his high-end creations. It's an experience akin to a cocktail tasting, and trust us, it's well worth the effort. 

Why we love it: The apothecary atmosphere is like a step back in time; Rolfe, or special pharmacist whipping up cures for what ails us with fresh, high-quality and enlivening ingredients. 

Time Out tip: Nine seats, a hidden treasure, cocktails you won't find anywhere else — do we need to say more about the popularlity of this place? Reservations are released 60 days in advance. Set an alarm, because everyone else is! 

Address: 5 N Square, Boston, MA 02128

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5–midnight

Expect to pay: Tickets are $80 per person plus a $4 ticketing and processing fee. 

What is it: Backbar is a hidden cocktail den, tucked behind an orange door in a Somerville alley. This local favorite is renowned for its inventive, meticulously crafted drinks and a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. 

Why we love it: The quirky decor, featuring chalk art and pop-culture memorabilia, creates a fun and chill vibe. Comfortable seating options, especially the cushioned benches, create a living room-hang vibe.

Time Out tip: Be adventurous and try one of the specialty cocktails. The menu changes frequently, but recent additions included the “Jackalope,” crafted with bourbon, brandy, a pine-forward spirit called Zirbenz, Yobo Kish Seoul soju aperitif, maple, and candy cap mushroom. The “Fiji Mermaid” elevates an Old Fashioned with bonito-infused Fiji rum, Monkey Shoulder scotch, coconut taro root syrup, and East India sherry. If that sounds too adventurous, the bartenders have a knack for crafting drinks on the spot, based solely on your preferences.

Address: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Every drink on the specialty cocktail list is $17, so factor in about $20 per drink with gratuity.

What it is: Wusong Road is a vibrant tiki bar and restaurant located in Harvard Square. Like any true island-themed bar, Wusong emphasizes fresh juices and unique mixes in its flavorful and potent cocktails. It pays homage to classic tiki bar staples like mai tais, painkillers, and zombies, served in fun, kitschy glasses and piled high with garnishes.

Why we love it: Situated in the historic Conductor's Building in Harvard Square, Wusong Road feels like a trip back in time. Its beautiful old brick interior, with dark wood and red accents, is richly decorated with traditional and vintage Chinese accents and thatch roofs, transporting you to a classy Polynesian beach shack from the 1950s.

Time Out tip: A bar night at Wusong is always great, but consider having dinner there sometime. The food menu blends traditional Asian American cuisine with modern twists, featuring dishes like ribeye beef teriyaki, blue crab rangoon, and short rib lo mein.

Address: 112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Opening hours: Mon 3–11pm; Tue, Wed, & Sun noon–11pm; Thu–Sat noon–midnight

Expect to pay: Drinks average $16 to $18, so expect a minimum of $25 to $50.

What it is: A chic, 20-seat cocktail bar, discreetly hidden within a French bistro in the Leather District, that serves some of the most visually stunning drinks in town.

Why we love it: The "tucked-away speakeasy" aspect is undeniably cool, but the interior vibe is refreshingly unstuffy. Engaging bartenders craft wildly creative and delicious cocktails with names like “Vibe Check,” “Pick Me Girl,” and “Espresso Fucking Martini,” each beautifully served in an array of sexy glassware. Music from an extensive record collection plays overhead, elevating the experience to chef's-kiss perfection.

Time Out tip: Maybe don’t arrive hungry. The food menu is limited to three savory options, and they are quite expensive for a night out at a bar, with prices ranging from $25 to $66. 

Address: 5 Utica St, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am

Expect to pay: Cocktails range between $16 and $18, so $50-plus if you're thirsty. 

What it is: Originally launched as a virtual tasting event, The Koji Club has evolved into a thriving sake bar since opening in 2022 at the Charles River Speedway. The bountiful sake menu showcases a wide array of options, available by the glass, cup, or in various bottle sizes.

Why we love it: It's a perfect spot for newcomers to the sake scene, who can seek advice from the knowledgeable and passionate staff or participate in special ticketed tastings held on Sundays. And if straight sake isn't your preference, you can still enjoy a lychee martini or lemon sour.

Time Out tip: Elevate your experience with the bar snack menu, which ranges from classic seaweed or spicy potato chips to savory toasted mochi and the indulgent caviar service.

Address: 525 Western Ave #6, Brighton, MA 02135

Opening hours: Wed 5–10pm, Thu–Sat 5–11pm, Sun 2–8pm

Expect to pay: A flight of sake will cost you around $20 to $30. Sake by the glass averages $30, with 4oz pours ranging from $11 to $60. The aforementioned caviar service is priced at $95.

