Boston’s Best Listening Lounges

Where to spend your Saturday night as a music lover 

By Kylie Grebinar 

Photograph by Tsega Seleshi

Despite being notoriously known for its lack of music and club scenes, Boston has a few hidden gems for the music lover in search of a spot with tasteful sounds. There may not be a Club Space or Brooklyn Storehouse, but music enthusiasts can escape to dark interiors, impressive music and intimate energy within these five Boston bars. 

Desnuda Cocina: Located in the South End, Desnuda is home to a downstairs vinyl bar that keeps the music flowing all night. Flooded with red light, this bar provides an intimate setting perfect for sipping drinks with friends while listening to music. Traditionally, house music is played, and the sound created from using old-style vinyl is like no other. Desnuda’s sound system is one that will instantly pull any music lover into the vibe of the space.

Bar Pallino: Hidden under Newbury Street’s Faccia a Faccia, Bar Pallino is a listening bar disguised as a speakeasy. Inspired by Parisian wine bars, this spot is known for its curated vinyl playlists. On certain nights, guests can hear live jazz performances, and on others, they can select from records kept at the bar and request songs to be played. Like Desnuda, Bar Pallino has limited seating, making the space feel secretive and alluring.  

Equal Measure: Closer to BU’s campus, Equal Measure is a Fenway cocktail bar where music caters to any listener. Loud tracks can be heard in this spot, complemented by a cozy deep-colored velvet interior. From Latin hits, to new hip-hop and pop tracks, Equal Measure provides a listening experience sure to please any guest. Unique cocktails create a Mad-Hatter-like sense of whimsy and unknown, and the art-deco architecture makes this spot perfect for a Saturday night with friends. 

Spy Bar: Described as “a ‘70s lounge that meets your grandparents' basement,” according to Boston Magazine, Spy Bar resides in Boston’s South End. It follows suit of listening lounges that first originated in Japan in the 1950s — spaces designed with the intention of properly emphasizing music and carefully created playlists. A rotating menu of drinks complement the music played; for example, beverages have twists that follow musicians' favorite cocktails. The most important part of a Spy Bar playlist? Its ability to feel sensual and unexpected. This guideline makes the bar an ideal venue for music enthusiasts looking to escape into something more intricate and sound-forward.

Temple Records: Similarly stemming from Japanese roots and located in Downtown Crossing, Temple Records plays any style of music, from hip-hop and rap to ‘60s rock. Music is the top priority in this space; shaken cocktails are left off the menu to guarantee that nothing will interrupt the listening experience. The energy in this bar is passionate, made evident by the owner's extensive record collection. The space is dark, purposefully designed to make music the main focus, with hearing becoming the priority among your five senses.

These spaces emphasize intentional listening, making them desirable for music lovers. In traditional bars, your brain uses the cocktail-party effect to tune out background noise, such as music. In these venues around the city, however, the opposite happens — listening lounges encourage guests to focus on the music around them. Pair this with a cocktail of choice and your friends, and you have a perfect Saturday night.