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Boston's Best Jukebox Bars

The once-mighty jukebox seems to be sinking into such similarly periled quicksand territory as video rental stores and phone booths. Although deemed a relic by some, and quite often replaced by higher-end models, the vintage jukebox still stands tall as a symbol of golden era social networking; a meeting place where small talk, arguments and even first crushes can all take place behind the beat of a favorite song. Here are some of Boston's best jukebox joints to kick it old school. Just don't forget the quarters.
Nightlife & Music Jukebox Bar, charlies kitchen
Photo Credit: charlieskitchen.com

Charlie's Kitchen
10 Eliot St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 492-9646
www.charlieskitchen.com

Hours: Mon to Wed, Sun – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Thurs to Sat – 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

With more than 40 years of history behind its doors, this venerable Cambridge institution proudly boasts a claim to the best jukebox in Cambridge, located in the upstairs lounge area. The owners and staff of Charlie's Kitchen have their fingers on the pulse of technology, however, utilizing such varied means of media outreach as Twitter and Facebook to announce dinner, drink and entertainment specials. Add to this a consistent live music schedule, three bars, a beer garden and convenient, sidewalk patio seating, and you have a solid bet for good tunes and good friends.

Nightlife & Music Jukebox Bars
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Casablanca Restaurant
40 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-0999
casablanca.prohost.mobi

Hours: Daily - 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Also located in the heart of Harvard Square, Casablanca Restaurant defines old school, vintage charm, complete with a classic, vinyl-spinning jukebox. Heavy on the classic rock, soul, jazz and pop, Casablanca's is the perfect date destination for old souls yearning to spin some of music's greatest minds-including Otis Redding or Aretha Franklin. Enjoy the classics and whilst canoodling over the restaurant's fine Mediterranean cuisine, which includes vegetarian and diet-friendly options, to boot. For lovebirds, this one should be a no brainer.

Related: Boston's Most Romantic Restaurants

Nightlife & Music Jukebox Bars, Zuzu
Photo Credit: Zuzu via Facebook

ZuZu
474 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 864-3278
zuzubar.com

Hours: Restaurant - 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Live music starts at 10:30 p.m.

ZuZu is yet another Cambridge-area destination here. Are you sensing a theme? Located inside the city's famed Middle East Restaurant and Night Club, the ZuZu Bar hosts DJ and dance parties almost every night of the week. If you're arriving prior to 10 p.m., when most of ZuZu's musical shindigs start kickin' up, you'll find a veritable smorgasbord of hip, sheik indie rock, new wave and punk within the comforting confines of the club's well-used jukebox. Between ZuZu's cutting edge lounge atmosphere and the Middle East's well-earned reputation for sumptuous Mediterranean grub, you're almost guaranteed a great time of grub and quality tunes from the ol' juke.

Nightlife & Music Jukebox Bars, JJ Foleys Bar & Grill
Photo Credit: jjfoleysbarandgrill.com

J.J. Foley's Bar and Grille
21 Kingston St.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 695-2529
www.jjfoleysbarandgrill.com

Hours: Daily – 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

A classic, Irish-styled grille and pub, J.J. Foley's is yet another Boston establishment with more than 50 years of history under its belt. While not boasting a traditional-styled jukebox, J.J. Foley's internet version-and its almost unlimited selection of song choices-fits in perfectly with the pub's diverse clientele, which includes locals and visitors alike from the city's financial district and downtown area. Relaxed to the max, this Kingston St. bar is a perfect, evening stop, or no-stress afternoon destination.

Related: Boston's Date Nights Ideas

Nightlife & Music Jukebox Bars, Highland Kitchen
Photo Credit: highlandkitchen.com

Highland Kitchen
150 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-1131
www.highlandkitchen.com

Hours: Daily - 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Stepping outside of Cambridge and Boston for a moment, Somerville's Highland Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind hot spot for the open-minded, adventurous types who are also looking for a unique throwback to classic, Southern-styled hospitality. Featuring a smirking tag line of "Serving Somerville...Since Just the Other Day," the Highland Kitchen features a diverse array of artist in its pride-and-glory jukebox. Patrons will find the best of country, punk and even surf selections, destined to please even the finickiest of diners, drinkers or rock 'n rollers. This one is ultra-cool.

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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