THERE’S NOTHING like a big nightclub: getting lost in the middle of a crowd, clearing a spot, and just dancing. But being the variety-craving socialites we are, we’ve embraced another nightlife trend that’s been gathering momentum for the past few years: lounges. Purveyors of the lounge understand that we like to hear each other speak, so the decibel level should be kept within reason. That our stilettoed feet need a break and our stuffed-into-a-size-four butt needs a place to rest. That we like something to nosh on that isn’t caked with gluey orange cheese. That we want a decent buzz to show for that $12 martini. And that sometimes we’d prefer to relax with our friends than endure a high-stress night seeing and being seen (though if we feel like climbing on a table when a good song comes on, we’d like to have that option, too). Read on for a guide to 15 of our favorite Boston lounges.
28 Degrees
It’s all flickering candlelight and clinking glasses at 28 Degrees (1 Appleton Street, Boston, 617.728.0728), where South End sophisticates go to for perfectly-poured cocktails, gossipy whispering, and impromptu fashion shows.
Sit: in the cozy booths, ideal for conversation.
Listen: to low, moody tracks with a good beat; dancing picks up as the night goes on.
Wear: your favorite ensemble from that chi-chi South End boutique.
Sip: seasonal drinks like the Caramel Apple ($11.50) and the Cranberry Sour ($10.50).
Snack: on to-die-for brick-oven pizzas.
Discuss: the tony black-tie benefit you attended last night.
Bring: the coworkers you’ve been dying to drag from their usual post-work hole-in-the-wall.
Meet: your new gay best friend.
33 Restaurant & Lounge
33 (33 Stanhope Street, Boston, 617.572.3311) is for those who like to dance. But resist the urge to break out your dad’s disco-era moves or risk expulsion by the A-list crowd.
Sit: at a table; they get pushed aside as the night goes on, so arrive early for a spot.
Listen: to something progressive but approachable, with a great beat that’ll surely get you dancing. But be warned: downstairs can turn into a bit of a mob scene.
Wear: something slinky and chic.
Sip: one of the house infusions; green olive, starfruit-peach, and blueberry-apricot lend themselves to some inventive signature cocktails.
Snack: on bar bites with style. The fries are truffled, the mini burgers are Kobe, and the chicken tenders come with honey-mustard aioli.
Discuss: who’s stuck languishing in line while you’ve scored a prime spot by the DJ.
Bring: that neighbor who’s been begging for a taste of your cosmopolitan life.
Meet: an adorable law student looking to let loose for the weekend.
Alibi
We can’t help but feel downright mischievous in the low-lit, shadowy corners of Alibi (Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street, Boston, 617.224.4000) — but get yourself arrested in this former jail and risk becoming the ultimate cliché.
Sit: on something swathed in leather — the barstools, benches, and couches are all made with the supple stuff.
Listen: to low, atmospheric house that’s not trying too hard.
Wear: head-to-toe black; this place reminds us of something trendy we’d find in a back alley in New York City.
Sip: from the small-but-savvy wine list.
Snack: on nothing yet, but Lydia Shire’s Scampo will provide a bar menu when it opens (fingers crossed) in November.
Discuss: your small-time run-ins with the law.
Bring: the group of old friends you’ve been dying to catch up with.
Meet: a celebrity hotel guest who’s staying upstairs.
The Beehive
Following its hotly anticipated opening, the Beehive (541 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.423.0069) has emerged as a gathering spot for a wide range of Bostonians — and all agree that the lounge embodies what’s right with our city’s nightlife.
Sit: at one of the prime tables, either upstairs or downstairs.
Listen: to jazz most of the time, often performed by Berklee’s talented elite.
Wear: a boho-chic, Anthropologie-style ensemble.
Sip: anything the talented and friendly bartenders create. Tell them what you like and dislike, then sit back and watch them create.
Snack: on the Bohemian Platter ($24), which goes a long way with its assorted meats and cheeses, or the quirky Kielbasa Pig in a Blanket ($9), served with sauerkraut.
Discuss: something intellectual and vaguely pretentious (in a good way).
Bring: a sheltered friend in from the suburbs looking for an escape from married life.
Meet: an on-the-cusp new musician with the sexiest eyes you’ve ever seen.
City Bar
Far from a hotel-lobby cliché, City Bar (Lenox Hotel, 61 Exeter Street, Boston, 617.933.4800) is a low-lit, intimate room with enough sex appeal to keep us coming back.
Sit: on one of the cushy banquettes or leather chairs and couches, or a barstool if you can snag one.
Listen: to something moody and understated.
Wear: business attire injected with some not-so-conservative style.
