12 best speakeasy bars in Boston

What is it? A sophisticated cocktail den hidden on the 17th and 18th floors of the 5-star luxury hotel Raffles in downtown Boston. Expert bartenders sling delicious craft cocktails and pour from an impressive selection of wines, bubblies and spirits. 

Why we love it: The stylish, contemporary decor certainly sets a mood, but it's the views that keep us going back to Blind Duck. Its lofty position affords you drop-dead views of downtown Boston, surrounding skyscrapers, and the sky, which is simply enchanting at sunset. The cocktails are well-made and delicious, a perfect companion to all the gorgeousness you see out the windows. Some are even seasonal, so don't get used to your favorite - it could be gone, but replaced with a new one. 

Time Out tip: To access Blind Duck, take the elevator to the 17th floor. Climb the elegant spiral staircase, take a left, then a right, and step through a door with a logo of a duck wearing a detective's hat. Blind Duck is best enjoyed when it isn't too busy, namely around happy hour during the week. It's particularly difficult to get in on weekends.  

Address: 40 Trinity Pl, 17th and 18th floors

Opening hours: Tues.–Thurs. 5pm–1am; Fri. and Sat. 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: You'll pay around $50 for two drinks, but add about $25 to $30 more if you want to grab a few bites.

What is it? Tucked away in Boston's North End, just down the street from Paul Revere's former homestead, Farmacia is an intimate, nine-seat bar helmed by Phillip Rolfe of All Day Hospitality Group. It offers a curated cocktail experience akin to a tasting menu, focusing on thoughtfully and meticulously crafted creations rather than casual drinks.

Why we love it: The vibe is apothecary chic, like stepping back in time with Rolfe as a modern-day pharmacist whipping up potent "cures" with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each season, Rolfe unveils a new "chapter" of drinks, drawing inspiration from diverse sources, and personally selects every ingredient to create delicious and complex cocktails. The personalized service, where drinks are tailored to your preferences, ensures a bespoke experience.

Time Out tip: With only nine seats and a reputation for truly special cocktails, securing a seat can be competitive. Plan ahead (read: make a prepaid reservation).

Address: 5 N Square, Boston, MA 02128

Opening hours: Wed.–Sat. 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: Tickets, priced at $80 per person (plus a small fee), are released 60 days in advance. Set an alarm; you'll need it.

What is it? A quirky and decidedly unstuffy speakeasy experience: Breeze past the delicious aromas filling Roxy's Grilled Cheese to the freezer door in the back to step into a hidden world of throwback fun. The forces behind Area Four operate this speakeasy and arcade filled with a rotating selection of ’80s pinball classics that has included Galaga, Ms. Pacman, Mario Kart, and Big Buck Hunter.

Why we love it: Fun cocktails, grilled cheese, and pinball machines—is any other explanation needed? We also love Roxy's Arcade as the anti-cocktail-bar cocktail bar, where "no one cares if you scream during Mario Kart." You don't have to dress up or put a napkin in your lap; it's just good, old-fashioned fun with a particularly ’80s and ’90s twist.

Time Out tip: Food is served till 11pm most nights. Patrons 18 and over can visit noon to 7pm on Saturdays.

Address: 292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon.–Thurs. 5–11pm; Fri. 5pm–1am; Sat. noon–1am

Expect to pay: Around $70 per person for the full experience—a couple of cocktails, a grilled cheese, and $25-worth of tokens.

What is it? A night at Yvonne's is a treat no matter where you're sitting in the whimsical supper club in Downtown Crossing that was once home to Boston's beloved Locke-Ober. But for the purpose of this list, we take you behind a secret bookshelf in the Library, which leads to a staircase that descends into The Gallery—a secret, seven-table room that glows with the light of modern neon wall art and gas lamp-style lighting fixtures overhead. The mood is dark, secluded, even a little opulent.

