Wally, I have nothing against you personally, but you really need to be more considerate of those of us who abstain from alcohol. AA alum, recovering alcoholics, just plain abstainers--BEWARE. Wally's likes to tout their rep for having "no cover," but they make it pretty darn clear that if you don't drink, you don't stand. They do have soda for $10, but it's pretty much saying, "All you non-drinkers, scr** you!" Now, I'm not against cover charge, drink minimums, or even tab minimums. But the fact that they choose to price soda at $10 is a slap in the face and singles out people trying not to drink. For anyone who is an abstainer, it's hard enough to say no over, and over, and OVER AND OVER AND OVER again to alcohol. So sure, we flip a switch when there are no reasonable options for us. But it just gets old, real fast--being the nerdy kid in the corner who doesn't drink. I have solutions for you Wally!!! 1) Charge a $5 cover, so you can charge a $4 soda and get your $10! 2) Let people know at the door that there is a $10 bar minimum. 3) Charge $4 for soda and say there is a 3 soda minimum! 4) Have mocktails. 5) Have expensive fancy non-alcohol beers or ginger ales. Just create SOME kind of policy that doesn't single out the non-drinkers. We already deal with that on a daily basis, but the relentless way that it's done at Wally's just makes us feel worse than we already feel... all the time. Thanks. read more

I went here a few weeks ago to watch my friends band perform. It's a little hole in the wall place, incredibly tiny, but I immediately loved the feel and that it's a jazz place. However, that quickly changed upon walking through the door and pretty much being verbally assaulted by the female bartender. She instructed us to give our IDs to some guy near the door who had never even bothered to stand up or make himself known as we walked right past him. Then, as we're sitting down and starting to enjoy the music, the bartender comes over to our table and asks what we want to drink. We all try to order water and she states that you have to buy a drink. Fine. We all order a soda. She brings out these tiny little cups of soda and tells all of us "5 dollars and tip" I hand her my card and she says it's a 10 dollar minimum. Okay....? So I end up paying for all the drinks on my card because no one has cash, and she hovers over me like a hawk waiting to see how much I tipped her. I gave her a small tip and she was on her way...but let me tell you, my ginger ale was not worth the $6 I spent on it. I don't ever plan on coming back here because of how rude that woman was. It's called customer service, have you ever heard of it? read more

Dive joint with serious jazz. Wally's keeps it lowkey - crowd is here to enjoy some good music. Space is fairly small, so cozy up and enjoy a stiff pour from the bartender. Protip: sit near the entrance if you don't want to be on full blast, up/close with the performers. If you're all about that jazz, no frills, check out Wally's. read more

Yelp update: Wally's is still Boston's crown jewel. I wasn't going to let myself leave this fair city without coming back, sitting up at the bar with a whisky and catching 30 mins of real jazz done with soul. There's nowhere else like this left here anymore. Wally's is the last man standing. Go to Wally's asap and make sure the sun never sets on the South End's historic connection to real jazz. read more

I was looking forward to experiencing this place based on recommendations, but I ended up having the worst bar experience I've had in a long time. The server hardly gave me a chance to look at the menu even though I asked for a few minutes. When I ordered, I paid for the drinks and was still getting cash out of my wallet for a tip when she demanded with an attitude, "plus tip". I'm in the industry and always tip well so I found it terribly offensive. Then she brought us the wrong beers and when we pointed out the error, asked, "oh so you don't want these?" I couldn't get out of that place quick enough and talked my friends out of meeting me there. read more

