Speakeasies in Boston

Boston’s speakeasies are where the city’s most in-the-know urbanites congregate to escape the masses and sip a few craft cocktails.

Drink is the best-known speakeasy in the city, and while its reputation draws a crowd – it’s helmed by celebrity chef Barbara Lynch – a strict capacity policy keeps the narrow space from getting too packed. Situated between office buildings and condos in Fort Point, the venue can be hard to find, so patrons have to keep a sharp eye out for the small sign affixed to the brick building or they’ll miss the set of stairs leading to the sparsely decorated basement bar. The most unique feature of the bar is that there is no cocktail menu; instead, the highly skilled bartenders will mix a personalized drink to suit the guest’s tastes, using standard prompts like alcohol base or flavor notes, or more esoteric suggestions like feelings or colors.

It doesn’t get much more off the beaten path than Backbar, the adjoining bar of the well-reputed Journeyman restaurant that can only be entered via an alley door. Once a Ford factory, the bar has maintained the industrial look with its concrete floor and unfinished wooden blocks that serve as tables. Expertly mixed drinks and scrumptious small plates keep the clientele of hipsters and craft cocktail snobs coming back for more.

If you’re looking for a discreet night out, there are plenty of swanky speakeasies in Boston – you just have to know where to find them.