This unpretentious underground bar is hiding in plain sight!
Hidden underneath the iconic Modern Pastry Shop, one of the city’s famous North End Italian bakeries, is the Modern Underground Bar and Grill. Despite its location just beneath one of Boston’s eminent tourist destinations, many tourists and locals alike unwittingly pass by this charming underground spot.
After descending the stairs, guests are greeted by an impressive 18-foot granite bar and a cozy neighborhood bar atmosphere. Modern Underground maintains a small roster of beers on tap , often featuring local brews. While limited by their cordials license, the bar staff has made the best of limited options to create an impressive lineup of signature flavored martinis. These include a classic espresso martini, a tantalizing Cinnamon Toast Crunch martini with a cinnamon sugar rim, and a creamy mint green pistachio martini.
Modern Underground keeps it simple in the food department with pub food mainstays like burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. More offbeat, indulgent starters like the steak and cheese spring rolls round out the menu. Hungry diners looking for a savory beer accompaniment will enjoy the sampler for two, which combines a steak and cheese spring roll with double portions of potato skins, beef satay, chicken tenders, and sliders.
Aside from their menu, local fans of Modern Underground cite weekly trivia and a friendly atmosphere among their reasons to keep coming back. Among the many three-dollar-sign speakeasy-style bars in Boston, Modern Underground is distinctly unpretentious and markedly more affordable.
Finally, for those looking to avoid the long line at the upstairs bakery, Modern Underground might be just the ticket. Patrons at the bar can order from a small selection of baked goods, including the classic cannolis, without having to stand in line.
Modern Underground Bar and Grill is open from 8am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 8am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Find it at 263 Hanover Street, Boston, MA.
[Featured image: modernpastry.com]