Top Rated Nightlife in Boston

This venerable club, founded in 1947, was the first African-American-owned nightclub in New England. Wally's Cafe is a proving ground for young jazz musicians, and audience members (or famous visitors) often step up and jam. Much of the narrow space is filled with the bar, and it is standing-room-only on weekend nights. The crowd is a mix of musicians, locals and bohemians of all ages. Live music is played every night and there is a jazz brunch on Sunday afternoons.

Drink pulls off that intimate feeling, not only with its decor and atmosphere, but also with its attentive and competent bartending staff. The mixologists are good at using fresh ingredients to create delicious and unexpected drinks on the spot. This gem of a bar also serves tasty bar bites. So feast on some pub fares that will deliciously accompany your specialty cocktail.

Located in the heart of Boston's South End, Toro is a lively Barcelona-style tapas bar. Owned by acclaimed chef Ken Oringer, Toro has become one of Boston's must-visit restaurants. Perfect for sharing, the traditional tapas served here are small portioned dishes that allow patrons to order and try various cuisine. Toro's vast menu features a variety of tapas including empanadas, sliders, charcuterie and more. Not to be outdone by their cuisine, the signature drink menu at Toro offers wine on tap, cocktails, champagne, and bottled beer. Their brunch is one of the best in the city, offering pitchers of sangria, mimosas, and bloody marys. Be prepared to wait or arrive early, as this popular establishment doesn't accept reservations.

Thanks to its inviting decor, solidly mixed drinks and attentive staff, City Bar, though located on the premises of the Lenox Hotel, has built itself a reputation above and beyond that of the average lobby watering hole. The drink list alone does a lot of the work. With lengthy lists of signature martinis, champagne drinks, 'diabolical infusions' and other specialty cocktails, as well as impressive collections of scotch, bourbon, tequila and rum, no serious drinker will be without a variety of delicacies to choose from. Nosh on the tasty bar bites from their food menu.

Mainly a venue for rock 'n' roll acts, Paradise Rock Club draws a partying crowd in their late 20s and early 30s. If you do not want to dance, comfortable couches upstairs allow pleasant observation of all the goings-on downstairs. One of the best places in Boston to see live music, the club hosts pop, alternative and better-known local acts almost nightly. Prominent acts who have made appearances include Bare Naked Ladies, Flaming Lips, the Wallflowers, Goo Goo Dolls, and Jack Johnson.

Housed in the Boston Center for the Arts, The Beehive restaurant and bar is almost like an opera house in itself with live jazz, cabaret and a lot more action. There are fine satin drapes and exquisite artifacts adorning the eatery. A popular hangout among the night birds; the bar and lounge scene here is also upbeat and lively. The food is a regular mix of the grilled and Mediterranean variety, with lamb ribs ruling the roost. Sausages, pasta and risottos also sit happily together on the menu. The wine sure flows freely on all days and everything about the place has an arty feel to it.