Back Bay
Yes, it's touristy. And overpriced. And the food is not too inspiring. But the head-spinning city view makes it worthwhile to ride the elevator up to the…
Must-see nightlife in Massachusetts
Kenmore Square & Fenway
Disclaimer: this place gets packed with college kids on weekends and on game nights. If you can stand the happy, sweaty people, it's a great vibe,…
South End & Chinatown
Enter beneath the masks of Comedy and Tragedy into the dimly lit interior, where show posters adorn the brick walls. This tiny, theatrically themed tavern…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
This long-standing gay favorite practically guarantees a fun night out, partially because it's two clubs in one, upstairs and downstairs. So there are two…
Charlestown
This is slightly off the beaten path (aka the Freedom Trail), but locals love it for the comfy leather chairs, specialty lattes and housemade English…
The Berkshires
For a drink with the locals, head to this friendly pub on the main drag. Tables in cute wooden booths have views of the sports screens and there's a good…
Boston
If dive bars are your thing, you'll be happy here. In fact, Biddy's is sometimes called the 'best' dive bar in Boston (a town that has no shortage of them…
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Beacon Hill’s long-standing neighborhood dive bar looks old school, with its wooden bar placed under hanging glasses, and a few comfortable booths…
Cambridge
This vast, underground nightspot, formerly the Beat Brasserie, has morphed into the Beat Brew Hall (not a bad shtick, but it's a shame to bid farewell to…
Cambridge
This is a popular, rowdy, almost divey bar, where wood paneling and carpeting cover the walls and Miller High Life is an ingredient in the 'official'…
Boston
Keep alert or you'll miss the hidden entrance into this subterranean space, home to a delightful lounge that looks straight out of 1959. Enjoy well-priced…
Martha's Vineyard
Steeped in history, this snug brick-and-timber pub is part of the Kelley House, built in 1742. With a fire roaring, it's the perfect place to sample some…
Cape Cod
Overlooking Falmouth Harbor, the Boathouse is the place to hit the dance floor around here; it packs with the partying 20-something crowd Thursday through…
Boston
Half the fun is trying to find this secret spot, tucked down a pedestrian lane between Washington St and Court Sq, with no sign on the door. This place is…
Boston
Black-and-white photos and retro advertising posters create a nostalgic atmosphere at this basement pub and grill. The old-fashioned comfort food is…
Boston
The Good Life means a lot of things to a lot of people – solid lunch option, after-work hangout, trivia-night place etc. But the top reason to come here…
Cambridge
This jovial microbrewery is often crowded, with students and other beer-lovers imbibing the fresh local beer. Perennially popular flavors include…
Boston
An informal crowd of thick-accented guys from the ’hood sit at glass-topped tables and drink espresso and Campari. This is a great place to watch a…
Kenmore Square & Fenway
It's not a sports bar, or a dive bar, or a cocktail bar. It's a pub. An English pub – there's a clue in the extensive list of English beers, both draft…
Back Bay
For years, young college students have introduced themselves to urban nightlife by enjoying cheap drinks and cheaper burgers in this pleasantly ratty bar…
Back Bay
A true neighborhood bar, the Corner Tavern has a decent beer selection, satisfying food and a laid-back atmosphere. It's convivial, but not overly crowded…
Massachusetts
Part of the Boston Beer Works family, this microbrewery serves 10 brews on tap, as well as a full menu of pub grub, sandwiches and more. The Blue 92 …
Cape Cod
Things are extra cozy at the Snowy Owl, just off of Main St in Brewster proper. The interior of this coffee shop with an on-site roaster is all warm woods…
Cape Cod
The town's favorite watering hole is both a family-friendly pub and an easygoing, boisterous bar. Got an old car license plate to spare? It'll find a home…
Pioneer Valley
Housed in a big red barn just off the Manhan Rail Trail, this microbrewery uses German brewing techniques to produce its highly rated lagers and ales…
Pioneer Valley
This spirited place has an oversized, oval-shaped bar with 24 beers on tap, and a zillion TVs, making it a good spot to watch a game. The hardworking…
Provincetown
This woman-owned waterfront lounge is a popular dance spot for all genders, especially around sunset. The main event is the 'After Tea T-Dance,' to which…
Cape Cod
Live jazz accompanies creative tapas dishes during dining hours, then DJs hit the decks from 10pm. Signature martinis and a long cocktail list keep the…
Nantucket
Great stargazing (both kinds) at this bustling open-air bar right on the wharf. You can keep one eye on who's getting off the ferry and the other on your…
Cape Cod
On summer nights visitors flock here for grog, pub grub and Red Sox games on monster-size TVs. There are events most nights, from live music to karaoke to…
Provincetown
Watch the streetside parade roll by at this sidewalk cafe that bustles from brunchtime into night. Stop by for Tequila Tuesdays and occasional live music.
Cape Cod
You can stop in this charming cafe for a coffee fix on your way down to the waterfront. It also has a small menu of burritos and sandwiches ($7 to $12).
Cape Cod
Make a stop here to get a primo caffeine and choc fix. Chequessett makes delicious, artisanal bean-to-bar chocolate from sustainably grown cacao beans.
Provincetown
Need some help to stay awake for tonight's parties? Let Kohi help – it makes P-town's best coffee, from espresso to pour-over and cold brew.
The Berkshires
Come to this upbeat tavern for local microbrews on tap, a friendly atmosphere and decent pub fare. Shady outdoor seating is a welcome option.
Provincetown
Grab yourself a sidewalk table and order a fresh ginger mojito at this umbrella-shaded cafe hugging the pulsating center of Commercial St.
Beacon Hill & Boston Common
Be aware that the bar doesn’t really look like its famous TV alter ego, unless you sit in the 'set bar,' which is a replica of the set. It's also not…
Charlestown
The kind firefighters at Engine Company 50 work in a 19th-century firehouse with the Freedom Trail passing nearby. On most summer days, they open up a bay…
Back Bay
The beloved canine-friendly local hangout Wired Puppy was bought out in 2017 by a coffee conglomerate from the South. Fortunately, the cozy, exposed-brick…
South End & Chinatown
Welcome to the future, where the walls and ceiling are covered with multicolored lights that throb in time with the music. A state-of-the-art sound system…
