Nightlife Boston: The capital of Massachusetts may be known for its history, culture and quaint cobblestone streets. But once the sun goes down, Boston's nightclubs light up their dance floors, with cocktails, bottle service and wild parties. Here are the best nightclubs in Boston!
Nightlife Boston
While Boston is a history lover's dream, the city offers plenty of options for anyone looking for more than just history. The city is home to some lush parks, a magnificent skyline, and plenty of outdoor activities to do.
While all of these activities can be done during the day, there are equally exciting fun activities to do at night as well. Boston's nightlife is very lively and offers a wide range of options for nightlife depending on your mood and what you are looking for. The city is home to some world class pubs, sports bars, live music bars, nightclubs and many other attractions.
The culture of the place is welcoming, so it's easy to mingle with the locals and party like a local when in Boston. Even if the movida lasts longer during the weekends, don't be disappointed if on weekdays you find everything closed as early as 2am.
Don't let the quaint charm of Boston's historic streets fool you. The capital of Massachusetts knows how to party, with numerous discos, bars and nightclubs dotted throughout the city.
With DJs spinning all types of music – techno, EDM, house, emo, Top 40, hip-hop, rock and more, Boston's nightclubs sizzle with the most electric nightlife in the city starting at 10pm or about 11pm . Then they fill up until closing time, usually 2am, with the last call to serve drinks half an hour before closing.
We recommend getting to the venue in the early evening as the lines outside Boston clubs get quite long later on. Parties peak around midnight when places are always packed. So, it would always be a good idea to visit one of the bars to eat and have a few drinks in the early part of the evening and then head to Boston 's nightclubs during midnight.
Each club has its own distinct personality and ambiance – some offer 'theme' nights, meaning the music, crowd and atmosphere can differ dramatically from one night of the week to another.
Disco or hip hop, yacht rock or 80s blasts of the past, you'll be spoiled for choice to let loose and dance in the best clubs in Boston. If you're looking for the hottest parties in town, our Boston nightlife scene won't disappoint.
Where to go out at night in Boston
Boston's nightlife can get pretty heavy on your pockets. So, one has to choose a particular location or place depending on what one is looking for. The city has places to drink, dance and party quite well. You can choose which area to enjoy the nightlife depending on what you are looking for. Here is the list of Boston neighborhoods with the best nightlife.
Most of Boston's nightclubs are concentrated in two areas: the Theater District and the lively nightlife area between TD Garden and Downtown Boston.
The Theater District is home to some of Boston's best nightlife spots , many of them housed in atmospheric historic buildings.
near Fenway and Kenmore Square , the clubs tend to be more informal and frequented mostly by university students. In recent years the focus has shifted to live music and sports.
The North End is a neighborhood that offers many great restaurants and popular bars. It is located near Faneuil Hall , another tourist area in the city that is home to some of the best bars in Boston .
The nightlife of Boylston Street in the Back Bay district is instead concentrated in the numerous bars and pubs that follow one after the other. The neighborhood is frequented by locals who meet in pubs after a long day of work.
Quincy Market is one of the most touristy areas in Boston and is also home to some world-class bars and pubs. Expect this place to be expensive due to thriving tourist crowds throughout the year. Most places have a cover charge of at least $10. Avoid it if you are looking for a non-touristy place.
Downtown Boston is home to some stylish pubs and bars. Most of the nightclubs are high-end and attract a large elegant crowd during the week. The nightlife in this neighborhood is fairly quiet, so avoid if you're looking for a loud nightclub. Ideal for a good intimate date.
Harvard Square is a relatively pocket-friendly neighborhood that is home to a good population of young students. This is one of the most important areas for nightlife in Boston.
The Cambridge and South End neighborhoods also host a decent choice of nightclubs and bars where you can spend a nice evening in Boston.
Clubs and discos in Boston
The Grand Boston (58 Seaport Blvd #300, Boston)
Open Thursday through Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
The Grand is a famous nightclub in Boston that offers a Las Vegas vibe with its majestic glass staircase leading directly to the dance floor, while accents of gold, leather and plush velvet add an air of majesty to the atmosphere. A landmark for Boston nightlife , this club regularly hosts famous international DJs and celebrities.
There's plenty of room to dance and several bars to party in, but most of the floor space is made up of special VIP tables that can be booked online. And The Grand's VIP experience is among the best in town.
Icon Nightclub (100 Warrenton St, Boston)
Open daily from 10.30pm to 2am.
With over 7,000 square feet of stylish and stylish design, Icon is one of Boston's most stunning nightclubs , featuring a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. Chandeliers and quilted sofas set the scene for epic musical evenings with a varied and diverse musical panorama including Progressive, Hip Hop, House, Techno, Electronic Dance and many others.
