08/01/08

Among Back Bay residents, the Lenox Hotel's martini bar is a romantic final stop before the bedroom.

by Eric Grossman

The Scene
When is a hotel bar not a hotel bar? When non-guests commonly outnumber guests and there isn't a TV in sight. City-Bar is a dependable date spot for those who enjoy seeing and being seen while dropping serious bucks on serious drinks. When crowded, the small room radiates a carnal vibe, with well-dressed locals exchanging glances while sipping on inventive martinis and infused liquors. The staff, attractive enough to sometimes distract from the proceedings, retrieve drinks from the softly illuminated bar, all while curious onlookers stop in their tracks in the hotel lobby, wondering just who those pretty people inside are.

The Draw
From obscure bourbons and malts to an intriguing wine list, the bar's lengthy drink menu satisfies hard-to-please types. "Infusions Diabolique" (e.g. Maker's Mark infused with Turkish figs, Chinese cinnamon and fresh vanilla) are striking in their complexity. Famished patrons can sample the offbeat menu of lighter fare from the kitchen of the hotel's standout restaurant, Azure. Appetizers (tasty twice-baked potato skins) and sandwiches (grilled Reubens) are perfect for sharing.

05/31/08

The King of all Lounges

by shape816

City Bar is the perfect lounge. Relaxing atmosphere, eclectic, mature crowd, cool music (not too loud), and the best attribute of this bar is the AMAZING drinks. Whether it's a simple gimlet made with fresh lime juice and simple syrup (my favorite) or their specialty martinis and cocktails, everything they mix is sensational and perfectly balanced. Nothing pretentious about this place either - just a great night out...

• Pros: Incredible cocktails, fantastic atmosphere
• Cons: Absolutely nothing.

05/25/08

great mature crowd

by MattOBrien2

I work in the area, and love coming to this bar. The service is great, the martinis are perfect, and I mostly come for the crowd. Its mature. This is an upscale bar that I actually really enjoy!

• Pros: drinks,service, scene
• Cons: love it!

03/30/08

Awesome Pear Martinis!!

by DirtyMartiniGirl

My friends and I went here on a Saturday Night and had the best time! It was exactly what we were looking for. A trendy and upscale lounge with great martinis and a hot bartender!! Small, but not too crowded. A more mature crowd. Great place to meet people. The Pear Martini is a must-have! Perfect for getting dressed up and having a Girls Night Out!! We will definately be back!

• Pros: awesome martinis and atmosphere
• Cons: on the smaller side, no dancing

03/25/08

one of the best bars in the world!

by StefanVonWochen

Along with a few friends, I ended up in the City Bar on a search for Scotch and Bourbon one Sunday evening earlier in March (2008) - and it was one of the best finds ever. Every one of us loved the place. In fact a couple of us stayed propping up the bar until it closed - trying different whiskies of course!

The drinks were well made, of a generous size, the prices were good, and the bar staff were friendly, efficient and cool! :)

02/09/08

Great apple martinis!!!!!

by citygirl1126

Although not necessarily a pick-up spot, this is a great place for a date, good conversation, or girls night-out. Oh and did I mention GREAT martinis!!!! Overall, great atmosphere, highly recommended.

06/04/07

cozy atmosphere, trendy

by desieclipse

Trendy place with a cozy atmosphere, great drinks, and good service. A nice spot for a drinks-date or to meet a few friends before going out.

• Pros: good drinks, good service, cozy atmosphere, trendy
• Cons: slightly loud for conversation

03/01/07

really nice hotel bar

by partychris

One of Boston's best date spots. The food is pricey but good, and ditto re: the drinks. They infuse different liquors.

10/11/06

good cocktails, cozy (small) space

by hotpotatoe

City-Bar is actually much smaller than I had expected. The location is good and the atmosphere is comfortable. There's a good amount of seating considering the bar's size, and the bar serves some very tasty specialty cocktails. There's not much to look at in terms of interior design since there are no windows (one can only stare at the glowing sketch of the esplanade for so long). It is a good place for conversation. It doesn't get too crowded, but it seems like there are a good number of people on weekends and weekdays.

07/08/06

drink oasis

by chewhound

great place for drink (lots of first dates here, would guess) - hipper than vox - less euro than armani - and you can actually hear yourself talk (as well as the person you're talking to). bar food is surprisingly good, tapas-ish, but if you're looking for sliders or buffalo wings go across the street to Uno's.