4 stars: Beer and cocktails are great. Servers are super knowledgeable and attentive. Bathrooms are cool. Decor and art is cool. Place is small, but with a good vibe. 3 stars: Ramen is underwhelming at best. Very little flavor and portions are small compared to other ramen we have had in the area. read more

I am a recent craft cocktail lover - in years past, I was content with some vodka, Sprite and a dash of lime. But now, thanks to moving to big cities with reputable craft cocktail bars, I'll never go back. I've been a fan of Drink (in Fort Point) for a while now, but was always hesitant to make the trek there as public transportation isn't readily available in the area. So I was thrilled when I learned that there was a similar bar in the Union Square area of Somerville, only a short bus ride away from my apartment. We (my boyfriend and I) decided to check it out after reading a bit online and seeing great reviews. We were definitely not disappointed, and we have since been back several times. The hostess is always nice and accommodating, and you can tell she tries hard to make sure everyone is comfortable with their seating arrangements. The bartenders and waiters are awesome, and they don't mind taking the time to explain exactly what is in each drink, where it comes from and any other tidbits you'd like to know about your libations. As for the drinks, they are delicious. Perfectly concocted and expertly presented. I tend to go for the "Bartender's Choice" drink, and sometimes I will tell them a kind of cocktail I am in the mood for and ask them to put a twist on it. I've never regretted any drink choice I've made at backbar. Also, the food is phenomenal - go for the pork buns and warm olives! I haven't had the chance to try their ramen offering (it's only available during the week), but I'll be sure to try my darndest one of these days. Overall, backbar is a fantastic place if you're in the mood for a laid-back but special night, either with your significant other or a group of friends. read more

Hidden beyond the busy streets of Union Square, down an etch-sketch alley squished between Bronwyn and the Independent. Lies the happiest, little, bar equipped with friendly staff and scrumptious drinks that will turn any long day into a short night. The knowledgable bartenders here have time and time delivered on my request to "surprise me". Often serving me their own flair of classic favorites that make me feel bubbly inside! Occassionally they will host special themed weeks (i.e Starwars Week on May the 4th), with fun, unique drinks made with the theme and customer in mind. backbar isn't meant for dinner, but they do have light snacks that will hit the spot. Especially their popcorn! I can go on and on for awhile, but let's save time and just give it a go. Don't let the alley scare you away. Behind the industrious door is a bar worth going into Fight or Flight mode for. read more

I feel torn giving a bad review because the service I received was really nice! I also like the I just wasn't crazy about the menu and found the drinks too sweet. read more

Great intimate setting to grab drinks at! Having to go though an unmarked door and down the hallway to get to this place, makes this place all the more fun. The addition of 90's music playing in the background is just the cherry on top. This is really a memorable place. read more

I agree with other Yelpers: get here early. It's a small space and I"m sure it fills up fast. It is also a strange space and a seat at the bar is probably a lot nicer and more comfortable than other seats... which are mostly on wood blocks. Not kidding about that one! Wood. Blocks. When we showed up for our reservation (a good idea), we watched as our "table" of stacked wood blocks was set up in front of the upholstered banquette, along with a few more wood blocks for additional seating. It's a more than a little awkward, especially if you're getting some small bites to go along with your drinks. Speaking of the drinks... Pretty damn good! I got the seasonal milk punch, which was caramel apple and really interesting! At first I thought the bite I'd had of the complimentary spiced caramel popcorn had lingered on my tongue, but it was really the punch that I was tasting. I also tried the Union Mule which is Backbar's interpretation of the Moscow Mule; there's a section of the menu that's all inspired by classic cocktails. Can't wait to go back to try more. So the reason I'm going with three stars is because of the awkward seating, but also because of the food, which was disappointing, and the service, which was really uneven. Food first: we got some charcuterie (beef tongue, duck rillettes) that was nice but not spectacular, and I feel like with all the really good charcuterie in town (Craigie on Main, Sel de la Terre, etc.) there's some stiff competition. We also got the "warm plate" of lamb shoulder and rigatoni, and it was cold (!!) and needed salt. We did get an order of popcorn, which was really good, but the popcorn isn't so special that it made up for the boring charcuterie and cold warm plate. Service second: the server was nice and answered all of our questions, but man, did we have the hardest time getting his attention for anything. And that was before the bar really filled up, so I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like when it's crazy busy. All in all, I'd go back to Backbar and give it a second shot, but only for before- or after-dinner drinks and with a reservation. And if I can sit in a real chair! read more