I'll start off by saying this should be a five star review. However, I had the opportunity to see BB King at the Iridium in Manhattan a few years ago - I doubt I will ever give another jazz club 5 stars after that which I acknowledge is inherently unfair but the review is about the entire experience and the performer does contribute to the overall experience. There, now you've full diclosure! It's a nice little place - very cozy and comfortable. No cover - FTW - always a plus 1 star when a place doesn't charge cover - always found that to be ridiculous! Did I mention this place was small? LOL - it's impossible to go anywhere without jostling someone but everyone's good natured and the music is fabulous - very reminiscent of the Chicago jazz/blues scene. Drinks are not as cheap as you would expect in a place like this but keep in mind - no cover! And good live music - so moderately overpriced drinks are not too much of an annoyance - if anything, it reins in the drinking so you can enjoy the jazz! We didn't stay too long because friends had to head home - we left just as the place was filling up and music was starting to get a real good "edge" to it - bummer! No worries, this is a repeat place for sure - and I'll be back here during one of my two trips to Boston in May. ~ 4 stars overall - I love this place! # 90 read more

Wally's is an enigma much like Bodega. You will live here for years and slowly but surely start to understand what all the hype is about. I don't like crowds so the night I went was perfect -- Tuesday. By the time we left around 12 it was just starting to get really crowded. We showed up at 9 and got a table right away. If you are going with friends that you actually enjoy speaking to then this is the way to do it. Come early and have some convo, then when you are just about to reach your limit of stimulating conversation let the blablabla about Obama, your best friend's SO or how horrible the job market is slink away into the night air while you are taken over by a cool breeze of funky beats. I feel totally legit when I am at Wally's. It is the kind of place that you make new brain cells and pathways instead of destroying them. I can't help but leave and want to go home, write some poetry, listen to some Coletrane and light some incense. I feel enlivened by creativity and passion, which is a big turn around from how I feel after leaving most other drinking establishments. Wally's is the kind of place I would take my best friend from out of town to show them how hip Boston is or take someone I'm courting who is a bit cooler than I am. It is the kind of place both my parents and I would enjoy, if they stayed up past 8pm. Parking is easy which is awesome but I'd never really go there alone. Definitely the kind of place where you might get hit on by the last person in the bar you want to talk to and sometimes as a blonde girl without a tattoo or a face piercing, I can feel a bit out of place. But, I've never let that stop me before and it won't stop me from returning. read more

There's no cover, there's live music 365 days out of the year, and the good gin costs the same amount as the crappy gin. ill drikn to htat... evry nihgt of th week. read more

I was recently informed that I'm a JAMF. Jive ass mothe-.. well you get it. My friend was listening to Johnny Griffin's record Chicago, New York, Paris and there's a track called 'The Jamfs are coming' and well.. my friend is a bad ass sax player.. so he obviously speaks the truth. And where, you ask yourself, do JAMFs hang out? Why Wally's of course! Go for the music. Don't expect fancy drinks.. grab a beer. Don't expect to get a seat.. those are for the chicks that are complaining about how hot it is and why can't their group go and hang out at Clery's with their pop collared friends. Don't expect dancing room.. unless you're doing a closer slinky Lambada with your date.. and don't be surprised if people join in (sometimes by accident on their way out). Do expect to be moved by the music (if not physically moved by the crowd). Also expect to be wowed by the Berklee students (yeah.. they do more than scat). All for the low low price of.. free! No cover charge here! read more

Live music 365 days a year. Need I say more? Wally's is itty bitty but worth it for the incredible jazz. Because many of the musicians are students/recent grads their passion and dedication is written all over their faces. Nothing like hearing people who love their music play. They don't serve food but are happy to let you bring in pizza from down the street! read more

Do not go to Wally's with my wife. She will make you squeeze past the bad-ass motherfuckers at the bar and say, in your manliest voice, "I'd like a beer and a Malibu Lollipop, please". The bartender will look at you and say "You know that's a frozen drink, right?" And then everyone will laugh at you. That's because Wally's is old-school. It's the kind of bar where old dudes from the neighborhood drink screwdrivers, because they're the only people who can make a screwdriver look cool. The jukebox is great, the music is good, it's full of awkward white people but you can look past that, and the regulars are a great bunch of guys. Come early, before it gets full of brodudes with popped collars, or come late, after aforementioned brodudes get bored and frustrated at the lack of jagerbombs. read more

