With the setting sun growing ever later, Bostonians can rest easy knowing that the glorious rooftop cocktail season (sans space heaters) is just around the corner. And as always, Boston’s top watering holes are eagerly awaiting, with open arms, to provide the finest drinking and dining experiences the Bay State has to offer. Whether you’re craving a boozy DIPA, a crisp glass of rosé, or a bespoke cocktail, these top-tier bars are ready to charm you with some of the most outstanding libations and culinary delights. From recent debuts to timeless classics, here are the 20 best bars in Boston right now.
A Central Square favorite since 2011, Mad Monkfish is one of the hippest spots north of the Charles, offering a wealth of polished Asian dishes accompanied by live jazz. On weekends, you can enjoy a star-studded show while indulging in flavorful fare available every day, featuring a diverse range of dishes inspired by Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and many other East and Southeast Asian nations. Sushi is a big hit here, with the pineapple-infused Sleeping Beauty Roll and Spicy Red Dragon Roll being crowd favorites, but there’s also no shortage of delicious options like the Korean Grilled Beef Bulgogi Bun, Tofu Katsu Kare, and Crab Meat Fried Rice.
Most visitors to Eastie know it mainly as the home of Logan Airport, but this underrated neighborhood doubles as one of Boston’s top spots for refined cocktails. Next Door Speakeasy & Raw Bar, a polished den that made its debut last year, offers a masterful selection of cocktails like the dragon fruit-forward Love Language and the floral Purple Rain, along with seafood delights like East Coast Oysters and Mini Ahi Tuna Tacos. And if you’re not a fan of cocktails, they have a mighty fleet of top-tier aged spirits to choose from.
Boston’s largest neighborhood is home to top-notch Vietnamese cuisine, a plethora of divey Irish pubs, and some stellar craft beer courtesy of Dorchester Brewing Company. Founded in 2016, this multi-story operation is not only one of the city’s hottest hangout spots but also features a game room and a year-round rooftop greenhouse. The brews range from the hearty Baker’s Dozen wheat lager or Beantown coffee stout to the tried-and-true Forever OFD DIPA, and to complement your beer, M&M BBQ is right inside the brewery, serving up Pulled Pork Sammies, Dumpster Fries, and a whole host of classic barbecue sides.
Sox season will be here before you know it, and if you’re on the hunt for the perfect pre-game drinks destination, Audubon is a tough contender to beat. This venue showcases ales from some of the Bay State’s beloved breweries like Exhibit ‘A’, Night Shift, and Jack’s Abby, while the cocktails range from the fiery Anchorita to the Kick Flip, a seamless blend of montenegro, cream sherry, egg, and nutmeg. The Potstickers, Grilled Wings, and Veggie Burger are all crowd-pleasers, but if you’re craving crispy chorizo and San Diego-inspired seafood, be sure to check out their weekly Taco Tuesday.
Brassica may be petite, but this Forest Hills venue more than makes up for it with its stiff drinks and vibrant small plates. It’s a JP chameleon, switching between serving handmade pastries and sandwiches during the day as Brassica Cafe and emerging in the evening as Brassica Kitchen, a polished bistro that excels in fermentation-forward dining. The Fried Sweet Rice and B.K. Fried Chicken are delicious, but don’t miss out on the top-tier cocktail list, which offers a sizable selection of beverages like housemade amaro and the mezcal and elderflower-loaded Gray Gardens.
In need of a drink that can transport you around the world with just one sip? Look no further than Banyan Bar, a South End staple known for its colorful cocktails and flavorful fusion cuisine. While Asian-inspired favorites like Crab Rangoon Dip, Cauliflower Okonomiyaki, and Lobster Roll Bao grace the menu, the star attraction is the cocktail list, with heavy hitters like the fiery Thai chili vodka-forward Supreme Leader and the Wildfire, a classic blend of pineapple tequila, mezcal, angostura, and salty simple syrup.
Perched high above Mass Ave, Blue Owl has been gracing Cambridge’s Central Square with fine food and drink and gorgeous rooftop views since the end of 2021. There are plenty of classic cocktails to enjoy, but for the adventurous, it’s a top spot for expanding your cocktail horizons. Try the Dill or No Dill, a citrus-laden cocktail made with aquavit, if you’re curious about Scandinavia’s favorite distillate, or the Malört-loaded Phantasm if you want to experience Chicago’s infamous liquor. And don’t forget the tasty street food-inspired snacks like Oaxacan Molotes and Korean Fried Chicken Wings.
Bricco is two words: Espresso Martini. While there are plenty of other spots in the city to satisfy your caffeine and booze fix, when it comes to creating the perfect blend of vodka, Kahlúa, and coffee, nobody does it quite like Bricco. This beloved North End venue is known for its signature coffee cocktail, but if caffeine gives you a jittery feeling, there are other great options like the VuVu Cosmo, Pineapple Doli, or Maker’s Manhattan. And for those who prefer wine, Bricco also offers a spectacular array of more than 100 different selections from all across Italy and the United States.
