Best Nightlife in Massachusetts

"This venerable, decades-spanning stalwart in Harvard Square, which happens to have one of the best patios around, remains a fine-dining favorite in a trending-casual industry. It’s the kind of place that is excellent for entertaining the in-laws over mignonette-dabbed oysters or boards bearing local cheeses; waffles topped with fried chicken, decadent foie gras butter and wild apple purée; and buttermilk biscuits enhanced with rose rhubarb jam and almond crémeux. Don’t relegate Harvest to special occasions, though."

"Renowned in Cambridge for high-quality dining, Harvest has won numerous awards for its food, wine and service. Serving contemporary New England cooking, it can be found right on Harvard Square where it has been a regular sight since the 1970s. Harvest describes itself as a welcome respite from the hectic life of the square, boasting elegant decor and a relaxing ambience."

"A multi-level seafood restaurant and bar, located on the Boston Waterfront, that comes with a roof deck and rooftop bar with breathtaking views over the water and harbor. Casual all-day dining on the first floor, more celebratory eating and cocktails on second, the Legal Harborside third floor and rooftop deck offers drinks and Sushi bites in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Equipped with retractable glass walls and ceiling, making it a four-season rooftop."

"Don’t let the stigma of Legal Seafood being a chain deter you from stopping in at Legal Harborside. This is the flagship location. The downstairs is a casual seafood eatery and the second floor is more formal."

"When this trendsetter opened four years ago, it was credited with kicking off Harvard Square’s dining renaissance. Since then, it has become the center of chef Michael Scelfo’s growing empire — he opened the seafood-focused Waypoint(entrées $15–$23) two years ago, and this fall he’ll launch the bar-restaurant Longfellow upstairs from Alden & Harlow. But the subterranean dining room of his original restaurant is still buzzing every night, packed with a crowd that feels like a true Cambridge cross section, from proud college parents to twentysomething entrepreneurs."

"The smoked chocolate bread pudding with sea salt ice cream at Alden & Harlow just melts in your mouth." —Robert Gonzalez, pastry chef at Bistro du Midi. "The chocolate torte with a cherry compote, smoked almonds, and black raspberry ice cream. It was a flourless chocolate cake that was moist and perfectly warmed. It had a contrast of textures and flavors that all worked together in unison." —Hannah Lurier, executive pastry chef at Alta Strada Wellesley"

"Restaurants Contemporary American Harvard Sq. Chef-owner Michael Scelfo churns out some of Cambridge's most inventive weekend brunch offerings. Pickled corn pancakes jockey for attention alongside the likes of hickory smoked pig tails with cheese crisps, grits, and a soft poached egg."

"This North End mainstay has been in operation since 1926; it’s one of the city’s best pizzerias. (Go to this particular location — the original — rather than one of many offshoots.) The secret to Regina’s success is a combination between the oven — it was built in 1888, and its cooking surface remains intact to this day — and the dough, which is left to proof for up to six days. The crust on a pizza from Regina is simultaneously chewy and crispy, and there are ample bubbles on the exterior ring."

"Ask anyone where to find the best pizza in Little Italy, Boston and they'll most likely say Regina's. Family-owned and operated since 1926, Regina's specializes in a secret-recipe brick-oven pizza made with a spicy-sweet sauce and housemade mozzarella. The enormous menu covers nearly every topping you could imagine, and a range of inexpensively priced wines and beers provide plenty of options for washing it all down."

"Address: 11 1/2 Thacher Street, Boston, Mass Website: www.pizzeriaregina.com. Established in 1926, Regina Pizzeria is a pizzeria established by Luigi D’Auria in the North End of Boston and is Boston’s oldest continuously operating pizzeria. The pizzeria has since become a regional chain in New England."

"Not only does Lincoln Tavern serve a fantastic weekend brunch, it offers weekday brunch Monday through Thursday, too, meaning diners can join for breakfast pizzas, signature Lincoln sliders, Fruity Pebble pancakes and pulled pork-topped cheesy biscuits pretty much daily. And before you write off Fridays, think again. Fridays are when Lincoln serves its Brunch Test Kitchen, where it tries out menu items that may or may not make it onto the regular menu."

"This South Boston tavern serves up classic American fare with flair, and their desserts—such as the triple chocolate cheesecake—are particularly noteworthy. The dish starts with a fudgy brownie base, which is topped with a caramel-accented, milk chocolate filling, and then is ultimately garnished with whipped cream, white chocolate ganache, and a drizzling of chocolate sauce. Want to find more fun ideas from the talented pastry team?"

"Situated high above Boston’s Theater District, the posh hotel’s chic open-air lounge is true adult fun in the sun, complete with its own waving monkey art installation. Must-sip summertime libations include the refreshing Boston Common Cucumba and the island-inspired Stuart Street Sip n' Slide, and a special Harpoon brew was recently created exclusively for the Rooftop @ Revere. Lounge on comfy day beds (first come first served) for super chic seen-and-be-seen status."

"Tucked seven stories above the stylish Revere Hotel Boston Common, Rooftop@Revere is one of the most coveted spots for outdoor lounging. You might not expect to find a tranquil refuge from the hustle and bustle of Back Bay, but that’s just what this open-air space delivers. We recommend arriving at the newly renovated hotel early, even at night when the gorgeous space turns lively."

