Shore Leave

"The national holiday pop-up bar bonanza known as Sippin’ Santa is back at Shore Leave through New Year’s Eve. Sip on festive cocktails like the Choquito with Jamaican and Puerto Rican rums, lime, coconut, creme de cacao, and mole bitters or the Frosty The Merman with rye, vanilla-clove syrup, lime, pear, apricot, and allspice bitters. Pair it all with some bites from Shore Leave’s sushi menu. The pop-up hours are Sunday through Wednesday, 5 p.m. until midnight, and Thursday through Saturday, 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. Reservations are available here." - Celina Colby, Erika Adams

"Ideally, a great tiki bar would serve at least 51% of its drinks in glassware that looks like it might be cursed. Shore Leave actually fails on that account, but it succeeds everywhere else. This underground den off Harrison is the dark, tropical escape you need to get you through a Boston winter. Don’t come here just for drinks, though, because you’ll miss a small but good Asian fusion menu (start with the gochujang wings)." - dan secatore

"Pull up a seat at tropical bar Shore Leave in the South End tonight, for a panel discussion with local LGBTQ leaders in the industry." - Erika Adams

"Nothing about Shore Leave screams "Boston," and there's nothing wrong with that. Amid a  restaurant scene that so often wears the city's history on its sleeve, there's something punchy and undeniably seductive about a subterranean tiki bar smack in the middle of the South End. An enormous drink list manages to capture that essential tiki bar vibe without relying on cloyingly sweet syrups or overly fruity concoctions. You'll find plenty of delightfully bitter and complex flavors; the Third Wave Swizzle, for instance, is made with Citadelle gin, cold brew, ginger, and honey." - Todd Plummer

"First impression? Nothing about Shore Leave screams "Boston," and there's nothing wrong with that. Amid a  restaurant scene that so often wears the city's history on its sleeve, there's something punchy and undeniably seductive about a subterranean tiki bar smack in the middle of the South End. Cool. So who’s there? Because of the kitschy decor, the bar attracts lots of young professionals looking to let loose after work. Tell us more about those tiki drinks. An enormous drink list captures that essential tiki bar vibe without relying on cloyingly sweet syrups or overly fruity concoctions. You'll find plenty of delightfully bitter and complex flavors; the Third Wave Swizzle, for instance, is made with Citadelle gin, cold brew, ginger, and honey—a tiki outlier if ever there was one. Worth ordering something to eat, too? Although drinks take the spotlight, the food is no slouch, with great bar eats and shareable plates like spicy karaage chicken wings, Filipino barbecue ribs, and fried clam bao. How does the bar staff treat you? Bartenders are all smiles as they whip together the complex cocktails of the tiki world and help guide patrons through the menu. Ever go on a tropical vacation and have that one perfect bartender? That's everyone here. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? It's nice to be reminded of Boston's creative, quirky side, especially as other establishments continue to take themselves so seriously. Plus, in the dead of winter, when the streets are frozen solid, what could better than pretending you're on a Caribbean island?" - Todd Plummer