Any bar that refuses to dirty its pint glasses with Miller High Life deserves a medal. At the heart of "Allston Rock City" is Harpers Ferry, which not only offers the Champagne of Beers for a scant $2.50 per plastic pint, but it is also a bustling live-music hub. Hop on the B line for a short sprint down to Harvard Avenue and then make that familiar pilgrimage toward Blanchard's Liquors. With the ever-so-lurid Kells gawking from across the street, Harpers Ferry's humble exterior is merely a facade for its rather ostentatious interior, at least by rock-bar standards, complete with tile floors, ambient-lit flat-screens, and a generous sprawl of pool tables. Resembling an airplane hangar capable of housing a 737, there is plenty of space to groove to the eclectic lineup of bands without worrying about spilling your Miller High Life. Luckily for those of you who detest the High Life's striking resemblance to urine, in both color and taste, sadly enough, Harpers Ferry offers a healthy selection of reasonably priced drafts as well as a wide assortment of spirits for the adventurous at heart. You never have to leave the action to refill, as the main bar runs along an entire side of the dance floor, while two strategically placed satellite bars help curtail foot traffic.
Within the past year, this 400-person rock club has seen everyone from Boston College's own The Project to popular acts like The Dropkick Murphys. Claiming to offer live music nightly, the best bands and the best scenes tend to surface between Thursday and Saturday. Weeknights often showcase local bands, as Harpers Ferry is dedicated to promoting Boston's most talented up-and-comers. With a little luck, a night at Harpers Ferry can turn any early week reprieve from homework duties into a delightfully worthwhile experience. On any night, expect to pay
a cover of usually no more than $10. If this presents a problem, you can always economize by sentencing yourself to the "High Life" punishment.
As a bonus to all of the youngsters, most shows at Harpers Ferry are 18-plus. With a game room and multiple pool tables, sometimes proving to be a great escape from a less-than-stellar band, Harpers Ferry is one of the few places where you can order a Jack and Coke, play a game of nine-ball, or get in a quick 18 on Golden Tee Golf while listening to live music at the same time. No matter what night of the week it may be, there is always something to do at Harpers Ferry. A-
Harpers Ferry
158 Brighton Ave.
Allston, MA
(617) 254-9743
2008 Woodie Awards