Why we love it: The Gallery boasts its own private bar, meaning you get almost exclusive access to a bartender shaking up delicious drinks by request or straight from the Yvonne's menu. 

Time Out tip: Like a true speakeasy, The Gallery is only available by special request. Hosting a private event there is probably your best bet, but patrons can also submit an inquiry and cross their fingers for granted access.

Address: 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108

Opening hours: Mon.–Thurs.; Fri. and Sat. 4pm–2am; Sun. 5pm–1am

Expect to pay: Since the access to The Gallery is very elite, you'll probably linger. If it's a private event, this is tough to answer - as you probably will have to agree ahead of time. 

What is it? This classy, speakeasy-themed Beacon Hill establishment offers a full modern New England menu alongside a delightful list of Prohibition-inspired cocktails, such as the signature "1928 Cocktail" and the mezcal-forward "Beatnik," crafted with house-made simple syrups and juices.

Why we love it: 1928 Beacon Hill features three intimate spaces, each with its own distinct vibe. The bar and lounge evoke a cozy lodge, while The Ship has a nautical charm. In The Library, book pages hang from the ceiling, complementing the leather banquettes and tome-lined wallpaper to create a distinctly bookish atmosphere.

Time Out tip: Reserve a table in The Library for the most speakeasy-like experience.

Address: 97 Mt Vernon St, Boston, MA 02108

Opening hours: Daily 4:30–11pm

Expect to pay: $45 to $60 for a couple of cocktails and a bite or two

What is it? A stylish, 20-seat cocktail bar, subtly located inside a French bistro in the Leather District, known for exceptionally beautiful drinks.

Why we love it: The "hidden speakeasy" feel is definitely a plus, but the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed. Talented bartenders create incredibly imaginative and tasty cocktails, such as Glass Orchid, Myth of Fingerprints, and Vibe Check, each presented gorgeously in unique glassware. 

Time Out tip: The menu is full of tasty treats like Chicken Nuggets, Crispy Duck Leg, and Grilled Bone Marrow, but they are rather pricey for a bar visit, ranging from $25 to $66.

Address: 5 Utica St, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Tues.–Thurs. 5pm–1am; Fri. and Sat. 4pm–1am

Expect to pay: $50 to $60 per person for a couple drinks

What it is? Located discreetly behind a concealed entrance near Pazza on Porter, Next Door is both a speakeasy and a raw bar. Securing a reservation is key (walk-ins are difficult), after which you'll need to locate the door and then step through luxurious curtains into an alluring 30-seat lounge offering inventive cocktails, an impressive wine selection, and abundant caviar.

Why we love it: Eastie deserves a sexy place with stunning, extravagant cocktails, and Next Door fits the bill with its fun drinks with names like Squid Games, Purple Rain, and Out of Office. The seductive, secretive ambiance only enhances its charm. 

Time Out tip: Next Door maintains a sense of class with a modest dress code, so plan your ’fit accordingly. 

Address: 103 Porter St, Boston, MA 02128

Opening hours: Thurs. 6pm–midnight; Fri. and Sat. 5pm–2am; Sun. 6pm–midnight

Expect to pay: $50 to $80 for a couple of drinks and bites

What is it? Concealed behind an unassuming chartreuse door along Mass Ave in Central Square, Brick & Mortar oozes exclusivity without the pretense. Ascend a flight of stairs to find yourself in a dimly lit, atmospheric space dominated by a substantial horseshoe-shaped bar. Grab a seat and let the cocktail experience begin.

Why we love it: Beyond its appealingly clandestine vibe, the true draw here is the cocktails—beautifully presented, generously sized, and utterly delightful. The bartenders are serious about their craft, expertly creating menus of creative and intricately flavored drinks, alongside well-executed classics. The bar snacks, such as mushroom crostini and antipasto, are the perfect accompaniment.

Time Out tip: Planning a big night out? Consider starting with the DTO (Daiquiri Time Out), which offers four daiquiri shots for your group at $20.

