Boston
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Boston - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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21. Cambridge Brewing Company
Kendall SquareThis collegial, cavernous microbrewery is the oldest brew pub in the greater Boston area and has been the happy haunt for MIT techies and craft-brew geeks since its 1989 founding. They push the boundaries of beer, from bourbon barrel-aging an imperial stout to creating the first true solera aging process in the United States for beer. Order CBC's Cambridge Amber, Charles River Porter, and Blunderbuss Barleywine fresh in pints, or go for a "tower" (an 83-ounce glass "yard"). In warm weather, try to nab a coveted patio table, a catbird seat for people-watching across bricky Kendall Square. Cheerful staff serve above-average pub grub, even at weekend "beerunches."
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22. Carrie Nation
Beacon HillRight around the corner from the Massachusetts State House, this bar channels speakeasy vibes with jazzy tunes, tasty food, and fantastic cocktails. On Sunday, check out the buffet brunch and drag show; you'll need to reserve a ticket.
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23. Cheers
Beacon HillThis pub—dismantled in England, shipped to Boston, and reassembled—formerly known as The Bull & Finch, later became the inspiration for the now-classic TV series Cheers. Enjoy a burger at the model bar of the Hollywood set and imagine Sam and Diane walking in the door and calling your name. The crowd tends to be heavily tourists, so locals stay away. No children after 10 pm.
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24. Cheers
Beacon Hill | Bars/PubsThe upstairs pub–-dismantled in England, shipped to Boston, and reassembled–-later became the inspiration for the now-classic TV series Cheers. Enjoy a quality burger at the model bar of the Hollywood set and imagine Sam and Diane walking in the door and calling your name. You'll find many a tourist in Cheers, but locals tend to stay away to avoid the crowds.
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25. Clerys
South EndOpen-windowed, multiroomed Clerys can be your neighborhood bar, Irish pub, dance hall, sports hub, trivia game spot, or even the home for local Georgia Bulldogs sports fans. Expect long lines on weekend nights in this high-traffic club near Copley Square; its several rooms bustle with young professionals. Food is limited to bar snacks, such as nachos, wings, and sliders.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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26. Club Café
South EndThis smart multiroom club and restaurant for the Boston LGBTQ+ community and their allies is livelier than ever going into its fourth decade. Behind a stylish restaurant, patrons dance in the "video lounge" or watch classic music videos, cult flicks, and TV shows. There are trivia, karaoke, and Edge Boston events weekly; Napoleon Cabaret hosts singers nightly. A weekly Sunday Tea from 6 to 10 pm is free.
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27. Club Passim
Harvard SquareJoan Baez, Bob Dylan, Josh Ritter, Lake Street Dive—thousands of folkies have strummed and warbled their way through Club Passim, one of America's oldest (1958) and most renowned clubs for Americana and roots music. Audience participation is encouraged, so be ready to sing along. The ultra-cozy brick basement has a kitchen that's open for relaxed live-music dining (which is only available to ticket holders). If you travel with your guitar, call about open-mic nights. Classes and workshops at their school around the corner carry on folk traditions. Acoustic bands perform nightly; expect to pay a $5–$25 cover.
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28. Delux Café
South EndThis unpretentious, cozy bar on a quiet corner attracts old-timers and young professionals with modest drinks and affordable comfort food. The quesadillas are worth the wait for a table. Yellowing posters, dim lights, and a ’60s soundtrack add to the quirky, retro vibe (did we mention it's covered in Elvis memorabilia?). The wine list features a couple of reds, whites, and sparklers.
100 Chandler St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, USA617-338–5258Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Cash only -
29. Durgin-Park
Bars/PubsSteeped in history and serving Yankee classics like roast beef rib and Indian pudding since 1828, Durgin-Park is mostly visited by tourists looking to see some old-time Boston character. Happy hour brings in Faneuil Hall 9-to-5ers looking for cheap beer and snacks, like the $3 hot dog and fries.
