Next Door Speakeasy

Next Door is a hidden cocktail bar on Porter Street in East Boston, with an arched wooden entrance, blue velvet banquettes, and a dark marble bar. The back dining room has a curved ceiling that gives it the feel of a wine cellar. It’s a setting for a dressed-up date or drinks with a few friends, especially if choosing a cocktail is part of the fun. Tell the staff what you usually enjoy and ask for a recommendation. There’s food available, too, so you can pair your drinks with something to eat. Reserve through the bar’s website and read the house rules before going: tables have a 90-minute limit, and athletic wear, beachwear, and hats aren’t allowed. Leave the baseball cap at home.