I would give 2.5 stars, but yes, I rounded down for a reason. Service was inconsistent. One bartender was fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. He also made a delicious cocktail based on our stated likes. The other bartender was mostly smug, sexist and ignorant (about his profession as well as the world.) The manager on duty sat at the bar and did not seem to care about running the establishment at all. My friend and I went here starving but ended up at Redbones because the food here did not sound appetizing to us. It might float some people's boat, but even still, it was pretty pricey. And...the sign?! Like many other yelpers we had to ask at Foundry where the bar was. I guess that's the speakeasy vibe they're going for, but it only works if people are saying good things about your bar that make others WANT to go and find it. It did have a nice atmosphere (though it still smells like paint) and the selection of whiskey was broad. read more

This is supposed to be one of those speak-easy bars, so the entrance is somewhat hidden as there's no sign. Just use the entrance for the davis square theater and it'll be on your left at the bottom of the stairs. This spot is pretty cool. Nothing that especially stands out about it, but they have an extensive drink menu and plenty of seating. I didn't try any of their food, but if you're just looking for a place to chill and grab drinks with friends, this fits the bill just fine. read more

Saloon feels like you are entering a vampire layer from interview with a vampire. I mean that in a good way by the way. I have been here a few times but have not tried the food. The drinks are great and most are real strong. They have a good beer selection and my favorite is their Kentucky Bourbon beer. It is aged in bourbon barrels and is real tasty. I would recommend Saloon for a dinner date because it is a nice atmosphere and I have heard the food is great. The place does fill up on weekend nights and can get a bit packed so if you are going there on a weekend night be sure to get a seat at the bar or a table otherwise you are screwed and will not enjoy the experience as much as you would otherwise. We tend to start here for a few strong drinks and then migrate to other bars but it is up to you. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Cool spot! While it is a cocktail and whiskey bar (speakeasy), I only had a beer, so I can't really speak to that. But the drinks did look good. The atmosphere was really fun. Dark and intimate without losing its sense of fun, Saloon hosts table and bar seating, and some standing room. Admittedly, the evening was far more enjoyable from our table than my impression of the standing spots, but that's just me. Saloon had a distinctly different feel from other bars in the area which was a nice change of pace for an evening. If you see that doorway, take a walk down the stairs; definitely worth trying at least once. read more

Ehh not especially impressed with Saloon. First, ugh to the long lines to get into this bar. Second, this isn't Williamsburg (see my review for Maison Premiere). I think Saloon is trying too hard. The ambiance is painfully forced. Whoever designed the place did a horrible job. Before I managed to grab a seat at the bar I was constantly trying to dodge waiters and waitresses. The place has poor acoustics, which is pretty much pathetic for a fairly new venue (for a place that's supposedly high end they should have invested a little more in their design). As for service, meh. Perhaps I'm not enough of a trendsetter. The snobby, male, blonde bartender was pretty much rude to me and pushed me off on his female comrade. The female bartender was at least friendly and somewhat helpful. I was pretty turned off that they didn't offered Newcastle (I guess their focus is more on their spirits, but whatever). Instead she offered me a $10 import (for a beer I feel like that's a little bit ridic, but what do I know). I was relieved when my friend called to say they couldn't get in, as by the time I was finished with my beer I was more than ready to leave. read more

I really like the vibe Saloon has with the music reminiscent of the roaring 20's. I half expected to look over and see a live band, alas there wasn't one. The bartenders were also dressed the part which was a nice touch. I went on a Saturday night just for drinks. By the time we got there the place was already packed. It seemed like no matter where you stood, you'd eventually be in someone's way. It also took quite some time to wade through and get a drink. But by 11:30 or so you could clearly tell it was starting to clear out and it was definitely more breathable then. The drinks were good, I had the the first one on the menu that was gin based. Nicely garnished with orange peel and a good flavor. However, I'm not sure if it was that good that I'd go back knowing how crowded and then so hard is it to really talk to your group it is. Also heads up, cell service is really, really spotty because you are in a basement. I managed to do the hold the phone this way and that to get out a couple messages. So if you're trying to coordinate your group getting there, it will be hard. read more

