Backbar
7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville
(617) 249-3522
Recent Reviews
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It's been over 10 years since first coming here. And I'm so glad they're still thriving.
Still one of my favorite cocktail bars in the Boston area. Great mixologists with lots of knowledge and keeping it fresh with seasonal drinks and continually to push the limits on unique and special cocktails.
If you wanna just get hammered, probably not the place for you unless you're trying to show off with limitless funds.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bartender's Choice
Such a cool and fun spot. Drinks are comparable to the best cocktail bars I have been to for a fraction of the cost.
It is also just a really unique and fun spot - the decor is incredibly nerdy (in the best way). Absolutely love it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went for their Halloween event, excellent atmosphere, friendly staff, delicious themed cocktails
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AMAZING mocktails! Everything we tried was delicious and well presented.
Another overrated, overhyped Boston speakeasy. Drinks we ordered looked decent but tasted extremely underwhelming, simplistic and too sweet. We tried their ladybug and one of their rotating speciality that has clarified milk punch.
Our waitress/host was extremely nice, she’s very welcoming, efficient, good at her job. If not for her, this would have been a much regretted visited. 20% tip’s automatically included in the bill.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 5
Let's be clear: you might have to wait. But if you can demonstrate patience you will be provided an amazing experience. I wish I lived closer so I could visit here more often.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I loved this place for a long time. But recently the service has been bad. Super slow. The drinks are still great. The food is also great (and larger menu now). But the last two times I went the service was so slow it took over two hours from being sat at our table to paying the bill for just one drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
The drinks, food, service, and decor are great. Everything changes constantly so you'll always find something new and interesting. I haven't had a bad drink here, including the one that has actual cicada dust on the glass rim (you should try it).
Something that I did not find great though is the 20% mandatory gratuity which is not reflected in the menu prices. I have no issue supporting a living wage for staff, in fact I think it's good. But If the menu says $16 a drink and it's actually a mandatory $19.20...well, the menu should say "All drinks $19.20". Otherwise it seems a bit like deceiving the customer.
I still enjoy going here, but would really prefer they change this practice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Cool exterior/entryway, interesting decor inside, and above all else rotating themed drink menus that clearly have a lot of love put into them. Cute, cozy, and queer-friendly. Backbar, I LOOOOOOVE you forever!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Local's favorite speakeasy. Drinks are themed. This month the theme is bugs ???
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
What a place. I wish no one knew it, but here I am giving it a 5 star review. Very cool bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Enjoyed the mocktails here so much.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Cocktails are good and waiting is more. Less seating and but they have great cocktails to try
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bartender's Choice
Everything about this place is fun. The nerdy decor is hilarious, including pennants for Tattooine, high art renditions of memes, various retro tchotchkes. The drink menu was great and I gather it rotates. (The menu theme when I was there was meme themed.) The cocktails are varied and innovative. I really appreciate that they offer mocktails based on suggested flavors or ingredients. (My bartender made me an amazing coconut pineapple fizzy drink that was delicious!) Definitely recommend this spot for a get together with friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Cool hipster-y speakeasy style bar with excellent bartenders and ambiance. The drinks were all very thematic and thoughtful as well!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bartender's Choice
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