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The Bosco
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Nightlife Dance Clubs Lounges, Dance Clubs [Edit]
22930 Woodward AveFerndale, MI 48220
(248) 541-8818
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 8 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for The Bosco
Review Highlights
"That said I LOVE their patio, it is so nice."
(in 19 reviews)
"Great drinks and always good, chill music."
(in 3 reviews)
"One of my favorite bars in Metro Detroit."
(in 2 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Jo O.
Harrison Township, MI
10/6/2011
What a great vibe. every single time ive been there its been awesome. great djs, good drink prices, lots of good lookimgh people. i like the BOSCO very much.
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Review from Kathryn L.
Birmingham, MI
9/10/2011
My one and only complaint with The Bosco is that they allow smoking on the patio. Not only is that really obnoxious, but also completely illegal in Michigan. We notified the staff and management, and they didn't seem to care.
Other than that, drinks were good. Prices were fair. Service was fine. A good place to hang out, but not as cool as it used to be. -
Review from Valerie G.
Ferndale, MI
Updated - 1/31/2012
Remember how I used to think of the bosco as a special place... where I almost felt like I was vacationing somewhere awesome when I was inside? Well thanks to the changes due to new ownership, walking inside only made me WISH I was on vacation... or frankly, wish I was anywhere but the bosco. So not worth my time... and so not the type of vibe I expect from a Ferndale establishment. They took away the awesome drink specialities, they highlight beers like miller lite while putting buckets for bottle service on the tables, the bartender seemed less than intelligent and looked plastic... none of these things are an improvement in my mind. Oh well - another one bites the dust.
Listed in: It's a Beautiful Day in the…, I Need a Drink!, What should we do this…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/30/2010
This is one of the lounges in the metro-Detroit area that make you feel like maybe you are on… Read more »
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Review from Maggie H.
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok, I am in complete contradiction with everyone else, but the only word I can think to describe my experience at The Bosco is disaster.
My girlfriends and I were looking for somewhere to go for a later happy hour, and one of them had a GroupOn for The Bosco so we went there.
First off, their website and the worker my friend spoke to on the phone both said they open at 8pm. We got there at 8pm to be told by their staff that they were not open. I asked them what time they were going to open and I was told "8:30 or 9ish", I swear that was the actual reply. What kind of business does not know what time they open?
So we came back around "9sih" to use our GroupOn. First off, the waitress said that they wouldn't honor the GroupOn because they recently came under new ownership, but then returned super confused and she said it was ok. Second, they wont honor the drink specials that are listed on the Yelp page, obviously they have not updated that either, along with their website. Then, the waitress forgot one of the 4 drinks we ordered.
To top it off they were allowing people to smoke on the back patio with the doors wide open into the inside seating area. Not only is this in violation of the Michigan Smoke Free Law it was really annoying.
The atmosphere at The Bosco was beautiful, so I wanted to like the place, but everything was such a cluster. Obviously the new owners have no idea how to run a business and I don't think you could pay me to go back there. I don't write many straight up complaining reviews, but this place earned it every step of the way. -
Review from Kat P.
Royal Oak, MI
6/16/2011
Ugh... I used to love this place. Great atmosphere. Good service, different concept from many other bars in town. I had a Groupon that I had purchased that if used on Wednesday was worth more than other days. I called ahead to find out when they opened and was told 8 which matched the website and Yelp's info. We walked in at 8:10 and were told they were closed. Like most would, we then asked when do you open. They didn't know the answer.
Flash forward an hour...we come back and are seated and I inquire about the specials which per Yelp and The Bosco's website there are $1 well drinks. The server said that there were no specials. Just specialty drinks. Hmmm
We ask her to check on the specials which takes awhile. She settles with us for $3 wells and something else... she takes our order and forgets a drink and we can't get her attention for at least 10-15 minutes. We flagged down another server. She seemed to be either inexperienced and possibly distracted by friends at another table in her section.
When we've felt that we had exhausted the $25 Groupon money, we asked for our bill. Another knock on the service. The waitress couldn't do simple mental math and came back stating we owed money when actually, they owed us... 4 wells @ $3 equals $12 plus $8 for 2-$4 beers..... per bosco it equals $33... but in the rest of the world (math is a universal language, right?) it is $20. Even if they charged us for the DD's diet coke, the most the bill should have been was $22. She was given an opportunity to fix the bill, and when it was still wrong, I was fed up.
