Check your bill. Waiter put two fake drinks on there that we hadn't ordered. I called our obnoxious waiter on it and he conceded with attitude. We only ordered one round of drinks for 5 ppl....how did you put 7 drinks on there? Very suspicious. This place could be a sexy, vibey, classy, favorite speakeasy. But instead, they blast gangster rap in your eyeball so loudly that you can't have a conversation with anyone. Compliments to the bartender: that was an underwhelming rye old fashioned. You need one big ice cube so that it stays cold without getting watered down--not a bunch of ice cubes from my moms freezer ice machine. Last but certainly not least, our waiter was one of the most obnoxious yacht dudes I've ever encountered on this planet. So actively rude. read more

Speakeasy-esque bar in Davis Square. Look for the Rockwell sign and just go straight down the stairs. You can check in with the counter to get a table or just find a spot at the bar. Came here on a Sunday night and it was pretty crowded at the bar so we just opted for a table tucked away in the corner. I had the queens gambit which was sweet and smokey and just my vibe. It has vodka and elderflower and honey. Some people might think it's too syrupy and sweet, but I thought it was a well made cocktail. They have a lot of whiskey and tequila options for the connessieurs out there. The vibe is kind of old-timey and it's darkly lit, so it's a good spot for a date. They weren't serving food anymore when we were there around 11pm but they do offer snacks and light bites. There's bathrooms available in the back. The waitress was nice and really good about filling up our water cups. There's some street parking available, and it's also a really quick walk from the red line Davis station. There's free WiFi and the password is written in the blackboard. When we first got there it was closed for a private event, but we just went to the foundry first and then came back once the event was over. It's a cool vibe and a nice spot to grab drinks. read more

Saloon - Queens gambit - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

One of my favorite spots for cocktails on an occasion. They are well crafted and taste as they should. However saying that I find saloon to be amazingly overpriced. I can get the same well crafted cocktail somewhere else for at least $3 cheaper. We had 2 cocktails and it cost 30 dollars!!!! Not hard cocktails either. You pay for aesthetics and location -- just beware! But I do always go back... read more

Well howdie there, partner and welcome to Davis Square's newest hotspot... Saloon. I see that you've walked by Foundry on Elm, to the white 'Saloon' globe that hangs above the otherwise discreet front door. Down the stairs you have proceeded and into the wooden, dimly lit and beautiful bar area. Congratulation on making it that far. Finding it is the first step of your conversion as what is going to be a refreshing adventure into the Boston area bar scene. Entering this spot is like taking a trip back to the 1800s, if you ignore the electric exit sign and the fact that some people in the crowd aren't exactly dressed as such, and all have smartphones in their hands. But.. but.. if you look past that and let them tantalize your palate with one of their many incredible cocktails. Having been there twice, both for some lengthy and expensive drinking sessions, I've tried most of them already. Yes, I know... I'm a lush... But it was worth it. I was in the hands of Patrick each time there and this friendly chap knows his stuff and whether you're having corn Whiskey, one of their many bourbons, or a tequila based cocktail, the man will hook you up. He's very friendly and a master of his craft. Unfortunately their cocktail list isn't posted on their website but I highly recommend the Ward 44 cocktail which features house-infused pork belly whiskey as the main ingredient; it's different and works really well. But there's also the very tasty revolver, or the smokey, mezcal-based cocktail whose's name I can't remember. All in all, the cocktail list is diverse and they have a bit of everything for everyone. Much like their eclectic beer list which has everything from pilsners and lagers to ipas and porters. Oh and did I mention that they have flasks of punch ($15) which you are supposed to share amongst two people (you don't have to though...) and which features a mix of wine, sparkling wine, rum (I think?) and juices. It's super tasty and a lot of fun; different for sure. I've only had a very limited experience with the food there - I only had one small meal there and it was the Ploughman's Platter ($15) which featured ham, a large piece of baguette, some cheese, some cornichon, some onion relish, some pickled onions and some mustard. It was pretty tasty but maybe a tad expensive considering how simple it was and how small the portion was. However, that being said, the onion relish was absolute dynamite! All in all this place is a breathe of fresh air and a much needed addition to the area, which now solidifies it as a great bar scene. There was already Foundry on Elm, Posto and Five Horses Tavern, and now Saloon: the big 4. The service there is great but the place does get packed so get there early to be ready to stand on your two legs for most of the evening. The prices are a bit higher than I would have liked but the quality and attention to detail is there, and the atmosphere rocks. Me gusta! read more

