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Fri / Apr 23
Party Earth Review 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... ... read full review
310 Stuart Street
Boston, MA 02116
Green Line: Arlington; Orange Line: Back Bay
617-574-8888
M–Sa 11:30am–2am, Su 5pm–2am; Kitchen closes at midnight
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.
Chatty students, jovial blue-collar workers, older tourists, and area young professionals blowing off steam, mid-20s to mid-30s+.
A handful of flat-screens tuned to major sports. Digital jukebox. Free Wi-Fi.
Diner-inspired classics like meatloaf sandwiches, burgers, baked mac and cheese, and garlic fries, as well as daily specials.
Appetizers/salads $3.50–$12, sandwiches/entrées $8–$12. Beer $4–$8.50, wine $7–$10/glass or $25–$40/bottle, cocktails $8–$11, champagne $8/glass or $15–$175/bottle.
Anything goes: jeans, plaid, V-necks, leggings, vintage accessories, suits, boots, and everything in between.
Weekdays to knock back a drink amid a mixed lunchtime crowd, or Friday and Saturday nights to hang with lots of jovial drinking buddies.
The Pour House (907 Boylston Street) has a similar retro vibe, friendly atmosphere, and frosty 22-ounce mugs of beer.
Flash's Cocktails User Reviews