Club Café image

Club Café

Restaurant Bar American restaurant Pub Piano bar Gay bar

Happening gay-friendly cabaret, piano bar, dance club & classy New American bistro. People often mention good, great, night, drinks, friends, staff, club, time, door, people,


Address

209 Columbus Ave, Boston, MA 02116

Website

clubcafe.com

Contact

(617) 536-0966

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 4 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11 AM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Tuesday: 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 4 PM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 4 PM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (20) great (18) night (16) drinks (13) friends (13) staff (13) club (10) time (10) door (10) people (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Jamie M. 1 year ago on Google
    If never written a negative review of an establishment but I needed to warn people of this place. The security/bouncers at this place are on a huge ego trip. We were yelled at all night about where we could stand, where we could put our drinks down for a second to take off our coats, and a million other things. The experience was not even fun or enjoyable. They love kicking out women as there were multiple groups of girls outside who were barely drunk who got kicked out for being “too drunk”. This place is not a safe space for women and I would advise every woman thinking of going here not to.
    22 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sarah D. 1 year ago on Google • 143 reviews
    This is primarily a review of the restaurant and not the club. Club Cafe is an LGBT restaurant/club combo that hosts nightly events. My friends and I came for dinner and dancing (though I myself am not really into dancing and didn't partake). The night started off well: we got an elevated cheese fries app with brie and Swiss and enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant section. Food was served hot and quick, which was good, but was not worth the price. Nearly $40 for a chewy sirloin steak. Asked for a recommendation for a sweet and low alcohol content drink and was the recommended drink was neither of those things. Our server also habitually ghosted us after dropping entrees, and we had to ask other servers for water, clear dishes and to retrieve our server to order desserts and to pay. Waitress then promptly forgot to bring receipts to the table. Overall, drinks are bland and overpriced, food is mostly good but also overpriced.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Omran B. 2 years ago on Google
    I been wanting to visit Boston for years , honestly never heard of this place. While I was at another Bar a friend recommended that I go there. Let me tell you about my experience as soon as you pull up this extremely rude drag queen that took her job way too seriously. thinking its funny to be rude or something that was completely inappropriate. Second everyone is screaming about the mask vaccine card, ID. Like okay no problem but the tone of voice. They were screaming at people. Not only my group. You have to fully vaxed to go. (Not an issue had all my documents) got in. Then you have to tip to pay to get in then pay again to hang your coats. I would avoid it all together. The music was good only plus side. But the whole staff was just wow. Awful experience and probably never going back. We’re all equal please give your staff some Etiquette lessons. I don’t usually post a negative review but this place i feel like people need to know the truth. Because everyone deserves to be treated with respect something you’re likely not going to get at this place.
    14 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M.C. M. 1 year ago on Google • 192 reviews
    Had an terrific meal! We actually started off at a place near the club café and the wait was an hour and a half so we checked our Google map and went right around the corner and found the club Café. There was no wait to get in. The staff was friendly, professional, and courteous. The inside was clean and fun atmosphere breakfast was terrific huge portions. We couldn’t even finish. The coffee was amazing. I highly recommend we were there a little before noon but wanted breakfast. It was a good choice, I had the French toast casserole
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cy C. 1 year ago on Google
    Long time staple. The dynamic of the crowd has changed (for the better) past few years (id say in part due to a number of other previous longstanding clubs closing). Great vibe, close to subway station, hosts numerous engaging events. Made any friends with locals and staff here. KARAOKE EVERY WEDNESDAY hosted by BritneyBeards often packed and leads to going to Legacy after (I should stop doing that haha). Not too crowded Thursdays, packed Fridays and Saturdays. Thank goodness I have a VIP pass
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Andrew S. 2 years ago on Google
    Waited outside for an Uber during a blizzard under a covering next door. They yelled at us multiple times and called security since we were in front of a different business. We said we were waiting for an Uber and they had security remove us. This place is awful I'll never come back. They overcharge and think they are too good for what they are.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kay L. 3 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    This place is amazing. I'm stunned by how awesome it is every time I come back. Was there for NYE. The atmosphere was electric. Also got food before the ball drop. Food was good and service fast. I only wish it was wheelchair accessible. That step at the front door is an issue.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wren L. 4 months ago on Google • 72 reviews
    To be honest, I haven’t been here a ton for any club nights. So I’ll be talking about the restaurant. I had the truffle gnocchi, and it was amazing. So full of flavor! And the gnocchi wasn’t too hard or soft; just the right texture. The server was so nice and friendly too

