Boston’s nightlife is massive and sometimes hard to navigate, get the inside scoop on all the best places to hit for a drink as told by the city’s locals.
Every famous city has two divisions in its night scene: one for the tourists and one for the locals. In my book, the locals always win. A few weeks back, I went to Boston to have some fun with friends. Although I have been to Boston many times, I have little experience with the drinking scene. My “best bars in Boston” Google search brought me no luck, most of the articles were outdated. Unsuccessful in our hunt, we began to walk the streets in hopes we would just stumble upon a hopping club. Time passed and there were no bars to be found. For a Saturday night, Boston seemed dead.
Somewhat spontaneously, my good friend stopped a group of people walking by, “Excuse me, could you tell us some fun places to go near here?” They happily obliged and in no time, one of the members was writing an entire list of the best places to go out in the whole city. Bingo. In honor of the locals who saved our night out, here are some of the best bars in Boston, according to the locals.
Empire
1 Marina Park Drive, Boston, MA 02210
Elegant in its atmosphere, Empire lounge and restaurant is perfect if you’re going out with one friend or twenty. The spacious area of 14,000 square feet accommodates up to 600 guests and the expansive menu of Asian fusion caters to any craving. If you’re up for it, Monday nights feature all you can eat sushi for $25, a live DJ, and oversized cocktails.
Club Café
209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116
Club Café is the gay bar to end all gay bars, fun is an understatement here and the line to get in proves it. Serving Boston since 1983, the club dominates the nightlife scene. If you want high energy, loud music, and the best partiers in town; Club Café is your place. Featuring both a dining and dancing section, you can choose to either sit down and eat, drink and dance, or both! The club frequently holds themed drag race shows and live DJ’s, it’s a guaranteed great time although be warned – you will get sweaty.
Sissy K’s
4 Commercial Street, Boston, MA 02109
If you’re going for that pure Bostonian Irish pub vibe, Sissy K’s is your place. Self-proclaimed as a “Boston Landmark” and being “known for cheap beer and great food,” the two level bar is open seven nights a week, hosting live music, karaoke, a full menu and a dance club every night. Sissy K’s is great for a rowdy night full of drunken shenanigans.
Venu
100 Warrenton St, Boston, MA 02116
Venu holds a more traditional nightclub experience for those who desire disco balls, light shows, and rave-style dance floors. The club opened in 1999 and features a very skillfully designed interior reminiscent of the 90’s era. Venu boasts a retro meets modern ambiance, with waitresses in tiny uniforms and intricate meal options. The website eludes a very exclusive and high-class experience, i.e. a “cultivated clientele with higher sensibilities.”
Committee
50 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210
For those who prefer to sip their cocktails rather than shotgun, Committee is a sophisticated “ouzeri + bar” that takes inspiration from the ancient Greek culture of a welcoming atmosphere. Flowing conversations, plates to share, and unique drinks are to be expected. The menu is extensive, serving brunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert. Its social media presence is impressive, with hundreds of photos perfectly capturing the eclectic charm of the restaurant and beautifully crafted cocktails.
