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.
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, 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.
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 several awards. Immerse yourself in the cozy ambiance, adorned with memorabilia that pays homage to the beloved sitcom. Visitors can enjoy a casual and friendly environment, complete with classic pub fare and a good selection of drinks. Menu options are diverse and well worth the money spent. With its nostalgic charm and a reputation for great food and drinks, Cheers is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists in Boston.
For daring Asian cuisine enthusiasts, Myers + Chang promises to cater admirably to their needs. The chefs' interpretations of Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisine are both thoughtful and novel, drawing huge crowds. Some must-try dishes here are full-flavored braised pork belly buns, delectable pot stickers, and excellent tea-smoked pork spare ribs. On weekends, Myers + Chang serves up a dim sum brunch menu that is the perfect way to have a social hangover breakfast, with plenty of sharing and a riot of flavors.
Club Passim has been on the cultural scene of Boston for a long time. It is frequented by the Harvard intellectuals for evening get togethers. Club Passim works to promote local and folk music. No alcohol is served here, you can order vegetarian pizzas from the in-house pizzeria, libations from the juice or just a cuppa. Boston is known for its cultural and arts scene and this is a definitely a good place to soak up the arts.
Sarma serves a blend of Middle Eastern and East Mediterranean cuisines with a focus on mezze platters. These are small dishes that are prepared using a variety of herbs and seasonings and can be shared among a group. The interiors are quirky and use a range of bright colors in the décor. The azure blue walls are decorated with ornamental plates and the striped upholstery exhibits varied hues. The menu too is diverse and features dishes like Chickpea Fritter, Lamb Köfte Sliders, Persian Scallops and Salmon Dolmades. The food is complemented by cocktails like the rum-based Parker’s Revenge and a variety of beers and wines. A visit to this restaurant allows guests to sample a fusion of various Middle Eastern cuisines.
Highland Kitchen is akin to a comfortable American pub. Being a place serving delicious American fare in generous portions and reasonable to the pocket, this joint is a popular local hang out. The restaurant also has a bar that offers a list of spirits and cocktails that are equally good. Enjoy the jukebox here that continues to entertain all who are out for a casual evening with friends.
Acitrón Cocina Mexicana will give you a warm welcome into their restaurant and will ensure you have a memorable time. But the service is not all that's going to please you. Get ready to try out some really delicious Mexican with a twist. The food in the restaurant is inspired by old authentic recipes that have been altered to suit the local taste, and to be able to incorporate into the food the local ingredients. Try out the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo, the Chiles Rellenos, and the Mole Poblano. Mexican food could light a fire in your mouth, so make sure you know what you are ordering. For desserts the Chocolate Martini is an excellent choice.
Quintessential Italian passion for cooking and hospitality comes alive in the inviting confines of Giulia. Anchored in Massachusetts Avenue, Giulia is an Italian-specialty restaurant. Riding high on critical acclaim from food critics and adulation from patrons, the restaurant is a go-to spot for savoring a traditional Italian fare. The extensive and wholesome menu on offer covers the entire range of essentials such as sfizzi, antipasti, pasta, secondi and dolci. The scrumptious preparations served here are elevated in flavor due to the use of authentic ingredients and painstaking attention to detail. The elaborate pasta experience is a prominent highlight of the restaurant, along with a slew of crowd favorites, which include the likes of Chicken Liver Crostini, Bucatini and the warm semolina cakes.