Boston Dance Clubs

Where Boston nightlife rocks

Boston dance clubs are a vibrant part of Boston nightlife where you'll find DJs and all kinds of dance music. 

Love dancing?  Boston DJs spin techno, house, Top 40, salsa, and more. 

Many dance clubs in Boston remain fairly empty until 10 or 11pm - and then they fill up until closing time, which is usually at 2am when they have to stop serving drinks.

But you'll find exceptions, including one after-hour club where you'll find only dancing.

Other dance clubs in Boston have another persona during the day - perhaps as a historic tavern or a popular Boston bar - and then morph into DJ clubs and dance floors late in the evening.

Dance club photo courtesy Eric Pasco.  Copyright 2007 Eric Pasco

Where to find Boston dance clubs

For your club-hopping convenience, most Boston dance clubs can be found in a fairly compact areas: 

• The Theatre District, and its fringes - this is where you'll find the largest concentration of dance clubs, with some spillover into Back Bay
• The area around Faneuil Hall stretching toward TD Garden, plus a couple in the nearby Financial District
• The area around Fenway Park/Kenmore Square - more relaxed and laid back than in other areas; generally, sports bars rule in this neighborhood

Dress codes, covers, and more

Many Boston dance clubs have dress codes ranging from minimal to downright picky, so generally plan to dress up a bit, especially if you plan to hit more than one place since some are more demanding than others. 

Banned items may include any or all of the following and probably other items as well: athletic wear, hats, sneakers, denim, construction boots, hiking boots, work boots, sandals, torn clothing, sleeveless t-shirts, t-shirts, polo shirts or polo-type shirts, rugby shirts, sweats, baggy or excessively baggy clothing.

Also, expect to pay a cover charge at most of these dance clubs, especially if you arrive after 10.  Annoying?  Think of it as the cost of the extra drink that you'd have consumed if you'd arrived early enough to avoid the cover. 

Theatre District Boston dance clubs

Felt - Boston dance club with pool optional

DJs spin house music, 80s hits, top 40, and mash-ups on Fridays and Saturdays in the first floor lounge.

533 Washington Street near Downtown Crossing; Orange and Red Line/Downtown Crossing, 617-350-5555; website
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Gypsy Bar - See and be seen

This Theatre District nightspot has a small bar in front with an attention-getting jellyfish tank, and a larger dance floor in back that gets crowded after 10:30 - 11pm.  DJs spin Top 40, 80s disco, hip hop.  See and be seen at this style-conscious dance club in Boston.

Hours:  Wednesday - Saturday until 2am (bar only on Wednesday and Thursday).  Opens at 10pm on Wednesday, and 5pm Thursday - Saturday.  Dinner served only until 10pm (no dinner on Wed.)
Cover:  After 10 - 10:30pm on some nights -- usually around $10
Directions to Gypsy Bar: 116 Boylston Street,Theatre District, Downtown Boston; Green Line/Boylston; 617-482-7799; website
Minimum age:  21+
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Mojitos - Best Boston salsa dance club

Named after a Latin American drink originating in Old Havana, Mojitos is considered the best Latin dance club in Boston.  This is the place to be if you want to listen to various styles of great Latin music, have a couple of drinks, and dance the night away - especially since the club's two hardwood floors are perfect for dancing. 

Come on Fridays for Mojitos' legendary Salsa Nights, featuring 100% salsa and free hour-long salsa lessons on the upper floor - although you'll hear plenty of salsa on other nights too, along with meringue, reggaeton, and bachata.  On other nights, you'll find lots of "specials" to keep the excitement high - anything from celebrity DJs to dance contests to live bands.

Be sure to have one of their signature Mojitos!

Hours:  Thursday - Sat., 9pm - 2am; Sunday 10pm - 2am
Cover:  Usually $5-10, depending on the day
Direction to Mojitos: 48 Winter Street, Financial District, Downtown Boston; *Green Line/Park; 617-988-8123; website
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Rise - open only after other Boston dance clubs close

Possibly the only after-hours Boston dance club.  Located in Back Bay near Bay Village, the Theatre District, and Park Square, Rise doesn't open until other places close. 

Rise is all about music and dancing - no alcohol is served.  Regular and guest DJs play house and techno dance music on 2 floors.

You need to be a member or a guest of a member to get in.  Four levels of memberships are available.

Hours:  Friday, 2am - 6:30am, Saturday, 1:30am - 6:30 am, and Sundays when followed by a Monday holiday
Cover:  Varies according to your type of membership or if you're a guest - anywhere from $0 to about $20 or more if guest DJs are scheduled
Directions to Rise: 306 Stuart Street, near intersection with Arlington Street and Columbus Ave, Back Bay; Green Line/Arlington; 617-423-7473; website
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

The Roxy - Long-time favorite among Boston dance clubs

With a capacity of 1,300, the Roxy is huge and boasts a full stage, a large wooden dance floor, and an amazing sound system.  DJs and live bands play a mix of '80s hits, alt rock, reggae, rock, swing, and techno to the delight of the high-energy crowd. 

Occasional concerts and special shows such as the Chippendales add to the eclectic mix.  The Roxy is also a favorite spot for Boston bachelorette parties. 

On Saturday nights, the Roxy hosts "Epic Saturdays," billed as "New England's leading weekly gay dance event" and featuring special performers. 

