Where to Throw a Party in Boston

585 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 (map)

Want a party low in expense but high in "character"? Razzy's, one of the city's few remaining dive bars, holds down the fort with free popcorn, cheap beer and a fabulous back room that will hold all your friends--plus a karaoke DJ and as many orders of pub grub as you can handle.

533 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 (map)

If you ever wanted a party to mix the playful competition of a game room with the bump-and-grind of a club, this is the place--an accommodating mix of spacious and bodacious. The flirtatious pool shark in you can rack up some games and friendly competition, but if you'd rather move, head up to the dance floor (hint: ask for the hard-to-spot back stairs) to wriggle the night away.

569 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

This discreet, second-story lounge can fluctuate wildly between super empty and utterly packed due to its long, narrow layout. But the plush vibe with rugs and pillows means that lounging with a crew is the ideal as you'll be in close, nose-nuzzling quarters with familiar company. It becomes the sprawling, velvety, live DJ-ed chillfest you'd envision hosting in your living room, but way, way better.

69 Bromfield St, Boston, MA 02108 (map)

Imagine bumping elbows with convivial patrons, as you always do at Silvertone, except that this time, everyone surrounding you is a familiar face. Thus is the magic of securing the private room at one of the city's most bustling downtown watering holes. Also, the menu of earnestly well-made comfort food--quesadillas, buffalo wings, grilled cheese--easily satisfies a crowd.

150 Kneeland St, Boston, MA 02111 (map)

Among the VIP lounges, billiard lairs and rooftop cabanas in this enormous party complex, there's surely a fitting space where you and company can take roost. Luxuriate on leather. Get bottle service. Dip a pedicured toe into the tiny rooftop wading pool. It's your party, right?