backbar

Overall: really unique rotating menu and creative with the drinks. When I went they were still in the insect phase which was quite unlucky for me as I'm very afraid of insects. Drinks: so instead of ordering one of the themed drinks I asked the bartender to make me something with infused gin of some kind preferring a floral taste. Have no idea what was in it but it was exactly what I wanted to a T. Love the flexibility. Ambience/Decor/Service: love the inclusive environment and how tucked in this place feels. It's not a speakeasy but a super laid back location kinda like a cave hang out. I'll say there was an incident with the staff but I think it was totally justifiable even if it wasn't pleasant. Would definitely come back as long as there are no bugs!

I don't drink cocktails as much as I used to, so I am not the best judge of the quality of the drinks here, but I did sample my friends' drinks! Each drink is $15 (so not bad by Manhattan standards?) and they include an automatic gratuity of 20%, so at least you don't have to think about calculating at the end in a slightly buzzed state. We came on a Wednesday night and waited around 20+ minutes for a table of three. The guy manning the line was really funny and personable and was wearing the best Golden Girls/TMNT t-shirt. My only critique is we went from standing at the door to standing in a high-traffic spot for at least one round of drinks before we finally nabbed a table. I knew this place was my jam by the heavily cat-themed decor and menu. Each cocktail was named after one of the cats of backbar and the names were pretty funny (and rather appropriate for each kitty). For an orange cat - "Clementine: Golden, Fluffy, Citrus." Peep the decor, including a small book with a cat on it that said "I Could Pee on This" and a spam tin labeled CRAM. I liked my mocktail, which was a no-alcohol version of their Kimchee drink, which tasted like cold kimchee soup (actually incredibly refreshing on an unseasonably warm day). Also tried my friend's Eno, which was a bit too heavy for me on the whiskey. Overall, a fun place to hang out with buddies or to take a date. The sign is very easy to find from the street, so not technically a speakeasy. I recommend going early on Tuesday to beat the line.

Five stars for the cocktails, 3 stars for the wait and comfort of the seats... we waited for 25+ minutes on Saturday evening (expected for a cocktail bar on Saturday) and we loved the vibe and Graffiti /draws on the wall. The place is small but look hippstery and cool! The waiters are bartenders themselves so if you don't find your liking on the menu, you can share with them what you like and they will make you a tasty cocktail. I started with THEO cocktails and it was strong, bold taste and did enjoy it so much, then i shared with him i am looking for something fresh and not sweet, and i got an amazing tequila with peach flavors and mint, very flavorful and enjoyable!Cheers

Wow! This bar in Somerville blew me away! I stopped by here after dinner in the area and had the best experience with! Walking in this place has a great atmosphere; it's dark, but well-decorated and quirky. Apparently they have different themes here all the time as well. We were immediately seated at the bar and both my boyfriend and I had some of the best cocktails of our lives! He got the nookie which was a whisky? slow-sipping drink that tasted just like a chocolate chip cookie. I got a hand crafted cocktail based on flavors I like from the bartender that was incredible. Our bartender was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and fun! Furthermore, they serve bites from field and vine next door! Cannot wait to come again.

As per usual my favorite bar wish it was closer to where I live! They also have more small plate options which is great! Their attention to detail with music, cocktails, glassware, knowledge of many things never goes unnoticed and a great amount of cat statues around the room! As well as beautiful murals and Star Wars memorabilia. Can't wait to go back when I lived in Massachusetts I was there way more often! Impeccable service wonderful to watch the bartender move flawlessly they were from Arkansas awesome style! Music was phoenix, say anything, the strokes, Radiohead etc. they also have a special pop up nerd boi Monday? where they have board games, big screen video games and cocktails inspired by all the cool things!

Overall really enjoyed my time at Back Bar, definitely a curated taste with a lot of character, funky vibes, and a cultivated sense of joy and curiosity. I would highly recommend queuing up to check this spot out. We tested the cat cocktail menu (each drink dedicated to a team members pet) and found the selection impressively distinct, incredibly charming, and the Theo - while a little chilly, was delectable and perfect. Next we tried dealers choice and described a flavor profile to our mixologist expert, they crafted an on point perfect treat. I asked for something warmer and indeed this cocktail came with a spark as the rosemary was toasted in glass via flame! Loved the ambiance, the drinks, the crew - my only downer was the temperature was way chilly for me (surely seasonal change) and I can't get over the cushion bench seats (not my style of fabric). Totally worth a visit!!

New favorite cocktail bar in Boston! This place is a little speakeasy tucked away in an alley in Somerville. I've tried to visit a couple times before, but it's tiny and if you don't arrive right when it opens the line gets pretty crazy. I've just given up every other time I've tried to check it out. I showed up right around 5:30pm this time and the place was already full, but with only two groups ahead of us we knew it was worth the wait. While we were waiting in the hall, a closet door popped open with a tiny little bar inside and we were able to grab a cocktail from a limited menu before we were seated. Such a genius idea that made the 30 minute wait a lot more bearable. Once we got inside, the experience definitely lived up to the hype. They have an extensive bird-themed cocktail menu at the moment, along with a few impressive small bites to snack on (A+ pimento cheese dip and friend chicken sandwich!)All the cocktails we tried were really well balanced with so many complex flavors. The menu also includes all the ingredients and helpful descriptions so it's easy to find something you like. You get the vibe that every single person who works there is a mixologist - they're all so helpful and excited to walk you through the different options. Awesome date night spot if you're willing to wait for your table. I loved trying drinks I normally wouldn't because this place has a way of making sophisticated cocktails really approachable. I also learned that they host all kinds of classes and events which are officially on my Boston bucket list. Very cool spot!

I love the vibe of backbar. I feel like sometimes the speakeasy's in the area can get a bit pretentious. While backbar is a bit on the pricy side and there is almost always a line it is still so fun and a great atmosphere. The place is small so it doesn't really fit that many people but it's kind of nice how small it is because people talk to each other and staff. This is a great place to meet people and have a conversation.

Amazingly tasty and themed cocktails served in an old warehouse style speakeasy - be sure to keep an eye out for entrance as it's pretty nondescript. Seating is a bit tight but love how each area feels separate from your neighbor. Super popular right now and lucked out by going early. When we left, there was a line out the door. Definitely going back asap!

Amazing place! We didn't have food, but the service was great. If you are looking for artistic cocktails/mocktails, this is the place.