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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.
Paul Marotta/Getty Images

17 Boston-Area Restaurants With Live Music

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

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The Middle East in Cambridge.
| Paul Marotta/Getty Images

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

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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.

An exterior shot of an Irish pub with “The Burren” in gold letters on a sign hanging in front of the bar.
The Burren.
Nic Antaya for The Boston Globe via Getty Images

El Potro Mexican Grill

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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

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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.

Lizard Lounge tater tots in a basket covered in white wax paper.
The tots are never a mistake at Lizard Lounge.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

State Park

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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

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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.

The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub

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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.

An exterior photo of a restaurant with a bright yellow awning.
The Middle East.
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Dial

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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

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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

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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.

Lucky's Lounge

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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.

A red-hued, dark interior of a lounge with a curving bar.
Cool before its time.
Lucky’s Lounge

Loretta's Last Call

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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.

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

The Beehive

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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.

The Chicken Thieves play as people celebrate Bastille Day at Beehive.
The Beehive.
Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen

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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.

An exterior photograph of a restaurant with black signage wrapped around the corner of the building.
Darryl’s.
Erika Adams/Eater Boston

Slade’s Bar & Grill

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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.

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.

Spaghetti Pomodoro at Capo restaurant in South Boston, April 26, 2016.
A plate of pasta from Capo in South Boston.
John Blanding/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Haven

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

A white plate with two pieces of haggis laid on mashed potatoes and parsnips.
Haggis at the Haven.
Erika Adams/Eater Boston

Tres Gatos

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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.

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.

An exterior shot of an Irish pub with “The Burren” in gold letters on a sign hanging in front of the bar.
The Burren.
Nic Antaya for The Boston Globe via Getty Images

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.

Lizard Lounge tater tots in a basket covered in white wax paper.
The tots are never a mistake at Lizard Lounge.
Rachel Leah Blumenthal/Eater Boston

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.

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.

An exterior photo of a restaurant with a bright yellow awning.
The Middle East.
Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

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.

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.

A red-hued, dark interior of a lounge with a curving bar.
Cool before its time.
Lucky’s Lounge

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.

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

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.

The Chicken Thieves play as people celebrate Bastille Day at Beehive.
The Beehive.
Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

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.

An exterior photograph of a restaurant with black signage wrapped around the corner of the building.
Darryl’s.
Erika Adams/Eater Boston

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.

Spaghetti Pomodoro at Capo restaurant in South Boston, April 26, 2016.
A plate of pasta from Capo in South Boston.
John Blanding/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Related Maps

The Haven

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

A white plate with two pieces of haggis laid on mashed potatoes and parsnips.
Haggis at the Haven.
Erika Adams/Eater Boston

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.

Related Maps