Great Scott

1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134, USA

Address:	1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA 02134, USA
Phone:	+1 617-566-9014
Site:	greatscottboston.com
Rating:	4

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 25

tyler agersea

My two friends and I went to this place at 4 pm on a Friday just trying to sit down and have a beer from the tap served to us as it was my first time going to a bar. The place was dead empty and the guys were hanging out outside. They let us in then we sat at a bar and asked us for ID. We were all 21+ and had valid ID but apparently the server didnt believe my friend was 21 and said that it wasnt his ID. He said his ear werent as big and I said "well he doesnt have long hair tucked behind them anymore so maybe they just stick out less?". The server didnt listen to a word we said and said he would not serve any of us alcohol and queued us to leave. We all said it was preposterous and he rudely replied "you guys are like 19 get outta here" and we just said "peace" and left.

A Private User

I was here for the first time doing comedy set. As I normally do after a show I chill and kick it. This is not usually my style of bar. It is very college-y and this being Boston area it has a lot of underground/counter culture type vibe to it (similar to contemporary Cambridge.) That being said it, its good bar to chill out and relax. Cover was 5 bucks to get in. They only do transactions in cash...yes this extends to the bar (there is an ATM inside). The drinks are pretty cheap! Like 4 dollars for most of the beers I tried that night, which is nice because I usually tip a dollar per drink. They have a small stage toward the back where they do punk rock shows and comedy shows. Overall, its a chill venue.

Ryan Mitchell-Specht

Do you get tired of good drinks? Do you subsist, not on food, but on cigarettes and vodka? Do you think "the ghost of Ian Curtis" is an amazing Halloween costume idea (or band name)? Have you always wanted to meet a dude in a band? Just come here! I saw John Rzeznik here last weekend. Then another dude in a not-as-famous band bought me a drink. Another time, I dressed up as a drag queen and danced around on stage while sprinkling glitter on scantily-clad gay men. And Im a girl! This place is just so fantastic.

Heather Davies

This dive bar has some really great events. I came here for New Years Eve and had a wonderful time. Its well lit near the bar but if youre sitting near the stage, the light level is perfect. Its not too expensive, the bathrooms were surprisingly not gross, and they have a great selection of alcohol and the bartenders are patient, friendly, and can make a damn good strong drink (even if you order a girly cocktail).

Joshua Berk

The best place to see a show in Boston, serving up a lineup of indie rock, comedy, and rocking entertainment -- Its (very) small, which allows you to get up close and rub elbows with the band before/after shows. Bring your earplugs; the sound system is loud and clear. CASH ONLY (Live within your means)! Highlights: The Pickle Back [a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice].

Matthew Hamer

Most cash-only bars are straight up enough to put clear signage outside or at the entrance indicating that this is the case - not this one. Guess Im just expected to know. Door staff were unpleasant when I asked for my cash cover charge back. Let us know when you want to join the rest of the bars in Allston in the 21st century. Till then, forget it.

Christoph Griesshammer

I saw Benjamin Francis Leftwich there recently. He is a smaller indie artist so the show only had a niche crowd. That being said, it was a perfectly intimate venue to see him. I do have to say it doesnt seem like a great bar to go to normally. The one drink I had was a gin and tonic that was only tonic. And they had no good craft beer options.

Alice Lee

I was exploring a new band (Lemaitre) on spotify and on a whim checked if they were on tour--they were, that night at the Great Scott. As someone under 21 I really liked the chance to dance and see a band in an intimate venue that wasnt really club-y and more of the indie scene. One star deducted because they let their website expire.

Anna Winestein

this place is an eclectic music venue and dive bar in one. the bf dragged me there to hear what turned out to be a stadium worthy performance by an internationally known rocker. except it was in a venue that probably has a max capacity of 200, and we could practically touch the musicians. good beer selection that includes local brews.

Tushar Gupta

Extremely bad. The only good thing is the bands they invite. The bald guy who is a bartender is racist and extremely rude. Cash only policy but they wont tell you unless you have paid the entrance fee and are stuck inside. Several other places nearby, please avoid this s**thole

Jared Dobson

Awesome venue to catch up and coming national touring acts as well as the best that the Boston music scene has to offer. And theyre open everyday at noon - great spot to enjoy a beer on the patio! You can also get tickets for upcoming shows with NO fees!

Max Bulger

Great small venue to see some lesser known artists. Drink selection is fine and the prices are good for a music venue. Nice that theres space to sit if you dont want to stand and watch the show, you can just listen!

James Downey

The atmosphere was great, the staff was great, but the actual setup was a little awkward and is suited to a smaller gathering of people. They regularly feature great talent of various kinds, local and otherwise.

Kẏra 

Honestly terrible. I dont know how people stand it. The space is bad and the events are bad. Its bad enough that when my friends were desperate enough to try going i refused and let them go without me

Grant Nuttall

What an amazing place. Saw Quinn XCII here tonight and it was so sweet. Strongly suggest coming here if theres any up and coming artists you wanna see before they go mainstream

Stephen Godanis

I saw prince Rama here and temples. This is a test venue for bands before they get big. Eclectic and varied nights. Queer friendly. Allston dgaf. Oh yeah, cash only.

Josh Korin

Got a chance to catch a great Marco Benevento show here w/ some friends while on a visit home recently. Great beers on tap. Pretty lousy acoustics but to be expected.

David Frankel

The only redeeming quality for this place is the music. The bartenders are unpleasant. The older bartender is outright rude. Place is cash only.

Dustin Hickey

Great small venue to see bands. Has a bar with a typical beer selection and mixed drinks. Prices are not cheap but not overly expensive either

Ruben Sosa

Occasional good show, but theres no kitchen and the selection is just okay. Acoustics arent doing the place any favors. Good service though!

Eric Forbush

I want to love Great Scott, but Im getting really sick of places that dont take credit cards. Its 2016 Great Scott. Get with the program.

Tamra-Jo Marcoux

Nice little bar, the comedians that were there that night were all funny. Cons: cash only bar, and multiple covers (after each show).

A Private User

Too damn hot! Why dont you spend a little on some air conditioning and on getting that bartender a decent hair cut