On weekends, the club is packed to the brim as people dance the night away to house, hip-hop and Latin DJs. Boston nightlife for 30-somethings and over is here . Icon Nightclub prides itself on hosting Boston's best events and parties.
Club Café (209 Columbus Ave, Boston)
Open Monday to Wednesday from 4pm to midnight, Thursday and Friday from 4pm to 2am, Saturday from 11am to 2am, Sunday from 11am to midnight.
Known as Boston's hottest gay nightclub , Club Café has been a fixture of the city's LGBTQ community for over three decades. The Club Café is a place to gather, converse and dance the night away as you lose yourself in the rhythm and beat of the LED lights.
Its glossy interior has become a place where friends old and new gather every week. Regulars ask for a special club membership ($50 a year) to waive cover fees for club nights and get discounts on drinks and food. Regardless of your sexual orientation, this daring dance party is one not to be missed.
Mémoire Nightclub (1 Broadway, Everett, Boston)
Open Friday through Sunday from 10pm to 2am.
Mémoire is located in the huge hotel and casino complex near the port and is a nighttime gem. In addition to the elegant and sophisticated interior, this Boston club often hosts famous DJs such as Steve Aoki. If you're willing to spend more for a great night of partying in Boston, pop into this luxurious club and enjoy the evening while the DJ spins his own tunes.
Alibi Bar and Lounge (215 Charles St, Boston)
Open Monday to Thursday 5pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 2am, Sunday 5pm to 10pm.
Located inside the old Charles Street Jail and the current Liberty Hotel, this ultra-hip Boston nightclub is the place to see and be seen when you have a night on the town.
Inside, Alibi stays true with nods to the building's criminal past, such as its brick walls and cell doors, with sofas dotted about the space, where you can collapse with a drink and watch all the beautiful people go by. While this lounge isn't a full club like the venues you might find in the Theater District, it features beats from live DJs Thursday through Saturday, and there's plenty of space to come down and dance.
Royale Boston (279 Tremont St, Boston)
Open Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
With a capacity of 1,300 people, the Royale is one of Boston's most famous nightclubs and is located in a former opera house with a huge stage where costumed dancers sometimes perform. A wooden dance floor, plush seating and a fantastic sound system make the Royale popular both as a nightclub and as a place to watch live entertainment. A mix of elegance and classic beauty to create , provocative, exotic and wonderful nightlife experience
People who are young at heart always dance like crazy inside the club. So come ready to hit the dance floor with your glass of beer in hand! DJs play a mix of electro, alt rock, top 40 remixes, techno, hip hop for the high energy crowd. If you don't like dancing, you can come and see one of the many shows on the program, such as the cabaret on Tuesdays. The Royale also hosts many other events, Boston bachelorette parties and catered events.
Middlesex Lounge (315 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Boston)
Open Thursday to Sunday from 5pm to 2am.
At this Boston nightclub, DJs play the best vintage hip-hop, classic electronic music and underground dance. More of a lounge than a full-on nightclub, Middlesex has an ever-changing setup; the room is filled with metal benches on wheels that can be artfully arranged for any number of events.
The Middlesex Lounge takes its name from the county (founded 1643) in which it resides, but there's nothing historic about this Cambridge hotspot. With a club vibe looking more like a high school house party than a Cambridge club, the Middlesex Lounge is a minimalist venue with a motive: to keep guests dancing the night away. A giant TV plays music videos and strong drinks will keep you feeling good.
Big Night Live (110 Causeway St, Cambridge, Boston)
One of Boston's most charming music venues , Big Night Live captures the essence of the elegant music halls and supper clubs of the past with a modern twist. The space offers luxury seating, beautiful furnishings, multiple bars, mezzanine views and VIP areas. A variety of concerts and events fill the calendar, providing ample opportunities to elevate your nightly adventures.
As Boston's newest mid-sized music hall and concert space, it's so much more than just a nightclub. If you are looking for a nightlife atmosphere similar to that of New York or other big cosmopolitan cities, this club is highly recommended.
Mariel (10 Post Office Square 120, Boston)
Open Monday to Thursday 5pm to 1am, Friday 4pm to 2am, Saturday 11.30am to 2am, Sunday 11.30am to 1am.
This sumptuous Cuban restaurant has emerged as one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, thanks to its flaming rum drinks and drunken monkey wallpaper. But underneath all that delicious food and elaborate cocktails found in its dining room is one of the coolest places to party in Boston .
