50 Best Cocktail Bars near Charlestown

“SO GOOD !!!!! The food here is to die for ! The service is amazing. Can’t wait to come back here. I came here with my husband and sister in law for my birthday brunch on a Sunday and the server helped us with recommendations. I didn’t even get a picture of the banana bread they recommended because it was so good. The grits are amazing. You have to check this place out.“

“We stopped into the Brassica Kitchen and Cafe as a party of three on a Saturday evening in March. I read that this was a popular spot in the Jamaica Plains section of Boston and decided to book a reservation. I recommend booking early because this is a popular location.The restaurant is located on the street with street parking available. When we entered the restaurant, all of the tables were taken. However, we were seated quickly when the next table opened up. While we waited, we were greeted by the bartender who recommended a drink of the menu based on our taste.Once seated, we reviewed the menu, which included many unique items you won't find at traditional restaurants. There is an option on the menu to try most of the dishes that they call "The Ride" which consists of many small plates. Two of us ordered "The Ride" and were pleasantly surprised by the experience. Our waiter brought a small dish every few minutes and explained what was on each dish. Everything was very unique and delicious. We also ordered the fried chicken, which was very good.The service during our meal was great. During our dining experience, the bartender came over to our table to bring us another drink order and had a drink with us. The only issue we had was the donut (part of "The Ride") at the end never came out. They ended up getting us the donut to go and added a piece of flan in the bag.Overall, we really enjoyed our dining experience, and all of the the food and drinks were top quality. I highly recommend stopping into Brassica Kitchen and Cafe if you are in the Boston area and want to try something unique.“

“The food is excellent. The wait staff helpful and attentive. The space is warm if a bit cramped. Our only complaint is that the restaurant opened its doors to a long line of walk-ins whom they seated first ahead of people (like us) with reservations. We had a 5:30 reservation and arrived early. The hostess apologized while seating us that there weren't any menus left to give us when we were seated. Then, after our waitress enticed us to order one of the sfizi specials, she came back to tell us that they were already sold out because the walk-ins at the bar had grabbed them all up. Wouldn't it make sense to seat those with reservations first?“

“Nestled in the heart of Boston, this sandwich shop is an absolute gem. I first heard about it from a friend who insisted that it was a must-visit spot, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. From the moment we walked in, we were struck by the shop's cool, laid-back vibe. The decor was a mix of modern and rustic elements, with exposed brick walls and minimalist wooden tables that gave the space a warm, inviting feel.One of the most unique aspects of the shop is the fact that each sandwich is crafted and inspired by a different chef, giving each menu item its own distinctive flair. I found this concept to be fascinating, and it added an element of excitement to the ordering process. After perusing the menu for a few minutes, we finally settled on the Bravas and the Rialto sandwiches, and we were not disappointed.The Bravas sandwich was a true standout. Inspired by Chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma - sweet onion butter, prosciutto, chorizo, manchego cheese, crispy Brussels sprouts, garlic aioli, cilantro, and hot sauce, on a grilled sesame torta bun, served with potato salad, it was a flavor explosion with every bite. The Rialto, meanwhile, was an option inspired by Chef Jody Adams of Rialto. It has thin sliced prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto, garlic-rubbed texas toast sided with mixed greens, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nut vinaigrette. I was pleasantly surprised by how satisfying and filling the Rialto was.But perhaps the biggest surprise of the meal was the Brussels sprouts. I'll be honest - I'm not usually a fan of this cruciferous vegetable. However, the chef at this sandwich shop managed to prepare them in a way that completely won me over. They were roasted to perfection with a sprinkle of sea salt, giving them a crispy, savory flavor that was irresistible.Aside from the food, I was also impressed with the level of service we received. I was with someone who has a peanut allergy and was pleased to see that the staff took it seriously. They were incredibly accommodating and made sure to prepare our food in a way that would not put her at risk. In fact, they even offered to customize our sandwiches to fit our dietary preferences, which was a nice touch.All in all, I would highly recommend this sandwich shop to anyone in the Boston area. The combination of delicious food, creative chefs, and attentive service make it a standout destination in the city. I can't wait to come back and try some of the other menu items - I have a feeling they'll be just as delicious as what we had today.“

