Best of Boston

2016 Best Cocktail Bar

Ames Street Deli

Editor’s Note, July 13, 1 p.m.: Ames Street—which merged with its neighbor Study for a combined concept called “Study at Ames” in late June, after press time for our Best of Boston issue—closed July 12.


After creating a top-tier nightlife enclave at Somerville’s Backbar, Sam Treadway and team are now schooling the country’s smartest city in cocktail-making. Here, they offer an ever-changing matrix organized by liquor, breaking down off-center sips (purple-cabbage gin, anyone?) to make even foreign flavors feel approachable.

73 Ames St., Cambridge, 617-374-0701, amesstreetdeli.com