30 of the Best Hidden and Secret Places in Boston

There’s more than meets the eye at these subtle, hidden places to discover in the city. Here’s your guide to Boston’s secret speakeasies, hideaway shops, hard-to-find restaurants, and lesser-known must-do experiences. By Yelena Nicolle Salvador SHOPS: 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bodega-boston-455855">Bodega</a> Where: Fenway Info: Hidden behind a vending machine in an unassuming mini-mart, Bodega is your one-stop shop for sneaker junkies, streetwear lovers, and community artists who are looking to break the mold. 2) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/ebo-co-grocery-over-the-tunnel-books-east-boston-east-boston-454600">Over the Tunnel Books</a> Where: Eastie Info: Tucked underneath the carefully curated EBO &amp; Co. Grocery, there will be directions by the wall of wines to enter this book nook full of cookbooks, food publications, complimentary espresso, board games, and cozy vibes. FOOD: 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bogie-s-place-boston-455856">Bogie’s Place</a> Where: Downtown Info: A secret, reservation-only steakhouse with caviar service, Bogie’s Place is found in the depths of a city beer and burger joint, jm Curley’s. Find the “Adults Only” sign and pull back the black curtain for a fine dining experience. 2) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/yvonne-s-modern-supper-club-in-downtown-boston-boston-436196">The Gallery at Yvonne’s</a>&nbsp; Where: Downtown Info: Each of Yvonne’s rooms feels like a different romantic vibe – all underneath a fake hair salon. Find yourself in a warmly lit, chandelier-filled room, a library, or a rustic brick and portrait-filled space to enjoy a finely-crafted cocktail or light bite. The secret to an intimate dining experience is a reservation-only supper club behind the bookshelves at The Gallery, so find the secret book and pull it out to reveal a new room. 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/temple-records-records-listening-bar-sushi-speakseasy-boston-453369">Sushi @ Temple Records</a> Where: Downtown Info: Underneath the vinyl bar, Temple Records, where the carefully designed atmosphere of no-shake cocktails and curated Japanese alcoholic sips of wine and shochū allows for a one-of-kind listening experience, lies a small 22-seat sushi bar serving nigiri, sashimi, and more. 4) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/borrachito-taqueria-spirits-seaport-boston-411910">Borrachito</a> Where: Seaport&nbsp; Info: A speakeasy that serves tacos? Yes, you heard it right. With tortillas made by hand every day and stunning cocktails on the rocks or frozen – your taco adventure awaits you behind the freezer door! 5) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/no-relation-hidden-sushi-bar-boston-367311">No Relation</a> Where: South End Info: This intimate, reservation-only sushi bar is sure to impress with an elaborate omakase menu. Make your way through the tropical vibes of the Shore Leave restaurant and wander through the hallway to find a nine-seat sushi bar.&nbsp; DRINKS: 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/the-wig-shop-boston-396322">The Wig Shop</a> Where: Downtown Info: Add this bar to your list for a great espresso martini and other cocktails. The Wig Shop is neon-signed and full of mannequin heads because it’s located underneath a retro wig shop! 2) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bar-pallino-natural-wine-bar-speakeasy-boston-398378">Bar Pallino</a> Where: Back Bay Info: A secret wine bar with a long list of vino, cocktails, and mezcal, this intimate setting is underneath the Italian restaurant, Faccia a Faccia, right on Newbury St.! Plus, it’s a place that is co-owned by a James Beard Award winner. 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/backbar-speakeasy-cocktail-bar-in-union-square-somerville-402584">backbar</a> Where: Union Square Info: Walk through a dark alley and find the orange door. There lies another speakeasy cocktail bar with cat-themed cocktails. But look out – their new music menu is dropping soon for a dance party on your taste buds. 4) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bleacher-bar-boston-456189">Bleacher Bar</a> Where: Fenway Info: A bar built into the bleachers of Fenway Park? Yes, it exists! With a perfect view of center field, baseball players, and more, take a seat at Bleacher Bar for unparalleled views from a giant garage window that peers into the beloved stadium. 5) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/modern-underground-italian-bakery-speakeasy-north-end-boston-425634">Modern Underground</a> Where: North End Info: If you’re on the hunt for an espresso martini or want to pair your famous North End cannoli with a drink, find the staircase by the entrance (past the usually long lines of people) and enter Modern Pastry’s underground sports for a change of scenery and a laid back vibe. 6) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/next-door-speakeasy-rawbar-boston-374725">Next Door</a> Where: Eastie Info: From the outside, it looks like a simple locksmith shop, but step into Pazza on Porter, give the host your reservation name, answer a question, and be transported into a classy, blue velveted environment with a wave of your hand to open a secret door. Bubbling, colorful cocktails, and tasty bites await! 7) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/underground-cocktail-bar-hecate-now-open-boston-376020">Hecate</a> Where: Back Bay Info: Find this usually packed speakeasy under Krasi, a Greek restaurant. Head to the public alley, locate the door and wait at the Threshold to see if there’s any seating at the 24-person bar. Dark, spooky, mysterious, and walk-in only. 8) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/saloon-somerville-456188">Saloon</a> Where: Davis Square Info: Prohibition-like speakeasy and full of vintage yet opulent style, Saloon is under the Foundry restaurant in The Rockwell. The sign outside is quite small, but once you spot it, head down the flight of stairs and enter a dark brick oasis that specializes in whiskey and simple, sophisticated spirits. 9) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/offsuit-boston-456186">Offsuit</a> Where: Leather District Info: An intimate bar tucked behind an alley, Offsuit requires you to call their phone (find the number on their unassuming door) so you can enter their small but grand establishment with small plates and delightful cocktails. 10) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/bully-boy-distillers-boston-456190">Tasting Room at Bully Boy Distillers</a> Where: Roxbury Info: Known for its handcrafted bourbon, Bully Boy Distillers has its own tasting room in-house too! After seeing the barrels themselves, taste it all with their seasonal rotating menu at their dark and cozy tasting room. Plus, you can bring your own food or order delivery to their location as you enjoy the Bully Boy spirit.&nbsp; 11) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/supper-club-at-cappo-boston-456191">Supper Club at Capo</a> Where: Southie Info: Below Citizens Bank lies Capo’s Supper Club. Enter Capo restaurant and find the connecting staircase to enter a Sinatra-inspired bar that has live music, comedy and trivia nights, and fun cocktails. 12) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/prima-italian-restaurant-charlestown-charlestown-423853">The Rose Room at Prima</a> Where: Charlestown Info: Head to the back of this steakhouse, pass the busy kitchen, and find yourself in a mosaic-tiled hallway that leads to a red velvet paradise. With everything rose-themed, enter the Rose Room, a warm and elegant cocktail lounge. 13) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/seamark-seafood-cocktails-and-old-wives-tale-speakeasy-encore-boston-harbor-everett-455243">Old Wives’ Tale</a> Where: Everett Info: Ocean adventure is hidden in the depths of the back of the Seamark restaurant with cocktails inspired by the wonders of the sea. “First aboard, first served” at this nautical bar. 14) <a href="https://www.beaconhillhotel.com/dining">Rooftop Bar at Beacon Hill Hotel</a> Where: Beacon Hill Info: Wine and dine on the first-floor restaurant or make your way to the top terrace to enjoy your drinks and food with a beautiful view of the picturesque Beacon Hill. The roof deck is where the fun is as you people watch along Charles Street. 15) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/blind-duck-speakeasy-at-the-raffles-hotel-boston-456192">Blind Duck at the Raffles Hotel</a> Where: Back Bay Info: In pure elegance, the Blind Duck is tucked inside the luxurious Raffles Hotel. Enjoy mocktails, low-alc, and beautiful cocktails with a seasonal rotating menu. Each cocktail has a story of its own. 16) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/wink-and-nod-boston-397456">Wink and Nod</a> Where: South End Info: It’s easy to walk by this establishment without thinking twice, but look closely at the door sign, and enter this no-password speakeasy. With rotating chefs every 6 months, you’ll find a mouthwatering entree to match your delicately crafted cocktail or pair with a fine scotch. EXPERIENCES: 1) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/secret-rooftop-garden-in-kendall-square-cambridge-429834">Urban Park Roof Garden</a> Where: Kendall Square Info: Located above a Kendall parking garage or accessible by stairs, this public and free park is a beautiful space to bring a blanket, a picnic, and friends. There are courts to play pickleball, live music nights, and colorful sculptures too! 2) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/observation-deck-at-independence-wharf-boston-456194">Observation Deck at Independence Wharf</a> Where: The Wharf Info: Take in breathtaking views of the Boston skyline for free. Bring your I.D. to show the front desk or follow the signs to this deck that is open to the public at the Independence Wharf building. 3) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/underground-at-ink-block-boston-456195">Underground at Ink Block</a> Where: South End to Southie Info: Enjoy colorful murals, community fitness classes, pickleball courts, dog parks, and popup food and retail events at this concrete jungle turned neighborhood urban park. Walk, bring friends, and discover the beauty underneath a Massachusetts highway. 4) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theglitterboys/?hl=en">Glitter Boys at The Sinclair</a> Where: Harvard Square Info: This place is known as a concert and live music venue. However, every Friday night, The Sinclair turns into the ultimate vinyl disco dance party with neon color and sometimes even dancers with rollerblades on. If you’re looking for a Boston rite of passage, brave the line and dance the night away with the iconic Glitter Boys for their 70’s and 80’s vinyl set.&nbsp; 5) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/kelleher-rose-garden-2024-bloom-boston-451944">Rose Kelleher Garden</a> Where: Fenway Info: A literal secret garden full of blooms and color, the Rose Keller Garden is hidden in the Back Bay Fens. Find arches and trellises of roses, charming fountains, and more, in this little peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. 6) <a href="https://www.instagram.com/museumofmod.renaissance/?hl=en">Museum of Modern Renaissance</a> Where: Davis Square Info: This colorful house is hard to miss on a quiet residential street. What was once a Masonic temple is now a temple for the arts with the most breathtaking hand-painted murals. You’ll be transported to a world of color and magical realism. They have special events and guided tours, so be on the lookout for their announcements! 7) <a href="https://www.joyraft.com/event/boston-public-library-boston-400038">Sargent Murals at the Boston Public Library</a> Where: Back Bay Info: Whether you are roaming the halls of the BPL, staying for one of their cocktails in the Map Room, or reading in one of their beautiful study rooms, be sure to make your way to the third floor of the McKim building for gigantic murals by John Singer Sargent that are larger than life and intricate.

Boston

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S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Best of 💫

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

Boston Bars and Restaurants: Events and Openings

Food & drink experiences in Boston

Food & drink experiences 

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30 of the Best Hidden and Secret Places in Boston

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