2 Best Nightlife in Side Trips from Boston, Massachusetts

Old-school arcade fans, and even those brought up exclusively with computer games, love playing on the more than 30 classic games at Bit Bar, where you can play Pac-Man, pinball, or air hockey until you drop. A full bar and a menu featuring everything from tater tots to pizza keeps you fueled up. Kids can play until 8 pm; after that, it's 21-plus only.

This outpost of Notch Brewing (there’s one in Boston, too) sits on the South River Basin in Salem with plenty of space indoors and out. Open year-round, Notch promises at least 10 to 14 brews on tap, along with snacks such as a cheese plate, pretzels, pickled eggs, and other bar food. Communal tables, Skee-Ball, cornhole, and special events such as artisan fairs, make this a lively place to gather with friends.