Went here for a GF's Birthday & had the best time... Most of the women (if you can call them that) look better than me... But Im ok with that... Love the place, Cheap Drinks, great service... Gets a little busy with all the Bachelorette Parties... read more

Jacques Cabaret - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I think Im in love with a drag queen. At first glance, this hole in the wall, understaffed, and over crowded place will have you cringing. But as soon as the KWEENS come on stage, it all disappears and your in a blissful heaven of fake boobs, and lip syncing. There were some cringe worthy moments, and some that made your jaw hit the floor. But its all in good fun. Only complaint I have is the buildings fire exits. I literally felt like if there was a fire, we were all going to be trapped. And wait staff was SO SLOW. But we went up to the bar and were served instantly. Definitely want to come back next time I'm in town. read more

This legendary establishment opened back up finally after covid 2 nights ago. Chris and Billy behind the bar were awesome. Was great to see Dee Dee and Destiny back up on stage. Place hasn't missed a beat. Exactly what you would expect. Glad it's back open!!! read more

Went here with a group of friends to the 7 pm show in the basement on a Saturday night. Super simple set up downstairs with small tables and chairs. The ladies who performed were high energy and a lot of fun to interact with. This show is not for the faint-of-heart because it's like Magic Mike meets To Wong Foo. You will be touched and danced upon. Also, (just a friendly reminder of drag etiquette) make sure you bring single dollar bills to tip the performers. This place has strong drinks and sassy queens so I will definitely be coming back to check out the other shows and events. read more

Jacques Cabaret - Basement bar - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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what a fun show! my girlfriends and i went for a bachelorette party and this was perfect. the ladies were all so entertaining and amazing performers, and we loved how much they all interacted with the crowd, but respectfully taking cues from the individuals within in the audience on how much. we had a blast, and couldn't believe the cover was only $15 for such a great show. read more

This was our finale for a bachelorette party, and it was a great choice. It's a small bar, with some large, and in charge, entertainment. (It's a drag club, so extra flare.) The ladies performing all had their own style, and it was a lot of fun! One of the women did songs that you knew, but with a dirty dirty twist, and she was hilarious to watch perform! My favorite had some serious 'tude in a great way! She gave grief (in a fun way) to those being cheap and only offering a dollar tip, have some sassy side eye, and other things like it. She also had my favorite performances, too. Most of her outfits had movement to them, or she changed part of the way through, or both. She had some serious moves, too. They pulled all those celebrating birthdays up, and then, they got up all those celebrating engagements. I like that they gave all of the people a second to really shine and celebrate their big event. Also I was in charge of organizing for the bachelorette party, and the guests sucked. I think I called 4 times in one (that day) day to change the number, because of last minute additions and drop outs. They were so great to accommodate me, and I'm really grateful that my cousins bachelorette party wasn't ruined by the guests. Great place for a fun night! read more

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Best night of my life queens where so beautiful and fun!! One let me dance with her I think her name was pam (: she allowed me to act a fool of myself haha they all where super fun and entertaing this was all on the sexy Monday night was so worth the hour drive from the cape it's a must see. read more

Jacques Cabaret - Me and my bestie Daisha at Jacques Cabaret seeing our first drag show such a fun night!! - Performing Arts Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Came for a celebration with friends of both my birthday and the beginning of my journey starting hormone replacement therapy- I was brought on stage and introduced myself and stated my pronouns- knowing that if i didn't announce my pronouns, I'd likely be misperceived. The crowd of mostly cis-het bachelorettes cheered condescendingly- and then I was unfortunately misgendered three times on the mic by the host in front of everyone- and this queen then made a weird sexualized and internally misogynist comment about my lack of underwear (I was literally dressed modestly and was certainly wearing underwear) It was incredibly embarrassing and I really tried to get over it - but was then even more disappointed at the vast amount of strange racial stereotype based jokes the act was centered around. When a queer friendly space sets a precedent of inclusion- that means for every member of the community- including trans individuals. It was heartbreaking that even in a queer space I will never be seen the way I so desperately wish I was. Ruined my night. read more

Came here for a bachelorette party and it did not disappoint! We had so much fun, this was the perfect start to our night!! Everyone loved it and all of the dancers were great. Highly recommend read more

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I went for my best friend's bachelorette party and had a blast. We got to see the underground show and it was great! The music was good, costumes on point and the performers were so entertaining. This place was so much fun! Bring cash - they don't take cards. There is an ATM in the building though just in case you forget. read more