A couple and friends and I ventured to Wally's on a Saturday night hoping to find a new local hangout, since a friend lives around the corner. This is a small place with big music but also big prices. There is no cover to listen to the live music and you usually can grab a seat so that you're not standing during the performance. This place does do a couple things that I wasn't excited about. The waitress wasn't the politest of people. You can tell this place attracts the local crowds and has a good customer base so I was shocked by her demeanor toward people. The other thing is you must pay for your drink before she goes to the bar to retrieve it. Even though you're sitting at a table, you can't create a tab. Remember cash, and not crumbled bills either, she turned down a $5 because it wasn't in mint condition. read more

No cover, no drink minimum. We stopped by here after dinner at Petit Robert Bistro and loved how laid back this place is. I don't know a lot about jazz, but we enjoyed the music, enjoyed the drinks (a little on the expensive side, but we'll let that slide) and each other's company! One warning, though. According to the website, the music started at 9pm, and we got there around 9:45. There were a couple seats at the very end of the bar, but everything else was taken. So if you want a seat at one of the 4-5 tables or at the bar, do plan on coming earlier than we did. read more

Wally's Cafe is a small divey Jazz Bar and by small - I mean real small! You'll most likely feel like a sardine standing unless you are lucky enough to snag a seat by the bar or sit down at one of the limited tables. Nonetheless, it's a great place to enjoy free live music. Ps. the bartender will make it known that it's a one drink minimum per person. read more

I LOVE this place. Such a cool rockin' Jazz bar with awesome friendly bar tending staff and of course awesome music! I never thought I had anything to add to the review until tonight. BUT, behind the bar there is an interesting gadget that holds bags of chips. If you look closely you will notice that although there is a variety of chips about 90% of the chips hanging there are Cheetos. NOW, my theory is that they keep buying those like variety packs of chips -- then adding them to the chip holder, but that people pick EVERYTHING, BUT the Cheetos. Which seems really odd to me, because if I were to pick chips, Cheetos would be my #1 choice. BUT, then right there in front of me, someone asked to see the chips - he was given the choice between Fritos and Cheetos and he picked Fritos. SO, I guess moral of the story is the cool people at Wally's don't like Cheetos ;) maybe? WELL, you should go, probably not to check on the Cheetos count, really for the music, but it was an interesting observation. read more

Ah, Wally's. Chaotic, loud, frantic, sweaty, jazzy Wally's. Do you know The Mighty Boosh, that BBC3 comedy show from the mid-2000s? Do you know Howard Moon? Remember how he scats when he's excited? Yeah, that's how I feel after visiting Wally's. Basically as big as your walk-in closet, Wally's is a hole in the wall bar on Mass Ave. The entrance is so unassuming that you might miss it; nestled as it is among brownstones. Once inside - whether it's Friday or Tuesday, whether it's 10pm or 6pm - you'll find a CROWD. The place has always been packed every time I go. But that's fine. Wedge yourself somewhere, preferably as close to the talented musicians as you can, and enjoy. I think the musicians are often students from the nearby Berklee College of Music, because they're young - and they often play with a huge electric shock of youthful energy. The rare times the jazz has slowed down here, it feels barely-restrained, and usually zips back up again to its frenetic pace. Drinks selection is medium - pretty decent selection of beers and cocktails, not too expensive. But you don't really come here for the drinks. Overall, an awesome place. I knock a point off for its difficulty to get to (subjective, I know!), and the fact that you can basically never sit down here. read more

Mass Ave on the Orange Line! Was introduced to this place by a good friend in Boston, and I'll thank him 'til the day I die. I hope, on that day, I'll have gone to Wally's. Maybe it's just me and my music geek self, but this is definitely *the* Jazz club in town. You can tell the place has been around forever: if it were a gangsta it'd have ALL the street cred. The musicians that play there are always top-notch. There' never a cover, and the drinks are reasonable priced (for Boston at least). It's a shot-gun style bar, very cozy (some might say "tiny"), with both small table seating and bar seats. Although it gets crowded (standing room only) pretty fast, the good thing is that the crowd is diverse enough that it continually cycles. So much so that if it is SRO, if you keep your hawk-eyes out, you can probably get a table within a half-hour. Plus, this is definitely the "mind if we sit here?" kinda place, cause everyone there's super nice, and just there for the jazz anyways. GO GO GO. Music Geek's Heaven. A couple of warnings: - If you're heading there on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, get there early (before 9p). The place gets packed quick. - They'll keep people outside if the place gets to capacity (which happens often enough for the warning to be issued). - If you don't like crowds in tight places, this might not be the place for you, or if you do go, go on an off-night (Mon - Wed.) - Things can get kinda stupid loud sometimes. There was a funk band there the other night that managed to squeeze to drum kits in there, and both were playin at max volume. read more

