50 Best Cocktail Bars in Boston

“TOURIST’S TAKE!!! ——-> I recently visited the Time Out Market in Boston and had a great overall experience, especially when comparing it to the Lisbon location. One of the first things that stood out was how much cleaner the Boston market felt. Even during busy hours, the seating areas and food stalls were well maintained, with staff regularly clearing tables and keeping the space tidy. It made the whole experience more comfortable and less chaotic than what I remember from Lisbon. Pricing was another pleasant surprise. While food halls can sometimes feel overpriced in tourist-heavy cities, Boston’s Time Out Market felt noticeably more affordable. Portions were reasonable for the price. The variety of options was also a positive note. There was a strong mix of local favorites and creative concepts. It’s a good place to bring a group! The atmosphere was also better as there was a Red Sox game that evening so there was definitely excitement in the market combined with live music made it an exciting place to be. Overall, I’d give the Boston Time Out Market four stars. It’s cleaner, more budget-friendly, and offers a more versatile food selection compared to the Lisbon location!“

“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. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥“

“Phil’s team always does a fantastic job. Well worth the money for a unique experience, delicious cocktails, and a charismatic bartenders who are experts in their craft. Every menu has a clear vision and creative plays on known cocktails, or just great brand-new ideas. You won’t regret booking a night here (or a season pass)! If you can’t get a reservation, late-night walk-ins are also an option. Huge shout out to Suzae, Trevor, and Skye who always make the night so much fun.“

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

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

“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.“

“There was a pop up chef there serving some dope carriers food. The cabbage was delicious as well as the prawns in piri piri sauce. I took my girl her for our one year meet-a-versary and it was perfect. The dim lighting and comfortable seating made for a really special night. I would highly recommend this place and would definitely come back. The drinks were tasty as well!“

“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!“

“Truly great place for apéro! Interesting selection of cocktails and loved the idea to create your own based on the flavors/spirits!
The style of the place is confusing and feels like a bit of everything. I understand if they tried to play around its name but after all feels like super random design choices. Great to meet up with friends before dinner but wouldn’t choose it as a romantic spot.
P.s. empty glasses symbolize great conversations inspired by drinks; second picture is the first thing you see in the bathroom ;)“

“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“

“Great tapas / quite filling“

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

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Piatti buoni e curati , cucina meditteranea ben interpretata“

“May 2026
I was anticipating an amazing wagyu beef burger given the $35 price tag, but it was very ordinary and forgettable. It was cooked well-done even though I asked for medium-well, and it had absolutely no flavor, not even a hint of salt and pepper. The fries were dry and not very good either. But the corn bread was absolutely delightful and probably some of the best I’ve ever had, and the pita bread with hummus and pimento cheese was delicious, as well. Overall, about 4 stars considering the appetizers saved the day, as the wagyu burger was a flop.“

“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!!“

“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“

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

“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.“

“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!!“

“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“

“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“

“The hype around this restaurant was insane. After weeks of trying, I was able to snag a reservation 30 days out and as the date got closer, I was sure I was in for a hell of a let down.

It was actually quite the opposite. We had a reservation for 2 at 8:30 pm and were seated within 10 minutes of our arrival (we arrived 15 minutes early). The restaurant does a great job of staggering their seating so the kitchen can properly flow and doesn't get backed up.

The atmosphere was really nice, warm and enjoyable. My wife and I were able to talk the whole time. The waitress was very kind and friendly. She kept us entertained and ensured our anniversary dinner was special. The drinks were really good and the food was ridiculous. Everything we had was amazing and I would be hard pressed to identify a dish I would consider not ordering to be able to taste something different.

This place is definitely worth the hype and am hoping I can snag another reservation in the months to come.“

“it's so good place to explore i loved the view“

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

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

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

“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.“

“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.“

“Immerse yourself into a hidden world at the Next Door Speakeasy. This bar is small, but perfectly intentional.

We absolutely loved the vibe and the service that we received. The cocktails were great! Between the two of us we got a gin based drink (purple rain) and a rum based drink (lock & key) and some truffle fries. We loved our drinks, and our bartender- absolute top notch service!

This place can get busy, so you’ll need reservations and you’ll need a password to get in. They’ve been open for about five years, so if you haven’t ventured in yet, definitely put this place on your list!
Lentz_explore“

“Excellent food with very friendly and efficient wait staff“

“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.“

“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.“

“Super friendly and fast service right by the Garden“

“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.“

“Nice and chill environment.“

“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.“

“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!☺️“

“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.“