50 Best Cocktail Bars in Boston

“We went on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch. There were so many options to choose from but my husband decided on a pizza from Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza. The size of pizza for the price is good. I got the Cheesy Ramen from Ms. Clucks Deluxe. It was delicious!! My husband saw their chicken sandwich and already decided what he will be getting next time we go and we don't even live in the state (lol). It wasn't crowded at all at the time we went in. There were plenty of open seats (both bar top height and regular height tables). We can't wait to go back.“

“The Dungeon Master Roll the Dice“

“The “cactus” (made of beef) burger was easily one of the best burgers I’ve ever had, perfectly cooked and seasoned. We also enjoyed the scallop / shrimp ceviche, though on the smaller side it still satisfied and has a delicious citrusy aftertaste. Drinks were amazing and served by the friendliest bartender, Miranda. Boston sorely needed a spot like this and at 500 Boylston it’s helping bring back the area. Can’t wait to visit again and try the remaining menu items. Great upscale atmosphere.“

“food was amazing. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥“

“Sky is the most amazing bartender! Drinks were very unique but tasted awesome, this is my boyfriend and I’s second time here and we absolutely love it, we will always come back and look forward to the future menus. Thanks sky for such an awesome night!“

“Great experience on the simulators with my 12 year old son. Great, friendly service and enthusiastic, helpful staff.“

“Service is excellent and my salmon was perfect. Apps are good but smaller in size. Beer is cold. I would recommend you visit.“

“What an awesome experience. On our anniversary, we totally lucked out with a last-minute email offering a reservation. We had no idea that was gonna be the best part of our celebration. Everything was great, from the cocktails to the courses that came with our reservation, and the bartenders were super friendly. Totally worth it! We sat at the bar and had such a lovely time.“

“Better Sorts is a great spot to hang out. The decor is great, it’s chill, and the drinks and snacks are great. The space is beautiful and the details, like glassware and cocktail accessories, are top notch. Hidden gem I. Downtown Boston!“

“Great tapas / quite filling“

“Im not easily impressed by any means. The current chef, Chef Valentine from Black Cat Eatery went crazy. Every dish seemed like he was trying to let you know there is no competition.

The patties are made with multiple cultures in mind. Fusing the styles effortlessly. Then topped with an aioli sauce that brings it all together.

The special of the night was scallops. I believe they had a touch of jerk on top because it was a bit of spice. But nothing overbearing. Perfectly prepared and presented like a game winning trophy.

The spin on Ackee And Salt fish was next level. I usually am not a fan of ackee. I tend to just make saltfish with a side of bammy or fried dumplins. But turning it into some what of a puree is nothing short of genius. Ill definitely be stealing that idea.

Ill be back for sure. I need to try the Griyot, the Oxtail and the Suya Beef.

- next review ill include the ambiance because I was too focused on the food.“

“Had dinner at Lucy's while adventuring and it was hands down incredible! Everything was outstanding. The staff, the food, the environment, right down to the ice cold water and beer! 🤣 I will definetly be going again, because I wanted everything on the menu! Thank you Lucy's!“

“Amazing creativity on the cocktails!“

“So much fun! I highly recommend!“

“Had one incredible night this past weekend The management and staff were amazing! A truly fantastic experience. Thank you!“

“Deysia was an amazing bartender for the first half of our time here, super friendly and gave great drink recommendations, after shift change we had Bella as our night time bartender and she was superb, amazing vibes, friendly conversation and great drinks from her as well. Would comeback a million times and then some if I had them behind the bar. “Blacky” was also an amazing person that worked there, constantly checks on everyone to make sure they’re good, but amazing energy to follow. If you’re having a good or bad night, he will lighten your mood“

“Visited fool's errand last week from NYC and i was really happy we found this gem in Fenway. Cocktails were on point, crafted and delicious.

I had the orchard it and the L train ( i have to have it since i am from NY ) both were great. Giancarlo runs the program and boy he was attentive, fast and just easy to talk to.

I wll be coming back soon !“

“Great menu. Beautiful presentation of excellently prepared choices. Delightful competent staff. You’ll be lucky to have Carlos as your waiter.“

“Great selection and the bartenders were awesome and knew their craft. And you can order food from any of the food options in the hall. I will definitely go back.“

“The wait staff is incredibly friendly. We heard the onion rings were heavenly. We were not disappointed. However the salad we ordered and shared was one of the best salads I have ever tasted. I think it was the Hot Cold Chicken Salad. Absolutely delicious! After 10 pm the sandwiches are half price and they all looked delicious too!!“

