Speakeasies are a throwback to the era of Prohibition when selling and consuming alcohol was illegal. Those who wanted to partake in alcohol would find hidden bars and “speak easy” once inside to avoid being discovered. While alcohol in the United States has been legal since 1933, that hasn’t stopped the trend of these hidden bars found all around the country.
Boston is home to several different notable and unique speakeasies, and it can be hard to choose between the many interesting speakeasy experiences you could have in this city. Our article gives you our selections for the best speakeasy bars in Boston, so you know what’s available and which bar might be the best choice for your next night out.
What Are the Different Types of Speakeasy Bars in Boston?
Speakeasies in Boston give patrons a number of different experiences. You can choose from vintage 1920s-style speakeasy bars, modern takes on the classic 1920s experience, and more unique experiences. Tiki bars, speakeasies with arcade games, and even popular media-themed speakeasies exist in this city if you know where to find them.
It’s important to note that many of the speakeasies in Boston have a certain set of instructions you should follow to gain entrance. These instructions may be easily found on the bar’s website, or it may be something you need to learn by word of mouth, in true speakeasy fashion.
Boston’s speakeasies also have differing dress codes, and these dress codes generally match the theme of the hidden bar. Make sure that you double-check any dress code requirements before showing up to your chosen speakeasy.
The Best Speakeasy in Boston: Our Top 6 Picks
Finding the best speakeasy in Boston doesn’t need to be difficult. We give you our top picks for speakeasies in the city below, so you know what your options are for your next speakeasy adventure.
1. Hecate
Image sourced from: https://hecatebar.com/.
- Hours: Tues – Sat: 5pm – 1am
- Website: https://hecatebar.com/
- Phone Number: No phone – Email hello@hecatebar.com With Questions
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: Public Alley 443, Boston MA
- Open in Google Maps
Located within the popular Greek restaurant Krasi, Hecate is named after a Greek Goddess. The theme of this bar is dark and atmospheric, and you will need to locate it by navigating to Krasi and searching for the hidden door in an alley nearby.
The lack of signage and fanfare, plus the minimal presence Hecate has online, makes this speakeasy stand out as one of the most intimate and private hidden bar experiences in the area.
Hecate only seats 24 people, and reservations are not accepted. If you want a seat at this bar, you will need to show up early and put your name down on the list. The bar moves at its own pace, and you will be contacted if a seat opens up for you during the night. The bartenders never rush the experience of patrons, and drinks are always unique creations that are made to order.
The menu at Hecate is eye-catching, and this spell book full of drinks offers pictures and basics of what the bar is mixing up for the night. A limited menu of small bar bites is also available for those who need something a little more substantial with their mixed drinks.
You will need to double-check with the house rules Hecate lists online. The bar does take their rules seriously and will expect you to follow them while visiting this one-of-a-kind hidden bar.
2. Next Door
Image sourced from: https://www.nextdooreastie.com/.
This speakeasy and raw bar is located near Pazza on Porter, and it is designed to look like a locksmith’s shop from the outside. Once you locate this bar, you will move through the hidden door and then be asked to give a password, which is given at the time you make a reservation. After giving the correct password, you will be granted entry into this intimate speakeasy.
Next Door seats around 30 people, and it is an upscale speakeasy. A menu of unique cocktail creations is provided alongside select spirit and wine choices, and a food menu offers both small plates and decadent seafood options.
Next Door does have a dress code, and you will need to dress more upscale to enter into this establishment.
You will also need to make a reservation, as walk-ins to this small space are rarely accepted, and the reservation is how you get the most updated instructions on how to enter this bar.
3. Backbar
Image sourced from: https://www.backbarunion.com/.
- Hours: Tues – Sun: 5pm – 12am
- Website: https://www.backbarunion.com/
- Phone Number: None Available
- Reservations Policy: Reservations Not Accepted
- Address: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
- Open in Google Maps
Found behind an orange door in the alley behind The Independent and Bronwyn, Backbar is a walk-in-only speakeasy establishment.
This bar features a variety of mixed drinks named after characters from popular media in addition to modern takes on classic cocktails. The menu for this speakeasy does change every season or so.
For those who want to take their speakeasy experience further, you can book specialty cocktail classes and spirit tastings on select nights. Drinks at this bar tend to be boozy, and the atmosphere is very much like a modern speakeasy – it’s chic, and there is great attention to detail for patrons who love to enjoy and appreciate mixology.
Backbar can get busy on weekends, so it’s important to show up a little earlier and follow all house rules in order to snag a seat.
