50 Best Cocktail Bars near West Newton

“We had a wonderful experience and have returned a few times. All of our dishes were tasty except for the ninebark salad. It was delicious although for the price they were extremely skimpy with the lettuce, and I finished my salad and watched everyone else enjoy their dishes. If you charge that price point for a salad I believe you should be generous with the foundation of the dish which is lettuce.“

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

“POE-LENTA RESTAURANT REVIEW:

Poe-lenta at the Time Out Market in 401 Park is a place that really impressed me. The portions were exactly right, filling without being overwhelming, and the flavors came together beautifully. Every bite felt balanced and carefully prepared, turning a simple dish into something memorable.

The service was outstanding. My food was ready within two minutes, which is incredibly fast, and the staff were genuinely kind and attentive. They even took the time to show me photos of the different meals before I ordered, which made the whole process much easier and more enjoyable. That kind of personal touch made the visit feel special.

One thing to keep in mind is that they only accept card payments, no cash, but for me that was a small detail in an otherwise excellent experience.

Overall Poe-lenta is absolutely worth trying if you are visiting Time Out Market or spending time around Fenway. Between the perfectly portioned dishes, the rich flavors, and the welcoming staff, it is the kind of spot you want to return to again and again.“

“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.“

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

“Oysters were AMAZING!! Crab salad was 10/10!! I get a Butter Lobster roll every time I see it on the menu at every restaurant. Sad to say I rate their warm butter lobster roll a 7/10. Our drinks were 10/10. Everything was so good. Our server was also great. Definitely would recommend and will return soon!“

“Came for lunch on a Monday and had our choice of seating. We opted for a booth, but the rest of the space was bright and airy and seems to be suited for groups of most sizes.

I got the Blackberry Bumble mocktail and the Sweet Potato Chickpea sandwich. The drink was tasty, as was the food. It came with a huge side of curly fries, which I was too full to finish.

Service was friendly and quick, and the bathrooms were nice and clean. I wish I could give 4.7 stars though, because by the end of our meal, there were tiny little gnats flying around and crawling on the table. Otherwise a lovely meal!“

“We really enjoyed our dinner at Saigon Babylon! I think it’s one of the better places I’ve been to in Boston in terms of food, ambiance, and location. The drink options were really fun and tasted delicious. Although the menu was small, there was a good variety. The food had a lot of flavor and felt very unique. Finally, the service was a little slow but everyone was really kind and welcoming. I would definitely come back!“

“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“

“Had an amazing time tonight, I am so happy my friend recommended us visiting this establishment. The atmosphere was welcoming, the music choices were spot on and I cannot emphasize my appreciation for the staff. Our server Nicholas (also a bartender) made our time at brick and mortar so special and was extremely attentive. In my humble opinion he not only deserves the world but also recognition (don’t know how much he is being paid but double it and everyone should tip him please) for his ability to make the night special and fun. The potato chips were delicious and crunchy. The Mexican radio had me hooked, and was extremely smooth. Would come again, and recommend it to others!“

“Great tapas / quite filling“

“Finally posting a review after many visits, including for private events. It's a magical space where every detail is thoughtfully curated. The owners are experimenting and pushing boundaries to create something special and different. The cocktails are off-the-charts, and the bites - when offered - have always been phenomenal!“

“I love this place! My friends and I love popping in - whether a quick afternoon cocktail or a nightcap. The staff is so friendly and welcoming, and the vibes always feel so good. I’ve only had a few of the snacks but enjoyed each bite. The music is always at a great level where you can enjoy but also catch up with a friend. Bri (I may not be spelling correctly) was lovely to chat with! Don’t forget to scope out the pretty wallpaper in the hall or the daily trivia. See ya soon!“

“A bar with top-notch service and truly skilled and knowledgeable bartenders. We sat in the cozy back patio, which added to the relaxed, welcoming vibe. The food was far beyond your typical pub fare — flavorful and thoughtfully prepared.

They had an impressive selection of whiskies, tequilas, and digestifs, all at very reasonable prices. I was lucky enough to try the Fortaleza Winter Blends 2023 and 2024 side by side, and the bartender was kind enough to label the glasses so I could compare them properly. Cocktails were excellent as well.

For food, we ordered the Baby Iceberg Salad, Pork Sausage Roll, Denver Steak Frites, Roasted Cod, Risotto, and Chicken Sandwich. Everything was delicious — my steak was cooked perfectly to temp, and the fries were crispy and well-seasoned.

One person in our group wasn’t sure about the doneness of their chicken sandwich since it looked slightly pink in the middle (which seemed normal to me for a chicken thigh sandwich). Our server handled it perfectly — he offered both a replacement and a refund without hesitation. The manager, Daren, also came by to explain that they carefully temp all their chicken straight from the fryer and use high-quality organic meat. To top it off, they even sent out a complimentary flan for dessert.

Overall, our experience at Tall Order far exceeded expectations — fantastic service, great drinks, and delicious food. We’ll definitely be coming back!“

“The atmosphere is so beautiful and cozy it feels like a little hideaway. The vibe is always warm and inviting, and it’s the kind of spot you could stay in for hours without realizing it.

