Hecate
Bar · Back Bay ·
Mystical speakeasy offering theatrically presented craft cocktails
Mystical speakeasy offering theatrically presented craft cocktails
"I note that Hecate is presented as a polished cocktail bar from Xenia Greek Hospitality owners Demetri Tsolakis and Stefanos Oungrinis." - Tierney Plumb
"Descending into a moody underground bar in Back Bay, I found a 24-seat, cave-like space inspired by the Greek goddess of witchcraft where design makes the bartender the performer: a single set of electric lights shines above the bar while the rest of the room is lit only by flickering candles. Function follows form on the menu — beverage director Lou Charbonneau picks glassware first, sends a photo to an illustrator who sketches it for the menu, and then builds the drink around that vessel — which reinforces the theatrical, tightly curated experience." - Celina Colby
"What is a cocktail if not a potion? This subterranean, speakeasy-type bar leans into all of the mythology and mysticism its eponymous Greek goddess implies—and the results are sexy and straight up intoxicating. The space itself is finished with black rock walls dotted with flickering candles, black furniture with gold and brass finishings, and a dramatic black bar that positively glows. Upon taking your seat, you’re offered a leather-bound menu replete with intricate illustrations and incantations, and while reading through and making a decision is fun, we suggest deferring to your bartender to whip up some magic. In a city that is often (wrongly) portrayed as overly staid and overly focused on its history, Hecate proves that high-concept, inventive experiences not only have a place in Boston, but can very much lead the way in this city’s drinks scene." - Todd Plummer
"First impression? Welcome to the sexy candlelit bar of your dreams. Inspired by Greek mythology and mysticism, Hecate isn't just a drinks spot - it's an experience. The experience begins at a secretive alley door, where you'll enter the Threshold, a waiting area where you'll linger until the goddesses allow. Erm, until a seat opens up in the main bar (there's only 24 of them). Once you've officially passed to the other side, you enter a space that feels nothing short of otherworldly: black rock walls dotted with flickering candles, black furnishings with gold and brass accents, and a stunning black bar that glows with energy. Even before you get to the actual drinks, you can tell this is going to be good. How’s the crowd? You come here because you appreciate cocktails and mixology, not because you're looking for a quick slurp after leaving work. Because of the vibes and extremely flattering lighting, Hecate is one of Back Bay's best date night spots. How are the drinks? There are just a handful of beers, wines, and mocktails on offer (literally three of each), because the main event here is mixology. Once you've found your seat, you're offered a leather-bound menu book filled with intricate illustrations and folklore, and a list of "Rites & Rituals" and "Incantations" (or as anyone else would call them, "drinks") that include house favorites and a rotating offering of seasonal selections. The "Emerald Tablet" is a bewitching blend of Procera African gin, fig leaf cordial, honey, black lime, and a hint of aquafaba. If there’s food, is it worth ordering something to eat? Hecate gets the bar snacks just right, with a limited list of "Offerings" that hit the right balance between light and satisfying. A just-right portion of popcorn friend chicken is a great appetizer portion before you head out to dinner elsewhere, and the lobster loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) are an indulgent pairing for any cocktail. Did the staff do you right? Despite the high concept, the bar staff here manage to be engaging and approachable, and not at all abstruse or witchy. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? When you're in mood for something a little magic, give this place a whirl." - Todd Plummer
"An intimate, subterranean cocktail bar that leans into a witchy, occult-inspired aesthetic to create an immersive, otherworldly atmosphere — one of several recent Boston spots staging transportive, one-night-only escapes for patrons." - Erika Adams