Nightlife

Boston Nightlife

Boston is a smooth blend of sophisticated modern style, and old historic charm. A city wherethousands of visitors are confusedby something as simpleand common place as a rotary.We pioneered the roads, wedidn’t have time to make agrid like you Dakota people.Yet, every year without fail,Boston attracts a new waveof the brightest, and mosttalented Harvard-bound nobelpeace-prize-hopefuls.A city with character,identity, and a people who’sfirm grip on reality is coupledwith an ability to “call it like itis” has been galvanized by theachievements of the legendarylocal sports teams. Boston’swinding cobble-stone roadsare enchanting, the parking isdreadful, and the R’s are nonexistent. So, you’re here.. nowwhat?In order to fully understandBoston, we’ll have to goback, way back, back intime to the very begining...sound effect? It all started inhistoric Faneuil Hall, whenUnion Street was born in1636 behind City Hall. Notlong after, The Union OysterHouse was established, andremains: America’s oldestrestaurant. The Faneuil Hallarea is also home to otherreally old landmark facilities.The Bell in Hand proudlyboasts as “the country’s oldestand longest running” tavern.What does this mean you ask?Bostonians are pioneers inthe party business! And youcan still walk down Unionstreet, any night, and discovera casually dressed crowd,sipping Sam’s, and swingingmugs to Billy Joel music.A brisk two minute walkeast helps you ware off thatlight buzz, and inevitablylands you on State Street,the outer perimeter of TheFinancial District.
Although,there is no real officialboundary to these areas anddistricts, even zip codes overlap within them. During theday, The Financial District ishome to world headquartersfor FidelityInvestments, StateStreet Bank, and the FederalReserve Bank of Boston,but at night, it’s chargedwith excitement. The placeyou’ll likely encounter first,and enjoy immediately, isaptly named “The Place”which shares many of thesame characteristics as thesurrounding bars. It’s aneighborhood spot, that’srelaxed on attitude, and packednightly with locals. Althoughthere are a handful of bars thatwill allow your casual jeansand hoodies, like Sissy K’s,the deeper you go into theFinancial District, the morestrict the dress code becomes.CLARKE’S, the perfectblend of old wood and newage sports bar, for lunch andlate night partying” ....that’swhere we are at!You’ll pass Umbria, wheremen need collars and shinyshoes to get in. Eventuallyyou’ll land at the LanghamHotel, Boston’s newestaddition to the popular “hotelbar” trend; a popular bar called“Bond”. Sure, they serve thesame alcohol, play the samemusic, and lack the sameparking, and the bouncersare twice as judgmental, andyou’ll wait twice as long, andlikely pay twice as much.It’s just because they likeyou, that’s all. Hopefully you’ll have made a few stops along the way to Bond, and sufficiently tranquilized yourself with some stiff drinks, effectively you’ll avoid interpreting any “pretentious behavior” as personal!
You got tired of waiting for acceptance and wondering “how much do these bouncers get paid?” so, you’ve gathered your pride and headed towards our next area, Downtown Boston. You’ll notice a placid silence as you make the short walk through the thickly settled commercial areas and pass bars like “The Good Life” where you can find emo kids listening to static electricity. You’ll eventually reach “Mantra” where your old friend the bouncer is giving you that familiar look down. He’s in a good mood, and lets face it, you look good. This old building was once an 1800’s bank, and a visit to thedownstairs area will reveal thevault, you suddenly realize theupper bar is where tellers oncemade transactions! This bar hasan international blend of people,a historic past, and a moderncharm. But you’re too drunk toadmire all that, so you stumblefurther, to the next place.Club Felt is situated next toone of the oldest theatres, it’seasy going and trendy, 4 floors ofentertainment including 2 floorsof pool tables set a relaxed moodin this architecturally curiousbuilding. You will get hustledfor a game of pool by a group ofAsians who swear they are newin town. You shell out your cash,and leave gripping your plasticwith intoxicated vigilance.You’ve walked by the LoewsTheater, and it’s still open,apparently they are open laterthan the other movie theaters.All of a sudden there arebright lights, hordes of people,and inescapable traffic- It’s theTheater District! You can squintone eye and see the long linesin font of the historic WilburTheatre, the Shubert, WangCenter, with popular nightclubsbelow them likeThe UnderBar, and TheRoxy. The Roxy is an enormousroom with extravagantlyexaggerated architecturalaccents; the place you probablywant to go if your “new” intown. But you won’t find manylocals older than 21. You’veconvinced yourself they mustbe giving away money, andyou’re on your way towardsthat monstrous line you see atThe Roxy. Suddenly your eyeis caught by even more linesforming to you’re right side.You wonder “is Boston a city ofwaiting lines?” and you’re drawnto Warrenton St. to investigatethis crowded area. You’ll stagger past clubs like Rumor,Venue, and “The W” yet another trendyhotel bar. These clubs are constantly floodedwith a range of internationals, locals, andcollege newbies - but be sure you dress to thenines or you won’t be sipping any wines!Upon exiting the Warrenton streetattractions, cross the street, and cut throughthe mini-mall. There you will notice, well,you’re cutting through a mini-mall, but that’snot the point! You have to stay focused, andyou have to cross the food court, and youdesperately need a bathroom. You exit ontoBoylston Street Extension, or as it is referredto at night “The Alley”. Here you find acollection of nightclubs that cater to a vastmajority as diverse as the Boston populous.You see a whole set of bars like The Estate,Suite, and The Liquor Store. You enterthe Liquor Store, in hopes of finding abathroom, and instead you find a mechanicalbull! After a quick visit to the john, you’reready to try your luck, and you’ve convincedyourself that you can ride this bull like thegenerations of cowboys before you. And, youwere wrong.A few steps out of the alley, and you arelooking at The Boston Common, BeaconHill, the legendary “Cheers” from the sitcom, and popular nightclubs like GypsyBar.

