Noir

I visited Noir tonight with my partner for the pop-up Maccabee bar during Hanukkah. The bar was bustling upon arrival, adorned with festive Hanukkah decor, capturing an upscale yet lively atmosphere befitting the Charles Hotel. With limited seating, my partner sat on a stool at the bar while I stood next to her, eagerly anticipating the experience.The bartender's friendly demeanor set the tone as we explored the special Maccabee menu. Opted for the "oy, wat a night," an Ethiopian-inspired mule with tequila, mezcal, berbere honey, lime, and ginger beer. It delivered the smoky and spicy kick I anticipated, living up to its description.To complement the drinks, we ordered a dozen oysters. Unfortunately, our excitement took a nosedive when one oyster turned out to be spoiled, leaving my partner with an unpleasant aftertaste. The disappointment lingered, making it impossible to enjoy the remaining oysters with peace of mind. Looking back, I wished I had sent them back. Upon checking-in on Yelp, a $1.50/oyster offer popped up. Unfortunately, the manager did not honor it. While the offer wasn't a significant discount given the $2 price per oyster, the lack of acknowledgment left a sour note. In good conscience, I find it hard to wholeheartedly recommend Noir after this experience. I sincerely hope they take steps to improve their quality control and customer service. I love the Maccabee bar pop-up, though, and I hope they'll take it back to the Backbar in Somerville or somewhere else next time.

It had been a long while since I went to Noir, and I forgot how small it is on the inside. There are 6-8 tables inside with a few seats at the bar, and it's definitely a cozy spot. They have a pretty extensive menu for bar food, and the food comes out super quickly. I ordered a beet salad and a glass of wine, and both were out within 5-7 minutes. Service was also very prompt and friendly.

Terrible experience here. Although the bartenders executed the Chanukah pop up cocktail recipes well, the place left much to be desired. It was crowded, and people were lingering a while at tables and at the bar. There was no bathroom there- only one in the hotel, on another level. The manager not only did not honor a Yelp check in offer, but was condescending about it. But worst of all, we were served an oyster that had gone bad. Top most disgusting food experience. Thankfully, only briefly tasted it (awful, fecal), and did not eat it.

A nice hotel bar, friendly service, ok selection of drinks. Nothing outstanding and a good choice if you're in there area looking for a quiet and convenient place to have a meetup. Note the space is downstairs and bathrooms are up a double flight of stairs. Good spot for medium sized groups (like 6-10).

Good drinks here and the selection is more than enough. Quiet enough to have conversations with your friends or date. Haven't tried the food but there is defined good beer and drinks.

My friends and I tried out this bar since we were looking for a chill place to do some catching up. The tables were a bit close together, but I didn't find it too loud. Drinks were okay, my one friend who does not drink appreciated their mocktail selection. Apps were okay, decent options our various dietary restrictions. Overall, I think it's a good place for a small group or maybe a date, but I was not expecting it to be a super exciting experience.

Stopped by for a drink with a friend after dining elsewhere. We ordered the espresso martini and White Russian. The espresso martini was not good because the coffee tasted stale, old. The White Russian was better. Ambience is dark. It was a Friday night and it mostly empty. Vibe might feel better when there's more people and energy in the room, otherwise it felt like a somber lounge.

For a hotel bar so centrally located in Harvard Square and has the potential for being superb, I thought it was quite small and crowded and loud.The hotel lobby itself is quite nice but I thought the bar had limited seating and the tables were so close together that everyone in the room was pretty much shouting across the table to be heard. The drinks are fine and although I didnt sample their food, I assume it's on par. I just don't think I would go back bc of how "cozy" it felt and with the noise level, I was exhausted by the end of the night.

Decent bar on the edge of Harvard. Just got drinks since the food menu is a lil all over the place but the bartenders are fun and humored my requests for their favorite drinks. Good place to watch the Celtics game but a ritzy hotel crowd for sure

Went here for Paint Nite and had a great time. Painted the city of Boston at night and had a great guide.