My fiance found this speakeasy while we were in town and I'm so glad he did! Look for a black awning advertising a real estate firm and once inside, the file cabinet on your left is really a door that will lead you to The Archives. If you're a cocktail lover, this is absolutely your spot. Not only do they have an incredibly creative list of special cocktails, but they also can make the classics and you can also ask for any off menu specials too. I opted for the Red Right Hand, which was a rum based drink with almond, citrus and spice notes. It was incredible!! We sat at the bar, which had ample seating, and there were also tables and two lounge areas in the back. The bartenders were helpful and have no problem recommending drinks based on your likes. Definitely recommend The Archive for incredible drinks by talented bartenders! read more

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Cool vibe, excellent drinks and knowledgeable mixologists. Perfect place for couples or small groups to relax in a cool atmosphere with cool vibes, good music and great drinks. If youre in Amherst this is a must try. read more

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So it was our first and last time to ever go here. Some people may find it great. But we don't. What a joke. We have been to better speak easy locations that the drinks were awesome and the prices reasonable. This place not so much. Drinks start at $16 to $28 dollars. The charcuterie board is the simplest board I've ever seen with a bowl of Ritz crackers seriously that's ridiculous and it's $28 for some cheese some pickled vegetables some meat and Ritz crackers. read more

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Top notch cocktail bar that could be in any big city, way better than I expected for a rural college town. I mean, they stock both green and yellow chartreuse (and know how to use them beyond just the menu drinks). We ordered 8 drinks total, a mix of menu and off-menu classic stuff by recommendation -- the Saturn and the Easy Out are both excellent passionfruit-based cocktails that ought to be advertised! -- and it was a great evening out. The bartenders were also easy to talk to if you are interested in mixology yourself. read more

Eric is a great, personable bartender who loves to educate people about drinks. This place offers an artistic but down-to-earth vibe where everyone is welcome. My husband and I love going here, especially on special occasions. Highly recommend! The cocktails are wonderful and can be very intriguing, in a good way! read more

The Archives never disappoints. These folks are truly artisans and know their mixology like they got advanced degrees in it. My favorite is the Date Night, which is a take on the old fashioned but with cognac, aperol, chocolate covered dates, and a pact with the devil. Glorious and sinful, everything perfection. If you're in the neighborhood check it out. read more

Unique, memorable, and interesting. Craft cocktails made with care containing high-quality ingredients. Bar mixologists know their craft. A special place with a vibe that is fun. A few perfect food items, which are a good match to the cocktails that you will happily sip. You don't go here to eat, if you know what I mean. Wonderful place to visit after or before a meal in the many nearby restaurants. Another fine reason to spend a bit of time in Amherst. read more

You have to find The Archives inside a real estate office.... but that is all part of the fun surprise! The Archives is the best craft bar in the area, by far. This is a "must stop" if you are in Amherst! Their carefully curated cocktail menu is filled with so many creative drinks. The interior of the bar is whimsical, cozy, and charming. The seating is definitely better suited for smaller groups, especially at peak times. Parking is available on the street or in a lot nearby. read more

The Archives - Field Study - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

Very fun hidden bar! Love all the decor inside. We got the touch of grey and baysider. We wanted something light and these are exactly what we expected. The touch of grey is very smooth. The baysider is citrusy and very refreshing. You order at the bar and they'll bring you the drinks. Service was quick and attentive. read more

The Archives - Touch of grey. Baysider - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

I got the Lucid Dream and it was excellent! The drink had a very "clear" taste with a hint of chamomile. It was very easy to sip and refreshing as well. The bartender was incredibly knowledgeable about alcohol which I appreciated. Cocktails range from around $16-20 with a few outliers but I can definitely say I got what I paid for! read more

The Archives - Lucid Dream - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

Interesting selection of curated drinks. Will appeal to brown and clear drinkers as the absinthe drinker read more

The Archives - a lounge area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

Very delicious dedicated cocktails! modern ambience informative cool bar tenders- little nooks to hang out in read more