"Looking for a beautiful oasis in the heart of a concrete jungle?. Colonnade’s rooftop bar fits the bill. Set on the 12th story of the Colonnade Hotel near Back Bay, the sprawling rooftop is complete with a pool, stunning views of the city and great drinks."

"Previously known as the legendary Roxy, this nightspot located at theatre district has seen and hosted many of the Boston nightlife events. But these aren’t bygones are the now Royale continues hosting national level music acts on different nights to dance the whole night away. The club had a massive room which in which there is a marble foyer, a magnificent stage, an amazing sound system; all coupled with comfy seating nooks."

"Royale Boston is one of the mega-clubs of Boston having up to the minute elegance and classic beauty mix for creating a unique, provocative, exotic, and gorgeous nightlife experience you can ever think of. The grand and beautiful staircase together with a picturesque and awe-inspiring balcony bring the stylish elements to a club environment. People who are young at heart are always dancing like crazy within the club."

"Previously the location of the Roxy, Royale is one of Boston’s most famous mega clubs, and its largest venue, known for its big bashes. At Royale, beauty and modern elegance come together to create a unique nightlife experience. The club regularly hosts nationally renowned music acts and DJs drawing in crowds of gorgeous people who are eager to dance."

"Bijou Nightclub Boston proves that there is a great audience with a taste for the posh and lavish places as well. With the slick and smooth leather couches, shrewd neon lights, roaring and thundering music that is a blend of club, electronica, and techno – Bijou Nightclub and Lounge has taken the clubbing experience to a whole new level. The venue seems to be transported to the exclusive L.A."

"Over a decade before it became the illustrious Bijou Nightclub on Washington Street, the Boston Bijou Theater opened in 1882 as the first American playhouse lit entirely by electricity. The electrical system was installed and supervised personally by Thomas Edison. Flash forward 138 years and visitors to Washington Street are able to enjoy the Bijou Nightclub in Boston’s Theater District."

"Featuring luxury lounges on multiple levels, Bijou is a nightclub set in a theater from 1882 that offers variety and versatility for however you want to spend your night on the town. The Onyx Room provides an ultra-VIP experience with a top-class sound system and spectacular table service. It also features three focal bars to put you right in the center of the action."

"While we’re eagerly awaiting Comfort Kitchen’s permanent restaurant in Dorchester’s Upham Corner, set to open later this year, the team’s exciting exploration of the cuisines of the African diaspora is already garnering super-strong praise in Jamaica Plain. That’s where Comfort Kitchen has temporarily set up shop inside the space-themed diner Little Dipper, a summer home for chef Kwasi Kaa to share beef kafta with yogurt tahini, spiced roasted eggplant with Moroccan-style couscous, berber lamb with dried fruit, and other plates that reflect his current spotlight on the culinary traditions of those diverse North African and South Asian communities that Christian Europeans sweepingly referred to as Moors. Comfortkitchenbos.com; currently located at Little Dipper, 669A Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-9217."

"Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen is a perfect spot for jazz, R&B, and a variety of other musical stylings. It’s also a perfect spot for all-you-can-eat Sunday jazz brunch ($25). Grits, fried chicken, ribs, and more."

"This place has a number of worthwhile shows to check out, from Casey Malone's Fine Line Comedy to Will Smalley and Andrew Mayer's Two Kids in a Trench Coat. Fun people in a fun place."

"The ice cream: A favorite among Boston College students and locals, White Mountain’s menu includes a wide assortment of flavors, including classics like death by chocolate. Readers praised the parlor for its comfortable atmosphere, reasonable prices and quality flavors (particularly their cookie monster, which is reportedly chock full of cookies). What our readers said: “Homely small-town vibe, despite being so close to the city, exceptional waffle cones."

"Admit it, BC kids — you’ve risked your life running across Comm Ave for a scoop of Cookie Monster at least once. Creamy vanilla ice cream, cookie dough, and Oreos… White Mountain Creamery’s signature flavor is the perfect combo to get you through those hot few weeks at the beginning and end of the year."

"Primarily an exceptional retail shop for cheese (so much cheese) and other specialty goodies, the Huron Village location of Formaggio Kitchen is also notable for its long-running seasonal weekend barbecue series that happens on the sidewalk in front of the shop."

"Overflowing with the region’s best aged and fresh curds, Formaggio is a bona fide turophile’s haven. But even those without extensive cheese knowledge will enjoy [...] read more». 2018 Best Cheese Shop"

"We’re nearing the point where the post-industrial hinterlands of Everett should maybe be renamed The Brewery District, so that’s great if you tend to get thirsty after foraging for scrap metal. BearMoose is the latest addition, a good-sized brewery in a place that looks like it turns into a ball bearing factory overnight. You’ll find darts, cornhole, Jenga, and all the other games adults love to play in various stages of arrested development, plus an events calendar filled with live music and painting nights."

"Put on by the American Repertory Theatre, The Donkey Show is part theater and part nightclub. The premise is a remake of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream in a 1970s disco club, a la Studio 54. The show happens around you while you’re enjoying a cocktail or two – and hopefully dancing your heart out!"