The Liquor Store 25 Boyleston Pl. Boston (617) 357-6800 Open Fri. - Sat. 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
The Liquor Store is an expensive bar. That's the first thing you'll notice (if you can even get in, as the line sometimes travels all the way down the alley). But if you have money and are looking for a different experience, the Liquor Store is a good deal.
The major draw of the Liquor Store is the big mechanical bull in the middle of the bar. Surrounded by moonwalk cushioning for when you get thrown off, the bull makes quite the attraction. Seeing people of different ages, builds, shapes, and sizes attempt to stay on is very amusing. A bull bouncer stands by with clipboards, ready to have you sign your life away if you want to try and master the mechanical bull. It draws crowds and is something that makes the Liquor Store unique.
It's almost ironic then that the Liquor Store is actually an upscale bar, with one of the most strictly enforced dress codes in Boston. Prohibited apparel includes hats, sneakers, work boots, hiking boots, athletic-wear of any type, jeans that are ripped, torn, or baggy. For men, no shorts, sandals, or T-shirts are allowed. The bouncers are strict, especially with the guys, so it's important to think about what you wear before you leave.
As I said earlier, the bar is expensive. Minimum $5 cover charge (there are coupons and VIP passes that are given out every now and then), $1 for coat check, and expensive drinks. Decent shots, respectably sized, tend to run around $7.50. Mixed drinks are expensive too, as is the beer. The drink of choice seems to be the brown bagged beer. While it is a nifty and unique offering, it doesn't really get you any kind of break.
The Liquor Store is nice in that it has a casual seating area, the bull area, and then a large dance floor, as well as several bars located throughout. This makes it so that any type of customer can have a good time. The dance floor is fun, spinning top 40, R&B, and rock. The music is a good mix and seems to be a general crowd pleaser.
Since there is such a variety in the Liquor Store it makes it accessible to all different types of people, bringing in a diverse crowd. Often the laid-back people won't make it past the bull to the dance floor, and the dance-floor people won't come back to the casual area. The Liquor Store is a good time, big enough to bring a crowd and fun enough to sustain it. But be warned, your wallet won't thank you in the morning.
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