3 Best Nightlife in The North End, Boston

Caffe Vittoria

North End Fodor's choice

The glorious matriarch of North End cafés, glistening with marble-topped tables, mirrors, and shiny machines, lets you glimpse la dolce vita on Hanover Street as baristas pump steaming espresso machines from 7 am until midnight. Skip the frenzy at tourist trap Mike's Pastry next door; relax as you sip caffe latte or grappa and nibble authentic gelati and pastries–-tiramisu, sfogliatelle, cannoli. Cash only, per favore.

Improv Asylum

North End Fodor's choice
Comedians weave audience suggestions into shows (seven nights a week, and Saturday matinees) that blend comic improv and topical sketches. Shows are never the same; midnight performances on Friday and Saturday have raucous, R-rated comedy. Most shows (ranging from $15 to $28) tend to sell out, so get there early or call ahead.

Farmacia

North End

Open in a part of the Ciao Roma space, this apothecary-inspired cocktail bar boasts only nine seats and hundreds of cocktail potentials. During one of his ticketed progressive journeys, creator Phillip Rolfe (of Wink & Nod fame) creates individually tailored concoctions made from high-end spirits, homemade syrups, infusions and tinctures, and freshly cold-pressed juices. House-made pickles, dips, roasted nuts, and gelato pair nicely but aren't meant to fill you up. Because it's so small, Farmacia is booked months out, so plan accordingly.

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