Came here for a business school party yesterday, some pros and cons. Pros: Lots of staff around, AC (thank goodness) and good DJ! There was a 360 photobooth which was fun and another normal photobooth downstairs. Cons: Both dance floors are pretty small, and since both were playing the same music it was a little hard to find people/have to switch between floors with so many people to navigate through. Also wish the staff were a little less annoyed that they had to be there. read more

This club is a joke. My friends and I came several hours from out of town, made reservations, and even got an email confirming free entry before 11 pm. Except when we arrived early, they flat-out refused and tried to milk us for money. After standing in line for over an hour, we were shaken down for a ridiculous cover: $40 for contactless payment, $35 cash, or $25 online. What a classy way to treat guests--scam them at the door. Inside, things somehow got worse. The music wasn't just loud, it was ear-splitting torture, with strobe lights blasting like a seizure-inducing carnival. My ears have still been in pain two days later. The crowd? Trashy, aggressive, and chaotic--people pushing, shoving, and even fights outside. The DJ couldn't even commit to finishing a song; every track was cut short halfway through. And heaven forbid you actually sit down after hours in their uncomfortable footwear requirements. We found a quiet ledge to rest our feet for five seconds before staff rushed over to bark at us to stand up. This place isn't a nightclub--it's a money-grab run by scammers who couldn't care less about customers. Save your ears, your wallet, and your sanity: skip this low class "venu". read more

Scam. Bought tickets for NYE for Hava, Venu, and Icon for $108. The city shut down Icon before the event due to a death in the club. No partial refund was ever offered even though tickets then went on sale for $76. I've called them 5 times now and keep getting the run around that I should call X day instead, no manager in, I'll get a call back, I'm supposed to go through Eventbrite (even though the website clearly says refunds must go through organizer), etc. No word back. Additionally, one mixed drink in a small plastic cup at the event was $18, $20 with tip. My friend also randomly got charged another $20 on her card two weeks later. read more

Disgusting bar. One of the bouncers is violent, aggressive and disrespectful. Do not recommend. I'm not sure how he is employed here but he definitely has issues. Honestly made me feel very unsafe. The other bouncers were telling him to calm down and he kept getting more aggressive. Weird experience and won't be going back if he's still there . @venu message me for more details of the incident. Truly horrific read more

They do not maintain anything. Speakers broken, only one functional bar. Not at all what I expected.

I've been to this place a couple times within the last 3 years and I think the most recent time is my last. First of all it's $35 entry every time (the most expensive entry in Boston nightlife btw) and unlike other clubs in Boston where there are consistent deals going on aka a guest list, this place has none of that. The guest list they have listed on their official website doesn't work. If you sign up you will get the people at the front say it's not a real thing and doesn't work... so why it there? Second, you pay $35 to get in, and for that, you would expect the atmosphere and the music to be good (AT LEAST), no it's not. The Spanish side is a little better but the hip hop side is atrocious. The only redeeming thing venu would have going for them is the music since no other club in Boston specializes in just rap and Hispanic music, however they can't even get that right. Third, the people at the front/ door are freaks, so strange every time, making it seem like it's so packed and wild in there and you get in and there's no one lol. This place would get way more business if 1. The entry fee wasn't the price of two drinks and 2. The music was consistent and actually good. As I stated, they have a good business idea aka the rap and Hispanic side as no other club in Boston does that. There is definitely a need and a market for that, especially in Boston, but whoever runs this doesn't understand how to make it work. $35 is insane and definitely need better music and maybe this place wouldn't be half empty all the time. read more

Went there with few friends, few years ago and this place use to be LIT! Two dance floors, so you can swap if you are not feeling the music at one. Now is a different story. Don't know if they are in process of renovation or something but went there last weekend and it was utter disappointment! It has reduced to one dance floor and the DJs were pretty bad. Waited till 12:30 pm so it could pickup but nope! Really bad experience. Also if you add yourself to their guest list you don't pay cover!! read more

venu actually sucks. they scam people into paying way too much for the lamest fucking club I've ever been to. there is 5 people here and they blatantly lied to us saying it was cool up here. it was SHIT. 5 people here. NEVER come here it's actually a piece of shit and I don't appreciate the lying for money bc they can't make it on their own. There was even a rat in the bathroom. Disgusting. I hate this place with my entire life and soul and would rather eat dirt than come here again. F VENU!!!! read more

