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Sake glasses lined up at a bar with a floral arrangement in the background.
Sake at the Koji Club.
Kristin Teig/The Koji Club

15 of Boston’s Essential Bars

Destinations for cocktails, wine, sake, beer, and more

by Erika Adams, Valerie Li Stack, and Rachel Leah Blumenthal Updated
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Sake at the Koji Club.
| Kristin Teig/The Koji Club
by Erika Adams, Valerie Li Stack, and Rachel Leah Blumenthal Updated

Boston loves booze. To describe the most essential bars in and around Boston, one must consider a variety of options; they all contribute to the city’s drinking scene in different but equally important ways. One person’s essential bar is the classic neighborhood hangout around the corner with the free popcorn, while another person ranks the world-class cocktail lounge with a line around the block as the best in town.

This map examines high-end cocktail destinations, cozy wine bars, and places to go back to.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Olde Magoun's Saloon

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Olde Magoun’s is the type of sports bar where you’ll want to hang out even when your favorite team isn’t playing a game. The bar regularly stocks some of New England’s finest (and more elusive) beers, including the Alchemist and Hill Farmstead, and the food is actually good, too.

518 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 776-2600
(617) 776-2600

Also featured in:

Dear Annie

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Serving an extensive list of natural wines from small producers, Dear Annie is a collaboration between the people behind two Somerville establishments, Field and Vine and Rebel Rebel (another excellent wine bar in Bow Market). Serving an extensive list of natural wine from small producers and a smattering of small plates, this wine bar has attracted national media attention after it was named one of the new best restaurants in America by the New York Times and Bon Appetit.

1741 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

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Backbar

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In the heart of Union Square, down a hallway accessed from a driveway that leads into a back parking lot, Somerville’s hidden piece of cocktail heaven awaits. The supremely cozy-yet-trendy Backbar follows in Drink’s footsteps with bartenders ready to stir up a drink based on the drinker’s whim, but there’s also an ever-changing menu full of much to explore.

7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA
(617) 718-0249
(617) 718-0249

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Trina's Starlite Lounge

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Hot dogs, cocktails, and joy. This Inman Square joint has been serving a perpetually delicious and approachable cocktail list for over a decade with drinks such as the Starlite cocktail (rum, Parfait Amour, lemon, and bubbles) and the Fallen Angel (a spicy mango margarita with a barbecue dusted rim), along with a variety of craft beers. (Although, some days just call for a big bucket of High Lifes.) Plus, the longstanding Monday brunch is a good opportunity for day-drinking; there are options such as the Adirondack (butter-infused bourbon and maple syrup with optional chocolate-covered bacon).

3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA
(617) 576-0006
(617) 576-0006

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Wusong Road Tiki Bar

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One of the newer additions to Harvard Square’s bar scene, Wusong Road boasts lush interior decor and a cocktail menu that emanates strong tiki vibes, with classic rum-centered drinks taking the spotlight. Pair with hand-pulled noodles, crispy grilled corn rangoons, coconut spareribs, and more.

112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 528-9125
(617) 528-9125

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Brick & Mortar

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Located up above sister spot Central Kitchen in Cambridge’s Central Square, Brick & Mortar serves incredible cocktails in a dark, loud bar that tends to get crowded with industry and non-industry drinkers. Grab a seat, settle in, and order some oysters — all worries will melt away. Or, if that doesn't do it, start off with ordering a round of DTOs — four daiquiri shots otherwise known as taking a daiquiri time out.

569 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
(617) 491-0061
(617) 491-0061

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The Koji Club

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Nestled inside the Charles River Speedway, Boston’s only dedicated sake bar is a welcoming, knowledgeable home for bargoers to unwind and fall in love with sake for the first time or the thousandth time. Pop in anytime from Wednesday through Sunday to sip your way through the menu, or reserve online for a more curated experience like weekend sake tastings.

525 Western Ave #6, Brighton, MA 02135

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Haley.Henry

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This intimate, convivial Downtown Crossing wine bar makes a lot out of a little bit of space. The tiny kitchen doesn’t allow for much cooking, so the focus is on fancy imported tinned seafood. (But the few items that are cooked are excellent.) The other star is the wine — finds from around the world, especially natural wines and wines from small producers. There are lots of half-bottles available, so the tasting possibilities are endless.

45 Province St, Boston, MA
(617) 208-6000
(617) 208-6000

Drink

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An early-aughts game changer in Boston’s bar scene, Drink’s schtick is the lack of a drink list; customers discuss likes, dislikes, and their mood with their bartender, and voila, a custom drink appears. It’s best to show up right at opening, ideally in the middle of the week, to avoid long lines and to be able to have more in-depth conversations with the bartenders.