4. Offsuit
Image sourced from: https://www.offsuitboston.com/.
- Hours: Tues – Thurs: 5pm – 1am; Fri – Sat: 4pm – 1am
- Website: https://www.offsuitboston.com/
- Phone Number: (617) 631-7064
- Reservations Policy: Limited Reservations Available
- Address: 5 Utica St, Boston, MA 02111
- Open in Google Maps
Located behind a hidden door in Boston’s Leather District, Offsuit is a casual and relaxed take on the speakeasy. This hidden bar only offers 20 seats, and walk-ins are preferred, though a limited number of reservations are offered each night. The space is intimate and comfortable, with seating including leather loveseats and bar seating.
There are no dress codes and no passwords to get into this speakeasy, so once you find the hidden door, you can grab a seat and start to enjoy your speakeasy experience.
Cocktails at Offsuit change seasonally, and bartenders create new drink concoctions every season with unique names and spirit combinations. A limited selection of beer and wine is also available, as are a few low or no-alcohol options for those who want to partake in a mixed drink without overdoing it.
A light menu of food and bar bites are served until just before midnight each night, and once you find the hidden door to this bar, staff request that you call – don’t knock.
5. Carrie Nation Cocktail Club
Image sourced from: https://www.carrienationcocktailclub.com/.
Named after the member of the temperance movement, Carrie Nation, who was known to attack barrooms with a hatchet, Carrie Nation Cocktail Club is a 1920s-style speakeasy. It comes complete with modern twists on Prohibition-era classics.
This speakeasy is upscale, and there are two different drinking and lounge areas. The main area is easy to see from the street, while you will need to navigate beyond the main dining room and through a velvet curtain to find the hidden speakeasy at this address.
The interior of this speakeasy is full of vintage décor, and you can choose from bar seating or seating on one of the velvet-covered lounges. The space is quiet and private, and you can even play billiards while you sip on one of the unique cocktail creations found here.
A limited menu of beer and wine is available, in addition to a full bar’s worth of spirits. Patrons can also choose from a range of Northeastern food specials. Keep in mind there is a more upscale dress code for this speakeasy.
6. The Gallery at Yvonne’s
Image sourced from: https://www.yvonnesboston.com/.
- Hours: Contact for Details
- Website: https://www.yvonnesboston.com/
- Phone Number: (617) 267-0047
- Reservations Policy: Reservations by Special Request
- Address: 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108
- Open in Google Maps
Hidden within the popular Yvonne’s restaurant, you can access The Gallery by checking behind a bookshelf at the back of the restaurant’s Library Lounge. Once you move the bookshelf door, you will gain access to a small, seven-table speakeasy that is complete with antique décor and plenty of privacy.
The decoration is mostly vintage, with eye-catching choices for artwork and comfortable seating.
This quiet speakeasy is full of pop culture references, and reservations are only accepted by special request. The Gallery features both a menu full of unique cocktail creations and an award-winning food menu featuring globally inspired dishes.
For those who prefer a truly notable dining and cocktail experience, a seat at The Gallery is the best choice for your next speakeasy journey in Boston. Though, you will most likely need a reservation.
Other small lounges and unique areas also exist within Yvonne’s. So, if you are looking for something slightly more casual where you can walk in, you may want to try The Library Bar or the Lounge within the same address.
How to Find a New Speakeasy in Boston?
Discovering your new favorite speakeasy can seem difficult at first. This is especially because many speakeasies in Boston are hidden and utilize minimal online presence to create the air of secrecy and privacy that many speakeasies are known for.
To find a new speakeasy in Boston, you can ask around at your current favorite speakeasy to see if anything new has been established in your favorite area. You can also keep your eyes open when visiting your favorite restaurants and bars, as you never know when a hidden door or secret entrance to a new speakeasy will appear.
You should also stay up to date with Speakeasy Co’s speakeasy guides, as we’re always on the lookout for new speakeasies and interesting hidden bars to give you the information you need to make your next night out memorable.
Find the Best Boston Speakeasy
The best Boston speakeasy for you will be one that suits your dress code and theme preferences, in addition to having a menu that appeals to you. Each speakeasy on our list has a different menu, and you can choose from modern twists on classic drinks, true 1920s classic cocktails, and themed creations that have never been seen before.
Make sure you keep your personal preferences in mind when choosing a speakeasy. Also, take the time to learn all the passwords and instructions you will need to follow to enter one of Boston’s most popular speakeasies.