I usually have a great time here, and I used to believe that venu was the best club in the area. Not anymore. (This was my first time coming to venu during covid.) I went out, with four of my friends, to celebrate my 24th birthday at venu. It was 8° and wind chills of below zero. There was a short line when we arrived that looked like we would get to the front in no longer than 20 minutes. We stood in line for an hour and a half and moved a total of one step! It was dangerously cold, and everyone was basically naked. I'm not sure why the bouncers didn't just tell the line that venu would be full for most of the night instead of having us wait in the cold, thinking there was a chance we'd move up. (We obviously went somewhere else. ) The bouncers were excepting bribes to let people in, so obviously, they had more room inside (covid restrictions) to let people from the line in. The bouncers were also allowing underage kids to enter with a bribe, so if you're underage and you want to go to a club, then come here and slide someone some cash. Overall, venu was a horrible time; I would give it a zero if I could. read more

This club is alright but you need to make sure you check which night they are having. The nights sometimes have themes. They play top 40 and a lot of hits. There is a good mix of people who attend. I would also make sure you add yourself to the guest list to get either a discount or free entry. The cover is pretty pricey so it's worth it to think in advance. It is always very very crowded! The floor gets gross so be careful what shoes you decide on. There isn't much seating if you don't have a table. There are stairs to enter and exit the building. Since the club is on a street surrounded by other clubs, I would check the lines for the other venues. If venu has practically no line, it's probably not a good night to go in. read more

Definitely should check this out on a Saturday night. This was as close as it gets to NYC in Boston. It's a lit club with two separate rooms for Latin and pop music. We had a great DJ that night. It was packed with young people dancing. Only downside is that it's expensive. Expect a cover and high drink prices. You should put yourself on the guest list (online) to save a few bucks. It didn't help us get in any faster though. We got here around 11 and there was already a line forming. Doesn't really get popping until around 12. read more

Waited outside for an hour AT A PRIVATE EVENT WE BOOKED FOR HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. Horrible customer service, horrible bouncers. Never book your shit here. That's all. read more

Terrible customer service and false advertisement. Did not let people in for free that were there before 11. Broken speakers. Will not be back. read more

Even if you arrive when the club opens, Venue makes you wait an hour and half to get in.

Skip the line, drink, mingle, party. Leave. -1 star deduction for mixing in house/techno music to the hip hop. I hate house music. But then I decided to donate back 1 star because there's a huge fan located outside of the ladies room that is amazing, so when they do play house music you can take a break and stand near the fan. read more

Venu - Venu - Dance Clubs Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

This is the first club I've been to in Boston with two separate dance floors/DJ's. I really like that idea and it makes the space seem bigger than it is. I suggest putting your name on the guest list because it's only $20 (even after 11pm) which is reasonable compared to others in Boston. Music is decent and energy from the crowd is great. With VIP getting shoved to the back of the dance floor, it can get a bit annoying since they only have a rope sectioning it off. The mixed drinks are weak (expected though) and overpriced. Bathroom can get crammed but at least there is more than one stall! There is also a separate counter space and mirror in the bathroom without sinks. Overall I had a great time! read more

Went again for another slacker university event. They hosted it in the second little room though, which has such a strange setup (two small bars, and random staircase with a huge HVAC vent tube next to it, square post in the middle of the dance floor, couches around two of the walls, mirrors on two of the walls, and one tall DJ setup and then a TV on the ceiling towards the bar.) was still fun though. Got quite crowded for the smaller room. Bathrooms were clean and attended by staff. I actually really like the staff here. I was chatting with one gentleman who works here and he was so nice to me and we were just talking about the club scenes, Boston, his job, etc. I've never had a problem with the bouncers except one of them at the door, who decided to call me a "nasty girl", not in a cute way.... other than that it's a nice club. read more