Really nice place to have a nice mixed drink with a light snack to sit and talk with your friends or significant other. Pros: Amazing mixed drinks, cycling menus with new drinks every day and every week, amazing atmosphere, good music, great service, great people. Cons: Occasionally packed (esp weekends), slower service if you're not sitting at the bar The bar's in an alley towards the back of a building and appears sketchy as hell, but the inside is far from it. It's hard to say which drink to recommend since the menu cycles frequently. There's always a new drink of the day and drink of the week, so you never get bored coming back. The popcorn they serve as a light snack (only served for free during early hours) is great with a drink. Definitely bacon is a plus. Plus the two bathrooms right outside the bar are well cleaned and maintained. Definitely a rare thing to see in a bar. If I were to point out any downsides, the ramen wasn't as good as I expected since it didn't fit my taste (very light flavor), but it does have good reviews from others. read more

Love this quiet bar with a speakeasy feel and try to visit when I'm in town. Maybe not the most cutting edge mixology bar ever, but none of the pretense either. Our barkeep Dan took great care of us and the guests around us, offering helpful suggestions to everyone. But what I appreciate most is that he wasn't afraid to ask questions if there was something he didn't know about. Anyone who pretends to know every spirit snd every cocktail is a liar and a fake. It's humility and curiosity that will take you places in this field, as well as a genuine interest in your patrons. Thanks for the excellent service, we'll be back! read more

While speakeasy bars are all the rage in cities across the country this one is just okay. The feel and ambience is just alright. The drinks were good! I'm just not sure if I would call it a speakeasy more just bar with an interesting and intimate atmosphere. read more

backbar - X - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

We were lucky enough to visit this gem during their Star Wars themed week. We had some of the best drinks ever here! That service was outstanding. This is a must visit if you're in the area! read more

Extremely rude staff, slow service, overpriced. The cocktails are tasty, and the bartender was nice, but they screwed up our orders and bills so many times it was ridiculous. One guy in particular, the one with the shaved head apart from the top, physically barred me from walking to the bar to ask for my bill and card back, as opposed to asking my waiter, and asked "what my problem was", despite me being polite. The waiter was nice but some of us never got their drinks and the bills were so wrong we needed to have them re-done repeatedly. read more

The secret is out about backbar! Despite the lack of signage (go into the alley next to Bronwyn and it's the red door on your right), the place was PACKED on a Wednesday night. We had to wait 20 minutes for a seat, but the hostess brought us daquiris while we waited. :) The place has a cool vibe with a black-and-white comic book mural and tables held up with tree stumps. The cocktail list was just a little too cool for me, so I asked the bartender to make me something sweet with rum and he brought a citrusy drink that hit the spot. My friend had the milk punch, which is just as good as other reviews say. The spicy caramel popcorn was not free (maybe we missed happy hour?) but at $3, it's not to be missed. A generous portion comes in a Chinese takeout box and artfully spills over onto the plate. Plus, it's delicious. I loved the vibe of the place and everyone was so kind and went above and beyond to make our experience great. At the end of the day, though, my tastes aren't quite sophisticated enough for backbar. read more

I like this place over the week when it is not crowded :) This place has a laid back atmosphere with good service. I like the new cocktails that they come up with and their awesome snack menu. read more

This definitely met expectations! Went with a girlfriend for drinks after work on a Thursday night. By the time we were heading out (maybe 9 or 10?), it got very busy with a line at the door. When we were there, there was some sort of luau theme going on, but the atmosphere regardless is really fun and loud - it's a small space so it feels very intimate. The drinks were amazing and so were the snacks we tried. read more