She went to get the mgr on duty to fix the computer to print a proper bill Not impressed... he totally blew me off and did not apologize for the service. He just brushed me off like a bother and while he took care of the bill, it was as if he was getting rid of us as if we were the problem and not his inept staff. He treated me like the bimbos in blk dresses that deliver drinks ( I wouldn't call them waitresses as they haven't proven themselves capable of anything but looking good in a LBD). Being a professional, I was not pleased with being called honey. We should have been apologized to. Good thing I had a deal and didn't waste any real money. -
Review from Navee C.
Troy, MI
Updated - 9/10/2011
The previous owners of Bosco took the lemons of a small venue and turned it into an upscale, cozy lounge with signature drinks (Booberry!!) that set it apart from other similar establishments. The current owners take those same lemons and squirt you in the eye.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2011
I went to The Bosco on my boss' recommendation, who happens to be 157 years old (or 66...). Bosco is… Read more »
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Review from Joe T.
6/18/2011
I have always liked this bar. Kind of trendy without being hipster. Has class without being pretentious. Enough room to dance a little bit on a busy night but intimate and small enough so you would never lose your company. I have been here on some weekend nights where it was relatively quiet, and some nights it was packed. It is best enjoyed when it is in the middle. Drink prices and barstaff are average. If you are ever in Ferndale on a Wed. night and looking for a bar to drink cheap, this is your place. $1 wells Wednesday nights, you can't really beat that these days, especially in a nicer venue like this. The DJs usually play good Hip-Hop, Dance, Electro House, Reggaeton, Soca, and all your new good stuff. I recommend checking this venue out. Main risk is it has its busy times and dead times, so it could be hit or miss. Also, no complaints on the patio in the summer time!
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Review from Torrie B.
7/15/2010
I loved the Bosco years ago, but now that it's smoke free, I love it even more!! The cocktails are unique and tasty. The service is good, and the couches are comfy!
They have a patio which is perfect for summer and makes you feel like your in NYC or Miami. They always have on some odd movie and their music is so chill.
Go early and snag a great seat! Tuesdays if you bring your passport you get a discount. I don't ever remember paying a cover charge. Look for the green and white lights. -
Review from Stephanie C.
Ferndale, MI
8/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Bosco is the sort of bar that reminds me that even though Detroit is what I call a "casual city" we still know how to dress up for a really amazing night out. And when we want to do that - this is where we go. I'm proud to have a place that feels on par with any lounge I'd seek out in LA or NY.
The cocktails here are always amazing. And somehow it's the kind of bar I'll find myself with a friend on a random Tuesday night swapping hilarious stories until far too late into the night. The bartenders are wonderfully attentive. The setting is minimal, chic and just the sort of place you want to share. Add to that a balmy summer night and you get the Bosco patio, with its fountain. It's a little oasis in Ferndale and one I truly enjoy.
From top DJs who set the mood to a crowd who clearly show up ready to be seen, the Bosco has a reputation as being a bit fancy. Maybe too fancy. But to me, it's just what Ferndale and metro Detroit needed. I'll strut over in stilettos any night of the week. -
Review from Annalisa B.
Berkley, MI
6/16/2011
Love the vibe at Bosco - upscale, but not pretentious. Great drinks and always good, chill music. The mixed drinks are really, really good and the prices are not bad at all. great place for drinks after a show or on a date.
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Review from Ryan L.
5/13/2009 ROTD 6/18/2009
I love this hip, swanky, well-decorated lounge. It's not everyone's scene, but if it is, you will love the Bosco. On the east side of Woodward in Ferndale, north of Nine Mile, the facade resembles an H&R Block. Inside the atmosphere is energetic but not frantic. The music is great and the spectrum of electronic and dance music is played. The walls are lined with tables and seating the the main bar towards the front. Whenever I've been in the Bosco the screen has showed a variety of films from bollywood to Brigitte Bardot flicks. An outdoor patio is attached to the back of the lounge. There is never a cover, but sometimes there is a line to get in.
The Bosco has a full bar and a short list of specialty drinks including a tequila caiperena and various mojitos. The drinks are expertly prepared and delicious. The only drawback to this bar is that the drinks are quite expensive. For inexpensive drinks go to Passport Tuesdays, where you are served drinks for $2 if you present your passport at the door.
If you're in to the lounge scene, check out the Bosco and you won't be disappointed.Listed in: Ryan's ROTD
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Review from Ralph C.
Los Angeles, CA
12/3/2009
One of my favorite bars in Metro Detroit. It is the best during the summer where there is the outdoor patio in the back where you can lounge and relax. What is also great about this place it is now SMOKE FREE inside.
