Boston’s Top 10 : Dance & Live Music Venues



  1. Beehive

    The
    nightly music mix here might sometimes veer to cabaret or even
    burlesque, but local jazz musicians are the mainstay for a usually
    well-dressed, mature crowd at least a decade past their schooldays.
    Convivial bar scene and some excellent comfort food, such as paella or
    polenta with ratatouille, round out the multi-­faceted appeal of this
    great night out.

    • 541 Tremont St

    • 617 423 0096

  2. The Middle East

    The
    region’s alternative rock scene can trace its genesis to this Central
    Square landmark. This influential venue has launched many careers.
    Seminal local bands like the Pixies, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and
    Morphine all played on the Middle East’s three stages. Today, the club
    continues the tradition, openly embracing musicians operating just under
    the mainstream, popular radar .

  3. Green Street Grill

    On
    the river side of slowly gentrifying Central Square, Green Street
    morphs from an upmarket restaurant into a blues and jazz club starting
    around 10:30pm. The talent tends to be local and ethnic – a great place
    to catch rising stars well-schooled in African and Latin rhythms. Piano
    jazz brunch offered on Sundays.

    • 280 Green St, Cambridge

    • 617 876 1655

    • Closed Mon

    • Free

  4. Gypsy Bar

    The
    sumptuous red interior, glam lighting, and extensive range of designer
    vodkas in the Gypsy Bar combine a stylish high-techno approach with
    enchanting, old-fashioned romanticism. It is easy to see why this
    attention-seekers’ paradise has won various polls including sexiest bar
    and best pick-up spot .

  5. Redline

    Throbbing
    dance music, tasty meals, and healthy bar food are just part of the
    Redline secret. When the DJs turn up the volume at this hotspot, the
    pheromone levels of the dancers soon start rising and the atmosphere
    heats up. The attentive service, tasteful decor, and vibrant ambience
    make this a great spot for cocktails.

    • 59 JFK St, Cambridge

    • 617 491 8951

    • Closed Sun–Tue

    • Adm

  6. Ryles

    One
    of Inman Square’s greatest assets, where murals of Duke, Dizz, and Lady
    Day inspire top jazz bands to go, go, go. Call ahead to learn if samba
    or swing lessons are scheduled. And don’t miss the good value Sunday
    jazz brunch: no cover, live jazz, boisterous crowds, and hearty entrees
    that rarely venture above $10.

    • 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge

    • 617 876 9330

    • Closed Mon

    • Adm




    Ryles



    Sign, Ryles

  7. Roxy

    Housed
    in an ornate, bilevel theater, the Roxy can accommodate more nightlife
    denizens than any other Boston club. Top 40, ‘80s, Latin, and house
    music are pumped through the powerful sound system, while a mixed crowd
    lounges around on cushy banquettes or keeps the beat on the mammoth
    dance floor .




    Roxy

  8. Johnny D’s

    World-music
    aficionados and lovers of the eclectic from all over the city have been
    flocking here for years to hear live funk, zydeco, folk rock, and – in
    the case of Babalu, Johnny D’s mainstay band – punk mambo hardcore juju.
    The beat keeps going seven nights a week .




    Johnny D’s

  9. Paradise Rock Club

    Although
    no longer in its original downtown location, the Paradise is the oldest
    name in Boston rock venues. Icons from the ‘70s and ‘80s such as Van
    Halen, the Police, and Blondie first put the club on the map. Today, the
    Paradise remains true to its rock ‘n’ roll roots, welcoming nationally
    recognized acts that favor volume levels north of ten.

    • 967 Commonwealth Ave

    • 617 562 8800

    • Adm

  10. Scullers

    Enthusiastic
    champion of Latin jazz and emerging artists (for example, Norah Jones
    and Diana Krall started here), Scullers is a well-known venue for
    internationally established musicians. A great place to enjoy a drink
    and an evening of smooth jazz by some of the best performers in the
    business.

    • 400 Soldiers Field Rd

    • 617 783 0090

    • Closed Sun–Tue

    • Adm