It was here that I became utterly smitten. And then it was here that I became utterly STUMPED. My question is this: If one is a woman and develops a crush on a drag queen is that a mancrush, girlcrush or BOTH?! Don't answer that. Just talk to me about the third Monday of every month where delightfully raunchy Becca D'Bus hosts Jaded Lounge, an Asian and queer night and I first saw Jujubee grace the stage. This glam lady is 100% hawtness. She shakes it like you do to a new carton of OJ. You'll forget about the slight grime factor while you watch her gleefully, downing your Solo cup o' booze. If you're lucky you'll get to hear Kit Y (yah fellow Yelper!) bust out amazing slam poetry and Melissa Li own a Rubix cube and rock the mic like an Asian Ani DiFranco. I've heard the regulars (both drag and musical acts) are just as fantastic and also encourage raucous but good natured catcalling from the audience, which when I visited was mostly comprised of women. Such an awesome option for a night out with the gals. Where else will you feel as good waving dollar bills at the ladies whose knockers and booties you envy?! Nowhere, ever. So stuff the tops of your boots with folded ones for easy access and wield away! read more

Imagine all the sorority girls you hated in college. Imagine them trying to be "naughty" and "edgy." Now imagine them all drunk. And all in the same place. This is Jacques Cabaret, dear reader. And before you start quaking in your Bikini Kill T-shirt, I will assure you that watching endearingly conservative, well-coiffed and oh-so mainstream Boston Bachelorettes get trashed and celebrate their upcoming special day by being dry humped by drag queens is almost nearly as entertaining as the show itself. The cover fee on Saturday nights is pretty reasonable: $10. Given the caliber of entertainment you will see, that is a bargain. The drinks were pretty reasonable as well- $3 for a beer. I heard that mixed drinks are considerably more expensive, but I am all about the class and the Bud Light, so I didn't get a chance to see for myself. You might want to save up on those drinks, anyway. You'll need a fistful of dollar bills that you'll go through quicker than 400 Highland goes through storefronts.These dollars are to be stuffed into the phenomonal cleavage of that evening's perfromers. For extra fun, brave ladies: stick a dollar in *your* cleavage or out of your bra strap and watch as you get a fabulous nuzzling from the diva who will retrieve it with her teeth. The performers themselves. I, intimately acquainted and knowledgeable with all things burlesque, cabaret, theatrical, and countercultural in the Greater Boston Area, was wowed. The performances and the energy were AMAZING. I have seen very few performers who have had such confidence and such mastery of their craft and even fewer who could demand the attention of an entire room the way they did. There was something for everyone. Do you like silly, dirty parodies? There's the hilarious Kris Kenivil belting out twisted versions of Dolly Patron songs. Do you want totally hot dance routines to Janet Jackson's greatest hits? Then check out Destiny ( sidebar: who was totally hotter than many women I have seen. Wow.) If you want something that fulfills your need for total over-the-top-Diana-Ross-level diva-dom, look no further than Mizery. Special props for the routine she does to Missy's "Lose Control" which absolutely blew my mind. If I were Tyra Banks ( and regrettably, I am not Tyra, though I wish I could be) I would dub all these ladies as "fierce." Helpful Hint: If you will be in a large group, say over four people ( on a weekend) make sure you get there early as all tables will be taken up by reservations and you might need to fight for a bar stool. And my joking about the bacelorette parties?Never fear, bbs, I'll probably decide to have my bacelorette party at Jacques despite my joshing. read more

Wow, I was soooo looking forward to Jacques, but ended up coming out slightly insulted and disappointed. Perhaps, I should have never came on a Thursday night. Monday-Burlesque Show Tuesday-Karaoke Wednesday-Drag Show Thursday-Drag Show Friday-Drag Show Saturday-Drag Show Sunday-unknown The show started at 10:30pm with Melinda Wilson as the MC for the night. Charisma and Ashley Michelle were also part of the trio for the Thursday night showcase. I think what brought my whole experience down was the rudeness of the MC and the lack of enthusiasm from Charisma's set. The MC insulted my friend and was super pushy about tipping her during her showcase. I love to tip, but like anybody else if you're good, you don't have to ask for tip, it will just come to you...right?! I want to be fair and state why the MC was rude. My friend loves to have a good time and always laugh when she is enjoying herself. To state to the obvious, we were at a drag show where it naturally brings laughter to the night. I can understand sassiness from them, but when 'she' comes up to you and ask, "What's WRONG with you, you high or something?' 'I want your money, not hers'.........not cool, tsk tsk. Besides those incidents plus a few others, we tried to enjoy the rest of the night. Ashley Michelle was amazing keeping the energy high for the night. It really felt like we got all them in their 'rehearsal' nights. I would not recommend EVER coming here on Thursday, but perhaps Friday and Saturday. Our ' waitress' Deana, for the night was wonderful. Just be prepared to be asked some very personal and awkward questions. PS. Jacques open nightly till midnight read more

