Has a cool, but laid back vibe. Would Jay Gatsby love it here? Perhaps. The drinks are great and the service is on point.
For a place like this, I would:
Drink: Anything off their menu, which is organized by type of cocktail. I had a lovely champagne and honey one.
Eat: we just nibbled on their cheese, but the peach jam it came with was DELICIOUS. I'm not even into jam.
Wear: Comfy chic. A breezy sundress or slouchy Equipment shirt with jeans? Everyone was pretty casual.
Go with: a date. Totally would love to be taken on a date here.
Oh Hawthorne. You have so many lovely things going for you. Brilliant drinks. Interesting scene. Cool metal straws.
But then you charged me $4.00 for a glass of soda water. Not fancy sparking water. Not even soda water with a lime. $4.00 for a glass of unflavored bubbly stuff that costs you near nothing. I made the mistake of ordering 3 throughout the night. I shouldn't have to pay that much to have a beverage that doesn't even get my tipsy.
Had a wonderful experience here last night. Went out with a couple friends to celebrate my passing my boards this week. We arrived and were immediately whisked to some comfy outdoor couches on the patio which is prettily lit with string lights (and candles on the tables). Our server was very attentive, made suggestions when asked, and was very flexible (sometimes we ordered off the menu or asked for suggestions, other times we made suggestions for the bartender etc. - he rolled w/it whatever we asked for). The drinks were good size, strong, and delicious. We also tried a small plate (some kind of chicken orzo thing- was also delicious, and perfect size for two to share if you're not starving).
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We paid our tab a little while before we were actually ready to go (one friend had to leave earlier and wanted to put in what she owed)- they never rushed us at all and we hung out for a while after we'd already paid.
This is definitely one of my new favorite places. Good spot for celebrating w/classy cocktails, and a good place to bring visitors from out of town.
(Also of note: we arrived to the area just as the Sox game let out- luckily, almost none of the swarm of people leaving the game came in here, since it's a little dressier and I think less people know about it. Another plus!)
An upscale hipster cocktail paradise. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOVE IT!!!
I stopped in here before a Red Sox game (I know--not the typical pregame), and was immediately impressed by the cool, clean decor. Our bartender was EXTREMELY knowledgeable and friendly, taking a lot of time to educate us about the different types of cocktails. He expertly listened to my likes and made me an off-the-menu cocktail that was exactly what I wanted. He made my boyfriend (a Sazarac afficionado) a perfect Sazarac. We tried the deviled eggs with Parmesan and bacon, the grilled cheese with hazelnut, and the BLT, all of which were very tasty and freshly prepared.
The bar area is large and comfortable, and although I would prefer to sit there and watch the bartenders at work, there is also a cozy little room with a private bar (perfect for a birthday party), as well as outdoor space.
I'm from Manhattan and I frequent cocktail places all the time, and this one definitely blew its Boston competitors out of the water. I wish it were closer to home!
Disclaimer: While, the Hawthorne specializes in cocktails. I don't personally drink cocktails. Therefore, I can only comment on other aspects. Pros: VERY friendly and nice staff behind the bar. They really go out of their way to make sure you are enjoying your drinks. They are also very attentive, and I never had to ask for another round; someone always came over just in time. I sat at the bar (there were two of us), drinks only, on a Saturday night. It was a crowded bar, but the staff managed it gracefully and skillfully. I drank a Kulmbacher beer, which was overpriced ($8 per bottle) but in such places you pay for the ambiance. Unfortunately, the ambiance was a big con for me. Very, very stiff crowd on the Saturday night I went. Not a fun crowd at all - rather, they all seemed self-absorbed. A bunch of tossers, frankly, it seemed like (individually they may be nice, I'm just commenting on the group dynamic). The decor to me was also stiff, with an Edwardian theme that, although executed well, feels like a hotel lobby. The basement location doesn't help. Dress: Patrons seemed dressed up or "preppy" in the local kind of way, but one could come here wearing anything that is thought through...sporty, suit after work, whatever. I didn't sense a dress code. I've giving this place two stars, based on Yelp's "Meh. I've experienced better." Bummer giving two stars to a place so well-run, but I found The Hawthorne a bit of a disappointment, after hearing rave reviews from many friends.