You’d like to go to Gypsy Bar, but they explain to you that it’s too full and they cannot allow any entry. The bouncers let a group of people enter just as you turn to walk towards The Newbury Street Area.This area is the un-official Fashion District,with stores like BCBG, Armani, Dolce &Gabbana, and Burberry. As you walkdown the retail-laden streets you will passa number of small bars with real Boston charm. One such bar, Daisy Buchanan’s, isa popular celebrity watering hole where youmight catch a Celtics or Red Sox player,and nobody is freaking out trying to get awaywith a ripped out a hair sample.Your about ready to take a cab, but you’vewalked this far, so, you’ll continue walkingwest towards Fenway Park, and arrive atKenmore Square. Just about every idiotwith a jersey is either screaming about theteams or just puking everywhere. There’sa collection of small bars that are fake-IDfriendly, and a collection of bars that are polar opposites. Point & case, the restaurantcalled Great Bay and (yet another) Hotel bar called “Foundation Lounge”. Great bay has an exquisite menu and elegant diningatmosphere, great place to take a date ora business meeting. Around the corner isthe legendary Lansdowne Street, with TheHouse Of Blues as it’s centerpiece. This street has Bars and Nightclubs spanning it’s length, which is situated directly betweenthe Green Monster and that famous CitgoSign. The same sign which so manybaseball players have been responsible fordamaging.A quick walk around the corner willreveal some more “street-level” bars andhangouts where you will find the crowd tobe 95% college kids, and 5% employees.It’s after midnight, and your stomach is gripped by the vice-grip wrenching ofhunger. You quickly hail a cab to head backeast -down Storrow drive, past the CharlesRiver, back to where it all started. As youenjoy the welcomed rest, the cab driverexplains to you that the further west you go,the more the crowd transforms from collegekids, to career college kids, into somethingmuch, much uglier..Your trip takes you past the historicBoston Garden, where countless victorieshave been had in every sport. Captivated, bythe shear inspiration, you anxiously surveythe surroundings only to spy a street sign.Friend Street, and a passing glimpse of abusy street and a glowing sign stating “TheGreatest Bar”. You immediately blurt out“right here is fine” and generously tip thedriver. A great concert at the TD Gardenhas just ended, and as you enter FriendStreet you merge with a loud and gleefulmob with a contagious electricity. As youenter inside what is apparently “the Greatestbar” you notice as you look up a muralizedceiling to rival the Sistine chapel. In fact theentire 4 floors is an homage to the greatestsports figures of Boston. Inside the elevator,and out, you are mesmerized by wall to wallvinyl graphics, art, and historical data. Easyto meet people are everywhere. You walkthe neighborhood as to inspect it for furtherresearch, and ultimately reach the outerlimits of The North End, Boston’s Italianneighborhood section.The North End is like an enormousItalian province condensed into a tinyvillage, filled with tremendous cultureand tradition. In the center of this areais Hancock Street, lined with cafes,gelaterias, and restaurants and bars.
At places like Bricco, and Cafe Pompei, youcan order your late-late night snack. Theside streets in this neighborhood is whereyou find the hidden gems of obscurity todiscuss all your mafia-related business.Well, for the rest of us, The North End is apopular place to eat italian foods and peoplewatch. But your not in the mood to peoplewatch, and your pretty sure this guys got agun. So.. Your friends have all convinced you to eat in China Town. Of course your immediate response is a resounding yes so you can satiate your hassling hunger. Within minutes you have traversed the heart of the city to China Town, once referred to as The Combat Zone, and the prospect of fresh sushi sounds excellent. Your senses become poised on Omega-3 fatty acid and avocado rolls from Appollo, but your friends drag you to Chow Chow city, where they serve “Americanized” chinese food, and your pretty sure you saw a roach, riding a roach, while corralling the other roaches. The expansive menu offers non-fried foods, and your order was surprisingly satisfying. You promise yourself you’ll do 100 sit-ups tomorrow though.Adjacent to China Town, Boston’s historic Garment District presumably gave rise to the Leather District. In this area of South Boston you can find South Station Terminal, The (24 hour) South Street Diner, the new Splash, and the wildly popular nightclub: District. This exquisitely decorated nightclub inspires class and elegance, possesses a uniquely curious layout, with a modern dining atmosphere. Club District is constantly sold out and extremely trendy, admittance can only be attained by advanced reservation. But you’ve met some cool door guy, and he says you’re ok, so you’re inside with your friends admiring the decor.Well, it’s time to take that last drink, and hope that you don’t blow Oyster House crackers, all over your buddy. As you take down that last shot, you make a face like Clint Eastwood after eating something sour, and exclaim “what the hell was that” to which your friend replies, “the mind eraser.” You passed out, can’t remember any of this, and you’ll simply have to start all over

