50 Best Cocktail Bars near Needham

“Couldn’t have had a better first experience last Saturday night! Our 7pm reservation was early! We arrived at 6:45pm knowing we were early and we were seated by 6:50pm. Kelly was a phenomenal server; attentive, knowledgeable, offered amazing recommendations, was genuinely kind and personable, and never let a crumb touch the table. The food was incredible! Everything was timed perfectly, giving us ample time to eat and enjoy before the next course arrived. Fresh ingredients, hot entrees, and well seasoned bites - everything from the oysters to the sticky toffee carrot cake was a delight. This was the best restaurant experience my husband and I have had in years. Truly. Two very minor notes: - the restroom was sprinkled with paper towels on the floors. A little extra attention would make a huge difference. -it was LOUD. It was a Saturday night and we were next to a large group, so we didn’t complain. It happens. But wow, it was LOUD. 10/10. Really. We can’t wait to come back and we’ll be asking for Kelly!!“

“We would like to give a higher rating and hope to in the future but there were several areas that could be improved:

1) My husband and I sat on the patio next to the front door. We used to come here alot when it was Petit Robert. They have done a nice job of changing it from French country bistro to modern upscale Italian, still very cozy. It was a lovely evening but it was disrupted by 2 young boys running in and out of the restaurant yelling the score to some game. They continued to yell up and down the sidewalk and climbed the lamppost. It really ruined the vibe. It was surprising that their parents (inside) nor the staff said anything to them. We could over hear the table next to us also commenting about this raucous behavior.

2. The service, although super friendly was slow. We waited for quite some time to place our order and for the bill. I never got the ice that was requested. Perhaps this is because of thr busy crowd on a Friday night.

3. The majority of our dishes were outstanding. The grilled squid appetizer was the best we have had in awhile. The squid was very tender and went perfectly well with the sliced fennel and lemon vinaigrette. My husband's wagyu dish was also beautifully executed. It was cooked to the perfect medium rare and paired nicely with the garlic sauce. Sides included lightly seasoned crispy fingerling potatoes and broccolini also cooked to perfection. I ordered the house special, lobster in vodka sauce with house made pasta. This was the biggest disappointment when the other dishes were so well delivered. The pasta was over cooked and mushy. The sauce was a bit sweet and there were only a few small pieces of lobster claw meat. This was surprising since the dish was more expensive than the wagyu. When the hostess checked in on us, she was gracious in offering to get us something else. I went with the black truffle wheel since we had seen other tables ordering it and the waitress had said it was her favorite dish there. Indeed it was incredible and did not disappoint! The pasta was not overcooked and the sauce was to die for! I loved it and would come back just for that dish alone!

When the bill came out, we assumed that they would have comped us for the lobster dish since that was what we didn't like and had sent it back despite their offering us to take it home. But instead, they had comped us for the truffle dish ($26), which was just over half of the lobster dish ($44). Seemed like a strange unprofessional practice.

Overall we still loved 3 out of 4 dishes so would still come back. Hopefully there won't be screaming kids and perhaps the wait staff would not be as slow.“

“I have been coming to the Hearth for many years...the staff is friendly, the atmosphere relaxing and comforting, and the food and beverages are from local sources, well prepared, tasty and satisfying. The owners and management have also shown a dedication to supporting the arts by encouraging local musicians to play at the restaurant. I highly recommend this restaurant.“

“So glad we found this spot!! Food is true farm to table, fresh and absolutely delicious. We had the crab cake, beet salad, halibut and fish tacos, everything was fantastic, even the coffee with dessert was a notch above the rest!! Service was friendly and attentive, we will be back to see Courtney!! Thank you for an outstanding meal, it was a perfect relaxing evening to end a long week.“

“The food was fresh and fantastic! Service was excellent !“

“A group of us just went to Puritan for it's Clambake and we will definitely try to this again next summer. The quality of the food was exceptional and the cook on all the different seafood was perfect. It was such a fun experience and absolutely worth the money.“

“I've been to the one in Lisbon so I was very excited to experience a different location! It is very new and looks to be a secret still. It was the perfect mix of chill and just on the brink of busy. My food was great, I went to Poe-lenta and my husband got the wood-fired pizza from the pizza location!“

“The staff, service and food were all exceptional. The atmosphere is relaxing and the menu is very interesting, especially the cocktail menu. The presentation of the food is impeccable and the staff is very attentive, making sure the water is filled and that the check is ready when we were finished. A perfect balance and what every restaurant should strive to mimic. A must try if you want to find a place that is unique. Thanks to the staff for a fun evening.“

“Very appealing menu; a rare one where I wanted almost everything on it. And the food did not disappoint — wonderful combinations, like the chicken liver on toasts topped with green tomato jam, and pillowy ricotta-stuffed agnolotti with corn and mushrooms. Everything was exceptional.“

