Boston has got plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs hosting live music several nights a week. Whether you’re looking to sip on a fancy gin drink while seated at a dimly lit jazz club or eat tapas while taking in a live flamenco performance, Boston’s live music scene can accommodate you. Here are some of the best spots for live music Boston and the surrounding area has to offer. (Note: This map focuses on restaurants that offer music for free or relatively cheap cover charges. Venues that are solely bars or larger spots with ticketed shows are not included.)
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17 Boston-Area Restaurants With Live Music
From jazz to flamenco to mariachi, the city offers something for every musical taste

The Burren
Head to the Burren for a Guinness — and/or a Guinness beef stew — and you’re bound to hear anything from swing jazz to traditional Irish music. The music in the front room is free, while the music in the back room is ticketed. On the other side of the river? The Burren team opened another venue, the Bebop, near Berklee in mid-2017.
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El Potro Mexican Grill
The food and the margaritas are worth a trip alone, but the best part about El Potro is the mariachi band. Currently playing on Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at El Potro’s Chelsea location.
Lizard Lounge
The musical stylings that can be heard in the Lizard Lounge are all over the map. Reggae? Check. Jazz. Yup. Jam bands? You got it. Witch pop? Why, yes. Also, order the tots.
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State Park
Along with a tasty chicken katsu sandwich, fun bites like salt and vinegar fried chickpeas and other grub, State Park offers a chance to catch live music and DJs every night of the week in a host of different musical genres. Head to the spot’s Instagram for weekly schedules.
Lily P's Fried Chicken and Oysters
At Lily P’s, start with the oysters — fried, roasted, or raw — then move on to the fried chicken sandwiches and buttermilk biscuits. Come on Tuesday night to catch live bluegrass bands, which perform weekly starting at 7 p.m. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for weekend shows, too.
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The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub
Events in the Middle East’s downstairs venue can get expensive, but music lovers can catch shows on the Corner, in Zuzu, and Upstairs on the cheap. Tallboys are also cheap. Order the hummus and some grape leaves.
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The Dial
Upstairs, chef Justin Urso slings burgers, empanadas, and other bites at the Blue Owl, with its sweeping views from the gorgeous rooftop deck. On the first floor at the Dial, check out the new outdoor patio and container bar, savor some global small plates, and grove to tunes from DJs and live musicians every Sunday through September.
The Dubliner Irish Pub
Can’t fly over to Ireland? The Dubliner, which opened across from Boston City Hall in summer 2022, is the next best thing. If the beef & Guinness pie and hearty Sunday roasts aren’t enough of a draw, head to the inviting upscale pub for live music, usually hosted Wednesdays through Sundays. Expect Irish tunes, of course, including local acts and musicians traveling to town from the Emerald Isle. Visit the restaurant’s Instagram for the weekly music schedule.
Grace By Nia
Nia Grace, who also owns South-End institution Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, opened this stunning and party-ready Seaport spot in May 2023. If the flavor-packed Cajun jambalaya isn’t enough of a draw, the packed entertainment calendar makes this even more of a destination. Head over for live music Wesnesdays through Sundays, with genres ranging from jazz to soul and R&B. Check out the entertainment website for more.
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Lucky's Lounge
Lucky’s was cool before people started thinking Fort Point was cool. Catch a show while snacking on reliable, laid-back dishes of pizzas, nachos, fish and chips, and empanadas.
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Loretta's Last Call
Loretta’s bills itself as Boston’s original country venue. In other words, if you’re looking for a night of line dancing and Southern food like fried pickles, hushpuppies, and hot fried chicken, look no further. There’s live country music most every night of the week; check the schedule for who’s up next before you go.
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The Beehive
Few better spots for jazz and blues in Boston. The drinks at the Beehive are also exceptional, and the decor conjures jazz clubs from the first half of the 20th century.
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Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen
Owned by Nia Grace — who is also behind the buzzy new Grace by Nia in the Seaport — this South End favorite is the spot for soul food and live jazz.
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Slade’s Bar & Grill
Catch live music and DJ sets on most nights at Boston institution Slade’s. No night is complete without an order of the restaurant’s famous fried chicken wings.
Capo
Catch the Sinatra show in Capo’s downstairs Supper Club every Sunday night (yes, this is real), or head there other nights of the week for rotating musical acts — including Taylor Swift Tuesdays.
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The Haven
Eat some haggis, drink up from Boston’s most comprehensive Scotch list, and listen to many musical acts at the Haven.
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Tres Gatos
Head to beloved JP restaurant and record store Tres Gatos on the first Wednesday of every month for a live Spanish flamenco performance at 9 p.m., and keep up with the restaurant on Instagram for other live music acts throughout the month.