Club Cafe
American · Coffee · Boston, MA
About
The crowd here is mostly 20-somethings and 30-somethings, mixing nightlife energy with daytime coffee shop vibes. Club Cafe is a Back Bay staple: a video bar, piano bar, dance club, and drag show venue rolled into one. It's LGBTQ+ owned and open from 11am to midnight every day, so you can grab a coffee, hit the dance floor, or sing through karaoke and bingo nights.
The smoking area out back is where regulars hang between sets. Monday's RuPaul viewing parties pack the house. The bar draws a mixed crowd, so come with friends if you want an easier time socializing. Reviews mention the food is hit or miss, but the music and energy on weekends are solid. If you're bouncing between spots, Trophy Room is a short walk away.
Club Cafe is in Boston's Back Bay, on the same block as several other gay bars like Trophy Room and The Alley Bar.
Features
- ✓Video bar with multiple screens playing music videos
- ✓Piano bar nights with sing-alongs
- ✓Bingo and karaoke on the weekly schedule
- ✓Outdoor smoking patio for mingling
Cuisine
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 109 reviews. 329 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
The service was extremely poor. I was last in line while my very drunk friends were allowed in. I was wearing five-inch heels, so they wouldn't let me in, claiming I was stumbling, even though I was completely sober and taking care of the friends who got in before me. The bouncers were incredibly rude. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you're wearing flats and being very submissive, but you'd be better off at almost any other bar or club that has realistic and understanding standards for fashion, intelligence, and empathy.
A visitor · Over a year ago
It's a fun dance bar with good music and an enthusiastic crowd. It was busy on a Friday night, and although there was a line, it moved fast. The bar staff were friendly but not overly so. Highlights: excellent music, an energetic crowd, but expect long queues.
A guest · Over a year ago
“Boston's Best”
The location is great, and the people are nice. There's food available, plus a large dance area and a video bar. The crowd is attractive.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“It's the best Boston has?”
The crowd here is not very friendly, so bring your own friends. The food is below average—I didn't think you could mess up a Cobb salad, but they managed it. Monday's RuPaul night was packed and fun, but Tuesday's trivia wasn't worth it unless you're a genius. Still, I stayed at a hotel a block away for five days and went every night because it was better than being alone. But San Francisco and Seattle are much more gay-friendly and have amazing bars. Good luck, Boston.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Thank you for Napoleon Room”
I went here one last time before moving to Phoenix, Arizona. In memory of Dick Amero, who owned the Napoleon Club (for those who remember), thank you to the Club Cafe owners.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What regular events happen at Club Cafe? +
Monday RuPaul viewing parties, bingo nights, karaoke, and T-dances are regular features.
Is food served at Club Cafe? +
Yes, Club Cafe serves American food including salads and sandwiches, though reviews note the quality is mixed.
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