A great place to hang with the guys. They've got pool tables, dirt cheap ice-cold Brubakers to chug, cheap cover on weekend nights, no lines and some really forward women to try your luck with. Wait. They're not women? Oh Shit read more

Dive bar + drag show = fun night out, gar-oohn-teeed! As others have pointed out, if you come here and don't have a good time, you really have something wrong with you. Hello, $3 beers and $5 shot + splashes! (that's $5 call-drinks served in teeny tiny cups topped with just a bit of mixer, mind you). We went to the late show this weekend and there were nine, that's right NINE bachelorette parties crowding the floor. At first, I did the mandatory blinking bridal veil eye roll, but still had a blast. At least it wasn't nine ANNOYING bachelorette divas (although I'm sure Mizery would have readily handled them). The entertainment is great, both on and off the stage, the drinks are strong, and Kinevil is just such a lovable MC. Jacques definitely makes the short list of "Places you must go whilst living in Boston". Two thumbs and one sequined skirt way up. Things to remember: $10 weekend cover; bar is cash-only, so don't be THAT girl/guy who orders 400586 drinks and then hands over plastic. read more

While on stage with about 5 other bachelorette's our lovely MC for the evening asked us all to display our engagement rings. Apparently she thought mine was impressive because upon seeing it she said "Damn girl, you must swallow." The crowd cracked up and so did I but I also said "Oh my God, my MOTHER is here!" She laughed and said "Your mother knows a thing or two about sex. How do you think you got here?" Moments later she shoved my face between her enormous implants and held it there. I was afraid she'd never let me up for air. Since my friend made the reservation ages ago, we had the best seat in the house. Right at the end of the cat walk. Cut to me being taken up on stage by Mizery who whispered in my ear "When I tell you to, straddle me and just go with it". I was several solo cups of vodka & soda in, so I went with it. Mizery picked me up, I straddled her and she proceeded to flop me around like a rag doll and faux-humped me. Did I mention, my MOTHER was there. And let me tell you, my mom developed such a crush on Miss Phena-Barbitol that she called me the next day to tell me how nice the picture came out of her & her "pretty blonde friend." The funniest, most pee your pants moment of the night was when my mom took her water bottle, poured some of it out on a $5 bill, and then stuck it to Destiny's cleavage. So yeah, we did it. Me and a gaggle of female friends & family did the whole bachelorette party thing. The thing everyone thinks is so tacky, including me. It was one of the funnest nights I've ever had! read more

WARNING: I HAVE AN IDEA THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CLAIM TO BE "WOMEN" AT THIS PLACE MIGHT BE DUDES. I went to this place because I heard they had a good pool table. When I was there, there was a girl dancing on stage to some 90's song with tons of make up on. Then I realized that she had a 5 oclock shadow under the make up and a really muscular body. Then I realized she might actually be a dude. Then I realized she was a dude. The felt on the pool table is unbeatable though... read more

Sure you can go see a drag show at Jacques, but its also a decent place to catch some good live music. What am I talking about here? Its called Jacques Underground. Jacques Underground is in the basement of Jacques and is accessible via stairs in the back of the club. There is no additional cover to check out the bands, as its included in what you pay when you enter the door. Bands range from punk to hard core to good o'le rock 'n roll. Room is loud and nothing spectacular, but there is a second bar down there. However its also incredibly well sound proofed, as you could have a punk band playing at 11 down there and people watching the drag show would never even know. This is probably part of the reason why most people who attend the cabaret never know that there's a small music club downstairs. So, next time you're a Jacques, take a look downstairs as you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. read more

Like many, I came for a bachelorette party. Despite booking many months in advance for a party of 5 girls, and arriving 45 minutes before the show, we were informed that we had to sit in the basement, and sit at the bar. Not even at a table!! Of course we were all extremely disappointed and felt rejected. We were not given an answer as to why we had to sit in the basement or why we could not sit at a table. Management kept saying everything was "reserved". Well what about OUR reservation? The basement seems like an overflow room for when they overbook for an evening, but they don't want to turn patrons away, so they get sent to the basement... very small bootlegged stage and lighting. Dark and dank. It was depressing, really. After a half hour of requesting to move (essentially begging), and after speaking to three different employees, literally moments before the show started, we were moved upstairs because they had a "cancellation". Once we were upstairs and the show started, we had a blast. The show was a ton of fun and the performers were all amazing. HOWEVER, had we not, by the grace of God, been moved upstairs, our experience would have suffered immensely. I wouldn't return unless for another bachelorette party. read more

As a seasoned veteran of wild and crazy drag shows, you can imagine that when I received my itinerary for my trip to Boston from Jen. L., I was pleased to see we would be going to Jacques Cabaret. The place is tucked back (sorry about the bad pun) on a circular drive, and as soon as our incompetent cab driver found it, we were ready to go. The cover was $7 a person. My first thought was surprise at how tiny the space was. I wasn't expecting a sports arena, but aside from one pool table and a couple bars, there's only a dozen or so tables around the stage and runway. You know you're in a classy joint when the Christmas decorations are still up and there's mirrors on the ceiling! We stop at the bar where a friendly bartender informs us that a 4 oz. ice filled cup of Malibu and Diet would be $5.50 a piece. Really? OK, fine. We had a reservation, but we just sat at a table of our choice. The tables are all the same size, and they look like they're frequently pushed together for large groups. I thought maybe the drinks were so expensive because they included Malibu, but when we ordered a well rum and diet the price plummeted to $5. So it was official: The drinks were decidedly overpriced. If they'd had a larger cover, or served larger drinks, or a combination of the two, it would have been fine. And it's cash only. Not convenient at all. The show began with a sassy emcee who announced the first lovely lady. Excellent choice for starting out with Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance". She knew the dance pretty well (but give me a half dozen drinks and I can rock it too!) My favorite performer did numbers from Pink and I lost my shit when she started with "If I Could Turn Back Time". She did a great Cher, complete with her leotard and glittery boots. I guess the place couldn't fit hundreds of handsome sailors for authenticity's sake... It was instantly apparent that the clientele is composed of a lot of straight women. It's like Chippendale's, except the dancers tape it back and throw on some wigs. There were two hetero girl birthdays; one was a table of five, the other a table of 12 virtually interchangeable girls. The trend in Austin has been for bachelorette and birthday parties to start holding court in gay bars, so it wasn't a big surprise that they would do this. They were predictably irritating to some degree, and so are the issues they raise. I'm not quite sure if this trend shows social progress, or if the whole thing is just a glorified minstrel show for twenty something straight chicks. But I don't want to over-analyze... We were told that the show's expiration date is about an hour in, so that's how long we stayed. I'm not sure how long it continues, but for us an hour was plenty. I've been to better shows, and I've been to worse ones. At the worse ones, I'm bored and the queens are just vicious, not funny. At the better ones, I'm on stage assisting them in spraying down dick dancer crotches with water bottles. It was what it was. read more

Drag queens scare the beejezus out of me. Before you judge me as the worst gay ever, hear me out. Are you afraid of clowns? Me, too. Drag queens aren't much different than Gay Clowns. Same painted face. Same evil laugh. Same glare as they hide in the sewer, huskily whispering "everything down here floats." The only thing that scares me more than drag queens are bachelorette parties. Unfortunately, you'll find both at Jacques Cabaret. If it was just drag queens, I'd be down for a visit every now and then... but the addition of the bachelorette parties makes this a must avoid location. If you're gay, chances are you will be the only gay person there. If you bring your partner, chances are you will be the only gay people there. If you're straight, avoid the penis straws, temptation to feel up the queens and the line "It's not fair! Why are you more pretty than me?" It's bad form. read more

