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Boston's Best Laid Back Bars

With all of the hustle and bustle that Boston has to offer, sometimes it's nice to just go out and simply relax. Instead of hitting the latest club for heart pounding music, at these places you can grab a drink, kick back and enjoy some quiet conversation. Here are a few spots where you don't want to have to worry about what to wear for a night out on the town. The focus at these bars is all about relaxing and unwinding with a great cocktail in hand.

Bond
(Photo Credit: Bond)

Bond Restaurant & Lounge
250 Franklin St.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 956-8765
www.bondboston.com

The Financial District is one of the busiest places during the day, and Bond Restaurant & Lounge caters to an after-work crowd here looking to unwind. After a stressful day at the office, head to Bond's gorgeous location inside the former Federal Reserve Bank (now the Langham Hotel). Here, you can sip on a Cinderella Story cocktail made with pumpkin spice liqueur, vanilla bean syrup and Rittenhouse. The relaxed vibe makes this one of the best after-work spots to take it down a few notches.

Alibi Bar
(Photo Credit: Alibi Bar)

Alibi Bar & Lounge
215 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
(857) 241-1144
www.alibiboston.com

You may not think of relaxing and jail going hand-in-hand, but that's just what Alibi Bar & Lounge delivers. Located inside the former Charles Street Jail turned Liberty Hotel, Alibi knows how much you need to take the stress out of your life. The fun cocktails here harken back to its vivid history. Try a Jailbait blueberry mojito or a Rehab made with orange vodka and prosecco. Prison life never seemed so relaxed.

City Bar
(Photo Credit: City Bar)

City Bar
61 Exeter St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 933-4800
www.citybarboston.com

Tucked away inside the Lenox Hotel, City Bar is your best stop in the Back Bay for a stiff martini and a chill atmosphere. This is not your average hotel bar, but rather, they deliver every kind of cocktail imaginable. From a Mexican monk to a China rose cocktail to a classic whiskey smash and sidecar, City Bar knows how to pour a nice stiff one to get you to relax and unwind.  There is a second location in the Seaport District.

Related: Boston's Best Brewery Tours

Drink
(Photo Credit: Drink)

Drink
348 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 695-1806
www.drinkfortpoint.com

Located in a subterranean space in the Fort Point Channel, Drink offers no decision-making. There are no cocktail menus available. Simply tell the bartender what you like and they will create the perfect concoction for you. If you have a specific preference, they can make that, too, but it's more fun to let them know what you are in the mood for and then see what creation they come up with.

Under Fire
(Photo Credit: Under Fire)

underFIRE
205 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 482-3473
www.underfire.bar

Fire & Ice in the Back Bay is all about an action packed interactive dining adventure watching chefs grill, sizzle and saute fresh ingredients in front of your eyes. To escape this scene, head to the newly opened underFIRE bar, located underneath the restaurant. There is no pressure here — just order up a strawberry basil margarita or a gin blossom and relax at the dimly lit bar or nearby table. Your evening just doesn't get much better than this.

RelatedBoston's Best Bourbon Cocktails

Kellie Speed is a Boston writer with more than 25 years of experience writing for local and national publications, including JustLuxe, Haute Living, The Boston Globe, Mohegan Sun's Legends and Amtrak's Arrive. She is the Boston restaurant writer for Gayot's travel site and contributed to Moon Metro's Boston guidebook, as well.
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