The Rathskeller, Music venue in Kenmore Square, Boston, US
Description
The Rathskeller was a music venue located in the basement of 528 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston's Kenmore Square, with a main stage and multiple performance rooms. The underground setting created an intimate space where sound naturally concentrated during live shows.
History
The venue opened in 1974 and closed in 1997, becoming a central location for rock music in Boston's entertainment district during that period. It served as a launching point for countless musicians during the evolution of punk and rock scenes.
Culture
The venue served as a gathering place for the local rock scene, giving emerging punk bands and established acts a space to perform and connect with audiences. The basement rooms attracted musicians and fans who wanted to experience new sounds and be part of Boston's music culture.
Practical
The venue was located underground in a building on Commonwealth Avenue and could be accessed by stairs leading down to the basement level. Visitors should expect a warm and loud environment inside, as the basement layout with its small, enclosed rooms naturally amplified sound.
Did you know?
From 1980 to 1987, the Hoodoo BBQ restaurant operated inside the venue and was recognized by Esquire magazine as one of America's top 100 restaurants. This made it an unusual hybrid space where music and regional cuisine coexisted.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Boston).
Fenway Park
272 m
Boston Citgo sign
41 m
Mapparium
900 m
Back Bay Fens
746 m
Landmark Center
724 m
Statue of Leif Erikson
390 m
Mary Baker Eddy Library
902 m
Warren Towers
620 m
BU Castle
676 m
Pierce Boston
709 m
Shelton Hall
200 m
Myles Standish Hall
186 m
Frederick Ayer Mansion
483 m
Temple Bell
823 m
John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial
488 m
Bowker Overpass
322 m
Morse Auditorium
396 m
Fenway Studios
438 m
World War II Memorial
751 m
Statue of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento
911 m
Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering
337 m
Second Church in Boston
751 m
Stony Brook Gatehouse
844 m
Westland Gate
717 m
New Riding Club
660 m
Myles Annex
143 m
Fenway-Boylston Street District
587 m
James P. Kelleher Rose Garden
748 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes