Entry No. 21 — the Boston file — filed under: speakeasy
Backbar
An unmarked orange door in an alley between The Independent and Bronwyn is the only sign this 39-seat room exists — inside, co-owner Sam Treadway builds riffs on milk punch and pulls from unusual spirits, and there are no reservations: you walk in or you don't get in.
The story
Finding your way into Backbar requires knowing exactly where to step off Union Square. Down Sanborn Court—a narrow alley sandwiched between The Independent and Bronwyn—you look for a blank, painted orange door without a sign or street number. Push through, and you leave the neighborhood pub noise behind for a hidden 39-seat cocktail den tucked completely out of sight.
Originally brought to life by bartender Sam Treadway, Backbar built its reputation on hyper-nerdy drink engineering, unusual spirits, and expertly clarified milk punches. Though ownership passed to Sara Brady and Andrew Markey of nearby Field & Vine in late 2025, the room remains resolutely unchanged: expect rotating themed menus, obscure bottles, and modern riffs on forgotten classics served without an ounce of pretense.
What it's like
There are no reservations here, so your strategy is simple: show up early or prepare to wait. The room maxes out at 39 people, and once those seats fill up, you wait for someone to leave. It isn't a rowdy 12–2am party crowd; instead, it's an intimate, dimly lit hideout where people come specifically for what the bartenders are mixing. Aim for an early weeknight arrival, claim a spot at the bar, and let the team walk you through whatever nerdy themed menu is currently running.
The move: Find the orange door with no sign in the Union Square alley, grab two of the 39 seats first-come-first-served, and split a round of Treadway's milk-punch variations.
- 📍 Union Square, Somerville
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 7 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments (Putnam Gallery) — Match Backbar's nerdy liquid alchemy with a wander through Harvard's 20,000-object vault of historical scientific tools just over a mile away.
- Seven Stars — Pair a round of experimental milk punch with a browse through esoteric and occult volumes down in Central Square.
- Roxy's Arcade — Trade an alleyway cocktail lounge for a secret arcade hidden behind a grilled cheese shop's walk-in freezer door.
Good to know
How do I find the entrance?
Walk down Sanborn Court, an alley off Union Square situated between The Independent and Bronwyn. Look for the plain, unmarked orange door.
Do I need a reservation?
No. Backbar operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis for all 39 of its seats.
What kind of drinks are on the menu?
The bar is famous for its milk punch variations, rare spirits, and creative, playfully themed drink menus that rotate regularly.
Is Backbar good for large groups?
No. Because of the strict 39-seat limit and compact layout, it works best for solo visitors, couples, or small groups of three to four.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · bostonuncovered.com · bostonmagazine.com · Reddit · Yelp
last checked: 2026-07-20