Double charged my card and then forged my signature on the check. I got copies of the slips from my bank, and one of them was clearly NOT my signature. Super scummy. read more

The worst exhibit of management I've ever seen! We arrived and were second in line before opening but approx 80 people who knew the bouncer or payed extra money went forward. In freezing weather we were left in the cold for 45 minutes and decided to leav e. I've never written a Yelp review but have to say DO NOT GO TO THIS CLUB. read more

If I could give zero stars, then I would. The bouncers here are incredibly rude. I am over 21, and so I received a wristband to enter the club. When I went up to the bar, a guard forcibly ripped my wristband off. He said it was loose which meant I had been taking it on and off. I actually just have petite wrists. The physical aggression and then verbal abuse afterwards made me feel unsafe and unwelcome. read more

Gave the lady at the entrance $100 for a $30 cover charge she gave me back $20 and then turned it to me that was trying to finesse her. Asked them to review the footage but i didn't get no help. read more

If I could give negative rating I would, the bartenders would not serve us water, maybe because we are Indians. Fucking pathetic experience. Don't go here. Not worth it. And I'm saying they wouldn't serve us water after buying 7 drinks. Yup. Nope. You cannot go to this place. read more

I paid a cover fee of $40 to get in. 12:45, Venu announces that everyone should move to iCon. I get to iCon minutes later and they say they're at maximum capacity. They don't let me in. I am not allowed to talk to the manager until 2 am when they close. Venu doesn't care about its customers, they only care about the money coming in... Also my partner Gary got herpes here. read more

**GAY LATIN WEDNESDAYS** Every Wednesday this club hosts Boston's gay Latin night. I had the opportunity to attend this weekly event with my half Cuban friend last week the night before Thanksgiving. Wouldn't ya know--I'm the whitest person ever. We arrived before 10:00pm (which in the Boston gay scene might as well be noon...it seems the homosexuals prefer to hit the clubs closer to midnight--this ain't New Yawk folks...we close @ 2AM). Anyway, to my surprise there was ALREADY a line forming on the street to get inside. My friend then informed me that the night before Thanksgiving is 'the night to be seen' on the scene. Inside, the club was just opening so it was pretty laid back. But that wouldn't last forever. Venu has a large dance floor surrounded by a couple bars and a seating area for people to mingle and sip the sauce. Here they played various songs, none of which I could translate even after my 7 years of Spanish. Tucked away in the back is another dance floor featuring hip-hop music--here you'll find your occasional gangsta gay and rando lesbian. The bathrooms are also located back here so be prepared to awk grind your way to the toilet--and expect to be molested during your voyage--I was! Sometime after 11:00 the club reached capacity! The remaining line on the street was told to go home since nobody else would be getting inside that evening. People, this place was so packed, I chipped my tooth. Yes...taking a sip of my Michelob Ultra I was nudged and bumped and took a lil o' ding in my chomper. Thankfully it wasn't a large one but needless to say, I was horrified. Barely any room to breath, the club is hoppin' with Latinos of all nationalities and the rando gringos like me. The beats are loud and wild--much like the Latin clientele. The dance floor is outta control with jumping, two-stepping, and overall Latin absurdity. Dragged onto the dance floor by a gang of Portuguese men, I learned that 11:45 is the beginning of Brazilian music. Suddenly, "HA!" and the boys jump. It's 11:45. OOmtz OOmtz the beat goes. "HA!" we jump again, hands high in the air. This white boy learned quickly because before I knew it, I myself was jumping and yelling and waving "HA!" after the appropriate number of OOmtz Oomtz beats. This place is absolutely wild. By far one of the most vibrant and insane gay club scenes I've experienced. My jaw was dropped for a good portion of the night, just staring in amazement. The boys pack this place like a sardine can so get ready to be bumped and humped. Ladies, there are some hags and lesbians lurking around should you be interested in getting your Latin on too. I'd go back, mostly because the Latinos seem to like the occasional awk white boy--cut to them teaching me how to dance Jennifer Grey style in Dirty Dancing. Nobody puts Jeffrey in a corner. read more

