Over the past year, Boston has been pushing to revitalize the city — especially downtown — by introducing free community programming like “Boston Together Again” and identifying alternative uses for public spaces like City Hall Plaza.
The latest push for re-energizing Boston? Creating a new and improved nightlife scene. Enter: Boston’s new director of nightlife economy, aka the “late-night czar.”
Jamaica Plain resident Corean Reynolds is stepping into the position to help make our city’s nightlife options more accessible and equitable.
She plans to explore options like adding more activity-based bars (think: Flight Club + Puttshack) and pop-up events like the Little Saigon night market in Dorchester.
What our readers think:
We asked readers to chime in with thoughts on improving Boston’s nightlife — and the results of our poll are in:
- 21 votes for expanded MBTA hours.
- 10 votes for more late-night restaurants and bars.
- 5 votes for free evening events
- 49 votes for all of the above.
Plus, our Instagram followers joined the conversation — here are just a few responses:
“Expand the MBTA hours. PLEASE. That 12:30-1 cutoff is ridiculous.” — @jake_smith_mixologist
“Even though places can be open until 2 a.m., most are not. It’s like the city closes at midnight.” — @jessicaakentwriter
“More late night snacking places (just copying even a bit of NYC will work).” — @dearpreets
Head downtown to be in the heart of Boston’s theater scene.
Photo by @thechrisdk
While we’re waiting to see how our local nightlife scene evolves, here are a few recommendations for spending a night out on the town.
🍽️ Grab a late-night bite: Check out Bova’s Bakery or South Street Diner for treats and eats available 24/7. If you’re hungry for more, find eight other spots that stay open late.
🎤 Catch a comedy or theater show: Laugh along to a comedy act at Improv Asylum or Laugh Boston, with weekend shows running until ~midnight, or snag tickets to see a musical or play in the Theater District.
🍻 Sip on a drink: Sneak over to a speakeasy like Yvonne’s and Mariel, or drink in the history at Boston’s historic pubs like the Bell in Hand Tavern (open until 2 a.m.).
💃 Hit the dance floor: Grab your group and dance the night away at a high-energy nightclub like Club Cafe, The Grand, or Royale.
🎵 Enjoy live music: Head to D’s Keys for a dueling piano show, pay a visit to the historic Wally’s Jazz Club, or or jam out to bluegrass and traditional Irish sessions at The Bebop.
