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Boston
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Allston / Brighton, Boston, MA

Allston / Brighton, Boston, MA

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Located directly across the Charles River from Cambridge (to the north) and Downtown Boston (to the east), Allston and Brighton are home to Boston University, Harvard Business School, and Boston College – not to mention Harvard Stadium – giving both areas a unique college town feel in the midst of the big city.

Although the border between Allston and Brighton is so unclear that they are usually lumped together, each has a distinct personality, with Allston sporting the slightly edgier and more urban vibe and Brighton a more laid-back suburban atmosphere.

Numerous cafés and coffee shops give students plenty of space for quiet study and jolts of caffeine by day, while nights and weekends – especially in Allston – are all about barhopping from Harvard to Commonwealth Avenues, when students and recent grads intent on getting wasted fill the loud and rowdy bars and live music spots to rock out to classic rock and Top 40 and swill some of the cheapest beer in the city.

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What to Do in Allston / Brighton

BU Beach

20s / Casual / Games / Groups / Picnic

Reviewed by Billy K.

"My Take: As a Boston University alumnus, it’s my distinct honor to be the first person to review the BU Beach. The BU Beach is nestled neatly behind M ..." more

BU Beach
Boston, MA 02215

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Paradise Rock Club and Lounge

Alternative Music / Artsy / Bar

Party Earth Review A time-honored hangout and live venue for Beantown’s rocker community since it opened in the mid-1970s, the 1000-capacity Paradise Rock Club and Lounge has developed a reputation as ... more

967 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

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Deep Ellum

20s / Alternative Music / Bar / TVs

Party Earth Review Patrons looking for a bit of classy southern charm amid Allston’s sloshy frat bars can head to Deep Ellum, a Texas-themed venue with an impressive selection of exotic microbrews and ... more

477 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02135

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The Dugout Cafe

20s / Anything goes / Bar / Burgers

Reviewed by Billy K.

"My Advice/My Take: The Dugout Café is a Boston bar that is almost for Boston University students exclusively. It’s literally a dugout on Commonwealth ..." more

722 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

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Common Ground

20s / 80s Music / 90s Music / DJ / EDM

Party Earth Review Student-friendly Allston may be packed with all-too-similar “bar and grill” venues, but Common Ground stands out from the herd with its unique and extensive beer list, solid food, convivial ... more

85 Harvard Avenue
Allston, MA 02134

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Sunset Grill & Tap

30s / 80s Music / 90s Music / Bar

Party Earth Review Winner of numerous accolades including Boston Magazine’s Best Beer Selection, Sunset Grill & Tap attracts hordes of animated students from the nearby Boston University, Berklee, and ... more

130 Brighton Avenue
Boston, MA 02134

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Devlin's Bistro & Bar

After Work / Ambient / Bar / Brunch

Party Earth Review Amid a sea of grungy Brighton dives, Devlin’s Bistro & Bar stands out like a sore but classy thumb. The long main room, painted in soft earth tones and decorated with modern art, is ... more

332 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135

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Great Scott

20s / 80s Music / Artists / Bar / Beer

Party Earth Review 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 ... more

1222 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02134

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The Green Briar

Ambient / Boisterous / Brunch / DJ

Party Earth Review A few hours at The Green Briar is kind of like being surrounded by family and friends who all happen to agree that international sports should be on the TV, Guinness should be in the ... more

304 Washington Street
Brighton, MA 02135

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Brighton Beer Garden

20s / 30s / Acoustic / Bar Food / Beer

Party Earth Review Sports fans looking for rowdy camaraderie will find a congenial and boisterous crowd at the Brighton Beer Garden, a typical sports bar complete with an impressive array of big screen ... more

386 Market Street
Boston, MA 02135

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Joshua Tree

Bar Food / Baseball / Basketball

Party Earth Review A wayward bro walking the streets in hipster-heavy Allston can rejoice thanks to the sports and pitcher-pounding paradise that is Joshua Tree. When the game’s on, college kids covered ... more

1316 Commonwealth Avenue
Allston, MA 02134

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Nile Lounge

18 and over / 20s / After Work / DJ

Reviewed by Sarah G.

"My Take: Nile Lounge in Allston is the hottest spot to smoke hookah in the area. Whether you are a hookah fiend or a rookie, Nile appeals to all. T ..." more

70 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134

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