The Beehive ★ 4.4
$$$$
South EndMon-Wed 17:00-23:00, Thu 17:00-00:00, Fri 17:00-01:30, Sat 10:00-01:30, Sun 10:00-23:00.
The Beehive on Tremont Street books live jazz, blues, soul, cabaret and burlesque seven nights a week inside the Boston Center for the Arts complex.
TipWeekend brunch from 10:00 with live jazz is the calmer entry. Reserve via OpenTable for a table close to the stage.
The Cantab Lounge ★ 4.4
$$$$
CambridgeMon 17:00-01:00, Tue 17:00-23:00, Wed 17:00-01:00, Thu-Sat 17:00-02:00, Sun 17:00-01:00.
The Cantab Lounge in Central Square has run live music seven nights a week since 1938. Two floors: a folk-and-jazz street-level lounge and the Cantab.
TipBluegrass Tuesdays from 20:00, started 1993, $6 cover. Sundays bring a Boston Poetry Slam in the Underground.
Lookout Rooftop and Bar ★ 4.4
$$$$
$18 cocktails, upscale casual dress, reservations advisedSeaport Fort PointMon-Wed 16:00-23:00, Thu 16:00-00:00, Fri 16:00-01:00, Sat 12:00-01:00, Sun 12:00-23:00.
Lookout at the Envoy Hotel sits seven stories above the Seaport with a wraparound terrace facing the harbor and the Fort Point Channel. Heated igloos extend.
TipReserve via OpenTable for a guaranteed table; walk-in lines build by 18:00 in summer. Igloos book months ahead from October.
Rooftop at Revere ★ 4.0
$$$$
$18 cocktails, seasonal May to September onlyBeacon HillMon-Thu 16:00-22:00, Fri 16:00-23:00, Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun 12:00-22:00.
Rooftop at Revere on the Revere Hotel roof is the largest rooftop lounge in Boston, with two outdoor bars, plush cabanas and a panorama from Boston Common.
TipSeasonal opening usually late April, runs to late September. Reserve via SevenRooms for cabanas; walk-in seating fills by 18:00.
Contessa ★ 4.5
$$$$
$22 cocktails, smart dress, reservations essentialBack BayMon-Wed 06:30-22:00, Thu-Fri 06:30-23:00, Sat 07:00-23:00, Sun 07:00-22:00.
Contessa on the 17th floor of The Newbury Boston runs a glass-roof conservatory with retractable panels above the Public Garden. Italian small plates.
TipAperitivo Hour Sunday to Wednesday 17:00-18:00 runs discount Negronis and bar snacks. Resy is essential for dinner.
The Wig Shop ★ 4.5
$$$$
Beacon HillDaily 17:00-02:00.
The Wig Shop on Temple Place hides a basement cocktail lounge behind a fake Downtown Crossing wig storefront with neon signage and mannequin heads.
TipReservations on Resy 17:00-19:00 for parties of 2 to 6. Walk-in after 19:00; absinthe drip service is the order.