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DC doesn't have lackluster nightlife. Boston nightlife is 100% different than DC's in almost every possible way. Its not terrible but it's not good. IMO it's where they're most dissimilar actually.
DC nightlife is good maybe a little bit overrated, but still good. I simply wasn't around back in the day pre-2010 days though.
DC feels like a newer blacker Boston.
The population size, density, education, white-collar nature, is just that similar. The biggest difference is DC grid system, military/veterans presence, lack of ethnic neighborhoods and neighborhood tribalism, and brunch/nightlife culture.
On a metro level it gives me sunbelt/ATL vibes.
Last edited by BostonBornMassMade; 02-08-2021 at 09:15 AM..
DC definitely does not have lackluster night life, it's a level or two above Boston. From 2001-2010, DC had the best Black nightlife in the country by most measures.
Most cities on the East Coast couldn't match up with the Dream/Love, H20, Ibiza, Park on 14th, DC Live, U Street era in DC. Buses would drive down from Philly all the time to the club scene in DC.
And of course, that was during Atlanta's heyday years for Black nightlife also in the post-Freaknik/post-Olympics era. Buckhead Village used to be quite the experience, and last call used to be later also.
That decade was the best for nightlife period, when social media was a thing but not so all-consuming that it prevented people from interacting in person and when all of the best spots hadn't been bulldozed for new apartments and condos. And Black folks were feeling extra happy after November '08 lol.
And of course, that was during Atlanta's heyday years for Black nightlife also in the post-Freaknik/post-Olympics era. Buckhead Village used to be quite the experience, and last call used to be later also.
That decade was the best for nightlife period, when social media was a thing but not so all-consuming that it prevented people from interacting in person and when all of the best spots hadn't been bulldozed for new apartments and condos. And Black folks were feeling extra happy after November '08 lol.
Social media makes personal interaction noticeably worse every 6 motnhs. Feels like we live in the Twilight zone at this point.
Everything makes everyone uncomfortable in some way...
Baltimore Blacks sound closer to Philly/Del/ South Jersey than anywhere in the South, (save for the "tew" "yew" and "dug". They do not sound like they're from Alabama.
Blacks in DC also aren't Southern in their speech. It's a distinct accent which his heavy on the rhotic "err", but the accent is not country, like the Midwest or South. They don't sound northern or southern, just distinct. Blacks in DC don't say "awww" for "all", or "deedie" for "Daddy" like Ohio or Chicago Blacks do.
Chicago Blacks talk southern.
Baltimore Blacks do not sound like Philly at all (and definitely not NYC). Both Baltimore and DC blacks have a Southern Dialect/Twang....although you are right, it's unique.
People in the South don't have their same twang ("tew," "curry," "dug," etc.....are all southern dialects that you will only hear in Baltimore or DC).
Baltimore Blacks do not sound like Philly at all (and definitely not NYC). Both Baltimore and DC blacks have a Southern Dialect/Twang....although you are right, it's unique.
People in the South don't have their same twang ("tew," "curry," "dug," etc.....are all southern dialects that you will only hear in Baltimore or DC).
On a yeoman level, they both have that distinctly flat tone, mumbly diction, and say "aigs"
Philly isn't that too far off from the Baltimore sound with the exception of the words Avenue (Avinoo) and Eric (Urric) lol
And to boot, both cities have lackluster night life
It could depend on race though (in terms of what you prefer). I am white, and have found that DC nightlife offers a great balance of different things to do. Similar to Chicago. Although Chicago (probably similar to Boston), also offers more low-key, local neighborhood bars and nightlife spots once you get outside of downtown.
For African Americans, I would think DC offers probably one of the best nightlife experiences, with only Atlanta likely rivaling it. I would assume it would easily beat out Boston from an African American perspective.
It could depend on race though (in terms of what you prefer). I am white, and have found that DC nightlife offers a great balance of different things to do. Similar to Chicago. Although Chicago (probably similar to Boston), also offers more low-key, local neighborhood bars and nightlife spots once you get outside of downtown.
For African Americans, I would think DC offers probably one of the best nightlife experiences, with only Atlanta likely rivaling it. I would assume it would easily beat out Boston from an African American perspective.
NYC and Houston might rival DC and Atlanta for black nightlife.
I don't think people of any race really "like" Boston's nightlife to be perfectly honest. You hear complaints across the board. Maybe more so amongst the white community actually since they make up the bulk of the 18-29 years olds in the city.
As far as I can tell the white nightlife in Boston is basically only bars (with music and TVS) and some live music. Even the larger venues are ultimately just restaurants with music and views. Think Marvins but white and with quieter music and no dancing. This appeals to some white people but not enough to change its reputation as somewhat dead. The venues tend to be bland too not as decorative as an "El Rey"
There are many lowkey neighborhood-oriented places but in the white community that basically transplants. Many classic Boston watering holes closed in the 2000s and 2010s. There are a few gay bars in Dorchester (DBar, Banshee) that I think cater to gay white men-ive never been.
Black nightlife in Boston offers nothing particularly professional or upscale for the under 35 crowd. Theres 3/4 for themore sophisticated 35+ crowd (FHBG, District 7, Slades, Darryls, Wallys) There are some clubs downtown but its just really rowdy and unrefined compared to DC, it's also more located downtown and not a desirable residential area like U street. Obviously there's a heavy influence on Caribbean music. I wish Bosotn had more options but the music/dancing in Boston is better because the music is Caribbean and there is much less pretense than places with many more upscale locations in Black DC. (Yes im aware Power exists, ust speaking generally)
Some formerly townie/Irish establishments in Dorchester/Hyde Park are now uniformly black working-class crowds (e.g. Dublin House in Uphams Corner-very very black). In addition to this a few black watering holes have opened or are opening up but they close at 10pm or 12am...You certainly don't have the options of DC and much more stuff is done in backyards and triple-deckers..
It could depend on race though (in terms of what you prefer). I am white, and have found that DC nightlife offers a great balance of different things to do. Similar to Chicago. Although Chicago (probably similar to Boston), also offers more low-key, local neighborhood bars and nightlife spots once you get outside of downtown.
For African Americans, I would think DC offers probably one of the best nightlife experiences, with only Atlanta likely rivaling it. I would assume it would easily beat out Boston from an African American perspective.
I don't think people of any race really "like" Boston's nightlife to be perfectly honest.
+1
Quote:
Originally Posted by P Larsen
Boston at least used to be . . . a relief for people who don't want "nightlife" to be the center of young adulthood.
When? To hear my parents tell it, Boston was pretty crazy back in the day when the Combat Zone still had strip clubs, when Kenmore Square still had hardcore rock clubs, when gay clubs/bars like Machine and Ramrod were more prevalent and active, etc.
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