Choose your location

usa

Europe

Venice

Mon / May 20

New York
Los Angeles
Florence
London
Paris
More Cities
Close

Boston
Neighborhoods
Allston / Brighton, Boston, MA

Allston / Brighton, Boston, MA

Choose a neighborhood

Collapse map / See photo gallery

51 Photos of Allston / Brighton

Expand map / See nearby venues and events

Expand Map
Collapse Map

Venues
Events

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.

Less

What to Do in Allston / Brighton

DoReMi Karaoke

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

Raising Cane's

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

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

Liked By:

Tavern in the Square

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

Liked By:

Silhouette Cocktail Lounge

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

Liked By:

Wonder Bar

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

Liked By: