The good news first: had a great time overall. Waited outside in the cold for only about 15 min before the hostess took our number and said she'd text us. That freed us up to go get some dinner nearby. Once we got in, we were ushered to a cozy table. decor and vibe were fun, service was attentive and polite. Drinks were very enjoyable and rather pricy, but I get that we were paying for the experience as well. The experience was fun -- no spoilers here, but there were some nice little surprises. Only bad news: your experience to some extent depends on your neighbors, and boy howdy the table next to us got filled with the loudest college students in Boston. Otherwise, had a blast. Would return. read more

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Definitely not an easy find, but that makes it more fun. When we finally found it, we needed to put our name in and waited about 2 hours to get a seat. They just text you when your seat is available. The place is very cool with a witch-like theme with snake decor and they have menu's that light up with a black light pen. Once you're in the experience is worth it. The bartenders are friendly and definitely have a passion for what they are doing. I ordered the BRUJO ROJO - Vago Ensemble Private Barrel, Ocho Plata, tomato water, pink peppercorn, lime acid, celery & cucumber bitters. It was drinkable, but I didn't love it. DRAGON GATE - Erguotou, Kota pandan, ginger, sesame, coconut, astragalus, wasabi, lime. My wife loved it, but I couldn't handle another sip...lol. Overall, very cool setting with unique drinks. You almost have to try it once or even twice. read more

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While the ambiance felt inviting and exclusive, the waitlist was excessive and ultimately not worth it. After nearly an hour, we were offered a spot that didn't even accommodate our party of four, leaving one person to stand the entire time with a "seat" on what appeared to be a bookshelf. It felt disorganized and awkward. We would have preferred not to be seated at all, especially since we left another spot (that sat all 4 of us) around the corner once we got off the waitlist. The $22+ cocktails were "pre-batched" (aka, pre-made), which further diminished the experience. While the atmosphere is stylish and fitting for a night out, the overall experience didn't justify the wait or price. I also genuinely didn't enjoy a single drink. I wouldn't return, and I wouldn't recommend it for groups larger than two. read more

Hecate - Menu - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I've been here twice now. The first time I thought it was okay, maybe it's because I was hot and placed right under a bright light, not that I'm afraid of being in the spotlight. Second time I came the experience was much much better. The staff were so friendly and accommodating. The drinks were amazing and an experience. As far as the ambiance and vibes, it definitely yells speakeasy. Will be back! read more

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Was with a group of 8 on Thursday night, the day before the Independence Day holiday. We had no reservation but they were kind enough to add us to a waitlist and text us when they had space. We missed the text but came back about 45 min before last call. They were able to accommodate our whole party at the wrap-around bar which seated exactly 8. The menu is themed and each cocktail had a fun curated description, associated character, and backstory, and serving glass. The cocktails run around $20+ but each are crafted to order in front of you, which if you're sitting at the bar, is quite a spectacle! There are tons of unique props and methods used to craft these cocktails, and they had beautiful garnishes as well. Definitely a better spot for a cozy date night or a small group rather than a large party (could really only talk to those seated directly on either side of me) but still had a fun experience! read more

Dope speakeasy in Back Bay. The bartender was so creative and knowledgeable we stayed for all 9 of his signature drinks the vibe was dark and magical. No food, just perfectly crated cocktails with a story to tell. 10/10 recommended in you're in the area. read more

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It was truly a speakeasy. We arrived at the general area and saw many people walk away because they didn't think they had it right. (I'm glad they had a 30---to 120-minute wait.) We threw our name on the list and sat in the very small, very Cavey-looking waiting area. The dark and mysterious environment adds to the drama. Our hostess was excellent and not only kept us entertained but also did a magnificent job explaining how it works to everyone coming in and offering us a couple of cocktails. Made the time go by very fast, she gave us amazing bar seats and we had a few. Really complicated and high end, inventive cocktails Loved the cocktail slingers, the hostess and everyone around us. No Wonder It had win Best cocktail places in the world. read more

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Located in a hidden alley way perfect for a speakeasy. The restaurant was witch themed so the decoration and ambiance was accordingly. We put our names down at 7 but didn't get our seats until around 9:30. The place was very small with limited seating. We got the nightmarch and hagalaz. The nightmarch had a fruity pinapple taste and my favorite part was the foam. The hagalaz had a creamy nutty flavor and was my favorite. They had very unique flavors in their cocktails which made me reach out of my comfort zone. The bartender was very friendly and helpful with the menu selection. The drinks were pretty expensive for Boston pricing. Overall, I did have a good time but the wait and the price was a lot. read more

