The best bars, live music venues, and nightclubs in Boston cater to all partygoers. That's whether you’re looking for a chic lounge that serves craft cocktails or a booming nightclub that caters to an exclusive crowd. Some top-rated clubs occupy multiple floors and attract world-renowned DJs, while others reside in basements that host local, up-and-coming talent.

From drag performances and cabaret to roots rock and punk performances, Boston’s eclectic nightlife scene has it all. If you’re planning a night out on the town, consider visiting these top-rated clubs, bars, and live music venues in the city we've listed below.

  • 1

    Middle East Restaurant and Club

    A simple restaurant turned live rock hot spot

    Middle East Restaurant and Club
    • Ruoka
    • Yöelämä

    The Middle East Restaurant and Club started out as a small diner in the 70s, but it’s been a pioneer in the local alternative rock scene since expanding in the 80s. Here, you can listen to both up-and-coming acts as well as well-known names, all while sipping a cold beer or digging into tasty Middle Eastern cuisine.

    If you just want to soak up the atmosphere, we recommend visiting the Middle East Restaurant and Club on Wednesday, when crowds are minimal. It’s a good idea to purchase concert tickets beforehand if you intend to watch a live performance in the restaurant’s Downstairs venue.

    Osoite: 472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Avoinna: Wednesday from 5 pm to 1 am, Thursday–Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am, Sunday from 5 pm to 1 am

    Puhelin: +1 617-864-3278

    Kartta

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  • 2

    The Sinclair

    A gastropub and music venue with an open kitchen

    The Sinclair
    • Halpa
    • Ruoka
    • Yöelämä

    The Sinclair near Harvard Square is a live music venue and gastropub that specializes in American cuisine. From the main floor or balcony, you can watch famous cult acts and up-and-comers in genres ranging from hip hop to indie. Alternatively, you can grab a table in the adjacent restaurant, which frequently hosts trivia nights and live DJs.

    You can often buy tickets at the door to watch live performances, but it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. If you arrive early, we recommend checking out Harvard College, which is just a stone’s throw away from The Sinclair.

    Osoite: 52 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

    Puhelin: +1 617-547-5200

    Kartta

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  • 3

    Royale

    A multi-level megaclub with live music

    Royale
    • Ryhmät
    • Yöelämä

    The Royale is a spacious nightclub and live music venue that hosts established and up-and-coming rock acts. In addition to the main floor, the Royale has balconies with seating for busy nights as well as a large foyer with sofas, tables, and chairs. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and a trendy crowd, The Royale is likely Boston’s premier club for you.

    Live acts tend to start around 8 pm and finish before 10 pm in time for dance events. If you’re visiting the Royale for the live music, we recommend arriving at 7 pm to secure a good spot on a balcony or the main floor. You don’t usually need to book in advance to attend a dance event.

    Osoite: 279 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116, USA

    Avoinna: Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to 2 am (closed Sunday–Thursday)

    Puhelin: +1 617-338-7699

    Kartta

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  • 4

    The Burren

    Roots rock at a popular Irish pub

    The Burren
    • Halpa
    • Ruoka
    • Yöelämä

    The Burren is one of Boston’s most popular Irish pubs and a local hot spot with students from the nearby Tufts University. Throughout the day, The Burren is an ideal place to relax with traditional pub grub and a pint of Guinness. At night, the pub’s large back room transforms into a lively and loud roots-rock venue.

    Thanks to its close proximity to the Davis transit station, The Burren is easy to reach by bus and subway (Red Line). If you intend to drive to The Burren, you’ll find plenty of parking spaces at the nearby Downtime Parking, which is less than 5 minutes away on foot.

    Osoite: 247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144, USA

    Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from 11.30 am to 1 am, Friday from 11.30 am to 2 am, Saturday from 10 am to 2 am, Sunday from 10 am to 1 am

    Puhelin: +1 617-776-6896

    Kartta
  • 5

    Trina's Starlite Lounge

    Unique cocktails and American comfort food

    Trina's Starlite Lounge
    • Pariskunnat
    • Ruoka
    • Yöelämä

    Trina's Starlite Lounge is a retro bar and diner that serves a broad range of signature cocktails, craft beers and American comfort food in Boston. On its rotating menu, you’ll find permanent options such as the Starlite Cocktail and the Fallen Angel (a spicy margarita). To line your stomach, we recommend ordering a salty bologna sandwich or Trina’s homemade pop tarts.

    Trina's Starlite Lounge opens daily from 5 pm besides Sunday and Monday, when you can dig into a brunch as early as 11 am. Nearby landmarks such as the Harvard Art Museums and the Harvard Museum of Natural History are less than 1 mile away.

