Originally established during the Prohibition era to skirt laws that forbade alcohol sale and consumption, speakeasies may seem like a thing of the past. After all, nowadays, you can legally stop in almost any grocery store, gas station, or bar and buy some booze (as long as you are over 21). Still, there’s something to be said about the nostalgic, classy ambiance of the 1920s speakeasy.
Although Prohibition days are over, speakeasy-style bars and restaurants aren’t going anywhere. Boston’s bar scene boasts many unique speakeasies that will transport you back in time. Whether you’re planning a history buff’s dream bar crawl in Boston or you’re looking for an unforgettable date night, we’ve found the best speakeasies in the Boston area.
Saloon
With a name like “Saloon,” you can tell that this establishment will be a trip back in time to a classier, more clandestine bar scene. Saloon will charm and refresh groups of speakeasy goers or subtly impress a date with their vintage cocktails, classic bar snacks, and light dinners. Offerings of this speakeasy include over 100 whiskey varieties for visitors to try. As you head through a nondescript entry and take a flight of steps, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to make your way into an expansive bar straight out of the roaring twenties.
Price: $$
Phone Number (617) 628-4444
Website: saloondavis.com
Address 255 Elm St. Somerville, MA 02144
Neighborhood: Davis Square
MBTA: Davis, Red Line
Carrie Nation
As a restaurant and speakeasy that prioritizes delicious food that stands up to their fine boozy beverage pairings, Carrie Nation is a must-have on your Boston speakeasy bar crawl bucket list. If you go to the building’s second floor, you’ll find a top-tier speakeasy experience complete with pool tables and plush seating. Housemade bitters, fresh squeezed juice cocktails, and a “Drag Me to Brunch” event make Carrie Nation a unique, fun place to catch up with friends and enjoy a memorable experience.
Price: $$$
Phone Number: (617) 227-3100
Website: carrienationcocktailclub.com
Address: 11 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02108
Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
MBTA: Park St., Green Line / Red Line
Stanza Dei Sigari
After being a true speakeasy during the prohibition era, Stanza Dei Sigari remains one of the only cigar bars in Boston and a bona fide speakeasy. Stanza Dei Sigari offers food, cocktails, and cigars, which make it a standout speakeasy for cigar enthusiasts. Guests can either purchase cigars from the establishment or bring their own box of cigars for a $15 cutting fee. Visitors can enjoy lounging while sipping liquor, taking long drags on cigars, and enjoying the old-world ambiance of the leather and wood-decked speakeasy.
Price Range: $
Phone Number (617) 227-029
Website: stanzadeisigari.com
Address: 292 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113
Neighborhood: North End
MBTA: Haymarket, Orange Line / Green Line
Bully Boy Distillers
No two visits are the same at Bully Boy’s Tasting Room. With an ever-rotating menu of seasonal cocktails that incorporate fresh juices, tinctures made from house recipes, and locally sourced ingredients, Bully Boy’s drinks will keep speakeasy goers guessing. With a frequently refreshed tasting menu, Bully Boy’s Tasting Room guarantees a novel, appealing experience that will delight and surprise speakeasy attendees every time.
Price: $$
Website: bullyboydistillers.com/visit
Address: 44 Cedric St, Boston, MA 02119
Phone: (617) 442-6000
Neighborhood: Roxbury
MBTA: JFK / UMass, Red Line
Brick and Mortar
Brick and Mortar is an award-winning speakeasy in the Greater Boston Area. Brick and Mortar has been featured in a lineup of the 20 Best Bars in Boston for 2022 on TastingTable.com, a ranking of the Best Bars in Boston 2021 by Boston Magazine, and a list of the Best Cocktail Bars of 2021 on Time Out Boston. With fine, rare spirits imported from around the United States and across the globe, Brick and Mortar offers refined gastropub fare with all of the best-kept-secret vibes of a speakeasy.
Price Range: $$
Phone Number: (617) 491-0016
Website: brickmortarltd.com
Address: 567 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139
Neighborhood: Central Square
MBTA: Central, Red Line
Offsuit
With a decidedly minimalistic website, Offsuit gives the same sense of secretive adventure that original speakeasies once offered. To get through its backdoor entry, speakeasy goers will need to call, not knock, to gain entrance. Once inside, groups and individuals can soak in the lush burgundy walls and leather furniture, which will transport anyone back to the clandestine speakeasy scene of Prohibition.
Price: $$$
Phone Number 781-855-6111
Website: offsuitboston.com
Address: 107 South St Boston, MA 02111
Neighborhood: Leather District
MBTA: South Station, Red Line
Modern Pastry
For those with a sweet tooth, Modern Pastry’s bakery might serve as a delicious pre-drinks distraction. A trip downstairs shows that this bakery is more than meets the eye (or sweet tooth). The Modern Underground speakeasy downstairs serves martinis and other classic cocktails. The family-owned bakery/bar also offers a robust breakfast menu, so speakeasy lovers can enjoy their favorite spot morning, noon, and night.
Price Range: $
Phone Number 617-523-3783
Website: modernpastry.com
Physical Address 257 Hanover St Boston 02113
Neighborhood North End
MBTA: Haymarket, Green or Orange Line
Backbar
As a secret bar with a cafe feel, Backbar is the perfect place to get a buzz on without the large crowds or long lines on a Friday night–or any day of the week, for that matter. Backbar’s international cocktail menu lets speakeasy enthusiasts travel the world from the comfort of their favorite city. What’s more, the bartenders are known for coming up with delicious custom drinks on the spot with a few suggestions (according to some Backbar fans).
Price Range: $$
Phone Number: (617) 718-0249
Website: backbarunion.com
Address: 9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143-3004
Neighborhood: Union Square
MBTA: Union Square, Green E Line
Yvonne’s
With a Victorian spin on an underground speakeasy, Yvonne’s is not your average speakeasy. Yvonne’s offers a wide range of unique cocktails, from Passion Fruit Mules to Espresso Martinis to drinks with creative names such as the “90’s Kid” and “Heartbreaker.” For those who want a familiar, straightforward drink, they also offer a wide range of wines and beers. Their drinks pair nicely with their dinner menu, which features pub classics with culinary twists like Crispy Tater Cubes with gouda and beet pickled egg.
Price: $$
Phone: (617) 267-0047
Website: yvonnesboston.com
Address: 2 Winter Pl Boston, MA 02108
Neighborhood: Downtown
MBTA: Downtown Crossing, Red / Orange Line
Roxanne’s
As one of the most Instagram-friendly speakeasies in Boston, Roxanne’s is notorious for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious, pretty dessert cocktails. Roxanne’s chocolate martini is not only social media-ready–it hits the spot for a buzzed sweet tooth. Between eclectic decor and delicious drinks, Roxanne’s would be one of Boston’s best-kept secrets if it weren’t blowing up on social media.
Price Range: $$
Phone number (857) 338-1113
Website: roxannesboston.com
Address 6B Beacon St Boston, MA 02108
Neighborhood: Financial District
MBTA: Park Street Station, Green / Red Lines