Hecate - Nightmarch - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

We were excited about visiting here because of all the hype on the website. It promotes itself to be a witchy place and even says be ready for turbulence. We were on a girls spooky weekend to Boston/Salem and that peaked our interest. What we found is a very dark and small area where the drink menu is a book that is supposed to look like potions and a very small list of appetizers. My drink, the Weights and Measures, I thought was very good. It was strong. But, my sister-in-law was not happy that her drink was served in a skull and she didn't like the taste. She felt it was more black than white magic. Needless to say, we had one drink and left, disappointed since the drinks were very expensive at almost $25 each, including the tip and it wasn't an experience like the website promotes. Skip this tourist trap. read more

5/5 Malleus Maleficarum 5/5 Secret Commonwealth -- loved the touch of toast and jam on this fruity cocktail 4.5/5 Weights and Measures -- much more spirit forward than the other ones we ordered. This is a really small space with a lovely ambiance, where the bartenders are all very friendly and attentive. Would recommend trying to come on the earlier side (~5pm) to avoid a wait! read more

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Was there at about 5pm on a Saturday. Was turned away because we had a group of six people. Didn't matter that we would each be a paying customer or that we would break into small groups. Host was VERY rude even though I remained kind. She just shut down my questions and ignored me. 100% not a good vibe. Go create your own witchy shit. It'll be much better. read more

Listen... $20 per cocktail is a bit out there, but stay with me. These, as cheesy as it sounds, were works of art. The presentation, the preparation, the flavors- all of the cocktails we tried were nearly damn perfect and specialities I know for SURE I can't recreate at my home bar. Not to spoil it for you, but getting there is a true speakeasy experience (no password required- just hard to find). The ambience and decor is BEAUTIFUL and holds true to the theme, along with the menu itself. Service was impeccable. Shoutout to Andy for the great conversations and recommendations. Hoping to come back one day soon! read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Super cute speakeasy and had a great bartender. We had to join the waitlist to get it so we waited maybe around 20-30 min before we were able to get in. Bartender was super friendly and the drink I had was tasty alongside its display. I really liked the theme of this spot! read more

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I loved it here. After 3 failed attempts, I finally got in at 5:30pm on a Wednesday. The place is tiny, so I understand why seating can be so difficult. Our waitress had a great understanding of the menu and guided our choices perfectly. I was interested in whichever drink they'd consider their "showiest" so I got the Clarks 3rd Law drink. The preparation included a dramatic pour of the drink as well as glitter spray. I absolutely loved it. I would have ordered it for the presentation alone but it was actually delicious as well. I very rarely enjoy a whiskey based cocktail but it was truly excellent. Also the dark ambiance was very cool I loved it so much overall. read more

Hecate - Interior - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Ambiance and service was awesome. I enjoyed the food and ate a lot. It is very hard to get in here, this was my 5th attempt. The beauty of this place was so worth it. I wasn't the biggest fan of the drinks, but the bartender made me a drink of my own and I really loved it! The wine list is also equally amazing! read more

Loved this spot! Everything was extremely well thought out from the decor to the menu to the glassware. I was lucky to have shown up just after open, so we were able to snag 2 seats at the bar (best seats in the house, btw) and watch the bartender do their magic. The bartender was extremely kind and held a crazy wealth of knowledge about the menu. Took a hot minute for my eyes to adjust to the darkness inside the dungeon, but no biggie Tl;dr: it as a very very cool experience with beautiful drinks with complex flavors. Nerd's paradise! read more

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Come to Hecate for a very New York-style cocktail speakeasy experience, hidden right in the heart of Boston! Deliciously unique drinks, excellently curated atmosphere, and knowledgeable bar staff set this place apart. There was a short wait when I arrived, but they got people in as quickly as possible. Drinks felt appropriately priced for the level of craft and precision that I'm sure went into each one. I hope they consider adding some small bites down the road! Will definitely have to come back. read more

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Not to be pretentious, but I've been to some of the "best bars in the world"... and Hecate is up there with some of the best that cocktail culture has to offer right now. Put aside the incredible ambiance and Jewel's excellent service. The Quintessence and Nightmarch are perfect approachable starters. The Dragon Gate and Sylvan Echoes are absolute symphonies of flavors. I'll defame the Palo Caldero and the Tides of Bujan by saying that they were our least favorite by comparison. And the pupusa was a super good kinda sweet bite to go along with the drinks. Is it pricey? Of course. Is there a wait? Often. But this is craft cocktail culture at its finest--go elsewhere if you want something more basic. read more

