Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Boston

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Boston? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Broadway

4.9

4.9 (481)

$31 to $50

American

South Boston

About the restaurant

Reservations strongly encouraged but we do accept walk-ins. We will only be able to seat you when 60% of your party has arrived. Tables are held for 10 minutes after initial reservation and then your table is forfeited. If the reserved table is forfeited, you will remain on the wait list and seated at the next available table. Subject to applicable change. Guests must arrive with reservation during volume periods to skip the line, late arriving guests will not gain access through a line.

All notes and requests in reference to particular seating arrangements between multiple parties will be accomodated to best of abilities, but not guaranteed. Parties will be seated in a discretionary manner based upon volume at time of seating.

We reserve the right to deny access to any guest under 21+ whenever volume dictates.

For parties of more than 10 please call 617-307-6480 to inquire.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jul 13, 2024

10/10 great service and great vibes! Will be back!

BLEND

4.9

4.9 (78)

$30 and under

Gastro Pub

Dorchester

About the restaurant

Blend is a gastro pub that combines the aspects of great food, music, lights and entertainment all into one. Blend "blends" up that neighborhood gastro pub feel where everyone is welcome. Gay owned and Operated, come check us out!

DRAG BRUNCHES ARE 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED
instagram handle : blendboston

Please note when booking for a drag brunch to not choose outside. All drag brunches will be held inside.

Top review

Stephen

Dined 6 days ago

Harlow & Kori are the best. It’s always such a nice time at Blend. Thank you all!

Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe - Waltham

4.8

4.8 (1389)

$31 to $50

Cuban

Waltham

About the restaurant

GUSTAZO is one of the very few authentic Cuban restaurants in the Boston area. Located at 240 Moody street, it offers traditional Cuban cuisine in a modern and inventive way. The ambiance is reminiscent of Spanish colonial architecture, with hand painted tiles, wall to wall pictures of old Havana and Spanish filigree motives.
Signature dishes include Slow Roasted Pork, Enchilado de Mariscos, Empanadas, Camarones al Ajillo and the luxurious Cuban flan.

Top review

Linley

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Great service by Christina and GM Jim couldn’t be more welcoming! Every dish is fabulous but don’t miss the ribs or the beet salad or the plantains wrapped in bacon. And the mojitos are a must!

Tavern In The Square - North Station

4.8

4.8 (356)

$30 and under

American

West End

About the restaurant

Tavern in the Square North Station is located in the heart of downtown Boston, across from TD Garden.

Since opening, North Station has been the go-to spot for Sunday football, Bruins, & Celtics games as well as other Boston Garden events. We offer patio seating with a comfy lounge for when the weather is right, a bar area surrounded by TV’s, & a dining room for a more intimate setting that is still close to the action.

We offer 50 beers on tap, seasonal cocktails with fresh ingredients & food that you & your friends will talk about all week. Be sure to come by for weekend brunch where we mix in classics with fun inspired new favorites!

Centrally located adjacent to MBTA’s orange, green & purple lines, our North Station location provides the perfect base camp for a fun day’s excursion into historic Boston or to have a quick bite & drink before catching your train home.

Follow us on Instagram: @taverninthesquare

Top review

Lauravip

Dined on Sep 24, 2024

Food was good - lots of "comfort" food. I had the Mac and Cheese with chicken. Good amount of chicken, which was nice. Food was hot, again nice.

La Fabrica Central

4.8

4.8 (998)

$31 to $50

Latin / Spanish

Cambridge

About the restaurant

Welcome to La Fabrica, where life is celebrated through our Spanish Caribbean cuisine and lively atmosphere! Feed your soul with our flavorful Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Dominican Republic dishes. Our passion for Spanish Caribbean cuisine is tasted in every bite, from small plates of ceviche to signature entrees such as the Fried Red Snapper, Chuleta Kan Kan, and Mofongo.

Experience Latin-inspired flavors fused with Japanese sushi and a touch of Peru at our new SuViche bar. With our flavorful and colorful cocktails in hand, unwind to the sultry sounds of live Latin music.

Immerse yourself in the culture with our rustic, industrial charm and festive ambiance. See your colorful self in the street art that adorns our walls.

There’s always a seat for you “en nuestra casa” in the heart of Central Square, whether you join us on one of our beautiful patios or in our decorated dining room! Enjoy live music in the front lounge on Thursday-Sunday evenings!

Top review

Tia

Dined 7 days ago

I made dinner reservation for a large group in celebration of my sister's 40th birthday, and they were very accommodating, despite many of our party being late due to traffic complications. The food was delicious and manager Lu, was highly accommodating to ensure we made the most of our time as we closed our night out dancing! We will definitely be back!

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Supper Club at Capo Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (238)

$30 and under

Italian

South Boston

About the restaurant

RETRO VIBES & GOOD TIMES

Tucked underneath Capo Restaurant, the Supper Club looks to recapture the excitement of going out on the town for dinner and a show.

The Supper Club at Capo is a 4,000sf subterranean lounge located next door to Capo Restaurant and below Citizen’s Bank. The Supper Club is accessible through a connecting staircase located in Capo’s dining room at 443 West Broadway. There is a private entrance located at 439 West Broadway which is available for private events only.

The Supper Club at Capo consists of a 40ft bar, a large performance stage for live music and entertainment, a stage-front dance floor with two retro stage-side lounges.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with our current live music and entertainment schedule.

Top review

Rickvip

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

It was a great way to end our last night in Boston. We truly felt like we were in the speakeasy the band and the singer were wonderful. Sophie,our waitress was one of the best we’ve had here in Boston. The food was top-notch price point perfect not overly priced good prices for wine highly recommend.

Estefani's Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (104)

$30 and under

Latin American

Lynn

About the restaurant

We are a Latino family operated restaurant who let our culture and hobbies influence what we do here. We take pride in showing our influences through our work. Those influences are noticeable from the moment you see our mural paying homage to cultural legends as well as when you bite into one of our homemade dishes made with the same love and passion that we had growing up.

You can come in and enjoy an intimate dinner, have a drink at the bar after a day of work, or let loose at one of our specialty themed brunches. Whatever it is that you’re looking for, chances are you’ll find it here. At Estefani’s we don’t like to say bye. We like to say see you next time.

Top review

Courtney

Dined on Sep 15, 2024

Absolutely a vibe!!!! My people from Louisiana loved it!!!! Highly recommended! 10/10

Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar - South Boston

4.7

4.7 (371)

$30 and under

Mexican

South Boston

About the restaurant

LOCO TAQUERIA & OYSTER BAR is a funky neighborhood joint located on West Broadway in South Boston that specializes in tacos, raw bar, and tequila.

Top review

Ricky

Dined 4 days ago

Friendly staff, quick and easy to order. Bar selection is great

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4.7

4.7 (42)

$30 and under

American

Waltham

About the restaurant

Brewer's Tap & Table serves elevated new-American fare paired with an unbelievable east-coast brewery tap list, boutique wines and craft cocktails. We're located on Moody Street in Waltham, MA,
Weeknight dinner and drinks. Weekend brunch and dinner. Live acoustic music Wednesdays and Sundays.
Seasonal Patio.
Large party reservations (10+) and private events (15 to 200+) please go online brewerstapandtbale.com (click on host my event) or email us at info@brewerstapandtable.com.

Top review

Chef Timothyvip

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

Outstanding everything! Thank you for a wonderful evening!

Lily's Bar - Pizza - Patio

4.5

4.5 (159)

$30 and under

American

Financial District

About the restaurant

LILY'S
Bar Pizza Patio

Garden Oasis In The Heart Of Boston's Financial District