Boston After Dark - Boston 2009 - page 228

at press time, with a chunk of Lansdowne Street under construction and the city
cracking down on venues in the Theater District after a scary spate of closing-time vio-
lence. The Improper Bostonian and the Phoenix club listings are good resources, but a
savvy concierge is even better. Tip: While you're visiting websites, note that some
clubs will let you put your name on the VIP list online. Can't hurt, might help.
The Estate The Estate opened in 2007 and quickly established itself as a can't-miss
destination for visiting “celebrities,” such as Paris Hilton. A cavernous space with a
balcony overlooking the large dance floor, it attracts a lively 20-something crowd with
well-known local DJs and an excellent sound system. The lower level is the Suite —all
house music, all the time. In both clubs, the dress code is “casual chic and fashion-
able,” which appears to mean shirts with collars on men and something tight and
black on women. The key to jumping the inevitable line is to reserve a table and look
sharp. Open Thursday through Sunday (both are gay nights); check ahead for
specifics. 1 Boylston Place. & 617/351-7000. www.theestateboston.com. Cover $10-25. T: Green Line
to Boylston.
The Roxy This former hotel ballroom boasts excellent DJs and all sorts of live
music, a huge dance floor, a stage, and a balcony that's perfect for checking out the
action below. Concerts (recently, Elliott Yamin and Spoon) and occasional boxing
cards take good advantage of the sight lines. Offerings change regularly, so call or surf
for the latest schedule. Open at 10pm Friday and Saturday, and other days depending
on bookings. In the Courtyard Boston Tremont hotel, 279 Tremont St. & 617/338-7699. www.roxy
plex.com. Cover $10-$20. T: Green Line to Boylston or Orange Line to New England Medical Center.
ECLECTIC
Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant & Music Club This family-owned
and -operated establishment is one of the best places in the area for live music. You'll
kick yourself if you don't at least check the lineup while you're in town. Johnny D's
draws a congenial, low-key crowd for acts on international tours as well as artists who
haven't been out of eastern Massachusetts. The music ranges from zydeco to rock,
rockabilly to jazz, blues to ska. The veggie-friendly food's good, too; try the weekend
brunch. The club, which opened in 1969, is worth a long trip, but it's only two stops
past Harvard on the Red Line (about a 15-min. ride at night). Most shows are 21-
plus; some are all ages. Open daily from 12:30pm to 1am. Brunch starts at 9am on
weekends; dinner runs from 4:30 to 9:30pm Tuesday through Saturday, with lighter
fare until 11pm. Tip: Make a dinner reservation, and you're guaranteed a seat for the
show. 17 Holland St., Davis Sq., Somerville. & 617/776-2004 or 617/776 - 9667 (concert line).
www.johnnyds.com. Cover $3-$20, usually $8-$12. T: Red Line to Davis.
Lizard Lounge In the basement of the Cambridge Common restaurant, this
way-cool, cozy-but-not-cramped room features well-known local rock and folk musi-
cians (and the occasional classical interloper) who play right out on the floor. The
Lizard Lounge draws a postcollegiate-and-up crowd (Harvard Law School is next
door). Shows are daily at 8 and 9:30pm. Sunday is poetry jam night; Monday is open-
mic night. 1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. &

Finds

617/547-0759. www.lizardloungeclub.com.

Cover for late show $5-$12. T: Red Line to Harvard.
T.T. the Bear's Place A mainstay of the Central Square live-music scene since it
opened in 1985, “T.T.'s” has an uncanny knack for booking hot new talent. A friendly,
no-frills spot, it generally attracts a young, savvy crowd, but 30-somethings will feel