Farewell, Coquette: Boston's Whimsical European Escape Says Au Revoir

Ah, Boston, ever-changing, isn't it? And so it goes that even our most enchanting escapes sometimes reach their final destination. Coquette, that utterly charming travel-themed cocktail bar, tucked away in the historic grandeur of Old City Hall, is, in truth, pouring its very last drinks this Halloween.

Yes, you heard that right. Come October 31st, just over a year since it first opened its doors back in October 2022, this whimsical spot will be no more. It's a bit of a bittersweet pill, I think, for anyone who truly appreciated its unique flair.

Remember Coquette? It was, if you recall, envisioned as a kind of elegant passport to the sun-drenched coastal towns of France, Italy, and Spain. And honestly, it did deliver. From the moment you stepped inside, you were transported — away from the bustle of School Street, into a world of curated cocktails and delightful small plates, each echoing a different European sensibility. It wasn't just a drink; it was an experience, a little vacation in a glass, you could say.

The team behind Coquette, Boston's own COJE Management, has, shall we say, a significant footprint in our city's vibrant hospitality scene. They're the creative minds behind other beloved haunts like Yvonne's, the energetic Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar (both the Back Bay and Fort Point locations, mind you), and Scampo, Ruka, and The Trophy Room. So, while Coquette's departure certainly stings a little, it's clear they're not exactly disappearing from the landscape.

Now, the specific whys of its closing haven't been laid bare, at least not publicly. The restaurant and bar world, as we all know, can be a fickle beast, incredibly dynamic and, well, tough. But, and this is rather important, COJE Management isn't just abandoning the beautiful space at 45 School Street. Oh no. They've already got plans brewing, intending to launch a brand-new concept right there in 2024. So, while we're waving goodbye to Coquette, it won't be long until something fresh and undoubtedly exciting takes its place.

But for now, perhaps a final visit is in order? One last 'trip' to the European coast before Coquette takes its final, rather fitting, Halloween bow. It's an opportunity, I suppose, to raise a glass to the memories made and the journeys taken, however brief.