I am prefacing this entire review with the concept that perhaps my experience wasn't so great because I went on a Friday night and the place was completely overrun with bachelorettes. I'll come back to this thought in a moment... Dive bar. Totally. The stools are uncomfortable. The pool table is uneven. The drinks are fairly cheap for how strong they are ($5.50 for a Malibu and Cranberry that had me pretty far gone after just one tiny plastic cup). Bathrooms? Horrible - and mostly because while you ladies like to think you're the only ones using them - you're not. I've seen plenty of men going in there too. So now you've got just the grossest of both sexes using ONE location. Not cool. The drag show itself was, at least on a Friday night, boring. I've seen plenty of drag shows in places like Provincetown where the ladies are actual performers. These "girls" are primarily lip-synchers. Also, I have this thought that drag literally means a "boy dressed like a girl" - which some were, but some were not. Some were tgirls who have already had some surgery done. That's cheating, in my book. The art of drag is that you take someone and make them look like something you never thought they could be. Not that you have thousands of dollars in plastic surgery and lip-synch. That's Heidi Montag, not a drag show. As for the bachelorettes, they were totally obnoxious. First of all, no one cares about your ring except you and maybe your insurance company. Secondly, your veiled tiaras look ridiculous - even in a drag bar! Third, I'm still not sure why a 'fun' and 'innocuous' time have to be combined to equal drag show. You're getting slapped on the ass by a man - whether he's in a string bikini or three pounds of makeup, it's still a man slapping your ass. The fact that it's a drag show doesn't change that fact. Also, I found it funny that this was one of the few places I've ever seen straight men NOT be completely homophobic and defensive when a man - yes, that really IS A MAN under all of those falsies - hits on them. I'm gonna give it another try on a weeknight and see if these girls simply play to their audience. read more

This past weekend I had my first and hopefully not my last Jacques experience! The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were cheap and the shows (live music down stairs and cabaret upstairs) were fantastic! The performers were all very talented which made it all the more obnoxious when brides to be would get up, uninvited mind you, and dance around with their friends. First off, I did not pay money to come see you dance in your stupid veil. Second, just because your getting married doesn't mean you can dance. Third, get off the effin stage. If that wasn't enough the bachelorette party in front of us kept standing up and yelling "woooooooooooooooooo" blocking our view of the stage. Even the lighting guy behind us threw stuff at them! Cover is $10 and includes both upstairs and down stairs. Get there early and get seats! This place is truly a great night out. And yes, it is a fun alternative to the 'tequila rain' bachelorette party: just respect the performers and other audience members. read more

Jacques is probably the oldest gay bar still in operation in Boston.There's a lot of history in this place, but nowadays it's most well-known for the cabaret, which is, to what I'm sure is often the chagrin of the drag queens, a popular activity for bachelorette parties. How this occurred is unclear to me, but if you can get lucky, you will go on a night when there are few obnoxious people. And if you do go, understand that you will have no personal space. The queens will invade it and you may be subject to kissing, hugging, licking, or fondling. It's just part of the territory. So make sure you're going with the right attitude, have some drinks, enjoy the humor and music, and have a good time! It's what the gay forefathers would've wanted. read more

This place is a hot tranny mess! Fun for a random night out, though definitely campy and a total dive bar. Like Jeff D., I was surprised (and a little disappointed) to discover that this place seems to be THE destination for bachelorette and birthday parties for random chicks in their mid-twenties. Nothing celebrates another year of life like a drag queen simulating fellatio on a fresh faced birthday girl from the 'burbs! Woohoo! Stuff I liked: - The Pink/Cher impersonator was fantastic. The whole bar freaked out when "If I Can Turn Back Time" started to play and she burst onstage in a little leotard and silver shoes. Granted I was 7 years old when this song was a hit, but I still loooove it. - Authenticity - these guys know how to tuck the sack back for sure Not an easy task! Stuff I didn't like: - Super tiny and expensive drinks! $5.50 for a 4 oz. Malibu and pineapple juice is insane! Not to mention that the cup was filled with ice. Methinks not... - Cash only = not convenient for me I'll be back, but not on a weekend. Bachelorettes are kind of annoying. read more

Went here twice with a crossdresser buddy and some friends. This is no NYC drag show, for sure. They just lip-synch and the seating area is ridiculously cramped and small. Crowd: Mostly square townie idiots who probably have never seen a real tranny in their lives before, thinking theyre doing something really wild. Drinks: I ordered a ($7) screwdriver and when you held the plastic cup up to the light, the top was clear, and this pulpy grainy orange substance had settled to the bottom. The Can: I love dives and dirty rock clubs, so Im not picky about filth but the bathrooms were pretty wrong too. the floor was soaked and covered in wet toilet paper. Verdict: I'm proud Boston has at least one place like this, I only wish it could be better! read more

Great location for a bachelorette party event! Picked the place on a Saturday for my friend's bachelorette party, I admitted, we were all a little skeptical at first. But we all ended up having an awesome time! Location - Hidden - Behind the Radisson 2 blocks from the Wang Center. Price - $10 for the show, which worth every single penny! (FYI - Bring tons of dollar bills, you will need them during the show!!! Trust me) Host - Absolutely the greatest. Got all the birthday gals and bride-to-be on stage, did a little Q&A and had each of them walk to cat walk! Show - Great show by the entertainers. Can't ask for a better Tina Turner double! They really can get the crowd going, people were dancing and singing alot with them! Entertainers - Great body, I mean, I'm actually jealous!!! Great boobs, abs, legs, arse! Can't wait to bring another group of friends here next time. read more

