top of page

Boston Gay Bars

Boston caters to its large LGBTQ+ population with a variety of queer venues focused on the South End and Jamaica Plain areas, from classic neighbourhood pubs to clubs to more relaxed lounges. These are spaces for the queer community to gather but they draw a mixed crowd of allies as well, such is the widely accepting nature of the Boston community. Many of the mainstream nightlife venues host LGBTQ+ friendly and themed nights, so you'll be welcome and find your crowd absolutely anywhere you choose to spend your night.

GYG-gaymapper-banner-small.png

Boston Hotel Deals

Grab a great deal on your trip with GayMapper's hotel partners

4* Hyatt Regency Boston
3* Harborside Inn
4* Hotel AKA Boston Common
5* Hotel Commonwealth

Bar and Club Suggestions

Jacques' Cabaret

Jacques' Cabaret

Gay Friendly, Drag

Jacque's Cabaret is a slightly offbeat and quirky bar that specialises in flamboyant drag and cabaret. It has dive vibes and is one of the lesser known gay hangouts in the area, having not changed much over the years and kept its traditional and rough around the edges charm. Jacques hosts outstanding low-budget drag shows every night that are reliably popular, so much so that reservations are a must on weekends.
Read more
dbar

dbar

Gay Friendly, Cocktails

dbar is a full service restaurant in the heart of Dorchester, an area with a rapidly growing gay scene. It's a popular hangout for the community, with a bar serving legendary cocktails and a space that seamlessly transforms into a nightclub and lounge as the night goes on. This is the perfect place to spend a stylish date night in the cosy candlelit dining room, or dance into the early hours with a vibrant queer crowd.
Read more
Trophy Room

Trophy Room

Cosy, Cocktails, Gay Friendly

Trophy room serves classic gastro-pub style food alongside a range of craft beers and creative cocktails from an award-winning menu. Its ambience is perfect for both an intimate date night or a night on the town with your friends and tucked away in the heart of the South End, it's one of the few bars in the area open till late. A mixed crowd of locals and tourists makes this a super vibrant and inclusive place to spend your night.
Read more
The Alley Bar

The Alley Bar

Bear, Fetish, Cruising

This veteran gay bear leather cruise bar is hidden away in downtown, providing cheap drinks, dancing, and an unpretentious atmosphere. Recurring parties like Fuzz and Casual Fridays draw a very manly and cruisy crowd, and popular local DJs play an eclectic soundtrack from Top 40 to artsy indie pop. Craft beer, lively music, karaoke, pool, and most importantly lots of men make The Alley Bar a hidden gem.
Read more
Candibar Boston

Candibar Boston

Lesbian, Dancing

Candibar is well-known in the Boston gay nightlife scene for its "Switch Thursdays" parties. These nights are open to everyone but especially popular with the local lesbian crowd, and everyone loves the surrealistic design of the club and its state-of-the-art sound system. Candibar features two rooms where a local and globally renowned DJ's spin everything from House to Eurodance, and on top of all that the whole nightclub is eco-friendly!
Read more
Cathedral Station

Cathedral Station

Sports, Outdoor Seating, Pub Vibes

Cathedral Station is a sports bar and pub that welcomes everyone of all identities. There's a bar area, dining area, an entertainment space complete with pool table and dart boards, and an outdoor patio that's always a popular place to relax between games. The bar serves everything from beers to delicious and cheap cocktails, and the kitchen produced classic pub, as well as a more adventurous brunch menu and a range of evening nibbles.
Read more
Club Cafe

Club Cafe

Dancing, Drag

A leader in the Boston nightlife scene for over three decades, Club Cafe boasts a top rated restaurant, cabaret, and dance club that's open seven nights a week. Plenty of fun events like bingo, karaoke, and T-dances are just some of the different things you can expect throughout the week in the club, while in the restaurant you can find extensive dinner, drinks, and brunch menus. They even cater for banquets and parties!
Read more

Tours & Experiences in Boston

Boston is one of those cities where a walking tour actually feels worthwhile. Follow the Freedom Trail, visit Fenway Park or cross over to Cambridge, then reward yourself with seafood, cocktails and an evening exploring the city’s compact but lively nightlife.

Gay friendly hotels in Boston

Boston’s LGBTQ+ scene is more spread out than in cities with a traditional gay village, so a central location is usually the best strategy. The South End has long been associated with the city’s gay community, while neighbouring Back Bay combines restaurants, shopping and excellent transport. Downtown is another practical base for sightseeing. GayMapper’s recommended gay-friendly hotels range from characterful boutique stays to luxury properties, helping you stay well connected to both Boston’s nightlife and the historic sights you probably promised yourself you were coming to see.

GYG-gaymapper-banner-small-v3-728x100.png
bottom of page