Boston After Dark - Boston 2009 - page 237

Fritz This popular South End hangout is a neighborhood favorite that serves
brunch on weekends. The friendly crowd bonds over sports on the plasma satellite
TVs. In the Chandler Inn Hotel, 26 Chandler St. & 617/482-4428. T: Orange Line to Back Bay.
Jacques The only drag venue in town, Jacques draws a friendly crowd of gay and
straight patrons who mix with the “girls” and sometimes engage in a shocking activ-
ity—that's right, disco dancing. The eclectic entertainment includes live music (on
weekends), performance artists, and, of course, drag shows. Open daily from noon to
midnight; no credit cards. 79 Broadway, Bay Village. & 617/426-8902. www.jacquescabaret.com.
Cover $6-$10. T: Green Line to Arlington.
Paradise Not to be confused with the Boston rock club (well, you can, but it won't
be quite the same experience), the Paradise attracts an all-ages male crowd. There's a
stripper every evening. Thursday is college night. Open Sunday through Wednesday
until 1am, Thursday through Saturday until 2am. 180 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge.
& 617/868-3000. www.paradisecambridge.com. T: Red Line to Central, then a 10-min. walk.
5 More Entertainment Options
COFFEEHOUSES & TEA SALONS
As in most other American cities, you won't get far without seeing a Starbucks. I'll
submit to the passive-aggressive counter routine if it ends in a frozen drink, but
for coffee, tea, and hanging out, there are plenty of less generic options. Many are
in the North End (see chapter 6); other favorites are listed here. At all of them,
hours are long and loitering is encouraged—these are good places to bring your
journal.
Algiers Café & Restaurant Middle Eastern food and music, plain and flavored
coffees, and the legendary atmosphere make this a classic Harvard Square hangout.
Your “quick” snack or drink (try the mint coffee) might turn into a longer stay as the
sociologist in you studies the would-be intellectuals. This is a good spot to eavesdrop
while you sample terrific soups, sandwiches, homemade sausages, falafel, and hum-
mus. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge. & 617/492-1557. T: Red Line to Harvard.
BeanTowne Coffee House A splash of the bohemian in a buttoned-up office-retail
complex, this is a good stop before or after a film at the Kendall Square Cinema. Order
from the extensive beverage menu or the tempting selection of soups, salads, and sand-
wiches. There's only one problem with this little place—it's too popular. If a table emp-
ties, move in fast. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge. & 617/621-7900. www.beantownecambridge.com. T: Red
Line to Kendall.
Boston Beanstock Coffee Co. Most of the other coffee places in the North
End are right out of a Scorsese movie. This is a yuppier caffeine-delivery system, with
free wireless Internet and a menu of delectable baked goods and hearty sandwiches. It
seems a bit incongruous at first, but it's always crowded. The Financial District loca-
tion, 10 High St., off Summer Street ( & 617/695-9700 ), closes on weekends. 97 Salem
St. & 617/723-0040. www.bostonbeanstock.com. T: Green or Orange Line to Haymarket.
Tealuxe Tealuxe pulls in connoisseurs with its selection of 100-plus teas, dispensed
by unfortunately named “tea-tenders.” The Harvard Square location is the original in
the chain, which thrives on a combination of hard-to-find selections and comfortable
atmosphere. www.tealuxe.com. 108 Newbury St. & 617/927-0400. T: Green Line to Arlington. Zero
Brattle St., Cambridge. & 617/441-0077. T: Red Line to Harvard.