There really is nothing quite like grabbing a cold, refreshing, and preferably strong cocktail. Whether it’s an espresso martini, whiskey sour, or Long Island iced tea, expertly and carefully crafted cocktails can really hit the spot like nothing else, especially while visiting a bustling city. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for cocktail bars in Boston.
However, you shouldn’t have to settle for a cheap–or worse yet, expensive yet watered-down–drink. Not to worry, we are here to help. We have hunted down and discovered (and, yes, even tried for ourselves) the eight best cocktail bars in Boston.
Carrie Nation Cocktail Club
Carrie Nation Cocktail Club (11 Beacon Street) is one spot that will make you want to stay until closing time during each and every visit. Upon entry to this 1920s-themed cocktail bar, you’ll find the main bar and restaurant, which offers a quiet yet warm setting for visitors.
While that’s all well and good, you should head to the in-house speakeasy to see where the real party’s at. Simply head to the back, climb the stairs, and admire the unique, closer-knit, and livelier bar. At this hidden gem you’ll find pool tables, booths, a stacked bar, and on most nights, a DJ with a small dance floor.
Now for the actual cocktails: they’re Carrie Nation’s flagship. All cocktails are made with stellar ingredients by truly experienced bartenders. And, thankfully, not for prices that will make you cringe with each credit card swipe.
Yvonne’s
Yvonne’s is a broody boîte located in the heart of downtown. Decorated with marble and mahogany wood, Yvonne’s makes for a truly entrancing venue for all cocktail lovers. This modern speakeasy offers its visitors both unforgettable cocktails and small bites in its moodily lit space.
Yvonne’s cocktail menu is one that is remarkably unique, offering truly exquisite cocktails bound to match any and all tastebuds. A couple of their more popular options include a Passionfruit Mule (vodka, passionfruit, ginger, and lemon) and Rose Thorn (Hendrick’s gin, combier rose, lemon, mint, and pomegranate).
Don’t forget to try some of Yvonne’s delectable dinner bites as well, like their chicken and quinoa meatballs, lobster fritters, or really, anything on the entire menu.
Drink
Looking for a place that offers a truly personal touch to every beverage you drink? Then Drink (348 Congress Street) is the place for you.
At Drink, you talk one-on-one with the bartender about what you like and don’t like in your dream cocktail. Then, they concoct something specifically just for you using traditional cocktail-mixing methods along with modern innovation. This truly personal experience sets Drink apart from other cocktail bars in Boston.
While you wait for your ideal beverage to arrive, you can relax in their large ground-level space. With exposed brick, sleek wooden paneling, mood lighting, and windows perched high on the walls that look out onto the sidewalk outside, it’s a superb environment to sip, sit, and sip some more.
Mariel
Mariel is a swanky Havana-themed restaurant and bar that is beloved by all near and far. The interior is one to seriously write home about as it’s equipped with dazzling chandeliers, luxurious sofas, and plush bar stools all amongst stunning and purposeful decor. Definitely one of the more high class cocktail bars Boston has to offer!
Their cocktails are some of the best around, ranging from Cuban classics like mojitos to more eccentric drinks. Like the Cienfuegos, which is tequila, vanilla, lime, passion fruit liqueur, pineapple, and mango.
Be sure to check out their speakeasy club downstairs called Mariel Underground. However, check far ahead of time if you need a reservation, because Saturdays especially tend to be quite packed.
Lookout Bar and Rooftop
There really isn’t anything quite like a rooftop bar with a stellar view. If that’s what you’re looking to pair up with a refreshing cocktail, then Lookout Bar and Rooftop is just the place for you.
Lookout is a modern and chic bar that sits atop The Envoy Hotel in Seaport and “looks out” to the city of Boston and the harbor. The unique bar whips up some of the best cocktails in Boston, all of which are house-made craft options.
Are you visiting in the winter? No problem because they have outdoor heaters and even igloos!
Parla
Parla is a not-so-secret speakeasy situated right in the heart of the North End on Hanover Street. The cozy bar has moody lighting and eccentric decorations throughout the space. The cocktails have been regarded as “dynamite,” and we couldn’t agree more!
Don’t know what you want to sip on? Feeling a little adventurous? Then you should definitely try Parla’s “Dungeon Master” game. Simply roll a 20-sided die. Whatever number that looks up at you then directly corresponds to a secret cocktail that isn’t on the regular menu. They make you your decided cocktail (no givebacks) and you drink your drink happily.
Life’s too short, so roll the dice!
Backbar
Backbar in Somerville is certainly not a bar that you’ll want to miss. After all, it was recently rated the #1 bar in Boston by Boston Magazine! Backbar is located discreetly behind an alley door, affording it an unforgettable speakeasy vibe when you do finally walk inside (it’s quite the journey to get inside but well worth it).
The decor itself is undeniably lovable (which is mostly encapsulating Star Wars), but their cocktails are where it’s at (and shouldn’t it be that way?). Their libations are all the sensation as they are often themed with characters from Disney, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and much more.
Plus, their drinks are constantly altering, really keeping visitors coming back again and again for more fresh and carefully crafted, and quirky drinks.
Shore Leave
Who doesn’t love an impressive yet slightly gaudy tiki-themed cocktail? For those after such a drink, then you need to definitely check out Shore Leave. This tropical oasis is decorated with a tiki theme while preparing matching drinks, all of which are astoundingly mouthwatering.
Oh, and they dish out some of the best sushi in town. Really, what’s not to love and worthy of investigation?
While there may be a plethora of cocktail bars in Boston, it’s important you do your due diligence to try out only the best options–and those are without a doubt the eight we have on our list. Cheers, and drink up!
Marilyn Borth is a Boston-based writer and foodie who loves all things travel. She has lived in and backpacked through 36 countries and counting. When she isn’t tasting her way through the world, she can be found writing poetry, reading, and playing volleyball. Follow her travels on her blog at Her Quirky Journey!