11 Hidden Speakeasies To Discover In Boston
It's no secret: these sneakily sequestered bars and restaurants are perfect for late-night drinks in stunning venues.
Roughly a century ago, Boston’s speakeasies operated for the practical purpose of serving illegal alcohol on the down-low. But nowadays, modern speakeasies exist more for the swanky and mysterious aesthetic appeal of a classic bar with delicious cocktails inside. If you’re looking for a secretive speakeasy to hit in Boston, these 12 spots should be on your radar:
1.Brick & Mortar
Brick & Mortar in Cambridge has no sign out front, but you can find it by going inside the door to the left of Central Kitchen’s entrance in Central Square. After going up a set of stairs, you’ll be greeted to a giant horseshoe-shaped bar with ample stool seating—the perfect place to enjoy an expertly crafted cocktails. Plus, they share a kitchen with CK next door, so the bar snacks are top-tier as well.
Find Brick & Mortar at 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
2. Next Door
East Boston’s hottest new bar is Next Door, a speakeasy & raw bar tucked away behind a hidden entrance near Pazza on Porter. Once you’ve successfully found the door, you’ll be able walk your way through majestic gilded curtains to an intimate, 30-seat lounge with theatrical cocktails and decadent seafood apps.
Find Next Door at 107 Porter St., Boston, MA 02128
3. Hecate
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. Find it right underneath Krasi in Back Bay.
Find Hecate at 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115.
4. Offsuit
Offsuit offers an intimate cocktail experience located in a back alley in in the Leather District. With a dark and moody interior lined with red walls and eclectic art, you’ll enjoy some of the finest craft cocktails in this impressive spot. With no reservations, we recommend showing up early to Offsuit to get on the list, then grab food nearby.
Find Offsuit at 5 Utica Street in Boston’s Leather District.
5. Backbar
Backbar in Somerville is tucked away in an alley right near Bronwyn, but once you’ve successfuly found it, you’ll be in for any drink of your choice at this hideaway. In addition to the classics, they also have a slight Star Wars theme—try the Millennial Falcon (mezcal, sweet sherry, amaro) or the Bananakin Skywalker (Scotch, pineapple, banana).
Find Backbar at 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville
6. Yvonne’s
Yvonne’s is tucked away inside a dark stairwell in Downtown Crossing. Inside, you’ll find a delightfully dark and refined supper club accented with marble & mahogany wood all around. The atmosphere is key here—with cow-hide chairs and candlelit tables, you’ll feel perfectly at ease to drink some of their signature house cocktails.
Find Yvonne’s at 2 Winter Pl, Boston.
7. Modern Underground
One of our favorite speakeasies is hidden in plain sight. 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. They have a signature flavored martini line, including a classic espresso martini, a tantalizing Cinnamon Toast Crunch martini with a cinnamon sugar rim, and a creamy mint green pistachio martini.
Find Modern Underground Bar and Grill at 263 Hanover Street, Boston.
8. Drink
Drink in Seaport is located right underneath Sportello’s, and it’s not your typical speakeasy as there is no menu. Instead, you just say what you’re thinking and they’ll make it for you—so if you’re in the mood for something sweet or spicy, with rum or gin, they’ll serve it up absolutely perfectly every time!
Find Drink at 348 Congress St, Boston.
9. Bully Boy Tasting Room
As a distillery, Bully Boy is definitely qualified to serve excellent cocktails, and their tasting room bar lives up to the expectation. Made with fresh juices, house-made tinctures, and seasonal ingredients, each cocktail showcases a different Bully Boy spirit at its best. And what better place to sample booze than right where it’s made?
Find Bully Boy’s Tasting Room at 44 Cedric Street, Boston.
10. Saloon
Located in Davis Square next to the Rockwell, Saloon’s entrance is a small, simple sign with its name on it, leading to a set of stairs. Inside, this charming cocktail bar serves vintage cocktails with ultra rare whiskey, bar snacks, and lovely choice light meals.
Find Saloon at 255 Elm St, Somerville.
11. Bogie’s Place
Speakeasies aren’t always just for drinks. If you head to the back of JM Curley, you’ll find a small doorway that leads to an elegant steakhouse known as Bogie’s Place. Serving dishes like caviar, various cuts of steak, and bone marrow, it’s a charming spot for an adults-only night out.
[featured image: facebook.com/yvonnesboston]