Best cocktails I've had since I moved to the Boston area. The bartender was knowledgeable and attentive, if you don't know what you like, they can figure something out! The bar itself is small and cozy, there is normally a line to get in though so expect a wait!

It's been over 10 years since first coming here. And I'm so glad they're still thriving. Still one of my favorite cocktail bars in the Boston area. Great mixologists with lots of knowledge and keeping it fresh with seasonal drinks and continually to push the limits on unique and special cocktails. If you wanna just get hammered, probably not the place for you unless you're trying to show off with limitless funds.

Love this bar!! It has an amazing atmosphere. The servers are bartenders and know the drinks super well. They have a rotating theme - when I went it was bug themed! I tried a cicada cocktail among others. Each cocktail is $16, so it takes the guesswork out of the bill. You can also order regular cocktails as well. Lots of cozy corners to sit. There might be a line - best to arrive early! Probably difficult to fit a group larger than 6 people, but it's perfect for smaller parties. Drinks are strong!

Such a cute little speakeasy type bar! The entrance is in an alley but once you pass two doors, it is a cute and cozy place! I wished I found this place much earlier while I lived in Boston! They have an ever changing menu. I came for pre dinner drinks and the menu was bug themed. While I don't specifically like bugs, I did like the drinks! I got the ladybug drink which was fruity and tart (just right for me). I would come back again to try out the different menus

Ambience was cozy and I loved the games they had available for every table! Although a little pricey per cocktail this is a fantastic experimental cocktail bar with fantastic service and some of the best drinks in Somerville!

I loved this place! It has a very subtle entrance, just a door among a bunch of other little restaurants/ businesses. And you go into a dim painted hallway to wait (the line was sorta long but it moved decently quickly) The host was super friendly and enthusiastically explained the bug themed menu -- which was so cool and beautiful. Each page has fun facts abt the bugs too :) The interior was also super well decorated, with more bug things hanging around. We were seated at the bar, bartender was also super cool and friendly! Drinks: Ordered the locust, ladybug, and a special yuzu drink that came in a baby yoda. They all come out with such character and style! -- The locust was very strongly minty and chocolatey, which is not my favorite flavor profile in a drink, but the vibes of it were too fun not to try. -- The ladybug was very tasty and strawberry! Was a solid drink -- And the yoda one we were able to try a yuzu liquor before that was nicely tart w a hint of bitterness, but unfortunately the drink itself was very strong in alcohol taste. Overall loved the vibes, perhaps ordered the wrong drinks but I'd 100% go back to try other drinks and do it for the experience

Overall: really unique rotating menu and creative with the drinks. When I went they were still in the insect phase which was quite unlucky for me as I'm very afraid of insects. Drinks: so instead of ordering one of the themed drinks I asked the bartender to make me something with infused gin of some kind preferring a floral taste. Have no idea what was in it but it was exactly what I wanted to a T. Love the flexibility. Ambience/Decor/Service: love the inclusive environment and how tucked in this place feels. It's not a speakeasy but a super laid back location kinda like a cave hang out. I'll say there was an incident with the staff but I think it was totally justifiable even if it wasn't pleasant. Would definitely come back as long as there are no bugs!

I love the vibe of backbar. I feel like sometimes the speakeasy's in the area can get a bit pretentious. While backbar is a bit on the pricy side and there is almost always a line it is still so fun and a great atmosphere. The place is small so it doesn't really fit that many people but it's kind of nice how small it is because people talk to each other and staff. This is a great place to meet people and have a conversation.

I don't drink cocktails as much as I used to, so I am not the best judge of the quality of the drinks here, but I did sample my friends' drinks! Each drink is $15 (so not bad by Manhattan standards?) and they include an automatic gratuity of 20%, so at least you don't have to think about calculating at the end in a slightly buzzed state. We came on a Wednesday night and waited around 20+ minutes for a table of three. The guy manning the line was really funny and personable and was wearing the best Golden Girls/TMNT t-shirt. My only critique is we went from standing at the door to standing in a high-traffic spot for at least one round of drinks before we finally nabbed a table. I knew this place was my jam by the heavily cat-themed decor and menu. Each cocktail was named after one of the cats of backbar and the names were pretty funny (and rather appropriate for each kitty). For an orange cat - "Clementine: Golden, Fluffy, Citrus." Peep the decor, including a small book with a cat on it that said "I Could Pee on This" and a spam tin labeled CRAM. I liked my mocktail, which was a no-alcohol version of their Kimchee drink, which tasted like cold kimchee soup (actually incredibly refreshing on an unseasonably warm day). Also tried my friend's Eno, which was a bit too heavy for me on the whiskey. Overall, a fun place to hang out with buddies or to take a date. The sign is very easy to find from the street, so not technically a speakeasy. I recommend going early on Tuesday to beat the line.