Mariel Underground is a luxurious lounge tucked away in the basement of this restaurant, boasting decor that is just as beautiful as the main level. This secret space totally transforms it from Thursday to Saturday, when live DJs work their spindoctor magic and people dance into the wee hours of the morning.
Phoenix Landing (512 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Boston)
Open Monday 11am to 12am, Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 2am, Sunday 11am to 1am.
Phoenix landing is both a pub and a club in Boston. While some know Phoenix Landing as Cambridge's busiest soccer bar, this space really comes alive at night, when its pub-like interior transforms into an old-school dance venue.
The decor is simple, but there's a no-nonsense kind of vibe that goes really well with the gritty underground tunes pouring out of the speakers. The space is also tiny, but the variety of playlists is huge: from 80s to house, techno, hip hop, new wave and dubstep and more, it's all here.
Havana Club (288 Green St, Cambridge, Boston)
Boston nightclub with Latin American music. Salsa and bachata are the favorite dances at this Cambridge nightclub: here the evenings are dedicated to practicing your dance moves, rhythm and having fun. Don't worry about your skills or bringing a partner: you can learn during the lessons that take place every evening before the party starts.
Beehive (541 Tremont St, Boston)
Open Monday to Wednesday 5pm to 11pm, Thursday 5pm to 12am, Friday 5pm to 1.30am, Saturday 10am to 1.30am, Sunday 10am to 11pm.
Located right next to the Boston Center for Arts, Beehive is one of the best nightclubs in Boston . The club is decorated with wild paintings, whimsical fabrics and various strange objects that offset the venue's exposed brick loft feel. This bohemian, jazz-focused supper club allows people in search of the finer things to dine, drink and dance in a relaxed, dimly lit environment, where there is neither a cover nor a dress code. While jazz is the main music genre here, you can also expect blues, electronic, reggae, Latin, cabaret and burlesque.
The kitchen offers Mediterranean dishes ranging from salads and appetizers to common dishes for large groups. Head to the bar to sample the fantastic cocktails. Lively parties will keep you busy and in a good mood.
Venu Boston (100 Warrenton St, Boston)
Open daily from 10.30pm to 2am.
Another Theater District hotspot, Venu is one of Boston's most exclusive nightclubs . This elegant and cosmopolitan nightclub caters to a sophisticated clientele, inviting you to dress up. Energetic DJs play everything from Latin to hip-hop to pop hits, so you can dance the night away as super sexy beats pulse through the air.
The plush decor adds to the chic vibes and refined atmosphere, where beautiful people relax, dance, drink and mingle, creating memories they'll never forget. Venu is notorious for sky-high cover charges and expensive drinks, but for club-goers with the cash, admission is worth it as a good time is practically guaranteed. Arrive early and dress smart to increase your chances of getting in.
Legacy Nightclub (79 Warrenton St, Boston)
Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
Located on Tremont Street, Legacy Nightclub has been one of the landmarks of Boston's nightlife for the past two decades. Open since 1982 and located in one of the hottest and sexiest basements in the city, Legacy Nightclub prides itself on being the longest running club in Boston history.
Hava (246 Tremont St, Boston)
Open Thursday to Saturday from 10.30pm to 2am.
Hava offers high-energy nightlife inside a sultry lounge where you can sit with beautiful people and sip tempting cocktails. Originally designed to be the ladies room and orchestra area of the Wilbur Theatre , this uniquely beautiful space is only open for entertainment on weekends.
Tunnel Boston (100 Stuart St, Boston)
Open Tuesday and Thursday from 11pm to 2am, Friday and Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
As the name suggests, the nightclub at the W Hotel resembles a tunnel inside some sort of futuristic spaceship. The space of this Boston club is visually striking, with curvy sofas, elegant decorations and multicolored lights.
Among Boston's hottest nightclubs , Tunnel draws a cool crowd, with jet setters mingling with young professionals looking to party and dance. The best DJs always play the best of House, Dance and Top Forty.
Tunnel is one of Boston's hottest clubs with the lure of secrecy as it is underground. To enter, use the discreet entrance on Stuart St., featuring frosted windows. Take the private mirrored lift or the modern underground staircase to the club. Mingle with those who seek to see and be seen as they pick up their pace and sip on their robust selection of specialty cocktails including the popular signature drink 'the tunnel'.
Bijou Boston (51 Stuart St, Boston)
Open Thursday to Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
With its luxurious lounges, Bijou is a Boston club located in a former theater dating back to 1882, and is absolutely versatile when it comes to nightlife options. The Club caters to an upscale international audience with a host of famous DJs from around the world. The Onyx Room offers an exceptional VIP experience. The space is small and intimate, but often loud and crowded.