This place was just as advertised: dive bar that is small with pricey drinks and live jazz from local artists. It is nice to actually go to a place that is as advertised. Although, I didn't think that $10 for a rum and diet was really quite right. True there is no cover here, but this place is a dive bar, and dive bars shouldn't really be charging $10 for a simple mixed drink without top shelf alcohol in it. Just my opinion. They have rounds of music performances here, so if you come in around 8:30pm, you will see the end of the first group and then a mass exodus of people usually leaving way to table space for you to grab and hang out in until the next group gets going around 9:30ish it seems usually. There is not a ton of space in here, so I wouldn't come here with a big group, because you really just won't fit. But the place is small enough that you can hear the music anywhere and you can still have conversations with others around you, which is nice too. I could tell if you talk took loudly then you get some evil stares here, but for a jazz club, you should be there for the music anyway. So glad I finally checked this place out! read more

Uptight people stay out. I went here last night with a couple friends and was blown away by the music and atmosphere of this place. There was this funky band playing who comes every other Wednesday and you get I'll be back to see them again. All the tables were full when we got there hut people shuffle around between songs and we were able to sit down and enjoy the music. There was a couple dancing which made it harder for everyone else to move around but that didn't ruin anything. The bartender was nice and pours a nice mixed drink. Drinks are $10 and $5 for beer but don't even complain because it's Boston and also NO COVER. Are you kidding me? I don't want to see one complaint on here about drink prices. Y'all are paying for the music! I'll definitely be taking more friends here. Love this local dive read more

Finally found a whole in the wall, comfortable and music-focused place! Whether to hear jazz, latin jazz, blues or jam session I prefer Wally's. The bands are amazingly energetic. The crowd is usually there because they are specifically interested in the music but it is not uncommon to meet strangers, who still push the envelope for ladies. One of the most recent times, Bobby Brown dropped in and joined the band! Oh- what a night... So, if he hangs out there, that means the gangs there. read more

I love this little Boston institution! Feels like a divey hole in the wall but has a great neighborhood vibe. Seems like a lot of regulars. Super diverse crowd, all coming out to see some live jazz music. Reasonable drink prices considering that's your cover. Would stick with beer or wine since it gets pretty packed and can take a while to get a drink. You can get there early to grab table seats but be warned that you'll probably end up having your view blocked by the standing crowd. Very narrow space with constant traffic from bar staff and patrons, be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors. read more

This reviews is for The Monday Night Blues Jam. (The other nights of the week are good too, but the Blues Jam is a unique night). Get there by 9:30PM so that you can get a seat. Make sure to bring your ID, it's strictly 21+. There's NO cover! The bartender on Monday's is great, make sure to give him a good tip on your first order and he'll pay you extra attention though the night. Keep the drink orders simple. The first set typically feels like a loosely-planned show. Mario (Saxophone) typically leads the band and the numbers aren't strictly I-IV-V blues - they run the gamut (think Dock of the Bay, Stormy Monday, Ain't no Sunshine, Proud Mary, The Letter, etc) When it gets busy the dance floor can sometimes get moving, and the band can really get cranking. Mario will send chills up your spine with his soulful solos. After the first set the band takes about a 30 minute break. Stick around if you can - the second set opens up for jammers and it can go ANYWHERE. Sometimes they go until 2 in the morning. Bring your instrument, but like they say, "Practice at Home...come to Wally's to Jam." The setting for all this great music is a small simple club. It's the last of the once-thriving jazz-club-scene that used to dominate the Mass Ave/Columbus Intersection. One side bar, one side tables, stage at the back. An article about the founder sits on the left side wall. Max capacity probably around 60 people. One tiny tv that will have the MNF game or whatever playoffs are going on. There's nothing else in Boston like Wallys, make it a point to check out and support this local institution. read more

