Backbar

Backbar gives the impression of being in a garage turned into a living room, but instead of being some seedy man cave, it's a fantastic bar. The mixology-focused crew serves a seasonal menu of classics, moderns, and mocktails, including the Suffering Venture Swizzle (rum, arrack, mole bitters, and wine) and the Bananakin Skywalker (Scotch, bananas, citrus, and maple), which avoids simple prequel jokes by not being served in a jar (let that sink in).

Drinks feature fat-washed spirits, homemade brine and shrubs, and house-infused everything, but make no mistake: this is a high-end cocktail bar for people who don't want to feel like they're in a high-end cocktail bar, a place that keeps the inventive spirits alive without losing sight of the fact that cocktails are meant to help you relax.

Location: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143

Website: backbarunion.com