Whether your tastes are serious or playful, you'll find plenty to do in Boston for a 21st birthday. But Boston parking is notoriously difficult--and garage parking is expensive. Boston's public transportation shuts down around 12:35 a.m., so prepare to take a cab or end your party near home. Does this Spark an idea?
Dancing
The Landsdowne Street clubbing area is sure to have a late-night party for almost anyone. This tiny street adjacent to Fenway Park is packed with clubs, lounges and live-music venues. Jake Ivory's, a dueling piano bar, has a cheap cover and entertainment. Jillian's is a pool and game hall that makes a convenient spot to have fun while waiting for guests to arrive. With multistory clubs like Axis and Avalon, there's something for many genres of music.
You'd likely have to plan to score tickets to a game at the tiny, historic Fenway Park, and you could celebrate a 21st in Boston by singing along to "Sweet Caroline" in the seventh inning at a sold-out ballpark. Even if the Red Sox aren't your team, a night at Fenway is unforgettable.
Beer Bars
For those looking to plan a celebration with cheap food and plenty of beer, Boston Beer Works and Redbones offer flights of artisan beer, with 20 to 30 flavors on tap.
Redbones, located in Somerville's Davis Square, serves barbecued ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, though vegetarians can delight in the macaroni and cheese, corn fritters and other side dishes.
If you're planning a large 21st, Boston Beer Works offers private rooms for crowds of 20 and up at some locations. Boston locations are Brookline and Canal Street. Try the Wachusett blueberry ale. Snacks include pub food like chicken fingers and quesadillas.
Fine Dining
Boston also offers fine-dining options for a 21st birthday. The Theater District's Pigalle serves French fusion food and at this writing offers a prix fixe special. Near Fenway Park, Eastern Standard is a brasserie-style restaurant with a cheerful ambiance, great cocktails and traditional brasserie food like mussels, steak frites and marrow bones. Downtown's O-Ya serves upscale, innovative sushi and sake.
Live Music
For those who prefer to dance without the crowds of a Top 40 club, Boston has many salsa nights. Some of the popular ones are held at An Tua Nua (Wednesday) and Havana Club (Fridays) or Mojitos any night.
Punk rockers and emo kids should plan to spend their 21st birthdays drinking tall boys of PBR in the basement of the Middle East, one of Boston's most famous punk/rock venues, located in Cambridge's Central Square. Along Commonwealth Ave in Brookline, The Paradise also has live music.
The Party Trolley
The Party Trolley is a converted trolley that cruises Boston's streets with music, mirror balls, a fog machine, dance poles and special-effects lighting. The trolley is available for rental for weddings and parties.
Tags: Fenway Park, 21st birthday, 21st Boston, Beer Works, Boston Beer