Nightlife in Boston: Bars and Clubs Off the Beaten Path
Boston is known for its sports fandom, colleges, Hollywood stereotypes, and Dunkin' Donuts, but a super happening city nightlife isn't one of them. However, recent developments indicate a shift in Boston's reputation as a puritanical town. The appointment of a night czar and the focus on creating a vibrant nightlife experience after dark demonstrate a changing landscape. Nightlife in Boston is no longer limited to traditional bars and clubs; it can be a bar, a nightclub, or even meeting at a cafe or park. With a variety of options available, here are some tips to navigate Boston's nightlife scene.
- Boston bars may close earlier than in other cities, but there are still plenty of hip nighttime destinations, from upscale clubs to semi-secret art gallery parties.
- If you're looking for high-end nightclubs with bottle service and touring DJs, downtown Boston is the place to start. The Grand, Royale, Icon, and Memoire are popular choices.
- For smaller parties and low-key vibes, Central Square offers options like La Fabrica Central, Havana Club, and Middlesex Lounge.
- The Beehive on Tremont Street in Boston is known for its funky vibes, cocktails, and live jazz. EXIT, a pop-up gallery in Allston, merges art and underground music in its all-ages parties.
- Despite a decline in queer-specific venues, LGBTQ+ nightlife in Boston still offers opportunities for fun. Club Cafe, Jacque's Cabaret, dBar, and ManRay cater to different communities and music genres.
- If nightclubs aren't your thing, Boston has excellent independent movie houses and indie bookstores that host movie series, film festivals, and readings.
- For offbeat nighttime fun, Roxy's Arcade in Central Square offers vintage arcade games, Tavern of Tales is a board game bar, and trivia nights are popular throughout the city.
- MFA Late Nites and First Fridays at the ICA transform museums into hip destinations with DJ sets, performances, art making, and food. BIDA contra dances provide a sober setting for social dancing.
With these diverse options, Boston's nightlife scene is evolving and becoming more inclusive. Whether you're into high-end clubs, live music, LGBTQ+ venues, movies, board games, or trivia, there's something for everyone. Boston's nightlife is no longer limited to the traditional, and the future looks promising for those seeking unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Amelia Mason is an arts and culture reporter and critic for WBUR.