Unlike most bars you can still smoke in the venue and at the end of the night your clothes smell, your hair smells, and everything else. I like the speical drinks they have. My favorite there is the Mojito. It a good place where you can stand and mingle with other people. Good crowd. A trendy place, some nights are packed and some are not like most bars in Michigan. There is never a place which is consistanly packed regardless of the time you go. During the week it would be a great place to take a date and get to know .
The music is different more on the techno type. Never any hip hop if that is what you are looking for. Most of the time it is techno. No dance floor if you are looking to dance. There is still room to dance around but not to get your freak on like in the clubs. Thursday night is a good night to go and of course the weekends.
Parking is not that bad just have to find spots behind the venue or if you are willing to walk you can park in the residential areas. -
Review from Maureen M.
Royal Oak, MI
6/5/2010
Last night was the 1st time I've been to The Bosco. Initially, we walked right past it! (It was early.) I was so impressed with the entire lounge, and loved the outdoor area! Very simple, but a great atmosphere! Our waitress was great. She put our drinks up over her waitress station when we walked outside for my friend to smoke. We asked about having parties there, and she was informative. The manager was nowhere to be found for some reason. That puzzled me since it's not a big place & they were not busy.
I also liked that they offer bottle service. I guess it comes with a great setup so that a large group doesn't have to worry about a waitress getting drinks, missing drinks, screwing up drinks. It's expensive, but it makes sense.
I really enjoyed our time here last night and will definitely be back! -
Review from Sarah W.
Ferndale, MI
3/17/2011
Okay so I have somewhat mixed feelings about The Bosco. What it boils down to is that the inside bar is small, usually, usually too loud, and either eerily empty or packed. That said I LOVE their patio, it is so nice! The lighting is great and it is a really beautiful place to sit and enjoy cocktails in nice weather. I'd have to say that the cocktails are also an A+ and I like that there is an air of upscale class to this place. I feel comfortable going in more casual cloths, but I also enjoy getting just a touch dressed up when I go because I don't feel overdressed like I might at some bars.
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Review from Jonathan W.
Dearborn, MI
4/10/2009 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe I have not reviewed this place yet.
Back when I first moved from NYC to Detroit summer 03, my friends kept taking me to all the sports bars and dives around the area, not that there is anything wrong with those places, but just not my thing, I had just lived in NYC for 6 years and liked the laid back lounge type feel. You know the kind with great drinks, chill upbeat music (think tribe called quest, N*E*R*D ), and good looking people dressed like they want to be out, not like they are in their friends basement playing poker.
I had read about the Bosco on the Internet while I was still in NYC when looking into the nightlife around Detroit. So I kept telling the friends that I met when I moved here about it, but they never heard of it. Well one night I dragged them from their comfort zone in Royal Oak down to the Bosco. Immediately I was impressed. Great drinks, good music, and a great atmosphere. The place is set up very nice. It reminded me a lot of a bar in NY I went to a lot. Lots of places to sit and have drinks with your friend and you don't need to buy a bottle like all the wanna be clubs in town. There is a outdoor patio that is nice in the summer, it even has those outdoor heater lamps for when the temps dip a little.
Every drink I have had from this place has always been good, not to weak and not too strong. The staff has always been great.
The only thing is that the crowed is hit or miss. Sometimes it is packed, but sometimes when you walk in it looks like just a group of friends standing by the bar. I always found it odd that it does not draw a big crowed most of the time. I guess most MI peps like their sports too much, and there is no TVs in the Bosco. That is a very good thing for me. When you go out, you are supposed to socialize not have your face glued to a boob tube. Stay at home or go to a game party if you want to watch sports. Any other city, this place would have a line out the door most nights.
When it is crowded there is a mix of people, everyone from the trendy, sceanster types to business casual. Most of the time everyone is dressed to impress in a stylish way. No redwing jerseys and luggs look here. Although you do see a lot of the trying way too hard to dress like you are a creative type, but hey that's Ferndale, you know the glasses with clear lenses just for looks, wears black all the time and carries around a macbook pro, most likely went to CCS or wants to, haha. I can say that I really work in the "creative" biz.
I think smoking is allowed as I have seen ashtrays and bosco match boxes, but I have never really noticed it being too smokey thank god. I did hear the owner on NPR a couple months back talking about how he was for the smoking ban. I wish it would pass too, it did very well in NYC. You can always smoke on the patio at the Bosco.
The Bosco is my favorite bar in the metro area, I just wished I lived a little closer now that I am in Dearborn.
The Bosco was a bar way ahead of the curve in the Detroit area, and is still waiting for most people in the area to catch up to that curve.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Sara A.
Detroit, MI
10/11/2008
Located in Ferndale this chic bar offers patrons well made drinks in a swanky atmosphere.
