Boston
Updated 2025-01
5 min read
BU Nightlife Guide
Where to go out near BU - bars, clubs, and late-night spots for students 21 and over.In This Guide
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Nightlife Near BU
Boston's nightlife scene shuts down earlier than NYC or LA (bars close at 2am, T stops around 12:30am), but there's still plenty to do. Important: You must be 21 to enter most bars. Fake IDs are heavily checked.
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Allston Bars
The closest nightlife to campus. Dive bars and student-friendly spots:
- The Draft: Sports bar popular with BU students. Big TVs, cheap beer, trivia nights.
- Deep Ellum: Craft cocktails in a stylish space. Better for dates than big groups.
- Lone Star Taco Bar: Tacos + margaritas. Loud and fun on weekends.
- O'Brien's Pub: Dive bar with live music. Very Boston.
- Silhouette Lounge: Classic dive. Cheap drinks, no pretension.
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Downtown & Back Bay
Fancier options for bigger nights out:
- Lansdowne Street (Fenway): Club row near BU. House of Blues, Big Night Live.
- The Grand: Large club, different themes each night. Can be expensive.
- Harp: Irish pub near Faneuil Hall. Tourist trap but fun for groups.
- Bell in Hand: America's oldest tavern. Historic dive.
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Going Out Tips
Pro Tip
Important Tips
- ID Check: Bring your real ID. Fake IDs are confiscated and can lead to legal trouble.
- Last Call: Bars stop serving at 1:45am, close at 2am.
- Getting Home: T stops at 12:30am. Budget for Uber or use the BU Late Night Shuttle.
- Cover Charges: Downtown clubs often charge $20-30 cover on weekends.
- Dress Code: Allston bars are casual. Downtown clubs may turn away sneakers/athletic wear.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the drinking age enforcement like in Boston?
Strict. Boston bars regularly get cited for serving underage, so they check carefully. Fake IDs are scanned. Don't risk it.
Best nights to go out?
Thursday is big for college students. Friday and Saturday are busier but more mixed with non-students. Wednesday trivia nights are popular too.
Where do BU seniors go?
Allston is mostly juniors and seniors. Underclassmen (under 21) mostly stick to dorm parties or dry events.
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