Club Boston

By Anastasia C. Kudrez, 9/24/98

Below is a roundup of bars and clubs in the Boston area that are popular with the college crowd. Undoubtedly, we missed a few favorites, but this list should make good stepping off point for finding the hangout that's right for you. Note: Many of the clubs have age restrictions, particularly on weekend nights.

North Station area
North Station stop on Orange and Green lines

If you want to watch a game with a feisty crowd while drinking your Guinness, then the North Station bars are for you. Nestled between the FleetCenter and the North End, this conglomerate of bars attracts a high-energy, casually dressed crowd.

CHAMELEON BAR AND GRILL
262 Friend St., 617-723-0121
Food: Pub food until 8 on nights of FleetCenter events.
Music: Weekend, DJ plays '70s-'90s music; weekdays, jukebox.
Cover: $3 Friday; $5 Saturday.
Age: 21-plus after kitchen closes.
Atmosphere: Friendly mix of students and young professionals that mingle and dance in this establishment that's a step above neighboring bars. No sneakers, hats, or ripped clothes.

THE GRAND CANAL
57 Canal St., 617-523-1112
Food: Lunch and dinner until 10 p.m.
Music: Friday and Saturday, mostly rock cover bands. DJ on Thursdays when games at FleetCenter.
Cover: $5 Friday and Saturday after 9:30 p.m.
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: A cross between a night club and an Irish bar. It draws an older college crowd and young professionals.

HARP AT THE GARDEN
85 Causeway St., 617-742-1010
Food: Pub food until 8 p.m. weekdays, 9-9:30 p.m. weekends.
Music: Alternative, '70s, Top 40, and dance music. Psychedelic Thursdays take a cheesy but fun flashback to '70s. Live bands Friday and Saturday.
Cover: Usually $3-$5; $6-12 for big-name performers.
Age: 21-plus after 9 p.m.
Atmosphere: Jovial college students line up outside this bar, across from the FleetCenter, to see games on seven TVs or dance to live music by local artists. The Harp occasionally books nationally known performers.

IRISH EMBASSY
234 Friend St., 617-742-6618
Food: Sandwiches and casual pub fare until 7-7:30 p.m.
Music: Wednesday and Thursday, various bands play, usually rock and rock covers. Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, a DJ spins a mix of Top 40 and classic dance hits from '70s-'90s.
Cover: Usually $5 on Wednesday and Thursday; free other nights.
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: Mostly young Irish crowd; rambunctious at times, especially during live acts.

JIMMY MAC'S
150 Canal St., 617-722-9321
Food: Full menu until 8 on event nights at FleetCenter.
Music: Friday, DJ spins '70s-'90s music. Saturday, Jim Plunkett performs a Jimmy Buffett-style one-man act.
Cover: $5 weekends.
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: High-energy, low-maintenance crowd dances, embraces, and sings along to Top 40 music and older hits.

Faneuil Hall/Government Center
(Government Center stop on Green and Blue lines)

Despite slightly more fashion-conscious crowds than the nearby North Station bars, the Faneuil Hall area establishments are no less combustible. As the tourists flock to the center marketplace, students head to the surrounding streets for packed dance floors and hearty Irish singing.

COOGAN'S BLUFF
173 Milk St., 617-451-7415
Food: Full menu until 9 p.m.
Music: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday either rock cover bands or DJs spinning Top 40.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: Casually dressed students relax with after-work crowd.

JOSE McINTYRE'S
160 Milk St., 617-451-9460
Food: Full menu until 9 p.m.
Cover: $3 Friday, $5 Saturday.
Age: 21-plus after 9 p.m.
Music: Upstairs, DJ spins mix of '70s to Top 40; downstairs Friday and Saturday, live rock cover bands.
Atmosphere: Financial District workers and college students steam up the bar with lots of dancing.

PURPLE SHAMROCK
1 Union St., 617-227-2060
Food: Full menu until 9 p.m.
Cover: $3-$5 weekends; $3 Thursday.
Age: 21-plus after 9 p.m.
Music: Tuesday, karaoke; Wednesday, swing; Thursday, Jim Plunkett; Friday and Saturday, live rock cover bands.
Atmosphere: Relaxed mix of students and professionals drink Irish beer and dance at this cozy bar.

