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A general view of the renowned Middle East Restaurant and Night Club, a much sought after performance venue for local acts in the Boston area, on March 4, 2013 in Cambridge. — The Middle East in Cambridge.

17 Boston-Area Restaurants With Live Music

From jazz to flamenco to mariachi, the city offers something for every musical taste

by Eater Staff and Nathan Tavares Updated Jul 25, 2023, 9:07am EDT

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The Middle East in Cambridge.

| Paul Marotta/Getty Images

by Eater Staff and Nathan Tavares Updated Jul 25, 2023, 9:07am EDT

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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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.

247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

Visit Website

An exterior shot of an Irish pub with “The Burren” in gold letters on a sign hanging in front of the bar. — The Burren.

Also featured in:

Boston’s Most Essential Irish Pubs

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.

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170 Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150

Visit Website

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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1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Lizard Lounge tater tots in a basket covered in white wax paper. — The tots are never a mistake at Lizard Lounge.

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.

15 Hampshire St Building 300, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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.

Open in Google Maps

50 Binney St, Cambridge, MA 02142

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Find Top-Notch Fried Chicken Around Boston

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.

Open in Google Maps

472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

An exterior photo of a restaurant with a bright yellow awning. — The Middle East.

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.

Open in Google Maps

2 Columbia St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

2 Center Plz, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

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.

Open in Google Maps

60 Seaport Blvd #325, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Hottest New Restaurants in Boston Right Now

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.

355 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

A red-hued, dark interior of a lounge with a curving bar. — Cool before its time.

Also featured in:

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.

1 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215

Visit Website

A country-themed restaurant with American flags and guitars hung on the walls. — Inside Loretta’s.

Also featured in:

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.

Open in Google Maps

541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

The Chicken Thieves play as people celebrate Bastille Day at Beehive. — The Beehive.

Also featured in:

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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.

604 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Visit Website

An exterior photograph of a restaurant with black signage wrapped around the corner of the building. — Darryl’s.

Also featured in:

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.

958 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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.

443 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

Visit Website

Spaghetti Pomodoro at Capo restaurant in South Boston, April 26, 2016. — A plate of pasta from Capo in South Boston.

Also featured in:

The Haven

Eat some haggis, drink up from Boston’s most comprehensive Scotch list, and listen to many musical acts at the Haven.

2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visit Website

A white plate with two pieces of haggis laid on mashed potatoes and parsnips. — Haggis at the Haven.

Also featured in:

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.

470 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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The Burren

247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

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.

247 Elm St, Somerville, MA 02144

Visit Website

An exterior shot of an Irish pub with “The Burren” in gold letters on a sign hanging in front of the bar. — The Burren.

El Potro Mexican Grill

170 Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150

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.

Open in Google Maps

170 Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150

Visit Website

Lizard Lounge

1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

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.

Open in Google Maps

1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Visit Website

Lizard Lounge tater tots in a basket covered in white wax paper. — The tots are never a mistake at Lizard Lounge.

State Park

15 Hampshire St Building 300, Cambridge, MA 02139

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.

15 Hampshire St Building 300, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

Lily P's Fried Chicken and Oysters

50 Binney St, Cambridge, MA 02142

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.

Open in Google Maps

50 Binney St, Cambridge, MA 02142

Visit Website

The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub

472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

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.

Open in Google Maps

472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

An exterior photo of a restaurant with a bright yellow awning. — The Middle East.

The Dial

2 Columbia St, Cambridge, MA 02139

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.

Open in Google Maps

2 Columbia St, Cambridge, MA 02139

Visit Website

The Dubliner Irish Pub

2 Center Plz, Boston, MA 02108

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.

Open in Google Maps

2 Center Plz, Boston, MA 02108

Visit Website

Grace By Nia

60 Seaport Blvd #325, Boston, MA 02210

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.

Open in Google Maps

60 Seaport Blvd #325, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

Lucky's Lounge

355 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

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.

355 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Visit Website

A red-hued, dark interior of a lounge with a curving bar. — Cool before its time.

Loretta's Last Call

1 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215

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.

1 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA 02215

Visit Website

A country-themed restaurant with American flags and guitars hung on the walls. — Inside Loretta’s.

The Beehive

541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

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.

Open in Google Maps

541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Visit Website

The Chicken Thieves play as people celebrate Bastille Day at Beehive. — The Beehive.

Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen

604 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

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.

604 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Visit Website

An exterior photograph of a restaurant with black signage wrapped around the corner of the building. — Darryl’s.

Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

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.

958 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02120

Visit Website

Capo

443 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

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.

443 W Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

Visit Website

Spaghetti Pomodoro at Capo restaurant in South Boston, April 26, 2016. — A plate of pasta from Capo in South Boston.

Related Maps

The Haven

2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Eat some haggis, drink up from Boston’s most comprehensive Scotch list, and listen to many musical acts at the Haven.

2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visit Website

A white plate with two pieces of haggis laid on mashed potatoes and parsnips. — Haggis at the Haven.

Tres Gatos

470 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

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.

470 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Visit Website

Related Maps