I often long for the days when a "night on the town" involved my mom driving me to the movies, going to a free concert downtown, Waffle House at 1 a.m., or fooling around in a parked car. In our yesteryears, we weren't old enough to drink, and barely old enough to drive, but we seemed to have the most fun.
What I had so easily forgotten from my days when drinking was not an option was how to find actual things to do. Don't get me wrong - Boston bars, lounges and clubs are worth all the pining and waiting, but even for those of us in the over-21 club, waiting in lines outside in the cold, standing around with socially awkward strangers, and buying overpriced alcohol can get a little dull.
So I've compiled some of the best Boston has to offer for those who are under 21, over 21, or want to see more of Boston than the bottom of a $5 pint glass.
On the nights when I'm looking for good, clean fun, I head to Lanes & Games bowling alley. I am not particularly good at bowling, so I always go with a close group of friends who will point and laugh at me when I do the granny roll. Also, Lanes & Games is very cheap (under $5 a game). After you rent your shoes, you will have enough allowance left over to play Pac-Man and buy some nachos.
Good Time Emporium in Somerville is like every middle school field trip you went on but all at once. Good Time has everything: go-karts, laser tag, pool tables, an arcade, batting cages, bowling and bumper cars. The only thing I think it lacks is a roller skating rink. I know, it's disappointing. But still, unlike Jillian's and Lucky Strike downtown, Good Time Emporium won't kick non-ID holders out at 8 p.m.
Okay, enough with the child's play. You don't have to be juvenile to get out in Boston after hours. A safe bet for going out in Boston sans ID is to head to a bar that sells food. This is usually a good indicator that they won't be checking IDs at the door.
I love Flat Top Johnny's at One Kendall Square. I go there for the peanut butter and jelly wedges and the homemade potato chips. With a dozen pool tables, several dart boards and pinball, this watering hole is more than just the "water."
Porter Square's newly opened Tavern on the Square has Wednesday night trivia that is all-ages. Tavern is huge, so you don't have to go an hour early to get a table with your friends. It also has a full menu (more than just pub grub), allowing you to have dinner while you try to name all seven movies Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller have appeared in together (it's harder than you think).
If you're over grinding in dingy frat basements and Boston clubs seem out of your age range, there are some Boston dance venues that don't involve scary bouncers and a blacklight at the door. Beginning March 7, the Havana Club in Central Square is making its Friday night salsa 18-plus. Twelve dollars gets you free snacks and beverages, salsa lessons from 8 to 10 p.m., and sexy Latin rhythms all night long.
Lastly, check local listings for all-ages shows at the Middle East and the Cantab Lounge. Some comedy clubs also have shows that are all-ages. The Union Square Round Table is a local comedy troupe that is always 18 and up. The troupe's comedy publication, the Weekly Week, helped launch the careers of such notable comedians as Demetri Martin.
Robin Alberts-Marigza is a senior majoring in psychology. She can be reached at Robin.Alberts_Marigza@tufts.edu.
