The Alley Bar
Sports Bar · Cruising · Boston, MA
About
Don't expect a polished lounge. The Alley Bar is a cash-only dive in a literal downtown alley, catering mainly to bears and their admirers. It's one of the last old-school gay bars still standing in Boston.
There's a second-floor dance balcony, karaoke nights, and a pool table downstairs. The crowd skews toward locals in their 30s and 40s, and drinks pour strong. Hit the ATM before you arrive because the bar doesn't take cards.
Tucked into a downtown Boston alley near the theater district, this bar is a short walk from other LGBTQ venues like Club Cafe and Trophy Room.
Features
- ✓Cash only, ATM on site ($3 fee)
- ✓Second-floor dance balcony
- ✓Karaoke nights and pool tournaments
- ✓Local bear crowd, 30s and up
Good for
What people say
Rated from 112 reviews. 273 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
“Alaska was there!”
I visited this bar while in the city. The waitstaff was excellent, but I didn't get lucky.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Over a year ago. It's cash only, which I didn't know before going. There's an ATM near the entrance with a $3 fee. Interesting spot with a dance floor on the second floor balcony and plenty of booths and tables for socializing. Definitely a bear crowd. People weren't as friendly here as at Club Cafe and Trophy Room. It was UnderBear night, which was fun. The staff were nice and efficient. - cash only - rowdy - strong drinks
A guest · Over a year ago
“Is Boston Trying to destroy gay bars?”
The bar is in an alley in a part of town where parking is nearly impossible. Anytime I've used a rental car to go, I've had to park near the theater district and walk several blocks to reach the bar. The crowd is okay but I've never seen it packed. The downside in Boston is that bars close later than the subway, so if you miss it, you'll need an expensive cab home. Boston once had half a dozen fun, packed bars, but now only a few remain, and the ones that survived are the most boring. The bars always seem empty or nearly empty. I don't understand how they stay open. Why is Boston killing its gay bars? There's no sense of community anymore in a city that used to be exciting and fun for gay people.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Awesome”
Amazing drinks and people ... The only bar in this city I go to
A local visitor · Over a year ago
“Fun and friendly”
A nice little hideaway in freezing Boston. The atmosphere and the bears are warm and friendly. Came on Sunday karaoke night and later in the week for an evening drink. Lively crowd and strong drinks.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Alley Bar cash only? +
Yes, the bar does not accept credit cards. There's an ATM by the door with a $3 fee.
Is there a dress code? +
No formal dress code. The vibe is casual, with a leather crowd on certain nights.
Does The Alley Bar serve food? +
No, The Alley Bar is a drink-focused venue. No food is served.
What are the regular events? +
Karaoke nights and pool tournaments are regular draws. Check their calendar for UnderBear and other themed events.
Is parking available? +
Parking is difficult. The bar is in an alley near the theater district; plan to walk several blocks or take an Uber.
More Bars in Boston
dbar
3.8
Bars · $$ · 3.4 mi
Trophy Room
3.6
Bars · $$$ · 1.0 mi
Club Cafe
4.4
Bars · $$$ · 1.0 mi
Icon Nightclub
Bars · $$ · 0.6 mi