Finding it's home on Woodward this local hot spot attracts a more mature, hip crowd. with a bar well stocked and an open, modern decor, Ferndale's the Bosco is definitely one of those bars that one goes to to not to watch sports, but to enjoy a martini or a beer while listening to some laid back tunes.
I started going to the Bosco years ago when a friend of mine was a bartender and have been going ever sense. The bartenders are attentive and well versed in making drinks, especially mojitos. In addition, the Bosco offers a great selection of imported brews. If you're looking for a night on the town with well behaved bar goers, check out the Bosco. -
Review from Toni C.
6/2/2009
Five stars when it's warm out and I can hang out on the awesome patio in the back. Four stars when it's cold out and it's crowded inside. This place is cool and a nice hang out spot if you want more to drink than just a plain beer.
I went there for an event one time and we got there early (before they opened). The staff was nice enough to let us in early and made us all drinks.
The music is good, not your typical "Woody's, O'Tooles, Post Bar" type of music. :) They have different specials and promotions that go on during the week too. -
Review from Emily B.
Ferndale, MI
4/17/2009
The Bosco is a great example of how a good concept, beautifully built, situated in a fine city, can be a total failure. Let's face it: when we go out, it's about the people. Those of us who live in Ferndale pride ourselves on the relaxed, familiar atmosphere of our nightlife. It's a classic, edgy, come-as-you-are, liberal city. Most bars here share that philosophy. Not so for the Bosco. I used to frequent their Passport to Tuesdays, but lately there has been an influx of disgusting people. Case in point: a good friend of mine was beaten up outside last weekend for talking to someone's "girlfriend" inside. I have never seen a bar fight in Ferndale, and I've lived here for years. Mgmt did nothing, and I will never go back. (Ferndale police rock, though!)
I want to state one thing up front. The DJs here are amazing. Brian Gillespie, Frankie Banks, John Arnold deserve kudos. They rock. They also spin at cool bars, so no need to miss their tunes.
Drinks: overpriced and uninspired, skimping on details that other bars don't. Good beer selection but often skunked because of poor temp control. Overambitious menu descriptions, uncreative drinkmakers.
Service: good-looking, thin, blah, off-kilter, models-not-servers (except for Dave. He's amazing)
Bathrooms: swanky-dirty
Patio: nice
Decor: great
People: nouveau riche trash
Never going back.Comment from daniel h. of The Bosco 5/7/2009
Emily- What? Our coolers are great. Drink menu featured in… More » -
Review from Kelsea L.
Chicago, IL
10/6/2007
I think I like this place because it reminds me of some of the lounges I used to frequent in the Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago when I lived there, except at the Bosco you can actually get a seat and you don't have to wait 15 minutes to pee. The music is, however, ridiculously loud, which is a personal pet peeve. Boo. As far as the drinks go, all I can say is, pomegranate mojito. I don't need anything else. They are half the reason I go. I've heard the patio is really nice in the summer; for some reason I've only hung out there in the winter so I've never been outside.
A great lounge, but they need to turn down the music. It's not that good, anyway. -
Review from Tuomo K.
Madison Heights, MI
4/6/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Very relaxed atmosphere and chill music
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Review from Dan S.
Ferndale, MI
Updated - 5/16/2009
Cutting and pasting from an earlier review under "The Bosco Lounge":
A really nice space (indoor and out) with great attention to design detail, rendered lame by the attitudes of staff and patrons. There are plenty of bars to choose from in Ferndale -- no need to put up with such pretentiousness.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2007 First to Review
A really nice space (indoor and out) with great attention to design detail, rendered lame by the… Read more »
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Review from natalie r.
Ferndale, MI
7/30/2010
So far i've only been there once having been already a tad bit intoxicated, but it was really nice. We had cheaper drink coupons from going to see a movie at the magic bag. We sat outside and it was very serene. I could see people going there dressed up all fancy while at the same time you get all the people from the movies at the bag, so it's a good mix. We definitely will be back next time we go to see a movie at the magic bag.
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Review from Jessica L.
Grosse Pointe Park, MI
2/6/2010
Great neighborhood bar. It's a classier place on the smaller side, and very clean. The outdoor patio is nice in the summer and the inside is even nicer now that they don't allow smoking! The drink prices are moderate and they offer a full bar with a menu of specialty drinks. On Tuesdays they do have specials, making it very inexpensive. The staff and bartenders are nice, it attracts a good crowd, and there is comfortable seating inside. It's a great bar to go to to relax and unwind.
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Review from Jana P.