RACK BILLIARD'S CLUB
24 Clinton St., 617-725-1051
Food: Full menu until 1 a.m.
Music: Weekdays, rock and rock cover bands; weekend, DJ between band sets spins wide mix.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: Dressy crowd, often in skirts and ties, fills this upscale pool hall until people are bumping elbows. No sneakers, hats, or T-shirts allowed. Students come here at night to meet potential significant others.

TRINITY
61 Chatham St., 617-367-6172
Food: Appetizers until 2 a.m.
Music: Friday and Saturday, top floor, rock cover bands; basement, DJ spins house and Top 40 music for dance floor. Monday-Wednesday, jukebox. Thursday, Craig Babineau's acoustic show. Sunday, Jack Dalton's traditional Irish music.
Cover: $5 Friday and Saturday; none other nights.
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: College students and blue-collar workers dance, drink, and blow off steam.

Theater District
(Boylston stop on Green Line)

Looking for a classic night on the town? This is your spot. A little more upscale and less focused on sporting events than other areas, the Theater District end of Boylston Street attracts a more international crowd looking for a serious dancing experience.

THE BIG EASY
1 Boylston Place, 617-351-7000
Food: Pizza kitchen open until 2 a.m.
Cover: $5 (varies on Thursdays).
Age: 21-plus
Music: Live music (R & B, funk, disco, reggae) and DJ (Top 40).
Atmosphere: This New Orleans-inspired club attracts a trendy, spirited crowd. Don't be surprised if dancers hop onstage.

MERCURY BAR
116 Boylston St., 617-482-7799
Food: Full menu Tuesday and Wednesday until 10 p.m., Thursday-Saturday until 11 p.m.
Music: Monday, "Cafe Ole" night, with DJ Felix spinning for an international crowd. Wednesday, "Space Lounge International Night" and "Greek Night," with DJs spinning Greek music (and more) in back and dance music in front. Thursday-Saturday, DJs spin Top 40.
Cover: No cover in bar; $5 in dance section Thursday-Saturday. $10 Wednesday.
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: Trendy college students and professionals make up the martini bar-type crowd in front while Euro-style clubbers head to the crowded dance floor in the back. A strict dress crowd is enforced in the club section: no hats, no T-shirts, no workout clothes, no boots, no flannel, no jeans; men must wear collared shirts.

ROXY
279 Tremont St., 617-338-7699
Food: None
Music: Thursday, "Latin Quarter" with salsa and merengue. Friday, a new swing night, with dance lessons, DJs, and national acts like the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Saturday, Top 40 dance and dance classics. National bands are booked during week. A magic show is 7 on nights (except Monday) when no bands are booked.
Cover: $10 Thursday-Saturday; $15-$35 for live acts. Magic show tickets $28.50 and $35.
Age: 19-plus Friday; 21-plus other nights. The magic show is all ages.
Atmosphere: People come from all over for intense dancing at one of the city's largest and most varied clubs.

THE SWEETWATER CAFE
3 Boylston Place, 617-351-2515
Food: None
Music: Thursday, bands play rock covers and some acoustic. Friday and Saturday, two DJs on two floors: upstairs a mix of Top 40 and disco favorites, downstairs a large dose of hip-hop.
Cover: $3
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: More of a bar than a club, this Southwestern spot with a Jimmy Buffett feel attracts a jovial drinking crowd.

Bolyston Street - Back Bay
(Hynes stop on Green Line)

Head toward lower Boylston Street if you're in the mood for a hip - but packed - bar to get you warmed up before you hit a dance club. The elbow room is in short supply, but not potential love matches.

WHISKEY'S FOOD AND SPIRITS
885 Boylston St., 617-262-5551
Food: Full menu until 11 p.m.
Music: Recorded '90s music.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus if you're not eating.
Atmosphere: This smokehouse bar and grill is filled with students and young professionals looking for a spirited night.

CACTUS CLUB RESTAURANT AND BAR
939 Boylston St., 617-236-0200
Food: Full menu until 11 p.m., 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Music: Daytime, contemporary jazz; at night, Top 40 and '90s hits.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus in bar.
Atmosphere: College students and a post-work crowd looking for a rowdy evening fill this Southwestern-style bar.

DAISY BUCHANAN'S
240 Newbury St., 617-247-8516
Food: Full menu until 9 p.m.
Music: DJ spins pop, rock, and '80s music nightly.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus after 9 p.m
. Atmosphere: An early-20s crowd flocks to this basement-level bar and occasionally finds room to dance.

DIVISION 16
955 Boylston St., 617-353-0870
Food: Full menu until 1:30 a.m.
Music: During the week, mostly alternative rock. Thursday-Saturday nights, high-powered dance music.
Cover: None
Age: No restrictions
Atmosphere: A sophisticated crowd gathers at this restaurant-bar, warming up for the club scene.

Fenway/Kenmore Square
(Kenmore on the Green Line)

If you crave nonstop dancing and diehard sports banter, head here. Between Lansdowne Street's hard-core dance cubs and crowded, Fenway Park-inspired sports bars, you're guaranteed a bustling college crowd late into the night.

AVALON
15 Lansdowne St., 617-262-2424
Food: None
Music: Thursday, "International Night," with DJ playing house. Friday, "Avaland," with progressive house. Saturday, "Saturday Night Dance Party," with progressive Top 40. Sunday, gay night.
Cover: $10 Thursday; $15 Friday and Saturday; $10 Sunday.
Age: 19-plus Friday; 21-plus other nights.
Atmosphere: Students and an international crowd come for a Euro-style dance party. The large dance floor gives you room to move most nights. Dress code Thursday through Saturday calls for slacks and a nice shirt; no jeans, sneakers, or hats. Sunday night is casual dress.

AXIS
13 Lansdowne St., 617-262-2437
Food: None
Music: Various DJs spin here. Thursday, "Chrome" night, with progressive house downstairs, hip hop-upstairs. Friday, "Spin Cycle," with house music downstairs, '80s music upstairs. Saturday, "X Night," with '90s alternative downstairs, and industrial goth and '80s alternative upstairs. Monday, "Static," a gay night.
Cover: $10 Thursday and Friday ($7 for 21-plus); $8 Saturday; $5 Monday ($2 for 21-plus).
Age: 18-plus Monday; 19-plus Thursday and Friday; 21-plus Saturday.
Atmosphere: Most of the crowd goes to dance, socialize, and meet people, not to dress-to-impress or strike poses. Strict dress code Thursday through Saturday bars jeans, sneakers, hats, and open-toed shoes. Monday night is casual dress.

BILL'S BAR
5 Lansdowne St., 617-421-9678
Food: None
Music: Mix of DJs and live bands play a wide range of music alternative rock, funk, and soul. Swing night on Thursday. Cover: Varies
Age: 19-plus Tuesday; 21-plus other nights.
Atmosphere: Despite large, diverse crowd, it has the feel of a smaller club. Booths line the sides, but expect standing room only.

CASK 'N FLAGON
62 Brookline Ave., 617-536-4840
Food: Full menu until 11 p.m.
Music: Thursday-Saturday, DJ spins '70s-'90s music.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus after 9 p.m.
Atmosphere: This large sports bar attracts a casual, boisterous baseball crowd that comes to drink and dance whether there's a game or not.

LINWOOD GRILL
69 Kilmarnock St., 617-267-8644
Food: BBQ available by November
Music: Mostly local bands playing roots, alternative, and hard rock, with a dash of swing and rockabilly.
Cover: Usually $5
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: Large college crowd mixes with neighborhood regulars to hear music or play pool. The airy club area has a decent-sized dance floor, and there's free parking.

MAMA KIN
36 Lansdowne St. 617-536-2100
Food: None
Music: Live music nightly, with local folk, ska, and rock 'n' roll.
Cover: Usually $3-$5
Age: 18-plus Tuesday; 21-plus other nights.
Atmosphere: This club, owned in part by Aerosmith, draws a mixed crowd of aspiring musicians, fans of local rock, and students. Adjacent is the Lansdowne Playhouse (cover about $10), an 18-plus dance club. The playhouse also hosts theatrical events and readings.