Review Source:What an odd experience. Â I would never suggest this place to anyone who is not part of a private party or does not have some sort of connection there.
Last night (a Saturday) I went with two of my friends to this place, and at first it seemed rather nice. Â The ambience is very relaxing and cozy, and I think I now understand why they do that. Â It's to calm the nerves of those people who end up waiting 2+ hours for a table and never actually get one.
When we arrived, it was not that crowded. Â However, apparently two thirds of the space was booked for special events. Â That alone seems rather strange for a Saturday night when there is a Sox game. Â We put in a name for a table (without receiving an estimated wait time) and they kindly brought us to a standing room spot at this large table where we had someone assisting us. Â I didn't drink, so I can't attest to how good or bad the cocktails were. Â The first app we ordered (Deviled Eggs) was pretty good and the second app (Spinach and Artichoke Dip) was also pretty good.
So over the course of the two hours we were waiting, the place started filling up. Â I noticed that as soon as people left the bar seats, the bartenders would slide the "Reserved" signs forward, so no one could just sit down. Â That's understandable, because if 2/3 of your restaurant is closed down I could understand wanting to seat people at the bar. Â Totally reasonable. Â However, I then realized that the people taking all of the "Reserved" seats had arrived after us. Â Odd. Â So, around the 1.5 hour mark, three bar seats opened up and the "Reserved" signs were promptly put out. Â My friends and I are thinking "Awesome, these HAVE to be for us". Â Wrong... the seats apparently belonged to a group who knows someone there because they had arrived a mere 10 minutes before they became available.
That's when my friends and I decided to finish our drinks and rush home to get a pizza. Â Way better option, in my opinion. Â Such a waste of time.
TL,DR - Waited 2+ hours for a table for dinner, never got one. Â Lots of other people who arrived after us did, though!
Grand slam all the way...
By far The Hawthorne can stand amongst the best of the best bars anywhere.
Cocktail list is amazing; the bartenders are superb & they will make cocktails/concoctions right there depending upon your lifestyle/tasting habits.
It's another great venture from Jackson Cannon; bring more vibrant, classy lifestyle to Kenmore, Boston & beyond. Small plates are excellent as well.
Plus like Eastern & Island Creek their spirit list is exquisite (includes Pappy Van Winkle as well).
WOW! Â That's just the beginning.
My wife and I arrived early for a Macallan event so we sat at the bar to have a couple of drinks and food. Â We have not been to this spot since it was the Foundation a few years ago and I have to say, this is a welcomed change.
Jackson, our mixologist and owner was exceptionally knowledgeable and courteous. Â After asking for his suggestions on a drink, I ended up ordering a Vesper Martini (not Jackson's choice), and thoroughly enjoyed the cocktail. Â After inhaling the martini, I took Jackson's suggestion and went with a "Hanky Panky". Â The Hanky was perfectly mixed and tasted just as good as Jackson had promised. Â For someone who have just met me and got to know my preference via small talks, he sure nailed the cocktail suggestion!!
Now, let's talk about the food. Â We ordered a chicken orzo salad and a short rib sandwich - what I thought were common food items that will hold us over until after the event turned out to be the best salad and sandwich I've had in a long time! Â The orzo salad had a decent amount of thinly sliced chicken that was moist. Â The short rib melted in my mouth and was seasoned perfectly (not very salty or overwhelming).
Not only did we enjoyed the food and atmosphere at The Hawthorne, watching Jackson in action was both educational and entertaining. Â I would highly recommend everyone make a night out of your visit!
DON'T EVER TRY TO PLAN AN EVENT HERE
I tried in early February to make a reservation here for an group of 6 that was for early May (3 months out). Â I was told it was confirmed and that we were all set. Â I asked for an e-mail confirmation, but it was not sent. Â Then a week or so later I called back because, I didn't get a confirmation. Â I was told they had no such reservation, and that they don't take reservations for Saturday. Â I complained that they had literally just confirmed it to me the week before, and noted that the reservation was early in the night which they did take reservations for. Â They acquiesced that they did accept reservations then, and that they would put our name on the list so that we could still get a space. Â They also mentioned they had spaces for rent for a small charge, and I asked that the events planner call me back. Â They did not. Â I called again and asked that they call me back. Â They did not. Â I then had to e-mail them to get someone to call me back. Â At this point, a decent amount of time had passed. Â They told me all about the reservations, but then informed me they had just rented out all the spaces for the evening I was trying to reserve. Â Further, they would no longer honor my reservation that they had confirmed in e-mail.