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A friend and I went here for a dinner that was, in actuality, my low-key, belated birthday celebration. I was excited to try this place, as I enjoy the speakeasy-type atmosphere and always love a good glass of whiskey. When we had originally walked past (though on the other side of the street), we couldn't figure out where the place was. Fortunately, reading the reviews here on Yelp actually helped us find the door for this place - next to the entrance for the Davis Sq. Theatre. We opened the door and wandered down the stairs where we were greeted by the hostess. The place was pretty empty, but we let her know we had made 6PM reservations earlier via OpenTable. She didn't ask for any further information, and another girl took us to a little corner seat in the room. The place was lit more than I was expecting for a speakeasy-style place, but the seating seemed comfortable enough. A waitress came over after some time and took our drink orders - or, well, mine. My friend doesn't really drink whiskey, so he just had water. She seemed put off by my asking questions about certain drinks, and gave very general responses. The drink I ultimate ordered, The Stranger, came to the table a bit after ordering - and my friend and I ordered a bunch of small dishes to try - starting off with oysters. I love oysters, and I tend to have them whenever I travel; that said, I'm really wishing I hadn't ordered them here. They smelled fine... tasted fine... but it wasn't long after having them that I was overcome with the most sickly feeling (and I think the only other appetizer I had nibbled on was a corndog from the two that had been brought to our table shortly after the oysters, as my friend wanted to try the corndogs). While I had enjoyed my first drink, my desire to eat any of the other appetizers we ordered was pretty non-existent a short time after I had finished the oysters. After grabbing the attention of the waitress while I was away from the table, my friend ended up asking her for our order to be packed up to go. We left Saloon just a short time later, and I spent the rest of the night feeling worse and worse...and with all the typical symptoms that go along with a case of food poisoning - intensive abdominal cramping and all the other symptoms that, well, nobody wants to talk about. Thinking back on that day, I can't imagine anything else that would have caused me to be so sick for the entire rest of the night (and I had felt absolutely perfect before the dinner here). Side note: I checked my email the next day (when I could finally crawl out of bed again) and saw a notice from OpenTable because we had been marked as no-shows for the reservation. I contacted OpenTable and provided them the details pertinent to our reservation and experience, they ended up contacting Saloon and correcting the issue, and then I ended up getting the points for the reservation; however, it's something to be aware of it you DO make a reservation here... make sure they take your name or any applicable info. Needless to say though, I won't be going back to the Saloon anyway. TL;DR Wanted to really enjoy this place, but I'm pretty sure I ended up with a mild case of food poisoning after eating here. Waitress seemed "put off" by the slightest questions...or lack knowledge about their cocktails/spirit selection. Would NOT go back here or recommend it to anyone. read more

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Since this speakeasy-style bar isn't easily spotted from the street (there's only a small, white lamp with the name written on it outside), Saloon used to be the type of bar that you suggested when you were trying to impress someone. Too bad it seems like others had this same idea, since now everyone and all their old OK Cupid dates know about (and regularly frequent) this place. But you can still try it and see how it goes! People who are pretty new to Cambridge are a good target. But from experience, you should let them know how to find it beforehand because if not they may think you're standing them up by suggesting a fake place to meet up. Whoops. Regardless, it's still a classy choice to get a drink in Davis. I prefer to go on an off night (a great excuse to drink on a Monday!) since it's much less crowded, it's easy to grab a table, and the atmosphere is calmer and more intimate. On weekend nights, it's a completely different scene. There are people standing around everywhere. Randos will talk to you. It's loud. Saloon has solid drink choices, and the menu is on wooden clipboards, which adds a funky touch but can be bulky if you're sitting at a small table. There aren't many food options, but if you're on a date, rev up the romance by ordering some wine and the charcuterie plate. The bar is a fun place to grab seats so you can watch the cute, suspender-rocking bartenders mix things up. I usually opt for beer since it's a bit easier on my wallet, and the prices are in keeping with similar spots in the area like Foundry. The Lexington Bourbon Ale ($7) is a personal fave since it rocks smokey bourbon tones and is served in a cool rounded glass. Saloon is Davis epitomized. Alternative morphs to mainstream. But hey, I guess that's how you can tell something's good. And I will definitely keep trying to impress people by how sophisticated and knowledgeable I am by suggesting it. I'll just have to swear them to secrecy. read more

Food menu is sub par. I am actually confused. Mystery meats and cheeses. Yay. And ok. So we order wine..They serve water in wine glasses and they serve wine in small dinky glasses. I asked why they are in those cups and not wine glasses and was told it in an ITALIAN THING! Excuse me. I am Italian and I have never seen wine served in a glass like that. I am deeply offended by the Italian heritage so loosely thrown around. read more

Saloon - Dinky - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Great drinks, great vibes! Really good food! We tried the poutine, mussels, chicken wings and street corn. All delicious. I was obsessed with the Harvey Baker!! read more

