Flash's Cocktails Bar / Restaurant

Back Bay, Boston –

Flash’s Cocktails is to the Back Bay what a frizzy-haired aunt in rainbow tights is to her traditional family: she doesn’t really fit in, but they love her anyway.

Though the simple brick façade blends in with the surrounding ultra-modern bars, the 1950s-style neon sign alludes to this carefree hangout’s vintage edge.

The regular crowd is usually quite diverse, with rugged construction workers and raggedy Berklee College of Music students mixed in with clean-cut professionals and tourists, chilling around the simple tables and people-watching through the large front windows.

A “Flash Backs” classic cocktail menu keeps guests whetted with Manhattans and Sazeracs, while the “Flash Forwards” offer up rotating sugar-packed creations like the gin and Cointreau-based Bull’s Nuts and the lavender and lemon muddled Whiskey Smash.

No matter what they’re sipping, heavy handed drinks and hearty diner fare unite the tattooed with the tie-wearing, and laughs bubble up from around the bar in the center of the room as customers chat or comment on the Bettie Page pinups that dot the walls.

A favorite for groups of friends celebrating special events, it’s not unusual to see the crowd swell on seemingly random nights, especially around last call when folks need an unpretentious spot to grab one last drink.

With a funky swagger rare for the area, Flash’s Cocktails is the beloved black sheep of Back Bay – and makes for a good stopover, no matter the time.