Just back in Boston after some time in Barcelona and middle east, and glad to hear that Wally's is still in action. Based on the reviews, it sounds exactly the same as when I used to hang out there and enjoy the great music. Hey, I'll see you all there soon! Do they still have Manischevitz behind the bar? The lowdown: Wally's is one of the last real jazz bars left in a neighborhood that used to be dotted with great establishments. It's a gem, and its proximity to Berklee only helps ensure a steady stream of younger players to join the veterans of the Boston jazz scene. Now, if we can just get this city to do two things to save our nightlife: (1) Get rid of the 2am last call bullshit, (2) keep the T open 24 hours from Thursday to Sunday. Save the night!!!!!! Update 11/9/08: Wally's is still legit! The music was great, the vibe mellow and appreciative, and the mixed crowd was fun to hang with. They don't charge a cover, in keeping with tradition. The musicians seemed to be about 19 years old - can you say Berklee? They were quite good, if not a little immature in their style versus older musicians that have made the professional rounds. read more

I've been here about 3 times, all on either a Friday or Saturday. Only Berklee kids were playing each time. The first time I came here, I thought it was a pretty "hip" place. A bunch of young people smushed together to experience some great jazz. The second time I came here, I actually got a table near the front. After sitting for about an hour, it was getting time to leave. I was hungry, the drinks were so-so, and honestly, the music wasn't that great. The final time was the last time. I most likely won't be going back. Again, got a table near the front, got some drinks, came with friends. The music is just not that good. I get it; they're trying to support Berklee students. But the bands that come in are: 1) inexperienced, 2) know they got into Berklee so apparently think they're REALLY GOOD, and 3) cannot play together in a band. The music is kind of disjointed and it's clear the kids want to show off their chops every second they can get. Look, I come to listen to music because I want to listen to a great band, not to hear 5 music students playing an arrangement together and hoping they get their timing right. No food, very cramped, weak drinks, and weak music. Maybe if I was 18 and looking for a hip place to brag to my friends about I'd come here. Head to the Beehive or Darryl's for a better experience. read more

I've seen players come and go hear for almost thirty years and there is always a surprise behind the front door. On weekend don't show up at 11pm and expect to just walk in because there will be a line of patrons there as well. Yes it's packed like a sardine can but it's a great place to meet people. It's so tight they can't avoid you. If you decide you go plan on circling the block a number of times for a parking place or pay the 12 bucks and put your ride in the parking lot around the corner. Better still the Orange line train Mass Ave stop is less than a block away. read more

After Latin Jazz at the MFA last night (which was awesome) we decided to continue with the jazz theme by wandering down to this gem (one of my friends had been once before and badly wanted an excuse to return). Now I see why... Wally's is one of those places you walk into and immediately feel at ease. Narrow, dark, and cozy, whether you are standing or are lucky enough to seize one of the few tables, a sense of belonging and intimacy permeates the place. Wally's made me realize that I am so weary of Cambridge and Back Bay hangouts, which always seem overwhelmed by immature students and/or reek of pretension. There is no cover. The wait staff is the friendliest and most efficient I have encountered in Boston. Drinks are reasonably priced, and they have a decent selection of wines by the glass.The crowd is all here for the music (OK some, including myself, couldn't help but be drawn into the last couple minutes of a very close Celtics-Hawks game). And the music, obviously, is fantastic. As a bonus, there is a pizza place next door that sells slices (which, I realized, only tasted great to the more intoxicated members of my party, but that's what these places are for, right?). Wally's doesn't even mind if you bring your food over. Many more pilgrimages to the South End, just to frequent Wally's, are in my future. read more