Open the unmarked door, wander down a steep and lengthy staircase to an underground cave. Deep reds, brown and black keep the atmosphere dark. Dim lighting accents the welcoming grand arches. A host guides you to a table - either a wall situated leather-backed bench, the bar or small round and square stand-alones with high-backed leather studded chairs. The ceiling is low and the sound muted, thanks to technology, the ceiling panels appear to absorb some of the crowded spots' shouts and chatter, keeping the noise level pleasant. A center bar surrounds the white shirted, approned bartenders; behind them a massive mirror reflects the bar choices and the entire joint. The one drawback according to a companion, "no blue cheese stuffed olives, damn it." Small selection of vodka and gin, two of each to be exact. That's missing the point, this joint is not high on the clear liquors, save for real deal moonshine of which there's an ample selection. This blind tiger, aka, pre prohibition era establishment, serves up a mean drink. The "Old Pal," a well-mixed combination of rye, avergna and orange bitters is a throwback to a take on the Manhattan. Excellent temperature, balance and thickness of product. A"Ward 44" is a combination of their pork belly whiskey and house made maraschino syrup. Mixed perfectly to cut through the grease of the deep-fried stuffed peppers. These perfectly round little cherry peppers are stuffed with boursin and served with ranch dressing for dipping - literally explode warm boursin in the mouth. Deviled eggs served with a take on Russian dressing are exquisite. A resplendent combination of sweet, cream, crunchy and soft all at the same moment. Topped with pistachio slices, these are not to be missed. Visit one consisted of a hamburg steak au poivre - a perfectly med rare hamburger, seasoned nicely with salt, served with a pepper sauce between a crispy toasted baguette. One of the tastiest sandwiches I've had. The pork belly, according to the red head dining with us, was crispy with the perfect texture of pull-apart meat. The house made sausage and vegetables were a let down - apparently good sausage on a "pile of mush." Don't let this discourage you - everything else has been perfect. The second visit, the next night was equally exceptional. Again, deviled eggs were perfect, cherry peppers again delicious. Added Devils on horseback - dates wrapped in bacon are salty, fatty and sweet. Another appetizer not to miss. This time around, two orders of the flatiron steak - both cooked perfectly med rare with delicious fries and a dollop of herbed butter. Tender meat with a wonderful crisp char on the outside. Excellent potatoes fried to a nice crisp. Fish and chips tender fish with the same fries as the steak. Reported to be excellent. The hamburg au poivre was enjoyed tremendously by another party - so I guess I wasn't crazy the first night. From entry to exit, extremely pleasant service. The host, the server, the server in training and the manager were all particularly gracious on both occasions. This is a hot new spot that's only going to get better. I can't wait to try the entire roasted chicken and the ploughman platter. Go now before the crowds arrive and tables are no longer available. Well done!!! read more

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We've come here a ton in the past for drinks, but never for food and in retrospect that was a huge mistake. The drinks are always unbelievable. Tonight we ordered a Rittenhouse Rye Manhattan (which is pretty standard for us) and tried the Mamie Taylor (which is a cocktail with scotch, ginger beer and lime). When we walked in we saw mussels on the chalkboard as a special so we decided to order those and the maple Buffalo wings with our drinks. The mussels came in a big bowl with a game of thrones style piece of crusty bread drizzled in olive oil on top. The mussels were in a light tomato based broth with what tasted like spinach and Spanish sausage. The plate was also dotted with delicious balls of potato and perfectly cooked grape tomatoes that weren't soggy or mushy at all. We literally cleaned the plate. We're always hesitant to try any kind of doctored up sweet and hot Buffalo wings because usually, they're either too sweet or not actually Buffalo, etc. We asked the bartender about these ones expecting her to say "they're ok" so we had the charcuterie board (which looked great judging by the board in front of the people next to us) as plan B. The bartender actually raved about the wings, said they were not too sweet but not too hot either and that they came with blue cheese. We were sold by her review and she didn't steer us wrong. Honestly, I prefer my wings a little hotter but these were really amazing and I'd definitely order them again. read more

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Only came in for a quick drink before hitting up the theater next door, but had a good experience nonetheless. Ordered my usual drink (The Little Giuseppe), which they made way too salty at first, but was very accommodating in remaking it to my request. I was curious about one of the drinks on the menu, and they let me try a bit of it before deciding, which was nice. The bartender did the holding-the-straw-closed-on-one-end trick and fed it into my mouth, which was awkwardly intimate, and yet kind of adorable. On a slightly more trivial note, the bathrooms are really clean and automated with big wooden doors and real doorknobs. Can't speak on behalf of the men, but I very much appreciated the ladies room. read more