“First time at Tonino. Chitarra (spaghetti variation) with clams was tasty, with a generous portion of clams. Eggplant ricotta pizza was also good. Pizza bianca was similar to focaccia -- basically bread -- with dips, not toppings. Caponata dip was fine. Trevisano (radicchio) salad was skimpy with an unremarkable dressing. We didn't try desserts. The small space is attractive but crowded, with tables cheek by jowl. Long wait for the pasta and pizza.“

“Another outstanding evening at Bar Mezzana. This time we chose their “Roman Trattoria” prix fixe experience, which was not only delicious — served with thoughtfulness and friendly enthusiasm — but thoroughly satisfying. (They kindly accommodated a substitution due to a dietary issue.) I think because we had a later reservation on the last night, we were the beneficiaries of open bottles of wine that needed drinking. No complaints! Consistently one of Boston's best.“

“The staff was great. They had great attention to detail. a number of my friends had food allergies, so i was a bit nervous at first but the staff took such great precautions, and the chef made sure to verbally confirm every dish that came out had no allergens. such great customer service. the dishes were good too. very well seasoned. compliments to the chef. 10 out of 10 would recommend.“

“Could be my favorite place in the world. Are you bookish, social, hungry? Lehrhaus is an amazing combo of lively house of study, cocktail bar, and restaurant with contemporary creative dishes. Attend a class, eat at the rail, meet your friends in the lounge, bring your little ones for a meal. It's all there in one place and the hospitality is top-notch.“

“A neighborhood hidden gem? A surprisingly good restaurant with hearty, delicious food.The Detroit style pizza was unique and the corner crust is absolutely to die for!Furthermore, the grapefruit tequila sour had a cinnamon flare that ingeniously balanced the bitterness.Why not 5 stars? Perogi’s were only okay, they were oily and not crispy. As for value, the bill was around $80 for: 2 mains, 1 app, 1 soda, 1 cocktail and a 20% tip. Slightly more than anticipated but the food and drink were very good.In all, 4.5/5. Definitely try it out!“

“This place is great and the food was fantastic. We are very much a foodie family with different tastes so we were looking for a place that would hit everyones tastebuds. We arrived and departed by lyft since we were staying at a local hotel(there is a designated pick-up/drop—off area which helps a lot). They have a variety of different eateries, I think two bars, a couple of huge screens which that night was showing the awards. For a cold Sunday night, it was pretty lively. The best part in my opinion (besides the food) was that you can scan the QR code and order straight from your table for anyone of the places and either do counter pickup or have it delivered to you. The app works wonderfully and seamless even with multiple orders; you receive a text when your order is ready. The kids ordered some donuts (not pictured) from Union Square which they enjoyed. We honestly didn’t have any complaints.“

“Such a fun place for cocktails and apps. I brought some friends who were visiting from out of town and for that area, which is mostly sports bar and pubs, this is a hidden gem! My friend rolled the dice and the drink did not disappoint. We will definitely be back for a girls night!“

“Came for a late dinner on my partner's birthday and had the best time! Such a fun environment and the friendliest staff around. I've been dreaming of the crab curry and crispy pork since we left. A cool cocktail list, too. Can't wait to come back!“

“Atlantic Fish Company is a must-visit seafood destination in Boston. From the moment you enter, you're greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere that sets the tone for a memorable dining experience.My 4 person group started with cocktail shrimp and bacon-wrapped scallops as appetizers, which were both impeccably fresh and flavorful. For my main course, I opted for one of their evening specials: lobster carbonara. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the lobster was succulent, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce.But what really elevated our meal was the exceptional service we received throughout the evening. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and made us feel right at home.If you're looking for a top-notch seafood restaurant in Boston, Atlantic Fish Company should be at the top of your list ???“

