A rainbow-colored sign above the entrance welcomes guests to this beloved neighborhood haunt, a South End staple that has cultivated a loyal following of locals, transient bike messengers, and curious drinkers from across the city, all drawn by its chill vibe and affordable-for-Boston libations. This is the place to come when you're craving fun, retro dive bar vibes with friendly, engaging staff and a lively clientele.
The vibe: Fun, convivial, nostalgic. The Delux is perhaps just as well known for its kitschy, playful decor. A lamp shaped like the bust of Elvis sits at the corner of the bar; holiday lights decorate shelves; and vintage records and movie memorabilia are displayed on wood-paneled walls, all giving the place a quirky, ’70s-basement-bar feel.
The food: The Delux has a solid selection of foods to go with your drinks. Light snacks include chips and salsa and quesadillas. Or you could fill up even more with cauliflower or jerk chicken tacos, a pork cheek bahn mi, or a cheeseburger on brioche. If you need a full-on dinner, order a mixed salad and an entree of roasted half chicken, arctic char, or spaghetti.
The drink: The Delux offers six creative specialty cocktails—and traditional off-menu drinks—all $13 and servied in cute cocktail glasses. The Dirty Bird, their version of a dirty martini, comes with black pepper-infused vodka, olive brine, and pickled fresno. The El Camino satisfies your margarita cravings with reposado tequila, ancho chile, guava puree, and lime. Outside of mixed drinks, there are six types of beer each on tap, in bottles, and in cans; a rosé and a selection of reds, whites, and bubblies; and a couple of ciders. Non-drinkers are covered, too, with Mama's Mocktail, a $10 concoction of zero-proof rum, pineapple, cinnamon, and lime.
Time Out tip: A Lite-Brite above the bar clearly states what we're about to tell you: The Delux is cash-only. Get there early to snag one of the walled-off booths or a seat at a diner-style table.