History and universities may be the symbols of Boston, but when the sun goes down, the city reappears in a completely different light. Throughout my life, I have tried out Boston’s nightlife, such as long nights out dancing, late nights laughing with my friends, or even putting on a performance that would be a life-long memory. Whether you want to relax in smooth lounges and listen to deep-house music or want to rock out in crowded dance halls, the nightlife in Boston has an atmosphere that almost everyone will enjoy.
I will list the five best nightclubs in Boston with address, average budget, and whether they are group-friendly (note: nightclubs are not that child-friendly, except in the case of private events where age restrictions are lifted), and why each one of them is so great.
Best Nightclubs in Boston, Massachusetts
1. Bijou Nightclub – Theater District
2. Encore Boston Harbor – The Eddy Nightclub
3. House of Blues Boston – The Lobby Bar + Foundation Room
4. Caveau Nightclub – Downtown Crossing
5. Royale Boston – Fenway/Kenmore
5 Best Nightclubs in Boston, Massachusetts
1. Bijou Nightclub – Theater District
Being in the Theater District, this club has turned out to be one of the most representative nightlife venues in Boston with its exquisite interior, vibrant crowds, and the best DJs playing a wide range of EDM, hip-hop, and so on.
I was at Bijou the first time for a friend’s birthday, when the lights were blinking, the music was booming, and people were dancing with real spirit. The club is multi-room, and you can change the floors to another room that has a different vibe: one with bigger room EDM, another with more hip-hop or top 40. VIP bottle service and exclusive rooms provide it with a Vegas-Boston experience, and local celebrities and traveling artists also appear as guests.
The cost of cover is usually between 20 and 40 dollars; when a guest DJ or special performances are involved, then it may be increased. Prices on drinks range between $12-18+, so it would be fairly expensive to get a few cocktails in the establishment. The fashion is intelligent and cool; sneakers and hoodies do not get in frequently.
Bijou is a classy adult fun; it is not for the children, but it is best when you want to have a night of uninhibited fun-like nightclubs experience, which will be remembered forever.
Address: 242 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Budget: Drinks $12–$18+
2. Encore Boston Harbor – The Eddy Nightclub
The Eddy Nightclub in Encore Boston Harbor is a mere drive or ride away from the city of Boston and offers a glitzy, resort-style nightlife that can be considered a destination in itself. This place will surprise you if you have never visited a nightclub in a casino-hotel establishment.
I had an electrifying experience at a weekend outing with friends, as we entered a fashionable establishment, where the lights were imaginative, and the music was hot, making everyone dance until late into the night. Besides, the comfort of the casino and fine dining in Encore allows starting the night with an elegant dinner and moving into the club atmosphere with high-energy without losing a beat.
Cover charge will be around 25-45 in relation to the night, drinks will be on the higher side, maybe around 15-20+ cocktails. The audience is tilted towards young professionals and people who are willing to dress up and party. The age policy is strict 21+, so make plans beforehand to have a good time.
The Eddy is ideal when you want to enjoy a nightlife atmosphere which is upscale, urban, and slightly glamorous.
Address: 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 (Just outside Boston)
Budget: $25–$45 (varies by event)
3. House of Blues Boston – The Lobby Bar + Foundation Room
House of Blues Boston is already known to some as a concert hall, but what most people are unaware of is that it also incorporates a nightclub atmosphere into its late-night events, particularly in The Lobby Bar and the Foundation Room. The energy does not fade away when the shows are over.
I had my initial experience of House of Blues when I bumped into one of their concerts and continued to hang around with the post-show audience. The live music is a massive component of that experience, which makes some of the nights seem more of a dance party with live performances and others closer to DJ sets and club beats. This makes the House of Blues one of the more lively nightlife places in Boston.
The charge covers are complimentary in the early part of the night, or they may cost up to $30 and above in case of themed parties or special guests. Drinks are affordable enough, say about 10-15 dollars, and the setting is less fancy and intimidating than other prig families in the town.
Although this is not family and kid friendly in the traditional club night sense, the live music and dancing make the place popular among young adults who want to have diverse experiences – live bands as well as beats by the DJ.
Address: 15 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215
Budget: (drinks $10–$15)
4. Caveau Nightclub – Downtown Crossing
In the very middle of the Downtown Crossing lies Cavigli Nightclub, which is one of the oldest nightclubs in Boston, and on my original visit, I understood why: it is a place where the college crowd and the locals of Boston can hang out under the same roof. It is all fun and upbeat, and there is a flawless blend of hip-hop, Top 40, and dance music that has the dance floor packed.
The good thing about Cavigli is that it is not as daunting as high-end clubs, as one can wear jeans or a dress, it is loud but in a good manner, and it is truly local. The design is multi-level and includes multiple bars, meaning that you can find a spot to talk or even directly enter into the world of dancing.
In this case, the cover charges may be around 15-35 dollars, and beverages may be about 10-15 dollars. It is also one of the cheaper nightlife venues in Boston when you are looking to have a club atmosphere at a lower cost.
This is not a kid-friendly venue since most of the nights are strictly 21 and up, but when one wants to dance, have a drink, and have a feel of an authentic Boston club, Cavigli checks all the boxes.
Address: 266 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108
Budget: (drinks $10–$15)
5. Royale Boston – Fenway/Kenmore
Royale is the next place to be when you desire to have a slightly expensive and full-packed nightclub experience. Being close to Fenway/Kenmore, Royale seems to be a big partying house, equipped with a massive dance floor, ultramodern lighting, and a series of DJs who are good at moving the crowd.
I attended Royale during a weekend when a hot DJ was performing in the city, and I can say that the club was vibrant. People came to dance first, and to talk later, which is what you should expect in a large city nightclub. The audience is a combination of locals and visitors, as they are dressed up to impress and are ready to have a loud, flashy, and energetic night.
Cover charge in this case is 25-50 or more, particularly on special nights or on guest DJs. Drinks hover in the $12-$18+ range. VIP and bottle service are also available at Royale in case you are celebrating a huge night.
Surely not a kid-friendly restaurant, but one that will make a night out worth making an occasion: Royals is not a shy guy, but it is a good one.
Address: 279 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116
Budget: (drinks $12–$18+)
Tips for Enjoying Boston Nightlife
Dress to impress: The majority of Boston nightclubs have a dress code (no sneakers, sportswear, or hats); dressing up your outfit will help you get faster into the club.
Early arrival: Admission fees tend to increase later on in the night; thus, being there before 10:30-11 PM will save you some cash.
Ride plan: Nighttime in Boston can be a nightmare in terms of traffic and parking – rideshares or subway can make life easier.
IDs only: Nightclubs stick to age – carry a valid ID.
Conclusion
The Boston nightlife provides one with everything they can enjoy during late nights, loud music, and social life. Although the slick downtown atmosphere of Bijou, the local atmosphere of Cavigli, and the high-end party atmosphere of Royale made an impact that I will not quickly forget, each of these clubs made a distinct impression on me. Although none of them is kid-friendly (nightclubs are not, in general), all of them are outstanding in their respective fields: uniting people around lights and beats in the mellow night.
Be it a birthday night or a weekend out with friends or simply asking yourself what to do in Boston at night, these five nightclubs are ranked among the top in their category in the city by providing the best chance of dancing, laughing, and having memories that will last even after the sun sets. Cheers to the night!
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