A Nightlife Guide to Boston
Throughout the city, you will find a series of free local papers at newsstands detailing Boston Nightlife. If you are under 30, keep your eye out for INsite Magazine, The Weekly Dig, and Stuff at Night. If you are over 30, or just mature for your age, check out Boston Magazine or the Improper Bostonian. These are excellent resources for finding current schedules of what is going on around town, especially for live music and special events.
If you are searching for theater nightlife or comedy shows, look for the Boston Tickets kiosk at Copley square and at Quincy Market. They have information about all the different venues with a large selection of last minute tickets on sale for half off. If you are looking for a good laugh, here are a couple places to consider:
Improv Asylum
216 Hanover St.
This understated facility is right in the heart of the North End and don’t let the low budget physique fool you. A young crew of improv actors will have you howling in your neighbor’s ear. Their contemporary shtick draws a diverse crowd of young and old.
The Comedy Connection
245 Faneuil Hall Market Place
Centered in the tourist hot spot, The Comedy Connection has a rapport of featuring well known stand-up comedians. Local acts find center stage as well and local residents often fill the seats.
If you’re in the mood for a bar or club, choose the atmosphere you want and then the neighborhood will follow. The following list features bars and clubs divided into five distinct neighborhoods: Faneuil Hall, Boylston Street, Fenway, Theater District, and Allston. Each neighborhood has its own vibe and atmosphere. If you know what scene you are in the mood for, you can bar hop all night without ever setting foot in a cab.
But before heading out, there are a few universal themes to keep in mind. In Boston, there are 1am bars and 2am bars. The city only has a certain amount of licenses for bars to close at 2am, so newer establishments are closed at 1am. Luckily, wherever there is a 1am bar, a 2am bar is close by. In addition, expect a television broadcasting local sports teams at every bar- even the upscale, classy ones.
Boston Bars & Clubs by Neighborhood
Faneuil Hall
Although a touristy destination, it has that real New England feel, with the cobblestone streets and old fashioned lamp posts that allure even the Boston natives. These bars are just plain fun. There’s always a crowd and usually a line, but many of the bars feature cover bands and dancing. It’s casual yet classy and fun to with a group. Expect to pay a $5 cover wherever you go.
Bell in Hand
45-55 Union Street
A large establishment with several bar service counters inside and always a live cover band on the weekends. Patrons start their own dance floor in front of the low stage. This bar is always a crowd pleaser.
The Black Rose
160 State Street
A true Irish pub, marked with Irish paraphernalia, thick-accented waiters, and famous for their St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Live music nightly and grab a drink any time of the day.
The Rack
24 Clinton St.
One of the snazzier and posh bars in the area, The Rack has decent sized dance floor, 22 pool tables, and they feature live music and a DJ. The draw is young professionals and even some local professional athletes.
Boylston Street
Boylston is a long stretch of trendy bars intermixed with restaurants and shops that define the shopping district. This Back Bay hub is perfect for the post-college crowd wanting something nicer than casual, but without the price tag or attitude. Drinks are reasonably priced and covers are nonexistent. The coveted Newbury Street is just one block over and the towering Prudential landmarks shopper’s paradise. Spend the day shopping, the evening at a tucked away bistro, and the night sampling the bar scene.
Lir
903 Boylston
This bar features a casual sit-at-the-bar-and-chat atmosphere downstairs and an upscale, room-to-move atmosphere upstairs. There’s plenty of seating room and you don’t have to yell to have a conversation with the person next to you.
The Vox
755 Boylston
Perhaps the most upscale bar on the street, with seductive lighting and slew of cocktail tables upstairs. Patrons dress to impress and singles rehearse their pick up lines. You’ll really feel like you are out for a night on the town.
Top of the Hub
800 Boylston
Not to be missed on a clear night in Boston, Top of the Hub towers on the 52nd floor at the top of the Prudential. Although an exception to the ‘reasonably priced’ claim of the strip, the $12 martinis are worth it. The views are unparalleled in Boston and you don’t have to be a tourist to ooh and ahh.
Fenway
For those who want to sit back with a micro brew, wear their favorite jeans, and play some pool, this is the area to indulge in just that. Besides a couple incongruent nightclubs on Landsdowne Street, Fenway has a laid back, down to earth feel and is a place to bring your friends, not to make new ones.
Boston Beer Works
61 Brookline Ave.
This restaurant/bar features over 20 varieties of their own beer. The area is open and comfortable, and many people come for dinner then stay to sample the range of beers. It’s a great first stop for a night of fun and games.
Jillian’s
145 Ipswich
A true adult playground. With 3 floors, all with a different vibe, you can play pool, hit the arcade, and even bowl. And you can do all this with a cocktail in hand. Some people find the place overwhelming, so come with an objective.
Boston Billiard Club
126 Brookline Ave.
For those who just want to play pool and have a beer while they do it. Rent a pool table by the hour and play without scrutiny. For some variety, check out their small collection of arcade games.
The Theater District
True clubbers make their way to dance parties speckled through Boston’s historic theater district alongside the Commons. Prepare yourself for lines and cover charges up to $20, and expect a scene larger than life. The hallmark of the club scene is The Alley, a collection of clubs on a narrow strip across from the park. Other clubs stand independently just a few blocks away.
The Roxy
279 Tremont
Fitting into the theme of the area, The Roxy looks like a theater with all the seats removed. The ceiling stretches two stories high and decorative columns stand tall, augmenting the posh d�©cor infused through the sizeable dance club. $20 cover and wear something sexy.
The Big Easy
1 Boylston Place (The Alley)
Celebrating Mardi Gras all year round, this club is one of the few themed establishments in the city. It’s a place for people who want to party hard and revel in New Orleans spirit. With Hurricanes, plenty of beads, and live music, they’ve got Bourbon Street pegged.
The Liquor Store
25 Boylston Place (The Alley)
The differentiator for this Alley club that always draws a crowd is the mechanical bull. The line is long, but it’s a one-of-a-kind for Boston. Also a great place to dance to familiar music and just a $5 cover.
Allston
One stop shopping for college kids. While not the prettiest area on the outside, the bar scene is surprisingly clean and modern on the inside. Strongly recommended for the under 25 crowd who favors cheap drinks and no cover charges, and who has a slight uneasiness for the young urban professional crowd. Although not as centrally located as the other neighborhoods, the Green B Line will take you to the heart of college party central.
The Avenue
1249 Commonwealth Ave.
If cheap drinks are your number one objective, but you don’t want to be hanging around old men with missing teeth, this place is not to be missed. At all times, they serve $1 drafts on select beers. Even better, The Avenue has a trendy, laid back feel and attracts a crowd that doesn’t appear as cheap as they probably are.
Tonic
1316 Commonwealth
A downtown bar that’s not downtown. Complete with mood lighting, a modern appeal, and intimidating bouncers, Tonic has an upscale bar on the main floor and dancing downstairs. College kids feel at home and even patrons in their late 20s don’t mind being seen here.
Big City
138 Brighton Ave.
Here’s a kickback pool hall/pub with an amazing 82 beers on tap. A great place to eat first and then hang out all night with friends. Even more casual than Fenway.
