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Best Boston Bars Without A Cover Charge

You're headed out for the night and want to save your hard-earned money for food and drink. There are some popular Boston nightspots where you can listen to great music and get your dance on, without paying a cover charge.
An Tua Nua
(credit: An Tua Nua)

An Tua Nua

835 Beacon St Boston, MA 02215
(617) 262-2121
www.antuanuabar.com

By day this place is a mild mannered pub. By night it transforms into a throbbing club frequented by Fenway fans and College kids alike. An Tua Nua is located between Fenway and Boston University near Kenmore Square. Full Bar and American/Irish pub food served. No cover on Tuesdays; No cover at the bar on Wednesdays (Club Risque has a cover). No cover before 10 p.m. on weekends.

Red Sky
(credit: Red Sky)

Red Sky

16-18 North Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-742-3333
www.redskyboston.com

Located in Faneuil Hall, Red Sky is a comfortably stylish restaurant-bar that caters to a mingling older crowd of suits, tourists and locals. The establishment has soft couches and booths with candle lit tables for an amazing ambiance. DJ's regularly spin the latest tracks to keep the vibe going well after dark. They have a full bar serving some of the best mixtures in the Blackstone area and also offer a delicious menu served well into the late night hours. They vow never to charge a cover on Thursday and Fridays.

Joshua Tree
(credit: Joshua Tree)

Joshua Tree

1314 Commonwealth Ave.
Allston, MA 02134
617-566-6699
joshuatreeallston.com
Joshua Tree on Facebook

Right in the heart of Allston Rock City, this place takes it's name from the famed U2 album by the same name. This rock-and-roll, trendy sports bar is a favorite stopping point for the local college crowd sprinkled with a few hip young professional looking to catch the game. There is a DJ and dancing downstairs on varied nights and enough room to accommodate the largest parties. They have a full service bar with a seasoned staff to handle the busiest nights with ease. There is an excellent pub and pizza style menu with brunch hours on the weekends.

www.lansdownepubboston.com
(credit: Lansdowne Pub)

Lansdowne Pub

9 Lansdowne Street
Boston, MA 02215
617-247-1222
www.lansdownepubboston.com
Lansdowne Pub on Facebook

Set on historic Lansdowne Street in the shadow of the Green Monster is reincarnation of the Irish Publik House. The Lansdowne Pub is a dark and cozy pub style bar with a jumping atmosphere. They are often busy during Red Sox games or when they have a live band play their stage. The bar is a head nod to the days of old when bartenders were friendly and poured a strong drink or a proper pint. The pub style fare is traditional and can fuel any wanting soul. Stop by if you are looking for a cold beer, good food, good friends or a song or two. If a live band is playing, they will charge a $5 cover.

Whiskey Park
(credit: Whiskey Park)

Whiskey Park

64 Arlington St
Between Columbus & Park
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 542-1482
www.gerberbars.com
Whiskey Park on Facebook

Most nights this swanky place does have a $10-$15 cover charge, unless you know the tricks. Located in the Park Plaza Hotel in the Back Bay, Whiskey Park is an intimate and stylish lounge with a dance floor. It draws well-dressed patrons and often a celebrity or 3. DJ's spin the most current beats to include retro dance groove and Rock. The bar is a full service offering with drinks ranging from basic to high end. The club can be busy toward the weekend so expect a possible wait. And always dress to impress. Ladies – add your name on the Friday Style guest list and arrive before midnight = No cover.

Shawn Sixx is a producer for CBS Radio Boston's WZLX. He is also a contributing writer for AMP Magazine and Ryan's Smashing Life.

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