Speakeasy cocktail bar hidden in small alleyway. Interior has a cozy, European vibe. Lines can be upwards of an hour, but you can always wait it out at nearby bars (Independent, Brass Union, etc). read more

Was told by a waiter at a near by place to check this hot spot out! I loved it the second I walked in. Fantastic staff that will answer questions about any of the drinks they have. They have amazing hand crafted drinks. This is a great place to bring anyone who loves "the hole in the wall" kind of gigs. Will be going back often! read more

Since there are already 77 gushing reviews of this joint, I will keep mine simple. Aw hell naw, now I have a craving for Gushers. [+] Drinks at backbar are some of the best around. The only local places that come to mind that are on the same level are Drink and Bergamot. [+] Service is fantastic. [+] Atmosphere is unbeatable. Nearly hidden exterior and speakeasy interior. Zebrawood bar and shelves. Dimly lit so as to hide your flaws. Lots of apparatuses. [+] Every table is given a complementary small ramekin of spicy caramel popcorn. You are a jerk if you do not order an additional [larger] bowl at $3 because it is that good. [+] Last time I went here they forgot an order of pork buns. After inquiring as to the status, the waitress brought over the owner who told us it would be out shortly and that it would be on the house. It was a really nice but unnecessary gesture, and it made the pork buns taste even more delicious. Seriously, backbar goes out of it's way to please. Thank you! [+] This is the type of joint where you can tell the bartender what you like and do not like in a cocktail, and they will make a one-off drink just for you. You will like it. I promise. Otherwise, their drink menu is small yet well thought out. My most recent order was a Fall Back (their take on an old-fashioned, with bourbon, maple, walnut and bitters). I ordered more than I care to reveal. [+] I was fortunate enough to attend a class on how to make milk punch here. The owner really loves what he does and is eager to teach others. I hope they do more classes in the future :] [+] backbar is on my personal short list of best of the best in the Boston area. [-] Though pricey, you get what you pay for, and that is unbeatable quality, ingredients, atmosphere, and service. This really isn't a negative point, but I had to balance this review out some how. Shhh. [-] Getting a table for more than 2 people on the weekend can be tough, but hey, the place is incredibly popular, and rightly so, so deal with it. [-] Union Square is a pain in the booty to get to by public transportation, but that is part of the reason the area is so great. Ride your bike. Okay, so that wasn't as simple as I promised. Tough. read more

This is really a 3.5 star place if you include the food, but I'll round up to a 4 because for getting drinks, this bar is pretty clutch. It is one of the more unique bars in the Somerville/Cambridge area I think with top notch bar tenders that always come up with new drinks of the day, month, etc. This place is behind Journeyman, and when you first get there and see the little sign for backbar outside and enter that sketchy looking industrial hallway you will think you are in some weird place you are not supposed to be, but just keep walking and then you'll find Backbar. They take reservations which I suggest since it is not the biggest bar in the world, and the ambiance here is just so cool. Dark interior with blackboard like walls everywhere where they write up food and drink specials. You sit on wooden blocks or use them as tables in some area of the bar which I think is cool. And both servers we have had here are super knowledge about their drinks and how they are made, so if you are thirsty for a well-made cocktail this place is for you. They have food too, but it can be on the pricey side if you are trying to eat here for a whole meal. They do have caramel spiced popcorn with bacon though! That is $8 and it isn't the biggest portion ever, but it is bacon with popcorn and caramel which is pretty awesome. We got their main entree once which was good (lamb if I remember correctly?) but for the price I wasn't that impressed. But this place for drinks is a great choice! read more

Great vibe and amazing cocktails. I could not resist the Bananakin Skywalker and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was not only a triumph of marketing, but a superbly balanced drink. It was a true pleasure to watch these drinks being crafted by talented and knowledgable bartenders. Attention to detail is everything and you folks get it right! read more