Dude, I don't care what the other reviewers say about the service, the bathrooms, the overall run down look of the place (which are mostly true, btw) - Jacque's is golden in my book. Overrun with bachelorette parties? Yes. Yes it was. But seeing as it was MY bachelorette party, I couldn't have felt more at home among so many other brides, all of us going through the stressful process of planning a wedding, just looking to let loose with a few girlfriends. And let loose you will! The drag queens at Jacque's will poke and prod and yes - even booty slap - you in ways (and places! oh my) you never thought legal in a public venue. Ha! But you will be rolling in the floor laughing, dancing in your seat, and begging them to come your way as you entice them with dollar bills the whole time. I mean these ladies put on a SHOW! Have to say, Destiny was my absolute FAV and so sweet - but they were all entertaining in different ways!! Outrageous, silly, raunchy - all adjectives you could use to describe the drag show at Jacque's. But I'd just say, it's a good time! read more

I was here last weekend for a bachelorette party, and we hit up the early show at 8:30pm. The girls planning had called weeks prior and been told most of the tables were reserved, but not to worry, we'd be able to find seating. Not true, but I felt like we had a better view standing in the back, and had better movement over to the bar and bathroom in the end. This place totally wasn't what I expected in terms of the venue. For some reason I thought it'd resemble the downstairs of Axis, but its a little dirty dark divey bar, which was a pleasant surprise! Despite there being I think over 15 separate bachelorette parties there, it was always super easy to get up to the bar and the bartenders were quick to take your order. The performers were amazing, and nothing less than completely entertaining. The hostess really makes all the brides-to-be feel special despite being one of many with a little interview and then an opportunity to walk the run way. We also didn't miss out much on participation in the show, as most of the queens came down off the stage and interacted with the crowd stuck in the back. And it was really nice to see both Mizery and Destiny in a smaller, more intimate venue, where they cleaned up on tips. The other patrons in the bar were mostly older men just having drinks at the bar. When I went out for a smoke I also totally had a great time chatting up the door guys and limo drivers. Oh, and when I asked the bartender if he could put my backpack behind the bar, since it was such a tight space in there, he was completely accommodating and sweet about it, which I can't imagine happening in many bars. read more

I've been to Jacques twice and both times were equally funny and entertaining. Seems the reviews are mixed for Jacques. The other reviews seem to be from entitled women or gay men complaining about the cover. Yes, Jacques is a dive and not a luxurious hotel bar that smells of lavender oils. Yes, Jacques has been taken over by bachelorette/birthday parties. Get over it. As for the actual show, I've been to both upstairs and downstairs shows. Both were great. Upstairs does have the advantage since there is a runway and a spotlight can follow the queens as they make their way around. All of the ones I saw knew how to work the crowd and get a reaction. The bartenders/servers are always quick and friendly (they also put a lot of alcohol in the drinks for a low price). The staff I encountered (bouncer, doorman, and manager) were all really friendly. We ended up forgetting a bag after they closed. Knocked on the door and let them know we forgot a bag. At first they couldn't find it for us and were really helpful about it. Then a few minutes later they ended up finding it. This seems like the place if you do something to piss them off, they'll give it right back to you. Reading some of these other reviews about rude management/staff sounds like they aren't telling the whole story. read more

Didn't even go in. I go to drag shows all over the world and this one charged a hefty fee of $10 just to get through the door. Looked empty. Or worse--like a bunch of bachelorette parties. My girlfriends and I opted not to subsidize the manager's costs of paying performers a la some door fee. We already planned to drink, which should cover any well-managed bar's entertainment costs. I refuse to buy before I see or experience. I might try it next time I'm in Boston, but there's something annoying about a bar passing on costs of entertainers up front so abruptly to patrons. I took $40 in ones in order to tip accordant with the quality of drag performances... Wasn't planning to give the bar owner $10 up front. And it was a bitter taste that made the bar lose 3 very strong customers. Again, why bachelorette parties?... They're invariably among the rudest guests at gay bars. I like SoMa bars in SF. They've banned bachelorettes. read more

