Best of Boston

2013 Best Bartender

Sam Treadway, Backbar

In just a year, Treadway has taken this already exciting snack-and-cocktail spot and upped the ante even further with his unique mix of seasonally driven classics (like our favorite drink of summer, the grapefruit-and-tequila-based Paloma), modern spins on standards (barrel-aged mai tais), and fun, laid-back options like the smoky mezcal pickleback.

9 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, 617-718-0249, backbarunion.com