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.
In Boston, Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks has become a standard favorite for avid diners. Their immaculate decor - the tasteful art adorning the walls, the mosaic tiles at your feet, and their friendly staff make this restaurant a crowd-puller. Offering one of the best outdoor dining experiences in the city, the restaurant is equally known for its impressive drink list.
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 mary's. Be prepared to wait or arrive early, this popular establishment doesn't accept reservations.
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.
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.
The Omni Parker House Hotel named this establishment after a saying coined by former Boston mayor James Michael Curley. The warm and inviting watering hole has an old world atmosphere. It was popular with politicians in the past and has a small repository of its twentieth century clientele with pictures of politicos and senators adorning its walls. Its location in the Financial District means it draws in the business crowd. Apart from the usual cocktails and fine drinks, The Last Hurray has an enviable selection of local whiskey. They also serve tasty bar bites. A great place unwind after a hard day's work with friends and colleagues, The Last Hurray might just charm you.
Established in 1795, The Bell in Hand Tavern has the distinction of being the oldest continuously-operating tavern in America. This bi-level restaurant and bar features nightly live music and karaoke Tuesdays for added entertainment. The uniquely designed rooms have a character of its own and are used for private as well as corporate functions. The pub has a impressive list of draft as well as bottle beers apart from cocktail specials. Nosh on the tasty American fare along with your choice drink while listening to some music. Surely you will enjoy this historic place that has been entertaining the locals for centuries now.
Mr. Dooley's Boston Tavern has the look and feel that will take you into the heart of Ireland, complete with Guinness beer on tap. The kitchen is open till late and serves typical bar fare with light brunch. If you are looking for an Irish meal, try the pies. This mixture of chicken, vegetables and mashed potatoes in a thick chicken gravy is top-notch.
Howl at the Moon is a great place to experience Boston nightlife. This bar, located in Financial District, hosts some of the most happening parties and club events in town. Enjoy happy hour with drink specials like their cocktail buckets, best enjoyed when shared and complemented with delicious appetizers. Dueling pianos are a big attraction here, and keep the crowd entertained all night.
Tourists still flock to Bull & Finch Pub, a.k.a. Cheers Boston, the inspiration for the Cheers television series which ran for 11 years and won a number of awards. Avid fans should be forewarned, however; the exterior is very familiar, but the inside is nothing like the TV version. Drinks and food are served here, but its icon status is the main draw. It is considered by many to be one of the top tourist attractions in Boston!
One of the longest standing fixtures in the city's nightlife, The Royale was born in 1918, when Dave Ralph got together with designer Tom Telesco to transform an opera hall into one of the most mesmerizing and infectious party venues there is to know. The luxurious interiors and lighting along with a full bar, world-class DJs and top-notch sound system make it one of the most sought-after nightclubs in the city. There are also plenty of comfortable lounge areas and a VIP section that provide a little more privacy.