We were referred here by some sales associates at one the  retail store on Newberry St. It was Sunday so we didn't make any dinner reservations. My friend and I were prettty much up for anything. They suggested Island Creek Oysters or Eastern Standard for dinner and we can grab a few cocktails here if there was a wait. We opted for Hawthorne before dinner because drinks comes first for us before dinner hahahah.
WOW- great decor and awesome bartender/ mixologist. Unfortunately, didn't get her name when we chatted a bit. She educated us on the drinkware and where we can find them. We ordered our first round from their menu. I forgot the name but it had Hendrick's Gin (which is my goto). My friend ordered the one that tasted like licorice? but she did warn her about the bitterness. For second round, I asked her to surprise me with anything with Hendricks and not too sweet. I very much enjoyed it.
Maybe we should have grabbed dinner so we could have drank more? JK Our bartender was very kind and called over to Eastern Standard to reserve a table for two even though I'm sure it was not necessary (Sunday after 9:30 pm). If I live here, this would be one of my favorite spots!
As much as my Bostonian friends and I love our sports teams, we hate how early the T closes, and how early kitchens close in this city. I've found myself walking home, cold and hungry, at 1 in the morning more times than I would like to admit. I love the Hawthorne, because it pretty much solves both problems:
#1 - you can order food after midnight here - the spinach and artichoke dip is delicious. It's served hot with crudité (aka sliced raw radishes, carrots and cucumber) and tortilla chips (which are slightly too salty). They also serve a whipped ricotta dip and a pretzel with mustard. Perfect late night food. And if you show up at a normal food-eating time (e.g. 10pm), there are even more options from which to choose (although I'd still probably order the spinach and artichoke dip).
#2 - it's located in the Commonwealth hotel, and there's a taxi stand right outside. Score.
What else makes the Hawthorne so awesome? Outstanding, unique cocktails, whimsical décor, and outstanding service. They also have a back room that can be rented for private parties (max number is 50). Out for our ladies' night, my friends and I spent several minutes discussing the whimsical elegance of the décor. We referred to Kate Spade, and also Alice in Wonderland. It's Ethan Allen meets upstairs in the Square, but in black and white. The wall furnishings are clever (including a faux eye exam chart). The lighting is just muted enough so that everyone looks their best, and so that it's impossible to say if the walls are grey or a pastel purple, blue, or green. It feels a bit like a movie star or a princess' boudoir (sort of like that old IKEA commercial with the princess bedroom - but much more classy). This is also a great place to have a conversation with a few close friends, and an impressive second or third date spot.
The staff is extremely helpful and welcoming. I've been to The Hawthorne a few times, and have generally had a great experience. This time, we sat down at a table in the back, and the hostess immediately followed us with cocktail menus when she saw we were sitting. A waiter came over immediately, and was very helpful in getting us food right away. We didn't end up ordering cocktails, but our waiter couldn't have been any nicer. In fact, he's the one who told us about the room in the back. It definitely helped that the bar was less busy by then, but it was still very nice of him to take the time to help us.
My only complaint: This bar has a penchant for playing songs by the same artist back to back. 5 Beyonce songs followed by 6 Katy Perry songs. I don't listen to albums very often anymore, but these aren't even albums, just random collections of songs. It's like a spotify playlist organized in order of artist. Someone needs to find this place a better DJ. Or at least shuffle up their playlist.
Okay, one more complaint, actually: One Saturday night, the bar was over capacity. A woman took down my name and number, and said she would call when it cleared out. Luckily, Eastern Standard is close by and also serves delicious cocktails. So if you want cocktails, go to Kenmore Square. Anyway, this woman never called, even once the bar had cleared out. When Eastern Standard got too boring, we headed back over to the Hawthorne and it was practically empty. We were a little annoyed, as you can imagine. However, the staff was so welcoming that we forgot about our irritation right away.