Saloon - Their cool rustic menu. Clipboards make everything legit. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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It would be a lot cooler if you did... Go to saloon more. Their GRASS fed burger and hand cut fries are more than just aright aright aright. read more

So, Saloon seems cool and I like the concept (although, to quote one of my friends, "It is more of a speakeasy than a saloon!"), but it was just WAY too crowded. Perhaps it's because it opened 3 weeks ago, or perhaps I am just too old!? As a large group, we were being jostled and pushed while standing near the bar. Finally, we were able to worm our way to the back of the bar and commandeer some stools. Although, the bartenders wouldn't let us turn the stools to face our friends, so it was rather awkward. Not wanting to spend $12 for a drink the size of 2 shots, (it was fun watching the big guys drink out of these small little cocktail glasses!) I opted for a glass of Riesling, which was really smooth. I did try some of the other drinks (which are not listed on the website) and I think the Ward 44 was tasty, as was the punch. My friends ordered the punch and split it and then one of them ordered it again for himself (he liked drinking it out of the bottle, as he felt it was appropriate for the theme - and felt it was the best "bang for your buck"). The food that passed us looked delicious, so I would maybe consider coming back for dinner one night - when I could sit at a table without being squished and yelled at by the waitresses. But I bet the food is just as expensive as the teeny, teeny drinks! read more

Do you have a strong passion for whiskey? Do you also enjoy feeling like you're in the glamour era of the 50s and 60s? Then this is a must. Great selection of whiskeys to choose from, and very knowledgeable staff. I made sure to stop by here after doing some research, and I was not disappointed. read more

Saloon - Beautiful. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

This is one of my favorite bars to grab after dinner drinks with friends or a date. Went on a Tuesday night with friends. The ambiance was quiet and relaxing. Service was quick. Tried their holdiay drink the Long Halloween. Very sweet and they don't skimp on the alcohol. Lighting is very dim but they have perfect quiet spots to have privacy with your boo if your on a date . Feels like your in a underground prohibition bar that's hush hush. All in all will return. read more

Saloon - Saloon...Long Halloween - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

LOVE this place! Service is great, ambiance is old world with a modern touch, drinks are amazing and prices is even better! If you aren't in an adventurous mood, you can get a 1/2 carafe of red wine for only $12.00. That's like the price of a glass of 4 oz wine in the city. There are tables of all sizes to accommodate your party but get there on the early side to nab one. we didn't eat but the menu items looks great and a few other tables ordered things and everything looks great. I will definitely be back at this place. read more

Saloon - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Interesting place. Weird menu. We had a large group and was told a few times by the rude general manager that we had to all be there on time and would have access to the table no more than 2 hours. It's quite loud. Hard to hear the person next to you. Limited menu. They ran out of the special for the night. read more

If you don't know Saloon is there, you might walk right by it and end up at a noisy Irish bar. Don't. Pay attention to the signs on Elm and go down the steep stairs to the underground lounge, which shares an entrance with the Davis Square Theater. At the bottom of the stairs, turn left. There's Saloon The dark wood bar is square, with seats on three sides, and larger bubbles on the corners that work like three or four-tops. It's a clever way to seat more people at the bar -- where service is best -- without the isolation and ennui of a cavernous bar, the kind where bartenders need (one supposes) track shoes and headphones. Find a seat and settle in for a drink or conversation or food, if that's your thing, but the reason to be here is the drinks. The list of whiskeys is long. The cocktails are mixed with care. The ambiance is sophisticated, warm and secret, as though you've stumbled into a private club during Prohibition, one where you're welcome if you know the rules. And the rules are simple -- conversation, libation, friendly laughter. This is adult space. I've been to Saloon for whiskey neat and for cocktails and have never been disappointed. I've not tried the food (but there's still time). On my last visit, I stopped in alone after hearing very bad news -- a death in the family -- and I needed a moment to reflect before jumping on the T. The bartender was attentive. She mixed me a perfect Manhattan but kept coming back to ask if I needed anything else or if something was wrong. My face must have told a story. I didn't want her to misunderstand so I said I'd had a loss and was taking a few moments to grieve. Ah, she said. She continued to be kind and attentive but not obsequious or intrusive. She was perfect, in fact, balancing the demands of service with my need for solitude. And when it came time for me to settle up -- when I tried to pay -- she said, You're covered. I got this. While it wasn't required, nor expected, her sympathy, and Saloon for hiring and keeping a server such as her, is the difference between an ordinary establishment and an extraordinary one, one worth repeated visits in times of both joy and despair. And let this be my formal thank you to that bartender, whose name I don't know. It's not the money so much -- I can pay for a drink -- but the constellation of human sympathy that her gift to me represented. Thank you. read more

Nice cocktails and ambience! Not too difficult to find. Small bites are very good as well.