Backbar is the most innovative cocktail bar in the country. Stop reading and go check it out. They're smaller and with a limited food menu so the bartenders can take their time and make something really special. I've traveled around the country and love to check out the best reviewed cocktail bars or the winners of Tales of the Cocktail in whichever city I'm visiting and they serve good drinks but nothing that beats what I can get in this little hole in the wall in Union Square. read more

So.... Backbar wasn't quite as magical as I was hoping it would be, but I did rather enjoy my ramen and drink, so... 3 stars it is. The drink I ordered was one of their specials, and it was called Beets by Sam. It was made with beet juice, tequila, and a variety of other things that I just don't remember. It had a bit of a spicy kick to it, which I loved. Definitely the highlight of the night for me. I had sky-high expectations for the ramen, so I should've known that I was going to end up disappointed. I've had better at Sapporo in Porter Square. I would definitely come back for the drinks, though! I'll leave you with one tip- don't show up at 8 PM on a Tuesday and expect that there will be no wait, because it is, well, 8 PM on a Tuesday. They be packed no matter what day of the week it is! read more

So the drinks were certainly inventive, but nothing special. The Star Wars memorabilia made me skin crawl. Normally, I could get over those two things with feeling the need to leave a one-star review (they're personal preference, after all), but our server was rude beyond measure. Would not recommend. read more

It pains me to write this review. I mean it. I've had nothing but love for Journeyman and its owners since they came to the neighborhood. When my husband asked me where I wanted to celebrate my birthday, I said "Backbar!" without a second thought or choice. I regret that now, because my best friend's S.O. was more or less invited to leave after a heated discussion about his inability to get to or sit at our table (he's in a wheelchair). I don't know exactly what was said, but I trust what I was told. So here's my review in total: the cocktails are great, the food is tasty, the ambiance is chic. But I would not recommend Backbar to anyone with concerns about accessibility. There are other places in Union Square with great drinks and eats available with less hassle. read more

Amazing bar in a sort of hidden spot in sanborn ct. The cocktails are just amazing very varied and full of exotic flavors. You can order any drink and they will make it for you. Had fernet and coke, perfectly mixed read more

ohhhhhhh there are no words to describe how I love backbar. I wish there would be a place like this on every corner. This is where you go to get a PROPER cocktail made by mixologists who really know their craft. Great conversation, great place to find a dark corner and have a moment of serenity. Big love, amazing drinks, YAY! read more

What an awesome spot. I love the speakeasy vibe. We showed a little after 8pm on a Saturday, gave our number, got a text about 20 minutes later that they had a table for us. The best thing about this venue is that despite their popularity, they don't try to rush you out. We stayed for about 2 hours and has 3 drinks each. Servers are of course very friendly and helpful with figuring out what you might want. I got a sage vodka drink, smoky bourbon drink, and a julep. The sage was the only one I didn't like - it had sparkling wine and just tasted like watered down wine. We also had spiced Caramel popcorn, which was a fun little snack that lasted almost the entirety of our stay. Definitely recommend this fun spot. read more

Nice, small bar. The weekly drinks were excellent. Small establishment with a Whiskey tasting room also. Was a good time until a waitress kicked us out because a large party was coming in. Left a sour taste. read more

Now this is a hidden gem that I hope stays that way, because I don't want it to become any more popular than it already is. Located in a completely nondescript building in Union Square, which is accessible via a random and discreetly marked "orange door" that brings you to the back of another restaurant. Down the hall is another door with a small sign, and after that little game, you find this hidden bar. The vibe is definitely underground-trendy-classy but doesn't take itself too seriously. There are a bunch of small tables around the bench seatings, and luckily my friend was able to get one just in time as another pair departed. He tried ordering a drink at the bar earlier but was unsuccessful, so I don't think they will serve you if you just walk up and ask - which makes sense so there isn't a mob hanging around the small area. There were also some tables by the bar which were in high demand. The drink menu (and food menu, though we didn't try any of that) was simple and well thought out. A weekly and daily drink special were my pick - the daily was a rum punch that was outstanding. They ran out shortly after I ordered mine, so I lucked out with that. Decided on a second round so I decided to give the weekly special a chance, which was a "fennel back". We guessed it was a tequila infused with the fennel, and I simply detested it. But I figured I'd sip it, and not worry about it, because part of trying new things is sometimes getting something you don't like. Our server asked if there was something wrong with it, so I explained that I didn't like it but would manage because it wasn't bad, and he would not accept that. He asked what I typically liked for spirit and flavor, and I said vodka and citrus. He returned promptly with a perfectly constructed Vodka Tom Collins. This place has incredible potential, and I can't wait to go back and try some new specials. The staff were all incredibly sweet and genuine, not to mention all dressed pretty dapper. Google couldn't find me this place, and I don't want it to. Think of it like the Room of Requirement from Harry Potter - it will appear when you need it for what you want, and no one else can find it. read more

