A meal and drinks in a library? Yes please! While this is not the spot for late night noshing, this is an absolutely beautiful room in the Boston Public Library with a great menu of light bites and delicious drinks. While this is not fine dining, they still surprised us with a “Happy Birthday” dessert upon overhearing that we were celebrating a birthday. A lovely lunch was then followed by exploring the art and exhibits in the library.
Jen Zehner
This was sincerely our favorite activity while in Boston. Bonnie expertly guided us through the meal, and her attention to detail enhanced the experience. They can accommodate a variety of diets; the vegetarian option was absolutely delicious, and clearly well curated. Entire tea service was charming.
Angelica Jackson
One of Boston’s best kept secrets. Just pop into the map room to get amazing cocktails. Roger made the best carajillo I’ve ever had. All the staff is so sweet. We ended up going there twice because it was so good during our trip.
C Hill
Check out the old maps of Boston when you ‘cheers’ to some fantastic cocktails. The cocktails are delicious!
Todd Schack
Great atmosphere, great food, and great cocktails. I recommend this small little hidden lounge as you won't be disappointed.
Carina Nyberg
Great cocktails, nice, dark-ish, quiet, and cozy.
chiara perocco
Bad service, bad drinks. Would not go back
Jonathan Crawford
Matt at the Map Room lounge made the best espresso martini I have ever had. And my wife loved the NE Bloody Mary. So happy we found this little gem. Highly recommend- and definitely ask for Matt!
Marcelino Mejia Jr
Tucked inside the historic walls of the Boston Public Library—the first large free municipal library in America—is a hidden gem I never saw coming. The Courtyard Tearoom and Map Room Tea Lounge blends elegance and charm with a warm, welcoming energy that makes locals and newcomers alike feel right at home. It’s professional and polished, styled to reflect the grandeur of the library itself, but never feels stuffy or exclusive.
The white tearoom feels like a dream, perfect for celebrations or just soaking in something refined. But the real magic happened at the bar, thanks to Roger—our bartender for the evening. Personable, polite, and with a level of professionalism I’ve only experienced in Michelin-star restaurants. He was the kind of host who not only makes you feel welcome but makes you want to come back.
Let’s talk drinks: • Carajillo – Tito’s Vodka, Licor 43, and a shot of espresso, served over a flower-logo-stamped cube of ice. Hands down, the best version I’ve ever had. Clean, bold, unforgettable. • Windfall – Elderberry-infused Old Forester, vanilla, cinnamon, blackberry, and lime. Fun fact: fresh elderberry + whiskey = dangerous. This version? Exceptionally smooth, flavorful, and totally safe. Delicious. • Stolen Moments – A surprise sample Roger generously let us try. Just as well-crafted and balanced as the rest. Not a single miss on the menu.
Our group also grazed through a massive chess board-style charcuterie spread—plenty to share, and we still took leftovers home. The only thing I passed on was the pâté, but that’s just personal taste.
This bar genuinely lands in my Top 5 in America. I never thought I’d say that about a bar in a library—but here we are. Beautiful space, exceptional drinks, and service that sets the standard.
Mary M
Lovely spot in the Boston Public Library. On the hottest day of the year, we absolutely loved visiting the beautiful Boston Public Library and the Map Room Lounge. The iced tea and affogato may have saved our lives!!
The feeling of the candlelight on the rustic tables make everyone look terrific. Had a prosecco and pastries. Lovely music. Amazing vibe
Jenae Brown
The pizza was good but the service was horrible. They didn't give us spoons for tea. Nice ambience but I wouldn't recommend
KATIE E
Literary themed cocktails hit the spot!
Nathan Burnett
So you kind of expect a restaurant to be a sad, cheaply catered affair. That’s not what the Map Room is. This is a class place tucked back in the library, with great cocktails and service. I didn’t try the food on this visit, but it smelled amazing.
Stephanie Walkup
What a unique atmosphere and stellar cocktails. I cannot wait to return!
A meal and drinks in a library? Yes please! While this is not the spot for late night noshing, this is an absolutely beautiful room in the Boston Public Library with a great menu of light bites and delicious drinks. While this is not fine dining, they still surprised us with a “Happy Birthday” dessert upon overhearing that we were celebrating a birthday. A lovely lunch was then followed by exploring the art and exhibits in the library.
This was sincerely our favorite activity while in Boston. Bonnie expertly guided us through the meal, and her attention to detail enhanced the experience. They can accommodate a variety of diets; the vegetarian option was absolutely delicious, and clearly well curated. Entire tea service was charming.
One of Boston’s best kept secrets. Just pop into the map room to get amazing cocktails. Roger made the best carajillo I’ve ever had. All the staff is so sweet. We ended up going there twice because it was so good during our trip.
Check out the old maps of Boston when you ‘cheers’ to some fantastic cocktails. The cocktails are delicious!
Great atmosphere, great food, and great cocktails. I recommend this small little hidden lounge as you won't be disappointed.
Great cocktails, nice, dark-ish, quiet, and cozy.
Bad service, bad drinks. Would not go back
Matt at the Map Room lounge made the best espresso martini I have ever had. And my wife loved the NE Bloody Mary. So happy we found this little gem. Highly recommend- and definitely ask for Matt!
Tucked inside the historic walls of the Boston Public Library—the first large free municipal library in America—is a hidden gem I never saw coming. The Courtyard Tearoom and Map Room Tea Lounge blends elegance and charm with a warm, welcoming energy that makes locals and newcomers alike feel right at home. It’s professional and polished, styled to reflect the grandeur of the library itself, but never feels stuffy or exclusive.
The white tearoom feels like a dream, perfect for celebrations or just soaking in something refined. But the real magic happened at the bar, thanks to Roger—our bartender for the evening. Personable, polite, and with a level of professionalism I’ve only experienced in Michelin-star restaurants. He was the kind of host who not only makes you feel welcome but makes you want to come back.
Let’s talk drinks:
• Carajillo – Tito’s Vodka, Licor 43, and a shot of espresso, served over a flower-logo-stamped cube of ice. Hands down, the best version I’ve ever had. Clean, bold, unforgettable.
• Windfall – Elderberry-infused Old Forester, vanilla, cinnamon, blackberry, and lime. Fun fact: fresh elderberry + whiskey = dangerous. This version? Exceptionally smooth, flavorful, and totally safe. Delicious.
• Stolen Moments – A surprise sample Roger generously let us try. Just as well-crafted and balanced as the rest. Not a single miss on the menu.
Our group also grazed through a massive chess board-style charcuterie spread—plenty to share, and we still took leftovers home. The only thing I passed on was the pâté, but that’s just personal taste.
This bar genuinely lands in my Top 5 in America. I never thought I’d say that about a bar in a library—but here we are. Beautiful space, exceptional drinks, and service that sets the standard.
Lovely spot in the Boston Public Library.
On the hottest day of the year, we absolutely loved visiting the beautiful Boston Public Library and the Map Room Lounge. The iced tea and affogato may have saved our lives!!
Restaurantji Recommends
The feeling of the candlelight on the rustic tables make everyone look terrific. Had a prosecco and pastries. Lovely music. Amazing vibe
The pizza was good but the service was horrible. They didn't give us spoons for tea. Nice ambience but I wouldn't recommend
Literary themed cocktails hit the spot!
So you kind of expect a restaurant to be a sad, cheaply catered affair. That’s not what the Map Room is. This is a class place tucked back in the library, with great cocktails and service. I didn’t try the food on this visit, but it smelled amazing.
What a unique atmosphere and stellar cocktails. I cannot wait to return!
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