Sip: the lounge’s fizzy Champagne Libations ($8), which include the Bellini (made with peach purée), the Confetti (guava purée), and the Emerald (kiwi purée).
Snack: on treats from neighboring Azure. We can’t argue with the “Really Good Lobster Soup” ($12) or spicy polenta fries ($7).
Discuss: that big business deal you’re just about to close.
Bring: your girlfriend’s dad, who you really need to impress.
Meet: no one, if you know what’s good for you (see “Bring,” above).
District
Even though we first brushed by the velvet ropes more than a year ago, District (180 Lincoln Street, Boston, 617.426.0180) hasn’t lost its savvy, street-smart feel. And the funky décor sets off our designer ensembles perfectly.
Sit: in one of the white-vinyl booths or scattered conversation areas.
Listen: to a playlist that runs the gamut (though weeknights tend to skew more toward hip-hop, and weekends more toward ’80s favorites). A few drinks in, dancing becomes unavoidable.
Wear: something urban-chic from Karmaloop.
Sip: on fun, fruity cocktails like the Perfect Peach ($10).
Snack: on upscale potato products, including tater tots ($7), truffled frîtes ($8), and sweet-potato fries ($8).
Discuss: that über-talented new DJ you’ve been into lately.
Bring: your tough-to-please industry friend.
Meet: the hot bartender you’ve been crushing on since the summer. And it’s her night off.
Enormous Room
So what if it’s not really that big? Central Square’s Enormous Room (569 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.491.5550), with its earthy brick walls and cozy, loft-like feel, makes us feel like exclusive members of a super-secret club. (If the line outside doesn’t give it away, just look for the elephant on the door.)
Sit: on something in worn-in leather, including the backless couches and the errant footstool.
Listen: to indie rock, in the early hours; a more boisterous DJ might get the crowd going later in the evening.
Wear: ironic T-shirts and rumpled khakis.
Sip: something from the “Enormous Drinks” list, like the Bad Babysitter ($8.50), Grass Stained Knees ($8.50), or Geisha’s Whisper ($9).
Snack: on small plates with a crunchy Cambridge flair: try the grilled salmon skewer with cucumber-yogurt dill sauce ($7) or the Mediterranean dip plate ($9).
Discuss: the amazing underground show you caught last night in Allston.
Bring: the friend who thinks she’s been everywhere in Boston and is so over it.
Meet: a cerebral Cambridge hottie.
The Foundation Lounge
A true haven for the international crowd, the Foundation Lounge (500 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.859.9900) caters to worldly BU students and other jet-setters with expensive tastes and cosmopolitan tendencies.
Sit: on cozy benches and pillows.
Listen: to everything from Top 40 and house to live soul, depending on the night; dancing is common, so escape outside to the smokers’ patio if you need a break from the action.
Wear: Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, or the Forever 21 equivalent.
Sip: something from the great sake selection.
Snack: on anything from the Japanese-inspired Zensai appetizer menu.
Discuss: the European holiday you’re planning.
Bring: your coupled friend who’ll take one for the team and chat up the unattractive sidekick of the guy you have your sights set on.
Meet: a European transplant with a sexy accent who’s getting his master’s at BU.
The Living Room
The Living Room (101 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.723.5101) strikes an enviable balance between swank and cozy: we often watch patrons try and resist the urge to ditch their shoes and curl up on the plush couches.
Sit: on one of the signature couches. Park yourself early and don’t move.
Listen: to a mix of current nighttime favorites that might tempt you into some dancing.
Wear: your priciest pair of designer jeans.
Sip: one of the signature martinis. Indulge your sweet tooth with the Whipped Goddess ($10.50), the Tiramisu ($10.50), or the Vanilla Bean ($10.50).
Snack: on the drinks; we love this place for morning-after brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, so spend your money at the bar, then drag your hung-over self back tomorrow to feast.
Discuss: who’s wearing what and who’s here with whom.
Bring: your younger sister, who’s home on break from college.
Meet: the best post-bar makeout session you’ve had in a long time — and names were not exchanged.
Lucky’s Lounge
Seaport District favorite Lucky’s Lounge (355 Congress Street, Boston, 617.357.LUCK) may be lacking signage, but its after-hours glow draws in-the-know patrons in droves into the retro subterranean space.
Sit: at of the numerous tables and nooks in the main room.
Listen: to Frank Sinatra, if it’s Sunday (and often Wednesdays too).
Wear: a T-shirt and jeans — no need to get fancy.
Sip: martinis, no matter what. The spot is modeled after a speakeasy, after all, so it just feels right.
