Boston, a city celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture, truly comes alive when the sun sets. As darkness descends, the city’s dance clubs and nightclubs with pulsating dance floors become magnets for those seeking exhilarating nightlife experiences. Whether you’re after sophisticated cocktail lounges, exclusive bottle service, or the retro charm of a disco ball, Boston’s club scene has something to ignite your nights.
Expect to hear a diverse range of music genres across the city’s best dance clubs. DJs in Boston are known for spinning everything from high-energy techno and EDM to soulful house, angsty emo anthems, current Top 40 hits, hip-hop beats, classic rock riffs, and much more. The city’s electric nightlife typically kicks into high gear around 10 or 11 pm, filling up with enthusiastic crowds until the 2 am closing time, with last call for drinks at 1:30 am.
Each Boston dance club boasts its own unique personality and atmosphere, making it worthwhile to explore a few to find your perfect vibe. Many clubs feature themed nights, drastically changing the music, crowd, and overall experience depending on the day of the week. Don’t hesitate to club hop and discover the spots that resonate with your style.
You’ll find many of the Best Boston Dance Clubs concentrated in two key areas: the Theatre District and the bustling nightlife corridor between TD Garden and Downtown Boston. However, exciting venues also dot areas like Seaport, Fenway, the South End, Allston/Brighton near Boston University, and even across the Charles River in Cambridge.
Ready to explore the best of Boston’s dance club scene? Let’s dive into our guide to the top spots:
Premier Dance Clubs in Boston’s Theatre District
The Theatre District is a prime location for some of Boston’s most renowned dance clubs, offering a variety of experiences from opulent venues to intimate spaces.
Royale Boston: Grandeur and High-Energy Beats
Royale Boston, with its impressive 1,300-person capacity, is housed in a beautifully renovated former opera house. This grand venue features a massive stage where you might catch costumed go-go dancers adding to the spectacle.
Image alt text: Jamie xx electrifies the crowd at Royale Boston, a premier dance club in the Theatre District.
Royale boasts a spacious wooden dance floor, comfortable plush seating, and a state-of-the-art sound system, making it a favorite for both dancing and live performances. A wraparound balcony on the second floor provides excellent views of the main ballroom, perfect for enjoying concerts or watching the energetic dance floor below.
DJs at Royale deliver a high-octane mix of electronic music, alternative rock, Top 40 remixes, techno, and hip hop, catering to a vibrant and energetic crowd. Beyond dancing, Royale is also a fantastic spot to catch live music acts, often featuring edgier performers than some other venues in the city. You can even find stand-up comedy on Tuesday nights. Royale is also a popular choice for ticketed events, bachelorette parties, and private catered events.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 pm to 2 am; special shows and concerts earlier in the evening and on other nights
Dress Code: While there’s no official dress code, it’s best to dress nicely. Avoid athletic wear, sweats, sneakers, baggy jeans, or hats. Gentlemen might consider a collared shirt.
Cover: Varies from free to $20-25, depending on the day, time, age, and gender, and can be higher for concerts and special events.
Location: 279 Tremont Street, Theatre District, Boston (next to the Marriott Courtyard Tremont Hotel).
Website: royaleboston.com
Guilt: Intimate and Stylish Dance Space
Located adjacent to Royale, Guilt offers a more intimate and stylish dance club experience. Known for its opulent gold and maroon décor, Guilt provides a sophisticated setting for dancing and socializing.
Image alt text: Luxurious gold and maroon decor at Guilt Boston, an intimate dance club in the Theatre District.
Guilt maintains a dressier atmosphere compared to some other clubs, making it a great choice for those looking to elevate their night out.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 pm to 2 am
Dress Code: Dressy casual to dressy. Gentlemen should wear a collared shirt.
Cover: Around $20
Location: 275 Tremont Street, Theatre District, Boston (behind the Marriott Courtyard Tremont Hotel).
Website: guilt.com
Underbar: Underground Beats and Latin Rhythms
Sharing an entrance with Guilt, Underbar is a bit more hidden, offering a unique underground dance experience. Follow the music to discover this spot.
Image alt text: Entrance to Underbar Boston, a hidden gem for underground music and dancing in the Theatre District.
