There are plenty of great places to enjoy an outstanding cocktail all over Boston—but sometimes, you'd rather stay in your own neighborhood. To make the most of close-to-home (or close-to-work, or close-to-dinner) drinking, here's our list of the best spots for an amazing drink, neighborhood by neighborhood.
Allston/Brighton
Every type of drinker can find something to enjoy at this intimate gastropub, which has a menu that spans classic cocktails, tiki drinks, new-school creations, and Manhattans (yes, they get their own section).
Back Bay
This trendy lounge in the Lenox Hotel is known for its attractive crowd, sleek and swanky decor, and big cocktail menu (there are whole sections devoted just to martinis and mules). If you like to drink until closing time, the late-night food menu is a bonus, too.
Brookline
Located in the bowels of Magnolia Smokehouse, this speakeasy has an intimate, authentic feel, with checkerboard floors, cozy booths, and live jazz on Saturday nights. The menu, which rotates regularly, is equal parts classic and new-school libations.
Downtown
The luxe and lavish "library bar" of this restaurant in the former Locke-Ober is the kind of glamorous hideaway that calls out for a strong drink—and luckily, the cocktail menu delivers, with powerful sippers ranging from light and fruity to intense and boozy.
Fenway/Kenmore
It's hard to think of a cooler hotel bar than this modernist outpost in the Commonwealth Hotel, which has the looks of a museum piece and a small but mighty cocktail menu that's constantly changing with the seasons.
Harvard Square
This "coastally inspired" sibling to Alden & Harlow specializes in seafood, and many of its drinks feature the slightly saline punch of sherry, or rum-soaked touches of tiki that a sailor would love. Pair your drink with oysters from the raw bar for the full effect.
Kendall Square
In keeping with its address near MIT, the Wiki Bar at this modernist restaurant is on the cutting edge of cocktail technique. Components of your drink might be spun out in a centrifuge, or turned from liquid to vapor—but it's not just showmanship, it's delicious as well.
North End
Named for a rye whiskey-based cocktail invented in Boston (yes, they serve it), this laid-back gastropub offers a sizable menu of original drinks organized by spirit, plus cool bar snacks like lobster rangoon, BLT pork buns, and maple chili duck wings.
South End
This dark and intimate speakeasy is known for its excellent drinks—with all juices, liqueurs, and infusions made from scratch daily—and its ever-rotating food menu, which welcomes a new guest chef every six months.
South Boston
Superstar chef Barbara Lynch's cocktail bar is one of the best places in town for sampling new and innovative drinks—and since it doesn't have an official menu, each and every cocktail will be made to your tastes and preferences.
Union Square
Its tucked-away space and tiny sign make Backbar hard to find, but it's well worth the effort to sample the excellent cocktails and snacks from its whimsical menu, which has sections like "Ginny Gin Gin" and "Refreshing AF."