348 Congress St, Boston, MA
(617) 695-1806
(617) 695-1806

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Taberna de Haro and Straight Law

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This Brookline tapas restaurant, which opened in 1998, is known for its extensive and award-winning wine list, which exclusively features Spanish wines, including a huge selection of cherries. Owner Deborah Hansen spent eight years living in Spain, cultivating her passion for the food and, perhaps more importantly, the wine. In 2014, Drink alums Will Thompson and Sean Sullivan helped give Taberna de Haro’s bar a bit of a rebirth, dubbing it Straight Law — named for a sherry-and-gin cocktail — and focusing on sherry- and gin-based cocktails.

999 Beacon St., Boston, MA
(617) 277-8272
(617) 277-8272

Also featured in:

J.J. Foley's Cafe

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Generations of regulars have found a home at the bar at J.J. Foley’s, which has maintained its status as a cornerstone of the South End for over 100 years. Squeeze in and pair a pint of Guinness with Mr. Foley's favorite — a juicy sirloin burger layered with bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and topped with a fried egg.

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 728-9101
(617) 728-9101

Also featured in:

Wally's Cafe

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The first Black-owned jazz club in New England — and the only remaining jazz club of a bygone era in Boston — Wally’s has been around since the 1940s (located across the street from its current location until 1979). This cozy little bar is filled with live music every night of the year, showcasing students as well as professionals. The beer’s pretty cheap, and the mixed drinks are no-frills.

427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 424-1408
(617) 424-1408

Blossom Bar

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Owner Ran Duan and his team have won a lot of cocktail awards over the past few years. Blossom Bar is a gem for those closer to Brookline, pairing intricate, tropical cocktails with fiery Sichuan food and some American Chinese classics.

295 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 734-1870
(617) 734-1870

Also featured in:

Brendan Behan Pub

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Plunk down some cash at this well-worn neighborhood institution in Jamaica Plain and settle in for the pretty impressive craft beer list, cocktails, wine, and, if you’re lucky, some live Irish music on the side. Heads up that there’s no kitchen here, but there are occasional food pop-ups in the space, and plenty of options within a block or so if you get hungry.

378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 522-5386
(617) 522-5386

Also featured in:

The Haven

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Boston’s “Scottish headquarters” spent its first few years of existence without a full liquor license, making things work well enough with an outstanding selection of almost exclusively Scottish beers and ciders — but one thing was missing. Whisky. The Haven has since acquired its full license and is now showcasing whisky from all over Scotland. The bar and restaurant also serves Scottish food — including haggis — and hosts numerous events, including live music, game watches, and tastings.

JPNDC Brewery Complex, The Haven, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

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Olde Magoun's Saloon

518 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145

Olde Magoun’s is the type of sports bar where you’ll want to hang out even when your favorite team isn’t playing a game. The bar regularly stocks some of New England’s finest (and more elusive) beers, including the Alchemist and Hill Farmstead, and the food is actually good, too.

518 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 776-2600
(617) 776-2600

Dear Annie

1741 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Serving an extensive list of natural wines from small producers, Dear Annie is a collaboration between the people behind two Somerville establishments, Field and Vine and Rebel Rebel (another excellent wine bar in Bow Market). Serving an extensive list of natural wine from small producers and a smattering of small plates, this wine bar has attracted national media attention after it was named one of the new best restaurants in America by the New York Times and Bon Appetit.

1741 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

Backbar

7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA

In the heart of Union Square, down a hallway accessed from a driveway that leads into a back parking lot, Somerville’s hidden piece of cocktail heaven awaits. The supremely cozy-yet-trendy Backbar follows in Drink’s footsteps with bartenders ready to stir up a drink based on the drinker’s whim, but there’s also an ever-changing menu full of much to explore.

7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA
(617) 718-0249
(617) 718-0249

Trina's Starlite Lounge

3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA

Hot dogs, cocktails, and joy. This Inman Square joint has been serving a perpetually delicious and approachable cocktail list for over a decade with drinks such as the Starlite cocktail (rum, Parfait Amour, lemon, and bubbles) and the Fallen Angel (a spicy mango margarita with a barbecue dusted rim), along with a variety of craft beers. (Although, some days just call for a big bucket of High Lifes.) Plus, the longstanding Monday brunch is a good opportunity for day-drinking; there are options such as the Adirondack (butter-infused bourbon and maple syrup with optional chocolate-covered bacon).

3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA
(617) 576-0006
(617) 576-0006

Wusong Road Tiki Bar

112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

One of the newer additions to Harvard Square’s bar scene, Wusong Road boasts lush interior decor and a cocktail menu that emanates strong tiki vibes, with classic rum-centered drinks taking the spotlight. Pair with hand-pulled noodles, crispy grilled corn rangoons, coconut spareribs, and more.