“A wonderful tiki bar! We loved the food and creative cocktails.“

“We were in town visiting Harvard and decided to try out Sloane’s for dinner. What a great decision! We loved EVERYTHING! The food is amazing, service is great and the atmosphere is very chill. We loved it so much we came again our second night in town. I didn’t see one item on the menu that I wouldn’t devour. Our party had the fish and chips, pork sandwich (my fav), sweet potato and chic pea sandwich, Mac and cheese pot roast and the choco taco. I cannot recommend this place more!!“

“Great tapas / quite filling“

“Food and service are excellent!“

“The mushroom stir fry and duck breaks skewers were excellent and very nicely presented! The stir fry has just the right amount of smokey taste and great balance with the sweet pineapple bits. Lovely drinks too and that's to say nothing of the decour inside, which also set a high bar.“

“I'm desperate to get back to Barlette! It's ALWAYS a wonderful experience. I feel like I'm transported into a beautiful movie with all my favorite actors! Plus I get so many compliments and interested inquiries when I wear my fab Barlette rose shirt!“

“Very hyped up restaurant so we expected to be blown away. Overall, the food was tasty, especially the sugar snap salad, eggplant pizza, and meatball special. The tallegio pasta was good but definitely more for cheese lovers, and the bucatini was great as well but neither were super outstanding. The clams were a bit disappointing. Friendly service and great atmosphere“

“I only had the opportunity to have a single drink here. It was an old fashioned, which is so eady to make, but still usually screwed up. This was definitely a very good one, almost worth the ~$19 price. I will be back.

But speaking of backs, none of the seats have them -- those of us with back problems can't sit comfortably for long. Hence the three stars instead of five on atmosphere.“

“Suddenly wanted a drink, so...

Tall Order: The same drink as the shop's name, a very beautiful one, like a crystal-clear sprite in the dark. It has the clean and mild sweetness of a three-star Presson rum, the bright acidity of a ten-year Madeira, and the crispness of pineapple peel and lime—overall very refreshing. It also has clarified coconut milk added, but the effect is rather subtle.“

“Love the vibe! Great place to just get a drink, or eat to your heart's content. I have been holding Twisted Networking- Somerville, MA for a while in the side room- awesome! #askjo“

“classy drinks and awsome servers“

“They have a long list of cocktails, and they all seem interesting and original.

I got a half-liter Paulaner, that unfortunately was served warm, hence the four stars. For food, we tried the tuna tostados; the portion was surprisingly small, and a bit disappoiting.

Service was great and very attentive. They have a patio by Commonwealth Ave that is great a quick bite in the afternoon.“

“We had such a wonderful dining experience, largely thanks to Milli! From the moment we sat down, she was warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly. She took the time to walk us through the menu, gave great recommendations based on what we were in the mood for, and checked in just the right amount - never too much, never too little. Even when the restaurant got busy, Milli stayed calm, kept a smile on her face, and made sure our drinks were always topped up and our food came out perfectly timed. She clearly cares about giving guests a great experience, and it showed in every interaction. Service like this is what turns a good meal into a memorable one. If you're dining here, ask for Milli - she'll take great care of you. Will definitely be back!“

“Innovative and delicious.“

“I just had the hottest meal I’ve ever had. The waiter said “That is very very spicy”…I told him to say “very” three times to warn customers. The meal was AWESOME!!! Thank you 👍“

“This place is great! I was in Boston last week for a work trip and my coworkers decided to stop at this bar. We literally had the best bartender, his name is Tone and he was great. So nice and super attentive, he made the experience. This was my first time in Boston and it was an incredible time . Will be back with friends. ✨“

“Great Food , Good atmosphere“

“Went here with a friend for the first time on a Friday night. Such a great atmosphere and amazing service. I didn’t love the two cocktails I got but that didn’t really matter to me because I’d definitely go back just for the vibes ✨“

“Family had dinner at Stoked in Cohasset last weekend….what a great meal! Pizzas were SO delicious, as were the Greek and Caesar salads. House wines were really good. Children loved their meals too. Our server was terrific, fun and attentive. An overall perfect experience…casual and delicious!! It was a little quiet when we went, but it was early. Can’t imagine this local gem will be quiet very often! We’ll all be back ! Nana from Hingham“

“Medium Rare at Arsenal Yards is such a fun, hassle-free dining spot. Their fixed menu takes all the guesswork out of ordering, starting with fantastic fresh bread and a great salad before bringing out the main star: tender culotte steak topped with that addicting secret sauce and golden, crispy fries. Getting a warm second helping dropped right onto your plate mid-meal is a fantastic touch that makes the price feel like a steal. The atmosphere in the plaza is energetic and comfortable, and the service keeps the flow moving effortlessly from start to finish. Definitely a must-visit in Watertown for a top-tier steak frites fix.“

