Boston's hidden bars include the no-menu pioneer (Drink) and tasting-format innovators (Backbar). The 10 below show Boston's depth.
Part of our 50 Best Hidden Gem Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best hidden gem bars in Boston
01 · Boston
Fort Point
$$
No menu · Counter
Barbara Lynch's room. No menu.
Order: Bartender's choice
02 · Boston
Somerville
$$
Speakeasy · Reservations
In Somerville's Union Square.
Order: The full multi-course tasting
03 · Boston
South End
$$
Speakeasy · Reservations
South End speakeasy.
Order: A bartender's-choice spec
04 · Boston
Kenmore
$$
Hotel bar · Modern
Jackson Cannon's room.
Order: A French 75 variant
05 · Boston
Inman Square
$
Tiki-leaning lounge
Inman Square cocktail bar.
Order: Whatever's the tropical seasonal
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06 · Boston
Allston
$
Craft beer + cocktails
Allston neighbourhood bar.
Order: A craft IPA + a whiskey
07 · Boston
Downtown Crossing
$$
1868 · Restored
Restored 19th-century saloon.
Order: A perfect Manhattan in the historic bar
08 · Boston
South End
$$
Live jazz · Bistro
South End jazz-and-bistro room.
Order: A Manhattan + the late jazz set
09 · Boston
South End
$$
Tiki · Modern
Modern South End tiki bar.
Order: A Mai Tai with their reserve agricole
10 · Boston
Beacon Hill
$$$
Restaurant bar · Polished
At Barbara Lynch's No. 9 Park restaurant.
Order: A perfect Manhattan
More Boston hidden gemsThe full Boston hidden-gem-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How Boston hides its best
Drink and Backbar are essential. Most peak between 9 and 11 PM.