This bar is very swanky and popular, with an enticing drink menu and clearly experienced barstaff. Â I haven't been to this spot since it was the Foundation, so I'm pleased with this upgrade. I thoroughly enjoyed my spot at the bar with prompt service and a front-row seat to the bartending show.
Now, for the annoying part. I was to meet a couple friends here last night to have a few drinks. I was on the way to meet them when I received a text that they had just arrived and procured a spot at the bar. Â I interpreted this as, it's not too crowded, no line, and we have a seat for you. Upon my arrival 10 minutes later, I was greeted by a petite girl at the door with a clipboard, who informed me that "We have a reservation and we have to honor it, so we're not letting anyone in right now." Â I said that my friends were at the bar, with seats, and they had arrived shortly before me. Â The girl asked if my friends had left a name with her. Â I said I doubted it since she wasn't there when they arrived 10 minutes ago. Â I proceeded to text my friend, who went to discuss this issue with the inside hostess, who then came out to talk quietly with the "bouncer." Â After a few minutes of this back-and-forth, the hostess said I could come in because my friends were at the bar. Â
Come to find out that this hostess was confused about why the "bouncer" was giving me a hard time since there was NO line and this place wasn't at capacity at all. Meanwhile, our 4th friend arrived 10 minutes after me and was let in with NO problem. Â I'm still trying to figure out what reservation was preventing people from being let in, since there just seemed to be an arbitrary 10 minute window in which patrons (i.e. myself) were being held back.
Now, I'm sure I came off as irritated. Â No one likes to arrive a a bar to be turned away for what appears to be no real reason, especially since my party, who arrived shortly before and shortly after me, had no problems. Â I would have just liked a bit more explanation from the girl at the front door, who I'm sure was just doing her job, but arbitrary roadblocks will piss anyone off. Â I am reluctant to go back only because, as a previous reviewer has said, there seems to be no way to tell if and when the entire place will be shut down. Â But as long as the bar is "open," I think anyone will have a pleasant experience here.
I stumbled in to Hawthorne after dinner at ICO with 3 friends, and we loved how attentive the waiter was, especially for people just standing around, not at a table. Â I loved the drinks (Phil Collins), and the atmosphere (modern, artsy, clean, relaxed-chic), so I brought 10 friends back for my birthday. Â The hostess was friendly and accommodating. After waiting at the bar for 15 minutes, she came to show us to our seating area which they had set up with extra furniture. Â The waiter, Thomas, was very nice and great with handling our big group. The drinks were amazing and we had such a cozy night. Â They played "happy birthday" for me after a friend asked, and gave us a round of shots on the house! Thanks Hawthorne!
Review Source:Cant say enough about this place - had the BEST birthday celebration here! A wonderful, classy ambiance and high quality cocktails made the evening so memorable. The servers & bartenders are attentive and always handy with great suggestions.
My favorites are the Belle du jour (lovely champagne based cocktail) and Phil Collins (cucumber, lime, vodka deliciousness) cocktails. Try the mushroom/cheese toast to temper the headiness of the cocktails.
Hawthorne is definitely a great drink spot. You say an alcohol that you want and boom a specialty drink is in your hands. The drinks come with flowers, huge ball ice cubs, top notch, liquor, and the attentive pour of a really special bartender. Â I need to come back and try the food next time as well!
Review Source:I was smitten by The Hawthorne after only one cocktail (and no, that is not a polite way of saying I was drunk). I'm not really the type of guy who goes "out for drinks," but I might be willing to make an exception for the Phil Collins, a deliciously herbal concoction of cucumber vodka, lime, and chartreuse. It's served in a tall frosted glass with a long metal straw that also serves as a stirrer--brilliant, just don't try to bite it.
I wish I had gotten a chance to sample more of the menu, but I had neither the time nor the money to do so. I will be back, however, and will update my review when I do. I'm expecting big things.
I 1-4-3 this place! Â I came here to meet a couple of former co-workers as they raved about this place so much. Â Swanky, uber cool hipster feel and the service is amazing. Â Similar to DRINK, they have mixologists who can concoct wonderful works of drinkable art and they execute their fun cocktail menu with ease and perfection.