So Saloon is pretty hip. It's hidden(ish). The first time I went there it was by mistake. I was trying to find the davis square theater and wandered into Saloon. I thought, huh this looks pretty cool. I've been back a few times since (never for food, just drinks) and its OK but nothing amazing, They have a great selection of Whiskeys, pretty solid beer choices and a handful of cocktails. The Cocktails I have had, I am just not that crazy about. Maybe im not choosing the right things but I feel like saloon just leaves something to be desired (its not easy on your wallet either). Again though, the atmosphere is great. It LOOKS like a saloon, but a real classy one. The Bartenders and servers have been nothing but friendly, quick and helpful. I'd say you should check out Saloon at least once, but it probably won't make it on the list of regulars. read more

Yup. Love this place - and love that it brings a touch of class to Davis while maintaining the hipster chic that the D Square is known for. Love the space, kind of made me wish I a.) still smoked and b.) could still smoke in bars. Has the dark basementy finish of a speak easy and an inventive cocktail list heavy on craft/infused whiskey. Pork belly bourbon sounded like the greatest thing ever, and while it achieved the balance of piggy smoke to Kentucky mash- it turns out that I like my whiskey with pork on the side, not within. Who knew. Love it. Will be back frequently. read more

Gotta say, Saloon is pretty great, in an oddly mid-century, business man's bar sort of way. If they were really going for the pre-Prohibition saloon, they sort of missed the feel: everything is just a little too polished. But it's ok, because they make up for it with the high, high quality of the drinks. I've now tried a couple of whiskey-based cocktails, and I would have happily sat at the bar and continued to drink, except they packed a serious kind of punch. I mean, really. This is maybe not the spot to start out a night, unless you're feeling like having a floaty kind of night. But they are adult, complicated cocktails that are completely devoid of any saccharine sweetness. They are the fancy, 21st century version of the pre-prohibition cocktail, using old-school bitters and brown alcohols. They do have a pretty awesome bourbon list, and a very nice selection of beers on tap. I must admit that I will have to update my review when I have tried the food, but the menu, with pork belly and all, looked good but not exactly different from other similar locations. Perhaps that is my only complaint about Saloon: it doesn't exactly fulfill a new or different role in Somerville. It is another place boasting bespoke but delicious cocktails paired with fancy, rich farm-to-table style pub food. And its atmosphere may be better than the too corporate relative upstairs, Foundry, but it's not exactly perfect. That being said, there is nowhere else in Davis that fills this. The other spots are off in Union, or in Cambridge. So though the area may or may not NEED another spot to get really good cocktails, David Square might. And it certainly has one in Saloon. read more

Saloon is an underground mysterious bar located right in the heart of Davis Square. It is sort of like a speakeasy so I had a little trouble finding it the first time around. It is literally located right below a movie theater sign. There are several parking spots on elm street and highland avenue so that should not be an issue. Ambiance: Since there are not any real signs, you have to guess the location, open the door and hope you guessed right. As you walk into the Saloon, you gallivant down the stairs and enter a dark and gloomy room. It has an earthy classic look with dark wood, brick walls and leather furniture....Elegant and mysterious. The menu is written on brown paper to give it that old fashioned look. I like that they only have a handful of items on the menu, as this implies that all of these items are their specialties. I ordered the partisian gnocchi which was served with portabella mushrooms. The gnocchi was actually very delicious. I was shocked since most bars don't have the best food. I must say I was quite impressed. Overall, I had a lovely experience at Saloon. This is the type of place where I would want to bring people visiting me from out of town. It has such a mysterious ambiance with solid food. If you live in Davis or Porter Square and you have not yet visited Saloon, you are missing out! read more

I've been to Saloon a few times now, and generally, I think it's an ok place. There are a few things that have rubbed me the wrong way, however: -Came in on Saturday night and the bartender helping us was obviously shitfaced. I understand bartenders getting drunk at bars, but this is supposed to be a "classy" establishment. The bartender drunkenly took our order (after taking a long swig of whiskey), promptly forgot that he took our order and started unloading the dishwasher. He came back five minutes later and asked what we wanted again. Long story short, it took about 10-15 minutes to get two drinks even though this bartender wasn't helping anyone else. -My friend got locked out of the bar at 1 am because he went to smoke. I've never been somewhere that locks people out after a certain time when it's still open. Not only was he locked out, but the bouncers wouldn't allow us to walk outside for ten seconds and let him know what was going on. -I've waited in line here and been told they wouldn't let anyone else in until at least 10 people exited. Not sure why it wouldn't be a standard "one in, one out" unless they're letting way too many people in to begin with. Overall, the drinks here are ok. I'm not a huge whiskey fan, so this probably wouldn't have been a regular stop for me anyway. I did enjoy the bacon flavored whiskey drink I had once, solely for the novelty of it. read more

