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Bar Scene
Bostonians had some quibbles with the TV show Cheers, but no one complained that the concept was implausible. From the Littlest Bar (a closet-size downtown watering hole) to the original Cheers bar (formerly the Bull & Finch), neighborhood bars occupy a vital niche. This tends to be a fairly insular scene -- as a stranger, don't assume that you'll get a warm welcome. This is one area where you can and probably should judge a book by its cover: If you peek in and see people who look friendly, give it a whirl.
There is no cover at these bars and lounged unless otherwise indicated.
Bowled Over--The hottest nightlife destination in town is, of all things, a bowling alley. Kings, 10 Scotia St. (tel. 617/266-BOWL; www.backbaykings.com), is a 25,000-sq.-ft. complex in a former movie theater. It has 20 bowling lanes (4 of them private) and an eight-table billiards room. The complex also includes a branch of the Cambridge restaurant Jasper White's Summer Shack. Scotia Street is off Dalton Street, across from the Hynes Convention Center. Open until 2am daily; patrons must be 21 after 6pm.
The Classiest Pickup Joint in Town--On the first Friday of each month, the Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave. (tel. 617/267-9300; www.mfa.org), becomes a spirited nightlife destination. From 5:30 to 9:30pm, music, a cash bar, and a crowd of twenty- and 30-somethings liven up the galleries. General admission to the museum ($13 after 5pm) includes admission to "firstfridays."
Hotel Bars & Lounges--Many popular nightspots are associated with hotels and restaurants; as a rule, these are the only watering holes in town where you don't have to shout to be heard.
Gay & Lesbian Bars--In addition to the clubs listed, some mainstream clubs schedule a weekly gay night. On Sunday, Avalon plays host to the largest gathering of gay men in town. Also check out Monday nights at Axis. Wednesday night at Aria, 246 Tremont St. (tel. 617/338-7080) is known as "Lust" and welcomes both men and women. On Saturday, women congregate at the Ekco Lounge, 41 Essex St., in Chinatown (tel. 617/338-8283). For up-to-date listings, check Bay Windows, the Improper Bostonian, and the monthly Phoenix supplement "One in 10."
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