“If I could only get cocktails from one place for the rest of my life, they would be at Farmacia. The seasonal menus mean there are always new and very creative cocktails to try and the 9-seat limit lends itself to fun and interesting conversations with your host and other patrons. Phillip is so welcoming and accommodating and it really adds to the experience. Reservations are hard to come by but are well worth the wait.“

“I came here to celebrate Valentine's day with my husband. Personally speaking, I've not been a big fan of Asian fusion food, but I was delightfully surprised by the food at Myers & Chang. We got one beef udon dish and a braised beef dish, with both turning out very good but both a bit salty - so we had to get one more bowl of rice to top up. Additionally, they were kind enough to let me order a drink from the brunch menu. I would come back!“

“Delicious Peruvian food with expensive Boston prices. Quality over quantity, the portions feel a bit small but everything was very good.Parking is a bit tricky. There's limited street parking and I believe you are allowed to park in the lot by the grocery store. There's no sign saying otherwise. My friend parked there for the hour and a half we were there on a Saturday night and his car was still there.Edit from their website about parking: "There is plenty of street parking on BOTH sides of our street (Adams Street). This includes the area directly in front of the restaurant and across the street on the side of Russo’s Tux. There is additional parking on Garfield Street, just around the corner, as well as Wesley Street which is behind our building. The parking lot next to our building is NOT ours and vehicles will be towed. Please help us respect our neighbors! Please feel free to call the restaurant with any questions."Parking: Street parking, and maybe the lot at the end by the grocery store. Don't park in the one next to the restaurant, that's residential only“

“Awesome, awesome, awesome! Most consistent restaurant in the South End! The cocktails marry well with the food! Friendly staff and great atmosphere! A+++ I do not understand reviews of this place when they say portions are small...that is not the case! I never leave hungry!“

“This is the most Authentic French Restaurant I’ve tried in Boston. The food is generous and smells and tastes like a Sunday at my grandmother’s. The staff was amazing. They even offered us their Mousse au Chocolat for my friend’s birthday. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. ?I loved the maxi profiteroles and the salmon. And the bread was warm and fresh.They also do vegetarian options!French or not, you must try it.“

“Found this gem on Open Table. Traveling through the area and saw all the great comments on the cocktails. The service was awesome. Food was great. Restaurant is so unique almost like Savannah meets The Orient. A must stop if you are going to Cambridge. Zombie and Mai Tais perfect.“

“I got the Shoyu Ramen and the cold tea mixed drink. It was great. The ramen came out with the right temp. It wasn't hot enough to burn you, but it was warm enough to heat you up. Perfect ramen for those cold rainy days. The drink was great; you get to taste the tequila without the nasty after taste. I would recommend this place to anyone.Parking: There are streets parking right in front of the restaurant and across the street. There is also a parking lot next to it too.“

“A notable destination for Mediterranean seafood fares in the heart of Back Bay.Recently took a visit for dinner. Set against a backdrop of a modern lounge vibe, complete with high ceilings, Porto seemed like an ideal spot for date nights. As advertised, their menu featured a blend of Italian pasta and Mediterranean seafood dishes.We started off our meal with the Crispy Calamari. It was a decent appetizer that aligned with the typical offerings of a modern Italian restaurant. Its seasoning was a tad overbearing, but it still set a nice tone for the meal.From their pasta selections, we opted for theWild Mushroom Mafalde and the Wild Boar Cocoa Pappardelle. The Pappardelle boasted a tender boar ragu with umami from Manchego, but it unfortunately suffered from a lack of cohesion. The pasta itself was slightly undercooked and lacked depth in flavor, failing to fully harmonize with the ragu. On the other hand, the Mafalde was enjoyable. The combination of garlic butter and Aleppo pepper introduced a welcomed acidity, and the interplay of textures between the al dente Mafalde and the succulent mushrooms was particularly satisfying.The highlight of the evening was the Seared Bronzino. Unlike many other Branzino dishes I've tried in Boston, which often fell flat in flavor, Porto’s rendition was masterfully-seasoned. Each bite struck a perfect balance between salinity and the sweet nuances of the squash purée.While Porto may not be the best Mediterranean spot in Back Bay, its seafood offerings, particularly the Seared Bronzino, make it worth a return visit. The pricing, given the quality and ambiance, also doesn’t feel too excessive. Recommend giving them a try if you’re looking for an upscale romantic venue with great food and atmosphere.Parking: Prudential public parking garage“

