Two Hidden Boston Speakeasies Just Cracked North America’s Top 100 Bars List
The Wig Shop and Hecate Bar, both speakeasy-style craft cocktail spots that opened in 2022, just landed on North America's 50 Best Bars 2026 list as brand new entries, beating out bars across New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and beyond.
One Bar Hides Behind Mannequin Heads, the Other Has 24 Seats and a Mystical Drinks List
The Wig Shop sits at 27 Temple Place near Boston Common, tucked behind what still looks like an actual wig shop from the outside.
The only hint it exists is a row of wig-wearing mannequin heads and a neon sign that reads “wigs.”
Inside, the menu leans fully into the theme, with sections called “new hair-do’s” and “vacation cuts,” and a Mezcal-based drink called the 2-4 Cut Time.
Hecate Bar sits below the Greek restaurant Krasi at 48 Gloucester St. in Back Bay, with seating for just 24 people.
The bar leans into all things mystical, with theatrical drink presentations that match its surroundings.
Both Are Brand New to the List and Boston Is the Only City That Placed Two Speakeasies
50 Best is the British food and drink media organization behind the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, one of the most recognized rankings in the global hospitality industry.
The North America’s 50 Best Bars list is voted on by more than 300 independent cocktail experts, bartenders, educators, and drinks writers across the region.
The Wig Shop came in at No. 86. Hecate Bar landed at No. 88.
Both are first-time entries. Both opened in 2022.
The full top 50 list drops at a live ceremony in Vancouver on April 22. Despite the name, the full list covers 100 bars total. 50 Best releases it in two drops, with spots 51 through 100 first, and the actual top 50 announced live on April 22.
Boston Beat Out New York, LA, and Chicago
The U.S. leads the 51-100 list with 25 bars total, pulling from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, and Honolulu.
Boston placed two. Both speakeasies. Both worth adding to your list of the best bars in Boston.
