Staff are delightful, food is delicious, and the view of the courtyard can't be beat. Our Valentine's Day tea was lovely. Thank you!
Lovely setting with delicious food and teas. And the service is above excellence
The Map Room is easily one of the best bars in Boston for cocktails and light food, while being similarly priced to other Boston bars (cocktails around $15, dishes $10-20). It's a cool space too, buried in the depths of the public library, and absolutely worth your time even if you're not already there for some books.
My husband and I visited in the early afternoon on a weekday. We sat at the bar and really enjoyed our cocktails and charcuterie board. The board was $23 and came with a great and varied selection. The cocktails were delicious as well! It was a great stop after touring the library.
![5]( "Recensione")
Elevating the cocktail game and oozing history, the Map Room Tea Lounge at the Boston Public Library knows how to throw down some seriously mind-blowing drinks. Yeah, they're not exactly easy on the wallet, but damn, those craft cocktails are worth every cent.
I'm telling you, my taste buds went on a wild ride. The "Smoke On the Horizon" was like nothing I've ever tasted – that combo of flavors was pure art. And don't even get me started on the "Sriracha Nights" and "Summer Wind" – those were tasty too, a perfect blend of flavors that hit the spot.
Now, let's talk vibes. The historic charm makes the experience special, thanks to being part of the Boston Public Library. You're chilling in history and that feeling is hard to beat. It's like an oasis of cool in the middle of the city hustle.
Bottom line? Yeah, it's gonna cost you a bit, but you're paying for an experience that's next level. The "Smoke On the Horizon" is my new drink obsession, and I ain't complaining about the "Sriracha Nights" and "Summer Wind" either. Combine that with the vintage vibes, and you've got a spot that's a bullseye for cocktail and history buffs.
A seemingly hidden gem inside the Boston Public Library. The Courtyard and Map room. Tea rooms that are both walk in and reservation only. The Courtyard boasts a bright and sunny rowed seating arrangement as well as fixed menu/price. The Map room is walk-in friendly and has a bar!
Although we made reservations for the Cortyard, the Map room was a better atmosphere with more menu options. We started with their tea infused smoke on the horizon Manhattan and Southern Belle gin cocktail. Along with chocolate bread pudding and west african meat pies. Finishing with their white peony tea, which was floral and delicious.
The staff was excellent, and the environment was warm and inviting. Would highly recommend visiting.
Cool atmosphere in the old meets new Boston Public Library. It’s a modern twist on the Southern tea room experience. Bar makes cocktails which all include some flavor of tea. Experience is interesting. Could easily kill a bunch of time between here and the library cafe on a rainy day.
Chic but cozy atmosphere. Excellent staff (shoutout to Alejandro who is amazing!). Drinks have clever literary-based names and are well-crafted. Small plates (pictured) offer a nice selection of both savory and sweet tea foods. Great stop in the city for casual afternoon drinks and a snack.
One thing to be aware of if you're there around library closing time though is the fire alarm. That's your cue to finish your drink and go. If you're still there when it goes off the second time, you'll find out it's also accompanied by library security shouting for everyone to GTFO, which could be fun if you're looking to feel like you're caught in a Prohibition Era raid, but can otherwise be a bit disorienting if you're not expecting it.
A beautiful high tea experience. The food was delicious and honestly way more than I was expecting. The teas were tasty with a good variety. Cool vibe, edgier than your traditional high tea.
Wonderful way to end our library tour. The drinks and fare were excellent along with the atmosphere. Treat yourself!
Great food (small plates for sharing or appetizer size for one) and really nice drinks. They've got tea and coffee and wine and beer too. Right in the library. It's a cozy spot for a quick bite.
Cozy space! 100% worth the visit for high tea, snacks, or more adult beverages. Loved the intimate atmosphere; great for couples or small friend groups. The library theme was tastefully done. The biweekly Friday fashion show from the next-door Courtyard Café also extends into this space, so plan accordingly if you want to catch it or not. One of the most reasonably priced afternoon tea options available.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Boston
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes