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? 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: Located within Sichuan Garden's Brookline Village location, Blossom Bar offers inventive Latin-inspired cocktails, providing locals with a sophisticated craft drink experience without the need to travel downtown. As a sister establishment to Sichuan Garden and Baldwin Bar, Blossom Bar is dedicated to quality and creativity, serving meticulously prepared drinks infused with exotic ingredients and IG-worthy presentation.

Why we love it: Blossom Bar is a haven for delicious, inventive, and visually appealing cocktails in a stylish and lively atmosphere. The cocktail menu, which is updated frequently, features a mix of exciting new creations and well-loved establishment classics. The bar's Latin influences shine through in beautiful drinks crafted with fresh ingredients like avocado, passionfruit, and papaya.

Time Out tip: Don't hesitate to engage with the knowledgeable bartenders, who can guide you through their creative cocktail menu and even customize drinks to your liking. Consider pairing the cocktails with the flavorful Sichuan dishes available at the bar for a complete culinary experience.

Address: 295 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

Opening hours: Sun–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–11:30pm

Expect to pay: One drink will run you around $20, so expect $50 or more if you want more than one and / or some food 

What is it? Haley.henry is a delightful go-to for tinned seafood enthusiasts wild about its extensive selection of tinned fish, but it's the impressive list of small-production, mostly female-owned natural wines that earned it a 2024 James Beard semi-finalist nomination for “Outstanding Wine Program.” Despite the accolades, the place is low-key in size and appearance, resembling a hip little seaside shack.

Why we love it: We love haley.henry for its laidback, no-fuss wine bar vibe and its sense of humor. The staff is incredibly friendly and happy to offer suggestions for both food and, especially, wine. The menu's playful homage to 90s hip-hop, with sections like "Biggie Small Plates" and "Bone Thugs & Charcuterie," adds to the fun atmosphere. It's a place where you can bliss out on delicious tinned fish and thoughtfully chosen wines in a buzzing, convivial setting with fun music.

Time Out tip: If you commit to two glasses, haley.henry will open a brand new bottle of wine for you—whether you finish it or not. It's a great way to explore some of the bottle options on offer.

Address: 45 Province St, Boston, MA 02108

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 3–11pm; Fri 3pm–midnight; Sat noon–midnight

Expect to pay: About $25 to $50 per person, potentially more if you intend to have a full dinner (which we do recommend).

What is it? 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 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 is it? 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.

What is it? A beloved, quirky dive bar in the South End that feels a little like stepping into a dad's basement bar in the 1970s. You'll spot an Elvis lamp chilling on the bar, fairy lights strung up all over, and old records and movie stuff tacked to the wood paneling.

Why we love it: This is the place to be when you want cheaper drinks and atmosphere. The decor is lively enough, but a solid selection of specialty cocktails—all for $13—keeps the vibes flowing. In true dive bar fashion, drinkers also have their choice of nearly 20 beers and a decent selection of wines, bubblies, and ciders. Oh, and the place really goes out for the holidays. Be sure to stop by in December. 

Time Out tip: Bring cash. The Delux does not accept cards. Don't worry if you forget; there is an ATM on the premises. We also suggest arriving early to snag a good seat. We particularly love the walled-off booths for extra privacy within a boisterous room.

Address: 100 Chandler St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–1am

Expect to pay: $18 to $30 for a typical night out. Cocktails are $13; beers range from $5 to $10. Wine and bubbles will set you back $12 to $16.

What is it? Boston's chic and welcoming Krasi shines a light on the often-overlooked wines of Greece. Given that Greek wines are still largely unfamiliar to many American palates, this bar's dedication to showcasing the country's indigenous varietals makes it a worthwhile trip for local oenophiles.

Why we love it: Living up to its Greek name meaning "wine," Krasi boasts a remarkable collection of over 180 natural and organic bottles sourced from Greece. Beyond the impressive wine list, the cuisine offers inventive takes on classic Greek fare and shareable spreads, including unique meze and expertly fire-grilled souvla. Highlights include house-made breads like the essential halloumi-stuffed tiropita rolls, vibrant charcuterie, and tableside-mixed spreads such as tzatziki, all perfectly complemented by a glass of orange wine and a plate of grilled octopus.

Time Out tip: The exploration doesn't stop with the wine list. Check out the impressive list of Greek spirits, which includes six varieties of ouzo, made-in-Athens vermouth, and a Samos-distilled brandy.

Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–11pm, Sat, Sun 10am–3pm, 5–11pm

Expect to pay: If you're going for drinks alone, expect around $50 for two glasses of wine. Factor in another $50+ for food. 