“We were a family of three visiting Boston and after reading through the multitude of choices of restaurants and reviews, Clink was on my list to get reservations. This restaurant is in the Liberty Hotel, which if you've been to NYC it has the same vibe as the Roxy Hotel and the Beekman. I made reservations for a Saturday night at 7:15 and when we arrived the restaurant only had a few other couples there dining. I'll address this more at the end. Our server recommended a few choices of cocktails. My husband chose the Barrel Aged Old Fashioned and I chose the Crime of Passion. Both were excellent!! Both cocktails were by far the best we had the entire trip, and we had a cocktail or two at dinner each night during our five-night stay. Hats of to the bartender making those!! Although we really didn't see an appetizer that we could agree on we were served some outstanding rolls and butter. I'm not a big bread fan, but these were hot, soft, and had a great flavor. For our dinners I chose the Crispy Skin Farm Raised Salmon, my husband chose the Hand Cut Pasta Bolognese, and our son chose the Gulf of Maine Blue Cod. We all agreed each dish was prepared and presented perfectly and all three had wonderful flavors with no complaints. We didn't think we had room for dessert until we were told the options and one option was Peach Bread Pudding!! We found room for dessert and in hindsight wish we asked for one to go for the next day. It's a must try!! The atmosphere was great, the service was great (and the manager was walking around making sure everyone was enjoying themselves), the cocktails amazing, and the dinner and dessert was wonderful, so this left us asking "why is this place not packed on a Saturday night"? The only hiccup was when you walked into the hotel lobby it felt like they were having air conditioning problems, but the restaurant was not having that issue. So hopefully this was just some weird off night for this restaurant and hopefully more people have a wonderful experience like we did and leave great reviews. I know that if we come back to Boston, Clink is on our list to dine at again.“

“Came to 89 Charles the other day, walking in my first impression was rlly impressed. Low lighting to create an intimate/sexy kind of cocktail place. Our server Crystal, was great even though my date and I came in a little bit later on & stayed until close, they were able to fulfill our request for a cucumber martini which is so appreciated because not a lot of places do… if you can believe it. Everything was timely and not rushed at all. It was such a good atmosphere and I loved the seating, it really makes the space & It’s very easy to stay for a long time. Interested to try more things on the menu! Great place to come on a date or with friends“

“Piatti buoni e curati , cucina meditteranea ben interpretata“

“Let me tell you, the spa at Four Seasons is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, you're greeted with warmth and hospitality that sets the tone for the entire experience. The breathtaking views, the tranquil steam room, and the luxurious pool make you feel like you've stepped into a heavenly oasis. And let's not forget about the chocolate snack bar - it's like a Willy Wonka spa, indulging your senses with divine chocolate bonbons! 🍫 But the real highlight? The massage. Oh my goodness, it was pure bliss! Shoutout to Michael, the incredible massage therapist, who not only worked wonders on my muscles but also started our session with the mantra 'All is Well,' setting the perfect tone for relaxation and reflection. As someone who's juggled years of building a business, navigating single motherhood, and being an immigrant, this experience was exactly what I needed. It taught me that it's okay when things aren't perfect - we learn, pivot, and evolve. I opted for the hot stone massage add-on, and let me tell you, it was phenomenal. Mike focused on my shoulders and lower back with just the right amount of pressure, addressing all my tension and knots. It was pure bliss from start to finish. Mike truly has a gift for his craft, and I left feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to take on the world. ✨“

“We went to Ward 8 before a concert last week and it was wonderful! The drinks were delicious, the food was delicious and came out hot. The servers were attentive and the atmosphere was great! We can’t wait to return.“

“extremely attentive staff, our meal was brought very promptly. bathroom could accommodate my wheelchair easily. we loved spending a special night there, and are already looking forward to our return visit“

“Amazing food, great atmosphere. Ordered the Buttermilk Pancakes with lemon whipped cream and sausage, my partner ordered the Croque Madam. Would highly recommend all of it. What a great place!!“

“A treasure of a restaurant on busy Cambridge St - walk through the door and you’re in a different world. Servers quickly become friends. Great spot for a romantic dinner for two but still a place where a solo diner feels welcome. Wonderful menu with choices for the adventurous and not so adventurous eater. My new favorite spot for lunch or dinner in Boston.“

“My husband and I had dinner last Sunday night. It was a beautiful experience with impeccable service. I am going to remember my quail dish for a very long time. Highly recommend“

“one of the best meals we've had in a long time. highly recommend.“

“A true hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts! If you’re passionate about mixology, this place is a must-visit. Saul is an absolute master of his craft—his passion for creative, thoughtfully crafted drinks shines through in every interaction. He not only serves exceptional cocktails but also takes the time to share the stories and inspirations behind them, making the entire experience unforgettable.“

“Food was great and delicious and the staff were excellent“

“I love it there I drive from Springfield to Boston just to get my wigs from them and they have great deals“

“First time here and the shrimp tacos were delicious! French fries were thin and cooked perfectly.“

“Definitely worth the hype. The food is exceptional. Pizza Bianca with the tomato relish is delicious bite and the bread is so perfect, the pepperoni pizza with hot honey is probably the only thing we ate that you can skip but it's still really good, clams and guanciale is cooked to perfection and the sauce is addicting, the bucatini with chilli anchovy butter is one of my favorite dishes I've had, perfect chew and flavor. The sausage cavatelli was a delicious change of pace again a perfect cook on the pasta, finally the taleggio signature dish, absolutely delicious, if you're going with a group I'd probably get it as a shared plate because it is so so rich. Service was also stellar“

“Nice and chill environment.“

“This place doesn’t get enough play, (selfishly) I’m ok with that. I don’t need Mai to get busier than it already is.