I felt kind of cramped but that did not stop the drinking! Â They do have a limited menu, some items to munch on but nothing that made us get anything. Â This is great for a nice date night or a unique place to go from your standard Saturday night.
The second best Old Fashioned in the city of Boston. Â That's generally not the way to start a five-star review, but considering the best Old Fashioned is made at its older sibling Eastern Standard, The Hawthorne does damn well all on its own. Â A tip of the hat to The Hawthorne: I love the Manhattans here better than ES. Â Came in last night after dinner with four friends who had never been, and we were keen on continuing the celebration. Â Found five spots at the bar, which surprisingly was not very crowded at 7:30 PM.
The Hawthorne doesn't carry Makers Mark or Woodford Reserve, so in lieu of the two mainstays for my bourbon cocktails, I reached out for Blanton's, which was delicious. Â The bar filled up pretty quickly, and by 10:00 we had a full house and everyone seemed to be in a great mood.
There are no televisions in The Hawthorne, so you either get to focus on the bar staff mixing up delicious cocktails, engage your own party, or if you're the outgoing social butterfly, make friends with everyone else! Â The space at The Hawthorne is perfectly structured for social interaction, and the whole setting reminds one of a classy penthouse apartment rather than a sub basement dwelling.
The Hawthorne - one of the best. Â The bar staff is friendly and attentive, the front of the house is courteous, and the clientele are perfect for the space. Â You will not leave disappointed!
Swanky is how I would describe The Hawthorne. They make killer drinks here, all with great presentation. Â My Phil Collins was delicious and came with a metal straw/mixer (like I said, swanky). Â Service at the front couldnt've been more perfect and welcoming even though I wasn't dressed for the place. Â Waitress service at the table was just OK. Â Atmosphere is modern upscale, and the location couldn't be better between 2 of Boston's best restaurants. Â This was a great nightcap for us after a night out.
Pricing : Most cocktails are around ~12-14$. Â Wines I saw ranged from 12-20$ per glass. Â They also had a great mix of foreign beers you don't normally see offered also about 12-20$ per bottle.
This week I checked out the newest addition to the bar/lounge scene in Kenmore, The Hawthorne. The teams behind Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Company have created this suave joint filled with calming colors & mood lighting. The nearby BU students may not be fully aware of the gem of a cocktail-scene they have right under their noses. The hours are 5pm-2am daily, and they are right next to the Kenmore stop. When you walk into the Commonwealth Hotel's front doors, turn right and step down the stairs to your newest go-to cocktail lounge. They have an outdoor area with a daily-changing cocktail booklet, along with extensive wine & beer menu. Also offered is a food-menu filled with differently-sized plates, from small bites to lunch-sized portions. I went with the thinly-sliced chips with green onion dip (since I can't turn down a good portion of chips)! Â
Pictures and more on -- ----
Can't really say enough about this place, so I'll try to keep it brief. Â
Made a seating area reservation (since it's a lounge) for a small birthday gathering on a Sunday night. Â They were super nice and asked if it was for anything special (so I told them), and had it clear and ready when we arrived.
This place definitely has character. Â It's really a lounge, with interesting looking seating options and tables, and plenty of space.
The service is amazing - super attentive and informative - our waitress knew everything. Â
The drinks are fantastic, as they well should be for being a spinoff of Eastern Standard. Â Don't complain about the prices - you're paying for craft cocktails, and they're some of the best in the country. Â Go to NYC and see what you get for similar cost.
The food options are surprisingly many for it not being a "restaurant" officially. Â And they're all SO GOOD. Â
We had such a fantastic time, and they not only brought me out a complimentary drink because another I had ordered takes a long time to make (seriously?!), but before the check they brought a ROUND of champagne drinks for EVERYONE (7-8 people at that point) because it was my birthday.
The Hawthorne is a specific place you go for a specific feel - it's not a "bar". Â I might make this a regular around my birthday. Â Just a great experience all around.
The Hawthorne is another one of my favorite places to grab a drink in Boston. Â Owned by the same restaurant group that brings you Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster bar, this bar is up to the same standards as it's older sisters. Â
Located inside the Hotel Commonwealth, the dimly lit interior is scattered with intimate conversation areas and fashionable young professionals. Â The decor is like something out of a decorator magazine. Â The waitstaff is exceptional and attentive. Â If you don't know what you want to drink, definitely consult your server as they are all very knowledgeable and will offer suggestions (many not on the menu) that you never would have considered on your own. Â
Try the Phil Collins!