Count me a fan. I've been I think four times now, and had a great experience each time. As others have mentioned, the wait staff are terrific, casual but knowledgeable (shout-out to Megan!). I love the decor, dark and cozy. Drinks are solid, though I've pretty much stuck to bourbonny-types so far. The Old Pal is definitely one you want in your corner. They have Antica Formula for the best manhattan evah. And better yet - they did me up a manhattan with maple syrup and their pork-belly-infused rye! That thing kicked ass; we called it an "Upstate" (you know, like a manhattan, but more rural...). Hoping they add it to the menu at some point. :) The food is pretty great. I've had the fish and chips, the steak, and the burger, all of which I enjoyed. The creamed spinach with the steak was a little too salty, but the meat itself was great. The fish and fries were cooked to perfection, nice and crispy without being too greasy. And the burger (done as a play on steak au poivre, with a brandy cream sauce) was creative and nommy. One issue for me is the lack of dessert choices. Trifle and creampuffs? C'mon Saloon, I know you guys could throw down on a sticky toffee pudding or even just classic chocolate layer cake... Solid four stars. Oh, pro-tip: now that a lot of people have discovered this place, it gets CROWDED into the evening, especially toward the weekend. I really like heading here around 5:30-6, grabbing a table for dinner, and then heading out as the crowds are expanding. YMMV. Saloon, keep it up and you've got a friend for life. read more

Saloon is probably the classiest bar that Davis Square has to offer. If you want a break from the Burren and you're down to pay at least $10 for one drink, Saloon is not a bad option. I haven't had any food here, so this review is for drinks only. If you like whiskey, Saloon has very respectable whiskey menu. There is a decent beer selection, but Saloon isn't really the place to go to grab a beer. You can get a Bud Light in a mason jar for $3.5, though (lol). You can also get PBR and a shot of Jim Beam combo for $10....great deal? Wine selection is not great. I've come here a few times and had a few cocktails. The Green Thumb ($10) tastes super fresh, with tequila (probably why I like it), cucumber, lime, and ginger. It's hard to make a drink with tequila and lime taste bad, though. Not sure if it was worth $10 but the drink was good. The Silver Dollar ($12) was also pretty good. I'm not usually a fan of gin but I liked it. My standard drink, the whiskey sour, was...standard. I feel like the Burren makes a comparable whiskey sour for *only* $7. But at Saloon you're definitely paying extra for ambiance. I tried the Pisco Sour after a friend recommended it. It's not on any of the menus so you may have to ask for it. I can't get used to having raw egg in my drink, but if you want to try something new/cool, get the pisco sour. Service is fine. Then again, college students who will only order one drink each probably aren't a waiter/waitress's #1 priority. I've always gotten my drinks in a timely manner. I never noticed this place before I actually came here. It is underground and the stairway leading down to it is completely unmarked. The people that usually come here are definitely post-college. Saloon is pretty much the complete opposite of the Burren or Sligo Pub. Saloon gets 3 stars: drinks are satisfactory, vibe is good, prices are probably the highest in Davis Sq. read more

I was really excited to check out Saloon - so I just joined a friend there for dinner. Have to say I won't be making that mistake twice. In regard to the menu, they only have about 5-6 items to choose from - I should have checked that out in advance. That said, our meals were fine...however - our service was just awful. For one thing, our waitress was clearly Lebowski levels of stoned. For another...our drinks didn't arrive until our food was nearly finished. I mean... really? Business was super slow, no excuse for a delay - and..well...it's a bar. Drinks are their primary item. Once served, my drink was great, but it wasn't worth the 30 minute wait. I can safely say I won't be returning to Saloon for dinner. I might go back to sit at the bar as it really does offer a nice setting. I know this place is new, but man, does it need some work in terms of service. read more