The Onyx Room offers an ultra-VIP experience with a world-class sound system and spectacular table service. It also has three bars to put you at the heart of the action. Alternatively, the more intimate Gold Room transforms into the ultimate dance party. As the Gold Room is small, be sure to arrive by 11pm to get a seat inside before the line goes up the block.
The Greatest Bar (262 Friend St, Boston)
Open Sunday to Wednesday 4pm to 12am, Thursday and Friday 4pm to 2am, Saturday 12pm to 2am.
The Greatest Bar is one of Boston's most unique and exuberant entertainment venues, comprised of three unique, separate spaces spanning four distinct levels. 4 dance floors from 10pm onwards, 3 bars, with DJs and live music especially from Wednesday to Saturday, when there are no sporting events.
Hurricane Boston (150 Canal St, Boston)
Close to the Garden, Hurricane is another popular Boston club, with a fairly large dance floor, DJ and good food. Admission costs $10 on weekend evenings and is free during the week.
The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub (472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Boston)
Open Sunday and Wednesday 5pm to 1am, Thursday to Saturday 5pm to 2am.
The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub is one of the city's most famous, beloved and essential entertainment venues. With the best of Boston's vibrant nightlife and restaurants all under one umbrella, The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub has all the ingredients for a great evening such as food, cocktails, music, dance, atmosphere and live entertainment. At the restaurant you can enjoy Middle Eastern haute cuisine and eat on the patio if the weather is pleasant.
The place offers live music in three distinct settings, with music ranging from rock-n-roll and alternative bands to punk and rap.
Wally’s Cafe Jazz Club (427 Massachusetts Ave, Boston)
Open daily from 5pm to 1am.
This Boston jazz club hosts students from Berklee and the New England Conservatory of Music. The drinks are reasonably priced and strong. The club does not always have a jazz atmosphere, but is also very imaginative with its melodies. Recommended if you are a fan of jazz music.
Howl at the Moon (184 High St, Boston)
Open Thursday to Saturday from 6pm to 2am.
Located in downtown Boston, Howl at the Moon, is the perfect place for a night on the town. Fingers race across the keys, hammering out your favorite party songs and top requests as you sip punch from one of Howl's famous drink buckets.
Self-proclaimed as the "Best Bachelorette Party Destination in Boston ," Howl at the Moon offers bridal and graduation packages, including Jump the Line and Brides Gone Wild. Each of them has different benefits, from drink offers to free admissions. Recommended for crazy night parties in Boston .
Down Boston (184 High St, Boston)
Open Thursday to Saturday from 10pm to 2am.
Down Nightclub is a majestic and chic club located in the heart of Boston. The location is exceptionally unique and exuberant because it is right downstairs from Howl At The Moon. Down Nightclub is undoubtedly one of the most affordable clubs in Boston , with drinks and cocktails that are stronger and typically cheaper than similar nightclubs in the city.
2Twenty2 (4 Liberty Sq, Boston)
Open Tuesday and Wednesday 11am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 1am, Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Restaurant and nightclub, 2Twenty2 is one of the most popular nightclubs in Boston . The name of the venue originated as it is located at 222 Friend Street, Boston MA People from far away areas come here to enjoy a lavish day and elite nightlife experience .
Vincent’s Nightclub (6 Billings St, Randolph, Boston)
Open Friday and Saturday 9pm to 2am.
Located in Randolph, this sophisticated and luxurious Boston nightclub boasts some of the best bottle service and VIP lounges in the area. It is also equipped with 10 LED screens to capture the latest music videos, sports games and upcoming event presentations.
Boston's bars and pubs
Boston's bar scene has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. Once populated mainly by hotel bars and Irish pubs, the city is now filled with drinking establishments of all kinds, from beer gardens to craft cocktail lounges.
Red Lantern (39 Stanhope St, Boston)
Open Saturday 10pm to 2am.
Red Lantern is a Boston nightclub and restaurant filled with antique statues and beautiful lanterns. Decorated in a sexy, provocative and gorgeous way, the place attracts a young, elegant and crackling crowd with an enchanting and exotic atmosphere.
Guests enter the venue through the large black lacquered Asian doors from where they enter the main lobby. The main room is nothing but a sea of red and black decorations, with hundreds of lanterns hanging from the ceiling, and is filled with small tables. The back side is the private room to accommodate up to 40 guests, also decorated with Chinese apothecary ornaments such as large and small vials with fabric-covered ceilings for an elitist and luxurious atmosphere.
