- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Abbey Lounge - CLOSED
Categories: Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Dive Bars, Music Venues [Edit]
3 Beacon StSomerville, MA 02143
(617) 441-9631
- Nearest Transit:
-
Beacon St @ Dickinson St (83)
Cambridge St Opp Fayette St (69)
Cambridge St @ Fayette St (69)
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
34 reviews for Abbey Lounge
Review Highlights
"Atmosphere is total rock 'n roll and in my opinion the..."
(in 3 reviews)
"Pub stage is always free."
(in 4 reviews)
"...Abbey Lounge is a good place to check out local rock bands."
(in 14 reviews)
Loading...
34 reviews in English
-
Review from Tatsu I.
11/21/2008
The Abbey goes down as my favorite venue. While Tatsu wasn't on the scene during the reign of The Rat http://en.wikipedia.or... , I often saw related bands at the Abbey, the Rat's natural successor, who were heavily influenced by the glory days of the Boston Music Scene in the 1970 and 80's. Garage acts like The Lyres, offshoots from Mark Sandman's Morphine, Triple Thick, The (amazing) Konks, and my favorite live act of all time, Mr. Airplane Man. http://www.myspace.com... Margaret and Tara's ferocious cover "I Wanna Be Your Dog" by The Stooges absolutely surpassed the original on every level. The performances are totally crystalized in my mind.
It's through the shows at The Abbey that I found new genres and labels like Fat Possum and the last survivors of original blues artists such as Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside. They comprise the core of my favorite blues category, Mississippi Hill Country Blues. (Which actually predates Delta Blues.) http://www.fatpossum.com/
These last masters of The Blues, and The Abbey Lounge pass away without deserved commemoration. To me, the definitive end of an era, not just for Boston, but "real" music before the age of iTunes.
So P.A.'s inherits the mantle. Let's hope for the best. Let's fucking rock! -
Review from Jamie A.
Brooklyn, NY
4/2/2008 ROTD 9/25/2008
I've probably been to the Abbey more than any other venue to see local bands.
While these local bands consist of:
-band #1
-band #2
-the band my boyfriend is in
...the Abbey is more than just a place of obligation. It's dirty, it smells, it's insanely loud, but hey, with $3 tall-boy PBR's, it's ok by me.
I like that it exists here. It reminds me of Oil City, PA, Geneva, NY and all those small-town dives out there. Word. -
Review from Jeffrey H.
Washington, DC
10/21/2008
Abbey Lounge, how I love thee...
Came here to catch a show with some fine folks and throw my undies at their boyfriends on stage...
The PBR tall boys will set you back $3 - I'll have 10 please.
The space is beyond dive...wicked dark, trash on the floor, and bathrooms from horror movies.
The music was good, the friends were great, and the line at the bar was nonexistent.
A drunk Cara P claims a rat ran over her foot while inside - what's not to love!?Listed in: Breeders' Guide to Breeding
-
Review from Cara P.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 10/20/2008
So I came back to the Abbey this past weekend. I hadn't been since August and lo and behold, the wine bar is closed (because of laziness they said) so I was told I couldn't order wine from a little boy playing bartender. I settled on a glass of Stoli Ras with a drop of stale diet sprite. Then, his daddy appeared from the back room and with three magical bottles of wine for another patron. I only got 2 glasses out of the three bottles the father produced (I should have drank quicker dammit).....While it was a sizable pour for the first glass, the 2nd one poured by little boy was super small. I came back for a third and a few drips fell into my glass. Little boy let me drink the few drips for free. Thanks little boy with hoodie.
Eh, I will STILL come back to see a good band play -even with a cover. You are always guaranteed a good time. This time I even saw a few rats scurry by me feet out front.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/7/2008
Five stars! F*UCK YEAH!
Oh Abbey. *I* even remember when you were more of a dive bar-it wasn't that… Read more »
-
-
Review from Erica S.
Media, PA
6/8/2008
LOUD. And rad.
Abbey Lounge is a fun local dive scene, definitely rough around the edges, but a nice place to catch local punk/ indie/ garage bands to rock out to while you pound a couple of beers.
Don't come for the cleanliness or the class. Come for the stinkiness and the graffiti, or just to support that band with the funny name. Enjoy. -
Review from Ty V.
Watertown, MA
Whether you are looking to see some kick ass rock 'n roll or just chill out with a nice glass of wine, you can do both at The Abbey. Reason being is that the place is dived into two parts. On one side its a live music club and on the other its a wine bar.
Music Club:
Atmosphere is total rock 'n roll and in my opinion the Abbey has really established itself as one of the best music clubs in Boston. As for the music, it ranges from rock to punk and as far as people are concerned there's a good mix ranging from your regular scenester types to your average 20 or 30-something who's just looking to see some good music. Drinks are cheap, but there's not much in the way of food on this side of The Abbey. You can also expect to pay a cover or between $5-$8, but its well worth it considering most bills consist of at least three bands. Check the Phoenix each week to see who's playing.
Wine Bar:
This part of the Abbey, which you get into via a separate entrance, is a bit more upscale and trendy, but still very cool. Dimly lit, with good selection of wine, beer and liquor as well as food, its a great place to grab drink or bite to eat. Would also make for an interesting date spot as well. -
Review from Dawn E.
Somerville, MA
4/1/2008
The Abbey is loud (I cannot emphasize earplugs enough. Yes, I am your mom. Wipe that smirk off your face), it's dirty (though a bit less dirty than it used to be), it's not that easy to get to if you don't live in Camberville (which I do, so lucky me), but I always, always have a good time here.
Check out some bands, drink their cheap booze, and see if you don't feel the same.Listed in: Nighttiming, baby
-
Review from Alyssa N.
New York, NY
7/9/2006
I was impressed by the fact that the bartenders at a "dive bar" (as some refer to it) made some pretty good mixed drinks. The Ladies Room also remained clean throughout an event I went to called White Trash Fest 2006 (not sure if this reflects on the staff or the patrons...).
Overall, the staff was very nice- even the door people. I do wish the acoustics were better at this place, as is it known for live music. -
Review from Jocelyn C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/16/2008
Pretty solid place to see a band and have a few beers. I've only come here a few times, to see friends play while they were blowing through town, but I always have fun.
Sure, the place is small, dark, sticky, and divey, but that's all part of the charm. It reminds me of all the places I used to frequent in New York all rolled into one spot. I like that the bar is in one room and the stage in another. Separate but equal. -
Review from TJ M.
Boston, MA
7/30/2007
Abbey Lounge is on the borderline of breaking 36 health code and noise violations. With that said, it's a vintage rocker bar. We watched a great little garage band the other week and meet a few of the locals. One was a nice old Irish man that bought us drink after drink and the other was a waste of space that tried to start a fight with me for looking in his general direction.
All considering, we loved the place. I would never take my mother there, but plan to support additional bands in the future. -
Review from Erin M.
9/27/2008
My new roommate introduced me to this lovely little venue recently. Of course, it looks like it's shutting down which is utterly depressing because it is one of those classic dive-y, loud places that you can gather and feel connected with everyone even though you are just standing around drinking and listening to some variety of rock music. Some drama ensued the evening I was there but it showed that the staff there are truly nice and on their game on making things pretty safe for patrons and letting good times roll.
Drinks (effin' strong...score!) are decently priced and covers are worthwhile considering they go to good, working bands. Even though the bar and stage are in separate rooms it is incredibly difficult to order when a band is on but it's not impossible. The bathrooms are amazingly not that bad either. There was toilet paper and the floor was dare I say it...fairly clean. At least the girl's room was. ALWAYS a plus in my book!
I'm really hoping it stays open so more bands can play and more good times can be had. Rock on Abbey!Listed in: Listen Up!
-
Review from Melissa A.
Cambridge, MA
8/18/2006
Not as good as I expected but still a fine place to go. I walked there (stupidly) from Porter Sq. thinking it would be a leisurely, carefree five minute jaunt. Twenty-five minutes later (it took a long time because I whined for about ten of them), we arrive and find there's a cover for some band. Dejected, we turn to leave and the nice lady at the door says "You just wanna get drinks?" We nod. "No cover is fine, just stay in the bar area."
We sat at the end of the bar in plain sight of the stage and followed her orders not to go to the stage area. I felt guilty because I couldn't help but glance over there constantly and felt like I should have given her a dollar every time I looked.
And there's a constant ruckus going on outside of the place. I've driven by at any odd hour and see some smart looking kids smoking butts or some old dude passed out.
Service is fast and cheap. The walk back was less painful because of the buzz, more painful because of the hole in my wallet. Ah well...such is life... -
Review from Ian S.