“Finally made it to this local hotspot as it is always packed. We didn’t plan ahead enough for a reservation but walked in at 6pm and sat quickly at their small bar which was a nice experience. I had an Elderberry Margarita and the Suiza Chicken Enchiladas.“

“If you haven’t tried La Bodega- get a reservation there asap! Unbelievable food, atmosphere, service, and wine. This was my second time here and can’t wait to go back. Each dish is more beautiful than the last. Love the kale salad, flounder, chickpea dish, butternut squash, and the cheesecake is a must!“

“Amazing! I booked a reservation for my dad and I when he was visiting town. He gave me the reigns when it came to choosing a restaurant which normally gives me immense anxiety but I was stoked when I came across Chickadee and it did not disappoint.The ambience is really cool with an industrial vibe that is decorated to feel intimate and cozy; extra points for being able to actually hold a conversation due to noise level.The service was great from start to finish and the staff seem very knowledgeable and excited to chat about the menu items.The food was the star with perfectly balanced flavors in all the dishes. We split the dips and spreads (ask for extra pita!) and marinated beets to start. For our main course, we each got the lobster campanelle (chefs kiss!) The pasta/grains and large plates definitely seem decently portioned (~one/person~). The plates on nearby tables looked equally as mouth-watering). I’m looking forward to coming back with friends to show them this gem.“

“This was one of the most amazing dining experiences I have ever had. It was all perfect. Atmosphere, service and food all perfect. There really is not much more to say. I felt like I was scamming them for how inexpensive it was. I want to come back here just for this.“

“The food, drinks, and atmosphere were all incredible. We ordered a breakfast burger, brussel sprout salad, and french toast. It was all delicious and looked so good that we forgot to take pictures of it. The drinks were also tasty and decorated in a fun way. The waitstaff were so friendly and nice which led to a fun and easy-going atmosphere. It was a perfect place to go for brunch. We can't wait to come back and try lunch and dinner here too!Vegetarian options: There's a salad section and vegetarian options in the shareable section.Parking: All of the parking lots in Assembly Row are free if you stay under 3 hours.Kid-friendliness: This is a great place to bring kids and families. Its also great for a group of friends and couples.Wheelchair accessibility: The tables and entrance are all wheelchair accessible.“

“Their honey maple tables, spacious rooms, and plush seats are a haven for anyone who appreciates a genuine speakeasy for enjoying a good drink with friends. As someone who doesn’t drink, their juniper belt is my go-to, and it is zesty. The distillery itself is in a pleasant part of town, as the staff is so friendly and wants you to truly enjoy yourself.“

“So nice to go anywhere where you don't have to remind anyone of your gluten allergy. Went with two non allergy friends and they enjoyed the experience as much as I did. Great variety of foods offered with our tea. Service was excellent and ambience was lovely.“

“✅ Amazing Ambience✅ fast✅ Food is spiced just right, not too salty, not too spicy etc✅ Plates, presentation, and others were beautiful✅ hard to find authentic dishesI will be back again and again!!!! Whoever the chefs are need a raise!!!! And the staff!!! They're amazing!!“

