Visited in 2023 and came back again this year while on work trips both years. Nothing too pretentious. Very creative and well balanced drinks. Outstanding service and all the staff was knowledgeable. Id definitely like to come back if I can visit Boston again. read more

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I am a lover of everything studio ghibli so when I saw Backbar was doing essentially a month of drinks based on the movies I knew I had to go! The bar is really funky fun which I loved. There is literally fun everywhere you look from the panda stuffed animal riding a tiger on the wall to the hilarious shrek pillow. Coming right when they open I was able to see these things that you would likely not see in the evening. But to be fair I came right when they opened since it is first come first serve. A majority of the drinks were more on the savory side which was very interesting like "may all your bacon burn" with bacon bites at the top of the drink. The drinks my friend had were all stunning with the use of egg yolk to elevate the drink. We ended the evening by walking over to Bow Market and trying Viet Citron which was so DANG GOOD my gosh. The to go orders were insane but looks like they are doing very well despite recently opening in. I got the grilled lemongrass pork ribs bowl and youtiao and the side sauce was so good. The ribs were all very meaty. It looks small but I was surprised how full I was after having it. Nice night of drinks and food. What we got Kiki's marmalade buns Castle in the sky Milk Punch May All your bacon burn read more

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There will always be a LONG line unless you are here before they open. Be prepared to wait an hour plus to get seats. The drinks are one of a kind and they switch up the menu every month. It was Studio Ghibli themed when we went. Drinks are 10/10 and the vibes are immaculate. Would recommend if there is no wait or if you're willing to line up. read more

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Backbar is a great cocktail bar, and one of my favorite bars in the Greater Boston area. They have themed drink menus that changes so each visit can be different. We came on a weekend night and there was a line, but always worth the wait. I take friends who are visiting and they always enjoy it too. The vibe is chill and the staff are fantastic. read more

backbar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I absolutely love backbar for their creativity and excellence in execution with all their drinks! Especially with the recent Studio Ghibli themed menu. Had the Howl's moving castle and Kiki's themed drinks which were both perfection. I like coming here near opening time 5-6pm to beat the line (walk in only). Service and vibes are A+ as well read more

backbar - Kiki's Marmalade Buns - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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As per usual 10/10 Greeted in door way Clean well stocked bathrooms Welcoming to everyone 80s 90s 2000s knowledgeable stylish Mushroom app and burger were nice treats to add to the awesome studio ghibli themed menu from the BB guide so clever top notch cocktails Cocktails Drinks Music and kikis delivery service on the projector good vibes read more

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Pretty good drinks, fun atmosphere, and a cool theme. Probably a good date spot, although you may have to wait in line for ~30 minutes depending on when you show up. Food is really just small snacks, not a full meal. It's also semi-hidden, which adds to the vibe. My one complaint: I'm in my mid-30s and went with my parents, who were visiting. I forgot my ID, so they understandably wouldn't serve me. Fair enough. But I took a sip of someone else's drink, and after that the staff seemed to be monitoring us like children. They came over questioning me about whether I'd had any alcohol, which felt unnecessarily confrontational and made the whole experience a little weird. I understand enforcing the ID policy, but the level of policing afterward seemed excessive and belittling. read more

Fantastic artsy speakeasy that actually isn't very dark that does a great job with classic cocktails as well as offering some very creative drinks. I started off with genever Martinez not on the menu, and it was done perfectly. I also tried drinks off of their menu and for that week, there was a KPop theme, so I went with BUTTER - cognac, rye, rum, amaro and butter tincture. As a huge fan of a vieux carre, this drink hit all of the right notes and is easily one of my favorite cocktails this year. Service is solid and the whole experience is informal yet provides one of the best cocktail experiences in Boston. read more

backbar - Kpop inspired, Butter - cognac, rye, rum and butter tincture. Very good. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Backbar was a cool vibe. The drinks and themed menu were unique and fun. Great chill bar!

Fun cocktails, speakeasy vibe, soft seating, cool decor. They had great, protective policies during Covid. Been around forever. Limited mostly snack menu with occasional popups, but more of a drink spot than a food spot. read more

Cute little speakeasy nestled away in an alley in Union square. The waiters are all so nice and welcoming and the inside charm makes it that much more special. The tables are all pieces of wood and the pillows are nature themed. They change cocktail themes every so often which is amazing! Very well thought out and effort put in. The food was just small snacks but looked like they had some specials. Drinks are a bit more pricey but for the theme and changing menu makes sense. You can also tell them what you're looking for and they can make something which was nice. Highly recommend! read more