340 N. Market St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, USA617-227–2038 -
30. Farmacia
North EndOpen in a part of the Ciao Roma space, this apothecary-inspired cocktail bar boasts only nine seats and hundreds of cocktail potentials. During one of his ticketed progressive journeys, creator Phillip Rolfe (of Wink & Nod fame) creates individually tailored concoctions made from high-end spirits, homemade syrups, infusions and tinctures, and freshly cold-pressed juices. House-made pickles, dips, roasted nuts, and gelato pair nicely but aren't meant to fill you up. Because it's so small, Farmacia is booked months out, so plan accordingly.
5 North Sq., Boston, Massachusetts, 02128, USANightlife Details
Rate Includes: Reservations are required -
31. Franklin Café
South EndA neighborhood institution, the Franklin's renowned for creative cocktails, local microbrews, fine wines, and modern American food. There's no sign: just look for the white martini logo (or folks waiting for a dinner table) to know you're there. A full menu is served until 1:30 am every single night of the week, and the bar is open until 2 am.
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32. Good Life
DowntownThis 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.
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33. Grendel's Den
Harvard SquareThis quintessential grad-student hangout is cavelike, low-lit, and brick-walled. During early evenings, tasty entrées like buffalo chicken dip, burritos, brisket nachos, and burgers are half-price with a $4-per-person drink (inside only; not on outdoor patio). Named after Grendel, the antagonist in the Old English poem Beowulf, there's nothing but neighborhood love here as you raise a pint in this half-century old hangout.
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34. Hard Rock Cafe
Government CenterThis famed global chain draws rock music and memorabilia fans to its large space with a double bar—decorated with hundreds of Zildjian cymbals—dance floor, bandstand, restaurant (wall art of signed photos, LPs, guitars, and gear), and private party room. The Cavern Club welcomes name (think Psychedelic Furs and Charlie Puth) or tribute bands (Doors, Aerosmith, and Pixies) occasionally on weekends for ticketed entry, while the Rock Shop sells iconic and collectible merchandise. Fuel up on their legendary burgers.
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35. Havana Club
Central SquareOverlooking Central Square, this 5,400-square-foot ballroom dance floor hosts a kaleidoscope of DJs and live bands, and often free burritos or nachos. Three hundred people may show up to dance salsa, creating a lively scene for dancers at any level. Open Monday is for bachata (sultry midtempo Dominican dance), Friday and Saturday for salsa, and Tuesday blends both. With lessons at 8 or 9 pm, depending on the night, the joint really gets hopping by 9 or 10 pm.
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36. Hennessy's Bar
Government CenterGrab a seat by the windows overlooking Faneuil Hall on hot summer days, or cozy up to a coal fireplace in winter, and enjoy your pint (or a pick from one of the largest selections of single malt whiskies in Boston). There's live music at Hennessy's most nights of the week, as well as plenty of rowdy crowds that overrun the yellow-and-black confines for Top 40 cover bands mixed with DJs on weekends from 9 pm to 1 am at Upstairs at Hennessy's.
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37. House of Blues
Around the corner from Fenway Park and girded with bars and restaurants, the city's juggernaut among nightclubs books a wide array of bands into its barnlike music hall. Tickets are $25–$45, with VIP box seats usually $15–$20 more. The Foundation Room (an upscale VIP lounge) opens to the public for an additional fee, and promises "high-class debauchery."
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38. ImprovBoston
Central SquareThis Central Square venue flips audience cues into situation comedy, complete with theme songs and commercials. Be careful when you go to the restroom—you might be pulled onstage. Performers may face off in improv competitions judged by audiences. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday, $15 to $25, at The Rockwell theater in Davis Square (with a full bar).
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39. Kings
Calling all gamers to this massive bar and restaurant that entertains with upscale-style bowling, billiards, air hockey, shuffleboard, foosball, and more. The ’80s kids among us can wax nostalgic while playing the retro arcade games they remember from their childhood, including Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The kitchen makes burgers, wings, tacos, and more. Kings' Draft Room serves up beers and sports. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and no one under age 21 is admitted after 9 pm.
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40. Kinsale
Downtown | Bars/PubsDeconstructed 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.
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