Best dance club
The Central Square club ManRay belies Boston's reputation for sexual repression, which may explain why some
of us consider it a civic treasure to beat Symphony Hall. And "beat" may be the operative word here -
especially on Wednesday "Crypt" nights, when DJ Chris Ewen plays goth and industrial tunes. Look for lots of
leather and bare skin, with regulars hanging out by the whipping post. Thursday nights are gay (with
"alternative boypop"); Fridays are "Sin" nights, with industrial and trance music; and "Liquid Saturday"
features "disco trash" from DJ Gary Conzo. Whatever the night's theme, you can't go wrong with black clothing.
Your wardrobe doesn't have to be quite so grim at perennial favorite Avalon, which tops our poll among
south-of-the-Charles dance clubs. Avalon is Boston's answer to New York-style excess, with a huge dance
floor, gleaming bar fixtures, and special events such as fashion shows and wrestling matches. Its "Avaland"
party, with world-class DJ Ali Ajami, is still the place to be on Friday nights. Thursdays are international;
"Downtown" Saturdays are hosted by DJ Manolo; and Sundays are gay. If you can't dance, Avalon is still great
for people-watching, but don't be surprised to discover that you just can't resist the beat.
ManRay, 21 Brookline Street, Cambridge, (617) 864-0400; Avalon, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, (617) 262-2424.
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