Underbar features regular and visiting DJs spinning international, techno, and house music in its main room, while a smaller room pulsates with Latin rhythms. The club tends to get going later in the night, so arrive after 11:30 pm if you want to join a lively crowd.
Hours: Thursday – Sunday until 2 am
Cover: Usually $15 – $25
Location: 275 Tremont Street, Theatre District, Boston (Downstairs from Caprice Lounge).
Website: underbarsuperlounge.com
Venu: Diverse Music and Themed Nights
Venu offers a versatile dance club experience with DJs playing a wide range of genres, including disco, Euro, alternative rock, hip-hop, Latin, rap, R&B, house, and techno in one room, and dedicated Latin music in another. Venu is also known for its exciting themed nights, adding extra flavor to your clubbing experience.
Image alt text: Energetic dance floor at Venu Boston, a diverse music club in the Theatre District.
Hours: Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:45 pm – 2 am; Wednesday, 10 pm – 2 am
Cover: Usually around $15-$25
Location: 100 Warrington Street, Theatre District, Boston.
Website: venuboston.com
Rumor: Hip-Hop, Techno, and Latin Vibes
Rumor, situated in the heart of the Theatre District, is a smaller dance club specializing in hip-hop, house, techno, reggae, soca, bachata, and pop music. It also features a separate Latin room for those wanting to move to Latin beats. Rumor is home to Evolution Tuesdays, one of Boston’s longest-running weekly dance events.
Image alt text: Trendy atmosphere at Rumor Boston, known for hip-hop, techno, and Latin music in the Theatre District.
Rumor has a trendier vibe than some other Boston clubs and attracts a diverse, international crowd.
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday open until 2 am; Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are considered the best nights.
Cover: Usually around $10 – $25
Location: 100 Warrington Street, Theatre District, Boston.
Website: rumorboston.com
Minimum Age: 21+
Gypsy Bar: Stylish Scene with a Jellyfish Tank
Gypsy Bar offers a visually striking experience with a small bar area at the front featuring an eye-catching jellyfish tank. In the back, a larger dance floor fills up quickly after 10:30 – 11 pm. DJs here spin Top 40, R&B, reggaeton, and hip hop. Gypsy Bar is a style-conscious venue where you can see and be seen.
Image alt text: Mesmerizing jellyfish tank at Gypsy Bar Boston, a stylish dance club in the Theatre District.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday until 2 am (bar only on Wednesday and Thursday). Opens at 10 pm on Wednesday, and 5 pm Thursday – Saturday. Dinner served only until 10 pm (no dinner on Wed.)
Cover: After 10 – 10:30 pm on some nights, usually around $10-$15.
Dress Code: No sneakers, athletic wear, sleeveless tees, polo-style or rugby shirts, shorts, sweats, hats, baggy clothing, or construction boots. Gentlemen should wear a collared shirt.
Location: 116 Boylston Street, Theatre District, Boston.
Website: gypsybarboston.com
Minimum Age: 21+
Downtown and Financial District Dance Clubs
Venture into Downtown Boston and the Financial District to discover more dance club gems, offering Latin flair and sophisticated settings.
Mojitos: Boston’s Best Latin Dance Club
Mojitos, named after the classic Cuban cocktail, is widely regarded as the best Latin dance club in Boston, despite its smaller dance floor. If you’re passionate about Latin music and dancing, Mojitos is a must-visit. The club features two hardwood dance floors, making it an excellent place to dance the night away to salsa, merengue, reggaeton, house, and bachata.
Image alt text: Lively Salsa Night at Mojitos Boston, the premier Latin dance club in the Financial District.
Fridays are dedicated to Mojitos’ Salsa Night, featuring 100% salsa music and salsa lessons on the upper floor. On other nights, you’ll still hear plenty of salsa alongside other Latin rhythms and exciting “specials” ranging from celebrity DJs to dance contests and live bands. And of course, don’t miss trying one of their signature Mojitos!
Hours: Thursday – Sat., 9 pm – 2 am; Sunday 10 pm – 2 am
Cover: Usually about $10
Location: 48 Winter Street, Financial District, Downtown Boston.
Website: mojitoslounge.com
Umbria: Upscale Nightclub with Italian Elegance
Umbria, part of the renowned Umbria Prime steakhouse, transforms its upper floors into a sophisticated nightclub catering to a mature 25+ crowd. This ultra lounge boasts a vodka bar, table service, plush Italian leather couches, a VIP lounge, and DJs spinning house, Top 40, and mashup hits across two dance floors.
Image alt text: Elegant interior of Umbria Boston, an upscale nightclub in the Financial District.
The space is designed to evoke a sophisticated Umbrian villa, with bars featuring top-shelf liquors, fine Italian and American wines, and a curated beer selection. Diners at the downstairs restaurant earlier in the evening enjoy waived cover charges for the nightclub.
Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Holiday Sundays, 10 pm – 2 am
Dress Code: Umbria enforces a strict dress code – no sneakers, hats, or athletic wear. Dress to impress to ensure entry.
Cover: $20, waived if you dine in the restaurant beforehand.
Location: 295 Franklin Street, Financial District, Downtown Boston.
Website: umbriaprime.com
Fenway and Kenmore Square Dance Clubs: Casual and Energetic
The Fenway and Kenmore Square area, near Boston University, offers a more casual and student-oriented dance club scene.
An Tua Nua: Irish Pub by Day, Dance Club by Night
An Tua Nua, a laid-back Irish pub near Fenway Park and Boston University, might not seem like a typical dance club at first glance. However, on most nights, its large back room transforms into a popular dance spot as DJs take over around 10 or 11 pm.
Image alt text: Exterior of An Tua Nua Irish Pub in Fenway, which transforms into a dance club at night.
Monday nights are dedicated to Goth Night, while Wednesdays feature Salsa nights with lessons. Live bands occasionally perform, but DJs primarily rule Thursday through Sunday nights, when the dancing really gets going. Sunday nights host Utopia, a long-running Boston house music party since 1992. An Tua Nua is known for its unpretentious atmosphere, where people come to dance and enjoy the music without a “see and be seen” vibe.
Hours: Varies, DJs typically start around 10-11 pm, check their schedule for specific nights and themes.
Cover: Sometimes, usually $5 – $10
Location: 835 Beacon Street, Fenway, Boston.
Website: antuanuabar.com
Machine: LGBTQ+ Dance Club with Themed Nights
Machine is a vibrant and inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly dance club with a large dance floor, a stage for dancers, and themed nights every day of the week. You can also find karaoke and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Image alt text: Lively dance floor and stage at Machine Boston, a popular LGBTQ+ dance club in Fenway.
Address: 1254 Boylston Street, Fenway, Boston.
Website: machine-boston.com
Requirements: 21+ on some nights
Cover: Varies from free to around $10, sometimes depending on age.
Oliver’s, at Cask ‘n’ Flagon: Sports Bar with a Dance Floor
Oliver’s, an offshoot of the famous Cask ‘n’ Flagon sports bar near Fenway Park, offers a 400 square foot dance floor and lighting setup. DJs spin Top 40, classic rock, hip hop, and R&B, creating a fun and energetic atmosphere. There’s no cover charge and no strict dress code at Oliver’s, making it a casual and accessible option for a night out.
Image alt text: Dance floor at Oliver’s Boston, located within Cask ‘n’ Flagon sports bar near Fenway Park.
Oliver’s name pays homage to Cask ‘n’ Flagon’s original name from the 1960s when it hosted live bands like Aerosmith.
Address: 62 Brookline Avenue, Fenway, Boston.
Website: casknflagon.com
Requirements: 21+, no dress code
Cover: None
Dance Clubs Near Faneuil Hall Marketplace and TD Garden
This area, close to Faneuil Hall and TD Garden, features a mix of sports bars that transform into dance clubs later in the evening.
Big Night Live: Concert Venue and High-Energy Club
Big Night Live, located next to TD Garden, is Boston’s newest mid-size music hall and concert space that also functions as a high-energy dance club. If you’re looking for a club experience similar to those in major cosmopolitan cities, Big Night Live comes closest in Boston.
Image alt text: Stage and dance floor at Big Night Live Boston, a large venue near TD Garden.
While Boston might not rival cities like New York or Rio in sheer club size and volume, Big Night Live offers a high-voltage experience.
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 pm to 2 am; special shows and concerts earlier in the evening and on other nights.
Dress Code: No official code, but dress nicely. Avoid athletic wear, sweats, sneakers, baggy jeans, or hats.