Great experience. Service was extraordinary! Newish speakeasy that's pretty hard to get into. Drinks are creative and delicious but quite pricey. It's dimly lit inside and seating is fairly limited and tight. I would go again for the experience! read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Hecate is an intimate, cool, and cozy speakeasy that was the perfect spot for a girls night. The bar had a witchy theme with unique themed drinks versed in urban legends. Our favorites (as two girls who don't like alcohol that tastes like alcohol) were the moon mansion and bifrost. Our server was fantastic - so friendly, attentive, festive, knowledgeable about the drinks, and versed in the lore of Hecate. Such a fun experience I would definetly recommend if you are lucky enough to find this place :) read more

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This place had all the makings of a 5/5 bar. A low-lit, moody, intimate space tucked inside a Back Bay alleyway, with a super creative, unique and delicious cocktail menu. Hecate has a dark, but fun vibe with a distinct personality. The staff were all very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I will definitely be coming back to try the rest of the cocktails I didn't get to tonight. read more

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What a unique and fun way to spend a night in back bay! Keep in mind there will likely be a long wait if you come during peak hours (upwards of 3+ hours), but I think it's worth the wait if you can find something to fill the time with! We walked around to another bar and came back when our table was open, and I was not disappointed by our experience at all. The space is incredibly small and intimate, with only a couple seats available. The decor really makes it feel like you're in a cozy little cave. Our server was really sweet and gave us a great introduction. It seemed like they had a wide variety of options for every taste preference, and I was really impressed with my drink, even with the higher price tag. I highly recommend everyone to try this spot if they have the chance to, I will definitely be back to try more! read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

While I didn't have any food at Hecate, the service and especially the ambiance were amazing. I loved the experience and the cocktails were really good! Make sure to take a good look at the men read more

Overhyped and unwelcoming. I was really excited to check this place out but when we stopped in for a pre-dinner drink before our reservation at Krasi, we found this speakeasy experience extremely disappointing. The bar was nearly empty, yet the staff seated the four of us in a narrow hallway facing a wall, with very limited space. The main bar area was fully open, so we asked if we could sit there and were told it was "for couples only"--even though we were two couples. There was no reservation sign or explanation, and the refusal felt arbitrary and unwelcoming. To make matters worse, staff later complained that we were "using our phone light," to see the menu even though where we had been placed had no lights or candles. Service was slow and inattentive, and no one came to take our order in a reasonable amount of time, so we eventually left without even having a drink. Overall, the experience felt dismissive and uninviting, and we won't be returning. read more

This bar was incredibly cool! Let me just say I couldn't really find it, but Krasi said go to the alley and you'll see a sign that says select oysters. Behold! It was a speakeasy in a cavernous ambiance.Host Gabriel was the sweetest and coolest guy. He explained the bar rules. It was small and cozy but secretively cool with the candle lighting and the cave theme. The cocktails were creatively amazing. I had two different ones one that was the Moon Mansion and the Bifrost! So good!! I sampled Clark's 3rd Law and Frater Bruno! What a fun place for a cocktail. They also had small bites and I got the devil eggs which were delicious. I would definitely come back here. Again good place for a drink before dinner or after dinner. read more

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Been a few times. Cool vibes, but not worth the 25$ cocktails, especially when dealing with an insanely annoying / rude hostess.

Hard to find speakeasy but once you find it , it's truly an experience. Not sure why the bad rap , but the staff was SUPER friendly ! From the host to the server and wait staff . It's a small spot with only 24 seats. We arrived at 5:00pm and only waited a few minutes to be seated . The place is dark but ambiance is amazing ! Every drink has a story and the flavors are out of this world good . Definitely going back to try their new menu . read more

Not sure how to give a fair review, but I just want to save others from wasting time & money like we just did. I'm sure it's awesome if you can get in, but this is not a typical bar where you can go in and wait for a spot to open up. We just wasted $40 and over an hour of our night Ubering down here and then back after being told there was a 1-hour waitlist. I'm not writing this to bash the place at all. Good for them if they're that busy. But just FYI - we attempted to come here at 11 pm on a random Wednesday, and we couldn't get in. Think about that before you pay to get a ride over here, and for my fellow Hunger Games fans, "May the odds be ever in your favor." read more

I was surprised when I saw such a low yelp score. This place was a real speakeasy because it was a little difficult to find. There drinks were super good really interesting and the interior made you feel like you were in a cave. It had cool potion bottles and stuff on the walls. It was VERY small so it's better for a small group. The wait time was long but you just put your name down and leave so that was so good! They give you 15 minutes to arrive when they tell you the table is ready. They only serve drinks so know that before you go! read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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I finally got to try this speakeasy tucked inside the alley of Newbury that's so hard to get in because of a long waitlist. We (a party of two) got on the waitlist around 7pm on a friday night and there were 23 parties ahead. Got in only around 10pm! It was definitely worth the wait. We got seated at the bar which enhanced the experience since we got to see what the bartender was doing. The bartender and all the staff were very friendly and knows the drinks so well - gives good recs. The drinks were on the pricier side but they all hit the right notes. Will come back again to try different ones. - 4.6/5 read more

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My friend and I waited for months to get in here and the place didn't disappoint. Taking 0.5 stars off for the slow service. Great fun drinks!!! Be patient to get in. Ambience is clubish sophisticated vibes. You'll have a good time I promise. read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This place is just magical. The entrance, the seating, even the bathroom--everything was such a vibe. I love this place so much that I even went back to Hecates the second time, third time... countless times by myself! We ordered the Nagual (I think that's how it is spelled). The drink was so yummy! The bartender described it as a trip to the Caribbean. While it is expensive ($20), the drink is fairly priced, since the ingredients are top-shelf. Make sure you provide the correct phone number because you will receive a text message to confirm your seating. You can click on the link and watch your progress in line. Good luck, and enjoy the amazing experience! read more

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TLDR: If you're looking for an exclusive experience with very unique cocktails, this is the place for you. Anyone who's interested in speakeasys will love this place. Don't come to Hecate expecting to order a standard Martini, Margarita or Old Fashioned. Hecate's menu features ~10 unique cocktails that are prepared with lots of ingredients you've either never heard of or have never had in a beverage. Their menu changes seasonally based on what ingredients are fresh. Each cocktail costs roughly ~$20 per drink. Be ready to wait for this a table as there's only about 26 seats total and patrons tend to hang around for a bit. We went on a Wednesday night and still have to wait ~45 minutes for a table. The benefit is that you can now add your name to the waitlist and get a text when your table is ready. Beware that the restaurant is very very dark, as its part of the theme. If you're not sitting at one of the 6-8 bar seats you won't see the bartenders making the drinks nor have any light. Other seats include two large couches that seat 6-8 people and two very small bar tables that seat 2 people each. We sat at one of the small bar tables and it was not very comfortable and the table barely fit 2 cocktails and 2 glasses of water on them. read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My favorite bar in Boston! If you like unique cocktail bar experience, Hecate is a must-try!

Went here on a whim looking for a cool spot for drinks and remembered seeing this on Apple Maps. It's a really small place with only like 20 seats so we had to wait but it was well worth the wait. The drinks were good and came in cool glasses. The vibes inside were very underworld-esque- loved it. Would definitely recommend if you're willing to wait! read more

Hecate - Speakeasies Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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This speakeasy cave like lounge is nice vibe. No food is served. the staff is very much about the experience. Cute themed cocktails that match the vibe. read more

Went there for my birthday host was rude Told me everyone has birthdays lol wasn't ready for that. Proceeded to wait out in the cold for about 20 minutes and she said nothing to me and my wife walked back in asked to talk to someone else nicely. Someone else came up and said that they have no room for us for the rest of the night. Wondered why the other lady told me to wait outside plenty of other good speakeasies in Boston don't waste your time here everybody's rude and does not like their job. Very disappointed always wanted to go there too until now. read more

Hecate was such a unique experience, I loved it. The only reason I'm giving 4 stars was that the drinks were pricey, but I understand that you're paying for the experience too. It was great talking to Andy, he was a great bartender and very friendly. Drinks and deviled eggs were yummy. I wouldn't recommend for someone who doesn't like the experiment with cocktails. They were very unique but that's what makes Hecate so special. It was super cool inside. Very dark but it went with the vibes. Menu was fun to flip through. Definitely would recommend coming here for a special occasion but make sure to come early and put your name down. They don't take reservations otherwise and the wait can be a while. read more

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Wow. Normally I'm not in it for a $20 cocktail... but this place makes me want to go back asap. Drinks are delicious and FUN. Ambience is unlike anything else-- think cavern. If you think the storybook/magic theme might be a lot, have comfort knowing this place is trendy on the inside. Absolutely mainstream Instagrammable albeit very dark. Wear glasses if you have them. The service here is impeccable. The host is incredible, she brought glasses of water to the waiting area before I had been seated and was kind and thorough the entire time. The bartender also did an excellent job of explaining things. I'd say the service was what made the price of the drinks bearable. I will absolutely be back but will not be bringing my friends who have poor vision. read more

Walked in at 12:00am. Instantly when we walked in bartenders gave us negative looks. Another bartender walked up told us they were closed and to come back another day. We asked if they closed at 1am and she said yes but that they had already done serving for the night. Just disappointed with the experience read more