15 Best Nightlife in Boston, Massachusetts

The glorious matriarch of North End cafés, glistening with marble-topped tables, mirrors, and shiny machines, lets you glimpse la dolce vita on Hanover Street as baristas pump steaming espresso machines from 7 am until midnight. Skip the frenzy at tourist trap Mike's Pastry next door; relax as you sip caffe latte or grappa and nibble authentic gelati and pastries–-tiramisu, sfogliatelle, cannoli. Cash only, per favore.

This longtime neighborhood soul-food and jazz hangout still looks spiffy, and features real Southern cooking and live bands nearly nightly at light cover charges. Come for favorites like mac and cheese or glorified chicken and waffles, and on Sunday there is an all-you-can-eat blues brunch starting at 11 am.

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."

Barbara Lynch handles this elegant den as only a chef of worldwide acclaim would—like a restaurant. Behind the bar, tenders use herbs, infusions, and elixirs to custom-create a top-shelf libation for your palate; that is, there is no drink list. There are low, beamed ceilings and a wooden bar that snakes through the space, maximizing room for a discerning cocktail crowd. A limited menu features snacks and things, including a legendary burger. Drink is one of the best bars in Boston, and it's hugely popular, so you'll likely wait in line to get in, but once you do, there's room to breathe.

Family-owned and -operated since 1909, J. J. Foley's Cafe (or "Foley's," as regulars call it) is one of the most authentic Irish bars in Boston. There's an intimate dining room, as well as a more casual bar area where everyone from former Boston mayors to Justin Timberlake have enjoyed a pint. Better yet, it's open until 2 am. The pub food is great; order a sky-high plate of nachos if you dare.

There's nothing traditional about Jacque's Cabaret, an institution for more than 60 years. Nightly drag-queen shows draw bachelorette parties and locals looking to swill cocktails from plastic cups. Be sure to make reservations if you're going in a group, and don't show up late; they may give your table away if you aren't seated before showtime. Because of a long-running licensing dispute with sleepy Bay Villagers, the whole carnival shuts down nightly at midnight.

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.

For those looking to avoid Boston's ultra-sceney clubs, Middlesex is a welcoming, laid-back club for all sorts of people looking to dance the night away. Rolling settees, movable in varied seating configurations for trivia, games, and sports nights, are usually cleared by 9 pm, when a $10 cover kicks in for DJs spinning crowd-pleasing EDM and hip-hop. Feed on small plates and pressed sandwiches. The lounge is only open Thursday through Saturday, 5 pm–2 am.

This stunning flagship bar in the 1912 Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel is a see-and-be-seen hot spot, with the original sky-high coffered ceilings, catbird views over Copley Square, and top-notch bartenders. Inside, coveted barstools are filled with an upscale crowd, while outside in warm weather, patrons can sit at outdoor tables while perusing a menu of signature martinis, single malts, shareable platters, and desserts. People-watch and enjoy a panorama that encompasses the Boston Public Library and Trinity Church in this historic spot.

An underground bohemian bistro featuring delicious food, libations, and live music nightly, The Beehive is nestled under the historic Cyclorama building. Nightly live music includes a mix of jazz, blues, R&B, electronica, reggae, latin, country, cabaret, and burlesque, while patrons enjoy craft cocktails and wines and dine on Mediterranean meze platters, daily special pastas, and comfort entrées. If jazz is your jam, don't miss the weekend live jazz brunch from 10 am to 3 pm; Sunday night features blues.

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.

Serving beer and wine, this classic dive bar is an easygoing alternative to Beacon Hill's tony stuffiness, with its dark tones, simple bar setup, well-peppered dartboard, perfectly poured pints, and decent wines. It's pleasantly untrendy.

This is where local hipsters make their home. Bands, beers, and burgers sum up this snug and amiable little Porter Square hideaway attached to Christopher's. The bar is maple, the toads ceramic, and microbrews on tap are a dozen-plus. Nightly music comes in many a stripe Wednesday through Saturday nights, and sometimes in double bills at 5 and 9 pm. Record lovers unite on Saturday from 5 to 7:30 pm for vinyl sharing, drink sipping, and "favorite music?" chatting.