DanckTravel

SDanck and I grew up in the Boston area, and even though we left for college, we both moved back here for a few years in our early and mid-20s. SDanck resided in Quincy, while I was located in Somerville. Prior to the pandemic, we both commuted into the city everyday, so we spent a lot of time in Boston and the surrounding towns.

Headed to Boston, but unsure of where to go? Check out out list to learn more about Boston nightlife.

Key Takeaways

• Boston is one of the oldest cities in America and as a result has some cool historic bars to check out, including the Bell in Hand and the Liberty Hotel.
• There are plenty of live music venues, including Ned Devine’s and Loretta’s Last Call, which play popular tunes.
• In the summertime, be sure to take advantage of the warm weather by visiting a local brewery or rooftop bar.

Boston Bars

Below are some cool Boston bars to check out. 

Bell in Hand

Location: Downtown Boston

Founded in 1795, the Bell in Hand is one of the oldest bars in the United States. Jimmy Wilson was the first owner of this historic bar and was a bellman, reporting on local incidents in the area, including the Boston Tea Party. Today, history can still be felt on the walls of the building with paintings of historic Boston Patriots, such as Paul Revere, hanging up. 

Liberty Lobby Hotel

Location: Esplande

Liberty Hotel is a little more upscale and more expensive than other bars in the Boston area (They do offer free coat check though!). Built in 1851, it’s located in an old prison, which was converted into a bar, hotel and club. Upstairs, you can enjoy a cocktail, while downstairs, they have dancing and music.

Backbar

Location: Union Square, Somerville

Backbar is a speakeasy located down an alley in Union Square in Somerville. It’s not clearly labeled and even when you do find the right door, it feels like you are in the wrong location, which is perfect, since it is supposed to resemble a speakeasy vibe.

Cocktails are really good though and this is a great place if you are looking for a chill night out. It is upen until midnight Tuesday- Sunday and has been listed as one of Boston’s best bars.

Birdy Early’s

Location: Downtown Boston

Biidy Early’s is a locally owned dive bar. The owners are super nice and we used to go here after our holiday parties at work. It’s conveniently located, too.

Saloon

Location: Davis Square, Somerville

This is another speakeasy located in Somerville, right in Davis Square.

There is a lamppost outside that labels it as a bar. You’ll make your way down the stairs and like Backbar, they have good cocktails. Since Saloon is directly off the red line, this speakeasy is a little bit easier to get to than Backbar.

Cask n Flagon

Location: Fenway Park

This bar is really popular before the Red Sox games. As many as 5,000 people can be here right before a Sox game.

Lolita’s

Locations: Seaport

The Seaport location for Lolita’s has one of the prettiest bars, almost reminiscent of a cathedral. Plus, in the summertime, it’s a beautiful spot, since they have an outdoor location too.

Rooftop & Outdoor Bars

Summertime is considered to be one of the best times to visit New England due to the beautiful weather. If you visit Boston during this time of year, be sure to check out the outdoor bars and rooftops.

Legal Seafoods Harborside

Location: Seaport

Legal Seafood Harborside is a three-story building and perhaps the most famous location in Boston due to the views across the facility. It also has a rooftop that is open for drinks in the summertime.

Envoy Hotel

Location: Seaport

The Envoy Hotel has a great location, overlooking the harbor and featuring small plates and cocktails. It’s a perfect place to check out on a nice summer night (but be warned: It can get crowded).

Lawn on D

Location: Seaport

Lawn on D is perhaps best known for its iconic light-up swings, but it also has outdoor lawn games and drinks. It’s only open during the summertime, but is a great way to enjoy the best time of the year.

Breweries

In the mood for something a little bit more laid back? Check out the breweries below:

Harpoon 

Location: Seaport

Harpoon was founded in 1986 by three college friends, who had just explored Europe. They wanted to recreate the beer scene they had just experienced. Harpoon isn’t just a fun staple of the Seaport nightlife. It’s a great place to meet up with family and friends while enjoying a pretzel and beer. You can also take a tour of the facilities, where you sample various flavors (Pro Tip: We recommend asking them to combine flavors).

Harpoon also does host events, which are fun to attend, including its annual Oktoberfest, which takes place outside. The inside of the bar features long tables, reminiscent of a German-style beer hall.

Harpoon does close early (10pm), so be sure to head here before then.

Sam Adam’s

Location: Jamaica Plain

Sam Adam’s is a popular beer in the US and its flagship location is located in the Boston area. It has plenty of seating and outdoor space. Plus, if you are running the Boston Marathon, they will give you a free Sam Adam’s/ Boston Marathon glass (just bring your bib).

It’s open every day from 11am-9pm.

Clubs in Boston

Royale

Location: Theater District

Royale is one of the few real clubs in Boston, with a large dance floor and loud music. If you are looking for a more traditional club with a DJ, this would be our recommendation.

Alibi

Location: Esplande

Alibi is also part of the Liberty Hotel, but includes music and dancing. Since it’s all in one building, its easy to make your way from the more cozy bar upstairs to club music downstairs.

Live Music

Ned Devine’s

Location: Faneuil Hall

Ned Devine’s is located conveniently downtown and has a live band during the weekend, which will typically play top hits. It has a few rooms, with the ones closest to entrance resembling a bar, while the room in back almost feels like a concert venue. This is a fun place to go dancing and to enjoy a show.

Loretta’s Last Call

Location: Fenway Area

If you are a fan of country music, Loretta’s Last Call is the place for you. They have live bands playing covers of popular country hits all night. Perfect for dancing and for enjoying live music.

The Burren

Location: Davis Square, Somerville

The Burren has two rooms. In the back are bands that typically will cover live music. In the front is an Irish band.

Other

Lucky Strike

Location: Fenway

Although Bowling is in the name, this venue features three floors, filled with bowling (of course), arcade games, and a well-equipped bar. It’s a fun place to go with friends.

Tips for Boston Nightlife

The T doesn’t go all Night

Boston will have trains going until around 2am. However, this has changed several times over the years (with the city discontinuing the late night weekend train service and restarting it again). So be sure to check the MBTA site to stay up to date.

Bring Money for Coat Check

Boston gets cold in the winter and most places will have coat check. However, this costs a few dollars, so be sure to bring some cash.

Bars and Clubs close Early

If you are used to 4 am nights like in New York City, don’t expect those in Boston. Boston bars close by 2 am and the surrounding towns may already be closed by 1am. Sometimes, you also will need to be at your preferred bar by 12 am in order to get in.

Final Thoughts

Do you have a favorite place you’ve been to in Boston? Leave them in the comments below!