Boston's Best Bars: Where to Drink in the City Today

Boston’s reputation for history and academia is well-earned, but its nightlife tells a more spirited story. The city’s current bar scene is a dynamic mix of the historic and the hyper-modern, offering everything from centuries-old taverns to sleek rooftop lounges. Whether you’re after a meticulously crafted cocktail, a local craft beer, or a glass of natural wine from a small producer, you’ll find a seat waiting.

For a taste of modern sophistication, head to the Sky Lobby of Raffles Boston and seek out the Blind Duck. This speakeasy offers stunning city views and a cocktail list that favors elegance over gimmicks. In Harvard Square, The Longfellow Bar, set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, serves inventive drinks in a space full of character.

Those looking for theater with their tipple should find Hecate, a candlelit den inspired by Greek mythology where the cocktail menu is presented as a book of rites. For a complete change of scenery, Shore Leave is a subterranean tiki bar in the South End that serves complex, bittersweet drinks far from the usual sugary fare.

Neighborhood gems abound. In Somerville, Barra offers an intimate journey into mezcal alongside authentic Mexican snacks. The Koji Club, the city’s first dedicated sake bar, provides an education in the breadth of the Japanese spirit. And for a truly classic Boston experience, pull up a stool at The Warren Tavern, which has been serving drinks since 1780.

From the Champagne-focused Bubble Bath in Back Bay to the innovative rum cocktails at Blossom Bar, Boston’s drinking establishments prove the city’s social life is as rich and varied as its past. The next round is always worth exploring.