Gone But Not Forgotten, Boston’s Most Iconic Nightclubs Remembered

The Boston nightclub scene has changed significantly over the years. Depending on your age, you can go as far back as the Landsdowne Street days of Axis and Avalon. Some may even go as far back as Faces off of Route 2 in Cambridge. Then, there is always the legendary Palace in Saugus or Bahama Beach Club. The reason we started reminiscing is that another legendary nightclub, Vincent’s (Lombardo’s) in Randolph, has closed and is auctioning off its iconic chandelier.

Lombardo’s Hospitality Group recently announced that its 71,500-square-foot space in Randolph had sold. The space had been home to several weddings, proms, banquets etc. One of its most memorable features was its chandelier. The chandelier itself is 18 feet wide and weighs more than 3500 pounds. It boasts more than 10,000 glass crystals and 950 light bulbs. It is being auctioned off today and the starting bid is at $5,000. You can get all of the information HERE.

Now, when it comes to Boston area nightclubs, everyone has a memory. We have asked our listeners to provide us with their favorite memories of some of these clubs so we can reminisce together. Many were located in Boston, but some you may have had to travel as far as New Hampshire. Either way, these clubs were a big part of our childhood. If we miss any, feel free to message us. Let the memories begin!

• The Palace route 1 in Saugus

  Oh The Palace. This gigantic building housed several different clubs in one space. From Latin night (El Copa) to The Officer’s Club, to the Male Encounter all male review, The Palace was the home of some of the best memories. Russell Robbat, the owner, opened The Palace on Valentine’s Day in 1982 and it closed in 2006.

• The Roxy Tremont St. Boston

  Located at 279 Tremont St., Boston, The Roxy opened in 1988 and was voted Best New Nightclub by Boston Magazine. The Roxy was a 33,000-square-foot club that boasted some of the most fun foam parties and concerts. It still operates to this day, now known as Royale. 

• Avalon and Axis Landsdowne St. Boston

  These two clubs were home to several concerts over the years. Located at 13-15 Landsdowne St. you could always expect these venues to be at capacity with many rock shows or themed dance nights. They closed up in 2007 when The House of Blues took over.

• Faces in Cambridge

  Opened in the late 70’s as a supper club, Faces became an eye sore along Route 2 for years. The capacity was about 2,000 and it flourished for 15 years. Faces was the brain child of the four Martignetti brothers. It was finally torn down in 2011. 

  Last Dance: Tearing Down the Faces Disco

  Before the wrecking ball swings: one last look at Faces, the iconic nightlub where the party seemed to last forever.

• Vincent's in Randolph

  Oh Vincent’s. Vincent’s was a staple in the Randolph area since 1983 when The Lombardo family opened the doors. Vincent’s wast host to Under 21 nights, Latin nights, hip hop nights and more.  At its peak, Lombardo’s was hosting up to 750 events per year! The facility closed its doors in late 2023. 

• Narcissus Boston

  Narcissus was located at 530 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston. It was a big club for Harvard and B.U. students. In the 80s, Narcissus was home to several heavy metal and rock bands. It closed in 1993.

• Waterworks Marina Bay in Quincy

  Waterworks was an outdoor venue right on the water in Marina Bay in Quincy. They had outdoor bars, a mechanical bull, palm trees and a beach volleyball court. Waterworks would eventually change hands to Marina Bay Beach Club in 2008.

• Rumor Warrenton St. Boston

  Rumor was a go to in the Theater District for years. It even got a nod from USA Today as one of its “10 Best” nightclubs in 2015.  Ace Gershfield of 6One7 Productions and his team would back Rumor for themed nights every week. Tuesdays was considered “industry night” and the most beautiful music lovers would come to party there.