I loved this place! It has a very subtle entrance, just a door among a bunch of other little restaurants/ businesses. And you go into a dim painted hallway to wait (the line was sorta long but it moved decently quickly) The host was super friendly and enthusiastically explained the bug themed menu -- which was so cool and beautiful. Each page has fun facts abt the bugs too :) The interior was also super well decorated, with more bug things hanging around. We were seated at the bar, bartender was also super cool and friendly! Drinks: Ordered the locust, ladybug, and a special yuzu drink that came in a baby yoda. They all come out with such character and style! -- The locust was very strongly minty and chocolatey, which is not my favorite flavor profile in a drink, but the vibes of it were too fun not to try. -- The ladybug was very tasty and strawberry! Was a solid drink -- And the yoda one we were able to try a yuzu liquor before that was nicely tart w a hint of bitterness, but unfortunately the drink itself was very strong in alcohol taste. Overall loved the vibes, perhaps ordered the wrong drinks but I'd 100% go back to try other drinks and do it for the experience read more

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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. read more

backbar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

It's been over 10 years since first coming here. And I'm so glad they're still thriving. Still one of my favorite cocktail bars in the Boston area. Great mixologists with lots of knowledge and keeping it fresh with seasonal drinks and continually to push the limits on unique and special cocktails. If you wanna just get hammered, probably not the place for you unless you're trying to show off with limitless funds. read more

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. read more

Such a cute little speakeasy type bar! The entrance is in an alley but once you pass two doors, it is a cute and cozy place! I wished I found this place much earlier while I lived in Boston! They have an ever changing menu. I came for pre dinner drinks and the menu was bug themed. While I don't specifically like bugs, I did like the drinks! I got the ladybug drink which was fruity and tart (just right for me). I would come back again to try out the different menus read more

backbar - The ladybug - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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! read more

Best bartender ever!!! Attentive service and delicious drinks. Definitely worth a visit. We shall return! read more

backbar - Backbar, Somerville, MA - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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! read more

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Best cocktail bar in the Boston area with a creative rotating menu and a daily milk punch. Love that it's quiet enough to chat with no standing. Don't love that they no longer take reservations :( as lining up can be a drag. Keep your eyes peeled for a subtle Star Wars decor theme. read more

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 read more

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Fun space with really cool themes and inventive drinks! The speakeasy aspect is always a blast. Love seeing what movies they're playing in the background. Can get pretty crowded and therefore harder to hear any friends' you're there with. A good time in Union Square! read more

Cool speakeasy. It is literally a bar at the back of a bunch of restaurants/bars. The line was quite long but we got lucky to be the last ones to be let in. Drinks were not the best when it comes to the taste, but they had quite eclectic formulations. My drink "Big bird" had sesame oil in it, never heard of oil in an alcoholic drink before but it was like having Korean food haha. My boyfriend got the special which was rimmed with a Raven's feather - also a first! The place was packed till the very end - great spot for a speakeasy hopping night. read more

backbar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

This place is great. Drinks are creative and very well executed-- generally. Monarch: 10/10, flavorful, easy to drink, fun and DELICIOUS Forget name ( tea drink with whiskey): tastes like liquor, green tea is lost from the beginning of the teapot to the end. Not a fan. Charcuterie shots: they did a great job with this. Cracker bite at the end was delicious and the sherry is nice and smooth. Generous portion. Staff: my least favorite part about my experience. 1. I was seated on this odd outward facing bench and the host had to move some lady's coat so I could even sit... we moved across the aisle to a more comfortable seat and had a great time. Staff told us to tell them in the future? As if it wasn't 3 feet away from the other table and the host booth? 2. The waiter told us the whiskey "evokes sweetness but isn't sweet" we had no idea what that meant and felt like he was trying to tell us whatever we wanted to hear. Ordered the drink anyway since we were confused. 3. After sitting for a while we were asked to move to the bar so that they could accommodate a larger party. Though it was first come first served with seating... We reluctantly moved to the bar and the drink service got much faster. The bartender did forget the cheese on the charcuterie shots but he caught that without us needing to ask. read more

Best cocktails I've had since I moved to the Boston area. The bartender was knowledgeable and attentive, if you don't know what you like, they can figure something out! The bar itself is small and cozy, there is normally a line to get in though so expect a wait! read more

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Backbar is a stones throw away from my house and I wanna come back all the time!! It's small, intimate, and has good music. I went for my birthday and received ~Bertha the birthday dragon~ and was it cool? Yes. Was I incredibly embarrassed? Also yes. If you don't know what you like or want to try something off the menu, you can create your own drink, I asked for something with orange/grapefruit and gin and it turned out great! I felt super ~sophisticated~ with their cocktails, as many had subtle flavors. I also like how the menu rotates often (seasonally? And weekly and monthly!) I went during the solar system menu and I liked how there was a sunny side for fruity+light drinks and a moon side for more strong, sippy drinks. We also got the santorini sour from their weekly drinks and it was SO PRETTY and yummy. read more