Ned Devine’s Irish Pub (1 N Market St, Boston)
Open Monday 11.30am to 8pm, Tuesday and Wednesday 12pm to 8pm, Thursday 11.30am to 9pm, Friday 11.30am to 1.30am, Saturday 12pm to 1.30am, Sunday 11am to 7pm.
During the week, Ned Devine's is just another Irish pub in Faneuil Hall, serving fish and chips, award-winning clam chowder, corned beef, Guinness onion soup and other Irish-inspired dishes. But on weekends, this huge rooftop venue transforms into a popular Boston club, where people can find several bars, live music and dancing.
Bell in Hand (45 Union St, Boston)
Open daily from 11am to 2am.
Located a block away from Faneuil Hall on the Freedom Trail, Bell in Hand is one of Boston's historic taverns. For a quiet and authentic evening.
Oak Long Bar & Kitchen (138 St James Ave, Boston)
Open every day from 7.00 to 24.00.
Oak Long Bar and Kitchen is a restaurant and bar within the same space, and is a great alternative to the chaos of the clubs. Keeping the touches of the past, Oak Long Bar & Kitchen has added a modern touch to the decor. An open kitchen sits behind the bar inviting bar drinkers to order from the menu that offers diners American cuisine options ranging from simple snacks and sandwiches to full meals.
The bar scene is also lively and filled with a more mature crowd than you'll find in Boston's nightclubs. Social and energetic, you'll find your fair share of locals looking to meet someone new.
The Bleacher Bar (82A Lansdowne St, Boston)
Open Monday to Thursday 11.30am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11.30am to 2am, Sunday 11.30am to 10pm.
Bleacher Bar is a trendy sports bar that boasts views of Fenway's outfield as it is located beneath the bleachers. Highly recommended for sports fans, The Bleacher Bar is one of the most unique and best places in Boston to watch a game because you can actually see it through the windows overlooking the field.
The bar is open all year round, so sports fans can come and watch any game or just enjoy the view. The Bleacher Bar has a small menu of burgers, snacks, hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts.
Legal Harborside (270 Northern Ave, Boston)
Open Sunday through Thursday from 11.30am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 11.30am to 11pm.
Legal Harborside is a rooftop lounge with a retractable roof making it a perfect place to spend a warm summer night in Boston sipping a cocktail. This venue fills up almost every night and is a good place to meet locals and take in the incredible water views.
Savvor Restaurant and Lounge (180 Lincoln St, Boston)
Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 2am.
Located on Lincoln Street, Savvor Restaurant and Lounge offers a perfect blend of authentic Caribbean influences and delicious Southern cuisine. Guests are served the finest cuisine with Savvor signature cocktails and beverages. It also serves one-of-a-kind cocktails with house recipes prepared with exuberant Caribbean rums.
Empire Restaurant & Lounge (1 Marina Park Drive, Boston)
Open Sunday to Tuesday 5pm to 11pm, Wednesday to Saturday 5pm to 2am.
Asian restaurant and lounge located right in Boston's waterfront region. This majestic and gastronomic venue is located just steps from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
The restaurant extends a stylized interior, an ethereal atmosphere, an exquisite ambiance and a well-crafted and tantalizing menu; As well as a capacity for three 40-seat private dining rooms opening onto a colossal private event area.
Dbar (1236 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, Boston)
Open Monday to Thursday 5pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 2am, Sunday 11am to 8pm.
This former Irish pub still retains its dark wood interior, but now features a long list of martinis and a top-notch menu from chef Chris Coombs. After 10pm on weekends, this restaurant turns on the smoke machines, lights and rib-shaking subwoofers and suddenly the space belongs to a lively, LGBTQ-friendly crowd who sing karaoke and dance the night away.
Drink (348 Congress St, Boston)
Open Wednesday to Saturday 5pm to 1am, Sunday 5pm to 11pm.
Located in Boston's Waterfront District, Drink is an underground speakeasy-style bar that consistently tops local and national cocktail enthusiasts' must-see lists for its personal approach to mixology. The place has no menu: the expert bartenders listen to each guest's preferences and then create artistic cocktails from their supply of premium spirits, fresh mixers and homemade accessories. This place is a must visit when in Boston.
Bully Boy Tasting Room (44 Cedric St, Boston)
Bully Boy Tasting Room is Boston's first modern craft distillery and has already changed the city's drinking scene, as bartenders around town regularly incorporate its craft spirits into cocktails. A must for any cocktail lover in the area.
The intimate bar area features velvet seating and a collection of Prohibition-era liquor bottles, and there's a large window that overlooks the gorgeous copper pot still. Come and try their outstanding cocktails.