“Todo muy bueno y la atención de primera“

“Muy delicioso todo muy buena atención“

“I have lived in the Boston-esque area for twelve years and have eaten so many good meals, but the fish tacos here are the only meal I needed to have before my upcoming move out west(ern MA). Cocktails are fun and creative, service is 13/10, the XL portions of fries that require to-go boxes are the only fries I’ve ever found to reheat well, and if you’re lucky, Steve will be tending bar. I love going at the slightly quieter times but I’ll never gatekeep the euphoria experienced by a meal here. Bonus perks: Max & Chelsea have the best senses of humor, the murals on the patio are always amazing, the beer and wine selection are vast (also the mocktails!), and the decor always feels like your favorite “I Spy” book.“

“I’m a huge Twin Peaks fan and this outside patio theme weekends are amazing! The staff is so friendly (I enjoyed nerding out about loving Kyle Maclachlan ) 😂 and it really makes being in the city so cozy. The playlist is spot on, and the menu and drinks are so to the show! Last night was my second time and it felt like I’ve been going there forever. Will definitely check out hopefully post Covid!“

“Fabulous food. Great coffee. What more can you ask for???“

“This place is legit! Our favorite was the double cooked pork. The only thing we didn’t like was the soup, which had too many peppers in it. But there are other things on the menu that we would like to try. I will eat here again!“

“Great ambience, delicious food, awesome service!! Definitely recommend to anyone who loves Indian food.“

“Top notch experience from the moment we entered the restaurant and were seated. Excellent service, beautiful decor, delicious food. Everything was perfect. I will return!“

“Great pizza and staff. Chef worked her buns off. A great sign.“

“I enjoyed the food and drinks very much they did run out of 2 menu items we were looking forward to ordering but Natalia our server was able to make other recommendations and she was able to accommodate a different table that wasn't next to the door.“

“Such a beautiful space. Creative, cozy lighting in the high ceiling dining room (or enjoy fairy lights and climbing flowers all around outside on the patio). The menu is simple but with something for everyone. Dishes came promptly and were perfectly cooked and looked AMAZING as they arrived. The servers were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. A fantastic dinner! Highly recommend.“

“An excellent dinner. Purple carrots! Lemon potatoes! Tahini mushroom with an egg! Blue fish! Good service. Guy ran down The block to return my bracelet which had fallen off! They give you the check in a Copy of the Constitution! Recommend but why are you not accessible! Such a contradiction of your stated philosophy. Should at least put it on your website with your apology“

“Beautiful interior and food was amazing. The staff and bartenders were very attentive as well.“

“Whenever we are in the mood for more American style fare, we think why go anywhere other than The Abbey because the food is always reliably delicious. Take a grilled chicken sandwich: omnipresent on local menus, yet only The Abbey makes this a moist and delicious generous meal every time. Love their truffle fries, and whatever creative daily listing they have. I have made fans of visitors as well. A local treasure.“

“everything wonderful service food atmosphere“

“We come to Boston every 6 months, this restaurant is within walking distance of our hotel and our go to place. Such great food amd amazing service! We love our waiter Robin!“

“Had a delicious dinner last night at Avenue and wish we had checked it out sooner. Amazing wine and cocktail. Tried the Brie appetizer and Avenue Flatbread, which were both delicious and unique! Spiro, our server, was so attentive and knowledgeable. Service was excellent! Wish we had room for dessert bc that also sounded great but I guess we just have to go back soon“

“Initially felt extra salty, but it was fish sauce dancing on taste pallet prepping massive wave of all kind of sensation flavor, sweet, salty, right amount of sour, crunch, soul fulfilling depth defying soup, just wonderful amazing south east cuisine you can have near Boston“

“One of the last true local venues in the Boston area. A Real club for real musicians to lay a solid foundation to create original music, build a fanbase and collaborate with peers.“

“Simulators are legit and it feels like you are outside playing on the actually course you've selected. It's a nice vibe and a great bar to watch games or golf on and the pizza is amazing. (get the sweet heat, it wont disappoint) They also offer leagues and spots for parties/events. If you're looking for a spot to work on your game this winter, grab a beer and watch some sports I highly recommend Birdie Bar!“

“This is the second time in one week my friend and I have chosen this restaurant as our destination for food, drinks, and merriment and we were not disappointed.The staff is a delight, both times we were greeted with a warm smile and they were very knowledgeable recommending dishes and levels of spice. The naan bread is delicious and the appetizers and entrees we ordered were amazing as well bursting with so much flavor. The cocktails were crafted with precision and so much passion from the wonderful bartender. The live music is great! We definitely recommend Chulo restaurant and plan on returning again and again!“