Boston Nightlife Tips by saccharinicity

Nightlife Spot: Ryles Jazz Club

Ryles Jazz Club is located on Hampshire Street in neighboring Cambridge's Inman Square. Walking back to the T one night after dinner with my companion, we stopped and watched through the huge glass windows, the live band, classy singing girls and dark tables filled with people enjoying themselves over some good drinks and good jazz and we couldn't help but be sucked inside for a short while.

We stopped in for a drink to check the place out and while I cannot say I have been here enough times to give a thorough review, I can without a doubt say that I would return again.

The atmosphere was fun, the drinks were strong, the music was upbeat.

It was a nice change of scenery from the typical bar scene.

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Theme: Live Music
Phone: 617.876.9330
Address: 212 Hampshire Street, Cambridge
Directions: Across from the S&S Restaurant on Hampshire.
Website: http://www.rylesjazz.com/

Nightlife Spot: Sunset Grill & Tap

The Sunset Grill & Tap is a pretty cool place to hang, even for non-beer drinkers like me. Over 110 beers on tap and 400 available in bottles, the task of choosing a few from the 12 page beer menu can become quite a task, but a fun one at that!

A very laid-back establishment on Brighton Ave, the Sunset is a favorite hangout of area residents. Inexpensive drinks, good pub food, great beer selection, rocking jukebox, friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff and always a good time being had.

Come hang, have a drink, have a few...and keep coming back.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Phone: 617-254-1331
Address: 130 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA 02134
Directions: On the main drag, Brighton Ave
Website: http://www.allstonsfinest.com/

Nightlife Spot: The Enormous Room

The Enormous Room has got to be the most chill, hip lounge I have ever been to. Located in Central Square in Cambridge, one must first find Central Kitchen and then go through the door with the red elephant on it. Sounds like a treasure hunt, but that's actually exactly what it is (perhaps I should have put this under 'off the beaten path'). Once you reach the top of the stairs you have entered the Enormous Room.

Not exactly "enormous" but open enough to lounge away from others. Huge carpeted platforms line the black, brick walls with throw pillows and dim hanging lights and a touch of dark Moroccan decor. Even the sunniest of days leave the Enormous Room a hip cave to chill.

Light fare is served, I highly recommend the grape leaves and hummus, as well as a slew of drinks. It is easy to waste away a night, lying down, drinking, talking, listening to trippy electronica or whatever else the DJ is in the mood for. There are also occasional live performances.

This is more a hip hangout spot for twenty and thirty-somethings, but anyone is welcome.

Remove your shoes should you pick a platform to lounge on.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Phone: 617.491.5599
Directions: Located above Central Kitchen - 567 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge

Nightlife Spot: Allston

If seeing live bands is your thing, especially local bands, then Boston's Allston neighborhood is a perfect spot for you to get your groove on. Numerous bars with a slew of local talent on any given night, usually with cheap to no cover charge and cheap booze....especially good seeing that the neighborhood of Allston is the neighborhood where most of the young hipsters live and love in Boston.

Great Scott's
Common Ground
Harper's Ferry
The Kells
O'Brien's Pub
Paradise
The Wonder Bar
The Model Cafe

I could keep listing, but just take the Green Line (B) to the Harvard Ave. stop and take a walk around for yourself. You will surely find a place to call your own for the night.

Note: Anyone over 30 *might* want to avoid this area unless they are willing to party with a bunch of youngins. Mornings in this neighborhood leave little to be desired with the spots of puke every 5 steps on the sidewalks.

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Theme: Live Music
Dress Code: The messier and hipper, the better.
Address: Green Line (B) to Harvard Ave.
Directions: Most of the bars line both Comm and Harvard Aves.

Nightlife Spot: 33 Restaurant & Lounge

If you are looking for a fairly swanky martini bar in Boston, 33 Restaraunt & Lounge is your place. They serve brunch, lunch and dinner - a huge assortment of dishes and drinks to choose from. With swank, comes cost, however. It is a little bit more on the pricey side ($12 martinis) than your typical hang-out, but the '33' is anything but typical. From the downstairs lounge to the beautiful lighted upstairs bar, it is a very nice place to go to impress.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: This seems to be a no jeans/sneakers establishment.
Look smart and you won't have an issue.
Phone: 617.572.3311
Address: 33 Stanhope Street Boston, MA. 02116
Website: http://www.33restaurant.com

Nightlife Spot: Limelight Stage and Studios

The Limelight Stage and Studios is hands-down the best karaoke club I have ever been to. Not only to they have a large stage room but they also offer many private rooms for rent. Large and small parties alike can have their very own recording studio and for a fee even record their own karaoke CDs! The limelight boasts a music library of over 5,000 songs. From rock and pop to country and showtunes, you are bound to find a few somethings to sing your heart out to.

The Limelight sometimes even holds special events. The last time I came here they were having a costume contest - unfortunately I was not aware, otherwise I would have participated! This is also a really great place for private parties, large or small.

Group and private vocal lessons are also offered. Please see website for prices and details.

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Theme: Other
Phone: 617.423.0785
Address: 204 Tremont Street, Boston
Directions: Theatre District

T Stop: Green Line - Boylston
Website: http://www.limelightboston.com/

Nightlife Spot: The Green Dragon Tavern

Located right near Faneuil Hall, the Green Dragon Tavern is the perfect place to grab a few drinks and relax after a day of sightseeing or to toss a few back before a game. Traditional Irish breakfast is served every Saturday from 11am - 4pm accompanied by live Irish music. If you find yourself here on other days and at other hours, typical pub fare is available and live music every Wednesday - Sunday.

A known favorite for the likes of Paul Revere, the Green Dragon Tavern showcases its history along the walls with relics from the times of the Revolution.

Friendly atmosphere, good drinks, perfect location and history.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Phone: 617.367.0055
Address: 11 Marshall St, Boston