Officially launched in 2011, Bully Boy made history as the city’s first craft distillery, providing thirsty Bay Staters with a place to sample locally produced spirits. While guests can book a tour to see the distillation process firsthand, the on-property Cocktail Garden is open from Thursday to Sunday for serious cocktail enthusiasts. At this vibrant bar, you can enjoy a deep dive into how each Bully Boy spirit performs in a mixed drink, with a wealth of New England ingredients and homemade tinctures used in each beverage.
When it comes to hidden gems, Casa Romero in the Back Bay is like the Boston equivalent of the Hope Diamond. Tucked away in a tiny alley off Commonwealth Ave, this charming venue has been one of Back Bay’s top purveyors of Mexican cuisine for the past half-century. While there are plenty of wines and frozen cocktails available, Casa Romera has mastered the art of the margarita with eight distinct varieties on the menu. Whether you prefer the classic El Amigo with its orange notes or the fiery La Fantasma that pairs perfectly with Camarones a la Diabla, you’re sure to find a margarita to suit your taste.
Looking for a little Baja flair to brighten up the gloomy weather? Citrus & Salt in the Back Bay has all the agave-infused beverages you could desire. This bright and cheery venue excels at cocktail crafting, offering a wide range of options from the ultra-smooth and citrusy Beautiful Liar to the lychee-forward Tails From Below, which accents its rich agave flavors with prickly pear and butterfly pea tea. And of course, no visit is complete without trying their signature cocktail, the Citrus & Salt Margarita, a beloved classic available in seven different flavors.
Drink in Fort Point is easily one of Boston’s most critically acclaimed drinking destinations. Unlike typical cocktail bars, this buzzing basement-level institution has no menu – guests can name any drink they desire, whether it’s a simple Old Fashioned or a Ramos Gin Fizz. While it’s beloved by serious cocktail aficionados, it’s also a great place for new drinkers to start, with a top-tier staff ready to create your perfect boozy beverage based on your favorite flavors.
haley.henry in Downtown Crossing is a wonderful little wine bar that brings something special to an often overlooked Boston neighborhood. After a long day, there’s nothing better than tinned fish, charcuterie, and a sturdy glass of red. The concept, developed by Sportello alum Haley Fortier with her in-depth wine expertise, is casual and interesting, with nearly 50 mostly old-world selections to choose from, including full and half-bottle offerings, making it a fantastic place to unwind.
The Haven in Jamaica Plain specializes in hearty Scottish food and drink, offering a cozy selection of traditional dishes like cullen skink and Shepherd’s Pie to counter the chilly Boston nights. To enhance your meal, pair it with a stiff pour of whiskey from their extensive Scotch list, and end with a Deep-Fried Mars Bar, a beloved Scotland treat that has been a favorite for decades.
Mixology meets mythology at Hecate, a relatively new addition to Back Bay’s bustling cocktail scene by the team behind Krasi. While Krasi has a Greek focus, Hecate takes a European approach, with an ultra-somber interior and a small but mighty cocktail list featuring some highly underrated ingredients accentuated by splendid illustrations. The spellbinding concoctions range from the Tulpa, a double punch of Batavia arrack and baijiu, to the mezcal-laden Sanguine Alchemy, a dream come true for serious agave enthusiasts.
jm Curley in Downtown is known for its stellar selection of brews, but don’t overlook their cocktail list either, with tempting options like Milano Sours (with Fernet, Rittenhouse rye, orgeat, and lemon) and the refreshing B&T (vodka, raspberry, lemon, and elderflower foam). And if you’re a burger lover, their burger is one of the best in town, the perfect complement to all that liquid debauchery. Bourbon lovers will also be delighted by their one of the tastiest whiskey smashes.
OFFSUIT in the Leather District is an intimate haunt with just 20 seats. The night begins with a stroll down Utica Street, where an unremarkable door leads to a world of refined drinking and dining. The cocktail selection is anything but small, featuring a wealth of perfectly crafted selections including time-honored classics like Oaxaca Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis, along with new creations like the Downpour, a blend of coconut, cucumber, matcha, sesame, and white rum.
The Plough and Stars in Central Square has been a top contender for more than half a century for those north of the Charles. It offers decadent pub fare like Buttermilk Fried Chicken BLTs, New Orleans Gumbo, and Cuban Sandwiches, a lengthy beer list, and live music seven nights a week, while weekend brunch features a diverse array of dishes from a full Irish Breakfast to Huevos Rancheros.
It’s rare to find a bar that combines superbly crafted cocktails, tantalizing cuisine, and a gorgeous interior, but Shōjō in Chinatown manages to do just that. With a laundry list of decadent dishes like the smoked barbecue sauce-drenched Shōjō Pig Bao and the massive Shojonator burger, the bar has perfected the balance of hearty American fare and East Asian culinary flair. While they have an impressive collection of whiskey sourced from Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S., their cocktail game is equally impressive, offering Vietnamese coffee martinis and boozy baijiu mules.
Shore Leave in the South End is also a great option, available for reservations. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a selection of delicious drinks and food.