SOPHIA'S
1270 Boylston St., 617-351-7001
Food: Tapas menu until midnight.
Music: Live jazz or salsa music nightly.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: An eclectic, laid-back crowd is drawn to the cool, Latin vibe.

WHO'S ON FIRST
19 Yawkey Way, 617-247-3353
Food: Sandwiches until 1 a.m.
Music: DJ or band plays Top 40 dance music.
Cover: Usually none; $5 for live bands.
Age: 18-plus Thursday and Saturday; 21-plus other nights.
Atmosphere: A casual drinking, partying crowd comes to this Fenway-theme bar. Many hang out and watch games on its huge TV screen.

Allston-Brighton
(Harvard Street on "B" Green Line)

You won't have to walk far to experience many scenes in Allston-Brighton. The large concentration of students, clubs, and bars makes for a party atmosphere that fills the streets as people line up to get inside the clubs of their choice.

THE KELLS
161 Brighton Ave., Allston, 617-782-9082
Food: Served in a large restaurant wing until 10 p.m.; appetizers until midnight.
Music: Sunday, traditional Irish music, a rock cover band, and a DJ upstairs; Brazilian dance night in the basement. Tuesday, open mike acoustic showcase. Wednesday, Gordi Milne, a one-man entertainer. Thursday, "Boston's Biggest Dance Party," with Top 40 upstairs and in the basement. Friday and Saturday, local and New York bands upstairs, with DJ spinning hip-hop and disco between sets; DJ plays hits from the '70s-'90s in the basement.
Cover: $7 Friday and Saturday; free other nights.
Age: 21-plus after 10 p.m.
Atmosphere: A thriving meet market. You have to plow your way through the hordes of dancers.

M-80
967 Commonwealth Ave., 617-562-8800
Food: None
Music: DJs spin Eurohouse and Latinhouse dance music in two rooms. Wednesday is just Eurohouse; Friday and Saturday, both.
Age: 21-plus
Cover: $15
Atmosphere: Strictly for dancing, club draws a large Spanish and European crowd. People dress to impress, many looking to meet someone. No hats, jeans, or sneakers.

OUR HOUSE
1277 Commonwealth Ave., 617-782-3228
Food: Burgers and appetizers until 1:30 a.m. Brunch Saturday and Sunday.
Music: Recorded classic rock, reggae, and hip-hop.
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: The name captures it - the feeling of being in your home. A dining room wraps around a living room; also a pool room and room with a jukebox. Casual crowd of students and young professionals.

WONDER BAR
186 Harvard Ave., 617-351-2665
Food: Full tapas menu until midnight.
Music: Nightly at 9:30 p.m., live jazz by students and professionals, many from Berklee College of Music.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: A dress-to-impress club where trendy students and young professionals gather. Primarily a college crowd late Thursdays and Fridays. No sneakers or baseball caps.

CENTRAL AND KENDALL SQUARES, CAMBRIDGE
(Kendall and Central square stops on Red Line)

Central and Kendall squares offer everything from a sweaty, skanking dance crowd to the latte, independent film crowd. A short T or cab ride apart, the two squares have plenty to offer college students, both over and under 21.

KENDALL CAFE
233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., 617-661-0993 Food: Dinner until 11 p.m. music: Local artists play folk to celtic to roots rock. Cover: Free Sunday, Monday, Wednesday; $3 Tuesday; $5 Thursday-Saturday. Age: 21-plus Atmosphere: This intimate club squeezes in about 40 to hear aspiring musicians. It's a laid-back, casual scene.

