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Thu / Apr 15
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.
20s / 30s / Anything goes / Casual
Party Earth Review With its inflation-resistant beer prices, delightfully tacky décor, and homey low-key interior, it’s easy to see why the Silhouette Cocktail Lounge has become an Allston institution ... more
200 Brighton Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
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
American Restaurant / Blouses
Reviewed by Billy K.
"My Advice/My Take: I like this bar/restaurant. The tile floor, wood paneling walls, occasional red paint, and the few arcade games make it rowdier tha ..." more
116 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134
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
All Types / Budget-friendly
Reviewed by Alyssa G.
"Cane's is one of those places that you may find yourself craving late at night. It's not much more than some chicken strips and fries, but many Boston ..." more
949 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
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
20s / After Work / Artsy / Bar / DJ
Party Earth Review Partiers looking for more than just a bar in the Allston area should head to Wonder Bar, a versatile venue that combines cool hangout with a rowdy club experience. Scattered couches ... more
186 Harvard Avenue
Boston, MA 02134
18 and over / Casual / Chill / Dive
Reviewed by Sarah G.
"My Take: DoReiMi karaoke is a dive karaoke place in a great location. It’s great for groups because of the private room rentals that are availa ..." more
442 Cambridge Street
Allston, MA 02134
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
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
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
American Restaurant / Beer / DJ
Reviewed by Tiffany H.
"Tavern In The Square the simply spot you go to when you can't decide where else to go. There are TV's everywhere, the place is really spacious, an ..." more
161 Brighton Avenue
Allston, MA 02134