  • 1/5 PRETTYBOYELZIO 2 years ago on Google
    I been calling them all week left several messages about my reservation, and online tickets. Still waiting for a call back from them. I Bought tickets to see drag show for myself, and friends. I live over an hour a way. No parking when we finally did find a parking space. We got to the door of the club. My experience as soon as we got to the door this extremely rude door guy took his job way too seriously. completely inappropriate. Like okay no problem but the tone of voice. The problem was that one of us didn’t have our Covid vaccination. He didn’t care for my friend to explain medical reason why. My expectations at that moment was that he could at least tell us who we could speak with from the show about refunding us money for our tickets. funny thing is a white male in front of us didn’t have his vaccinations but still got in. Not be be racist or disrespectful . completely inappropriate. We asked to speak to a manager. This is what was said “ we will keep one of your tickets and give you call tomorrow about refunding your money. ” Right” still waiting once again for a call back.” This night was supposed to be amazing for my friends, and I especially considering the fact we haven’t been out since the pandemic happened. They made this experience horrible, and not to mention it was my friends birthday as well! Never ever going there again myself or friends!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isaiah 3 months ago on Google • 69 reviews New
    Delicious cocktails and lovely decor make this an incredible late night hang out spot. Definitely going to stop by for the Trivia nights and the Karaoke 👏🏾

  • 1/5 Cameron B. 10 months ago on Google
    Bartenders are extremely rude. Matt deserves to be fired with the way he disrespects customers. After getting our drinks, he started flipping us off. Any other establishment an employee would’ve been fired. Honestly despicable, especially given how much we spent tonight. Manager did not care whatsoever when we voiced our concerns. We’ve gone here weekly, and we won’t be returning. **Go to Blend, DBAR, or Legacy! Much better staff, never have had an issue, and they are more fun**
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vivien T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here on a Saturday night, mainly to go dancing, and it was SO fun!! Me and my friends came at 10pm, and the wait time was only 5 minutes; we had to pay a cover fee of $10 each though but it was definitely worth it! The music was good, and the people were fun to vibe with. It definitely felt super safe and comfortable to get drunk and dance
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ant W. 8 months ago on Google
    Dropped by on Friday night and had the best time! Can’t comment on the food but we had a blast drinking and dancing! Everyone was friendly, music started off a little meh but got better throughout the night.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Josh S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the absolute best in Boston! 🔥 Matt makes an authentic old fashioned that's sooooo goooood!! Great place to meet others and karaoke. 😎
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirstin Q. 1 year ago on Google
    My friends and I came here for trivia night and had some great food and great drinks! I got the Tito’s strawberry lemonade drink and it was so good! Service was great and this place has a very fun environment!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jim D. 1 year ago on Google
    We went for the music in the Napoleon Room with songs by Marilyn Dale and Jan Peters. Both are excellent and the casual friendly atmosphere is always fun. We had dinner beforehand and was fine. I’ve eaten here often and its always good, not fancy or gourmet. Specialty cocktails are imaginative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle R. 1 year ago on Google
    It had been forever since I'd been here (pandemic, moved out of the city, I'm old & tired now). Returning for an event with friends was better than homecoming. Food was fantastic. Our server Christina was delightful. So many memories in this space. It was so great to be among my people again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marjorie B. 2 years ago on Google
    OMG… i already loved club cafe for adding a beyond burger option for us vegetarians that is absolutely fabulous… but now i’ve tried their THAI CRUNCH SALAD and it has CHANGED MY LIFE!! so scrumptious i’m taking a pic of my empty plate. COME GET SOME!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Hussain H. 4 months ago on Google
    I was visiting Boston and came here two nights- on a Thursday and a Saturday. Great service! If you’d like to come on a Saturday, I’d suggest to arrive by 11:30 to avoid waiting in a long line outside. Also, there was a lady in a jean jacket who was stamping guests as they arrived in, and she was extremely rude. The rest of the staff was wonderful, but she was very off putting and was not welcoming at all.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M C. 2 years ago on Google
    My friends and I had a great time last night! Very welcoming and safe environment. Drinks are great and reasonably priced and music is poppin. 10/10 would recommend to anyone in the area looking for a good time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Théo B. 5 months ago on Google
    Club Café was packed and there didn't seem to be a limit on the amount of people allowed into a space. Ya boy doesn't mind the bump and grind of a crowded dance floor(actually prefer it sometimes). But I had definitive trouble actually getting to the door out of the room to get more drinks. After a while, it became more enjoyable to just drink and wait for the rest of the group to get done, it didn't take long, I think they were just as glad to get out of there. But and it's a huge butt, all of the bartenders were awesome. The ones I got didn't know the ingredients for some of the drinks I asked for, but actually got out their phone to look it up. That I love. They could have just nixed it and asked me to choose something else. Top shelf service. Food wise I only had the sweet potato fries, being the vegan that has to eat whenever I go out, I'm quite determined to find something delicious no matter where we go and they did have the options. But sweet potato fries are the immediate choice whenever I see them on the menu, and theirs did not disappoint. Neither did the servers with a gigantic section to cover. But their team seemed to have a really good flow and every knew the distinctions of their roles. I'd suggest this place as the early stop in the night before finding a less crowded place to dance. Or vice versa if that's you're thing 😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharde A. 3 years ago on Google
    The food was amazing and I'm foodie from NY! The French toast casserole is the best! It tastes like my grandma's bread pudding. The steak wrap was on point! Everything was delicious and I took a Italian grilled cheese for the road back to New York. Love the vibe and service was great. Will return if I'm ever in town again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mangel 2 years ago on Google
    I always been around this place. I been there so many times. And this last weekend I went for first time after pandemic to have fun and eat. The club and fun and drinks good and really nice. But I am putting 3 stars coz I ate nachos (nachos was really good) but the a really rude server. Not friendly at all, rushing us and his attitude it was like he didn't wanted to be there... nothing like the old times
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim C. 2 years ago on Google
    I can’t say enough about what a wonderful experience I had at Club Cafe. We had a family event there and absolutely EVERYTHING was perfect!! The set up, the food, the attention to details and the absolutely EXCEPTIONAL staff. I know how challenging it is with so many businesses being short staffed but you would never know it here. They were right on top of things!!! In addition, they were kind, polite, and always willing to go above and beyond. Thank you, thank you, thank you Club Cafe Staff!!!’ ❤️❤️❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne C. 3 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    My partner and I stopped in for drinks and dinner and had a very pleasant experience. Staff was delightful and helpful. Food was great- recommend the fried calamari! Cocktails could’ve been a touch stronger.

  • 4/5 Tania C. 2 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    This place is my favorite. One of my favorite clubs to go to in Boston, been going since the pandemic lifted. However , god forbidden you ask the bartenders for water, they’re very passive aggressive about it. Maybe it was just a bad night.

  • 4/5 Fedi M. 2 years ago on Google
    Good music and vibe. Crowd tends to be more on the younger side, a little pretentious but they have a great selection of cocktails. Fun place on a Saturday night

  • 5/5 Hannah F. 2 years ago on Google
    Went on a Friday night in June for dinner - the host was super kind and informative, and our waiter was top notch, even though it was busy! They were respectful, accommodating, and really sweet - they even helped us pick out drinks since we were feeling indecisive! Me and my friend shared the buffalo chicken dip (which hit the spot 100%), they got the flatbread, and I ordered the chicken breast over spring risotto. My drink was a spicy margarita with a bit of mango at our waiters suggestion. All of it was delicious, hot, and well-timed. Will gladly come back, for dinner, drinks, or dancing, any day of the week!

  • 4/5 FDW 2 years ago on Google
    Came here on a whim... turned out great. Had the French toast casserole, which I was leery about. However, the hostess and waiter recommend it. So I went with it. It was good! The bacon on the side was good and crispy and there was plenty of it. It also came with fruit, which I could eat, I was too full.

  • 2/5 Boston W. 2 years ago on Google
    Before the Pandemic I would have give five stars to Club Cafe. Without the Buffet it is still good, but just "ordinary". Nothing special. I hope they bring back the Buffet at some point or at least offer a Desert with every Entre. That would be special. Bottom line is without the Buffet it is nothing to brag about.

  • 4/5 Christine B. 2 years ago on Google
    Good nightlife, the customers definitely make this place worth the time. The dance floor gets hot and steamy which is fun when you are in the mood to get low and get rowdy. Only complaint about this place would the music and the staff.

  • 5/5 Jennifer Love W. 3 years ago on Google
    Cocktails were awesome and the staff was delightful & friendly

  • 5/5 Morgan B. 6 months ago on Google
    I loved this place! I honestly wish there were more like it. It's sad I have to drive 2 hours to find a gay bar, but im glad that there are open and accepting places like this where I can feel safe and have fun with friends. Very kind Staff and the food/drinks were great. i definetly plan on going again!

