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 for you to enjoy, even on weekends.

Located in the heart of Boston's South End, Toro is an upbeat 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 cuisines. Toro's vast menu features a variety of tapas, including empanadas, sliders, paellas , 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.

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.

Housed in the Boston Center for the Arts, The Beehive restaurant and bar is almost like an opera house in itself, with live jazz, a cabaret, and a lot more action. There are fine satin drapes and exquisite artifacts adorning the eatery, which will sure catch your attention. There is no denying the fact that it is a popular hangout among the night birds, and the bar and lounge scene here is also upbeat and lively. The food is a regular mix of the grilled and Mediterranean varieties, with lamb ribs ruling the roost. Sausages, pasta, and risottos also sit happily together on the menu, and the wine sure flows freely on all days. Everything about the place has an arty feel to it.

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 provides a little more privacy.