Apr 9, 2025

Backbar Boston

Don't call it a speakeasy

""Backbar" in Boston is unique. There have been many cocktail bars, but none can compare with this one's industrial/graffiti aesthetic. Flawless bartenders."

I first wrote about Backbar for Spotted in 2014, and I called it a beautiful secret, and it was. Now it's not so much of a secret, because nothing this good stays a secret for very long. It's tempting to say it hasn't changed, but that isn't correct. Five+ years is enough for anything to change. Union Square has changed. Money is rolling in.  Diversity is moving out. And Backbar still survives with the times. It's better to say that everything that has made Backbar good is still there: the nerdiness and the playfulness, the fact that the staff have dragons and Star Wars figures and tiki toys and are not afraid to use them, the sheer creativity of the cocktails. That's all there and that's why people keep coming back and telling their friends. There's still this small thrill that comes from finding that simple entrance and walking down that industrial corridor and having it all feel like a secret portal to another world.

Then you open it and see that it's crowded, and yes, that's different, but they deserve the crowds, and it's hard to feel bad about that.

Go on a weekday, or go in the daytime on a weekend. Sit at the bar. Talk to the bartenders. It doesn't matter if this is your first time. They'll still treat you like a friend.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

7 Sanborn Court, Somerville

Cocktail:

US$

12

6177180249

Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Boston guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Boston

Red’s Best Fish Market

Must-Try Seafood

Craving seafood in Boston? Head to Red’s Best at Boston Public Market for fresh clam chowder, lobster rolls, and local catch you’ll love!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Glass Flowers

A Botanical Masterpiece in Glass

The Harvard Museum of Natural History's Glass Flowers exhibit showcases 4,300 stunning glass plant models, crafted by the Blaschkas between 1887 and 1936.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Union Park

The Perfect Residential Oasis

Union Park, located near downtown, was designed in the mid-19th century, inspired by English-style residential squares. Come for a tranquil retreat!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

The Puppet Free Library

Hidden Puppet Wonderland

Step into Boston’s Puppet Free Library on Newbury Street, where over 200 vibrant puppets await, spreading joy through lending since 1976.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Zinneken's Belgian Waffles

Boston's Waffle Gem

Zinneken’s in Harvard Square serves authentic Liege waffles with indulgent toppings. Cozy vibes, rich coffee, and the perfect sweet treat near Harvard University!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Tiffany Windows

The Dazzling Legacy of Tiffany

Arlington Street Church in Boston houses the world's largest themed collection of Tiffany stained glass windows — an unmistakeble artistic marvel.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Zuzu’s Petals

A kingdom of sweets and wines!

Escape the rush at Zuzu’s Petals in Cambridge’s Inman Square — a cozy, screen-free haven for fondue, wine, conversation, and homemade delights.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Rouvalis Flowers

Beacon Hill in Bloom

Rouvalis Flowers in Beacon Hill charms every season with stunning blooms, dried arrangements, and gifts — perfect for adding beauty to any Boston day.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Cacao

A Sweet Escape in Boston

Cacao in Boston, run by a Dominican couple, offers rich hot chocolate, spicy cocoa, and delightful truffles — sweet haven for reading or writing.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Caffé Vittoria

Boston’s Timeless Italian Gem

Caffé Vittoria, Boston’s first Italian café since 1929, serves rich espresso, tiramisu, and affogato in a charming, old-world setting. A must-visit in the North End—cash only!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Bakey

Memorable Fresh-Baked Treats

Enjoy fresh pastries from Bakey any morning and take it to the Public Garden. Don’t miss their irresistible chocolate babka and burekas!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Greystone Cafe

Charming Café for Seize The Day

Greystone in Boston’s South End is a charming café with great coffee, fresh pastries, and a no-laptop vibe. Come here for a relaxed morning or lunch break!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sara

Bozdemir

Apr 28, 2025

Heading to Boston?

128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Boston?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

128 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves Boston

Get to know our other Spotters from Boston

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
66
Filters