Next Door Speakeasy Opens in East Boston

A hidden cocktail bar in East Boston, designed by Hacin’s Matt Arnold and Christine Rankin, recently opened this spring and is serving up a menu of inventive and delicious cocktails along with a raw bar and charcuterie menu. Opened by restauranteurs Raffaele Scalzi and Mivan Spencer and featuring a drink menu curated by beverage director Josue Castillo, this project has thus far been featured by Boston Eater, Boston.com, and the Boston Globe.

A speakeasy set within an Italian restaurant, Next Door provides an intimate, evocative space with a touch of the theatrical. Featuring ever-changing entrance instructions provided the day of a reservation, one enters through an adjacent restaurant on Porter Street and is led by the host to an arched wooden doorway, equipped with a peephole and door knocker, further heightening the sense of mystery before being allowed access to the private, cozy establishment. Inspired by the raw bar menu and aquatic themes, the space features a color palette mimicking deep sea tones of moody blues and lush materials like velvet banquettes and rich wood paneling. Sculptural lighting is anchored by a dark marble bar and drink rail, matching the dining room tables and accented with gold hardware throughout the space.

Congratulations to the Next Door team on their opening, we can’t wait to snap up a reservation at this new spot!