Boston is a smooth blend of sophisticated modern style, and old historic charm. A city where thousands of visitors are confused by something as simple and common place as a rotary. We pioneered the roads, we didn’t have time to make a grid like you Dakota people. Yet, every year without fail, Boston attracts a new wave of the brightest, and most talented Harvard-bound nobel-peace-prize-hopefuls.

A city with character, identity, and a people who’s firm grip on reality is coupled with an ability to “call it like it is” has been galvanized by the achievements of the legendary local sports teams. Boston’s winding cobble-stone roads are enchanting, the parking is dreadful, and the R’s are non existent. So, you’re here.. now what?

In order to fully understand Boston, we’ll have to go back, way back, back in time to the very begining...sound effect? It all started in historic Faneuil Hall, when Union Street was born in 1636 behind City Hall. Not long after, The Union Oyster House was established, and remains: America’s oldest restaurant. The Faneuil Hall area is also home to other really old landmark facilities. The Bell in Hand proudly boasts as “the country’s oldest and longest running” tavern. What does this mean you ask? Bostonians are pioneers in the party business! And you can still walk down Union street, any night, and discover a casually dressed crowd, sipping Sam’s, and swinging mugs to Billy Joel music.

A brisk two minute walk east helps you ware off that light buzz, and inevitably lands you on State Street, the outer perimeter of The Financial District. Although, there is no real official boundary to these areas and districts, even zip codes over lap within them. During the day, The Financial District is home to world headquarters for Fidelity Investments, State Street Bank, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, but at night, it’s charged with excitement. The place you’ll likely encounter first, and enjoy immediately, is aptly named “The Place” which shares many of the same characteristics as the surrounding bars. It’s a neighborhood spot, that’s relaxed on attitude, and packed nightly with locals. Although there are a handful of bars that will allow your casual jeans and hoodies, like Sissy K’s, the deeper you go into the Financial District, the more strict the dress code becomes.

