The name Deep Ellum refers to an area of Dallas known for its fabulous music, incomparable food and enticing nightlife since the early 1900’s. The area has produced some of the most influential names in blues and jazz. The biggest draw of this Allston hotspot: well done comfort food, in a bar. You know, the type of place you can get buttermilk pancakes and a Bloody Mary. Great beer selection not to mention cocktails. The best part about this place is the is the service. They are very knowledgeable about the alcohol they serve and are great at helping you out. Congenial atmosphere of mid-to-late 20-year olds, non-meathead crowd, but not overwhelmingly pretentious, either. They are in Reel Bar's old space, which is ever rotating bars, but I will be VERY sad if this place doesn't catch on and have a long life here.

With over 112 beers on tap, this “University of Beer” could offer you a new brew every night of senior spring and still have more than 300 bottled varieties left over. Believe it or not, however, pints, yards, and table taps are not the only reasons that serious scholars of beer matriculate here: unlike at many other bars, the food is actually good. Old-fashioned favorites like huge burgers ($5), BBQ ribs ($15), and nachos ($6-10) help fortify your stomach against the onslaught. If you feel like shaking things up, try a “beertail” like the “Dirty Ho”—half Lindemann's Framboise and half Hoegaarden ($6)—or “Black Magic”—a mix of Magic Hat #9 and Guinness ($5). A full menu until 1am will satisfy any late night craving. Entrees $5-20. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. I would say the only downsides are that they close fairly early and that parking is tough to come by on weekends. But the hike is worth it if you are looking for a place with good beer, good people, and a great atmosphere. Check out the complimentary "midnight madness" buffet on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights, midnight to 1am.

One of Boston's livelier Irish bars, the Kells is also one of Boston's best places to go for dancing without the sleaze factor or cover of the dance club scene. About a mile and a half from Harvard's athletic facilities, the bar draws crowds from BU and BC with 4 bars and DJs on duty 6 nights of the week. You'll find plenty of room to party on one of their 2 floors, as well as plenty of good conversation amongst the boisterous singles. Dancing and schmoozing aside, the Kells is also a comfortable place to come after a first date. Dinners are served daily and brunch on weekends (the Sun brunch buffet is an especially good value). Wed dollar draft for Bud and MGD. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Always a buzz as this neighborhood sports bar transforms into a party hangout on the weekends with resident DJ's spinning your choice. Along with the $1.00 drafts and 20 cents wings how can you go wrong.

Enjoy the 3 Ps of college nightlife—pool, pizza, and pitchers—at this friendly pool hall and bar. Its a great place to start a night, either catching the big game on the plasma screens (Su-Th $4/hr before 6pm, $10/hr after 6pm; F-Sa $6/12)or starting some action of your own in one of the two full ballrooms of 21 champion-sized pool tables, which offer both the amateur and the shark a comfortable environment. $20 gets you an hour of pool, a 1-topping pie and a beer of your choice. You'll need to have your game face on to attack the incredible number of draft beer choices at the bar, which can wash down the extensive pub menu (appetizers $4.25-7.50, sandwiches $5.50-7) served until 1am. There's also a private lounge complete with a pool table, leather couches, and TV. A favorite for college kids on the weekends, Big City attracts a mellow business and local crowd during the week. Enjoy free pool with the purchase of lunch M-F 11:30am-3pm. Celebrate your billiards victory or forget your sorrows as you dance the rest of the night away at any one of the surrounding young singles' hotspots. Live music downstairs W-Su 6-9:30pm. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

The Great Scott is a great venue for small to mid-sized bands from all over the country. It's an intimate venue with an admiral bar. Come during the day if you're looking for some bar food and a cold one. They leave the TVs on all day and night, so you don't have to miss the Sox game if you choose to take a night out with your buddies. This is in B.U. territory so expect a younger crowd, but it's still safe for the aging scenesters. Check out their website for upcoming bands. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

BC and BU's version of the Peach Pit, Our House is a refreshing alternative to Harvard's awkward bump 'n' grind at the Hong Kong and snooty Grafton Street/Daedalus crowd. It's as homey as it sounds, with board games to borrow and comfy couches for chilling. The laid-back crowd consistently comes out for M team trivia at 9pm, Tu Simpsons marathons 4-8pm, and W night foosball competitions at 8:30pm. Burgers (around $6) and appetizers (basic buffalo wings, loaded fries, and chili; $4-7) are 2 for 1 every weeknight between 4 and 7pm. The back bar, past the juke box and foosball table, opens after 9pm. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

With better-than-cheap eats, fast service, and a genial pub atmostphere, this local bar is a great place for a casual dinner with friends. Later in the evening the local college crowd ups the parting and decibel levels, but the White Horse never loses its footing and remains a cut above seedier bar scenes elsewhere. Sunday Nights at 8:30 pm you will find the trivia action in Boston at Whitehorse Tavern. Whitehorse Tavern is one of the best trivia places in Boston.

One of the few “sophisticated” nightspots in this part of town, Wonder Bar beckons to an upscale crowd with its sleek wooden decor and a yuppified menu. It may boast some of the best live jazz in Boston, but the customers are here for another reason: the chance to check out other attractive, well-dressed twentysomethings. Drink prices start at $5 and only climb higher; waits are common. Bring a second form of ID—they card hard. Sandwiches ($8), salads ($6-9), and appetizers like baked brie ($7) and chicken satay ($8) are available until closing. Live music on Su-M starting at 8pm. No sneakers or hats. Cover W and F $5. AE, D, MC, V. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

A nightclub that beats with the heart of Allston itself, Harper's Ferry is a high-energy arena for the excellent music of local and national bands alike. Live shows happen seven nights a week at this club, which is small enough for an up-close and intense experience, but large enough for dancing (or for gathering in groups and nodding your heads). The decor is Spartan and the vibe is cool; there's even an old school photo booth in the back for shooting photos of you and your friends. Located in the center of Allston's action, Harper's Ferry is convenient to other bars and restaurants, including Redneck's which is open after the bars close. Host of the local Battle of the Blues annual competition, Harper's Ferry always gets the best blues acts in Boston (Heavy Metal Horns, Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson, The Movers). National acts often stop by, including Bo Diddly and B.B. King, who (according to the owners) hails Harper's as his favorite blues venue in the area. With 3 bars, 4 pool tables, 3 dart boards, and 1 cozy stage, the interior is spacious, but the sound is good and loud throughout. The menu features standard greasy bar food ($3-9) and a healthy supply of beers on tap. Friday and Saturday bring the big bands and a slightly older crowd, while on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday the bar is a major player in the vibrant BC and BU college bar scene. Cover starting at 8pm, $5-12. Neat casual (no tank tops). Shows begin at 9:30 pm, doors at 8pm. For the most up-to-date schedule of events, check their website or call the concert line number.
This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.