$14 drinks that taste like coke. We asked the bar staff why, and they explained the management specifically told them to pour 2oz or less, per drink. You are not allowed to leave the premises and re-enter for any reason - not even to smoke a cigarette, as explained by the apologetic bouncer. Although that's probably a blessing in disguise, because why would you want to come back once you escape? Side notes. Music sucked on a thursday, and the club is much much smaller than it seems from the outside. read more

If i could give 0 stars for this place i would. My friend won a contest to meet Mario Lopez last night and we were in VIP with the privilege of one free bottle of alcohol. That's when the problems started. 1. that bottle of alcohol tasted like poop 2. we did not get to meet Mario Lopez like promised 3. waitress brought over a second bottle that we did not order 4. making us shell out $500 for a bottle of Grey Goose that was not ordered and the waitress 'claims' we did. She took advantage of our fun, that we were under the influence and in the end the bottle has to be paid. AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. ALL THE WANT TO DO IS STEAL YOUR MONEY. read more

I usually don't have to write bad reviews but here it goes. I went to Venu a few times for RAW Boston. It was cool so I decided a few days ago to buy a ticket for an after-party being hosted here. Last night was the worse mistake I have ever made in my life. Waiting to get inside sucked even though people who pre-purchased tickets were supposed to have priority. The whole line set up was super unorganized. When I got inside, I could barely even move to dance. The place clearly had to be over capacity or something because you couldn't even turn without getting hit in the face or stepped on. The people who parade the drinks around are just rude as ever and push you rather aggressively. The drinks are beyond overpriced. The people who attend are just beyond trashy and classless. It got bad to the point where I was actually cornered by three drunk men and they literally wouldn't let me get away. Just an overall awful establishment. Don't judge a book by its cover. It's renovations are nice but the inside is a zoo. That was my first and last time. I prefer Cure or Candibar ANY DAY. Run! read more

I give 2 stars just for the decor and atmosphere. Other than that, the place blows. The bouncers/security are a bunch of apes dressed in suits. I've met real apes with better manners and etiquette.. They yell at, threaten, and push aside the guests. The bartenders are quite possibly the most stupid people in town. And they act snooty as all hell. That gave me a laugh as they had that, "I am stupider than thou" attitude. I am also not a fan of plastic cups and being charged $12 for cocktails served in them. read more

Wow, this place is horrible. I had been wanting to check it out for a few weeks before I went last night (friday night)... it was packed but the DJ was playing very bad latin music... about 7 or 8 horrible songs in a row at a time, nobody was dancing. I can't stand night clubs where people don't dance bc the DJ is sooooo bad. This is def one of those places. I don't mind latin music but it better make the people dance or you are not doing your job as a DJ. also, they were dropping like napkins or some weird paper from the ceiling every a couple minutes, i guess as some kind of effect, but the napkins were getting stuck to people's shoes... so they were walking around like they had toilet paper stuck to their shoe... very strange. I really don't understand the napkins falling from the ceiling thing. It was a 30$ cover each person. That's a lot of money to pay for bad music and napkins. I bought a few drinks for 14$ each... drinks in small cups w not that much alcohol. bartender was hot... maybe that's what i paid for. we left after about an hour. its too loud to talk to people and nobody is dancing... pointless and overly expensive. My search for good music and dancing in Boston continues.... read more

I haven't been here in a while but Venu apparently at some point adopted Rumor's example of snobbery and horrible customer service; by being a-holes trying to create the appearance of some kind of exclusivity by leaving patrons freezing outside, while there is freaking no one in the club before 11.We got there at 10:50 and were on the guest list. The bouncer didn't have a good reason for not letting us and the couple other people there in, and seem confused for himself. We were going to wait, at 11 he told us even though there were maybe 10 people in line, four of them my friends that he was not sure what time we were getting in. I can't take this kind of pretension especially not in Boston of all places. So I said F it and left to go another club. Not only do they charge a lot if you don't know a promoter or aren't on the guest list, they have a lot of audacity to be acting that way when their club isn't even up to snuff with the decor, service, and drinks. I am avoiding this place at all cost. read more

waited forever in line, never moved. don't waste your time. the bouncers are also quite rude and entitled.