CLARKE’S, the perfect blend of old wood and new age sports bar, for lunch and late night partying”   ....that’s where we are at!

You’ll pass bars like Umbria, and Revolution Rock Bar, where men need collars and shiny shoes to get in. Eventually you’ll land at the Langham Hotel, Boston’s newest addition to the popular “hotel bar” trend; a popular bar called “Bond”. Sure, they serve the same alcohol, play the same music, and lack the same parking, and the bouncers are twice as judgmental, and you’ll wait twice as long, and likely pay twice as much. It’s just because they like you, that’s all. Hopefully you’ll have made a few stops along the way to Bond, and sufficiently tranquilized yourself with some stiff drinks, effectively you’ll avoid interpreting any “pretentious behavior” as personal!

You got tired of waiting for acceptance and wondering “how much do these bouncers get paid?” so, you’ve gathered your pride and headed towards our next area, Downtown Boston. You’ll notice a placid silence as you make the short walk through the thickly settled commercial areas and pass bars like “The Good Life” where you can find emo kids listening to static electricity. You’ll eventually reach “Mantra” where your old friend the bouncer is giving you that familiar look down. He’s in a good mood, and lets face it, you look good. This old building was once an 1800’s bank, and a visit to the downstairs area will reveal the vault, you suddenly realize the upper bar is where tellers once made transactions! This bar has an international blend of people, a historic past, and a modern charm. But you’re too drunk to admire all that, so you stumble further, to the next place.

Club Felt is situated next to one of the oldest theatres, it’s easy going and trendy, 4 floors of entertainment including 2 floors of pool tables set a relaxed mood in this architecturally curious building. You will get hustled for a game of pool by a group of Asians who swear they are new in town. You shell out your cash, and leave gripping your plastic with intoxicated vigilance. You’ve walked by the Loews Theater, and it’s still open, apparently they are open later than the other movie theaters.

All of a sudden there are bright lights, hordes of people, and inescapable traffic- It’s the Theater District! You can squint one eye and see the long lines in font of the historic Wilbur Theatre, the Shubert, Wang Center, with popular nightclubs below them like

The UnderBar, and The Roxy. The Roxy is an enormous room with extravagantly exaggerated architectural accents; the place you probably want to go if your “new” in town. But you won’t find many locals older than 21. You’ve convinced yourself they must be giving away money, and you’re on your way towards that monstrous line you see at The Roxy. Suddenly your eye is caught by even more lines forming to you’re right side. You wonder “is Boston a city of waiting lines?” and you’re drawn to Warrenton St. to investigate this crowded area.

You’ll stagger past clubs like Rumor, Venue, and “The W” yet another trendy hotel bar. These clubs are constantly flooded with a range of internationals, locals, and college newbies - but be sure you dress to the nines or you won’t be sipping any wines!

Upon exiting the Warrenton street attractions, cross the street, and cut through the mini-mall. There you will notice, well, you’re cutting through a mini-mall, but that’s not the point! You have to stay focused, and you have to cross the food court, and you desperately need a bathroom. You exit onto Boylston Street Extension, or as it is referred to at night “The Alley”. Here you find a collection of nightclubs that cater to a vast majority as diverse as the Boston populous. You see a whole set of bars like The Estate, Suite, and The Liquor Store. You enter the Liquor Store, in hopes of finding a bathroom, and instead you find a mechanical bull! After a quick visit to the john, you’re ready to try your luck, and you’ve convinced yourself that you can ride this bull like the generations of cowboys before you. And, you were wrong.

A few steps out of the alley, and you are looking at The Boston Common, Beacon Hill, the legendary “Cheers” from the sitcom, and popular nightclubs like Gypsy Bar. You’d like to go to Gypsy Bar, but they explain to you that it’s too full and they cannot allow any entry. The bouncers let a group of people enter just as you turn to walk towards The Newbury Street Area. This area is the un-official Fashion District, with stores like BCBG, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Burberry. As you walk down the retail-laden streets you will pass a number of small bars with real Boston charm. One such bar, Daisy Buchanan’s, is a popular celebrity watering hole where you might catch a Celtics or Red Sox player, and nobody is freaking out trying to get away with a ripped out a hair sample.

