$$$$
Cocktail barBeer hallSeaport Fort Point
Harpoon Brewery's Beer Hall on Northern Avenue in Boston's Seaport has poured pints since 1986. Located in Seaport Fort Point. Order the harpoon ipa.
DrinkHarpoon IPA
FoodBeer hall pretzel and brats
TipSaturday tour at 13:00 includes the full brewery and four pours. The hot pretzel is the kitchen signature.
$$$$
Cocktail barCocktail barBeacon Hill
The Wig Shop has run a speakeasy-style cocktail bar behind a fake wig-shop storefront on Temple Place in Downtown Boston since 2019. 1940s magazine-ad decor.
DrinkAbsinthe Sazerac
FoodSnacks and bar bites
TipFind the unmarked door inside the wig storefront.
$$$$
Cocktail barCocktail barSomerville
Backbar in Union Square Somerville has poured artful cocktails behind an unmarked door in Boston since 2011. Order the greek mastiha milk punch.
DrinkGreek mastiha milk punch
FoodSnacks
TipWalk-in only, no reservations. Last call 23:15. Order from the staff-pick chalkboard for the best off-menu drink.
$$$$
Cocktail barSports barKenmore Fenway
Bleacher Bar on Lansdowne Street sits beneath the centre-field bleachers at Fenway Park in Boston's Kenmore Square since 2008. Located in Kenmore Fenway.
DrinkPint of Sam Adams Boston Lager
FoodPub food and burgers
TipReservations on the website during Sox games; arrive 2 hours before first pitch. The garage-door window opens onto the field on rainouts.
$$$$
Cocktail barTapas barSouth End
Julio de Haro's Estragon on Harrison Avenue has poured Spanish gin-tonics and tapas in Boston's South End since 2008. Boston Magazine Best of Boston 2023.
DrinkSpanish gin and tonic with juniper
FoodSpanish tapas
TipHappy hour 17:00-19:00 weekdays runs half-price tapas. The lounge is the walk-in seat; book the dining room for parties.
$$$$
Cocktail barCocktail barBeacon Hill
Yvonne's reopened the historic Locke-Ober space on Winter Place in Downtown Boston in 2015 as a modern supper club. Order the aviation cocktail.
DrinkAviation cocktail
FoodGlobe-trotting small plates
TipThe library room is the quiet cocktail seat. Sunday and Monday nights are the easy walk-in slots.