The Most Beautiful Bars in Greater Boston

Twelve spots where drinking becomes art.

By ·
A vintage-style bar with a marble countertop and wooden drawers beneath. Behind the bar is a backlit shelf filled with various bottles of liquor, arranged neatly. The ceiling features ornate, gold-toned embossed tiles, and three pendant lights with decorative shades hang above the bar. Three wooden bar stools with round, cushioned seats are positioned in front of the counter. The overall ambiance is warm and inviting with a classic, elegant design.

Pass through Desnuda’s eye-catching ground-floor restaurant and bar, pictured here, to find the sexy listening lounge downstairs. / Courtesy photo

When you’re planning a cocktail-filled night out and the vibes matter just as much as the drinks, these 12 Greater Boston bars really deliver. Swanky hideaways, grandiose hotel venues, maximalist destinations practically made for social media—sip your way through the most beautiful bars around town.

See also: The Most Beautiful Restaurants in Greater Boston

Luxurious bar area with tufted leather chairs arranged around wooden tables and a marble countertop. The back wall features a well-lit display of various liquor bottles framed by wooden panels and mirrors. Elegant chandeliers hang from a detailed ceiling, and the space is accented with table lamps, a fireplace, and decorative plants. The floor combines patterned carpet and wood.

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen. / Fairmont Copley Plaza

Oak Long Bar + Kitchen

The Classic Hotel Bar

The name doesn’t lie: This is one long bar (83 feet, to be exact, and made of copper)—which thankfully means you might not have to wait too long to snag a stately, leather-back chair. Chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and grand arch-shaped mirrors nod to the grandeur of Oak Long Bar’s home in the century-plus-year-old Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel.

ORDER THIS: The Bee’s Knees cocktail, which combines barrel-aged Vermont gin infused with honey from the hotel’s rooftop bees; any seasonal seafood dish, such as wild Atlantic halibut with braised kale, chorizo, and heirloom beans.

138 St. James Ave., Back Bay, Boston, 617-585-7222, oaklongbarkitchen.com.

A stylish lounge area with a mix of seating including beige sofas adorned with patterned and solid-colored cushions, dark brown leather chairs, and a plush maroon armchair. Small round tables with gold bases are placed in front of the seating. The space features a patterned rug, large potted plants, and a staircase with a black railing leading to an upper level. The walls and ceiling near the staircase are decorated with a dark floral pattern, and tall windows with sheer curtains allow natural light to fill the room.

Blind Duck. / Raffles Boston

Blind Duck

Boston’s Luxe Living Room

Hunt for the secret entrance inside the glitzy Raffles Boston hotel (hint: look for the door with a dapper duck on it) to find two breathtaking stories of cocktail-lounge heaven. Enormous floor-to-ceiling windows offer dramatic skyline views, while the bar itself is quite the looker, from a dark floral ceiling to banquettes and velvety chairs that invite you to stay a while.

ORDER THIS: A rare wine or whiskey at high-roller prices, or a truffle-scented freezer-door martini; duck bao buns.

40 Trinity Pl., Back Bay, Boston, 617-589-1605, raffles.com.

Modern bar with a wide selection of liquor bottles arranged on the counter, multiple rows of hanging wine glasses above, and large windows in the background offering a cityscape view. The ceiling features round, warm-toned light fixtures, and the bar counter has various bar tools and glassware.

Bubble Bath Back Bay. / Photo by Kelsey Glowik

Bubble Bath Back Bay

Rooftop Whimsy

Fifteen floors above the Back Bay, atop the CitizenM hotel, chef and restaurateur Tiffani Faison has created a pretty-in-pink ode to champagne. Opaque hemispheres dot the wine bar’s ceiling, with a tower of big, translucent spheres descending to cozy booths, giving the effect of lounging in, well, a bubble bath. Mini gold telescopes allow those at coveted window seats to get a better look at the skyline views (while indulging in caviar, naturally), and when weather permits, an expansive patio offers even more thrilling vistas.

ORDER THIS: You’re practically required to order a glass of bubbly, but don’t sleep on intriguing cocktails like the Kokumi, with corn whiskey, mushroom soju, and chocolate bitters, or a “fancy lil’ sammie” with smoked prosciutto, truffle cheese, and honey.

408 Newbury St. (CitizenM Back Bay Hotel; take the first elevator to floor 2 and the next elevator to “R”), Back Bay, Boston, bubblebathboston.com.

A dimly lit bar with a polished marble countertop featuring several small lamps with beige shades. Behind the bar, dark wooden shelves hold various bottles of liquor, glassware, and decorative items. A prominent red neon sign with Chinese characters is mounted on the wall above the shelves. In the background, a golden dragon statue adds an ornate touch to the ambiance. The overall atmosphere is warm and inviting with an Asian-inspired theme.