5/5/2010
Friday night = slow... On the outside of this joint looked alitlle unweary although...once you take the few steps in to the place... Bosco looked like a dream that came out of the movies. I love how this lounge looks like. It even has a patio with heaters, water flowing, and alot of tables for groups to socialize. I like the decor of this place... I like the music they play in there.
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Review from Haroun K.
1/4/2008
Not my scene, but if you like lounge-bars, this might be the place for you. I kind of felt like a cobbler on the little stools in the back though. It was not as chill as I'd hoped, and it was too loud to talk to anyone. Drinks are not so cheap by Detroit standards. Also, there seemed to be a lot of creepy, kind of desperate guys, if that's your thing.
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Review from o o.
Ann Arbor, MI
12/9/2007
Not half bad. The lounge has a nice feng shui about it. The drinks were perfectly made and although, the music was loud, I didn't mind it. Granted, I went on a Thursday night and was one of two groups there. They have plenty of seating with two nice long, comfy couches. In the summer they have a patio that looked like it could be fun. I have no idea what the scene is since I was practically the only person in the place.
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Review from Kellie B.
Farmington, MI
9/27/2008
Went to the Bosco on a friday night and enjoyed it. Love the 'Good Drink' Martini. Lemony and not sweet but just right. They use a high grade vodka for everything, at least Svedka. Ambience is lovely, hip, and unique. Just what I think the owners were looking for. Bathrooms for women were nicely decorated and clean. Interior by the window in front of bar echoes so watch your convo. Leather chairs for 2-3 people are situated throughout lounge. You can relax here, never too crowded.
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Review from j k.
Washington, DC
6/30/2007
Visited here with some friends this week. The deco is nice inside..very clean and modern..nice big bar area.... a little similar to some bars in asia. They have ample seating, long couches for lounging, and a cozy little outdoor section as well. service, ambiance, and drink selection is ok. it's not really a friendly, laid-back type of bar and it seemed like everyone was there to check each other out. hehehe.. kinda funny to me. my major complaint is that the music is way too loud inside. we had to shout to talk to each other and it was still difficult to hold a conversation. not sure why the music was so loud...no one was dancing and it didnt' seem like it was a club/lounge type of place. it was a nice enough bar. if i visit the bosco again, it'd only be if outdoor seating was available.
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Review from Todd E.
Ferndale, MI
9/16/2009
The most boring bar in Ferndale. It's a good place to hang out on the back patio and smoke cigarettes. Or grab a first drink of the night before heading out to better places. But this is no place to hang out for any length of time. The bartenders are friendly enough.
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Review from Brian R.
Chicago, IL
7/15/2008
Not bad. Nice interior with good drinks. Can attract some odd characters, especially in the summer when it gets more business due to the large outdoor patio. And by odd characters I mean douche bags. Think hair gel, striped button ups and shiny black shoes. But let's not generalize. A pretty diverse crowd, lots of seating and decent service. Music is pretty loud but and isn't BAD, but isn't worth asking about either. This is where I come for a sort of low key night. Many tend to keep to themselves and you can easily relax and drink with a friend or two.
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Review from Sarah A.
St Clair Shores, MI
11/4/2010
Overall, The Bosco typically seems to set of the trendy vibe if you are not into that vibe, this isn't your type of place. I, on the other hand, like trendy/chic places. I first came here to work a fashion event with a designer. I got a behind the scenes take on the staff, overall everyone was very nice and accommodating. The venue itself doesn't hold many people, it is on the smaller side with a few couches here and there to sit. The patio is cute with lanterns and a waterfall...like I said trendy...the music playing is typically a techno/house. Don't expect people dancing, this is a sit back, enjoy a cocktail, mingle and catch up with others and people watch. Unfortunately, I feel the bar could be stocked better...I am a huge flavored vodka drinker and the selection here is not plentiful... Not any Three Olives vodka. Overall, this would be a nice place to take a girl for a cocktail after dinner to really make the date.
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Review from Chris T.
Sterling Heights, MI
5/22/2010
judging by all the reviews i guess its hard to keep this place a secret anymore. this is my favorite lounge in michigan. i try to look for other places like this and i just cant find any. maybe im not looking hard enough. ive only been here a few times since its a little out of the way, but i know it will be a big treat the next time i can make it out.
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Review from Jen M.
Weymouth, MA
4/4/2009
Ah, The Bosco! I have yet to find anything that is remotely like it in Boston. It's a nice chill place where you can relax and unwind and here some pretty chill music. The bartenders were great and gave everyone equal service, the crowd was genuine and people came dressed as they are whether it was hipster-ish or casual. And yet everyone just blended together. The patio is my favorite during the summer. I hope that someday I will find something like it in Boston.