What really keeps me coming back, though, is the bar manager. Truly one of the best in the business… he’s personable and just a joy to chat with. He always remembers me and you can tell they care deeply about the experience and it absolutely shows.“

“We loved everything about this restaurant. We had a great table in the window, our server was so knowledgeable and her recommendations were outstanding and the food, the food!! We had a mix of meals, seafood, pasta, special truffle course, and the chocolate cookies. Every single bit was delicious. We will definitely be back - if we can get a coveted table!“

“Elevated casual cocktail bar with a creative and seasonal cocktail list.

Stopped by around 7PM on a Friday, just before it got super-crowded. There was limited seating indoors (just two tables plus the bar and some couches), but the small terrace seats overlooking the square were a nice touch—especially if you’re visiting on a warmer evening. The bar itself was stylish enough for a proper cocktail night, but also relaxed enough to feel cozy and unpretentious.

As for the drinks, they seemed to do frequent rotations to keep things fresh (Some of the hyped-up favorites from the past were no longer available). Of the three we tried, the Fairmount Flip was our favorite. As described, it was a full-bodied, creamily cocktail reminiscent of the classic Montreal egg & cheese bagel sandwich. An impeccable mix of sweet, salty, and creamy that somehow just worked. The other two cocktails we tried leaned more generic.

Overall, it was the kind of place that elevated our casual night out without ever trying too hard. Definitely a place I’d return to after dinner for a nightcap or even just to grab a seat on the terrace and unwind.“

“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!“

“My partner and I came for one of the individually ticketed ice cream making classes, and it was perfect. We were already huge Gracie’s enthusiasts, and this class made us even bigger fans. Aaron is a mastermind genius of ice cream and a hilarious, silly human. I promise you’ll learn a lot, and leave filled to the brim with ice cream, hot dogs and love.“

“If you're looking for an Allston bar with great food and a nostalgic vibe, Hopewell is the spot. They have daily specials-half-off chicken sandwich Wednesdays is my favorite. With a full bar and kitchen that is open until 12ish, it is the perfect spot for an after class meal or food with friends even late.“

“Excellent experience. The food and service was great. I will definitely recommend Premiere to my friends“

“Food and service are excellent!“

“10/10–same rating I would give Sarma! The mortadella app was fantastic (honestly I didn’t think I liked mortadella but this stuff melted in your mouth!!), and the cappelletti was unlike anything I have had before! The panna cotta was so special (we ordered all three desserts and they all were amazing!)! Everything was great!“

“thanks to Ben, we were able to see all that boston has to offer! we very much enjoyed our VIP tour!“

“classy drinks and awsome servers“

“Muy delicioso todo muy buena atención“

“Todo muy bueno y la atención de primera“

“This was our first visit to 80 Thoreau and we were very happy with the experience. The food was great with unique menu options. The service struck the right balance in terms of being there at the appropriate times. And the atmosphere and noise level was great even though the restaurant was full. We definitely had a nice time!“

“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 👍“

“Went here on a friday evening and place was absolutely packed - highly recommend reservations because you'll be lucky to get a table otherwise.

Ambiance was better than expected. You wouldn't be able to tell by looking from the outside but the inside is a classy well lit spot with tons of seating a spacious bar area. Great spot for dates, friends, and family.

Service was so-so. Could tell they were busy and trying their best. Maybe hire more servers?

Food - pizza was alright. Not amazing like others raving on here but it wasn't bad either. One of them was lacking flavor and the other was undercooked.“

“Great Food , Good atmosphere“

“Outstanding Indian food, we are so lucky to have Masala in Union Square.“

“I was excited to find this restaurant. I am severely allergic to nuts and fish and they are nut and fish free in their Brookline restaurant! The food is delicious, the wait staff are so nice, and I didn’t have to worry about my allergies! Highly recommend.“

“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!“

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

“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 went there for lunch today. I really enjoyed it. They remodeled it beautifully, super friendly waitstaff and good food. I’m a vegetarian and my boyfriend is gluten free. The menu is extremely versatile which I definitely appreciate.❤️“

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

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

“Had a last-minute birthday dinner here for 10. They were really busy but squeezed us in when they heard it was my birthday. The food was beautiful - I had tried the brilliant NYC outlet before and this did not disappoint. Fresh and varied flavours, great price, fast as lightning. The incredibly friendly staff sang me happy birthday, and even gave me a small gift! What more could I ask for?“

“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.“

“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.“

“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!“

“Innovative and delicious.“

“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“

“What a great first visit! Nicholas S. was absolutely wonderful – so attentive and kind throughout our meal. He patiently answered all our questions and was genuinely friendly, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The food itself was excellent, and Nicholas really added to the positive vibe. We'll definitely be back!“

“Here’s a revieWe had a decent meal at The Abby. The food itself was good, but we had a small issue with the salad. I had asked to substitute the fries for a salad, and while I appreciated the option, it came already dressed. I personally liked the dressing, but I usually prefer my salads without it, and would have appreciated being asked. Unfortunately, my partner didn’t like the dressing at all and ended up not eating her salad. A small thing, but it would’ve made a difference if they had checked with us first.“

“Stayed in Brookline for the week and ended up here by happenstance my first night there. One of the best pubs I’ve ever been to and some of the best food I’ve had in a long time! A big shoutout to Greg’s mom for the beef stew🤌 Whether you’re there for a great pint, to catch a game, or just some good craic, Hamilton’s is the place to be. I’d fly back to Boston in a heartbeat just to eat here again.“

“This place was great!! Highly recommend! Awesome atmosphere!“

“Outstanding food. Great beer choices. You have to try this place. Get the owner to tell you her story. Definitely will be going back“