Boston

Boston is a Cinderella city, aglow with delights that for some end all too soon. With the T (subway and bus) making its final runs between midnight and 1 am and taxis sometimes scarce, most nightspots follow accordingly, with "last call" typically by 2 am. Though night owls may be disappointed by the meager late-night options, except in Chinatown, visitors find plenty of possibilities for stepping out on the early side. The martini set may stroll Newbury and Boylston streets in the Back Bay or Downtown, selecting from swank restaurants, lounges, and clubs. Coffee- and tea drinkers can find numerous cafés in Cambridge and Somerville, particularly Harvard and Davis squares. Microbrew enthusiasts find viable options at sports bars and brewpubs, especially near campuses and sports arenas. For dancing, Lansdowne and Boylston streets near Fenway Park have a stretch of student-friendly hangs, DJ rooms, and techno clubs. The thriving "lounge" scene in Downtown’s cooler hybrid bar-restaurant-clubs provides a mellower, more mature alternative to the collegiate indie clubs. Tourists crowd Faneuil Hall for its pubs, comedy spots, and dance scenes. The South and North ends, as well as Cambridge and Somerville, cater to the "dinner-and-drinks" set, while those seeking rock clubs should explore Allston and Cambridge, especially Central Square. College-owned concert halls regularly host homegrown and visiting ensembles. Prominent among these are Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre, New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, Berklee College of Music’s Performance Center, MIT's Kresge Auditorium, and Agganis Arena at Boston University.

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  • 1. Caffe Vittoria

    North End | Cafés

    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.

    290–296 Hanover St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02113, USA
    617-227–7606
  • 2. Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen

    South End

    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.

    604 Columbus Ave., Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, USA
    617-536–1100
  • 3. Drink

    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.

    348 Congress St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, USA
    617-695–1806
  • 4. Drink

    South Boston | Bars/Pubs

    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."

    348 Congress St., Fort Point, Boston, Massachusetts, 02210, USA
    617-695–1806
  • 5. Improv Asylum

    North End

    Comedians weave audience suggestions into shows (seven nights a week, and Saturday matinees) that blend comic improv and topical sketches. Shows are never the same; midnight performances on Friday and Saturday have raucous, R-rated comedy. Most shows (ranging from $15 to $28) tend to sell out, so get there early or call ahead.

    216 Hanover St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02113, USA
    617-263–6887
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  • 6. J. J. Foley's Cafe

    South End

    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.

    117 E. Berkeley St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02118, USA
    617-728–9101
  • 7. Jacque's Cabaret

    Theater District

    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.

    79 Broadway, Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, USA
    617-426–8902
  • 8. Mariel

    Downtown

    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.

    10 Post Office Sq., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
    617-333–8776
  • 9. Middlesex

    Central Square

    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.

    315 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139, USA
    617-714–4831
  • 10. OAK Long Bar + Kitchen

    Back Bay

    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.

    138 St. James Ave., Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, USA
    617-267–5300
  • 11. The Beehive

    South End

    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.

    541 Tremont St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02116, USA
    617-423–0069
  • 12. The Fed

    Downtown

    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.

    250 Franklin St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, USA
    617-956–8765

    Nightlife Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations recommended
  • 13. The Last Hurrah

    Downtown

    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.

    60 School St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, USA
    617-305–1888
  • 14. The Sevens Ale House

    Beacon Hill | Bars/Pubs

    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.

    77 Charles St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
    617-523–9074
  • 15. Toad

    Porter Square

    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.

    1912 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02140, USA
    617-497–4950-recording
  • 16. Avery Bar

    Downtown

    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.

    10 Avery St., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
    617-574–7176
  • 17. Banners Kitchen & Tap

    Old West End

    The name of this bar pays tribute to the championship banners for the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics that are hanging next door from the ceiling of the TD Garden. This is a sports bar to the max, featuring beers, burgers, and other bar classics, plus the biggest indoor LED TV screen on the East Coast and the second-level Topgolf Swing Suite, which hosts a variety of sports simulation games.

    82 Causeway St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
    617-263–8200
  • 18. Beantown Pub

    Downtown

    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.

    100 Tremont St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, USA
    617-426–0111
  • 19. Blackmoor Bar & Kitchen

    Watch the sun set over the Zakim Bridge as you peruse the extensive list of 34 rotating draughts, elite bottled beers, cask ale, draught wine, craft spirits, and custom cocktails (hello, Margarita Mondays). Located along the Freedom Trail at the end of the Charlestown Bridge, this watering hole is a favorite among locals to hang out and watch the game (expect crowds). Drinks like the Navy Yard Old Fashioned have ties to history, while their Bloody Mary flights and table mimosa with housemade purees are tasty options. The eclectic menu is full of tavern favorites like burgers, chicken wings, and flatbread pizzas, along with interesting twists like the Pitmaster Daily BBQ plate, moule frites, seafood bowls, and fried seafood.

    1 Chelsea St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02129, USA
    617-580–8166
  • 20. Bukowski Tavern

    Back Bay

    Served by a no-nonsense bar staff, this narrow barroom has a literary flair and more than 100 brews for your sipping (or chugging) pleasure. You'll see many a beer nerd hanging out at the bar, but hungry folks also come to the funky joint for the creative burgers, hot dogs, and other comfort foods.

    50 Dalton St., Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
    617-437–9999

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