Amazing oasis of calm and cool at the Hotel Commonwealth. Very large space is cleverly subdivided into nooks and crannies so you can have privacy even when it's crowded. Bar staff is youngish, attactive, and very knowledgeable in their craft. Normally I'm a beer guy, with occasional forays into wine or martinis. But here, you need to branch out a bit and try some of their clever cocktails. The menu does a nice job describing their selections, or you can engage one of the helpful barfolk for advice. Their takes on Manhattans and Old Fashioneds are winners. They also do have a great wine selection for those so inclined.
Clientelle is mostly 30-40s, upscale and well dressed. The overall vibe is chill, upscale, relaxed and friendly. Go!
I was crazy excited to try the Hawthorne after reading all the fantastic yelp reviews.. and I have to say, I agree with everyone!
The space is so much bigger than I thought it would be! The bar was pretty crowded.. so the hostess brought us allllll the way to the back of the lounge (which wasn't that crowded). The lounge is pretty cool.. it feels more like a funky house. Lots of chairs that looked like they came right out of the mitchell gold + bob williams catalog... (that's a compliment). My friend and I were seated really close to a couple who was clearly on a date. I, fresh off a breakup, really was in the mood to bash men... so I don't think they loved being so close to me.
Luckily for us, the hostess was so sweet and offered to let us know when there were seats at the bar. We ordered our drinks and before we knew it, the hostess came by and said that they found us two seats and our drinks would be there waiting for us. smooth move, Hawthorne.
The drinks were realllllly yummy. I had the sherry cobbler and this other one w/ mezcal tequila and I was really satisfied with both. My friend had this crazy drink w/ egg whites and the presentation blew me away. the drink was overflowing but somehow did not spill over... oh meringues...what a funny little concept.
Anyway, I'll definitely be back. I really liked the bar and I think that the drinks were a good size and worth every penny. I have two complaints: 1. the bar really wasn't that crowded for a Saturday night... and 2. I didn't love the lounge. Although the decor was nice.. it just wasn't my style for a fun night out. Even for dates it seemed a little odd? At least for me. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it though.
We've all been there. Every once in a while a good friend comes to town, and you want to show them a good time. Sometimes after a long day at work you want to treat yourself to something nice. On occasion, you may feel the urge to feel special, important, classy.
Or, you might want to try something new. Maybe you're so used to having rum and cokes or gin and tonics that you want to explore what else Boston has to offer. Sure, you like the pubs and the sports bars. But tonight, you might just want to focus on your beverage and your friends without distraction.
If you ever get "that feeling" and want a place with classy ambiance and high quality drinks, the Hawthorne is where it's at. Located right inside the Hotel Commonwealth, you'll most likely be greeted by a bell boy and a hostess before sitting down to order.
Not sure what to get? Tell the server or bartender what you like, or just ask for a recommendation. Without skipping a beat, they'll recommend a drink and list its ingredients. I'm willing to bet that your first response will be something along the lines of, "hmmm...that sounds really, really good."
I told the bartender that I'm a fan of old-fashions, and he recommended the Paper Airplane, aptly named after M.I.A.'s crunchy groove. It was tangy and tart, but the whiskey still had its bite. My second drink was something I couldn't pronounce, but the waitress didn't bat an eyelash and vetted the selection. Smooth rye with bitters and something else that felt beautifully blissful, but interestingly intense.
There's a great selection. Lots of creative drinks.
Trust your gut. Trust their recommendations. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy.
With the lineage of Eastern Standard behind The Hawthorne, it's no surprise that this classy lounge/bar has already found its legs amidst an already rich field of inspired craft cocktail establishments. Whether for a post-work tipple with colleagues or an evening escapade with a romantic interest, the environment here is versatile enough to suit most any well-behaved affair.
I'd hazard a guess that the word on the street hasn't quite spread about The Hawthorne, because there was still ample seating when we arrived during the early evening on a Friday, and at least a few open spaces open throughout our three hours there. If the general public was keyed into the comfortable low-key vibe, the exceptional service, and the beautiful libations offered up here, there would be a queue out the door.