With a total of 7 bars, numerous lounges, and private VIP sections, you'll find lots of different places to enjoy the show.  A wrap-around balcony on the 2nd floor overlooks the main ballroom and gives you a good spot for watching the concerts and dancing.  In addition, a 3D laser light system and a penchant for glitz and glitter make the Roxy a long-time favorite among Boston dance clubs.

Hours:  Friday and Saturday, 10pm to 2am; occasional special shows and concerts on other nights
Cover:  $5 - 10 or more, depending on day, time, age, gender
Directions to The Roxy: 279 Tremont Street (next to Marriott Courtyard Tremont Hotel),Theatre District, Downtown Boston; Green Line/Boylston; 617-338-7699; website
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Underbar - Follow the sound of music to find this one

Downstairs from Caprice Lounge in the Theatre District - one of the most hidden Boston dance clubs.  Regular and visiting DJs spin international, techno, and house music in the large room, and Latin in the smaller room.  Plan to arrive after 11:30 unless you enjoy being alone.

Hours:  Thursday - Sunday until 2am
Cover:  Usually $15 - $25
Directions to Underbar: 275 Tremont Street,Theatre District near New England Medical Center (Downstairs from Caprice Lounge), Downtown Boston; Orange Line/Medical Center; 617-292-0080; website
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Venu - Hip and Latin

At this popular Boston dance club, DJs spin tunes for dancing to a mix of disco, Euro, alt rock, hip-hop, Latin, rap, R&B, rock, house, and techno in one room, and Latin in another.

Hours:  Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:45pm - 2am; Wednesday, 10pm - 2am
Cover:  Usually around $25
Directions to Venu: 100 Warrington Street,Theatre District, Downtown Boston; Green Line/Boylston; 617-338-8061; website
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Faneuil Hall area clubs - including clubs near the Garden and the Financial District

Umbria - Newest Boston dance club

Frank De Pasquale's famed Umbria Prime steakhouse in the Financial District has transformed its 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors into Umbria the Nightclub.  Catering to a 25+ crowd, the club features an ultra lounge with a vodka bar, table service, plush Italian leather couches, a VIP lounge, and DJs spinning House, Top 40, and Mashup on 2 dance floors. 

The space has been transformed into a sophisticated Umbrian villa.  Bars feature top-of-the-line labels, great Italian and American wines, and a nice selection of beers.  If you dine in the restaurant downstairs earlier in the evening, the cover charge is waived.

Hours:  Fridays, Saturdays, and Holiday Sundays, 10pm - 2am
Cover:  $20; waived if you've dined in the restaurant earlier in the evening
Directions to Umbria: 295 Franklin Street, Financial District, Downtown Boston; Red Line/Downtown Crossing; valet parking available; 617-292-0080; website

Dance clubs near Fenway, Kenmore Square, and BU

An Tua Nua - Boston Irish pub with dancing

This laid-back neighborhood Irish pub near Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, and Boston University doesn't seem, at first glance, like a promising Boston dance club. 

But on most nights each week (in other words, when private events aren't scheduled), An Tua Nua's large back room morphs into one of the most popular Boston dance clubs as DJs take over around 10:00 - 11pm. 

Monday night is Goth Night.  Don't ask.  Wednesdays are for Salsa, complete with lessons.  Occasionally a live band plays.

But the DJs rule on Thursday through Sunday nights, and that's when the dancing really gets going. 

On Sunday nights you'll find Utopia, the Boston House Music party that's been held in several venues around Cambridge and Boston since 1992.  DJ Bruno and occasional guest DJs work their house music magic as a diverse crowd including both newcomers and long-time fans dance, dance, and dance.

The nice thing about An Tua Nua is that it's unassuming.  It's not about see and be seen . . . people go because they like to dance.  If you want, you can sit at little tables around the perimeters - no VIP reservation needed.  But most people dance.

Cover:  Sometimes.  Usually $5 - $10.
Direction to An Tua Nua:  835 Beacon Street, Fenway; Green Line/Park; 617-262-2121; website
Parking:  Very limited on-the-street parking; better bet are Boston parking garages in Fenway

Oliver's, at Cask 'n' Flagon

This offshoot of Cask 'n' Flagon, a favorite sports bar near Fenway Park, boasts a 400 square foot dance floor and lights.  DJs spin Top 40, classic rock, hip hop, and R&B.  No cover, no dress code, but 21+ admission requirements.

Cask 'n' Flagon's original name was "Oliver's" when it started back in the '60s and hosted live bands like Aerosmith 7 nights a week, so the new Oliver's pays homage to this glorious past.

Address: 62 Brookline Avenue, Fenway; Green Line/Kenmore
Requirements:  21+, no dress code
Cover:  None 
Parking:  Very limited on-the-street parking; better bet are Boston parking garages in Fenway

Other Boston dance clubs to check out

Many of these popular Boston dance clubs double as a Boston bar during the day, and then roll out the dance floor and unleash the DJs late at night.

Bell in Hand

45-55 Union Street, 1 block from Faneuil Hall on the Freedom Trail, Downtown Boston; 617-227-2098; Orange Line/Government Center; website

Grand Canal

Near the Garden.  57 Canal Street, West End; Green and Orange Lines/North Station; 617-523-1112; website

Greatest Bar

Also near the Garden.  262 Friend Street, West End; Green and Orange Lines/North Station;  617-367-0544; website

Hurricane O'Reilly's

Close to Theatre District/Bay Village/Park Square - but technically in Back Bay.  350 Stuart Street in Jury's Boston Hotel, Back Bay, 617-532-3828