backbar

I’m not a drinker because I can’t handle my alcohol at all, but I would come here just for the atmosphere and the bartenders!
It’s moody, there’s something nice to look at in every corner, even in the bathroom. I happened to go on May 4^th so everything was Star Wars themed (May the Forth be with you haaaahaaa). The hostess was wearing a chewbacca onesie! There were Star Wars things everywhere, they really seem to go all out.
And I guess they have a new special drink every day that they make up, which is just great knowing how much effort they put into creative thinking. Of all the few drinks I did take a sip of, they were all tasty with fun names.
I forgot the bartender’s name, but he was so chill, so fun to talk to, and my friends and I couldn’t have asked for someone better. Even though it gets loud and the space is pretty tight, the workers and (again!!) the atmosphere of the entire bar are just fun and we had a great time. (We were probably just as loud)

Love this place! The drinks are delicious and made from fresh ingredients. I always appreciate drinks that are made to your taste. Owner and the waiter were super nice. The place is hip and different which I love! Coming back soon!

It was the first time I left alone in the US, I can say that in Boston I did not feel alone. Backbar has a great service and wonderful drinks. I got lost a little because it is very discreet the bar entrance. Tip take the right Bronwyn Restaurant, right to the funds.

The only reason I’m giving this place 5 stars is because the waiter was phenomenal. I’ve been trucking he night alone and the moment I walked in this place I felt like I was wanted and my needs were met. He remade drinks for me and made me feel welcome in a brand new city! Love love love. I definitely recommend this place!

If you want an intimate feel to catch up with friends, meet a date or just chill by yourself, this is the place. I love how adventurous the entrance to this place is! The staff is very friendly and their drinks definitely make the place. Definitely ask for their favorite or have them explain the drinks of the day/​week/​month. I can’t wait to be back!

If you know backbar, you know it is good. It has a low key speakeasy feel which is what they are going for, thus the unmarked door and a long hallway where you travel towards the noise. (BTW they have cheered up the hallway, and lite it better so it is less adventurous to get in, sad) The staff, especially the barman are really into making you good cocktails. They only offer a bar menu but it is quite tasty and has some seasonal deliciousness offered. Great place for a hideaway date, or friends meeting for drinks and a chat. Have the popcorn, and the cheese plate.
Over the years the bar menu has changes and been reduces they serve only what is popular, it’s still good and wholesome.
The bar keeps up with trends, and I have no reservation bring my bartender or my cocktail aficionado here. If you can’t find what you are hankering for talk to the bartender they like a challenge. The scotch and bourbon collection is quite good, not extensive, but you’ll find something you will like.
As for price I have found it to be reasonable, they like their regulars. Keep you ears open for special little events, and ask them which new drinks are prepared differently. I had a nice bourbon cocktail there served in a smoked glass that was «smoked up» infront of me. NOVEL!

Has a speakeasy feel. Cool place to sit and enjoy a few cocktails. You’ll want to get here early as space fills up quickly.
When I arrived at around 6:30pm, I was able to put my name on a waiting list. You have the option to leave your phone number and get a text when your table is ready, or you can stay and wait. I was offered a sample of a rye cocktail while waiting, which was nice.
After waiting only about 15 minutes, we were seated on the couch. I got the Hurricandy, a twist on the traditional Hurricane, and the Boston cocktail, a drink with gin and brandy that tasted both sweet and sour.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would come back. The only downside was that sitting on the benches nearest the entry was a little uncomfortable. However, I could imagine staying longer and maybe trying some of the small food plates if I was seated at the bar or a larger table.

Its very similar to a speakeasy! Have to be careful to find the entrance. Great cocktails and little snack food.
Unfortunately the awesome ice cream sandwich is no more. The lady who used to make them has moved on.
Not meant to be great for dinner food. The vibe of people going there are similar to that at Brick & Mortar in central sq. However the room architecture and atmosphere is very different. Its not as loud and dark as B&M.

