Machine

Less bar than club, the Fenway institution has long held court as the city’s definitive gay dance spot. Live music earlier in the evening gives way to a $10 cover and predictable but crowd-pleasing DJed tunes. The diverse crowd usually skews younger, and don’t expect many teetotalers (bar drinks are unremarkable—and cash only—but get the job done). Theme nights in the downstairs space include karaoke; downstairs is where you’ll also find the more chill pool area, with TVs and arcade games. On top of Machine is Ramrod, the iconic leather bar that has gotten a lot more staid in the past few years.