One of the easier Speakeasy bars I've found. The bouncer out front and the gleaming Rockwell sign is a reassuring sign that you're in the right spot. The first night I came here with cousins was a quiet Tuesday and the place was all to ourselves. We sat at the bar. The bartender was funny, witty, facetious and made the night entertaining. There's only a few signature cocktails on the menu, but the drinks were good. The bartender seemed willing to create anything and provided prompt service. I went again on a Friday, and the noise level was high (as well as their AC). I hid off in the corner of the place under an archway near leather seating, where it was significantly quieter. The service was slower on a Friday since it was so busy. read more

Went to Saloon for the first time Friday and had a great time, nice ambience, the bangs island mussel's were phenomenal and great staff! Highly recommended! read more

Saloon - Bar ad - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

122 types of whiskey. That's all you need to say about this place. A sunken subterranean treasure in Davis Square. Black booths, bartenders in Prohibition era clothing, and a central location make this place unique in the neighborhood. Aside from the extensive whiskey menu, there are plenty of types of rum, vodka, and cordials to keep anybody satisfied. Best part is that the whiskey is priced depending on if you want it straight or in a Manhattan, which cuts the price shock down, though its still pricey. A good cocktail is the Nemesis, white whiskey with maraschino juice, vermouth, and bitters with orange peel. Served chilled and not shaken thankfully, it had the necessary punch of whiskey, and wasnt too sweet, which I appreciated. It was $10 though, but one is more than enough for anybody. I cant explain really why a place this classy serves cans of beer though. Is there a demand here for tall boys of PBR? I know its a hipster neighborhood, but with other bars around catering to that clientele, it makes little sense. Havent tried the food yet, but that is next on the list. So far though, I like what I see, and im going to try to work my way down the whiskey list as well. Hopefully. read more

Saloon - The nemesis - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

I have mixed feelings. As a dining experience the food options are great. I've been a few times, the steak was very tender. The bar menu is a bit limited. I have tried meeting friends here and it's a bit ackward to stand for drinks. On the plus side the Saloon is one of the places open as late as it is on the weekends. read more

Saloon - Sazerc - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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Probably won't return. I wanted to try Saloon for ages and since I was in the area for the Honk Fest, it was no brainier that Saloon was my first choice for dinner. Turned out this place left much to be desired in terms of the the food and the service. Let's start with the food. We ordered the corn bread, ribs, wings, bacon-wrapped dates and the chicken tacos. The corn bread might have been the best out of all. But then, where do you get bad corn bread in any semi-decent restaurants? The rest of the dishes were simply average except the dates, which was way too strong and sweet, and the chicken tacos, where the chicken tasted rather bland - it's tacos, feel free to be bold with flavors! The drinks were also unimpressive. I didn't even finish my cocktail as it tasted more like bad fruit punch from a camp cooler. Service was slow and inconsistent. Waiters sometimes mistaken other people's order for ours. We had to search for our waitress several times to get water refills and order the check. Empty plates were not cleared out promptly. The atmospheres was great; however, Saloon is no longer the only place in Boston with a speakeasy vibe. Restaurants that started later than Saloon have just as great atmosphere but with better food/service. read more

We ordered the Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée, Black and White Cheesecake, and Warm Banana Walnut Cake. I think the cheesecake tasted the best out of all three. My friend thought the Banana cake tasted the best. read more

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Matthew killed it on his third bartending shift. I told him flavors I enjoyed and he made one of the best drinks I've had in my life. He kept them coming and the drinks were freaking good!!! The food is also really amazing. Great date spot, great hang spot. Anyone in Somerville should check it out, but thank you Matthew for the hospitality! :) read more

I liked the bar, but our table was way to dark and our server wasn't the best. The service was incredible slow. I had an hamburger I asked for medium and it was well done and tasteless. My advice go there for a drink, but eat somewhere else read more