Mr. H. / Photo by Ryan Fischer

Mr. H

Big, Bold Style

Mr. H wows from the moment you step inside its Seaport space, awash in red décor, a golden dragon, Chinese-style clay roof tiles, and luxurious materials, from silk cushions to velvet wall-coverings. Multiple dining and drinking areas await, suiting various occasions, including date-night-y lounge seating and a dumpling bar for a front-row view of the action. Even the details delight: napkins embroidered with cute red dumplings, cocktails served in pretty floral ceramic cups.

ORDER THIS: Libations infused with Asian flavors, like the Lucky You: mezcal, strawberry-goji shrub, sesame, ginger beer; every variety of dumpling (especially the classic pan-fried pork and chive); and the thin, crispy scallion pancakes.

225 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 617-458-8008, mrhchinese.com.

A long, elegant bar with a marble countertop and a row of upholstered bar stools featuring patterned fabric. The back wall is adorned with intricately carved dark wood panels and large mirrors, reflecting crystal chandeliers hanging from a decorative, ornate ceiling. The bar is stocked with various bottles and glassware, and the floor is covered with a textured carpet. The overall ambiance is luxurious and vintage.

Yvonne’s. / Photo by Josh Jamison

Yvonne’s

Old-Fashioned Opulence (with a Wink)

A handcarved mahogany back bar that dates to the 19th century recalls this space’s former life as the legendary restaurant Locke-Ober, where JFK was among the VIPs. Now, artist Charmaine Olivia’s cheeky painting of a tattooed JFK in a tank top hangs among dark wooden bookshelves in this dimly lit, windowless hideaway. While elegant chandeliers and a marble bar up the fanciness factor, Olivia’s modern, selfie-taking rendition of Locke-Ober’s Mademoiselle Yvonne painting reminds us we’re in the 21st century.

ORDER THIS: This is a party spot, so party you shall: A large-format cocktail for four to share, such as the spicy tequila and mezcal Heartbreaker, should keep you fueled through the night, as will a shareable feast such as the grilled “viper” chop (pork short rib) with kimchi fried rice.

2 Winter Pl., Downtown Crossing, Boston, 617-267-0047, yvonnesboston.com.

A giraffe-print banquette and black-and-white photography of a person near a piano.

The lower level of Desnuda Cocina & Bar. / Photo by Michael Diskin

Desnuda Cocina & Bar

Records and Romance

If listening to vinyl while lounging on a giraffe-print banquette under tasteful nude photography is your vibe, this sexy South End hot spot (sibling to Ilona, Louis Corner, and more) is for you. Pass through the ground-level restaurant—also a feast for the eyes—to the wood-paneled basement, inspired by 1950s Japanese sound bars and decorated with records. A rotating calendar of genre-hopping DJs entertains in the red glow of the intimate space.

ORDER THIS: The Wagyu Whisperer, a super-savory cocktail of Wagyu-fat-washed rye, ginger, lemon, and sesame; tempura-fried fish tacos and chicken karaage bao buns.

647 Tremont St., South End, Boston, desnudacocina.com.

A stylish bar interior with a long marble countertop and green upholstered bar stools. The seating area features red velvet chairs and round tables, with red curtains on the windows. Warm, ambient lighting includes modern pendant lights hanging from the ceiling and small table lamps. The back bar is stocked with various bottles and glassware. The overall atmosphere is cozy and elegant with dark walls and wooden flooring.

Marcelino’s. / Courtesy photo

Marcelino’s

Mediterranean Cool

Sink into the plush seating at this Providence cocktail-bar offshoot, where deep blue and amber tones melt into a space inspired by Andalusian architecture. A dramatic archway, infinity mirrors, and the golden glow from creative, many-bulbed light fixtures help transport drinkers to the Mediterranean.

ORDER THIS: The Baklava cocktail, a slightly sweet (but not too dessert-like) whiskey-based drink; any of the dips for a light snack; the Adana lamb chops for a heartier meal.

2 Northern Ave., Seaport District, Boston, 857-957-0094, marcelinosboutiquebar.com/boston.

A cozy, nautical-themed room with dark wood paneling and shelves filled with small bottles. The back wall features framed maritime artwork, including a ship's wheel, an anchor, and vintage maps. Five round wooden tables each have a small lamp, surrounded by burgundy upholstered chairs and a matching bench. The ceiling has a textured, aged look, and the floor is covered with a red carpet. The overall lighting is warm and inviting.

Old Wives’ Tale. / Courtesy photo

Old Wives’ Tale

Sea-Captain Chic

Set out on the open seas without leaving dry land: Hidden deep within Seamark Seafood & Cocktails at Encore Boston Harbor, this nautical-themed, speakeasy-inspired gem is perfect for a pre- or post-dinner sip. Gorgeous dark wood, old maps, and maritime décor set the tone—a mermaid sculpture looks on as you sample a cachaca-and-passion-fruit concoction, and an octopus perches on a copper mug that holds a mai tai/dark-and-stormy hybrid.

ORDER THIS: Sereia de Janeiro, the aforementioned mermaid cocktail, for something equal parts delicious and Instagrammable; caviar with traditional accompaniments (especially if you had a good night at the casino).

1 Broadway (Encore Boston Harbor), Everett, 857-770-9770, seamarkencore.com. 

A modern, dimly lit bar with a dark textured ceiling and walls. The bar counter is made of dark marble with subtle lighting underneath. Five sleek bar stools with gold frames and black cushioned seats are lined up in front of the counter. Behind the bar, there are tall, narrow mirrors with backlighting and shelves filled with glassware. Small candles are placed on side tables and shelves, adding to the intimate ambiance.

Hecate. / Photo by Adam DeTour

Hecate

Otherworldly Elegance

Dark and mystical, with an entrance tucked away in a Back Bay alley, this spooky subterranean cocktail bar is named for a Greek goddess of witchcraft. Accordingly, the ambiance is moody, mysterious, and almost cave-like, with black as the predominant décor color, plus gold accents and candlelight. It’s the menus that add pops of color—leather-bound books with themed illustrations alongside the drink descriptions.

ORDER THIS: The smoky Snake Oil vodka-and-gin concoction, with cedar smoke and tobacco bitters, or a surprisingly complex spirit-free creation, and choose from snacks including spicy feta with crispy chicken skins.

Public Alley 443, Back Bay, Boston, hecatebar.com.

A dimly lit bar with a stone countertop and green tiled front. The back wall features shelves filled with various bottles, glassware, and tiki-style mugs, illuminated by warm orange and red lighting. Two large woven pendant lamps hang from the ceiling, surrounded by hanging greenery and floral decorations. Small floral arrangements and bar tools are placed on the counter.

Wusong Road. / Photo by Matt Tetrault

Wusong Road

Over-the-Top Tiki

Founder Jason Doo pulled out all the stops decorating this narrow, two-story Harvard Square space, carefully sourcing oodles of tiki-style décor—Shriner fezzes, 1970s wicker peacock chairs—in a nostalgic nod to his family’s Chinese-American restaurant in Malden. A dragon-like stone archway from local firm Pygmalion Elements & Sculpture channels Bali temples, while a Japanese-monkey-shrine-inspired stairway by Tiki Rancher feels a little Legends of the Hidden Temple-esque.

ORDER THIS: Go tropical with the dangerously drinkable mango-sticky-rice colada or whichever mai tai variation floats your boat, then pad your stomach with the unconventional pupu platter, featuring tasty bites like scallion-pancake quesadillas and firecracker shrimp.

112 Mt. Auburn St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, 617-528-9125, wusongroad.com.

Capri. / Courtesy photo

Capri

Amalfi Vibes

From the green-and-white-striped canopy to the handsome white back bar with intricate carved details, this sweet sibling to Charlestown’s equally attractive Prima is guaranteed to make you daydream about coastal Italian vacays. Come warmer weather, the crowds disperse to Capri’s huge, umbrella-bedecked patio.

ORDER THIS: A drink that feels like Italian summer, such as the gin-based, citrus-and-vanilla Capri Sky; hand-rolled pastas, such as the fusilli al limone.

500 Harrison Ave., South End, Boston, capriboston.com.

Luxurious bar interior with a polished dark marble countertop, ornate velvet bar stools with fringe detailing, and warm ambient lighting. The back wall features a large mirror with shelves holding various bottles of liquor and upside-down cocktail glasses. Two vintage-style red lamps with fringed shades add a cozy glow, and exposed brick walls and patterned wallpaper contribute to the rich, elegant atmosphere. A framed photograph hangs on the brick wall beside heavy curtains.

Extra Dirty Cocktail Club. / Photo by Brian Samuels

Extra Dirty Cocktail Club

Modern Speakeasy

Hidden behind a heavy curtain within sultry sibling restaurant/bar Red Fox—also hidden, also a sight to see—Extra Dirty is more experience than bar. You’ll prepay (weeks or months in advance, most likely) for a seasonal multi-course cocktail tasting in the dark den of tasseled stools and lampshades, boldly patterned upholstery, exposed brick, and even a stone wall dating to the American Revolution.

ORDER THIS: The drink menu—accompanied by small bites—changes completely several times a year, so we can’t give specific recommendations, but you’ll have several options per course: Choose whatever makes you go “Hmmm.” (At press time, for instance, there was a drink intriguingly called the Candy Corn Carrot.)

326B Commercial St., North End, Boston, extradirtynorthend.com.

This article was first published in the print edition of the February 2026 issue with the headline: “Boston’s Most Beautiful Bars.”

Trending

  1. The Zebra Room Steakhouse Opens in Downtown Boston

  2. Peruvian Restaurant Rosa y Marigold Opens at the Lyrik Back Bay

  3. Is the Massachusetts Economy About to Get Wrecked?

  4. Can Celebrity Professor Steven Pinker Save Harvard?

  5. Nantucket Boutique Birdie Soars with Color, Craft, Island Charm