“Jinny’s has been our favorite pizza since they opened. Everything is amazing from the pizzas to the appetizers and the service is 10/10. The pepperoni pizza and caesar salad are a must! The ‘mike’s hot honey’ is great added on to the pizza. Don’t forget to add a buttermilk ranch dippin’ sauce for the crust.We do both dine in and take out. Seating is pretty limited so plan ahead. No reservations. Worth the wait! They move quick too.“

“We had Sunday brunch at Black Lamb. We were greeted warmly and led to a high top table, which was very comfortable and fun for the tall boys in my group. The hostess and our server teamed up to make sure that we had enough attention. The food was absolutely fantastic! I cannot recommend the biscuits and gravy highly enough. It was a special that I truly hope they make a regular item. The service, the ambience, the food—all get an A+! We will definitely be back!“

“As per usual my favorite bar wish it was closer to where I live! They also have more small plate options which is great! Their attention to detail with music, cocktails, glassware, knowledge of many things never goes unnoticed and a great amount of cat statues around the room! As well as beautiful murals and Star Wars memorabilia. Can't wait to go back when I lived in Massachusetts I was there way more often! Impeccable service wonderful to watch the bartender move flawlessly they were from Arkansas awesome style! Music was phoenix, say anything, the strokes, Radiohead etc. they also have a special pop up nerd boi Monday? where they have board games, big screen video games and cocktails inspired by all the cool things!“

“Just wanted to say how much I appreciated the atmosphere and customer service in this place. Made an out of towner from TX feel welcomed in a city I didn't expect it in. Great bartenders who take care of their customers. Thanks again and looking forward to coming back in the future!“

“This restaurant is perfect. Food is pricy but 100% worth the splurge if you can. We got the lobster roll and lobster bolognese, and both were fantastic and tasted super fresh. Portion sizes were amazing, and the atmosphere was superb; often you feel like you’re struggling to hear in restaurants, but here the tables are spaced out evenly and it feels buzzy but not loud. Service was excellent too, as our server was very friendly and our food arrived in no time.“

“We really loved the food at Stillwater! Started with the biscuits and homemade cheez-its, which were both absolutely fantastic. I had the red beans & rice as my main and the person I was with enjoyed the dumplings- both were great choices. The pb&j crème brûlée was a favorite- wished there was a bit more jam but it was delicious nonetheless. Service was less than stellar though- lack of water refills and it took an incredibly long time to get the check. Overall we had a great time!“

“This place is a hidden gem for comfort food. Hats off to the chef who created the Pretzel Crusted Chicken! It was an absolutely delicious dish, Kudos! You can taste the prep they put into it, it’s very flavorful. The portion sizes did not disappoint. I was happy to have leftovers for the next day, it was that good. I surely will be a returning customer ☺️“

“Forage is a hidden gem, tucked away on a side street in Cambridge. It has a welcoming, warm and calm ambiance and delivers a remarkable taste adventure. The menu, a kaleidoscope of flavors, featuring standout dishes such as perfectly pickled veggies (who knew pickles could taste this good?), impeccably cooked steak (try the marrow butter!) and cod, and a delicious almond cake dessert. Forage has an adventurous wine list, curated with reasonably priced but unusual bottles from around the world. What really elevated our experience was the knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly staff, who expertly guided our selections, enhancing our meal with wine pairings. For anyone seeking a dining experience that's both innovative and comforting, Forage is a must-visit.“

“Excellent pizza as usual. Also, very enjoyable salads. And a nice selection of beers. (I cannot comment on the wine list because I have not had the wine there.) The one thing we have been unable to get Stoked Pizza to do is serve us salads first and then serve pizza (hot) when we finish the salads. One time we asked for the salads first, but the salads and pizza arrived at the same time. This time we asked for the salads first, but the pizza arrived a few minutes before the salads. We guess next time we will order salads and not order pizza until the salads are served.“