Been here a few times over the years and I just love to see the faces of people who’ve not been before come for the first time ha. The non-​descript back door entrance and the sketchy stretch of a worn out hall into the bar makes the weary newbie think they’re being led somewhere to be robbed. Then, when you least expect it, you open the door and poof, eclectic artwork and a nice unpretentious ambiance awaits you.
Staff is super nice, service is always on par and drinks are very good. This is the epitome of a Cambridge bar of yesteryear that’s found a home in Somerville.

Was there on Wednesday night after a dinner in Davis. First off they take reserve, which is insanely cool for a bar, being able to decide to just up and leave and not have to worry about a check was awesome. The staff and drinks here are both so on point. Insanely knowledgable, friendly and dedicated staff.
Great drinks. They barrel age their own old overholt of which I had a sazerac and it was insanely good. Amazing depth of flavor and sugar/​bitter balance.
Probably the best craft cocktail bar in the city. Right up there with brick and mortar.
Just wish they were open later and their wine list was a little more extensive, but the cremant I had was an impressive seletion as well.

This is a fantastic little bar tucked away in Somerville. They are owned by the same people who own Journeyman, so I was very excited to try this place out. I had difficulty finding the entrance at first, which is down an alleyway and almost looks like the backdoor. Don’t be deterred by the entrance — the inside is warm, cozy, and has incredible décor. I love the emphasis on the aged oak barrels and the black-​and-​white wall art.
We stopped in for pre-​dinner drinks and a snack. The drink menu is interesting (I’m a sucker for bars that have clever or interesting names for their drinks). I got the «angel’s reviver» (bourbon and absinthe, $ 8) and my partner ordered the «Rey’s fashion» since he loves Star Wars (Irish whiskey, rose, cherry almond cordial and a hint of tea, $ 12). The drinks were strong and came out fast. We also ordered the spicy caramel popcorn ($ 3), which was deliciously buttery and savory. I loved the smoky flavor of the popcorn. You can order it with bacon for an added $ 5.
The next time I’m in the area I’ll definitely be back. I’m excited to try their milk punch (I have no idea what this will taste like, but it sounds very interesting!)

This is, hands down, my FAVORITE cocktail bar in Somerville. Every time I go, I feel like I am in on a great secret, even when the place is packed!
This last time I went, my friend and I each got 3 different cocktails, getting a selection from the standard menu, the specials menu, and some out-​of-​the-​blue recommendations from our server. All of them were supremely good, and exceptionally interesting — either unconventional flavor pairings, unusual presentations (Storm Trooper mug with a flaming sugar cube? YES!), or really amazing takes on classic flavors.
For the first time, I also tried their food (beyond the sometimes complimentary spiced caramel popcorn) — the signature hot dog was topped with kimchi and bacon, and only for $ 5! I know my sense of «value» is warped by Boston area prices, but it felt like a steal, and it was delicious.
The only reason this doesn’t get my 5 starts of approval is that I basically can’t come here on weekends, because it is SO PACKED. And although the space feels like a wonderful Somerville secret (hidden down a back alley, through a poorly marked door, down a long fluorescent-​lit, white hallway, and into a cool, comfortable urban bar space,) when the rest of Somerville is there, too, jockeying for a spot, it’s hard to get the same intimate feeling. But check it out on a Wednesday evening — it’s low-​key and amazing!

My go-​to cocktail bar in Boston. Perfect for pre– or post– dinner in Union square. My only complaint is the lack of seating — can be a long wait on weekend nights.
Spicy caramel popcorn is a must order for the table. As for cocktails, order from the menu or just describe your preferences to the expert bartenders and they’ll whip you up something unique. Recently I had a take on an «olive oil cocktail» — herbaceous, refreshing and delicious.
Great date spot or for a small group!

