Boston

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Fun nights out in Beantown

A travel journal to Boston by ifor_gal

A town filled with college students from all over the world, young professionals, and of course, tourists from near and far, there's always something fun to do... if you're over 21, that is.

  • 9 reviews

Middle EastBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Middle East"

The Middle East is a great meeting place for people who like good food and good music. The Basement is a larger venue that hosts great underground bands, DJs, and performers. The upstairs has a smaller, more intimate performance area that hosts a lot of promising locals. Zuzu is the Moroccan-themed and ever-so-delicious date spot for those who want to do a pre-concert dinner. And then there’s the Corner, which is the perfect spot for those who need to take a breather from the bumping Basement concert. It sounds confusing, and, at times, it is, but The Middle East brings people of all ages, budgets, and interests together. Definitely check out the website for concert listings and prices. It is definitely worth checking out.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Middle East
472 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
+1 617 864 3278

Paradise Rock ClubBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a great and very intimate venue. The Paradise Rock Club brings in some of the greatest performers who don't get the credit they deserve, but the people who know certainly make their way out to Paradise to share their love of good music. Everyone, from the Waifs to Ben Lee to the Indigo Girls, has played here.

Go next door to the lounge, which is open every night and has various local performers doing their thing on the small stage. It is a great place for friends to gather, have a few drinks, and enjoy good company. Check out Ticketmaster for upcoming concerts at the Rock Club.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Paradise Rock Club
967 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, Massachusetts 02215
(617) 562-8800

TonicBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Tonic is one of my favorite places to go when I'm with a big group of friends. Definitely not a good place to go if you're looking to meet new people - a very cliquey and almost snobby atmosphere - but just filled with people who want to have fun with their friends. A lot of people come here for birthdays. Upon entering, you'll see a large round bar surrounded by people chatting it up and having a laugh. There are a few pool tables in the back and a few TVs showing the latest Red Sox or Patriots game. The drinks are mediocre and priced anywhere between $3 to $8 bucks. The basement hosts another small bar, with a DJ spinning some of the latest tunes for the packed dance floor. A bit darker than the Met Lounge above, the basement is filled with the younger crowd who aren't there to chat - just dance. There's no cover for Tonic, and it shuts at 1am. If you're out to meet new people, don't bother with Tonic. But if you want a fun place to take a group of friends out, consider it.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Tonic
1316 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02134
(617) 566-6699

Wonder BarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Wonderbar"

Wonderbar is another high-energy bar/restaurant conveniently located between BU and BC. Usually flocked with college students and very young professionals, the drinks are okay, and the company is always fun and lighthearted. Often on weekends, there's a wait outside - but it's hit or miss. Some nights, it's worth the wait, and others it just isn't. The basement serves as their wilder dance party area, and the bar service is not so great. It gets really hot down there. The main floor has a very long bar and many seats and tabletops for those who just want to sit and chat or people-watch. Wonderbar definitely gives you a spring break kind of feeling. So if you wanna feel young again, head out to Allston.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Wonder Bar
189 Harvard Ave Allston, Massachusetts 02134
+1 617 351 2665

Whiskey ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Located in the lounge area of the Park Plaza Hotel, Whiskey Park is an ultra-chic, yet somehow laid-back bar. Its clientele varies from week to week as guests at the hotel come and go, but it's not unfamiliar for people to see some famous faces. I myself saw the Sox's own David Ortiz with a large group of friends, just having a few drinks and buying a few drinks for fans who came and introduced themselves. The bartenders are all very lovely, and the drinks are pretty good. On any given night, there's something going on at Whiskey Park. Whether it be a gathering for young professionals who want to make connections or a singles night for those who want to make a love connection, there's something to be had for those who want to see and be seen. On weekends, there is a cover charge, but I think it's definitely worth it.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Whiskey Park
64 Arlington Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(617) 542-1483

CapriceBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Caprice is another one of those restaurant/lounge/bar type of establishments that Boston is filled with. Located in the Theatre District, Caprice is filled with a more international crowd and is a place to go if you want to go incognito for a weekend. Definitely a place for singles who are looking for a little temporary pleasure - but nothing more. I find the guys that go to Caprice to be a bit "sketchy," as we like to say, but all in all, it's a decent place. There are several sections, all with a different feel. There's the main bar area right at the entrance that's always buzzing with people dancing around the DJ. Then there's the lounge area in the back of the restaurant, with a tiny bar and a row of comfy wall couches - I like to call this the make-out room. Then there's the upstairs that has a room with pool tables and another bar, and then, finally, the bonafide dance floor where once you walk in, you're bound to be groped once or twice or swooned by a man who can hardly speak English. Be sure to go at least with a friend or two and leave with a few new ones.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Caprice
275 Tremont St Boston, Massachusetts 02116
+1 617 292 0080

Gypsy BarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Formerly Pravda, Gypsy Bar is a very fun club filled with beautiful international people. Lots of Boston's young professionals and the trust fund babies from abroad like to come here on the weekends to build up $500 tabs and dance to a variety of top radio hits to eclectic techno and dance-party mixes. The front part of the club that everyone walks through is a long bar on your left and a series of round, cushiony couches on your right. Start here to scope out who's coming in, and then make your way back to a smaller, more intimate lounge area with a small bar and VIPs who's reserved tables for them and their friends. Then follow the crowd and music onto the main dance floor, where you have no choice but to jump on in and dance like a fool to whatever is playing. The drinks are good, and you're bound to have a guy come up to you and offer to buy you a drink or two. The same goes for guys - don't expect to talk to a girl until you offer her a Grey Goose martini.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Gypsy Bar
116 Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(617) 482-7799

KellsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Kells"

The Kells has something going on every night of the week, and every night, you're bound to meet some fun local kids. Located in the heart of Boston's cheap eats and cultural area, The Kells offers cheap drinks that aren't great, but for that price - you'd have a few more. It's a younger crowd, with girls who cart around fake IDs and drink way more than they can handle. There's a happening dance floor on the main floor, and then downstairs, there's a dance floor and bar which isn't worth checking out on weekdays, but on the weekends, the crowd overflows to the basement. Consider going here if you don't want to spend a lot on drinks and just hook up with a few new people.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

Kells
161 Brighton Ave Boston, Massachusetts 02134
+1 617 782 9082

33 Restaurant and LoungeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Bar 33"

Bar 33 located in the basement of the highly acclaimed French restaurant, 33 Restaurant and Lounge. The restaurant itself is known for its fresh, innovative ingredients, but for a post dinner cocktail or just a late night cap, linger a bit in the restaurant as young professionals begin to gather and mingle, easily turning the restaurant into a popular late night destination. On the main floor surrounding the long bar with plenty of bar stools to go around, people socialize and munch on the free appetizers that they offer on occasional nights. The basement is a smaller, more intimate lounge with friendly bartenders and a Dj spinning some exotic sounds. It may be a bit unnerving walking down iridescent staircase that leads you to the lush couches and private tables where the lucky VIP's who can score a table just seem to sit and watch your every move - but don't be frightened. Just stand at the bar, order a martini, and stare right back. Come 12:30am, everyone will trickle down to the loungy basement where they all move to the beats. You'll find an older, professional, and very international crowd at 33. Check it out if you want to be around the well-dressed. Their website: 33restaurant.com for more information on events. They always have something classy going on.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ifor_gal on April 12, 2005

33 Restaurant and Lounge
33 Stanhope Street Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(617) 572-3311

About the Writer

ifor_gal
ifor_gal
Chicago, Illinois

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