How to Get Late-Night Alcohol in Boston

My biggest gripe about Boston is that everything shuts down so early.  You can’t get a drink anywhere — anywhere — after 2:00 AM.  Even the after-hours club, Rise, only stocks Diet Coke and Red Bull.

So, if the night is young, you could do what most people do, and bring a flask or a few nips to Rise.

Or…you could go to Chinatown.

Image: Kramchang

Many Chinatown restaurants are open until 4:00 AM, and they get packed after the nearby Theater District clubs shut down for the night.  I can’t tell you how many times my friends and I have gone for late night veggie lo mein and crab rangoons.

But if you’re looking for something to drink, ask for the “cold tea.”

The reactions from Chinatown servers vary widely.  Some will feign ignorance.  Some will give you a wink.  Some will exclaim, “You want beer?”

But if you’re lucky, the server will return with a teapot full of Heineken.  Drink up, my friends.

Keep in mind that this WILL NOT work if any police officers are in the restaurant.  Look near the door.  If there are any plainclothes bouncer-type guys just standing around, that’s not a good sign.  Also, in my experience, it’s best to go to a restaurant that isn’t very busy, rather than the madhouse that is Chau Chow City at 2:15 AM.

Don’t forget that you’re at the mercy of the restaurant.  If they don’t feel like it, they don’t have to serve you anything.

But if you play your cards right, you could be drinking cold tea until the sun comes up!

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