I have always despised whiskey. Until I found this place. I moved to the area not too long ago and was turned onto this place by a coworker. He said it was like a hidden, southwestern speakeasy where the bartenders wore suspenders. And let me tell you, I like a challenge just as much as I like bartenders in suspenders. So my fiancé and I went out to find it. We walked down the stairs beneath the theater and found ourselves in a dimly lit bar area with plenty of character. The only things missing were those saloon doors you see in cowboy movies. Our bartender WAS wearing suspenders, and promptly greeted us with menus and suggestions. I had some sort of specialty cocktail, and my fiancé had the Revolver (per my coworker's recommendation). My cocktail took a back seat to the Revolver, even though it had whiskey in it. It's amazing and it's a kick in the pants. Take a walk on the wild side and try that thing. The only thing I've eaten at Saloon is the cheese plate. It's good, but only comes with one cheese - so if you don't like the daily selection, you're out of luck. A few pieces of toasted baguette and a few fruit slices accompany the cheese. Quite frankly, it's not enough to pair with the main attraction. That, plus the fact that they have such a small menu, is the reason I'm taking off one star. You'll definitely see me here for post-work drinks a few times a month. read more

Went there last week just after opening, and I have some high hopes for this place. The decor is slick and well-done without being too gimmicky. Cocktail list and beer selection were both pretty solid and I could explore both lists a lot. We showed up a little too late to try any food, but am looking forward to eating there. Obviously with it just opening, there's still some kinks to work out, but it is nice to see another addition to the 'grown-up' bars in Davis. read more

I really like the ambiance of this place. Everyone knows that it's prohibition era speak-easy themed, but that can sound a little cheesy and Saloon is anything but. They do a nice job of making this place less than obvious you don't feel like you're walking into a tourist trap. They have an awesome collection of Bourbans that I'd love to get deeper in to, but if that's too hardcore for you then their cocktail list is fairly creative and not boring. I don't feel like they have a great beer list, but there are plenty of other places to go for great beer. The last thing I tried is their food, which is actually decent but not in large enough portions to qualify as a meal, even if their prices are meal-size. It's a great place for drinks and apps, but if you want dinner and a nice conversation, not the best. It gets noisy and crowded so plan on yelling in your date's ear while sipping a awesome drink if nothing else. read more

Great bar. Speak easy atmosphere. We got beers wines and some mixed drinks. Many options but it's a speak easy so liquor is what they do. Devils on horseback is always a must. Tonights special boar sausage was great. Just keep coming back! read more

I would like to thank the cocktail gods for Saloon. I would like to thank them for their attention paid to incredible integral cocktails made with fabulous ingredients. I love their staggering incredible bourbon selection. I love their fabulous bar menu, with it's luscious pork belly and beans. Deviled eggs. Ohhhhh so good. And pre-prohibition cocktails as the focus? SIGN ME UP! And I've been back. Over and over and over again. As a mixologist, cocktail fiend and someone who really resents, since moving to Somerville from NYC that every joint I walk into usually involves the game and muggs o suds, and the dubious peabrains that cling to both. Here is a bona-fide watering hole where the focus is on the drinks, the food and the COMPANY. BRAVO!!! read more

Saloon really captures the prohibition feel, from the tucked away location to the wildly extensive list of whiskeys and cocktails served. I'll also applaud them for being one of the bars that actually rotates new drinks through its list of specials. I've had Another Gimlet as well as the Ward 44 and both were phenomenal. I have not yet sampled the food, although a good friend of mine told me it is solid, if not a little plain. Nevertheless, I'm still very interested in trying the cranberry chicken, as they literally serve you an entire chicken for you to carve yourself at your table. PROS: -Great creativity and versatility when it comes to drinks -Less expensive than other cocktail lounges (I'm looking at you, Alibi) -Bartenders who are very willing to make you specialty cocktails--Saloon is the only place that has made me a Vesper on demand. It was extremely tasty, perfectly cold, and was cheaper than most of the other drinks! CONS: -Very hard to have space unless you get a table (both times I have been, I've been seated with a group and have mercifully avoided the zoo that occurs by the bar. -Still decently pricy for an average night out. All in all, I love Saloon, but I still look at it as a once in a while treat more than a weekly watering hole. read more