Tinned fish, charcuterie and small plates set the stage for this Downtown Crossing bar and its unique wine offerings. Its selection of bottles celebrates small, independent and often female producers. You'll find that most of the pours here are natural wines, and the friendly staff is more than willing to help nervous novices navigate their way through the menu to find varietals suited to their tastes. Sample one of the wines sold by the glass, or—if you commit to two glasses—they’ll open any available bottle for you. 

A wall of record sleeves, graffiti-covered restrooms and laid-back feel make this place a favorite amongst locals, passing bike messengers, and people from all over town who appreciate a cheap drink or two. Its kitschy vibe (complete with Elvis memorabilia) and low-budget appeal make the Delux a South End staple.

The world of Greek wine is still relatively uncharted territory for most drinkers on this side of The Pond, so it’s a pretty big deal that Boston has a bar solely dedicated to this country’s aged grapes. Brought to us by the team behind GreCo and Committee Ouzeri + Bar, Krasi literally means wine in Greek—and it totally lives up to its name by offering more than 180 natural, organic and biodynamic bottles all hailing from the Mediterranean nation. The staff is more than eager to guide guests and help them find new wines that’ll be perfect for their palates—whether it’s a citrusy Assyrtiko, floral Moschofilero or a daring Retsina. 

If you’re looking for old school elegance and a stiff cocktail, you’ll find it at OAK Long Bar. Situated inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza, you’ll find exactly what the name promises: a long, wooden bar where Boston Brahmins and out-of-town hotel guests gather on tufted leather stools to see, be seen and, most importantly, drink. 

Located in Eastie, just a short walk from the Maverick T stop on the Blue Line, this speakeasy newcomer is accessible no matter which neighborhood you live in. The entrance is just behind Pazza on Porter, and you must know the secret code to get in. Once you've entered, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time. The chic bar and over-the-top cocktails make it a wonderful place to spend an evening.

Situated inside Sichuan Garden's Brookline Village location, Blossom Bar shakes up Latin-inspired drinks and gives locals a sophisticated craft cocktail experience without having to endure that Green Line ride all the way downtown. This spot frequently refreshes its menu to make way for new inventions, while also maintaining a number of its most beloved beverages. Whether you're sipping a seasonal feature or one of its classics, your drink is sure to be meticulously prepared, peppered with exotic ingredients and served in style.

Once the site of the beloved bar Locke-Ober and a million three-martini lunches, Yvonne’s has preserved what truly matters—the 19th-century mahogany bar and the same clubby ambiance—while introducing its own modern touches. Folks flock to this cocktail lounge, which can only be entered through a hidden doorway inside a fake storefront posing as a hair salon, to soak in all of its dimly lit glory and down some creative drinks. Snag a seat on one of its rich upholstered couches or a table within its book-laden library to join all of the beautiful people in sipping some beverages.

This low-key, low-lit bar near Downtown Crossing is a favorite after-work spot for locals, attracting everyone from suit-clad financiers to tattooed bike messengers. Even Bono has strolled into this place in the wee hours of the morning for a post-TD Garden night cap, so you really never know who might show up here. Reasonable prices and well-poured drinks keep regulars happy.

We love a bar that mocks our Prohibition past (and Boston’s still strangely strict laws when it comes to alcohol)—and Carrie Nation does just that. Named after an overzealous, hatchet-wielding member of the temperance movement, this cocktail club brings back a little bit of that secretive drinking spirit of yore to modern-day Downtown Boston. Its main bar, outfitted in dark wood and velvety scarlett chairs, is a big attraction for local office workers looking to decompress after a long day with a selection of punches, barrel-aged cocktails and well-crafted classics. But if you’re looking for novelty, make your way to the back, past the shoeshine stand and up a set of stairs to its inhouse speakeasy, where you’ll find old timey billiards tables and intimate seating.

One of Inman Square’s most popular hangouts, Trina's rose from the ashes of the classic-but-grimy Abbey Lounge. This bar's low lighting and dark wood paneling contrast with retro images splashed just about everywhere you look. Craft beers and well-made cocktails satisfy the barflies who reluctantly give up their stools at closing time. 

A Davis Square mainstay, the Burren is one of the most popular (and largest) Irish pubs on the northern side of the river. During the afternoon, the front room—with its wood-slatted floors and gentle light pouring through the windows—is full of folks sipping pints of Guinness (or any number of local brews) and listening to informal Irish seisiúns. At night, the Burren is packed, largely with students from nearby Tufts University, who crowd the big room out back for the live (and loud) music.

Brick & Mortar is still just as hard to find as its predecessor, the Enormous Room. But once you head through the nondescript door and up the stairs, you’ll encounter a giant, horseshoe-shaped bar and ample seating. The cocktails shine and the bar snacks (which include bacon-wrapped dates and deep fried house-made pickles) are done just right.