Jamaica Plain, MA
7/11/2006
Going to the Abbey is fine with me! It is pure rock n roll, kinda dirty and dark, but not gross. Great beer selection, nice folks working there. I usually go to see friends bands play, and its a good time. Not too pricey either. Mens room is pretty gross, but we're used to that!
Not sure if the wine bar next door is related to the Abbey, but that place is great too! -
Review from Olivia C.
Jamaica Plain, MA
12/11/2006
Finally went for the 1st time in my 8 years in the B-area to this mysterious Dive
Went on a random Saturday and there was a random Beatles cover band that sounded pretty good if that's your thing. the last time I saw one of those was in the Catskills or Canada. My music snob friends had something to say.
And tonight even though I was chilling with ole ringo and paul, it was refreshing not to be surrounded by hipster fashion elite.
couldn't been anywhere in U.S., there were even cowboy hats.
like the friendly, cheap, happy, will go back if I'm ever in the hood which I'm usually not. maybe trek out for some modern rock. Aww Somerville I've never gotten enough of you-Listed in: This is Why I'm Hot
-
Review from Patrick F.
Somerville, MA
9/9/2008
This is one of my favorite small local venues to see a show. It's got just the right amount of dive, liquor and soul to it to make nearly any band worth seeing there.
I've heard there's a chance this place might shut down in the near future. I really hope that's not true. It would be a great loss to the neighborhood and the Boston area as a whole. -
Review from Joe B.
Salem, MA
8/2/2008
Cool place to see a band. A lot smaller than I thought it would be.
Stick to the popular draft beers. Trust me. -
Review from Larissa A.
Quincy, MA
4/14/2007
I was in the Abbey for the first time in a really long time recently. This was my first visit since the re-do and rearrangements and WHAT an improvement!! It's a little better, a little cleaner and just generally not as skeevy.
I might not be such a snobby bitch anymore and start going there more often again. -
Review from Allison R.
Somerville, MA
7/16/2008
Finally made the two minute trek down the block to the Abbey Lounge to see a friend's band play last weekend. Now, I already know the general vibe and clientele from passing by on my way to various Inman locations: gross.
Inside, it's a similar deal. The bar is sticky and moist, and they have 3ish beers on draft. It's dingy, dirty, and stuffy. After one Sam Adams and 10 minutes inside, I felt like I was stumbling home drunk from a summer night out where i'd had more like 7 beers and a pack of cigarettes.
But this place is charming, really. Just can't come here more than a couple times a year for fear of feeling like death. I'm sure this appeals to a niche market. -
Review from Dan D.
West Medford, MA
8/22/2007
A classic dive bar, with good rock bands playing.
The drinks aren't as cheap as they used to be, and there aren't as many crazy old people there as there used to be, and the inside is different, etc., etc., but it's still a great place.
I've seen many great bands here, from punk to Irish to cover bands to polka to hair metal.
It's one of my favorite places to watch a ball game as well, I watched the 2004 postseason there and have some great memories of that place and time.
Cheap booze, rock and roll. -
Review from Matt W.
Cambridge, MA
3/2/2008
Wow....this a dive bar in the extreme! It has that dirty feel that calls for a shower shortly after you get home. With two "stages" the place is a bit cramped and loud for much of anything except drinking and standing. I can't understand why they don't accept credit cards (the rates aren't that high) and why they don't spruce the place up a bit (just remove the cobwebs!). I will certainly go back if I know the band playing but I won't make a stop here otherwise.
-
Review from Jason K.
Arlington, MA
4/13/2006
I think Abbey's pretty excellent. the msic is great, the atmosphere reminds me of a prefect old rock club. There's always been a cover when i've gone, but it's worth it - local acts in a neighborhood rock club? awesome.
-
Review from Documentarian C.
Cambridge, MA
9/29/2008
I love the abbey, mostly. Always something interesting happens when I see a live show. The prices are good, but a few of the staff are entitled wannabees. But this is ok, as it is a part of the fabric that makes up the scene. Hipsters, albeit annoying, are not much of a nuisance here.
-
Review from lora v.
Somerville, MA
5/6/2006
I heart the Abbey. Compared to the mainstays like TTs and the Middle East, the booze & covers are cheap. Pub stage is always free. For the uninitiated, though, do check the bands before you go, there's a huge variety of styles that aren't going to fit everyone's taste (from metal to synth pop). Of course, they're occasionally on the same bill, which can be amusing. A lot of local bands may crowd them in at TTs , but I'd rather catch the same band on a weeknight at the Abbey. I'll save some cash & won't be cramped for space.