Address: 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon.–Weds 5pm–midnight; Thurs.–Sat. 5pm–1am

Expect to pay: Around $50 to $70 per person for a couple drinks and some nibbles.

What is it? Even its name hints that this 1920s-themed bar intends to have some playful fun with the era of Prohibition and temperance. Imbibers can choose from a menu that spans contemporary creations and timeless cocktails, from shareable punches and barrel-aged drinks to perfectly made classics.

Why we love it: The main bar area, with its rich dark wood and plush scarlet seating, is a favorite for local professionals looking to relax after work with a selection of punches, barrel-aged cocktails, and skillfully prepared classic drinks.

Time Out tip: Make your way to the back, past the shoeshine stand and up the stairs, to find Carrie Nation's hidden speakeasy, which includes vintage billiards tables and intimate, comfortable seating. 

Address: 11 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108

Opening hours: The speakeasy is open daily 4pm to close

Expect to pay: Cocktails range from $12 to $18 so $50 to $80 for a couple of drinks and food.

What is it? You’ve seen the lines down the block at this iconic North End pastry emporium, well known for its decadent, old-world cakes, cookies, pizzelles, and chocolates. But have you ventured down the back stairway to find its secret cocktail den, Modern Underground for grabbing a drink with your dessert?

Why we love it: The overall vibe—more of a sports bar feel, with TV screens and signs advertising beers such as Miller Lite and Corona—isn't much to speak of, but Modern Underground’s lip-smacking espresso martinis can turn any vibe into a party. They lean toward the sweeter side, made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, Patrón XO Café, and house-brewed espresso—but what else would you expect in the basement of a pastry shop? There's actually a whole menu of sweet-tooth-satisfying martinis, running the flavor gamut from Cinnamon Toast Crunch to pistachio to lemon drop. 

Time Out tip: For the ultimate sugar rush, grab a cannoli from the pastry shop upstairs to pair with your espresso martini. The caffeine will help offset the sugar crash and keep you going for whatever else the evening may hold.

Address: 263 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Opening hours: Tues.-Thurs. 5–10pm; Fri. 5pm–midnight; Sat. 10am–midnight; Sun. 10am–10pm

Expect to pay: Drinks range from around $15 to $17, so a twenty-spot should cover your first round.

Why we love it: Each of the experiences at Extra Dirty (how we like our martinis) consists of multiple courses of cocktails served progressively, more akin to a tasting menu in format. Many  also include food offerings, ranging from just a couple bites to a full dinner party. 

Time Out tip: This special club is located in the back of The Red Fox, behind the curtain. Keep an eye on the ticketing information on Tock to learn about what's coming up on the schedule. It's pre-paid and all-inclusive, so feel free to just bring yourself and a valid ID.

Address: 326b Commercial St., Boston, MA 02113

Opening hours: Wed.-Sat. 5-11:30pm

Expect to pay: These are pre-paid tickets that range around $90-$125 per person, depending up the adventure you choose.

What it is: From the team behind Krasi comes Hecate, an underground speakeasy that feels distinctly Salem, yet perfectly at home in Boston.

Why we love it: Named for the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, this intimate 24-seat bar offers stylish and unique cocktails crafted by bartenders referred to as "spirit guides." Drinks, with names such as Snake Oil, Tides of Bujan, and Dragon Gate come in fun, new age-y glasses, copper mugs, and goblets, adding to Hecate's bewitching vibe. Ingredients aren’t common. Think Erguotou, wasabi, Empirical Soka, Kuleana Hawaiian Agricole, Elderflower Svol Aquavit, sea buckthorn, dogrose, sea moss, and more.

Time Out tip: Entry is first-come, first-served, and the place fills up fast. If getting in is your main goal, we suggest arriving around 30 minutes prior to opening. 

Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Tues.–Sat. 5pm–1am

Expect to pay: $40 to $50 per person for a couple cocktails and bar snack