Ready to imbibe in the most magical of potions? Hecate, the newest bar in Back Bay, can provide just that. Named after the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, this underground bar will whisk you away into a magical new dimension with their dramatic atmosphere and unique cocktails.
Hecate is located just underneath Krasi, a Greek mainstay of Back Bay, in Public Alley 443. To access the underground bar, you’ll have to find a discreet door in the alley that will lead you inside to the Threshold – the waiting area for the 24-seat bar. As a walk-in only establishment, there’s a chance you might have to wait for a seat. But no worries if you’re thirsty – you’ll have the option to enjoy one of three “sipper”-sized drinks in the meantime.
Inside, you’ll be greeted to a dark and intimate atmosphere, featuring black rock walls, gold accents, and a black marble bar. Each table glows with candlelights, giving the venue a mysterious ambiance.
At Hecate, bartenders are known as ‘spirit guides’, an apt name for those crafting the drinks and stories behind the drinks. Each of the 10 cocktails on the menu has a backstory, and your spirit guide will explain to you the lore and history for your chosen beverage, ranging from real historical stories to myths and legends in pop culture.
The drinks are unlike anything you’ve tried in Boston before. The Feast of Gévaudan (named after a real werewolf scare in 18th century France) features gin, brandy, mustard, horseradish and honey – garnished with a mini charcuterie board perched atop your glass.
The Strophalos is made with sake and herbal liqueur, and as a finishing touch, it also gets pumped with carbon dioxide straight into the glass for a fizzy delight.
While you can choose from 10 outlandish cocktails, there’s also a limited selection of Greek wines and beers available too. The bar food includes tzatziki popcorn, fried halloumi cheese, and mini corn dogs, perfect for snacking.
Are you ready to take the plunge into this mystical world of mixology? Hecate is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 6pm to 1am.
Find Hecate at 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115.
[Featured image: Adam Detour]