Great Scott Bar / Music Venue

Allston / Brighton, Boston –

Indie music lovers looking to catch the next hot band before it hits the big time should check out Great Scott, one of Boston’s best small music venues with a reputation for finding and showcasing new talent.

Popular with a casually dressed young crowd of students, artists, and urban hipsters who gather to enjoy an eclectic mix of music and some reasonably priced brews, the unassuming one-room bar features little in the way of décor, save for the neon beer signs, busts of Elvis, and collection of international flags.

The focal point, of course, is the large stage that occupies the back half of the L-shaped room and plays host to local artists early in the week, when groups of Allston natives show up in their vintage duds to party.

Artists with more national cachet fill the roster later in the week, though one of the most popular events remains Friday’s The Pill, an indie dance night that packs in a stylish crowd of Allston hipsters, Boston University students, and casual club-goers who fill the dance floor to rock out to the DJs mix of indie, 80s, and Britpop tunes.

Patrons who get a bit carried away by the inexpensive draft beers and high-energy vibe needn’t worry – the dark and cavernous bar at Great Scott also opens daily at noon, making it the perfect place to nurse that Saturday afternoon hangover.