It’s Speakeasy, If You Can Find Them

The best spots for your next night out

By: Rebecca Kim

Graphic by Natalie Horvath

Boston’s rich history boasts more than just Revolutionary War successes: during the Prohibition era, Boston was home to thousands of speakeasies. While our nights now may not require such strict discretion from the law, we can still enjoy the thrill of these illicit cocktail lounges.

The Wig Shop

Located downtown, right off Boston Common is The Wig Shop Lounge. The front window display has neon lights, mannequin heads, and, of course, wigs. Their menu is a reimagined catalogue of cocktails inspired by retro toys, like the Lite Brite which features colored LED lights mixed in with the ice. The drinks have citrus-forward flavors and bright colors and are served in funky glasses. The Wig Shop is great for any night. The lounge is small, so reservations are recommended, and all parties are held to a strict 90-minute table limit. Still, with deep-set couches and dim lighting, The Wig Shop doesn’t sacrifice intimacy. I’d say it’s best for a quick drink in small groups.

D16

Tucked between the police station and Dillon’s in Back Bay, D16 is a reservation-only speakeasy. This is by far the largest speakeasy on this list, and perhaps the most modern. From Thursday to Saturday, they host local Boston DJs and release the “lineup” at the top of every month. Throughout the bar, you can spot little references to the Boston Police Department as an homage to the location’s history. There’s also an emphasis on sweet, fruity flavors across their menu. Most uniquely, on Wednesday nights from six to nine p.m. they have a “Fries Before Guys: Ladies Night” with $7 specialty cocktails and snacks, including caesar salad in a martini glass.

89 Charles

This traditional speakeasy is tucked into the lower level of a Beacon Hill brownstone. Aptly named after its street address, 89 Charles is easier to find than the password-protected speakeasies it’s modeled after. While they do have a short list of bar snacks, their menu is focused on offering a curated selection of spirits and specialty cocktails. They offer a classic martini as well as modern variations of the drink, such as lychee, pornstar, and espresso martinis. Holding true to the ambient lighting speakeasies are known for, 89 Charles has a Gatsby-esque feel with its art-deco wallpaper and gold-tiled ceiling.

The popularity of speakeasies like these has grown now that people are moving away from the club scene and searching for more anonymity on their nights out. Speakeasies provide the perfect setting for an intimate night out with your friends.