The Archives - chill? - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

The Archives is a new swanky little speakeasy in Amherst! They have a fun list of fancy cocktails and a quirky space. There's one booth, bar seating, low table seating, and a cute other room with seating. I think if we had the booth or the cute little room it would've felt more private, but it was kind of hard sitting by the door people had to walk by. Also the bench is just kind of uncomfortable. The cocktails were so fun, and I love the big ice cubes. I had the touch of grey, which was a very light summery drink. I loved it! Risky business was really good, but the espresso martini was a bit too odd with the mezcal for me. The pink squirrel was a great dessert cocktail, can't even taste the alcohol! (Hint: look for the realty sign) read more

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Cozy vibe and good drinks. perfect place to stop by after a dinner date for couples. The drinks are both pretty and delicious. read more

The Archives - Alpine Martini, Birds of Paradise - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

This is a PHENOMENAL location. There is no doubt that this speakeasy will be featured in the world's top 100 Speakeasy's in the world. I have been fortunate enough to visit many in New York, Los Angeles, Italy, Mexico, and Spain. Without a doubt The Archives is up there with the best of them. Staff/Bartenders were creative, friendly and innovative. You would never expect a place like this in a small town but my goodness I'm so grateful as this gives me MORE reasons to visit while my kid's in college! Incredible and can't wait to go back! read more

Haha @ the person who reviewed this place 1 star and doesn't understand the concept of a speakeasy. This bar is as its address states, in the basement. We were a little lucky and had another group go in before us so that kinda gave a clue as to where the bar was. But once we got closer, the music was a giveaway. The entrance, which looks like a wall of filing cabinets (it's just wallpaper so it's obvious) holds the hidden door. We tried 4 cocktails, the milk punch being my fav. Also tried the crème brûlée (fall flavor) and the potato potato dip. Potato chips with potato salad dip....what a creation. read more

The Archives - Dip - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

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This place is soooo good. If you are someone that cares about a cocktail and thinks sour mix is gross, this is your place. Great date night place because of atmosphere and well balanced cocktails read more

Read about the speakeasy that opened in Amherst, and confirmed by Yelp and Atlas Obscura, so we had to go find it when we were out there. Located at the old Twisters (if you know you know). We went with another couple from the area who knew nothing about it. We get to the lobby and for a moment, couldn't figure out how to enter, but you look to the left by the file cabinets and it becomes clear. You become transported to a very dark, pretty and comfortable bar with booths, high tops and plenty of little living room nooks for seating. Order at the bar and enjoy your very creative craft cocktails. Very enjoyable experience and I'm read more

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Everything was wow factor! The one app I almost didn't order ended up being my addiction and newest favorite.... The celery! Service was great and the drinks were just amazing! Can't wait to go back soon! This will be a frequent spot now that we found it! Ambiance was great too just wish they had a tad more comfy seating. The bench style is cool but not comfortable for people with back issues. read more

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Great little after dinner location. Really interesting drink choices. Bartenders were great. Could use some live jazz, music or something, but otherwise a definite must visit after dinner. read more

Loved the vibe, although the table next to us was suuuuper loud. The seating wasn't very comfortable, but the cocktail menu was amazing. It was hard to choose, but everyone loved their choice. I got the Risky Business, which was a smoky twist on a Negroni. read more

The Archives - Three cocktails, Risky Business in center - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

How cool! Once we found it that is! Lol we had been calling the phone number over and over and over again and no answer. So we decided to jump in the car and take a ride. We followed the directions to the address. And there was no indication whatsoever of The Archives! There was no signage at all. But remember, this is a speakeasy. And of all the speakeasies that I've been to, you always had to find it! That's part of the whole idea. So we continued to walk around the building. All of a sudden, we got a text message from The Archives. Asking us if they could be of assistance as they saw that we were trying to call them. And we said yes, where are you! And they gave us directions and guided us. You park in the bak muni lot. Walk around to the front to what you think is a real estate brokerage house. Until you walk in the door. That is, if you can recognize the door. Look for the "A". We sat at the bar. The bartender was amazing. The decor is awesome! Just love it. We went out to dinner afterwards and I think I told everybody that I walked by on the way there as well as in the restaurant. I wish them nothing but success. read more