I spent my college years in Boston, and it was hard enough to find a great place to dance especially with good music. The cover charge may seem steep, but it is definitley worth it. The line is never longer than 20minutes and if you complain enough they tend to just let you in. Having been to every club in Boston, I definitely give Venu 4 stars for its bar service, open space, and GREAT music. It's the perfect place if you are in a large group of friends and don't want to feel over-crowded. PS. Make sure to put your name down on the guest list on their website, it'll save you $10 if you go before midnight! read more

My friends and I bought tickets for new years eve and were told that we could not go in because we were too drunk which we were not. I remember the whole night (up till we went home, but thats a different story) and had only had two or three drinks before going. Other people in our group got let in who were trying to hide a flask and we were told stories of that night where one guy had 8 nips taken off him and he was let in. They said if we 'sobered up' we could get in so we just got back in line and then they said we would never get in. While talking to the bouncers (plural, because there are about 25) and they said that no one can go back on another person decision but they didn't think we were too drunk. We then asked to talk to the manager and one of the guys radioed him and told us to wait across the street which we patiently did because we wanted to show how sober we were. Pointless. Manager said the same thing--he has no effect on what the bouncers say or do and cant go over them. I'm sorry, but I thought that was what 'managers' did. When one of my friends got to the bouncer to turned us back the first time, she asked for his reason for turning us away and he said it was his prerogative. That's not fair. read more

I had reserved a "birthday table" here a month in advance. Promoter told me to get to the place at 11 at the latest on the night of the event because the lines could get out of control. So my friends and I went at 1030. After arriving, I was told by the bouncers that they weren't letting people in until 11 which didn't make sense considering we got there early to avoid the crowd. Around 11 I went to ask them again and they told me to get in line even though I had a table inside waiting and the promoter said we could bypass the line. I then got passed around to 5 different guys who all had no idea about anything or why I was talking to them. All my friends showed up and I couldn't get them in, so of course I got upset and shed a few tears. Then was told by one guy "you're too drunk. You're definitely not getting in now". UM REALLY??!! None of you knew anything about procedure and I'm not allowed to be upset at a couple of dicks? We eventually decided to go somewhere else instead but you can see how these guys ruined the night I can't say how good their service is inside or what they even did with my table (supposedly they decorated it and had a cake waiting), but if the outside is any indication, avoid at all costs. They lost a lot of business from us that night and I will never be going back. read more

When my friends and I plan a weekend in Boston, this is one of the clubs that we want to go to. Yes, the lines can be long, but aren't they at any good club anywhere? The drink prices seem average to me. It's Boston....what did you think you were going to pay, $6-$8 for a Goose & Bull, don't think so! My only gripe with the drinks is that it's a decent club, can I please have my top shelf vodka drink served to me in a glass and not a plastic cup?? I don't know if that's a Boston thing, but I'm from CT and it's never been an issue there. Well drinks are one thing to be served in plastic but if I"m ordering something with Ketel or Goose, can you please put it on ice in a glass. I tend to favor the dance room as opposed to the hip hop room. I like the mix of music a lot better, but that's just personal preference. I've danced in both rooms and if one gets busier, it's not that big of a deal to head to the other side and dance the rest of the night over there. This is a dance club, not a place to have a conversation. If you want to party until close and have a great time, this is your place. **I've never experienced a problem with any of the sercurity here. So, I guess the only thing I have to say about the complaints here is if you are a drunk ass then maybe you deserve the rude treatment. read more