Divey and kitschy, Bukowski Tavern exudes the attitude of its namesake author. At first glance, you might think you'd only find cans of PBR and High Life here. However, its draught and bottle lists are extensive, with a serious focus on hard-to-find craft brews. Much of the list features regional beers, and its broad range of styles will satisfy all tastes.

Though often crowded, this unpretentious little Beacon Hill pub is a good spot to seek respite from a hard day of relentless sightseeing or antiques-hunting. The Sevens provides some welcome knuckle and grit to the relative daintiness of the area. 

This Dorchester tavern has a killer cocktail program. Take a seat at this Lower Mills destination and order one of the 19 beers it has rotating on tap. If you’re in the mood for some harder stuff, check out its extensive list of whiskeys (to be sipped neat), as well as its craft cocktails mixed with house-made juices and syrups. Luckily, the kitchen also cranks out incredible, hearty plates of modern comfort food—perfect for absorbing all of that alcohol during a night of prolonged drinking.

A popular post-work hangout near Downtown Crossing, jm Curley is always a solid option for a weekday rendezvous over well-made beverages. Friendly bartenders mix an eclectic selection of drinks—from bar book classics to jm originals—for the cocktail-lovers out there. Meanwhile, beer aficionados have their pick of hard-to-find brews off of a lengthy list. 

Named after the Irish playwright, Behan’s is not a fancy place—it’s small, dimly lit and with no food to offer—but that’s part of its charm. It makes up for its lack of frills with its colorful mix of patrons, who come to Jamaica Plain to catch up with friends or sit over a pint solo. Locals love it because they're allowed to bring their own food, usually ordered from the various take-out joints that dot Centre Street.

The Beehive may be best known for its lineup of live jazz, but for South Enders, it’s the old-timey cocktail list and snazzy patio that are truly the cat’s pajamas. Patrons can pick between not one, but two bars inside this dimly lit joint, where musicians take the stage and bartenders dressed like 1920s bootleggers make liquid magic. Beverage mainstays include the Queen Bee and Foxtrot, which can also be enjoyed while sitting at one of its white-clothed tables or on its vine-covered patio.

This lavish Cuban spot is easy on the eyes and spectacular on the drinks. The team behind Yvonne's has kindly gifted our city with this highly Instagrammable bar, where rum cocktails are set ablaze and even the wallpaper is on theme, thanks to its drunken monkey motif. In the spirit of Havana, this place has whole sections of its cocktail menu dedicated to mojitos and daiquiris. There are big format beverages for larger groups… And did we already mention how they set things on fire?

Your tropical paradise is just a T ride away, thanks to this South End watering hole. Shore Leave's bar program offers a bevy of Tiki cocktails, including classics like the Mai Tai, Blue Hawaii and Painkiller, as well as other creative, wonderfully fruity concoctions that you'd love to be slurping down while sunning on some beach. To complete the illusion of being on an exotic getaway, the interior is meant to resemble an island oasis, complete with a bamboo-accented bar and jungle-inspired design touches.

Take a step back in time and drink at a true Boston treasure at The Last Hurrah. Located inside the Omni Parker House hotel, whose building dates back to 1855, this bar has served many famous faces and welcomed noteworthy writers and intellectuals, like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Oliver Wendell Holmes and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, during their monthly Saturday Club. Even today, The Last Hurrah has an air of old-time sophistication while continuing its tradition as a mainstay amongst the city’s movers and shakers. Pull up to the bar for a pour of whisky or a perfectly chilled martini, and just sit back and watch prominent politicians and businesspeople as they come and go. 

One of the city’s most exciting mixology programs is based out in Woburn. Ran Duan took over the drink menu at his parents’ suburban Chinese restaurant and turned it into a libation sensation that draws in cocktail connoisseurs from all over. Duan even won an award at the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition for his Father’s Advice (rum, amaro, vermouth, sherry, creme de banana). If visiting on a weekend, head upstairs to check out the library-themed Baldwin & Sons Trading Co. for even more top-shelf cocktail magic.

The Model was once as an unpretentious neighborhood dive until one day, when it suddenly became an “it” spot through no fault of its own. Nowadays, trendy yuppies and down-to-earth townies share the space—the former demographic is often devoted to dancing, while the latter sticks to sucking down the bar's cheap, lethal drinks (don’t call them cocktails). The jukebox remains one of the best around town.

Located in the basement of Faccia a Faccia (formerly known as Faccia Brutta), Bar Pallino is a destination all on its own, but is also a great spot to hang out before heading to your table for dinner. 

Conceptualized as a wine bar, the design is cozy and dark, just as any other decent wine bar, but in a modern way making it quite a refreshing place to be. Instead of the wine being hidden in a cellar somewhere, it is all on display in a wine-wall format, which is quite appealing. Whether you choose to sit at the bar or grab a table, the atmosphere is convivial and welcoming. And I have to say that there is a nice after-work crowd during the week.