112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 528-9125
(617) 528-9125

Brick & Mortar

569 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA

Located up above sister spot Central Kitchen in Cambridge’s Central Square, Brick & Mortar serves incredible cocktails in a dark, loud bar that tends to get crowded with industry and non-industry drinkers. Grab a seat, settle in, and order some oysters — all worries will melt away. Or, if that doesn't do it, start off with ordering a round of DTOs — four daiquiri shots otherwise known as taking a daiquiri time out.

569 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
(617) 491-0061
(617) 491-0061

The Koji Club

525 Western Ave #6, Brighton, MA 02135

Nestled inside the Charles River Speedway, Boston’s only dedicated sake bar is a welcoming, knowledgeable home for bargoers to unwind and fall in love with sake for the first time or the thousandth time. Pop in anytime from Wednesday through Sunday to sip your way through the menu, or reserve online for a more curated experience like weekend sake tastings.

525 Western Ave #6, Brighton, MA 02135

Haley.Henry

45 Province St, Boston, MA

This intimate, convivial Downtown Crossing wine bar makes a lot out of a little bit of space. The tiny kitchen doesn’t allow for much cooking, so the focus is on fancy imported tinned seafood. (But the few items that are cooked are excellent.) The other star is the wine — finds from around the world, especially natural wines and wines from small producers. There are lots of half-bottles available, so the tasting possibilities are endless.

45 Province St, Boston, MA
(617) 208-6000
(617) 208-6000

Drink

348 Congress St, Boston, MA

An early-aughts game changer in Boston’s bar scene, Drink’s schtick is the lack of a drink list; customers discuss likes, dislikes, and their mood with their bartender, and voila, a custom drink appears. It’s best to show up right at opening, ideally in the middle of the week, to avoid long lines and to be able to have more in-depth conversations with the bartenders.

348 Congress St, Boston, MA
(617) 695-1806
(617) 695-1806

Taberna de Haro and Straight Law

999 Beacon St., Boston, MA

This Brookline tapas restaurant, which opened in 1998, is known for its extensive and award-winning wine list, which exclusively features Spanish wines, including a huge selection of cherries. Owner Deborah Hansen spent eight years living in Spain, cultivating her passion for the food and, perhaps more importantly, the wine. In 2014, Drink alums Will Thompson and Sean Sullivan helped give Taberna de Haro’s bar a bit of a rebirth, dubbing it Straight Law — named for a sherry-and-gin cocktail — and focusing on sherry- and gin-based cocktails.

999 Beacon St., Boston, MA
(617) 277-8272
(617) 277-8272

J.J. Foley's Cafe

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118

Generations of regulars have found a home at the bar at J.J. Foley’s, which has maintained its status as a cornerstone of the South End for over 100 years. Squeeze in and pair a pint of Guinness with Mr. Foley's favorite — a juicy sirloin burger layered with bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheddar cheese, and topped with a fried egg.

117 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 728-9101
(617) 728-9101

Wally's Cafe

427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118

The first Black-owned jazz club in New England — and the only remaining jazz club of a bygone era in Boston — Wally’s has been around since the 1940s (located across the street from its current location until 1979). This cozy little bar is filled with live music every night of the year, showcasing students as well as professionals. The beer’s pretty cheap, and the mixed drinks are no-frills.

427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118
(617) 424-1408
(617) 424-1408

Blossom Bar

295 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445

Owner Ran Duan and his team have won a lot of cocktail awards over the past few years. Blossom Bar is a gem for those closer to Brookline, pairing intricate, tropical cocktails with fiery Sichuan food and some American Chinese classics.

295 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 734-1870
(617) 734-1870

Brendan Behan Pub

378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Plunk down some cash at this well-worn neighborhood institution in Jamaica Plain and settle in for the pretty impressive craft beer list, cocktails, wine, and, if you’re lucky, some live Irish music on the side. Heads up that there’s no kitchen here, but there are occasional food pop-ups in the space, and plenty of options within a block or so if you get hungry.

378 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 522-5386
(617) 522-5386

The Haven

JPNDC Brewery Complex, The Haven, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Boston’s “Scottish headquarters” spent its first few years of existence without a full liquor license, making things work well enough with an outstanding selection of almost exclusively Scottish beers and ciders — but one thing was missing. Whisky. The Haven has since acquired its full license and is now showcasing whisky from all over Scotland. The bar and restaurant also serves Scottish food — including haggis — and hosts numerous events, including live music, game watches, and tastings.

JPNDC Brewery Complex, The Haven, 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

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