“Our new favorite joint!! The portions are generous and cocktails are on point. Max and Chelsea are amazing humans and it’s evident the love they’ve poured into this restaurant. Dining there feels like coming home… minus the family drama/judgment and with the tastiest, most nurturing home cooked meal. We are so happy to have this neighborhood gem so close to us.“

“The pasta speaks for itself. It's the first time that I've been to a restaurant. And I feel like Im eating "real" food. Everything cooked fresh to order. Just come and taste the goodness. One of my favorite after class hang outs.“

“We had a great time as usual at Ithaki. The food,service, and atmosphere was great. Our server Juliana was very nice and attentive. She was knowledgeable of the menu and helpful. One of our guests spilled food on her blouse. Juliana was able to help clean the shirt with soda ware and a cloth. We went the appetizer and small plate menu and skipped entrees. We also had coffee and dessert. The bill was under 300. The lollipop lanb chops, short rib, and octopus were delicious. The Caesar salad special was also very good. Including presentation. Overall, we were content and will return. The food and service were top notch.“

“Fast service and great appetizers. The mains were also good. Fried kimchi in the calamari was tasty. The tiger ribs were fire, great texture and flavor addition with the peanuts & fried shallots/onions. The edamame dumplings were confusing tho, I loved the truffle corn puree and the skin of the dumplings, but the edamame dumplings filling was a bit bland and lacked texture. I think the truffle corn would be good on its own with a side of fried dough sticks to dip with. A diverse option of drinks!“

“This place was recommended as I was staying at the Hilton at BOS. I wasn't let down. Great neighborhood bar, super friendly bartenders and excellent food. Bartender recommended Burger and fries, so I went with it. Next time back to Boston I will go again. One small warning, it isn't as close to the airport as it seems and Lyft/Uber will get lost as the mapping tries to use a private road, you have to go around in a bit of a circle.“

“There's lots of good Thai food around Boston but Thonglor is my favorite! Every time I take a new bite I literally think the words, "This is cooked to perfection" LOL... like the Ratatouille critic... Such a dependable delivery place, I try to order something new each time and every single dish has been delicious! I can tell from photos that the dine-in plating looks beautiful, and I think even in the take-out boxes you can tell there is lots of care put in. :) I love the pad kee mao, khao pad tomyum, and mango sticky rice. The curry puffs and keaw wan gai are also great!“

“They have lots of interesting dishes that you don’t usually find in a sushi restaurant in the US. The location is also great, with lots of restaurants and pubs nearby. They also have metered street parking nearby.Parking: Paid street parking from Mon/Sat during the day. Evenings and Sundays are free.“

“I loooooved this cocktail bar. It was my first time there with a friend and we spontaneously decided to stop by. So glad we did. The Asquerosa is my favorite. A floral, flirty mezcal based cocktail! The calamari was pretty good, and I got the shrimp scampi for dinner. The jumbo shrimps were such a treat. The lighting too- not too dim not too light. Love the music… it was such a vibe. I’d definitely come here again.“

“I went to see Pet Cobra, The Roscoes and Vern Matz perform this past Sunday (all incredible artists). It was my first time at the Jungle and loved the vibe. Bartender was nice and I ordered a kimchi chicken sandwich, which was surprisingly so tasty. Looking forward to coming back!“

“First date night in boston here with my boyfriend. The pasta was delicious and the bread with cheese was yummy. Drinks were good too, and the server I wish I could remember his name. You could tell he loved his job and attending people. 100% recommend this place if your visiting boston.“

“Delicious food, great service, nice atmosphere. We enjoyed all of our dishes and left satiated and happy with the experience.The renovations (since Loyal 9) are thoughtfully decorated. Not a lot of vegetarian options so would recommend ensuring vegetarians review the menu beforehand.“

“the staff is nice, and their food and drinks are good I like their portions, small but perfect for sharing and also tried a few different dishes, kind of tapas style, wich I loved tapas style restaurant, also their Asian American fusion is nice and quite “