I love speakeasy type bars, and this place was perfect for a winter weeknight. I tried both the eggnog and the rey’s old fashioned and both were delicious. The eggnog let the spices come through and was not overly sweet, but the old fashioned was the true surprise, with the notes of rose adding a delightful aftertaste to an already great drink. It’s clear that the bartenders take great care in their drinks. The vibe was relaxed and the spicy caramel popcorn was a nice touch. My only complaint was that they didn’t heat the bathrooms! I’ll definitely be bringing my date back here

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

backbar is the bar in Boston that I feel most comfortable at. At no point of ever being here did I not feel like the whole staff wasn’t happy to have me there. This is not to mention the people that patronize this place are also very nice, cool people. I’ve even made friends here! I haven’t tried much of the food, but I have it on good word that the ramen is very good.
Besides that, the drinks are exceptional. They are reasonably priced in terms of their quality. Also, the bartenders are true experts. Any time I don’t know what type of drink I want, whoever is behind the bar or serving me knows exactly what I need even if my only hints of what I want are like «something citrus but dark.» Every time I go I have a good time and it is a pleasure for me to show friends to the best kept secret in the Boston area.
Again, this place is testament to the fact that a talented and friendly staff can make a place one of the most pleasant places (not just in terms of restaurants, but any public place) to be.

Vibe right
Mixed right
Popcorn sweet and spicy (right)
Unique unpretentious character, excellent staff.
Truly clever cocktails, icy chilled glasses, ask for off menu coffee /​rum /​egg-​flip if you’re feeling adventurous.
Adventurousness is rewarded here. ¹⁰⁄₁₀ will be back bar.

While I appreciate a well-​crafted cocktail, this space was beyond my capacity of appreciation. The menu has just enough food to allow for the place to stay open by Massachusetts Law, but not enough for me to feel compelled to make this a destination. That being said, this is in no way a reflection of the bartenders ability to craft a solid cocktail. The cocktails are well-​made and the ambiance delivers that super-​hipster vibe that is promised.
The seating is less than comfortable (especially if you get stuck with a stump and get kneed in the back every time someone makes tracks to the bar) and the turnover on tables makes for a wait if you arrive during peak hours. We got lucky and two tables emptied to allow for our party of six to sit together, but it was squished. We stayed for one drink and then beat it.
I think that this is a good spot to stop in to appreciate a solid cocktail, perhaps to cap the night after a good meal elsewhere.

Cool little speakeasy right off of Union Square. Nice and on the quieter side — there’s space for 30 – 40 people or so, most sitting near the bar or on the couches and some standing space by the bar. Waitstaff is friendly (though we had trouble understanding our waiter’s explanation of the milk punch through his British accent…).
Each of us got a drink, and we really liked them. One of my friends had the sour cherry milk punch — unlike the name, it didn’t taste like a Warhead or sour patch kids! Didn’t taste like that horrible cherry flavor in candy or medicine or fruit snacks at all! Someone else had the pina pepper colada — it wasn’t fruity or sweet or typically piña colada at all, but she really liked it. I had the thunder gun express — my favorite of the bunch — and the ginger, lemon, and apple flavors came through very cleanly.
Spicy caramel popcorn — good (and free!), though the spice was kind of a slow, almost bourbon-​y burn than a peppery burn.
The only thing was that the waiter kept coming by and checking in — it felt like we were being rushed out on a Wednesday evening after having been there for only an hour.

Backbar is a welcome change from the glut of excessively loud and crowded bars around here. They have about 30 seats in a U-​shaped formation, and no one stands! Everyone sits. This makes a world of difference — everyone feels less frantic, talks quieter, and generally has a better time. The people who are waiting are out of view of the space, too, not crowded up on other people like at other establishments.
The staff was extremely professional and knowledgeable. The drink list is incredibly creative, and changes on a seasonal basis, I believe. My New Daisy drink (with a pansy in the ice cube!) was perfect. My friend’s «bartender’s choice» drink blew me away though — gin, St. Germain, celery bitters, and something else that’s escaping me. It was crisp and refreshing. Mind you, this was after we had sent a drink back because it was too sweet, and STILL the waiter was nice and flexible about it.
One thing that weirded me out: the lighting. It’s dim, but the kind of dim where reading text is hard. I’m sure this is intentional (adds to the experience blah blah), but I don’t feel it’s necessary.