Saloon

"Saloon is the underground, dark-wood furniture, whiskey-slinging speakeasy of our dreams. The mood is sultry, the music is 2010s Arctic Monkeys, and the dark-spirit drinks are strong. Try some Japanese whiskey and snack on solid small plates, like seasonal burrata salad and roasted bone marrow, both of which are served with toasted sourdough. Saloon is great for post-dinner drinks or a snacky meal. Bring a date to impress them with your knowledge of dark spirits (after you’ve been here solo and explored their list, of course).  " - lala thaddeus

"Adjacent to the local entertainment venue the Rockwell, this vibey pub is designed with pre-Prohibition Era aesthetics in mind. The owners, who are also behind the gastropub Foundry on Elm located upstairs, have a knack for collecting fine whiskey, curating a 120-variety list for the menu. The cocktails include innovative choices that showcase hometown pride, such as the Teddie’s Peanut Butter-washed rye with marshmallow fluff; there are also medium- and large-format cocktails for two or four people to share." - Valerie Li Stack

"Saloon in Davis Square is one of our favorite speakeasies, a really dark basement that feels like the speakeasy behind the speakeasy, where the mob boss entertained corrupt politicians with the secret stash of whiskey and scotch. " - dan secatore

"The Saloon is a speakeasy in Davis Square that can have a very different atmosphere depending on when you go. Pop in on a weeknight and you’ll have a great place to grab a cocktail, eat some food from the small menu if you want it (we like the burger), and pretend you’re an early 20th century aristocrat contemplating your future after you’ve been cut-off from your family’s inheritance thanks to a penchant for drink and late-night carousing. Come in here on one of the nights when there’s a burlesque show at the attached Rockwell Theater and the atmosphere will be. . . a little different (and remind you why late-night carousing is so much fun)." - Dan Secatore

"It’s kind of surprising that Saloon isn’t hosting someone’s Gatsby-themed 30th birthday party every night. But we’re glad it isn’t, because, putting our issues with speakeasy cosplay aside, this dark, underground spot with plush leather and stained-glass lamps is a great place to grab a cocktail. The food menu, while small, isn’t bad, either, so you don’t only need to come here to pretend you’re a wildly rich 1920s bootlegger who confuses social advancement with personal growth - you can come here to pretend you’re a wildly rich 1920s bootlegger who confuses social advancement with personal growth and enjoys buttermilk fried chicken with smoked honey." - dan secatore