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In the short time that it's been open, Saloon has become a regular destination for me and my friends. I love secrets, and the somewhat hidden entrance means that this place continues to feel like a secret. Despite sharing an address with The Foundry, you won't find the entrance through that restaurant, or even directly adjacent to it. Look a few doors down, away from the center of the square for a globe light fixture simply marked "Saloon". Enter the door on the right and walk down the stairs and perhaps you'll feel transported to a different era. Dark wood and leather abound and make this the warmest feeling subterranean spot I have ever occupied a bar stool. Add the near technological black out -- no tv's, spotty cell phone service (I've been able to send and receive texts, but several friends haven't), and it's the perfect spot linger and forget about the hubbub of the world happening over your head. At the bar, in addition to sending some Foundry faces down the stairs, Saloon has managed to poach some of the best bar tenders from other local watering holes. Maybe they all jumped at the opportunity to don suspenders? They're focused on drinks that are as warm, and sexy, as the ambience here. Dark, cloudy and little bit mysterious. I've found myself asking about cocktail ingredients here more than anywhere else, but it's okay the bartenders are more than happy to offer explanations - and suggestions. Speaking of suggestions, here's mine - if you're gonna complain that you can't get a Stoli & _____, just walk right back up those stairs and join the rest of the dSquare college crowd anywhere else. I'll take your spot, and take my time exploring the extensive list of bourbons, ryes and whiskeys. After several visits I think I've sampled well over half of their tiny menu. My favorite, the flat-iron steak, is perfectly executed with sides that shine almost as brightly as the steak. An ever changing charcuterie board has never disappointed in the offerings, although I do wish for a little more toast. Then again, when am I not wishing for more bread? One perfect cheese. Hello, and come to mamma. No, I won't share, get your own. Akin to the liquor selection, the menu is limited to a specific vision. Except even with such strong focus, there's still plenty to explore, and lots of different variety at the bar. The menu lacks such depth, and I wish they had at least a few more options, especially lighter fare. read more

What a brilliant way to parle a windowless basement space with no cell phone service into a booming bar. Pretend it's the 1920's! I'm not impressed with all the lousy reviews complaining about 1.) the bar being crowded and 2.) not being able to use your phone. If you need to check your FB with that much elbow room, what are you doing out on a Friday night? Since you can't bury your nose in your twitter feed, take a look around because the atmosphere is to die for. Every detail, the huge mirrored bar, the dark wood and leather, the music, it all resonates the speakeasy theme. The waitresses dress in stringy black dealies and are easy on the eyes. The bartenders wear suspenders and aren't afraid of the dirty liquors. Now, onto the offerings! The menu consists of pages and pages of booze, as well as a page of great specialty cocktails. Try the Revolver, it's my FAVORITE, and if you like bourbon, treat yourself to this little gem. They also do a seasonal flask of house punch which is boozy, delicious, and serves two. If you look hard enough, you will find the tiny food menu, and hidden in its modest folds is a list of dishes easily imagined in the prohibition era. I LOVE when a restaurant has a small menu, and executes every single dish perfectly. Everything I have had so far is not just good, it is FANTASTIC. Lamb, steak, sausage, and where else can you order deviled eggs? This is officially my new favorite bar in the Davis Squaria. If you don't like it, move along and make some room at the bar for me. ***** 5 STARS! read more

I arrive early get settled in and enjoy the hospitality of the dual waitresses of the night the rest end up joining as I'm drinking my perfectly acceptable featured cocktail/vodka drink then there's a bit of an issue our friend wants a Gibson but they're out of onions a joke happens, pepperoncini and a bird pepper martini happens because brilliant things should just as the night evolves and the rest of our friends crash into us tables are being combined as the staff and managers fully accommodate us by turning the full back wall into our little area most beautifully we depart with perfectly split checks and stomachs nicely filled with cocktails read more

Great environment. Cool underground speakeasy vibes. The place was packed when we went at midnight. We just got drinks: the Downeast MA cider was very good (the best cider we've had), as well as a traditional margarita. The bartenders were attentive and entertaining. Minimal cell service for Verizon customers fyi read more

Generally I will give the benefit of the doubt to a spot that is in midst of a soft opening, so a 5-star soft opening may be 3-star in the rough and tumble world of Yelp, but not here! This is tried and true, dripping over with red oozing into a 6-star type of review. Every sip and every bite earned a noise of delight and splendor. And, they manage to create a cocktail that includes ginger and wheatgrass, so you can get wasted and feel like a health nut all at the same time. I'll take 3 Naysayers please and feel good about it. Or maybe I will just get a little crazy and drink from a flask. Yes, I did. Yes, I was the girl who ordered a wedge salad, but even such simple things can go wrong sometimes, not here. It is more of a butter lettuce, not a hard, wedgey iceburg, and the bacon and blue cheese were the ideal of the wedge-world. Speaking of details, the steak sauce should be sold in buckets, as it was hands down the best I have ever sampled. Apparently, it was chipotle that made it shine, but the combination of ingredients reminded me of curry. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the creamed spinach was no slacker either. The bar staff treated us with kind familiarity, and given it's still newish, the spot felt like it was all ours. Truly a memorable dining event. I would head back there in a heartbeat if only it weren't across the country. read more