This is one of my mother's favorite places! She treks to the gem that is Wally's often and actually is the person who first took me here. Come one, come all. The music is as good as it gets. Either on the jukebox or on stage.....Wally's is an institution! No pretentious people, no Yah Dudes, No Landsdowne trash. Well, ok. They come for about a 1/2 hour and once they realize Britney Spears isn't popping in the background, they take off. Good people, great drinks and chill atmosphere. I'm talking older gents chilling at the bar with Whiskey in hand, 20 and 30 somethings standing wide eyed watching some amazing jazz bands. Takes you back in time a bit....on top of it, they don't take credit cards!! The music is free, people!! C'mon. FREE! P.S. Please don't order a Malibu Breeze. Trust me. read more

The great thing about this place is the diverse crowd. There are old timers, new timers, and everything in between. It also feels like you're stepping into a Benetton ad with every color under the rainbow represented. In one corner, you'll see the suits with their shirts buttoned down; in the other, you'll see the hipsters, and intermingled amongst everyone are the locals. Last time I was there, there was a guy literally buying everyone at the bar a drink. It does happen in real life! The drinks are stiff and cheap, too. You're not gonna get the mojito of your life at this joint, but if you stick to the basics, you'll be fine. They also don't serve food, but I saw a few people bring pizza in from next door. And the jazz!! This is not your parents jazz. It's funky and raw and always has a beat you can move to. Regularly throughout the night, you'll see musicians wander in and go up to the stage to jam for a few songs, then grab a drink and head back out into the night. Now, that's the life. read more

This is an OG jazz bar on par with my memories of Fat Cat (prior to the game-centered relocation in the 00's), St. Nick's (deceased) Pub, or more appropriately Peekskill's (shuttered) One Station Plaza. The band playing was great, the audio was perfectly mic'ed and the speaker system was appropriately balanced for the room. If you're expecting Boston priced drinks, sorry to say most drinks ran us $10 each. But with no cover and an optional tip jar, you might as well consider the inflation part of the cover. read more

For anyone who can shop at Big & Tall, I have warned you: Wally's is TINY. This local, much-loved jazz spot is appealing strictly for the music--drinks are pricey (about $10/drink), and I guarantee you'll find yourself sitting on top of a PacMan machine, lodged between a bearded man in a giant fuzzy Russian hat and a gropey couple two steps from making a baby. It's a bit like having to listen to jazz with 30 other people in an elevator. Wally's is really about the size of a small apartment hallway, with only a few tables and barstools. Ladies, leave the heels at home. Unless you plan on using your boyfriend as a makeshift bar stool, you may be standing the entire night. While the space itself leaves much to be desired, the music is great--for true jazz aficionados. Berklee students jam on Fridays (you can tell by the fact they look about 16 years old), I'm not sure who plays on other nights. If you're claustrophobic, avoid Wally's at all costs--you WILL be jammed between an armpit and a hard place--but if you're down for some local jazz tunes, Wally's is the creme de la creme. read more

What an AMAZING place!! My siblings and I retreated to Wally's on Thursday at 11pm to take my uncle for some drinks and good jazz on his birthday. Damn right. The place was packed with all colors of people having a great time. The doorman was soooo friendly and welcoming. The bartender was quick and didn't have us waiting despite the crowd. A lovely patron gave up his table for our blind uncle as soon as we walked in. A waitress cleared our table of empty glasses three times! I haven't even described the music yet...amazing. The Latin jazz night was just what we needed. The guy on sax wailed away and the jams were tight. One note: I am pregnant and sober, so it wasn't the drinks that got me feeling good about Wally's. The atmosphere, staff, and music did it all. Overall, a wonderful experience. We will be back for more. read more

Wally's is awesome. It is quite simply one of the best places to get addicted to in Boston. Show up any day of the week and expect to have a good time. You can go with friends or you can go alone because either way you will enjoy yourself. If you particularly like a couple of the musicians just show up on the same day the next week and you will be treated to another great peformance. The staff at Wally's are great and for this reason you should be very nice to them. The straight-live jazz, booze, yay What's good- great music and great staff The slap-I don't go there often enough. read more

