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Boston is full of surprises, and its speakeasy scene is no exception. From hidden doors to secret staircases, the city offers a thrilling mix of unique spots where you can enjoy everything from absinthe rituals to dessert martinis. After exploring Boston’s neighborhoods one sip at a time, I’ve rounded up my favorite hidden bars. Here are the best speakeasies in Boston you have to check out.

What is a Speakeasy?

Speakeasies were secret bars that operated during Prohibition (1920-1933), when alcohol was illegal. In Boston, these hidden spots kept the city’s nightlife alive with unmarked doors and creative cocktails.

When Prohibition ended in 1933, speakeasies became a part of history. But today, Boston’s speakeasies still maintain that same secretive charm.

The Best Hidden Bars in Boston

Here’s a roundup of my favorite Boston speakeasies I visited over the past year, along with all the tasty drinks I tried at each one.

1. The Wig Shop

Location: 27 Temple Pl, Boston, MA 02111

Hidden behind a wig shop on Temple Street is one of the most unique speakeasies in Boston.

I only found The Wig Shop after a bartender tipped me off, and it turned out to be a hidden gem.

As we walked in, the hostess greeted us and sat us at one of the cozy tables. The room is small and dark, and has a variety of creative cocktails to try.

I had to try the Helena, which had Don Julio blanco, elderflower,
pamplemousse, lemon, and cotton candy foam!

We also tried the Channing Tay Yum, which had Singani 63, blackberry, pistachio orgeat, lime, and black pepper.

But the real highlight is The Absinthe Ritual. We watched as our server set up a slow-drip water station, letting absinthe drip onto sugar cubes, diluting the strong licorice taste.

At 86% alcohol, it’s definitely a strong experience, but surprisingly enjoyable.

If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path in Boston, The Wig Shop is a must-visit.

2. Modern Pastry Underground

Location: 263 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Situated beneath the well-known Modern Pastry in Boston’s North End is a hidden speakeasy, Modern Pastry Underground.

First, we grabbed a few delicious pastries from the bakery, including their black-and-white Italian cookie. Then we stumbled upon the speakeasy entrance marked “Bar.”

Descending a dark staircase, we found a dimly lit bar packed with people enjoying dessert martinis like the sweet Pistachio and Cinnamon Toast Crunch varieties.

It’s the perfect spot to indulge in both Italian pastries and creative cocktails. If you’re a dessert lover, this hidden gem is a must-visit in Boston!

We visited this boston speakeasy on our Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of North End Boston!

3. OffSuit

Location: 5 Utica St, Boston, MA 02111

Tucked away in Chinatown is one of my favorite speakeasies in Boston—Offsuit. This spot is seriously hard to find.

You have to walk down a dark alley, and the door is completely unmarked. So finding the entrance feels like part of the adventure. I won’t give it away completely, but this is the alley you need to look for.

Offsuit serves up playful, creative cocktails like the Tigresa, made with sherry blend, miso, coconut cream, pineapple, and Jamaican rum. It sounds wild, but it works.

Or go for their infamous Espress F*cking Martini—strong, bold, and surprisingly smooth.

I definitely recommend stopping by after a day exploring Chinatown. It’s the perfect spot for a nightcap.

Want to do a food tour in Chinatown? Read Boston Chinatown Food Tour: Where to Eat and What to Try

4. Yvonne’s

Location: 2 Winter Pl, Boston, MA 02108

If you’re looking for dinner in a speakeasy, don’t look any further than Yvonne’s. It’s one of my favorites on this list—for both the drinks and the food!

I followed the rainbow tunnel to find the hidden entrance. Once we stepped inside. We were greeted by a row of vintage beauty chairs.

We entered the stunning dining room and a bar set up like a library. I loved the decor and the service—it all added to the experience.

For dinner, we had the Tunisian Chicken—spicy chicken with harissa, green olives, dates, mozzarella, and garlic sauce.

We also snacked on the Crispy Tater Cubes with joppiesaus, farmhouse gouda, and a beet-pickled egg.

For drinks, I had to try the Serenade Martini (Monkey 47 gin, blanc vermouth, lemongrass, pink Sichuan peppercorn, and accoutrements) and Tomie’s Collins (gin, strawberry-sencha cordial, manzanilla, Nardini, and salted coconut foam).

Make sure to book a reservation in advance; this place is popular and can be booked out. We landed a cancellation the night before, so keep checking if they are full!

5. Shore Leave

Location: 11 William E Mullins Way, Boston, MA 02118

If you love sushi and cocktails, you’ve got to book a reservation at Shore Leave in the South End.

This hidden speakeasy is one of my favorite places to visit in Boston during Halloween. This is when it transforms from tropical Shore Leave to spooky Scare Leave.

They go all out with Halloween decorations and themed cocktails, making it a super fun experience.

If you want to read more about my Halloween visit, check out The Best Halloween Cocktails in Boston Are at Shore Leave

The drinks I tried were all Halloween-themed. But even without the spooky vibes, this place is worth a stop.

Their sushi is out of this world! It’s a night of tropical rum drinks and fresh rolls. Shore Leave is a place you do not want to miss on your speakeasy tour of Boston!

If you want more spooky cocktails near Boston, check out these Speakeasies In Salem: The Best Spots For Spooky Cocktails!

FAQ

What is a speakeasy? A speakeasy is a secret bar that originated during Prohibition when alcohol was illegal. Today, these bars maintain a hidden, exclusive feel with unique cocktails and a vintage atmosphere.

Do you need a reservation for speakeasies in Boston? Some speakeasies in Boston require reservations, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s best to check the individual speakeasy’s website or call ahead for details.

What should I expect at a Boston speakeasy? Expect a cozy, intimate atmosphere with creative cocktails and a Prohibition-inspired vibe. These bars often have a hidden or exclusive feel, with dim lighting, vintage décor, and top-notch drinks.

What is the dress code for speakeasies in Boston? Most speakeasies have a casual to semi-formal dress code. It’s always a good idea to dress up a bit to match the atmosphere.

Explore More of Boston

I love eating and drinking my way through Boston! That is exactly why I put together this Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of North End Boston!

If you want to explore Chinatown, take my Boston Chinatown Food Tour: Where to Eat and What to Try!

Want a weird foodie experience in Boston? Visit the Museum of Ice Cream In Boston: Carnival Games, Art & Ice Cream!

For dinner, head over to Tony & Elaine’s, The Best Italian Food in the North End.

Visiting NYC? Here the 6 Best Hidden Speakeasies in New York City for 2025!

Read all of my Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies Guides!