This is a great place for a girls night out. But make sure this is the second or third bar, after you've had many many drinks and are slightly numbed from the alcohol. So the idea behind this place is pretty simple - drag queens that entertain. What's a little disapointing is they don't really sing, they just lip-sync and that kind of took away from the charm. They guys are great though and very entertaining. What is a plus is the tickets are cheap, it's like $10 and if you call ahead you can reserve yourself a table, which I highly recommend. There are two shows a night that last about 1 1/2 hours. The reason I think you need to be numbed from the alcohol is b/c of the chicks (Did I mention very drunk ones?) that treat this place as if it was the fucking chippendales on stage. I've never seen more ladies dish out dollar bills to a bunch of drag queens. Ladies!!! I know ya'll is drunk, but they are men dressed as women! Ha Ha!! Again this does add to the entertainment and some very fun people watching. It's a little divey which I think also appealed to me. Also it's mixed clientele - straight chick bachorlette parties, transvestites, gay couples and drag queens. But the cool thing about it is that everyone parites in unity and you can't find that in many places around Boston. Check it out for sure....but ladies don't drag your man. He will hate it and possibly you.....unless of course that's your MO. read more

Had a great time at Jacques Cabaret on Friday night. Friendly staff, diverse crowd and fun show. Kris Knievel and the other performers were energetic, fun, and seemed to be really enjoying themselves as much as the audience. Drinks were reasonably priced and generous! A special thank you to Kira, our waitress, who was amazing and attentive and made sure we were well hydrated! . Hadn't been to Jacques in over 40 years ( I moved out of state) so wasn't sure what to expect but it was awesome!!! Planning another visit soon!! read more

Went on Friday at 11:30. They were closing at 11:45 but wanted to charge full cover so I went elsewhere. Tried again on Monday at 10:30. They couldn't say if or when the show would start and there were only 4 people inside. They wanted a cover again! This place is horrible! I will never go back. read more

I had never heard of Jacques' Cabaret until a friend of mine suggested surprising my boyfriend and going there for his birthday. I am so glad I said yes! We had a fabulous time, and had a much more interesting experience than if we had just gone out for drinks. You can do that any old day. If you want to turn a birthday or any day into an EVENT, take a group of friends and lots of $1 bills to Jacques. We were lucky to find a close-by metered parking spot, since the area is very residential and it's all permit-only parking. It was a Tuesday night, so a very muted atmosphere when we entered the bar around 10pm. At first glance, this is a dive bar at the end of the world: barely any lights on, a TV on mute throwing a glow in the corner, two older men draped over the bar, tended by a little old lady. In other words, perfect. We reserved a table (unnecessary, as we were one of three groups watching the show, but we did get the best view) and waited for the show to start. Cover at the door was $7 per person, drinks were cheap, and it's cash only everywhere: at the door, at the bar and in the bra(s). The show started and we got one excellent and mind-boggling performance after another. My boyfriend was the center of attention and had a great time getting caressed and ogled by two fabulous drag queens. Jeff, the taller of the two queens, came out after and posed for pictures with us. He was so nice, and his performances absolutely blew us away. I wish we could have taken him home with us. Move over Susan B. Anthony, Jeff is my new women's lib role model!! The performance was cleverly tongue-in-cheek and just bizarre enough to appreciate how much work goes into this kind of art. Keep those dollars flowing, because these ladies WORK! Can't wait to go back! read more

As the dollar bills passed from my fingertips through the hands of Becca D'Bus and into the back of a baby doll's onesie.. I knew my Mondays would never be the same. I was at Jacques last night for their all Asian all queer cabaret - The Jaded Lounge. Fellow Yelper Kit and a friend of mine Becca D'Bus were on the bill, so who could say no? I've heard other nights are fabulous, but after last night I'll definitely be coming back for more. Dances from Jujubee and Tiela Monroe will leave room for questioning just like Ligaya mentioned in her review. Boy crush? Girl crush? Plain envy for their fabulous legs, flawless makeup, and delicious eyelashes? Kit did a small shout out to Yelp in one of his slam poems which got the crowd cheering, even though they had no idea what Yelp was. heh.. Drag king Govinda and his.. er... side act? Were interesting. One of my new idols, Melissa L. (another Yelper) solved a Rubix cube while singing a song she wrote! Kit and Melissa are going on tour as a duo, Good Asian Drivers so look out for them in a city near you. Sweet! On top of the awesome time I had, I got a question right (haha) in the stupid Asian quiz and won an apron (which Becca said was ugly and I think is adorable) and a family sized container of wasabi (which I was informed to not use in the bedroom). Before the show, they served containers of greasy Chinese food, which I passed on but the performers ate throughout the show.. so it can't be too shady right? I did have my first taste of Brubaker's.. and I'm still feeling it. Classy classy. Condoms and lube were on the tables thanks to MAP (Massachusetts Asian and Pacific Islanders for Health.. NOT Morgan F's planner). Never recycle! All in all, what a fun and educational night! I wonder if my mom will be mad that I spent the money for her Christmas gift on "theater". OH! And I've also got love for them because Chris donated gift certificates for the date auction back in October. read more