Wally's is my favorite venue for live music in Boston. You honestly never know what to expect or who is gonna come through the door and throw down! Its been there forever, had just about everyone in the world of jazz and funk perform there, and has a vibe that Regatta bar or Scullers could only dream of. Best night in my book, Sundays, go shout out my boy ANDREW MARSH and his group usual suspects. All Berklee family, Andrew is one of the most talented drummers in town. All Funk, Jazz and contemporary covers... off the hook... if only there was room to dance! read more

Wally's is amazing, but you have to check it out yourself because it's definitely a "come as you are" type of place where many different experiences can be had. As to the facts, well, this place gets crowded...real crowded; you might not be able to see the band, reach the bar, or hear your own grumbling as you muse angrily in the back about how you can't see the band or reach the bar. But, this is a solvable problem; get here early and get a table before everyone shows up or get here late after everyone has bounced on to the clubs. The bar isn't amazing (mostly light beers and a lackluster cocktail selection), but they do have a good Scotch selection and the bartenders will remember you and work out whatever you want. The music is the real reason to come. The students are some serious musicians and know how to play. So, just show up after the crowds, grab some Scotch at the bar, and disappear in the notes. read more

Love love love love love. I'll say it again, I LOVE Wally's. Wally's is one of the tiniest bars I've ever set foot in, but whatever, I get there early so I can get a seat at the bar right in front of the Maker's Mark, which I drink with one ice cube while listening to the tunes. Saturday and Sunday afternoons they have random jam sessions. If you're in the neighborhood during that time of day, stop in for a drink. Monday is blues night, and my favorite night at Wally's so far. If you're looking to avoid frat-boy types, this is a great place to go, but if you're not into the whole pseudo-intellectual hipster "PBR is awesome and I read cooler books than you" scene, your skin might crawl a bit. But really, I don't care about the crowd as long as the bar itself has something to offer, which Wally's does. read more

yes it's way overpriced, and the drinks are super weak, but come for the jazz. Seriously. The music college nearby sends over some great young talent for the jam sessions before the show. That was the most entertaining part for me. Great mix of locals, transplants and tourists. Go meet other people with good taste (and get your strong reasonably priced drinks elsewhere). read more

Intimate. That is exactly what a jazz bar needs to be. It's small enough so that everyone can see the musicians, and everyone is well taken care of by the waitresses/bartenders. The music always sounds better in intimate spaces. I went here Friday night and the band was great. It was exactly the type of sound I was in the mood to hear. My complaints would be overall atmosphere and quality. I think they could do more with the lighting to make it more like a venue. And, they should TURN OFF THE TV WHEN THERE IS MUSIC ON. If you need to watch the Red Sox on a Friday night, then go to a different bar! Or stay home! Also, the quality of cocktails is a little low. If you put a drink on the rocks, you're supposed to put in a lot of ice in order to slow down the melting. If you put in a single cube or two, it will immediately melt and you will have a big puddle of water in the drink. I would come back here again, but it would mostly be for the intimate music. read more

Live jazz, no cover, good crowd- now that's an amazing night in Boston. If you are cool enough to know about Wally's your cool enough to be my friend. A must when in Boston! read more

This stupid rating tool won't let me give Wally's the eight stars that it deserves. :( This is the only good jazz in Boston. Wally's is a real jazz club, a la Village Vanguard and Small's in NYC. None of this fake-o commercial dreck that you get at places like Scullers. It's true, the drinks are nothing special, and you can have a wait at the door at times, which is no fun. However being inside is like doing heroin. Wally's almost makes me want to live south of the river. read more

I went the other day after the Berkley Jazz Fest. It was packed. I was afraid to ask where the bathroom is. (bucket near the stage?) This place is tiny. It's a *little* larger than a airplane lavatory. No cover charge, but my Gin and Tonic was $10. Of course, the venue is not the attraction. It's all about the music which, on Saturday, was great. read more