  • 2/5 Michelle R. 2 years ago on Google
    Sadly, there quesadillas with chicken. Left a bad taste in my mouth. Therefore I opened them up. And noticed 3 pieces of chicken the size of a fingernail. The rest was tomatoes. How terrible and unprofessional. Worse then a taco bell. Just more expensive. The dance floor was over packed. I felt like a sardine packed in a can. I'm proud of the exterior set up for identification process, in order to get in to the establishment.

  • 4/5 K W. 6 months ago on Google
    Super fun place!! I got the greek salad and it was pretty good:) they’ve got fun events too (we went for drag bingo). servers were nice and i appreciate the gender neutral bathrooms!

  • 4/5 Shannon L. 2 years ago on Google
    The food here is really not the greatest. At least when I went and got the chicken quesadilla it was awful. On top of the the waiter we had was awfully rude and seemed bothered by my table asking for drinks and food. Despite the negative interaction with the wait staff the dance floor and club part was awesome.

  • 4/5 Jennifer J. 1 year ago on Google
    Saw a fun dinner show with friends this past week. Our burgers and sweet potato fries were great! Waitstaff was absolutely fantastic. Theo took care of the entire room. Great service!

  • 5/5 Deejay C. 10 months ago on Google
    A hot spot for some dancing. Fun times here with good drinks too.

  • 5/5 Jonathan 2 years ago on Google
    Great large par offering many different things for different likes. The evening we went in one room was game knight. Another room was piano bar and in the main room was dance music. Cocktails and staff were great.

  • 4/5 Reagan D. 1 year ago on Google
    The place is amazing, such a great vibe. However right when I walked through the front door, the tall woman taking the cover charges and putting stamps on people was incredibly confrontational, and almost combative. She yelled at all my friends for really no reason. She should not have that position because she’s essentially the face the club, and not a good face. We were treated so poorly, and for what? We shouldn’t be screamed at as soon as we walk through the door. She needs to be reprimanded, fired, or given a different position where she doesn’t work with customers directly. Thanks.

  • 5/5 Maggie M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is amazing in the Napoleon Room, which is basically a cabaret style entertainment. The pianist is extraordinary talented and members of the audience come prepared with the score and start singing the American song book. The atmosphere is amazing and you forget all your troubles that you may had that day. Go check it out.

  • 5/5 Clare S. 1 year ago on Google
    AMAZING gay bar for a fun night of dancing!! The place was clean and the staff was so friendly and helpful. Safest I’ve felt at a bar. Would definitely recommend to all LGBTQIA+ looking for a fun night! Shout to staff members Keith, Mike, Briana, and Minja for going out of their way to make it a great night

  • 5/5 Tracy S. 2 years ago on Google
    I love coming to Club Cafe--there's always something fun happening here, and I think their food is good too.

  • 5/5 Shaaliyah L. 1 year ago on Google
    In my line of work, I work with a lot of restaurants. When it comes to larger groups (Our travel party is 25) we have had some okay experiences and some not so great experiences. Our experience from beginning to end was top tier and definitely one of my top 3 places! We walked in and they took the time to print a welcome sign for us and seated us in this back room. The moment we sat down the meals were coming out! They were accurate and tasted great! Outside from the food, the server and managers were great! Extremely kind and thorough. Would definitely return.

  • 5/5 Dana F. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic venue with great music and wonderful people. I love coming here when I'm in the mood to dance!

  • 1/5 Nicole S. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Literally loved this place and felt so safe here previously. Recently, my friend came into the bathroom stall with me, not knowing it was a rule you couldn’t as she happens to not read the sign (not everyone read every sign). After I was on the toilet, we were told one of us has to get out. My friend did not hear (bars are loud!) and I was NAKED On the toilet so why would she have opened the door? Once I was done she immediately left the stall. My friend was kicked out even though I tried to explain to multiple people that I was on the toilet so why would she have opened the door. Every single person I explained this to said she should’ve seen the signs on the stalls that only one person could go in and she should’ve come out immediately even though I explained I was naked at the time. They said that didn’t matter because it’s a gender neutral bathroom. Just because a bathroom is gender neutral doesn’t mean I want anyone seeing my naked body (hence why we have stalls in single gender bathrooms). No one listened to our perspective, which was extremely reasonable, and so we all left. Again, I loved this place as one of the only gay bars in Boston that also has a female audience, but I am very disappointed that this happened.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍


Call (617) 536-0966 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Free street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery

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