As evidence of just how far the staff will go to ensure you have a wonderful experience, one of our servers was so generous as to provide a number of recommendations for post-drinks dinner and even called ahead to book a reservation on our behalf. (Thanks, Yung... we had a grand time at Uni/Clio!)
Getting to talk shop with Anna for a good twenty minutes was a joy, bantering about alcohol products, bars around the globe, and the upcoming Tales of the Cocktail. Shaking hands with Jackson himself was unexpected and surreal - as a legend in the space, he's shockingly approachable and affable. The men and women of The Hawthorne can seemingly do no wrong.
Aside: For the gents, be sure to make a visit to the loo. If you're even a fraction as geeky as I am, you'll be thoroughly entertained by the artwork presented above the urinals.
Best bar for cocktails in Boston. Â Or anywhere I've ever been ever, for that matter. Â An impressive drink menu, with stuff you won't see anywhere else. Â It is perfectly paired with dinner later on at Island Creek Oyster.
It has an old school, Boston brahmin feel to it. Â No TVs, so you sit at the bar, talk to the bartender, and watch him perfect his craft. Â I mentioned it is old school but in a traditionalist way, and in no way are the staff snooty or pretentious, quite the opposite actually. Â Hard to describe, but it is a unique experience worth a visit to try - if you are in town for vacation, it is a must visit (paired with Island Creek).
Hands down the best bar in Boston.
Top notch cocktails, service, and nibbles.
Just had the Charles Lindbergh, which is my new favorite gin cocktail ever - but everything I've ever had here is incredible. And if you don't see something on the menu that you like, they'll make a delicious specialty cocktail just for you - what's better than that?
I love that there are no TVs, and every staff member makes me feel like a VIP at a fabulous party.
Big thank you to everyone at The Hawthorne!
Swizzle Sundays at The Hawthorne's Patio Tiki Bar is lots of fun!
What better way to cool down after a balmy Sunday than to enjoy classic and creative tiki cocktails on the patio. Â
Scott Marshall, Tiki Master is brilliant! Â
We really enjoyed his creations!
The theme for my tasting was smoke...I couldn't get enough of Mezcal-laced blends. Â
My two favorite cocktails of the evening:
1.Have A Cigar: Made with Mezcal, St. Germain, Lemon, and
Punt e mes (an Italian Vermouth).
2.Naked and Famous: Made with Mezcal, Aperol, Yellow chartreuse, and fresh lime juice.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the spicy Roscoe Pound made with Weller bourbon, lemon, honey, and ginger syrup served up in a coupe and the Maximillian Affair made with Chichicapa mezcal, lemon, St. Germain, and Punt e mes prepared for us as a digestif.
My friend ordered the Attention made with Tanqueray gin, Dolin dry vermouth, Absinthe, Creme de Violette, and orange bitters. Â Neither of us could stomach this cocktail. I blame this on the fact that I'm not a fan of gin or absinthe...so no surprise there.
We snacked on the white bean dipped topped with piccadilly relish and served with crudités (carrot, cucumber and watermelon radish), mimollet crackers and crostinis.  The dip was bland and the spice of the piccadilly was over-bearing.
The chicken salad sandwich (with the crusts cut off) was pretty tasty. Â My friend loved the tarragon and said "it took it to another level." Â The sandwich was served with homemade potato chips.
Though we didn't have the pleasure of sampling them, two orders ($16 worth) of the deviled eggs somehow appeared on our receipt. Â Unfortunately, I just realized this when preparing to write this review.
I am looking forward to using my Gilt group certificate for dinner with cocktail pairings for two.
Check out The Hawthorne's Swizzle Sundays on the patio through August 26th.
When I die in my mid 30's from liver failure, or just plain old age from one too many strong cocktails in my young years, I want my gravestone to read: I BLAME IT ON JACKSON CANNON.
Sure, I assumed the Hawthorne was a respectable addition sandwiched in between two of my favorite establishments in Boston (ICOB and ESKD) but what I was not expecting was the sheer uniqueness and greatness of this bar.