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Love this bar!! It has an amazing atmosphere. The servers are bartenders and know the drinks super well. They have a rotating theme - when I went it was bug themed! I tried a cicada cocktail among others. Each cocktail is $16, so it takes the guesswork out of the bill. You can also order regular cocktails as well. Lots of cozy corners to sit. There might be a line - best to arrive early! Probably difficult to fit a group larger than 6 people, but it's perfect for smaller parties. Drinks are strong! read more

Such a great experience. The drinks were tasty and the vibes were so high. We loved the bartenders they made such fun and unique drinks and are so knowledgeable. read more

backbar - Off menu drink was amazing - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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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!! read more

Vibes? Immaculate. Drinks? Top notch. Service? Incredible. It's so cool to have such knowledgeable bar tenders and staff that they can crank out a brand new cocktail just based on what you want your base spirit to be or even just your vibe. I don't know how they made doritos gin tasty, but they did. And a really special shout out to Iruma. We used to work together a million years ago and it was really great to see him put such care into taking care of his guests. He was on top of everything from bussing and cleaning, to hosting, to just making sure folks felt taken care of. It was truly a pleasure to come to Back Bar, and I'm excited to roll in again the next time I'm in that part of town! read more

Fun place. Good mix of people, drinks are good and affordable. I like taking my out of town friends here. Will be back :-)

Ambience was cozy and I loved the games they had available for every table! Although a little pricey per cocktail this is a fantastic experimental cocktail bar with fantastic service and some of the best drinks in Somerville! read more

I really enjoyed Backbar! You come for the vibe mostly, which is hard t describe: it's simultaneously aggressively nerdy, with superhero and Star Wars merch all around, and yet has a sort of nightclub booth vibes with the lighting. The drinks themselves were not the best in my opinion--all the cocktails felt a bit overly elaborate and almost all involved some strange ingredient. I think the move is actually to just ask them to make you something custom, since I've heard the bartenders are quite good. read more

backbar - Green Lantern's Light - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Cool drink props, nice staff. Super slow to make drinks, super slow to seat you, no reservations, the cocktails did not ever blow my mind. It was more an Instagram worthy speakeasy. I live right around the corner and only would go on a random week night to give visitors something to talk about (the vibe) not the actual content of the drinks read more

I visited backbar for the first time in a few years and it still didn't disappoint! The cocktails were beautiful, and the service was top-notch. If you're coming on a Friday or Saturday, you should expect a decent wait. (I stood in line for a little over half an hour.) This time I got the Ground Control to Major Tom and my friends ordered the Great Red Spot and Space Farm (non-alcoholic)--all were fantastic. One note is that backbar only has light snacks, so don't come here with dinner plans. Highly recommend if you enjoy delicious and creative cocktails! read more

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I just found out about the Birthday Dragon and all I gots to say is if/when we get back to biz as usual, the backbar staff will give me a pandemic exemption for celebrating my birthday late. We all need more Birthday Dragon in our life. And if it's presented by what equates to the perfect cocktail lounge, I'm all in. read more

Awesome speakeasy in Somerville! It is Star Wars themed which I love with space themed cocktails! They have monthly specials too. Friendly customer service. Great place to unwind. & strong, tasty drinks. They offer a small selection of food too. read more

Great place to grab cocktails! My friend brought me here and I thought she was leading us through somewhere sketch, but suddenly we were at a bar. It's a really laid back and chill environment, it reminds me of having drinks at a friend's place with all the knickknacks decorating the space. We came for early drinks around 5:30 to avoid the lines. They change their menu seasonally, but when I went it was solar themed and the menu was super cute! I can tell they put a lot of thought into their drinks. My favorite part was being able to describe to my waiter the drink I wanted (since all the waiters are bartenders), and have him bring out the perfect drink for me. I really appreciated how when I was there, it felt like the waiters really cared that I liked my drink. This bar was one of my fav parts about visiting Boston, and I can't wait to come back. Highly recommend for a tasty cocktail. read more

backbar - custom drink; I asked for sour, fruity, and with egg white - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

It is nearly impossible to find this bar, but trust me, it is worth the hunt. Once inside, I immediately fell in love with the quirky and eclectic decor with a heavy emphasis on Star Wars. The bar isn't big, but the high ceilings make it feel roomy. The drink menu isn't huge, but every single one of them is done to perfection. We came in when the theme was birds, and the drinks were organized from least toxic to most poisonous. I ordered a Big Bird while my husband had a Black Bird. They were both perfectly balanced, with the right amount of liquor, so it is not overly sweet. read more

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So glad to get to stop by this place. Definitely a spot that fits my vibe. Came here around 8pm on a Thursday and the place was pretty full. The seating is on the intimate side where benches line the walls. I think we were lucky to get a table so soon. A little hard to find if you don't expect this place to be a speakeasy but it's not too hard to find their sign. The drinks were pretty good and I want to try other drinks from their menu. read more

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