Cover: None to $20-25, depending on the day, time, age, gender; concerts and special events usually require tickets.
Location: Hub on Causeway next to TD Garden, Boston’s West End.
Greatest Bar: Four Floors of Dancing Action
Greatest Bar, located near TD Garden, offers four floors of dancing starting around 10 pm. With three bars and DJs or live music (when there aren’t Celtics or Bruins games), it’s a lively spot, particularly from Wednesday through Saturday. Sports events take precedence, but when the games aren’t on, the dancing takes over. Expect Top 40 and hip-hop music.
Location: 262 Friend Street, West End, Boston.
Website: thegreatestbar.com
Bell in Hand Tavern: Historic Tavern with Nightlife Vibes
Bell in Hand, one of Boston’s historic taverns, also offers a nightlife element. While primarily a pub, it can be a fun spot to check out, especially given its central location near Faneuil Hall and on the Freedom Trail.
Location: 45-55 Union Street, Historic Downtown Boston.
Website: bellinhand.com
Hurricane O’Reilly’s: Lively Sports Bar with Dancing
Hurricane O’Reilly’s, near TD Garden, is a sports bar with a reasonably sized dance floor, DJs, and good food. It gets packed before and after Bruins and Celtics games.
Location: 150 Canal Street, West End, Boston.
Rise: The After-Hours Dance Club
For those who want to keep the night going after 2 am, Rise is possibly Boston’s only after-hours dance club. Located in Back Bay, Rise opens when other clubs close and focuses solely on music and dancing – no alcohol is served. DJs play house and techno across two floors. Note that Rise is a membership club, requiring either membership or being a guest of a member to enter.
Hours: Friday, 2 am – 6:30 am, Saturday, 1:30 am – 6:30 am, and Sundays followed by a Monday holiday.
Cover: Varies depending on membership type or guest status, from $0 to $20 or more for guest DJs.
Location: 306 Stuart Street, Back Bay, Boston.
Website: riseclub.us
Essential Tips for Navigating Boston Dance Clubs
To make the most of your Boston dance club experience, keep these tips in mind:
Dress Codes: Many Boston dance clubs have dress codes, ranging from relaxed to strict. To be safe, especially if you plan to visit multiple venues, it’s best to dress a bit more formally. Common banned items include athletic wear, hats, sneakers, denim (sometimes), work boots, sandals, torn clothing, t-shirts (especially sleeveless), polo shirts, rugby shirts, sweats, and baggy clothing. When in doubt, opt for a collared shirt for men and dressy attire for women.
Cover Charges and Drink Prices: Expect to pay a cover charge at most dance clubs, especially after 10 pm. Think of it as the price of admission to the city’s vibrant nightlife. Drink prices in Boston clubs are also generally on the higher side.
Best Night to Go: The “best” night depends on the club and your preferences. Some clubs have consistent music and crowds, while others feature different themed nights with varying music genres and vibes each night. Many clubs also attract specific demographics based on age, ethnicity, or interests, which can also shift depending on the night. Some clubs host dedicated “gay nights” as well. DJs often set the tone, so a different DJ can mean a different experience.
Choosing the Right Club: If you’re visiting Boston, your hotel concierge can be a valuable resource for up-to-date recommendations based on your interests and what’s happening each night. Locals can get recommendations from friends or simply explore a few different spots. If you’re unsure, consider arriving early to avoid a large cover charge, have a drink, and if the vibe isn’t right, move on to the next club.
Getting Home After Clubbing: Boston’s subway system (“The T”) stops running before the clubs close at 2 am. Plan your transportation in advance – be prepared to leave before closing to catch public transport, take a taxi or rideshare, arrange for a limo, or have a designated driver.
New Year’s Eve Parties in Boston Dance Clubs
New Year’s Eve is the biggest party night of the year for Boston dance clubs. Most clubs host large, ticketed New Year’s Eve events. If you’re planning to celebrate NYE in a Boston dance club, check the websites of the clubs listed here in advance for entertainment lineups and ticket prices. Tickets often sell out, so book early. New Year’s Eve parties generally start later in the evening, giving you time to enjoy Boston’s First Night festivities earlier in the day.
Enjoy exploring the best dance clubs Boston has to offer and have unforgettable nights out in this dynamic city!
