Timeout: The 16 best bars in Boston
Despite its 2am closing times and historical love for blue laws, Boston certainly knows how to drink. Even with the Hub's high expectations when it comes to alcohol access, the city's best bars deliver with stellar ambiance, top-tier cocktails, and fantastically curated beer and wine lists. While Boston might be best known for its Irish pubs and dive bars, it now boasts award-winning cocktail joints and craft beer emporiums that are well worth a visit. We've rounded up our top picks for the best places in town to enjoy a drink, so take a look and raise a glass. Cheers!
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APRIL 2025: This season, we're overhauling our list of the best bars in Boston so you'll have updated information at your disposal when looking for stellar spots to drink around town. In April, we revisited watering holes far and wide to verify that our recommendations are still on point. For the most part, they still are! Some changes: We've crowned a new number one for offering a bar experience quite unlike any other in the city of Boston. We've also fact-checked to offer you the latest updates on menus, can't-miss offerings, price expectations, and some insider tips to help you get the most out of your experience. Happy spring drinking, everyone.
10. Krasi
Greek
Back Bay
price 3 of 4
Recommended
What is it? Boston's chic and welcoming Krasi shines a light on the often-overlooked wines of Greece. Given that Greek wines are still largely unfamiliar to many American palates, this bar's dedication to showcasing the country's indigenous varietals makes it a worthwhile trip for local oenophiles.
Why we love it: Living up to its Greek name meaning "wine," Krasi boasts a remarkable collection of over 180 natural and organic bottles sourced from Greece. Beyond the impressive wine list, the cuisine offers inventive takes on classic Greek fare and shareable spreads, including unique meze and expertly fire-grilled souvla. Highlights include house-made breads like the essential halloumi-stuffed tiropita rolls, vibrant charcuterie, and tableside-mixed spreads such as tzatziki, all perfectly complemented by a glass of orange wine and a plate of grilled octopus.
Time Out tip: The exploration doesn't stop with the wine list. Check out the impressive list of Greek spirits, which includes six varieties of ouzo, made-in-Athens vermouth, and a Samos-distilled brandy.
Address: 48 Gloucester St, Boston, MA 02115
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–11pm, Sat, Sun 10am–3pm, 5–11pm
Expect to pay: If you're going for drinks alone, expect around $50 for two glasses of wine. Factor in another $50+ for food.