On a road trip from NY to Boston, our friend bragged about how awesome Jacques was, and how we were totally going to have a blast there. He went about 10-15 years ago, and assumed it would be good fun like he remembered it... I came really really hungover, but ready to get the party started and save the hangover blues for tomorrow. We pay our $10 cover, which we thought was odd, for 'an old tranny dive bar, where the occasional drag queen would get up a sing a number in between pool sets...' but we did as told. Once we got in, to our shock and horror, it was like we were invited to some one's bachelorette party. It was all around us. Upstairs, downstairs. With three gay dudes, and I in the same corner... This was NOT what we had in mind. We worked our way from downstairs to the bar, and did find a smokey old tranny to chat with, and grabbed a seat. Talked story with the bartender, when my friend Jason blatently asked... "when did all THIS happen??" Apparently, some Bride's magazine wrote a huge article about Jacques, and since then, it transformed from a seedy gay bar, to a straight laced bachelorette party. If your idea of a good time is to feel like you are the life of the bachelorette party, you'll feel right at home at Jacques. I like my drag bars to be dimly light, seedy, divey and fun. read more

Bottom line: Stay away unless your idea is fun is hanging out with bachelorettes. In Boston for a long weekend, we were struggling to find something of a gay scene for a fun night out. Jacques seemed like an interesting possibility based on an internet search, so we decided to give a go. I love a good drag show. Yikes. I should have read more carefully. I'm not sure how much of this can be blamed on the management, but this was a waste of time and money. A $10 per person cover to get in the door seemed a bit much, but that's not unheard of. What I didn't expect was to find the entire bar taken over by 75 straight women from what looked like 3 different bachelorette parties. There was no seating anywhere, not even at the bar, and nowhere to get a decent view of the show. We stayed maybe 10 minutes until it was clear that no fun was to be had that night, at least not for us. The bachelorettes, I'm sure, had great time with the 4-foot tall inflatable penis (I wish I were making that up). I hope the bar puts our $20 charitable donation to good use. read more

CASH ONLY! $10 at the door. Bring $1s for the ladies performing. What a great time at Jacuques!! Came for a friends birthday party and reserved a table for 15 people. It's free to reserve a table for 10 or under, but once you add more it jumps up. It was $70 to reserve a table for $15. I would suggest to make reservations for a large group, but if you are coming with a few friends you could probably walk in. The 2 hour show was a hoot. The performers were hilarious and you could tell they were having a great time. Even if you aren't celebrating a bachelorette/birthday it's a fun place to do something different! If you get a front row seat and tip them they may pull you up on stage - some guaranteed laughs! Our waitor was great and he encouraged us to tip, touch and take lots of pictures! read more

My friend brought me here as a surprise treat for my birthday and pseudo reunion since I hadn't seen her for four years. I visited Boston over Memorial Day Weekend, and she'd been hurrying me through dinner saying we needed to be at this secret venue before 10pm. Our cab driver gave it away, before she could really surprise me. "Oh, the TRANSVESTITE BAR? ALL YOU NEED IS HERPES AND YOU'RE GOLDEN!" Yeah, awkward. But we pull up to this seedy place on a corner tucked away in the dark trenches of Bay Village. The inside is just as run-down as one would expect: the smell of stale alcohol, a true cornucopia of people -- mostly bachelorette parties yet notwithstanding the requisite group of elitist gays. The bathrooms are disgusting and the bartenders, all nearing retirement age weren't friendly and poured weak drinks. Homegirl with the wonky eye was the bitchiest of them all. But the showgirls did not disappoint. I'm normally quite terrified of drag queens, but Ms. Ery and all of her sassiness made the show enjoyable. Cut to the end where we encountered some intra-party cat fighting which made us leaving the venue with our heads scratching yet our bodies still pulsing with energy. Ms. Ery (read: Misery) was not pleased. Still a good time and loads of entertainment! Those who, like me, don't normally patron drag bars are in for a treat! read more