09 Sep The Liberty Hotel

for when you need a sophisticated place to drink with 30 of your friends

where we’ve been drinking: the Liberty Hotel

I spent last year in the most wonderful of masters programs. It was one that capitalized mainly on going out and hanging out, and talking about the reading and studying that was on the to-do list. That said, most of this socializing somehow–for reasons I still don’t understand as our program was made of people who have lived and traveled all over the world–was relegated to the 1/4 mile radius around campus. Sometimes though we would trek downtown into Boston for drinks. And when we did…it was always to the Liberty Hotel.

But who can complain? A beautiful building with a history (it used to be a jail), with tons of open space for large groups (of constantly changing numbers of grad students w.o reservations even) to just show up at? And, a bonus, a place the beautifully-dressed people also like to frequent. Oh, and it’s right next to the Charles MGH T stop.

And that’s all before we even start to review their cocktail menu, which we think is really strong. We spent enough nights at the Liberty to collect a decent sample. The best part of the Liberty is the intersection between well-crafted cocktails and large-order-beer bar. It meant that you could be happy if you wanted fancy martinis to celebrate your 30th, or if you’re more bro-esque and plan on a beer or 5. Their bartenders are impressive, and I still get dizzy thinking about how fast they shook, stirred, and twisted (those tiny lemon rinds).

The bar that services the open foyers of the building is part of their restaurant Clink (on the second floor). Alibi, the cocktail lounge on the first floor (go here in the summer for their patio!) has a separate menu that tends a bit more fruity and light and crowd-pleasing.

While Clink offers a range of serious cocktails, our absolute favorite was the Tears of Chios. If you go there, order this drink. Otherwise, make this drink at home. We’ll tell you how tomorrow.