First star for the decor - it is a throwback to the days gone by. A tribute to the wild west with dark woods and ornate fixtures, (p)leather and smoky glass. (except, what's with the mirrored disco-ball?!?!) Second star for the pickled peppers. I'm normally not a big fan of deep-fried, but this was delightful, and the only order that came out of the kitchen in a reasonable time. As others have mentioned, Saloon is having an identity crisis. Is it a bar that serves food, or a restaurant that serves drinks? Right now it is trying to be both, and failing miserably. For drinks-only you are limited to the bar-counter only. If all the stools are taken (which happened both times I was here) then you are left to hover nearby, drink in hand, with nowhere to rest your glass. Don't even think about pausing at one of the tables, as they are for "eating only" - there is a bouncer who enforces this, he was pleasant though. On my second visit I came for dinner and arrived early enough (6:30) to be able to get a table. There would be four of us for dinner, but my two friends were running late, so my date and I sat and ordered drinks. From the moment we sat the server was pushy. We told her that we would be four, but she insisted that we should order food - I insisted that we would wait. Rude. We ordered apps once my friends arrived and entrees soon after. The apps were good, cheese plate and pickled peppers, but the entrees took forever, seriously forever, at least 75 minutes from when we ordered to when they arrived. Unfortunately, they were not worth the wait. Overcooked fish, overcheesed vegetables, undersized portions on oversized wooden plates. The server didn't offer an apology for the food delay, or a round of drinks, or any other gesture that would have eased the annoyance - nothing. As the place filled up through the night, we were constantly jostled and pushed by servers, food runners and other customers - and we were sitting at a table! Imagine your discomfort if you were one of (the many) poor saps who had to stand. The kitchen is obviously the weak link here, as I and others experienced. The bar, however, is the star. The drink list is both extensive and eclectic, the bartenders knowledgeable. If you *can* find a seat at the bar, then I would recommend a visit. However, given the current layout and the emphasis given to the badly-executed food service, I would pass. read more

One star for the amazing decor and atmosphere. One star for the amazing prices on booze (not that I'm currently drinking) The food was bad, too many conflicting flavors that just don't work together. Also for the expensive food prices, the food could at least be served hot rather than lukewarm, which is not appetizing for a stew. The staff here just doesn't care, only ever asked if I wanted to take my bowl of uneaten stew home with me, so I doubt it will improve. I left hungry after basically paying over $20 for water. Looking through the photos here, I can say what I was served looked nothing like was in the customer photo from a year ago. An actual stew instead of a sludgy mess. Corn bread that was grilled instead of just served stone cold. Butter that looks like it has flavor in it. Heck, they even grilled the lime. I wish I had been served that dish. What's happened to this place? read more

I went to check out Saloon on opening night, and I'm sure I'll be going back lots. Davis Square, we got a keeper! Saloon is a speakeasy-style bar run by the folks from Foundry on Elm. You enter through a small door between Foundry and the theater, and head downstairs. There is a large a spacious bar with lots of seating in the center of the room, a side room, and plenty of different seating arrangements for parties of all sizes. Saloon's specialty is bourbons and cocktails, but their menu is pretty great too. Devils on horseback! Beer-battered pickled peppers! And a bunch of simple but really good looking entrees. Not the most vegetarian friendly, but there were certainly a few options available! I ordered a Naysayer (a celiac's nightmare cocktail) and it was fresh and really delicious. My friends perused the bourbon list--they have 152 types!--and got some very intense and interesting sipping bourbons. For food, we had the beer-battered pickled peppers, devils on horseback, fish and chips, steak, and hamburger steak, and everything was cooked really really well. My fish was perfectly fried and incredibly flaky; my friend's steak came with a great sauce and was medium rare all the way through. The devils on horseback were the best I've ever had. Portions were more than adequate. We eventually caved to getting an egg-nog creme brulee for dessert, and that was great too! Despite the lingering smell of fresh varnish, Saloon definitely had their ducks in a row on opening night. The service was great and the food was perfectly prepared. Come enjoy this gem before everyone finds out about it! read more

After patronizing Saloon so many times in the past couple of months that the bartenders probably refer to me as the "guy who drinks bourbon as a substitute for water", I can safely give an updated rating of 5 stars. + Not that I'd ever admit to watering down bourbon with anything other than more bourbon, but their rye Old Fashioneds and Manhattans are some of the best I've ever had. They know what they are doing. + In addition to the haddock fish and chips I've now had the burger, most of the apps, and the bacon-wrapped dates (http://www.reactionface.info/sites/default/files/images/1310650820313.jpg). Holy moly. + The waitresses and tenders of the bar are over the top awesome. To everyone whining and nitpicking: No. read more