This place smells like FEET, and speaking of feet... my shoes ALWAYS stick to the floor, which is gross. Like at FELT, my shoes always stick to the floor there, too. Kind of hip inside, but with a mid 90s feel. Drinks cost way too much... I'd never start a tab here, cause I'd get wasted, and realize I drained my checking account by the end of the night. But the bartenders are so friendly! Tip well! The bathrooms are GROSS, I've used both. I'd rather go outside, next to my car. Decent set-up... lots of couches to sit down. Don't try to hide your coats behind the couches, use the coat check! I think the staff spills drinks on coats they find behind couches. *****Oh, and there was a sign on the door that said they were shut down, or something... I'd call ahead, before you plan on going. read more

Oh Friday night at Venu, how do I describe thee? The night started off with a $15 cover charge shocker despite the fact that the place seemed empty and the advertisement stated $10 before 11:30pm but... whatevs. We came all the way out here... what's the extra $5? Thankfully, there was a live band playing in the other room that was AWESOME. I love jazz and their fresh take on recent hits was a pleasant backdrop to good conversation and sneaky people watching. I will note that the bar was severely understaffed... there was one bartender for a bar that easily sat about 30 people that was in a room with probably at least 50 people. Needless to say, my friends and I had to wait a long time for drinks and food. At midnight the jazz band disbanded (teehee) and a singer and her pianist took their place... but the girl's voice was meh at best so I ventured back over to the other side. Let the bumping and grinding commence! The dance floor was packed! The DJ was playing a decent music selection but the general tone of the room was "I'm grown, I'm sexy, I've got my sh-t together" pretentiousness. This vibe was even oozing from the people who CLEARLY did NOT have their "sh-t together." It was a weird vibe but there definitely were some beautiful and well-dressed men in the midst so I have to give Venu and extra star for that. It was all together a decent experience and I definitely preferred the first portion of the night to the second but then again, I didn't take a nap before going out and it was past my bed time....*blush*. DAMN IT! I'm an old woman! read more

Great Place with Excellent music. Great place for Saturday night. Its true that the lines are long but if you know the right promoters, they can help you cut the line. We called Ricken 8572772561 and he was great. We were a party of 8 and he helped us cut the line and gave us 2 comps. Agreed that $15 cover is a lot but if should pre-game at home and show up at 11. Dont bother with mixed drinks. Get a shot at 11:30, then one at 12:30, leave the club by 1:20 so that u can find a cab, get home before 2. read more

What do Dubai, Moscow,and Boston all have in common: the INCREDIBLE level of pretentiousness that seems to seep through Dolce jeans and Chanel bags and right into the freaking essence of this club. If you're lucky, you don't have to stand in line. Luck, of course, has absolutely nothing to do with it - unless you're a girl (email me for tactics). I digress - yes Venu is pretentious, but it is only at Venu do you learn the tricks of the trade. The crowd is interesting - floundering freshmen who have just now been introduced to 'Boston living" - either completely wasted or simply staring wide eyed at the scene that befalls them - gorgeous girls, champagne spraying, napkins being thrown in the air, sparkle sparkle techno madness you either love it or hate it. the music is mainstream in international student terms - amazing if with good friends, repetitive if not. go on the right nights, with a few experienced individuals, preferably with a table...take a shot or two, and enjoy witnessing the bittersweet mixture of Moet and Eurotrash. read more

I am new to Boston and into the club scene. We've been looking for a club with more of a hip-hop vibe and less of a Euro/House scene. On Friday night with DJ Hectik, this club is as close as we've come. Played mostly hip-hop (old and new school), some Spanish music, and and some top 40'. Crowd was pretty diverse. Good sized dance floor with comfy benches lining one side to sit (even with table service). Drinks were a bit pricey. A mixed drink and a shot was $22. Cover was $25 a person, but if you can get on a guest list with Afterdarkboston or 6one7, it's $10 (I think). Get there as close to 11 as possible to avoid standing in line, but again with the guest list it's a lot quicker. It could be a little pricey for a night here, but if you don't mind being strategic about it (getting on the guest list, pre-gaming before heading to the club, going a bit early to avoid the line) then it's a good time. We will definitely try this one again (but again we don't mind being strategic)! read more