If Ron Burgundy had a hangout, this place would be it. There are no leather-bound books here, but it definitely smells of rich mahogany. And I'm pretty sure somewhere towards the bar, I heard someone say, "Mm, I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch!" We came here for dinner on a Sunday night. We shared the charcuterie board ($15) and the whole roasted chicken for two ($26). The charcuterie board showcased a nice selection of three different kinds of meats (this probably changes slightly from time to time) and came with a dollop of whole-grain mustard and cornichons. The charcuterie was nothing exceptional or outstanding, but it was still great, in my opinion. However, the cranberry glazed chicken absolutely hit the spot. This, to me, was comfort food done right! I tend to avoid chicken when dining out (and the one recent time I didn't, I made that chicken mistake at Angela's Cafe), but this is probably one of the best whole roasted chickens I've ever had. Tender, sweet, and savory. I still think about this chicken. The drink menu is extensive. Our waitress explained to us that they have 150 bourbons available. There's also a wide selection of other whiskeys as well as beers, but 2 choices for wine: the house red and white. I stuck with what was most familiar to me, and ordered a Young's Double Chocolate Stout. I know, I know. Maybe next time I'll try and be more adventurous. After all, the staff seems to be pretty well-trained in their whiskey knowledge, so I'd encourage taking advantage of that and asking for recommendations. The entire place seems to be a mishmash of an old gothic cathedral with stained glass windows + an old musky library+ a cigar lounge your great grandfather used to frequent. It somehow works. From the red leather banquettes to the intricately carved designs on the wood, it's all been pulled together very nicely. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because the food wasn't holy-jebus-that-was-so-good-it-blew-my-mind kinda good. Other than that, I think it would be a great after-work destination, *and* just as equally great as a date night spot. Just don't forget your jazz flute. read more

I really want to like Saloon more than I do. The menu, especially for summer, is weird and very wintry. The food is just ok. The cocktails look appealing but are never done all that well. The extensive list of bourbons is a great feature, though. I recommend going down the list, having them neat or on ice. Great atmosphere. read more

Went in for dinner on a whim and were promptly seated. Our server was rarely around so when we found her we ordered drinks and an app. My girlfriend said her cocktail was the best she has ever had so props to the bartenders and creative craft cocktails. We finished our first round and apps without seeing Our server again and we were hungry for dinner half hour later we flagged her down and ordered. My girlfriend ordered soup and they brought her a cheese plate then promptly fixed it and gave her soup with duh duh duh.... NO SPOON. We tried to get anyone's attention and the server went to get us one. Ten min later my GF yelled "I just want a spoooooon" loudly to entertain ourselves. I Had to walk out back to get one. Food was delicious in the end and I can't wait to eat my leftovers. Crummy service wasn't worth the prices in my opinion though. read more

Decent. Stopped in late on a Thursday for drinks with a friend. Extensive whiskey menu, with a nice list of cocktails to match. Great beer selection, too. I haven't tried any of their food. Wasn't too crowded, wasn't too loud. I'd give this place a higher rating, but the "basement bar without a sign" seems a bit too twee, even for Davis Square. I actually stumbled down the alley between the Davis Square Theater and the Burren looking for this place. Thankfully, one of the cast of Merry Wives of Windsor was on a smoke break and pointed me in the right direction. Also, both the party next to me and I had trouble flagging down the bartenders. Again, this wasn't a particularly crowded evening; he just didn't seem very attentive. Also also, does Davis really need another one of these bars? Foundry, Five Horses - they weren't cutting it? I guess if the demand is there ... (sorry, didn't have a follow-up; just trailing off) I may revisit this review if I go back and the place wows me. Stay logged in, Yelpers. read more

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy the absence of TV's in a bar until coming here. It's a gorgeous, dark-wood-and-mirrors kind of place, named perfectly. Other than its decor and its exciting list of bourbons and ryes, it's fine, but not mindblowing. I get what they're aiming for--classics done well--but I think they need to fine-tune the execution on the food and the booze. A Corpse Reviver was like spiked lemonade--not nearly as complex and much sweeter than others I've had--although I liked the Revolver, which was a bit better balanced. A ploughman's platter (ham, cheese, variety pickles, and baguette) was the healthiest thing on the menu and was good, with each of the ingredients spot on. A companion's steak was disappointing, and the accompanying creamed spinach was positively institutional. Desserts were good--cream puffs filled with whipped cream and a caramel trifle with great flavors but a cake layer that was a little dense and gummy for my taste. (Also, no booze in the trifle at a place called "Saloon?" Come ON.) I'd definitely go back--probably just to drink, at least until they've got the menu sorted out a bit more. read more