Your about ready to take a cab, but you’ve walked this far, so, you’ll continue walking west towards Fenway Park, and arrive at Kenmore Square. Just about every idiot with a jersey is either screaming about the teams or just puking everywhere. There’s a collection of small bars that are fake-ID friendly, and a collection of bars that are polar opposites. Point & case, the restaurant called Great Bay and (yet another) Hotel bar called “Foundation Lounge”. Great bay has an exquisite menu and elegant dining atmosphere, great place to take a date or a business meeting. Around the corner is the legendary Lansdowne Street, with The House Of Blues as it’s centerpiece. This street has Bars and Nightclubs spanning it’s length, which is situated directly between the Green Monster and that famous Citgo Sign. The same sign which so many baseball players have been responsible for damaging.

A quick walk around the corner will reveal some more “street-level” bars and hangouts where you will find the crowd to be 95% college kids, and 5% employees. It’s after midnight, and your stomach is gripped by the vice-grip wrenching of hunger. You quickly hail a cab to head back east -down Storrow drive, past the Charles River, back to where it all started. As you enjoy the welcomed rest, the cab driver explains to you that the further west you go, the more the crowd transforms from college kids, to career college kids, into something much, much uglier..

Your trip takes you past the historic Boston Garden, where countless victories have been had in every sport. Captivated, by the shear inspiration, you anxiously survey the surroundings only to spy a street sign. Friend Street, and a passing glimpse of a busy street and a glowing sign stating “The Greatest Bar”. You immediately blurt out “right here is fine” and generously tip the driver. A great concert at the TD Garden has just ended, and as you enter Friend Street you merge with a loud and gleeful mob with a contagious electricity. As you enter inside what is apparently “the Greatest bar” you notice as you look up a muralized ceiling to rival the Sistine chapel. In fact the entire 4 floors is an homage to the greatest sports figures of Boston. Inside the elevator, and out, you are mesmerized by wall to wall vinyl graphics, art, and historical data. Easy to meet people are everywhere. You walk the neighborhood as to inspect it for further research, and ultimately reach the outer limits of The North End, Boston’s Italian neighborhood  section.

The North End is like an enormous Italian province condensed into a tiny village, filled with tremendous culture and tradition. In the center of this area is Hancock Street, lined with cafes, gelaterias, and restaurants and bars. At places like Bricco, and Cafe Pompei, you can order your late-late night snack. The side streets in this neighborhood is where you find the hidden gems of obscurity to discuss all your mafia-related business. Well, for the rest of us, The North End is a popular place to eat italian foods and people watch. But your not in the mood to people watch, and your pretty sure this guys got a gun. So..

Your friends have all convinced you to eat in China Town. Of course your immediate response is a resounding yes so you can satiate your hassling hunger. Within minutes you have traversed the heart of the city to China Town, once referred to as The Combat Zone, and the prospect of fresh sushi sounds excellent. Your senses become poised on Omega-3 fatty acid and avocado rolls from Appollo, but your friends drag you to Chow Chow city, where they serve “Americanized” chinese food, and your pretty sure you saw a roach, riding a roach, while corralling the other roaches. The expansive menu offers non-fried foods, and your order was surprisingly satisfying. You promise yourself you’ll do 100 sit-ups tomorrow though.

Adjacent to China Town, Boston’s historic Garment District presumably gave rise to the Leather District. In this area of South Boston you can find South Station Terminal, The (24 hour) South Street Diner, the new Splash, and the wildly popular nightclub: District. This exquisitely decorated nightclub inspires class and elegance, possesses a uniquely curious layout, with a modern dining atmosphere. Club District is constantly sold out and extremely trendy, admittance can only be attained by advanced reservation. But you’ve met some cool door guy, and he says you’re ok, so you’re inside with your friends admiring the decor.

Well, it’s time to take that last drink, and hope that you don’t blow Oyster House crackers, all over your buddy. As you take down that last shot, you make a face like Clint Eastwood after eating something sour, and exclaim “what the hell was that” to which your friend replies, “the mind eraser.” You passed out, can’t remember any of this, and you’ll simply have to start all over again, back, where it all started from, and do it all over. You love Boston.  ■