    Osoite: 3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143, USA

    Avoinna: Sunday from 11 am to midnight, Monday from noon to midnight, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm to midnight, Thursday–Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am

    Puhelin: +1 617-576-0006

    Kartta
  • 6

    Midway Café

    Up-and-coming punk and rock acts in a veteran dive bar

    Midway Café
    • Yöelämä

    Midway Café resembles a hip dive bar, but it hosts some of the biggest names in the local Boston punk and rock scene. While everybody is welcome, Midway Café champions LGBTQ+ bands and frequently highlights talent in the gay community. Keep your eyes peeled for revered bands such as Sool and Thalia Zedek.

    The easiest way to reach Midway Café is by taking the metro (Orange Line) to Green Street subway station, which is just a couple of minutes away. This bar can be crowded in the evenings, but the atmosphere is much more relaxed during the day.

    Osoite: 3496 Washington St, Boston, MA 02130, USA

    Avoinna: Tuesday–Friday from noon to 2 am, Saturday–Monday from 3 pm to 2 am

    Puhelin: +1 617-524-9038

    Kartta

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  • 7

    Drink

    Signature drinks at a menu-less cocktail bar

    Drink
    • Ruoka
    • Luksus
    • Yöelämä

    Drink is a unique cocktail bar in Boston that serves a long list of innovative, signature concoctions. However, instead of choosing drinks from a menu, you discuss your likes, dislikes, and mood with the bartenders, who then create the perfect cocktail just for you. If you don’t fancy a colourful drink, you can choose a premium wine or craft beer instead.

    Be prepared to wait in long queues at Drink, but don’t let that put you off visiting – getting your hands on a signature cocktail is a more than worthwhile reward. If you’re looking for things to do in the area, consider visiting The Institute of Contemporary Art or the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

    Osoite: 348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA

    Avoinna: Thursday–Saturday from 5 pm to 1 am (closed Sunday–Wednesday)

    Puhelin: +1 617-695-1806

    Kartta
  • 8

    The Grand Boston

    Vegas-style nightclub that hosts top DJs

    The Grand Boston
    • Luksus
    • Yöelämä

    The Grand Boston is the city’s go-to venue for high-end nightlife and entertainment. Chart-topping DJs spin tracks on state-of-the-art audio equipment complete with a 70-foot LED visual display around the dancefloor. The club also has its own content team to make every night unique.

    Keep in mind that The Grand Boston enforces a dress code. Wear shorts, flip-flops and a hat, and you might be turned away. We highly recommend booking tickets to the club in advance. You can boost your chance of being accepted inside by ordering from the bottle service menu.

    Osoite: 58 Seaport Blvd #300, Boston, MA 02210, USA

    Avoinna: Thursday from 10 pm to 2 am, Friday and Saturday from 9.30 pm to 2 am (closed Monday–Wednesday)

    Puhelin: +1 617-322-0200

    Kartta
  • 9

    Club Café

    A gay-friendly dance club, piano bar, and bistro with cabaret

    Club Café
    • Pariskunnat
    • Yöelämä

    Club Café has been a local favourite with the LGBTQ+ community since opening its doors in 1983. Today, this venue is a popular restaurant specialising in new American cuisine as well as a club, cabaret, and piano bar. Drag performances often take centre stage over the weekend, though events can be held any day of the week.

    Club Café boasts a laidback vibe throughout the week, but it becomes one of Boston’s premier nightlife destinations on Friday and Saturday nights. Pay around $50 for an annual membership, and you’ll get discounts on entrance fees and meals.

    Osoite: 209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116, USA

    Avoinna: Monday–Wednesday from 4 pm to midnight, Thursday and Friday from 4 pm to 2 am, Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, Sunday from 11 am to midnight

    Puhelin: +1 617-536-0966

    Kartta
  • 10

    Middlesex

    Underground DJ performances in a bustling lounge

    Middlesex
    • Halpa
    • Yöelämä

    Middlesex is more of a lounge than a nightclub, but it hosts well-known musical acts from the genres of classic electro, vintage hip-hop, and underground dance. Its eclectic interior features metal benches on wheels that can be moved around easily, which means you’re unlikely to see the same configuration twice.

    Middlesex is only open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with Thursday being the quietest day to visit. Keep your eyes peeled for events such as LGBTQ+ parties and electronic nights. You don’t usually need to book tickets in advance.

    Osoite: 315 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

    Avoinna: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am (closed Sunday–Wednesday)

    Puhelin: +1 617-714-4831

    Kartta

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Joshua Saunders | Kirjoittaja