Saloon isn't something you'd write home about, but it is something you'd mention in passing as you text home. They have good drinks, experienced bar tenders, and a really great ambiance. On the weekends, it's dark, it's loud, it's packed, but it's a lot of fun. The people who go there are a quality stock of people and the drinks are pretty good. During the week, it's a lot quieter which personally I prefer. You can grab a table, sit with your friends, pretend you're in the 1930s, talk about whatever, and just enjoy yourself. They make it very easy to be relaxed. The reason for the 3 stars really is just that it's SO packed on weekends so I wouldn't recommend going with a big group, especially during the school year when the Tufts kids take over. read more

Oh Saloon, I want to love you. But I am not sure if I can. I have now been here three times, never having food, so this is a review for drinks/atmosphere. I really like the concept of this bar. I like that it's dark and I like that it feels very Prohibition Era. I like the music they have playing in the background. I am not a fan of the fact that they will not let you sit at a table on a slow weeknight because they are still serving dinner at 8:30 with only about 5 tables actually having guests and a rather crowded bar area. I want to love the drinks here. But they do not have many clear spirit based drinks on the menu. Nor are the bartenders particularly chatty or interested in finding out what sort of drink you'd like, which I would prefer in this sort of atmosphere although I can understand the constraints of being super packed on a weekend night. They also looked at me like I was crazy when I ordered a French 75. I'll likely keep going to Saloon because of it's location, but there are other craft cocktail bars in Boston that I prefer. read more

This place is cool, in every sense. First of all, it's underground. Literally. The entrance is beneath the old theater sign in Davis Square, and the only indication of its presence are the bouncers by the door and the line of eager and trendy patrons waiting to get in. Come for the whisky, but don't leave without trying the food. The aesthetic is chic with brown paper menus and dim lighting adding to the dark atmosphere. Definitely the setting for self-indulgence. The prices are admittedly pretty steep for small servings (you won't find many college students eating here), but the flavors make up for the small plates. A fantastic addition to the increasingly hip Davis Square. read more

I've only been for drinks, so I can't rate the food. I've had a bunch of good experiences, a few ok ones. They make good drinks (the older gentleman bartender makes a great old fashioned) but they aren't fantastic at going off the cuff if you order something even remotely obscure. Also the bartender was pretty drunk the last time I went- what other excuse do you have for flipping a bottle and trying to look fancy, and then dropping it on the bar so it shatters on the woman who's drink you're making (luckily not me, but the woman next to me). Pretty friendly though. Great for during the week drinks- they get a bit overwhelmed on weekends and pay less attention to the quality of their drinks at that point. read more

I've been here twice now. And ya know what? It stills smells like fish. Come on guys! You gotta fix that problem. Didn't eat, just had a lovely cocktail, "The Wildling" and it was delicious. read more

Play it again, Saloon. I love it all - the drink options, the bartenders in suspenders, the giant oriental rugs that line the floors, the limited but delicious food options (especially the bread pudding - INCREDIBLE). And most of all, the fact that they have Strongbow on tap. Now THAT's what I'm talking about. I just hope that other cool places open nearby soon so the crowds will disperse, because this cute bar takes on a crowded basement feel when it reaches capacity, which is basically every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. I can't wait to see what the people of Foundry and Saloon think of next! read more

I had been hearing quite a buzz about Saloon so decided to check it out last Friday. Yes it is underground and "hidden". There is a mere white lantern outside the door - so keep your eyes open! We walked downstairs to find that it was packed - so I guess it's not that hidden anymore huh? We someone lucked out and scored 2 bar seats. The decor and bar are what make Saloon. The bartenders are dressed the part and make you feel like you just went back in time about 7 or 8 centuries. The whiskey list is long. Not being a whiskey drinker, we ordered the House Punch (ya ya) that was served in a flask. It was really good and just strong enough! They also had a good amount of beers on tap - lots of micro brews etc. We had a look at the menu which seemed unique but nothing really sparked our interest at the time. I would say Saloon is definitely a cool place to check out! read more

Update: Went back for dinner with my mother and my sister. Was shocked to see how small the menu was. I got the fish and chips and we split a wedge salad. The food was very good. I fell IN LOVE with the blue cheese dressing. We were seated at a table that was nowhere big enough for three people to fit three meals. It made it very hard to eat without feeling like I was going to push something off the table. Also because the bar got so crowded we ended up with a few men standing right in font of our table and it extremely awkward. I still left disappoint, overpriced, cramped table, dark and loud. read more