-
Review from Daniel K.
Brooklyn, NY
10/15/2007
I like that a place like this can still exist in Boston, or anywhere for that example. Bar's are not supposed to be well lit and decorated according to the latest designer, they are supposed to be dingy, dark and fun. This place fits the bill and the music is usually pretty good too. I once saw the Jabbers here ( GG Allin's old band).
-
Review from Gary K.
Allston, MA
3/2/2008
I have been going to the Abbey for years. I agree with the cost of a beer and the cover are affordable. If you drive, take a cab or bus it because finding parking is like look for the lost Dutchman mine. Ha Ha.. Lately I haven't been crazy about the choice of bands and the place seems to get smaller and smaller everytime I go. It's still a staple in the Boston area music scene and I really don't know if they could ever expand. I can't for the life of me figure out why they have a pub stage with all that is going on on the large stage you can't hear the poor guys on the pub stage if your standing on top of them. It can be a great time at The Abbey but be prepared to feel a little claustaphobic.
-
Review from Melissa M.
Medford, MA
5/24/2008
Ranking it as far as dive bars go, Abbey Lounge is a good one. It's dark/dank/kinda like someone's basement. The drinks are cheap and the gin and tonics were surprisingly ginny! I went to see my bf's friend's band it was cool. This place is tiny but if you like music and you like it loud, go here. I want to see what their wine bar next door is like, it probably is the polar opposite of the Abbey Lounge.
-
Review from Lesley K.
Somerville, MA
1/12/2008
This used to be an *awesome* divey place to catch a show - intimate but loud, cheap booze, all those good things - but now it seems they book 80% Rockabilly/Really Hard White Guy Rock...which is great if you *really* like Rockabilly - I only like Rockabilly in doses so minus one star until other genres are represented more equally.
-
Review from Whitney W.
Jamaica Plain, MA
6/13/2007
The Abbey has excellent backstage graffiti, cheap beer, and a fantastic sound guy who is usually doing sound for exciting and decent bands. It's darker than night even in the middle of the day, but you'll feel weird stumbling out of the Abbey into sunlight, so just go at night anyway.
-
Review from chungo m.
Brighton, MA
5/31/2007
uhhhhhh.....rocker with rockers?
ok, almost. everyone who works there or goes there still thinks it's the 90's.
LAME! -
Review from Allison T.
Allston, MA
5/6/2006
I had my first experience at the Abbey the other night. While I *adore* dive bars more than most and love finding new, local bands to obsess about, the urine smell and crowded atmosphere pretty much overwhelmed me. I stayed b/c I was having fun w/my friends and the first band up was really great. Then a massive swarm of crap chick 1980s glam rock descended on the club and I just had to leave.I had fun, but don't know that I'll necessarily feel like going back--I get the sense that your sentiments towards the Abbey depend largely on whose playing.
-
Review from Jeff K.
Mountain View, CA
3/24/2007
The Abbey Lounge is a good place to check out local rock bands. The space is split in two: one half for the music, the other half for the bar. If you don't like the band, head back to the bar. Though, since it is small, you're not quite that far away. I'll definitely look at the calendar when visiting.
-
Review from matt o.
Belmont, MA
4/17/2007
I love you also abbey, cheap beer usually a good show and soon i will be seeing joe coffee inside you and that makes me happy!
-
Review from Jes W.
Stoneham, MA
3/7/2008
this is a dive bar...no doubt about it..and that's why i keep coming back. The cover is usually reasonable and the bar staff is very cool...oh and they have pbr. The band selection is touch and go.....but almost makes it fun to go, maybe you'll find your new favorite band. I also like the "addition" when they knocked that wall down and opened up the bar area. Although i think it scared away a lot of their elderly regulars! Love this place, love the crowd, but don't get the pub stage...it just seems mean to me!
-
Review from Meghan L.
Frederick, MD
9/14/2007
went here a few years ago while it was still under renovations and it was totally skeevy-- my friends and i were relentlessly and creepily hit on by an old toothless man and a guy who smelled like tacos- when our dates were right next to us. still, i'll give it three stars because i can see the appeal- cheap drinks and good music and i hope it improved since renovations.