At first I wanted to find a reason to not come here. Too big space, too expensive, too ritzy, oh god another Kenmore addition. But wait, I made those things up. When my friend and I swung in on a chilly Tuesday night I was immediately struck with bar crush syndrome. We cracked open the beautifully crafted menu and read it like a book. Pages of stories, histories, and a fine-tuned selection of crafted cocktails awaited us! I feel like these craft cocktail connoisseur days some bar menus are way too big, or non-existent, but Hawthorne's menu is perfect. Not too big, not too small, approachable and yet reliable. A menu you can trust. And the interior, totally makes sense now. Classy, cozy, approachable, but yet very Hotel Commonwealth. Very sleek and sexy.
I put faith in my bartender and mentioned that I wanted a mescal beverage. My melon colored cocktail was an infusion of aperol, mescal...and shoot I don't know, it was awesome. Yet, on the other side of the bar, my crazy friend insisted she wanted an irish coffee. Now wait, you think Irish Coffee...gross. But no no no. Only the people at Hawthorne could make this tragic drink into the best thing you've ever tasted in your entire life. They pulled out the french press, whipped up real cream and threw together the strangest combination of tequila, strong coffee, cinnamon and sheer magic to make the best and weirdest drink I've ever had. We we're hooked.
But wait, it got better. Jackson mentioned they've been making cocktail inspired macarons in the kitchen, so of course I had to ask for those. And yep. Incredible! This place wins even when it comes to French pastries.
Why would I ever need to leave Kenmore Square again? Oh wait, I don't. Thanks to the crew at the Hawthorne, we'll be back.
Love the funky atmosphere of Swizzle Sundays!
Absolutely delicious versions of drinks that you really should be sipping on the beach combined with strange Hawaiian style covers of popular songs, good snacks, and a bizarre people watching location, it's basically as good as it gets for Sunday afternoon/evening drinking.
Really fun for a date or an afternoon out with friends and I will definitely be back soon.
Swank.
Cool.
Sophisticated.
Yes.....a true night spot in the lower level (it ain't a basement) of the Hotel Commonwealth.
Don't walk in looking like a schlub; there's plenty of places to do that - do it somewhere else. Â The crowd is well dressed and sophisticated....think NYC cool.
Service is superior. Â
Prices are not unreasonable. Â
Bar food and drinks are creative, interesting and serve to both stimulate and sustain entertaining conversation. Â
Two words: back room. Â That's where you'll find me - every time.
What an incredible place for cocktails.
My friend and I were sat down at these big comfy chairs with two very small drink tables, and it was perfect. If you want to come sit and chat over some really unique and well thought out cocktails, this is the place. Our waiter had some good suggestions, and was always very attentive. Be prepared to throw down ~$14/drink. Definitely worth it though.
This is my kind of place to grab a drink and catch up with friends. Varied seating options from high-top tables to sofa chairs. Music is at the optimal level where you can actually have a conversation and not have to shout at each other. Â The decor is old world modern, like you stepped into the library den of someone's penthouse apartment. Â And the drinks are carefully crafted and delicious.
I called in five days in advance to make a Friday night reservation at 8pm for drinks before dinner. This was a great call because we had a little area to ourselves towards the rear, complete with a few sofa chairs around a coffee table.
I will definitely come back to Hawthorne with my friends and my out of town guests to show them the best that Boston has to offer.
The newest addition to Jackson Cannon and Garrett Harker's family of establishments that includes Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar right down the street. Â The Hawthorne's only been open for several months so far and the future looks very promising for this cocktail lounge.
My friend and I came by for drinks last Friday to unwind a bit and we were greeted with a very warm welcome and a tour of the venue that included a glimpse into the cozy private room outfitted with its own bar and bartender ready to serve up whatever you're in the mood for.
Though the whisky selection isn't particularly extensive, there's quite a selection of libations in the well thought-out menu along with some historical tidbits thrown in there. Â I started with a Paper Plane and enjoyed the refreshing flavors from the aperol and lemon - it's essentially a bourbon gimlet and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Â I followed up with an Old Fashioned with Eagle Rare 10 year and it was indeed well-crafted - potent, lingering on the palate and not a hint of unwelcome sweetness or dilution. Â Might I also add that the beer list consists entirely of uncommon Belgian and Bavarian brews...can't wait to delve into those on my next visit.
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