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Think again, my friend.
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Thanks for subscribing! Keep reading so you'll know where to go (and how to get in) the next time you crave that alluring speakeasy vibe.
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Been there, done that? 4-11pm (kitchen closes at 9pm); Fri. 4pm-1am (kitchen closes at 10pm); Saturday 8am-1am (kitchen closes at 10pm); Sun. 8am-10pm (kitchen closes at 9pm)
What is it? When some local foodies hear dbar, they might associate it with its sister restaurants, Boston Chops and Deuaxve—but the local LGBTQ+ scene knows that it’s also a place to stay long after the shrimp cocktail and steak have been served.
Why go? The Dorchester spot hosts its weekly themed nights, like lively sing-alongs, Pop Rocks Karaoke, as well as Sunday Tea Dances.
The bar and lounge evoke a cozy lodge, while The Ship has a nautical charm. So, this is the type of place to impress your wine-enthusiast friends who may be looking to try something different.
Address: 278 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116
Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm-close
Expect to pay: Around $40 per person for a couple glasses
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What it is: What better place to sample booze than right where it’s made?
You'll find the crowd equally compelling: On a recent night attendees included a group of Harvard grad students, off-duty strippers, rowdy suburban bachelorettes, and a drunk couple from Lowell who passed out at the bar. If getting in is your main goal, we suggest arriving around 30 minutes prior to opening. The 26-seat cocktail bar boasts a speakeasy vibe, with vintage fittings and a long black marble bar overlooking the stillroom.
Why we love it: The out-of-the-way location makes a visit to Bully Boy feel like a day trip, whether you're taking a distillery tour or just hanging with friends for drinks.
Bonus tip: Don't dare order a vodka soda!
Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115
Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5pm–1am
Expect to pay: $40 to $50 per person for a couple cocktails and bar snack
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What is it? This classy, speakeasy-themed Beacon Hill establishment offers a full modern New England menu alongside a delightful list of Prohibition-inspired cocktails, such as the signature "1928 Cocktail" and the mezcal-forward "Beatnik," crafted with house-made simple syrups and juices.
Why we love it: 1928 Beacon Hill features three intimate spaces, each with its own distinct vibe.
Climb the elegant spiral staircase, take a left, then a right, and look for a door with a logo of a duck wearing a detective's hat. Because it’s in a residential neighborhood—a very tolerant one, we suspect—there’s a midnight curfew. There are over 70 wines on the list, from fizzes and reds to whites, oranges, rosés and even ciders.
Time Out tip: In addition to the extensive wine list, Bar Pallino offers varieties of amaros, vermouths and mezcals from artisanal spirit brands.
The menu makeup is well-executed pub fare all the way, from the wings to the fish-and-chips; hearty brunch dishes are designed to absorb daytime beers. 4pm-12am; Thurs.-Fri. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
What it is: From the team behind Krasi comes Hecate, an underground speakeasy that feels distinctly Salem, yet perfectly at home in Boston.
Why we love it: Named for the Greek goddess of magic and witchcraft, this intimate 24-seat bar offers stylish and unique cocktails crafted by bartenders referred to as "spirit guides." Drinks, with names such as "Eternal Spring," "Moon Mansions," and "Frater Bruno," come in fun, new age-y glasses, copper mugs, and goblets, adding to Hecate's bewitching vibe.
Time Out tip: You can't make reservations at Hecate; entry is first-come, first-served, and the place fills up fast.
Cocktails are far more reasonably priced than at other places in the area (spring for the Irish coffee). If those sound too bold, the bartenders excel at creating bespoke drinks tailored to your exact preferences.
Address: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 5pm–midnight
Expect to pay: About $20 per drink with gratuity
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What is it? Downtown hotspot Mariel is a restaurant and lounge dedicated to pre-revolutionary Havana.
Think again, my friend.
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Thanks for subscribing! You can also score two cocktails on draft: an espresso martini and "Mr.
Options include updated takes on classic cocktails, such as the "Serenade Martini," infused with lemongrass and pink Sichuan peppercorn. Guests often stick around for some fabulous piano-accompanied cabaret or venture over to the venue’s dance floor for a night of clubbing.
We love: Aside from regular programming (and a killer menu), there’s a series of special happenings each month, so check their events calendar for the most up-to-date guests.
Address: 209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Opening hours: Mon.-Wed.
Created by and for the LGBTQ+ community, the spot hosts weekly events and weekend parties that showcase Boston’s queer culture.
Why go? What’s your pleasure - board games, karaoke, drag bingo, tarot time, singles mixers (complete with a human scavenger hunt), drag brunches, masquerade parties?
Pick your poison because they have it all.
Grab a seat at the bar or at a dimly lit table surrounded by classic vinyl albums on the walls, and let the bartender guide you as you work your way through Pallino’s specialty: organic, natural and biodynamic wines and beers.
Why we love it: Bar Pallino is modeled after the new wave of Parisian wine bars, where menus emphasize natural wines and smaller producers.
Its lofty position affords you drop-dead views of downtown Boston, surrounding skyscrapers, and the sky, which is simply enchanting at sunset.