This is my favorite nice bar in town. Skip Drink Skip Brick and Mortar, go to this bar. Just as a warning, finding the entrance can be difficult and expect to wait a while if you get there at night but I guarantee that it is worth it. The prices are cheap/around the prices that you would expect from a Boston bar and the drinks are so much better. They also have really great food to accompany the great food so what more do I need to say about it. read more

Finally got to check this place out over the weekend during Nemo!!! What a perfect way to spend a snowy nice in a secluded little bar. It was the coolest spot and reminded me of one San Francisco! Since it was snowy out I decided to go with one of their specials "hot toddy" made with apple brandy. It was so yummy and felt so smooth going down. I really like this spot and I can't believe it took me this long to check it out. They have us spicy popcorn as a snack which were also tasty. I would like to go back and try some of their small plates and so of their other drinks. read more

Best cocktails I've had in Somerville/Cambridge area. This will now be more go-to bar. The ambiance is cool, trendy, hipster, swanky. The fact that it is tucked behind another big restaurant with a small lit sign that has newcomers wondering if they are in the right place only gives it more appeal. The service was wonderful and more importantly our cocktails were spot on. We got the remember the (Apple) Maine and the fall boiler maker. The remember the Maine is hands down one of the best Manhattan style cocktails I've ever had. I love the fall inspiration and apple notes. The fall boil maker was the best beer cocktail I've had. Who knew a can of coors could taste SO good! I'm gonna try to recreate it at home! Love this place. Will definitely go back to try some of their bites. read more

While in Boston, we stumbled by this place due to Yelp. We had dinner prior to visiting and we wanted some drinks and possibly baos....we saw baos in the photos!! Backbar is not the easiest place to find as it is behind the building of a series of restaurants. I actually find this entrance quite interesting and good thing it was during the summer time because we circled back and forth to find this place. Once we went in, we had to wait for a table and the restaurant itself is a bar so it is loud, dark but super fun. The staff is really knowledge and would craft a customized drink to your liking and taste. It is indeed interesting although the drinks we got were flavourful but strong! They have some interesting snacks- unique flavoured popcorn and Asian influenced hot dogs. We got this duck pate to share since they did not have baos anymore. I also saw on the wall that they serve ramen but on certain days form what I recall. It would be worth a try next visit. I am not quite sure what kind of bar this is.. Possibly Asian fusion but it was a great experience with great staff, interesting drinks and great company! read more

So fun. Bartender was really nice and the drinks were great. My only issue was their system for waiting for a table/spot at the bar is really confusing and no host explains anything because the host is barely to be seen. You just wait in line and when you get to the front someone finally seats you. read more

Really great amalgam of flavors in their ramen. Got to chat with a very friendly bartender who obviously loves what he does and he gave me tips on how to deal with tarnish on my Moscow mule cups, told me that the bar purchased the vintage tea cups and saucers at an estate sale and fixed me a great drink (tell your bartender a spirit and a flavor, mine was white whiskey and citrus). He ended up fixing me an amazing drink that had fresh citrus with nutmeg and whiskey, with a base of bitters. It was heavenly. The hot toddy is great and dreamy. The hotdog was amazing! I must return. read more

