6 Boston, Massachusetts, Nightclubs of the ’80s We Wish Were Still Here

Ah, yes, the '80s club scene in Boston, Massachusetts.  How could we forget.  We can't, actually.  We still have the bruises on our feet from all the walks of shame in high heels that we had no business wearing the first place.

We sure did have a good time in these places.  Here are the some of the Nightclubs that we used to party at that are no longer here, but we wish they were.

Narcissus, Comm Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston

Located in Kenmore Square, Narcissus was easily accessible from public transit.  From what I remember, it was a flashy club.  At Narcissus, you put on your flashy pants and sprayed more hairspray than you needed to.  This was the place you could wear your highest shoulder pads.

Machine, Boylston Street, Boston

Machine was the gay bar downstairs from the Ramrod.  (Best name for a gay bar in the Universe, bar none.)

Machine was a very friendly club, right next to the Fenway Gardens.  The FOAM parties at Machine were EPIC!  I miss those the most. Machine met it's fate just after the pandemic.  Now, there are luxury apartments in its place.

The Rathskeller, a/k/a The Rat, Comm Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston

Even fans of the Rat would not be insulted, in fact, it's almost necessary to describe the Rat as gross.  I might even go as far as to say, it was disgusting.  There was sure to be puke and other bodily liquids on the floor of the Rat.  It was the punk rock club in Boston.  For some, it was a place were you could be yourself.  For others, it was a place to be avoided at all costs.  How could anyone climb down those stairs in those shoes?

Spit, Lansdown Street, Boston

Spit was one of the rows of clubs on Lansdowne Street in Boston, right across the street from Fenway Park, another punk and new wave club, but not as gross as the Rat, no offense.

The Up & Up, Kenmore Square, Boston

The Up & Up Lounge just outside of Kenmore Sq. It was on top of some hotel. (Full disclosure - I never went as I was only a kid at the time. But I do remember the commercials constantly being played on WRKO “Me oh my, way up high, at The Up & Up Lounge.")

The Channel, Necco Street, Boston

The Channel was more of a music venue than a nightclub. They had the BEST acts come around to the channel.  There is a Facebook dedicated to its memory. Every Boston band played the Channel and many National acts as well.

Who did I forget?