Best co*cktail Bars in Boston: 18 Top Lounges for Delicious Drinks (2024)

Once the site of the beloved bar Locke-Ober and a million three-martini lunches, Yvonne’s has preserved what truly matters—the 19th-century mahogany bar and the same clubby ambiance—while introducing its own modern touches. Folks flock to this co*cktail lounge, which can only be entered through a hidden doorway inside a fake storefront posing as a hair salon, to soak in all of its dimly lit glory and down some creative drinks. Snag a seat on one of its rich upholstered couches or a table within its book-laden library to join all of the beautiful people in sipping some beverages—or get even more discreet by finding its second secret door leading to an underground club during the weekends.

If you’re looking for old school elegance and a stiff co*cktail, you’ll find it at OAK Long Bar. Situated inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza, you’ll find exactly what the name promises: a long, wooden bar where Boston Brahmins and out-of-town hotel guests gather on tufted leather stools to see, be seen and, most importantly, drink. Bartenders in bespoke vests shake a mean (and generously priced) co*cktail under the warm light of crystal chandeliers, and the martini service here is nothing short of legendary.

Situated inside Sichuan Garden's Brookline Village location, Blossom Bar shakes up Latin-inspired drinks and gives locals a sophisticated craft co*cktail experience without having to endure that Green Line ride all the way downtown. This spot frequently refreshes its menu to make way for new inventions, while also maintaining a number of its most beloved beverages. Whether you're sipping a seasonal feature or one of its classics, your drink is sure to be meticulously prepared, peppered with exotic ingredients and served in style.

Perched atop Michael Scelfo's celebrated Harvard Square eatery Alden & Harlow, his Longfellow Bar occupies the historic space once home to Café Algiers. Specializing in craft co*cktails and small bites, this bar follows a communal, family-style approach similar to that of its sister establishment downstairs. It offers a laser-focused beer and wine selection, as well as mixed drinksthat wow guests with simple ingredients, transformed by house-made infusions, vinegars, syrups and bitters. This Brattle Street bar experience isn't complete without ordering one of Scelfo’s award-winning burgers, which are available anytime and in unlimited supply here (unlike at A&H below).

One of the city’s most exciting mixology programs is based out in Woburn. Ran Duan took over the drink menu at his parents’ suburban Chinese restaurant and turned it into a libation sensation that draws in co*cktail connoisseurs from all over. Duan even won an award at the Bacardi Legacy Global co*cktail Competition for his Father’s Advice (rum, amaro, vermouth, sherry, creme de banana). If visiting on a weekend, head upstairs to check out the library-themed Baldwin & Sons Trading Co. for even more top-shelf co*cktail magic.

Located upstairs, behind an unmarked door in Central Square, you’ll enter a dimly lit space with a horseshoe-shaped bar, exposed brick and ample stool seating. It’s the cozy atmosphere you’re looking for to enjoy co*cktails, with witty names and bar snacks (i.e. antipasto skewers and grandma gary's gooey garlic bread) that fuel the fun. The menus rotate, but bartenders will likely be willing to recreate an old favorite, if you ask nicely.

One of Inman Square’s most popular hangouts, Trina's rose from the ashes of the classic-but-grimy Abbey Lounge. This bar'slow lighting and dark wood paneling contrast with retro images splashed just about everywhere you look. Craft beers and well-made co*cktails satisfy the barflies who reluctantly give up their stools at closing time.

A popular post-work hangout nearDowntown Crossing, jm Curley is always a solid option for a weekday rendezvous over well-made beverages. Friendly bartenders mix an eclectic selection of drinks—from bar book classics to jm originals—for the co*cktail-lovers out there. Meanwhile, beer aficionados have their pick of hard-to-find brews off of a lengthy list.