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Boston's Best Downtown Halloween Parties

Halloween Party
(credit: Thinkstock)

Halloween is a time of celebration, particularly when it comes to Boston's legendary nightlife scene. The downtown bar area provides plenty of excitement throughout the crisp October evenings, with options available for any adventurous soul seeking out a thrilling time this Halloween season. Here are five worthy hot spots where heels may be kicked up, drinks thrown back and costumes welcomed.

The Living Room
101 Atlantic Ave.
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 723-5101
www.thelivingroomboston.com

Hours: Oct. 31 – 10 p.m.
Price: free

Located in the city's north end, Boston's Living Room has always proven to be a blast on Halloween for night owls, with plenty of comfy couches and a great lounge atmosphere for those seeking to snuggle with that special, yet mysteriously masked stranger. The Living Room is also nestled away from the immediate Faneuil Hall area, which ensures a little bit of freedom from shoulder-to-shoulder, tourist-trap destinations, although lines can occasionally be long on the weekends. Martinis and cheap draft beer are the names of the game here, virtually guaranteeing a well-lubricated All Hallows' Eve.

See also: Boston's Best Fall Festivals

Kings
50 Dalton St.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 266-2695
www.kingsbackbay.com

Hours: Oct. 31 – 10 p.m.
Price: $10

While bowling may not exactly sound like typical Halloween night shenanigans, the idea is a unique one, and should certainly appeal to those seeking an unorthodox party situation. Kings, located in Boston's Back Bay, includes some of the city's best and most popular lanes, while plenty of beer and food options. Kings can get crowded on both nights and weekends, but it's perfect for those who are seeking something a little different than the usual Halloween options.

The Common Ground
85 Harvard Ave.
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 783-2071
www.commongroundallston.com

Hours: Oct. 31 – 10 p.m.
Price: free

This Allston neighborhood spot, located between Soldiers Field Road and Hefferan Street, is a popular bar and grille destination for the city's hip populous, mixing up a variety of food options with booze specials and high-energy theme nights. One of these nights is the popular Jukebox Heroes dance night, with past Halloween night installments serving up a special name change to Jukebox Villains, promising no cover charge to those arriving in their best bad guy (or gal) costume. A diverse crowd and ever-changing atmosphere ensure The Common Ground is never the same visit twice.

See also: Boston's Best Places For Back To School Shopping

Goody Glover's
50 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 367-6444
www.goodyglovers.com

Hours: Oct. 31 – 10 p.m.
Price: $5

Goody Glover's is another north-end hangout where Halloween means another excuse to get all antsy-in-the-pantsy at this pub's popular costume bash. A friendly wait staff and Goody's five-star customer service means all are welcome to get their ghosts on at Glover's, while the dark, cozy atmosphere of the place welcomes plenty of (un) hallowed debauchery. Goody Glover's is a bit of hole-in-the-wall dive bar, but the charm is certainly there. The writing is (almost literally) written on the proverbial wall: Goody Glover's is a scary good time.

Johnny D's
17 Holland St.
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 776-2004
www.johnnyds.com

Hours: Oct. 31 – 10 p.m.
Price: $10

There ain't no costume party like a Somerville costume party according to the locals of this suburban Boston city, a place where hometown favorite Johnny D's has endured, and thrived since first opening its doors. The diner-meets-dive atmosphere that hangs so thick and prevalent within Johnny D's only adds to the persistent and charismatic charm of the place, guaranteeing to make a quick and lasting impression. The eclectic and entertaining nature of Somerville's own residents is only part of the reason why Halloween at Johnny D's should prove to be a fun and memorable experience.

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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