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If you can find The Archives, you're in for a mixology treat. Craft cocktails, wine and beer to delight. After finding this speakeasy (good luck), you will be surrounded by an ambiance of botanical wonder. I had the Orchard Blossom, a combination of vodka, elderberry and other delights that results in a drink that is exhilarating. My husband had a Manhattan - also delicious. Service was excellent - warm and inviting. The Archives is a great place for date night, a business meeting, or a gathering. It checks all the boxes. read more

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My favorite bar in town! Tell the bartender your mood & they'll craft a drink that you didn't know you wanted but fits perfectly! Cozy setting, nice place to visit with friends read more

So much to rave about at The Archives. Beautiful ambiance, very welcoming. Staff are EXTREMELY knowledgeable about their servings and cocktails. I often ask for bartenders choice because I trust the pairings with my life. We've also rented the back room for a private party. Beautiful experience. The Ponzu Celery is an amazing party snack. It's always a great time and with amazing company read more

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Such a cool spot to find out in the middle of Amherst. Won't give away the entrance but head down ;) Amazing drinks and friendly bartender

This bar is such a welcome addition to downtown Amherst. Having gone twice, the drinks are fantastic (my favorite being "Big in Japan") and the yuzu celery is tasty to have with drinks. The staff have been nothing but excellent, the atmosphere is fun, and I plan to go back soon! It's not that hard to find, just go to the address and head to the basement! read more

The Archives - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

The vibe is so cool in there! They have interesting artifacts and a Victorian yet science themed look. Very true to the spot and architecture. Love the lounge. There's a huge selection of drinks. I really liked the one with lavender in it. The drinks are pricy but delicious. Definitely would like to go back again. Love this place! read more

The Archives - Lounge - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Amherst, Massachusetts

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Glad I found this listing, and glad we found the place! Perfect spot for VERY well done cocktails. Caught it at a good time to chit chat with the bartender to hear about the amazing processes they go through for their ingredients. Will definitely return. Top notch. read more

The Archives is my husband's and I favorite local bar/cocktail lounge. We haven't had any bad drink and the service is wonderful. We always love what's on the menu and have excellent experience with "dealers choice." The ambiance/atmosphere is a vintage speakeasy with class. As someone who needs to be careful of allergies in certain liquors I can always have something there. N/A options for drinks for what's available are delicious too. read more

Love this place! The mixology, the secret door, the perfectly demure snacks. It is a hidden gem - low cool lighting, tiny cozy rooms, and attentive staff. Highly recommend for a late night drink and snack. read more

If you're looking for a low-key bar with a sophisticated yet free atmosphere, this is the spot! I guess I misjudged the beverage when it was served to me. It was on the smaller side & was not cheap so I was a bit concerned at first. But let me tell ya, that one drink I had was AMAZING! Had me feeling quite nice after too. read more

We read the clue and still had to work to find it, but it was worth it. The atmosphere was polished, cozy, and grown up, which was a relief after the 21 year old crowds on the main street above. The drinks were creative and delicious, artfully done. We will be back each time we visit our son at UMASS! read more

Shhhh! It's a secret! And I'm not telling. There are enough clues deposited in various places that you should be able to figure out how to find it and how to get in. Once you're in, you'll be treated to a bar that's everything a bar should be: tucked away, no TV screens in your face, an ambiance conducive to actual live, face-to-face conversation. And the drinks. Truly craft cocktails, the kind of drink menu you'll return to just to taste what else they're up to here. read more

The ambience and cocktails were amazing! Cocktails are pricey, but you can also get beer or wine for a bit more of a typical price. It's cozy and well decorated, and feels like a secret with the speakeasy entrance! read more

What a great place for Amherst. This is the best place to come for a great cocktail. Feels like a place I'd go in the city here in Amherst. Definitely expect to wait as the place is intimate. The service is great and the overall ambiance is exactly what I want from this place. read more

Expensive drinks for where they are and kinda pretentious scene. The staff were mostly nice. Metal stools really uncomfortable after awhile.

Unusual new venue in Amherst! Once you succeed in entering the first time, you will want to visit again. Creative and delicious cocktails - many can be made nonalcoholic. read more

good bites and fantastic cocktails. Nick made me an amazing Sazerac. We were desperate for this place in Amherst since Vespa is only open until like 10. good vibes good lighting please stick around forever. read more