Went here on Saturday night with some friends. We had a table in the bar area. It was quite crowed which was fine. It was a mix of college kids and adults. Started with drinks which were fine. They have a nice selection of beers and drinks. We ordered some apps. We chose 2 separate cheese plates. One was Stilton blue cheese and the other was an English cheddar. Both came with toasted bread, honey, and apple slices. I liked when we ran low on bread that the server was quick to offer more. We also ordered pickled peppers. If you have never tried these, it is a must here. Everyone thought that they were really good. While we wanted dinner as well, the server kept taking both the dinner and drink menus away. Not sure why. For entrees, 2 people ordered fish and chips, 1 ordered the veg plate, and I ordered flat iron steak. The order took a really, really, really long time to come out. 2 separate servers came out and told us that it would be soon. One made the mistake of actually saying "3 minute". A real server error, bc 15 minutes later when it was still not out, the stars started fading away for their review. We waited a good hour for the entrees. Sadly, when they come out, they were not great. The chips that came with the fish and chips were really soggy. They forgot my butter on the flat iron steak. They did bring it out on the side, but it was really cold and it did not melt as well as if they had put it on in the kitchen. The veg plate was ok, but there was so much melted cheese on the top that it made it really greasy. Overall, not good. They server came at the end of the meal and could see we were all a bit frustrated. We had just asked for the check and she asked if we wanted dessert. We said no, and got an eye roll. Disappointing, and she paid for it on the tip line. Overall, I would not go back. There are just too many other options both in D-Square and in the city. The set up in the bar is really odd if you are going to eat there. If you are not actually sitting in the cube, and you have a chair, you basically share your meal with the people in the bar. They really should reevaluate the entire bar area, as I see others have complained about not enough space at the bar. Finally, if you do choose to go here, there is no signage outside. Be sure that you know the address and btw, you need to take the stairs down to get into the place. read more

The Capital Grille's decor death is Saloon's atmospheric wonder. Keep a sharp eye out for this unmarked location and prepare to be amazed. The Place Raw cement floors are layered with Oriental Rugs, and the interior woodwork is something to be marveled. The tables, both regular and pub height, are a nice size for a cozy conversation. The U-shaped bar features comfortable stools around all sides, and the lack of marketing/advertising beer pulls make it a great people-watch spot. The Food: This teeny-tiny menu packs a huge punch. Their hot pepper poppers will be my last meal on earth. Vegetarians be warned...there are very few options...to the omnivores delight. The Drink: Brown liquors abound on this delicious (and well priced) menu. The bartenders are great with any old fashioned cocktails, but are quite capable of making you anything you desire. All in all...LOVE this place. Busy or quiet, this is a great spot. Go now! read more

This place is awesome to go to for a nice dinner or a bar, the drinks and food are of high quality and creatively delicious. I would have to say their appetizers are definitely worth getting with a drink for a good short experience. Now in regards to why it has three stars, I have to be a little bit critical. The price for what you get means a single drink and an app will average you $12 and $9 respectively, and as they are not that big, the price for them is much higher then the $$ sign that this place has. The real damaging factor though was service. If you want to charge a premium on food and beverage, the last thing you want to do is make people wait. Once you are seated by the hostess, you end up being visited once and if you don't order anything then and there, be prepared to wait 10-15 min just to get the waitress to come back, even when it is not packed. This is compounded by taking another 15-20 min to get your drinks back to you. Once again they are delicious and almost worth the money, but almost every time I have been there I have to adopt a strategy of ordering anything 15-20 min before I am ready to have it in order not to get frustrated. For a place that is supposed to be an experience, it falls short and takes away from it. It was a little bit ironic however that it took only 2-3 minutes instead to bring the check and than run the card. This was the same way for the last 4 times I have gone over the last 6 months. This is a consistent problem that seems to weigh down on what should otherwise be a special experience. read more

If I could give Saloon ten stars, I would do so gladly. My partner of 12 years proposed a few months ago and we wanted a very small wedding with a few close friends in attendance. I thought of the Foundry for my reception and Brian, the manager of Saloon suggested a room in the back for a private gathering. He gave me an extremely fair price for a sit down dinner and champagne toast. He attended to my every need and answered every question I had. Heck, he even had the chef make me a vegan dinner **even though they don't typically have vegan items on the menu** so I could sample what they could offer me. Even better, the chef came out to talk to me about the dish and offer other suggestions. My wedding reception was a dream. I could not have asked for anything better. The staff was incredibly attentive and made sure to keep other bar guests away from our private area. In fact, I don't think I have enough words in my vocabulary to state how kind the waitstaff were to me and all of my guests. Brian checked on me about a thousand times. I felt at home at Saloon and all of my guests loved our reception. Come to Saloon and come often. You will be treated like a Queen. The back room is much quieter than you would expect. You will be taken care of and they will not gouge you on the price of dinner. I wish I could have a reception every day, just so I could give Saloon my business each time. I love you Saloon. Brian, you are an incredibly professional guy! Thanks for making my wedding day special! read more