Depending on whom you ask, the Beehive is either one of the best new additions to Boston's nightlife scene, or one of the worst. The bistro, bar, and live-music venue opened in May 2007 in the basement of the former Boston Center for the Arts and immediately rode a popularity wave, going from "in" to "out" faster than you can say backlash. While many of the complaints are valid—weekend lines are long; hearing your dinner companion can be a challenge; it's occasionally overrun by suburbanites—the Beehive still has a bohemian vibe that's rare in Boston. The menu started out as an homage to Eastern Europe but has evolved into a melting pot of dishes: almond-crusted veal schnitzel, cinnamon-dusted Moroccan stew, and a grilled cheese sandwich with short ribs and fontina. The entertainment is just as diverse: jazz one night, bossa nova the next. Our verdict is that the Beehive is a victim of its own success but still worth checking out—as long as you go early, or on a weeknight.

Open Mondays through Fridays 5 pm to 2 am, Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 am to 2 am.

Like a less-exclusive version of New York City's Meatpacking District, this stretch of clubs, bars, and restaurants across from Fenway Park is Boston's one-stop destination for a rowdy night on the town. The Fenway crowd gathers to guzzle beer and watch the game at the two rival sports bars at the corner of Brookline Avenue and Landsdowne Street, Game On! (82 Lansdowne St.; 617-351-7001; www.gameonboston.com) and Cask 'n Flagon (62 Brookline Ave.; 617-536-4840; www.casknflagon.com).

When hunger strikes, look to celebrity chef Ken Oringer's latest venture, the popular taqueria La Verdad, for surprisingly authentic Mexican fare (tripe and tongue tacos, even) and huge plastic jugs of aguas frescas—try the watermelon flavor. The kitchen is open until 10 p.m., Sundays through Wednesdays, and until midnight, Thursdays through Saturdays (1 Lansdowne St.; 617-351-2580). End the night shooting billiards or bowling frames at Jillian's entertainment complex alongside a nattily dressed college crowd. Jillian's has a strict dress code Friday and Saturday nights after 8 p.m.: no athletic wear or sleeveless shirts (145 Ipswich St.; 617-437-0300; www.jilliansboston.com).

The Middle East is the epicenter of nightlife in Cambridge's Central Square. It holds two clubs: Big names in indie rock and hip-hop (such as the Hold Steady and the Coup) perform downstairs, while under-the-radar bands build their fan base upstairs. A restaurant upstairs has a menu of Middle Eastern staples, such as falafel and couscous platters. More of the same is served in the Corner restaurant, and there's also nightly entertainment (a belly dancer performs on Sundays and Wednesdays). Finally, there's ZuZu, a chill hangout with a menu of lighter fare (the pupu platters are a steal at $15 and generous enough for two); for atmosphere, there are blood-red walls, twinkling Christmas lights, and a bumping soul dance party on Saturdays. Don a pair of Chuck Taylors and skinny jeans, and you'll fit right in.

Boston isn't normally associated with Latin dancing, but on Fridays and Saturdays this club near Park Street packs in a young, multicultural crowd for hip-swiveling salsa and merengue on a narrow upstairs dance floor. Downstairs, a smaller cluster grooves to Latin rock, bachata, and reggaeton. No worries if you're a little timid about your moves: There are free lessons from 9:15 to 10:15 pm, and inevitably, a pro will pluck you from the sidelines and explain that it's "all in the hips." Of course, you've got to try the mojito at a place named after this Cuban libation. It's heavy on the rum and redolent of mint, just like the club itself.

Open Thursdays through Sundays 9 pm to 2 am.

Boston is, of course, an Irish pub kind of town, and you've certainly got your pick of authentic haunts: There's one on practically every street corner. In the neighboring town of Brookline, Murphy's Pub (more commonly known as Matt Murphy's) is a good bet, and a triple threat: fantastic food (try the shepherd's pie or fish sandwich), a congenial neighborhood crowd of locals and college students, and rollicking live music (everything from reggae and jazz to funk, soul, and hip-hop) all evenings except Wednesdays, which is trivia night. On weekends especially, diners clamor for a spot at one of the rustic farm tables. No reservations are accepted, so expect to wait. To bypass the crowds, drop by for the Irish Sunday brunch, assuming you fancy rolled oat porridge with a trickle of whiskey.

A stroll through the North End's cobblestone streets is a romantic way to end a night. Mike's Pastry attracts hordes of tourists, but skip it and cross the street to the smaller and more modest-looking Modern Pastry Shop for éclairs, lemon squares, and Boston cream pie. You'll want to get your treats to go, though, since there's just a smattering of tables (257 Hanover St.; 617-523-3783; www.modernpastry.com). If you want to linger, settle in at a marble-topped table at Caffe Vittoria, and ask the no-nonsense waitresses to bring cappuccino and ricotta pie (296 Hanover St.; 617-227-7606; www.vittoriacaffe.com). All-night establishments are a rarity in sleepy-eyed Boston, but when every other shop is shuttered, Bova's Bakery is still serving up fruit tarts, cookies, and cannoli (134 Salem St.; 617-523-5601).