My 3 friends and I had a FANTASTIC time last night at backbar. The staff was the friendliest I have ever encountered in a bar or restaurant. Always present but not hovering, great drink suggestions, attentive to our order, and quick to bring a replacement drink when one of us picked the wrong drink (tasted good, but not the flavor she was looking for). I tried the Cinnamon Collins. Great taste and a sign of an experienced bartender. Menu had classics as well as interesting spins on cocktails at a moderate price. Can't wait to return. read more

It's a really great speakeasy. Cool atmosphere, cheap drinks (relatively), and good service. Hard to find at first since it's down a random alley but isn't that the point? The drinks are very well made. Will be back. read more

The atmosphere is definitely what this place has going for them. The interior is gorgeous and super hipster. The wait staff were friendly but forgot about us after we had our drink in hand. It's difficult to find if you didn't know what you were looking for and that's their charm. The wait wasn't too bad on a Saturday night. Their drinks were strong but delicious. The miss that night was the ranch flavored popcorn with kale sprinkles. It was hyped up and our batch didn't even taste full popped. Majority of it was hard, chewy, and got stuck in my teeth. read more

Had the best time when I came here! I live 5 minutes away and never heard of it or seen it. It's hidden in a side street/alley with no sign but then you walk through the hall and there it is! There isn't a very large drink menu but there is not really a need because the bartenders are really helpful and will make you something amazing if you tell them what you typically like to drink. The staff here is very friendly and funny. There is no real food menu here though- charcuterie plate and some other snacks. Great place for after dinner drinks. read more

I want to absolutely love Back Bar. It's chic and funny (what with the speakeasy aspect). The staff is absolutely delightful and friendly and gives free popcorn and mini-drinks when things are running slowly. The drinks themselves are excellent but not absolutely awe-inspiring. Their milk punches take the cake- I've tried two and they both packed a hidden punch and tasted like candy, but in a good way, not in a syrupy, girly drink way. The A&W that they had as a weekly special was excellent, and the Model T is a winner. I tried the Campari & chartreuse based Duchess last time, and it was just a little too bitter, and not the most interesting take on that combination I've had. The bartenders at Hungry Mother have toyed with those flavors for me and gotten something with a little more depth. The cheap boilermaker wins, though. I've only sampled the brown and brown version, which was 4 Roses bourbon and a very nice beer that I have now forgotten, but anywhere that has green chartreuse as part of a boilermaker is a winner, in my opinion. In the future, that's maybe going to be go to, followed by a milk punch for dessert. The thing is, it's a great addition to Union Square- it's a good stop before a couple of other, slightly cheaper drinks or beers at The Independent. It's enjoyable and elegant in a way, while also being super duper trendy. But it's also just another almost-Brooklyn spot in the area, with drinks that are experimental and more interesting than a generally accepted cocktail. And the speakeasy nature, with the reservations and all, gets a little troublesome when you just want to stop by for a quick drink or something whilst out on the town. I mean, you don't have to have reservations, but there's not exactly any waiting space, nor does it seem you are really welcomed to do that. You do enter in a reasonably unmarked (just a small plaque) door, from an alley. And go down a terribly lit hallway to the bar itself. And like Drink, whence its manager came, it's also vaguely trying to hard. The atmosphere is nice- dark with a beautiful bar and booze display. The seating is slightly awkward, especially if you are in a larger group, but it's good for people watching. But the scene itself is just slightly strange- a little older than one might expect. Again, like Drink, I've loved going here with people with whom I want to spend time and chat, but this is not a go out to meet someone bar. And that's fine by me, as an old-fashioned lady. But I feel like it should be put out there for others. So, Back Bar is fun. It's trendy and hip and adds to the ever-growing momentum of things trendy and hip in Union. But it's not like it's a world changer, either. read more

Cozy little bar attached right next to the Journeyman restaurant. This place reminds me of Drink in Fort Point. Drinks are reasonably priced and the staff are knowledgeable about drinks. They even give you a nice serving of popcorn to start off with. :D read more