Wally's Cafe
Boston, MA 02118
Phone: (617) 424-1408
Fax: (617) 424-8340
- Cross Street:
- Columbus Avenue
- Specialties:
- Dive Bar, Live Music Venue
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 9am-2am, Sun 12pm-2am
Editorial Review for Wally's Cafe – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Joseph L. Walcott founded this hideaway club in 1947 (across the street from its current location), and set the standard for the club's dedication to music by hiring bands 365 days a year. Wally's status as a local jazz institution is disproportionate to its cramped quarters. Visitors to this funky neighborhood hangout should expect to have their ribs jabbed by various elbows throughout the evening.
The Draw
Many of the budding jazz and blues talents at the Berklee College of Music play Wally's, and they're often more interesting than some of the better-known local acts. There's no cover, which is a real treat, especially since most bands have a tendency to let loose with extended solos and jams. The bar makes its money from the well-stocked bar, and no food is served.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoWally's accepts cash only, so be sure to bring enough.
When to GoThe line usually gets pretty long starting around 9pm on weekends.
User Reviews for Wally's Cafe
05/13/2005 Posted by hippyman
Let me tell you this place was a definate old school type of jazz club with the low ceilings and extremely diverse crowd. I was almost reminded of back in the day when Robert Johnson was making the deal with the Devil at the Cross Roads in Mississippi, when you have the bars with the jazz scene on one side of the street and redneck rock scene across the street. The Bouncers were twice the size of me and they really couldnt speak well but they were very friendly (I Dont know how they fit in the club without sitting down) The Bartender was great and so was the music. Hope you enjoy it there I know I did
Pros: Great Music, Good Price, No Cover
Cons: Low Ceilings, Packed
03/26/2005 Posted by stas
Arriving at the club on a Saturday night our group of 2 are told the club is full and asked to wait outside until people left. Meanwhile a group of 2, 4 and another 2 are let in during the 1/2 hour we continued to wait outside because the owner decides to let them in ahead of us. Needless to say we're never going back.
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