9 Best Nightlife in Downtown Boston, Boston

This area favorite lounge in a brick Fort Point Channel warehouse offers a short beer, wine, and food list, but no cocktail menu. Patrons rely on the highly knowledgeable bartenders to concoct libations on the spot according to drinkers' preferences. The space has an underground, modern speakeasy feel. Chat with the bartender to create your perfect drink; hint: if you like creative Manhattans, ask for a "Fort Point."

Fitzgerald's The Beautiful and Damned meets the breezy tropics within this Havana-inspired nightlife spot. Mariel best serves those who appreciate good food and drink, a fun vibe, and a vivacious atmosphere---it gets louder as it gets later. Think arepas, plantain dumplings, gulf shrimp, Cuban-style pizza, fresh juices, and mojitos.

This sumptuous nightlife spot is billed as a "British-inspired cocktail bar with a sophisticated New England twist." Sink into swivel, leather high-top stools at the bar, barrister chairs, or banquettes, and order up fancy food made casual, including the signature three-cheese toastie. They serve excellent craft cocktails and two dozen wines by the glass. In nice weather, The Fed features an outdoor terrace.

Whiskey, wine, and loads of atmosphere: they're all staples within this historic bar at the Omni Parker House hotel, where mahogany club chairs and silver-tray service might make you feel like a Boston Brahmin, even if only for a dram or two. Be sure to order Boston Cream Pie in the place where it was invented.

Whether you're staying at The Ritz or just stopping by for a drink, the decadent and modern Avery Bar serves some serious, handcrafted cocktails, including a few without alcohol. While this is a hotel lobby bar to be sure, the experience is anything but. The warm ambience attracts a fortysomething crowd, and there are a few select small plates for anyone who's hungry.

Beantown Pub cleverly posits itself to be "the only pub in the world where you can drink a cold Sam Adams while viewing a cold Sam Adams." And it's true, since this casual bar sits on the Freedom Trail, across Tremont Street from the Granary Burying Ground where the Founding Father is interred. The bar is a fine place to watch multiple sports events on television, shoot pool, or people-watch. There's also a standard pub menu, usually served until midnight. No kids are allowed after 6 pm.

This funky bar in a heritage flatiron building mixes exotic martinis and fresh-juice cocktails and boasts a whopping selection of international vodkas. The basement level lounge draws eclectic crowds for dancing and live music.

Deconstructed in Ireland piece by piece, the Kinsale was reassembled here to give it an air of Celtic authenticity. By day, businesspeople come in for lunch and a pint to admire the woodwork; by night, revelers pour in from nearby Faneuil Hall. Come Wednesday for trivia, and Thursday for karaoke. On Saturday, live bands play with no cover. The Kinsale also serves up a delicious brunch on weekends, including a full Irish breakfast.

This is a subterranean dive with gritty charisma. Live bands hit the stage Thursday to Sunday, including one of the hotspot's most popular events: Sinatra Sundays, where a live Sinatra Band takes the stage at 8 pm. The story goes: when its signboard wasn't ready for the 2001 opening, the owners shrugged, "Ah, so what?" and let the joint go incognito.