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Boston's Best Dance Clubs

Drinks, dinner and dancing: it's a weekend tradition for many in the Boston area. Both singles and couples often decide to kick up their heels on a Friday or Saturday night, and there are plenty of options on any given evening in Boston. The real challenge is which one to choose. Here are five of the best options for dance clubs in Boston for the next time that urge to move strikes.

Royale Boston
279 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 338-7699
www.royaleboston.com

Funky decor and a spacious dance floor highlight this popular Tremont Street dance destination, a place that also doubles as a concert venue. Royale Boston employs costumed dancers, including one in a bear costume, to pump up the dance floor, while also occasionally bringing in notable DJs on tour from around the world for specialized sets. The drinks and cover charge ensure that Royale isn't for those seeking a cheap dance date for the weekend, but its continued popularity amongst the dance set ensures continued success.

Related: Boston's Best Date Night Bars

rise
Photo credit: Rise

Rise
306 Stuart St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-7473
www.riseclub.us

Club Rise exists as one of Boston's only after-hours dance clubs, ensuring this Stuart Street spot enjoys continued popularity amongst the diehard dance set who stay up to the wee hours of the morning. Rise also allows the 18+ crowd in on the weekends, often resulting in crowded dance floors and long lines. Still, it's worth it for those for whom dance is all that matters, as Club Rise enjoys a solid reputation for high-energy DJ sets and a friendly environment for all; all under the watchful eye of an observant security staff.

The Estate
1 Boylston Place
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 351-7000
www.theestateboston.com

The Estate is known for its DJ sets from popular and in-demand mixers from around the globe. As such, dance fans will find many sets here at The Estate with a knowledgeable balance of energy and cool down. Don't look for anything else "cool" here, however, as the dance floor at The Estate can be crowded and hot at times with the packed house of dancers. The Estate's sound system is also top notch. It's worth it for those who take their weekend dancing seriously.

Related: Boston's Best Gay Bars

storyville
Photo credit: Storyville

Storyville
90 Exeter St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1134
www.storyvilleboston.com

A Boston dance club with no cover? It's true here at Storyville. Additionally, Storyville possesses the added benefit of food service, which goes hand in hand with staying hydrated for dance fans who want to remain healthy out on the floor. Saturday nights are particularly packed, with plenty of different rooms from which to choose, while also providing tables and lounge areas for a brief respite from all of the excitement. Storyville is something a little different.

underbar
Photo credit: Underbar

Underbar
275 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 292-0080 
www.underbaronline.com

The Underbar is a club for audiophile dance fans – those who want the ultimate sound system experience to go along with their gyrations and undulations. This Tremont Street spot at Seaver Place in Boston's Back Bay area is popular with DJs, employing a wide variety of music genres, from house and hip hop to hot Latin nights, right down to goth and fetish nights. Decor takes a back seat to these specialized nights, and The Underbar really seems to focus upon music above all else, especially the drink selection, which can prove pricy if a long, lush night is in the cards. Still, for dancing and music, Underbar is a tough bet to beat.

George Pacheco has been writing professionally about arts and entertainment for over a decade. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, George currently resides in a humble New England home with his wife, cat and massive music and film collection. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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