Drinks are awesome. Food is unreal. Service is top notch…never a bad time/meal.

The host/hostess, bartenders, runners, and everyone here are the best. Ashley is THE best. Cannot recommend this place enough.“

“thanks to Ben, we were able to see all that boston has to offer! we very much enjoyed our VIP tour!“

“I had the Hot honey glazed chicken sandwich. It was the best vegan sandwich I’ve ever eaten and I’ve had a lot of vegan sandwiches.“

“Excellent food with very friendly and efficient wait staff“

“This place is fantastic. Took a work group of 7 there for dinner. The food - from the lamb ribs, lamb burger, and appetizers were fabulous. The service was also excellent - prompt, friendly and a great help with recommendations. This is not a fancy 5 star restaurant nor does it try to be. Casual atmosphere with outstanding food and service. Will be back!“

“I had lunch there today with a colleague and was blown away by the service and the quality of the food! Everything was delicious. The charred rosemary bread was so good and we loved the short beef gyro and falafel. We finished off with an amazing chocolate tres leches tart that was out of this world. I cannot wait to go back!“

“WOW. INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!

We previously visited Long Bar & Terrace and had a disappointing experience, primarily due to service that felt dismissive and unwelcoming. At the time, it fell far short of what you would expect given the setting and price point.

HOWEVER, I believe it’s important to give credit where it’s due.

After sharing our initial feedback, the management team personally reached out and invited us back—and I’m genuinely glad we gave it another shot. Sincerest thank you to Hunter and the rest of the management team for making this happen.

This time, the experience was nothing short of INCREDIBLE.

From the moment we arrived, everything felt elevated. The atmosphere, the seating, and the overall energy were exactly what you hope for when visiting a place like Long Bar. Our server, Stephanie, was outstanding—warm, attentive, personable, and truly a professional. She completely transformed the experience and is exactly what hospitality should look like.

The food was excellent, and the attention to detail across the board did not go unnoticed. A thoughtful touch from the team (champagne) made the evening feel even more special and reinforced that they truly care about their guests.

What stands out most is the management’s willingness to listen, take accountability, and deliver. That level of care is rare and deserves recognition.

This is how you turn around an experience and build loyalty.

We will absolutely be back, and I’m happy to update this review to reflect the experience Long Bar is clearly capable of delivering.“

“We got there at 5 when it opened and that's the way to do it! Noise level was fine but by 6 it was LOUD and the place was only 75% full. My wife and I ordered a total of five dishes plus two desserts, and everything was really good. I especially recommend: - The burrata - The egg and potato omelet - The Brussels sprouts (but be sure to ask for extra sauce) The sliders were good, but they could have used more flavor. The flan for dessert was great. The chocolate churros were okay. Service was exceptionally good.“

“Super friendly and fast service right by the Garden“

“Here for work, missed lunch traveling, was at the bar/restaurant right at open at 4 for just a quick bite. Ordered the lobster roll (when in Rome, right) and it came loaded with both lobster and a huge side of fries. Wasn’t expecting all of that, left fries even. Lobster could have used a pinch of salt but no complaints really.“

“Probably one of the best meals ever. From oysters to bread pudding! So amazing! A burst of flavor in every bite! Go out of your way if you have to , you won’t regret! 💕“

“Awesome Dumplings!! Great Service!☺️“

“Our first time at Baleia, and we’d absolutely recommend it and return. The savory cheese tarts, Portuguese sweet bread, and Whole Roasted Fish were the stand outs for us. In general, everything was cooked to perfection. The Mozambique Shrimp were the definition of succulent. My husband is not a huge fan of saffron, so the sauce wasn’t to his taste, but I found it delicious. The octopus carpaccio was bright, acidic, and so tender. A glass of Vinho Verde made for a well-rounded dinner.

The restaurant is beautiful, but it can become rather loud due to all the hard surfaces. We arrived at 6, but when we left at 8, the volume had increased significantly. Just a note for any of those that may need or prefer a quieter space.“

“really nice spot. ❤️❤️❤️ to Alex. Great server! Wish you all the best. If you're ever in Northern NH...look us up in Milan/Gorham.“