For Boston’s cocktail lovers, the espresso martini is more than just a pick-me-up; it’s become a citywide staple. From traditional blends to creative riffs, these nine downtown and nearby neighborhood spots are pouring some of the very best the city has to offer.
At-a-Glance
Neighborhoods: Back Bay, Downtown, North End, Seaport
MBTA: Red, Orange, Green lines within walking distance
Price tiers: $$–$$$
Reservations: Some require; bar seats often first-come
Dietary: Mostly dairy-based; vegan at select cafés
Hours: Most until midnight; some late-night
Updated: August 25, 2025
North End
Bricco
Bricco has become synonymous with espresso martinis in Boston—over a million served. The blend of Absolut Vanilla, Baileys, Kahlúa, Frangelico, Disaronno, and house espresso is decadent yet balanced, never cloying. The sugar-and-cocoa rim makes every sip a little more indulgent. It’s the quintessential North End martini experience.
- Price: $$
- When: Evenings, especially weekends
- Reservations/Wait: Expect lines after 8 p.m.
- Dietary: Contains dairy
- MBTA/Parking: Orange Line Haymarket; limited street parking
- Accessibility: Narrow entry, tight tables
- Link: briccoboston.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Farmacia
This nine-seat cocktail bar crafts each drink as part of a larger story. Guests are guided through a chaptered menu, with the espresso martini affogato as the grand finale. Served via Belgian coffee siphon, it’s a theatrical experience as much as a cocktail. Farmacia is intimate, exclusive, and unforgettable.
- Price: $$$
- When: Reservations only, timed seatings
- Reservations/Wait: Mandatory ticketing
- Dietary: Dairy-heavy
- MBTA/Parking: Haymarket or North Station
- Accessibility: Limited, small interior
- Link: farmaciaboston.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Caffé Paradiso
This Italian café delivers a sweeter martini with Absolut vodka, Baileys, Kahlúa, and espresso. Their pistachio gelato-topped version is playful, adding dessert flair to the cocktail. A relaxed spot for both afternoon indulgence and late-night sipping, Paradiso feels like a true neighborhood staple. Its gelato pairing makes it stand out.
- Price: $$
- When: Afternoons and late night
- Reservations/Wait: Walk-in friendly
- Dietary: Dairy, nut toppings
- MBTA/Parking: Haymarket
- Accessibility: Moderate; café tables
- Link: caffeparadisoboston.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Downtown Crossing
Yvonne’s
Yvonne’s sets the stage with its supper-club vibe and dramatic lighting. Their espresso martini leans traditional: vodka, espresso, Kahlúa, and a touch of vanilla syrup. Strong coffee flavor anchors the drink without excessive sweetness. It’s refined and timeless, much like the room it’s served in.
- Price: $$$
- When: Dinner through late night
- Reservations/Wait: Book in advance
- Dietary: Standard recipe
- MBTA/Parking: Orange Line Downtown Crossing
- Accessibility: Step-free main entry
- Link: yvonnesboston.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
The Wig Shop
This cocktail bar hides its boldest secret in the “Rise & Grind.” Rum, cold brew, Borghetti, cinnamon-demerara, and whipped cream are finished with a chocolate-covered pretzel. It’s playful, powerful, and so caffeinated they only allow one per guest. Theatrical and fun, it’s a drink people talk about.
- Price: $$
- When: Evenings only
- Reservations/Wait: Walk-in, often busy
- Dietary: Contains dairy
- MBTA/Parking: Downtown Crossing
- Accessibility: Small bar space
- Link: wigshopboston.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Tradesman Coffee Shop & Lounge
This café-bar hybrid offers espresso martinis that feel both indulgent and familiar. Vanilla vodka, espresso, Baileys, and Kahlúa are blended into a creamy, balanced cocktail. It’s approachable, reliable, and equally at home for an afternoon sip or evening nightcap. Tradesman makes the martini feel like comfort.
- Price: $$
- When: Morning through evening
- Reservations/Wait: Casual, no reservations
- Dietary: Contains dairy
- MBTA/Parking: Downtown Crossing
- Accessibility: Ground-level café
- Link: tradesmanboston.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
Jaho straddles the line between coffee shop and cocktail bar. Their espresso martini is classic, simple, and available to-go, making it uniquely versatile. Guests can customize creaminess with a splash of Baileys. It’s relaxed, convenient, and ideal for an unpretentious martini fix downtown.
- Price: $–$$
- When: Open all day
- Reservations/Wait: Walk-in
- Dietary: Vegan options possible
- MBTA/Parking: Orange Line Chinatown
- Accessibility: Café style, accessible entries
- Link: jahocoffee.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Back Bay
Café Sauvage
This chic café puts a French twist on Boston coffee cocktails. The “Sauvage Espresso’tini” mixes spiced rum, espresso liqueur, Irish cream, and cold brew for layered complexity. Or try “The Dude,” rimmed with Nutella for extra indulgence. Café Sauvage offers espresso martinis with playful European flair.
- Price: $$
- When: Evenings best
- Reservations/Wait: Recommended on weekends
- Dietary: Nutella rim, dairy
- MBTA/Parking: Green Line Hynes Convention Center
- Accessibility: Small step at entry
- Link: cafesauvage.com
- Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
Sonsie
A Newbury Street classic, Sonsie’s espresso martini blends vanilla vodka, Baileys, Kahlúa, and espresso. It’s smooth, balanced, and perfect for people-watching on the patio. Sonsie’s reputation for consistency makes it a reliable stop. Lively atmosphere and polished cocktails make this a Back Bay must.
- Price: $$
- When: Lunch through late night
- Reservations/Wait: Patio tables in demand
- Dietary: Dairy
- MBTA/Parking: Green Line Hynes Convention Center
- Accessibility: Street-level entry
- Link: sonsieboston.com
Last checked: Aug 25, 2025