Great bartenders here - they know it all. Great drinks. Great underground location. Feels like something you'd find hidden in NYC...Except you're in Davis Square in Somerville! My favorite part (believe it or not) is the "sign" - just one lightbulb with a tiny logo letting you know where to go in. read more

Good, not great. But I do give 4 stars over 3 for how nice the staff was. It was jam packed on a saturday night and they were able to accommodate us with a table to sip drinks at, with no pressure to order meals. The cocktails are good, not phenomenal, but I do recommend the Green Thumb (tequila, cucmber, rosemary syrup, ginger beer) but substitute the tequila with gin. Its delicious. I got that and the Opening Act, which was kind of like a flat, wine flavored, champagne cocktail which could have fooled me for a cough suppressant. The star of the show was the Stefanos Funeral (Fernet, cassis, Aperol, lemon, PBR) which one member of our party got. A clever beer cocktail with a sweet and bitter twist, I will definitely be getting this if I come back. Its a cool vibe, tucked away downstairs of an unlabeled door on Elm Street. read more

Saloon has a really beautiful and classy/old school feel to it. My first impression walking into this place was the beautiful wooden bar and warm brick and brown colors. Based on decor alone, it feels like one of those places you would go for a nightcap before heading to bed. Although the inside feels different from many other places in Boston, the yuppie crowd is probably similar between here, Drink and Brick & Mortar. If you enjoy scotch-based mixed drinks, Saloon does it well. Being a Game of Thrones fan, I was amused to see a drink called "Winter Wolf" on the menu and had to order it immediately. Can't comment on the food since I haven't tried it. My only complaint about this place is it gets pretty loud. It's a combination of low ceilings/echo-y room and lots and lots of people. If it weren't quite so crowded, I'd come back anytime! read more

The interior was very inviting and comfortable...drinks were ok...food was good...but everything was SO SMALL - the drinks were about 8 oz for a cocktail and the food came in these tiny tin buckets that wouldn't even qualify as enough for one person, let alone the 4 people who were sharing. I'd go if I didn't feel like going all the way out to Drink in downtown, but not a place I'd frequent as 'my' bar. read more

Saloon - http://thesouthernbostonian.blogspot.com/ - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Went here tonight before a show. Had reservations for 6:15. It was nice and quiet, fairly empty at that hour. However, it took an hour to get our food after we ordered, so maybe isn't the place to go if you're in a hurry (though an hour isn't a hurry to me... Usually.) Drink selection was great! They have lots of cocktails and tons of whiskeys. The food was pretty meh, they have some classic American dishes which they do well (my short ribs were falling apart), but I like more seasoning or spices in my food. Maybe just not my thing, but seems like they do drinks better than food! Also, my dinner companion tried to substitute some kind of *cough - real - cough* cheese for the American on the sliders, but they wouldn't do it. Slightly weird for a place that charges as much as they do? ;) read more

Basically, it was dark and crowded, expensive, and the service was TERRIBLE. I like whiskey, so when I went to visit my brother outside Boston, he recommended we try this place. First off, they wouldn't let me wear my Red Sox hat. When we got inside, I saw why. Apprarantly it's an awkward upscale, old-timey place. Most of the bartenders (all male) had ponytails and/or crazy moustaches. The service was so oddly bad. 3 quick stories from that night: At one point my brother put in an order for a drink with our bartender and it took him about 10 minutes to get it. The guy took my brothers order, then took other people's orders and got them their drinks, then eventually got back to us. Our other friend ordered a drink and after paying, the bartender made a snarky, rude, sarcastic comment to us. It was absurd. My brother asked for a recommendation, and the guy couldn't/wouldn't give him one. My brother asked more specific for a good smokey bourban, and the guy says to my brother 'that doesn't exist. that's not a real thing.' (that IS a real thing and why not recommend somehting, anything!?) Not to mention each little shot of whiskey to sip was like $8-12 or something crazy. The whole experience was surreal. Not in a good way. read more

This place is awful, don't go here! Nah, I'm just kidding. As much as I would love to keep this place a little hidden gem and all to myself, I just can't. Go here for the atmosphere, rustic food and unique cocktails. Boston needs a place like Saloon for a lounge date spot. During my few visits here I've tried the veggie bread pudding, charcuterie plate, deviled eggs and the cottage pie. Everything was delicious and you are really aren't going to find veggie bread pudding or cottage pie anywhere else... Okay, it's a bit pricey and it's already getting a tad bit crowded... read more