Snack: on standard barroom fare, kicked up a notch. Super-fresh spinach-and-artichoke dip ($9) and mini burgers ($14) hit the spot.
Discuss: how amazing the old-school wood paneling would look in your living room.
Bring: your high-school friend who used to throw the best basement parties.
Meet: a Southie yuppie who’s finally branched out from his usual neighborhood dive.
Match Burgers & Martinis
We head to Match (94 Mass Ave, Boston, 617.247.9922) because who doesn’t look amazing bathed in flattering firelight? Plus, we can’t help but love the buzzing of Boston socialites from table to table, and the true urban-chic feel of the place.
Sit: at one of the intimate booths or tables, or stand around the bar.
Listen: to some cutting-edge French DJ you’ve never heard of.
Wear: something tight, or risk being upstaged by the cute waitresses.
Sip: any of the original cocktails — we love that each drink is served with its own tiny silver shaker.
Snack: on one of the variations of the mini-burger.
Discuss: where the hottest after-party is.
Bring: your college roommate, in from New York City for the weekend.
Meet: the gorgeous model you recognize from that Stuff@night spread a few months back.
Middlesex Lounge
Sure, most of the clientele is probably smarter than you’ll ever be, but the industrial, minimalist space that is the Middlesex Lounge (315 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.868.MSEX) is a key stop on the local party circuit.
Sit: on a stumpy barstool or a pillowy bench on wheels, but beware: they’re
moved out of the way when the dancing gets crazy.
Listen: to the bass line, which is always thumping. Dancing is common.
Wear: skinny jeans.
Sip: beer — though the drink list is eclectic, too.
Snack: from an eclectic menu of vaguely healthy options, including Ten Tiny Tacos ($8) served with pulled pork or black beans, and jerk chicken sticks ($6.50) with mango dipping sauce.
Discuss: the new eco-friendly tequila you’re hooked on.
Bring: the cute friend you’ve been crushing on but haven’t quite figured out how to tell how you feel.
Meet: the owner of the cool restaurant you’ve been frequenting lately.
Saint
Tucked away on a Back Bay side street, Saint (90 Exeter Street, Boston, 617.236.1134) has garnered a rep as a go-to for visiting celebrities looking to get their party on — plus those of us who crowd the nightspot hoping to catch a glimpse.
Sit: at one of the spot’s VIP tables, if you can snag one.
Listen: to those Top 40 tracks that get you totally pumped; just try to resist busting out your moves.
Wear: something trendy.
Sip: Red Bull and vodka for the energy to make it until closing; Saint’s version is the Ketel of Bull ($12).
Snack: on one of the menu’s many dishes that are made to share, like the selection of gooey fondues.
Discuss: the industry love triangle you got wind of on your last trip to the ladies’ room.
Bring: your destined-to-be-famous best friend.
Meet: whoever’s hiding in that roped-off corner.
Vintage Lounge
Don’t underestimate the developed palates of those financial types: from the way they crowd the Vintage Lounge (72 Broad Street, Boston, 617.482.1900), one might mistake them for professional imbibers. And they have the funds to pick up the tab.
Sit: at one of two bars, or on some of the mod seating in the front room.
Listen: to tunes that aren’t too obtrusive.
Wear: a well-cut suit and tie, if you want to blend in.
Sip: something from the great list of wines by the glass.
Snack: on a selection varied enough to impress even the most well-traveled CEO: tuna sashimi ($12), duck confit spring roll ($10), grilled goat-cheese sandwich ($9).
Discuss: your stock portfolio.
Bring: your cash-strapped best friend in the dead-end relationship.
Meet: a financier with money pouring out his ears.
Whiskey Park
We love that Whiskey Park (64 Arlington Street, Boston, 617.542.1482) reminds us of some rich dude’s study — all dark, lacquered wood and leather accents. But come late night, the place becomes anything but stodgy with one of the best party scenes in the city.
Sit: on one of the front room’s leather chairs or padded barstools, or reserve a VIP table in the back.
Listen: to a popular mix of Top 40, old school, and rock, and arrive ready to show off your moves.
Wear: something black and designer, with a prominent label.
Sip: from the kind of list that starts trends. Challenge your palate with the Clementine Crush ($13), the Mangomint Mojito ($13), or the Rosemary-Lemon Martini ($14).
Snack: at your own risk. You’ve got that great outfit to fit into.
Discuss: the amazing outlet shopping just outside Milan.
Bring: that hot friend who always manages to draw attention to you both, for better or worse.
Meet: the kind of guy who spends more time getting ready than you do. @
[Photos by Kelly Davidson]