MAN RAY
21 Brookline St., 617-864-0400
Food: None
Music: Wednesday, "Crypt" night, with goth and industrial music. Thursday, "Campus," a gay night. Friday, "Fetish Friday," with industrial and goth (wear creative attire, like leather gear, or saran wrap, whatever your fetish may be). Saturday, "Liquid" night, featuring campy "Disco Inferno."
Cover: $5 Wednesday ($3 for 21-plus); $4 Thursday; $5 Friday ($3 for 21-plus and discount if you wear fetish attire); $5 Saturday ($3 for 21-plus).
Age: 19-plus; 21-plus Thursday.
Atmosphere: This club is filled with a uninhibited crowd, and many exhibitionists. If fetsh wear isn't your cup of tea, wear black. Blue jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, flannels, and khakis are not allowed.

MIDDLE EAST
472 Mass. Ave., 617-497-0576
Food: Full Middle Eastern menu until midnight.
Music: Everything from Middle Eastern music with belly dancers to the Bosstones' vintage ska. This club can't be beat for live ska shows.
Cover: Varies
Age: 18-plus
Atmosphere: Artsy, friendly feel, free of pretentiousness. People come here to listen to the music (especially local bands) and to hear bigger shows in the downstairs hall, which was once a bowling alley.

THE PHOENIX LANDING
512 Mass. Ave., 617-576-6260
Food: Irish and American food until 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 9 p.m. Sunday.
Cover: $2 Wednesday and Thursday; free other nights.
Music: DJs spin music here. Tuesday, lounge music. Wednesday and Thursday, dance music. Friday and Saturday, '70s-'90s dance music. Sunday varies.
Age: 18-plus Wednesday and Thursday; other nights 21-plus.
Atmosphere: This bar has the feel of an Irish pub, with a heavy wood interior. The friendly crowd divides into two groups, the talkers in the front and the dancers in the back. Special events include fashion shows and independent film nights (held every other Monday).

T.T. THE BEAR'S PLACE
10 Brookline St., 617-492-0082
Food: None
Music: Local bands play roots rock and alternative nightly.
Cover: Varies
Age: 18-plus
Atmosphere: T.T.'s is split in half by the bar, so you can talk and hang out on one side or sidle up to the band on the other. Very casual, animated crowd, with an appetite for local music.

HARVARD SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE/DAVIS SQUARE, SOMERVILLE
Harvard and Davis squares are bustling night spots where students hop through bars and clubs to get a sampling of the evening's entertainment. College students often hang out side-by-side with the older locals. If you want a variety of music, from mellow to thumping rock, this is the place to check out.

HARVARD SQUARE
(Red Line):

CLUB PASSIM
47 Palmer St., 617-492-7679
Food: Middle Eastern food until 11 p.m.
Cover: $5-$15
Age: No restrictions
music: Live jazz, blues, and folk nightly.
Atmosphere: This venerable coffee house is very much a listening room. Its basement site gives it an underground yet classy feel, and the congenial crowd spans all ages. No smoking or alcohol.

THE HOUSE OF BLUES
96 Winthrop St., 617-491-BLUE
Food: First-floor restaurant serves Cajun and Creole food until 11 p.m.
Cover: $6-$25
Age: Some shows 18-plus, usually Sunday-Wednesday; otherwise 21 plus.
Music: Known for its jazz, blues, and reggae shows.
Atmosphere: The crowd tends to be a little bit older, but always includes college students. People come to listen and dance.

SOMERVILLE
(Davis Square on Red Line):

THE BURREN
247 Elm St., 617-776-6896
Food: Pub food, including many Irish dishes, until 10 p.m.
Cover: None
Age: 21-plus
Music: Traditional Irish music in front room; various bands in the back. Saturday nights the Tarbox Ramblers, a Cajun blues band, play at 10 p.m. Atmosphere: One of the friendliest, outgoing pubs in the area. It is often jammed with a mix of students, locals, and Irish musicians.

JOHNNY D'S
17 Holland St., 617-776-2004
Food: Full restaurant serving many Southern-influenced dishes. Music: Live bands play blues, rock, country, folk, celtic, swing, zydeco, and more. Sunday and Monday nights, swing music with dancing lessons; Tuesday, folk; Sunday afternoon, blues jam.
Cover: Varies
Age: 21-plus
Atmosphere: The crowd is a little older, but the music is the attraction. If you want to hear premier blues artists, keep your eye on upcoming shows. The restaurant offers an impressive brunch on Saturday and Sundays.