16 best speakeasy bars in Boston

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 "Eternal Spring," "Moon Mansions," and "Frater Bruno," come in fun, new age-y glasses, copper mugs, and goblets, adding to Hecate's bewitching vibe.

Time Out tip: You can't make reservations at Hecate; 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. Bonus tip: Don't dare order a vodka soda!

Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm–1am

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

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? 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 reservation can be competitive. Plan ahead!

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, but a condensed late-night menu is offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 11pm to 12:30am. Patrons 18 and over can visit noon to 7pm on Saturdays.

Address: 292 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 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 set of stairs that descend 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. Options include updated takes on classic cocktails, such as the "Serenade Martini," infused with lemongrass and pink Sichuan peppercorn. "Social Music" feels particularly speakeasy-like with brown butter rye, pecan-smoked banana, and sherry vermouth.

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–Thu, Sun 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am

Expect to pay: Access to The Gallery means you'll probably linger, so figure at least a couple of drinks and small plates to set you back around $80 to $100 per person.

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.

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 look for a door with a logo of a duck wearing a detective's hat. Step inside, and you're there! Blind Duck is best enjoyed when it isn't too busy, namely around happy hour during the week. The place is small, so it can feel packed easily. It's particularly difficult to get in on weekends.  

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

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am

Expect to pay: I paid around $55 for two drinks, including tip, but add about $25 to $30 more if you want to grab a few bites.

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 “Vibe Check,” “Pick Me Girl,” and “Espresso Fucking Martini,” each presented gorgeously in unique glassware. 

Time Out tip: It’s probably best not to come too hungry. The food menu offers only three savory choices, and they are rather pricey for a bar visit, ranging from $25 to $66.

Address: 5 Utica St, Boston, MA 02111

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am

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

What is it? A hidden cocktail den, tucked away behind an orange door in a Somerville alley. This local gem is lauded for its inventive and meticulously crafted drinks, all enjoyed in a laid-back atmosphere.

Why we love it: The quirky decor, complete with chalk art and pop-culture memorabilia, cultivates a fun and chill vibe. The comfortable seating, particularly the cushioned benches, makes you feel like you're hanging out at home.

Time Out tip: Venture into their specialty cocktail offerings. While the menu is ever-changing, recent highlights include the “Jackalope,” a blend of bourbon, brandy, Zirbenz (a pine-forward spirit), Yobo Kish Seoul soju aperitif, maple, and candy cap mushroom. Another standout, the “Fiji Mermaid,” is an elevated Old Fashioned featuring bonito-infused Fiji rum, Monkey Shoulder scotch, coconut taro root syrup, and East India sherry. If those sound too bold, the bartenders excel at creating bespoke drinks tailored to your exact preferences.

Address: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5pm–midnight

Expect to pay: About $20 per drink with gratuity

What is it? Downtown hotspot Mariel is a restaurant and lounge dedicated to pre-revolutionary Havana. While the front-of-house restaurant and its rum-lined bar set the mood, the unmissable downstairs area, known as Mariel Underground, further honors this sexy, bygone era with plush velvet sofas, extravagant chandeliers, and a cocktail menu featuring both fruity and traditional Havanese ingredients.

Why we love it: For starters, you can enjoy freshly made (never frozen), island-inspired, and rum-forward cocktails in a setting that instantly transports you to an elegant, mid-century Cuban café. The aforementioned vibe is the mint on the mojito.

Time Out tip: Strolling into Mariel Underground is nearly impossible. The room is only open for dinner and drinks from 8 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, and reservations are essential. The vibe turns clubby after 10 pm, with DJs spinning a thumping variety of genres until 2 am.

Address: 10 Post Office Square #120, Boston, MA 02109

Opening hours: Thu 10pm–2am; Fri, Sat 8pm–2am

Expect to pay: $40 to $60 per person for drinks and small plates

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: While Tall Ship certainly has its appeal, sometimes an evening with friends calls for a touch more refinement and sophistication. We're delighted that Eastie now offers this option for stunning, extravagant cocktails. 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: Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 6pm–midnight

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

What it is: 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 cocktails ensue.

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 anchovy toasts and prosciutto-wrapped stuffed dates, 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–Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu–Sat 5pm–1am

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

What it is: 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: Tue–Fri 11am–2pm; Sat 4pm–2am

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, where you can grab 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: Tue–Thu 5–11pm, Fri 5pm–midnight, Sat 10am–midnight, Sun 10am–11pm

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

What it is: While not technically a speakeasy, this tucked-away wine bar, located in the basement of Ken Oringer’s Faccia a Faccia on Newbury, feels like a secret the rest of the city hasn’t caught onto yet. Grab a seat at the bar or at a dimly lit table surrounded by classic vinyl albums on the walls, and let the bartender guide you as you work your way through Pallino’s specialty: organic, natural and biodynamic wines and beers.

Why we love it: Bar Pallino is modeled after the new wave of Parisian wine bars, where menus emphasize natural wines and smaller producers. There are over 70 wines on the list, from fizzes and reds to whites, oranges, rosés and even ciders.

Time Out tip: In addition to the extensive wine list, Bar Pallino offers varieties of amaros, vermouths and mezcals from artisanal spirit brands. So, this is the type of place to impress your wine-enthusiast friends who may be looking to try something different.

Address: 278 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm-close

Expect to pay: Around $40 per person for a couple glasses

What it is: What better place to sample booze than right where it’s made? This local, family-owned distillery, located in Boston’s industrial Newmarket area, offers everything from whiskey and rum to gin and amaro, making it a worthwhile go-to off the beaten bar track. The 26-seat cocktail bar boasts a speakeasy vibe, with vintage fittings and a long black marble bar overlooking the stillroom.

Why we love it: The out-of-the-way location makes a visit to Bully Boy feel like a day trip, whether you're taking a distillery tour or just hanging with friends for drinks. The main bar leads to two other spaces: a former barrel room turned pinball and parlor lounge, and beyond that, in warmer months, the Alley Bar, where the vibe is bistro-style and dogs are welcome to join.

Time Out tip: You can't go wrong with a fresh-made cocktail at Bully Boy, but if you're looking to try something different, consider a bubble gum shot made with rum and amaro. You can also score two cocktails on draft: an espresso martini and "Mr. Tea," made with vodka, bourbon, lemon, and tea.

Address: 44 Cedric St, Boston, MA 02119

Opening hours: Thu, Fri 5–10pm, Sat 1–10pm, Sun 1–6pm

Expect to pay: Around $30 per person, with cocktails ranging between $11 and $13

What is it? Baldwin Bar, located within Sichuan Garden in Woburn, has become a destination for connoisseurs to enjoy expertly made classic cocktails. Look a little harder (the second floor to be exact), and you'll find the bar-within-a-bar-within-a-restaurant, Baldwin & Sons Trading Company. This cozy lounge focuses more on kitsch, with tiki glassware and exotic ingredients like acidified papaya pandan compound.

Why we love it? For the extensive and thoughtfully curated selection of cocktails, which are laid out beautifully in a menu that includes illustrations next to each drink so you'll know exactly what you're getting.

Time Out tip: Ask about the "Encyclopedia Brown," a rotating and spirit-forward "drink of the moment" dreamed up by one of the bar's talented cocktail slingers.

Address: 2 Alfred St, Woburn, MA 01801

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, Sun 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–10:30pm

Expect to pay: Around $50 to $75 per person, with drinks averaging around $20 each.