I went with two friends to 89 Charles in Beacon Hill, Boston, MA, and had to share it because it’s one of those hidden Boston spots that are unique and memorable. It’s located in the former Artu space, which many people in Boston will remember, and it opened in late 2025 as a cocktail-forward speakeasy concept tucked right into Charles Street. You would honestly walk right past it if you didn’t know it was there. There’s no big signage — just a set of stairs leading down, and before you even walk in, there’s a rustic iron grille where you can peek through and see a small, buzzing room filled with people on date nights and girls’ nights (check it out here). It immediately sets the tone.
The vibe
Once you go downstairs, it shifts into this dim, candlelit speakeasy atmosphere that feels instantly transportive. It’s velvet couches, low lighting, and that rare mix of cozy but still lively that’s actually hard to find in Boston right now. The seating is ridiculously comfortable (like you sit down and immediately don’t want to leave), and the space has leopard bar stools that add a fun pop against the darker, moody interiors. The fringe lamps are one of my favorite details — they subtly nod to a 1920s flapper dress aesthetic without feeling themed or overdone. There’s also just something about the way the room is laid out — small, intimate, and always feeling like it’s full of energy without being loud.
Cocktails (this is where it really stands out)
Bar manager Dave Irwin has crafted a cocktail menu that will satisfy just about any palate — whether you like sweet, spirit-forward, classic, or more creative cocktails. He also updates the menu a couple of times a year, which keeps everything feeling fresh and intentional. What really stood out was the attention to detail in the presentation. Cocktails arrive with fresh flowers, fruit, and thoughtfully chosen garnishes and cocktail picks, making each drink feel considered without being fussy.
The servers were also excellent at guiding you in your selections based on your preferences, which made the experience feel very personalized. One of the cocktails I tried was the “Wish You Were Kowloon” — a playful nod to the iconic Kowloon Restaurant in Saugus. It has a tropical, complex profile with Santa Teresa rum, Underberg (a herbal digestif), dry curaçao, orgeat, and notes of ginger and pineapple. The presentation was also stunning, with a mini bottle and a flower on top, which makes it feel like a full moment when it hits the table. A few standouts on the menu are the Charles St Espresso – Planteray Cut and Dry, Espresso, Cacao, and whipped Coconut Cream, and the Maneater – Suyo Pisco, Rhum Agricole, Lychee, and Hibiscus. Looking around the room, I saw a few of the Safe Harbor – Condesa Prickly Pear Gin, Blue Curacao, and Sparkling Wine being sipped.
The food (don’t skip this)
We were honestly surprised by how strong the food was for a cocktail-forward spot.
- Roasted fingerling potatoes with rosemary, garlic, salt, and malt vinegar — dangerously addictive
- Cheese plate with fig jam and goat cheese that really stands out
- Warm citrus olives that are perfect for snacking between cocktails
It’s very much a share-a-bit-of-everything-and-stay-a-while kind of menu, which fits the space perfectly.
The cookie situation
The warm chocolate chip cookies at the end are a must. They come out soft and gooey, and are served with little boozy milkshake or mudslide-style shots on the side — basically a playful, elevated dessert moment to finish the night.
Quick tip
The bar manager mentioned that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can sometimes walk in and get lucky, but reservations are generally recommended since the space is small and fills up quickly.
Overall
89 Charles feels like a true hidden gem in Boston — moody, intimate, a little glamorous, but still really approachable. As I mentioned, perfect for girls’ night or date night when you want to catch up and chat over solid drinks and tasty elevated bar snacks! A huge thank you to 89 Charles for hosting a sophisticated spot where my friends and I could catch up.
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