Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and New England's largest city, a compact, walkable harbor city of Revolutionary-era sites, universities, museums and seafood.
Boston nightlife is driven by students and professionals: craft cocktail bars in Fort Point and the South End, live music in Allston and Fenway, and Irish pubs downtown. Bars must stop serving at 2am.
College-town bars, jazz clubs and brewery taprooms.
At a glance
- Peak hours
- 10pm-1:30am on Friday and Saturday.
- Average drink
- Beer $8-10, cocktail $15-19, pint at taproom $8-9 (USD).
- Dress code
- Smart casual; clubs may refuse sneakers and athletic wear.
- Cover charge
- Check venue sites for event nights and covers.
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Fenway/Kenmore
Lansdowne St venues and game-day pubs.
South End
Cocktail bars and jazz.
Seaport/Fort Point
Breweries and cocktail lounges.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Cheers Beacon Hill
Known for: Burgers, beer
84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
Bell in Hand Tavern
Known for: Pub food, live music
45 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
Drink
Known for: Bartender's-choice cocktails
348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
The Hawthorne
Known for: Cocktails
500A Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
The Beehive
Known for: Jazz and live bands
541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Lansdowne Pub
Known for: Game-day beers
9 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Wally's Cafe Jazz Club
Cover: Low cover or none
Hours: Daily 6pm-2am (approx.)
House of Blues Boston
Cover: Ticketed
Hours: Event nights
Paradise Rock Club
Cover: Ticketed
Hours: Event nights
Scullers Jazz Club
Cover: Ticketed
Hours: Event nights
Royale Boston
Cover: Cover $20-40 (approx.)
Hours: Thu-Sat 10pm-2am (approx.)
Live entertainment
Music, theatre, and performance venues.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Last call is 2am; MBTA subway service ends around 12:30-1am, so budget for a rideshare ($15-30 USD).
Bring government photo ID; 21+ strictly enforced.
Use licensed taxis or Uber/Lyft; avoid unmarked vehicles.