Raise a glass, Boston. Today we’re celebrating one of the most popular drinks in New England — a classic boozy beverage with a caffeinated kick. If you haven’t guessed already, we’re rounding up 40 places to order an espresso martini in the Boston area.
But first: what’s in an espresso martini?
While the ingredients can vary from place to place and recipe to recipe, the basics are espresso, coffee liqueur + vodka. Fun fact: the three beans typically placed on top of the drink comes from an Italian tradition — the beans represent health, wealth, and happiness.
Without further ado, here’s our guide to local spots that are shaking up the espresso martini game, broken down by neighborhood).
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North End
Farmacia, 5 North Sq.
- Get your reservations in early, the espresso martini from this nine-seat North End cocktail bar is worth the hype. City Editor Sara ranks it as the best one she’s tried in Boston.
Trattoria il Panino, 280 Hanover St.
- Made with vanilla vodka, fresh espresso, Kahlúa, Disaronno, Baileys + Frangelico, it’s no wonder this drink is a hit. Psst — Bricco, also in the North End, serves up the same recipe.
Caffe Vittoria, 290-296 Hanover St.
- If you’re going to enjoy a traditional espresso martini, make sure you visit Boston’s first Italian cafe to do it right.
Bricco, 241 Hanover St.
- This North End favorite sold ~35,000 espresso martinis last year. But who’s counting?
Caffé Paradiso, 255 Hanover St.
- To make this location even better, it sits right next to Modern Pastry to fulfill your cannoli cravings.
Bacco Ristorante & Bar, 107 Salem St.
- This espresso martini is topped with a chocolate drizzle.
Lucca, 226 Hanover St.
- This one comes highly recommended from multiple BOStoday readers — grab a martini from the North End spot, or visit the South Shore location in Rockland (933 Hingham St.).
Downtown
The Last Hurrah at Omni Parker House, 60 School St.
- We love this reader recommendation — the home of the Boston Creme Pie naturally serves a quality espresso martini with freshly brewed espresso, vodka + a splash of Coole Swan.
Bostonia Public House, 131 State St.
- Sip the espresso martini with Bailey’s and Kahlua and grab some New England fare from the modern downtown restaurant.
Bar Moxy, 240 Tremont St.
- Not only is the Moxy martini deliciously made with Mozart chocolate cream + topped with chocolate sprinkles, but you can enjoy it with a skyline view.
Jaho Coffee Roaster and Wine Bar, multiple locations
- Looking for a quick and delicious martini fix? Head over to your nearest Jaho and thank us later.
The Pine Bar, 100 Hanover St.
- Enjoy the Boston Public Market bar’s cocktail made with all New England products — Triple Eight vodka, Boston Harbor Coffee Liqueur, and George Howell espresso.
Scholars American Bistro, 25 School St.
- At this cocktail lounge, you get to build your own drink + spike it with vanilla vodka or espresso rum.
Yvonne’s, 2 Winter Pl.
- This speakeasy-inspired restaurant is full of creative cocktails, but their classic espresso martini is a must.
Back Bay / South End
Grill 23 & Bar, 161 Berkeley St.
- To pair with their fantastic martini made with Kahlua + Baileys, make sure to order the chocolate chip cookies or the crème brûlée.
Sonsie, 327 Newbury St.
- Try Sonsie’s delicious version of the espresso martini with vanilla vodka.
Piattini, 226 Newbury St.
- What better way to end a day of shopping than with this sweet and creamy martini, made with Baileys + Borghetti Caffe espresso?
Frenchie Wine Bistro, 560 Tremont St.
- Trust us, this French wine bar knows a thing or two about Italian cocktails — espresso martinis are no exception.
Beacon Hill
1928 Beacon Hill, 97 Mt. Vernon St.
- Leave it to Beacon Hill to add their own special twist to this classic — here, you can order a key lime espresso martini.
Mooo, 15 Beacon St.
- Adorned with chocolate shavings, this martini is made with Borghetti Caffè Espresso, Cold Cut Bourbon, and Francesca Hazelnut for a nutty twist.
Roxanne’s, 6 Beacon St.
- Order the “Wake Up Call” to enjoy the eclectic cocktail bar’s espresso martini with Jameson cold brew, aztec chocolate + dark roast coffee.
Allston / Brighton
Brighton Bodega, 328 Washington St.
- Brighton Bodega’s “Dessert Before Dinner” martini is made with Flor de Cana espresso + lime — it’s City Editor Jessica’s favorite sip.
Rail Stop, 96 Guest St., Brighton
- You can order this Nitro version straight up or with Bailey’s cream.
Brookline / Fenway
Club Dante, 415 Harvard St.
- This cocktail bar offers an espresso martini you have to order, made with Reyka Vodka + Galliano Ristretto.
Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr.
- Fenway’s food hall has lots to offer, but the espresso martini at the bar might just be one of your favorites.
South Boston / Seaport
Serafina, Multiple locations
- Want to try it with your eyes first? Peep the espresso martini we tried at the end of this reel.
Gather, 75 Northern Ave.
- Gather doesn’t just offer the classic version with espresso vodka and Kahlua — try the option made with mocha and a crushed oreo rim.
Lookout Rooftop and Bar, 70 Sleeper St.
- A rooftop bar with a view of the Seaport + an espresso martini topped with a chocolate chip cookie. What’s better than that?
Bar Volpe, 170 W Broadway
- Bar Volpe is bringing the South of Italy to South Boston — this sip is made with vanilla vodka + Mr. Black coffee liquor.
Capo, 443 W Broadway
- The popular South Boston spot serves the drink with vodka, signature cold brew + cream, topped with a chocolate treat.
Charlestown
Monument Restaurant & Tavern, 251 Main St.
- Known for fun brunch drinks, this neighborhood spot’s espresso martini is made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, kahlua + cold brew.
Tradesman, 50 Hood Park Dr.
- The combined coffee shop and pizza bar uses “gold” espresso in their espresso martini.
East Boston
Next Door Eastie, 107 Porter St.
- The buzz-worthy speakeasy in East Boston has an “After Hours Espresso Martini” that’s “sweet, creamy, and keeps you up late.”
Somerville
Vera’s, 70 Union Sq.
- Go to this hidden gem for the atmospheric lounge vibe and stay for the quintessential espresso martini — served with vodka, Lucano caffe, cold brew, and just a touch of Irish cream.
Premiere on Broadway, 517 Broadway
- You can’t go wrong with Premiere’s signature recipe featuring fresh espresso + Sobieski Vodka — especially when you get the chance to add Amarula Cream Liqueur.
Avenue kitchen + bar, 158 Boston Ave.
- Simple yet classic — Avenue’s drink has vanilla vodka, Irish cream, Kahlua + a double shot of espresso.
Cambridge
Toscano, 52 Brattle St.
- Here in Harvard Square, you can order the Italian caffeinated beverage three different ways, each with their own unique flavors + liquors.
730 Tavern, 730 Massachusetts Ave.
- Enjoy an espresso martini made with nitro draft cold brew, Stoli vanilla + Molly’s Irish cream, aka the perfect trio.
Cloud & Spirits, 795 Main St.
- This “Banana Espress” is making us go bananas — it’s vanilla vodka, amaretto, banana milk espresso, topped with a Ferrero Rocher treat.
Watertown
Branch Line, 321 Arsenal St.
Though this is a bit further out from the city, we had to share this reader recommendation — the drink with vodka, Allen’s Coffee Brandy + cold brew is speaking to us.