What is it? Established in 1909, JJ Foley's has been a family-run bar for over a century, making it one of the oldest continuously running bars in Boston. The unassuming, dimly lit Irish pub close to Downtown Crossing is a popular after-work hangout for locals, drawing a diverse crowd from suited financiers to tattooed bike messengers. The fact that even Bono once wandered in late after a TD Garden show emphasizes the unpredictable clientele. Regulars appreciate the fair prices and generous drinks.

Why we love it: The classic Irish pub atmosphere, inexpensive drinks, fun bartenders, and clientele … what's not to love, really? Beer is the highlight here, with a wide selection of local craft brews and more far-flung favorites on "draught," in bottles, and in pints. A menu of typical and hearty pub fare — think burgers, chicken fingers, and wings — accompanies the booze list.

Time Out tip: JJ Foley's is a blast when it's packed with revelers, but consider going during a quieter time for lower-key vibes — that would be weekday afternoons and early evenings before the post-work crowds roll in.

Address: 21 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Daily 11am–midnight

Expect to pay: You could easily get out paying anywhere from $10 to $20, depending on how much you want to drink. Beers are cheap, and food is too. Enjoy; you don't get these kinds of prices in Boston very often.

What is it? Brick & Mortar feels like a secret. Enter through a nondescript chartreuse door on Mass Ave in Central Square and head up a set of stairs to discover a giant, horseshoe-shaped bar holding space in a moody, dimly lit room. Seating is ample, so grab a spot and order a divine cocktail.

Why we love it: The aforementioned secretive nature of the place is pretty rad, but you come here for cocktails — beautiful, glorious (and generously poured) cocktails. Bartenders here take their job seriously, shaking up an evolving list of inventive, complexly flavored drinks alongside classic favorites. Brick & Mortar also has a well-thought-out selection of mocktails, martinis, and spritzers. Bar snacks (which include anchovy toasts and prosciutto-wrapped stuffed dates) are just the complement.

Time Out tip: Looking for a kickoff to a rager of a night? Start with the DTO (Daiquiri Time Out), four daiquiri shots for you and your crew for $20.

Address: 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu–Sat 5pm–1am

Expect to pay: Around $50 to $70 for a couple of drinks and some nibbles.

What it is: Named for the Irish playwright, the Behan is a divey Irish pub in Jamaica Plain that charms with an unpretentious atmosphere and colorful clientele who gather to socialize or enjoy a pint alone. The stellar craft beer list is regularly updated with nearly two dozen IPAs, lagers, porters, stouts, ciders … 

Why we love it: Behan offers an impressive beer selection and stout cocktails in a refreshingly laid-back atmosphere; sometimes there's even live music. It feels like a place where writers retreat to discuss ideas with a frothy beverage in hand. The bar is usually packed with a lively crowd, but we love grabbing a seat in one of the wooden booths just across the way. It's cozy and private—a perfect oasis for a chat with pals. The makeshift patio out back makes for a great hangout in warmer months.

Time Out tip: You can't order food at Behan's, but you can BYOB. The bar's location in JP means you'll have no shortage of takeout spots from which to order. There's even a Whole Foods just down the street if you want to grab something from the salad or hot bars.

Address: 378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Opening hours: Daily noon–1am

Expect to pay: PBR night? You can get by with $10 or $15 if you want. Most other beers are around $9, so let's say around $30 for your average visit. 

Opened in 1998 and named for author Charles Bukowski, the red-fronted Bukowski Tavern draws in drinkers with a divey, eclectic, yet minimalist scene that embodies the spirit of its iconoclastic namesake. Harsh, industrial elements such as exposed pipes and ductwork share space with hanging disco balls and walls plastered with disgruntled notes from past customers. A full pub menu—including several types of burgers—accompanies one of the best beer lists in town.

Why we love it: At first glance, Bukowski Tavern may seem like a place where PBR and High Life reign, but don't be fooled. This is a beer lover's paradise. The joint maintains an excellent and extensive draft and bottle list focused on hard-to-find craft beers, including a significant selection of exciting regional brews and a dedicated Guinness list. Drafts rotate daily, so check the chalkboard for the day's offerings.

Time Out tip: For those struggling with choices, the knowledgeable bartenders offer assistance, or the unique Wheel of Indecision can add an element of chance to the selection process. Bukowski Tavern is also cash-only.

Address: 50 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–1am; Fri–Sun noon–1am

Expect to pay: $30 to $50 for a pint or three and some grub. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.