22 most romantic bars in Boston that are perfect for date night

1928 Beacon Hill is a new hidden gem on Beacon Hill run by Kristin Jenkins. Located half a block up from Charles St. on Mt. Vernon, this spot feels as if it has always been there, which is the key to the making of a new classic. The prohibition era cocktails served in a speakeasy-style space is just the place you will want to cozy up in every Friday night. This is the place to book for that big date. 

Hecate is the coolest new bar that has opened in Boston proper in the past few years. Owned and operated by the same team behind Krasi, this underground speakeasy feels as if it belongs in New York City, rather than Boston in the best way. As you enter, your eyes slowly adjust to the darkness and the bartenders, who are referred to as your “spirit guides” whip up the stylish drinks in the background as you wonder who else has managed to snag a table at the coolest spot in town.

Recently renovated, the downstairs bar at Bistro du Midi, which spills gloriously onto the Public Garden in warm months, is the perfect spot to take your date for a little hint of Paris in the Hub. With an impressive wine list and a light bistro menu—think oysters, cheese and charcuterie— it’s sure to be the perfect night.

Snag a seat for two at the expansive bar at the latest venture from award-winning chef Karen Akunowitz, and sample one of the six negronis available on the cocktail menu. Even though you’re there to drink and take in the gorgeous room (and prime Southie people watching), you should also share an antipasti or two with your date—they’ll love the fritti misti and farro arancini.

This dreamy, eclectic cocktail bar perched high on Beacon Hill offers a small lunch menu and snacks in the evening. But you’re not here to eat; you’re here to try creative tropical cocktails in a space that feels like a sexy hotspot south of the equator. Slide into a banquette and whisper sweet nothings into each other’s ears while sipping the night away.

Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette recently added an Italian-inspired restaurant to their fantastic local line-up (Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey), and we’re so glad they did. The seafood inspired menu utilizes fresh ingredients, including in-season produce from the Copley Square Farmers Market. The spacious Back Bay restaurant serves coastal delights including a half dozen crudos, grilled Scituate lobster and an excellent selection of spritzes.

Skip the buzzing outer bar of this modern supper club and head straight to the library. You and your date will find comfy banquettes, chandeliers, shelves full of books, quirky portraits of celebrities and a roaring fire. Request a seat by the fireplace and sip a classic cocktail, like the Ward 8, and bask in the cozy glow.

The organic and natural wine bar located in the lower floor of Faccia a Faccia (the latest excellent collab from Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette), has cool vibes to spare. Settle in at one of the dimly lit tables, take in all the classic vinyl albums on the wall and share an interesting bottle – the staff is happy to guide you – with your person.

Of the many romantic neighborhood bistros peppering the South End, the Mediterranean-inspired, long-standing Metropolis has one of the best bars around. Cozy up with your date at the extremely European-feeling horseshoe bar for an apple cider margarita or a glass of bubbly. 

There didn’t used to be a ton of chic options in Downtown Crossing for a date, but this diminutive wine bar changed all that. Try tinned fish, charcuterie and other small plates alongside unique wines from small producers, with a focus on female winemakers.

This elegant, multi-storied space has a small bar on the glamorous second floor that’s the perfect place to nestle after an afternoon strolling around the Back Bay. With a strong selection of wines by the glass and exciting cocktails (like the Scotch-forward Smoke in a Bottle), this sexy spot is sure to spark romance.

It’s not always easy to get a seat at the bar at Barbara Lynch’s flagship tucked in the shadow of the statehouse, but if you do, you’ll find friendly bartenders, who’ll whip up special occasion-worthy cocktails—the house old fashioned warms with cognac and aged rum—and pour selections from Executive wine direcort Cat Silirie’s award-winning list.

We’re clearly fans of oysters and drinks for dates, and the upstairs bar at this posh new seafood spot is a stunning place to indulge. With soft, warm lighting and views of Back Bay, this bar is the perfect spot for an early in the game date, or a special treat—split some oysters or caviar with elevated takes on seafood friendly cocktails like Singapore Sling, Mai Tai and more.

Next Door, a speakeasy and raw bar, is tucked away behind a hidden entrance near Pazza on Porter. Grab a reservation online – the tiny 30 seat space fills up quickly – stroll through Pazza, locate the secret door and you’ll find a sexy, dark lounge with creative cocktails, a killer wine list and caviar for days.

Located atop The Newbury Boston, this elegant eatery serves more than just comforting Northern Italian fare—it also serves looks in a major way. The inside of this glass-enclosed, rooftop sanctuary seems like it’s a lush garden patio situated on a Tuscan hillside. But if you’re able to pry your eyes away from the beautiful interior for a minute, you’ll also see that this restaurant offers unreal views of the surrounding Back Bay. Take a seat on one of Contessa’s plush chairs, order yourself a selection of salumi and a plate of fresh pasta, and raise your negroni to the cityscape before you. 

Tucked into the tiniest space in the North End (and that’s saying something), this nine seat cocktail bar will make you and your date feel so pampered. Set up as a ticketed experience only, owner and bar director Phillip Rolfe will consult with you about your favorite flavors and create three cocktails for you, along with some little bar snacks and a few surprises. Intimate and exclusive, Farmacia is an ideal date experience. Just be sure to book a seat in advance!

Take a stroll through the Public Garden before ducking into this Italian-accented bar featuring wine-themed decor and a 25-page wine list. Don’t get overwhelmed by the selection, the staff of this woman-owned spot will happily let you try small sample pours. Once you’ve decided, get a carafe to pair with a few small plates and let the conversation flow.

This old school favorite has a slightly secret upstairs bar that is the perfect place to meet your person for one of the restaurant’s bracing martinis. If hard booze isn’t your thing, check in with the knowledgeable barkeeps to navigate the award-winning wine list while the room fills up. Fair warning, you may not be able to resist the sizzling steaks coming out of chef Ryan Marcoux’s kitchen.

Some of the best dates are around shared activities, and Tavern of Tales certainly delivers a fun night out. You can pop in and play a board game while sipping house cocktails like the habanero vodka spiked Circle of Fire, along with shareable bites like nachos and hummus platters. For an extra special night, book one of the bars premium game experiences, where a game master will teach you how to play a new board game, and augment your playing experience with music and voice overs.

We’re hard-pressed to think of a better date than sharing a platter of oysters and a bottle of wine, and this subterranean South End eatery is the perfect spot to do so. More than a dozen different East and West Coast oysters are available each day, served with a tart prosecco mignonette. Of course, B&G has one of the best backyard patios in the South End and, if weather permits, it’s the perfect spot for an intimate drink.

Named one of the coolest bars in the world, a certain degree of local knowledge is needed to actually find your way to this spot (its entrance is tucked away in a parking lot, back behind a bunch of nearby restaurants), which only adds to its sexy vibe. Once you and your date are inside, you’ll be treated to outstanding service and meticulously crafted cocktails.

Expansive skyline and sunset views are unmatched in this rooftop spot atop the Seaport’s Envoy Hotel. Get there early, or make a reservation, and sit in the lounge area and sip top-shelf cocktails with your date while grooving along to trendy tunes.