We LOVE Delux. We loved it back in the day, when it was our after band practice hang - and we love it just as much now. The staff are wonderful, positive, and kind - it's forever our fav hang for both food and drinks. We like their wine and beer selection.. The menu changes somewhat often, but all items are really good. (If there's nothing new that grabs me, I always go for a spinach, tomato and cheese quesadilla.) You have to be OK with waiting for a table for drinks AND food. You have to be OK with putting your name on the ever amazing Andy's waiting list for a table when busy, and OK with paying cash. There's an ATM in the back though, our bank gives us back our fees, so it's no biggy for us. It's small, but a super great hang, and I look forward to celebrating my birthday there. read more

Horrible. walked in the door after I got off my 9:30 pm meeting. Looking for our friends...he called us "drunk." very insulting. We hoped to have our "after meeting" here...we were all very tense personalities ...it was very unwelcoming. Do not suggest to unwind. read more

Pointing out that it's 2020 and this behavior is unacceptable. Out of no where, the Bar person, who proclaimed she'd been working here for 16 years, was extremely rude and said "I know people like you and I knew you'd be a problem" she then called me an "asshole"!! (Wow!) I'm African American! This was all brought on because I ordered a drink at the bar when we were seated at a table...right next to the bar. The reason I did that was because the waitress didn't even come to our table to place an order with us. We had been there for 45 minutes without any service. This place is funny towards certain people. read more

Fun atmosphere! Really cute inside and the drinks are great. Great price too! Tacos are dab read more

Delux Café - a wall full of framed art - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A charming delight with Dolly Parton-plastered walls and themed string lights. Come rest your weary feet as you traverse one of Boston's cutest neighborhoods. Heads up, it's cash only. read more

Food is tolerable and vibe is good but it is literally THE WORST service. Like 20 minutes for a beverage, drops food and never returns to check how it was or if you need anything. Would not recommend for a time with friends because it's so small and they don't like "loud tables" or a date because the service is so poor The lady who runs it is just miserable and treats certain patrons poorly. I don't understand how such a cute spot could be read more

We went there (multiple times), always good. But one night they had sliders that were not described as spicy. I ordered them but could not eat them due do my allergies. I told the waitress and she said "Well, I do not write the menu." She asked me if I wanted something else; I said no, it was getting late. She persisted, asking me three more times if I wanted something else to (quote) "make it right", so I relented and got something small. Then she had the nerve to charge me for the small plate that I really did not want. read more

Unique place with great food, staff & cocktails. One of my favorite places in Boston. Excellent variation on the specials menu, and always very well prepared. Cash only! read more

Greeted by a lovely man, but cannot say the same about the bartenders. Not understanding why asking for water is such a "weird" thing to do, but thank you to the bartenders who not only didn't get the water, but wined about my friends taking photos on Halloween. If you wanna have fun, avoid this place like the plague. read more

This place has hands downs the meanest female bartender I have ever encountered. I was refused service simply because she was too stressed out and upset about the crowds. This woman took my order, held my drink for 20 minutes and then refused to serve me when asked where my drink was. The manager then proceeded to follow up with incredibly degrading and judgmental behavior. Not only was I sober trying to get my first drink of my night out, but so was the group I was with. We all opted to leave as opposed to be manipulated into "sobering up" based on the staff's poor ability to designate between stone cold sober and drunk, as well as they're disgustingly rude attitudes. Never will I go back, nor my family or friends. This bar has some serious work to do when it comes to who they employ. read more

If you ever experience an urge to get a feel for how the South End was 15+ years ago, Delux is not only a good place to start, but possibly your last and only option. I was surprised to find out that this gritty little dive has survived the towering waves of gentrification that have swept through the area. Abutting our condo during this epoch was a half-way house, a few doors the other way was a guy living in some kind of transitional apartment who used to sit on the steps and carve wonderful little wooden figures. A little further up our street was the infamous Waltham Tavern, easily the diviest joint in the South End. In their place you will now find multi-million dollar condos and an alarming lack of character. Not really complaining, but I will complain, and loudly, if Delux ever vanishes. I lived about 500 feet away from this place but still had a hard time finding it the first time I went there. It's like a hole-in-the-wall inside another hole-in-the-wall. Actually, it's really just the first floor of a row-house with no obvious signage (I don't think), but it doesn't help that people are prone to say it's on Clarendon, when it's actually on Chandler. The first impression that you get when you walk into this place is that it doesn't really care about you. And you're right, it doesn't. But that's honesty, and honesty is the first step in building a relationship. Or is it trust? Whatever. I recall it being a loud, over-stimulating bit of casual mayhem that I loved immediately. Also from what I recall, the specials, or maybe it was the whole menu, was taped to the front door behind the metal grate at random times of the day, presumably when the owner decided what he/she was going to do, if anything, that day. Sometimes it changed, sometimes not. The suspense always had me checking on the walk home from work. I remember the options being limited but the meals being very good. A wonderful butternut squash gnocci(sp?) and a few solid fish dishes are etched in my memory. Delux has a narrow, largely windowless, galley-type layout and I've never not seen it bursting at the seams...your claustrophobia will begin to ebb after the first few Shlitz's. The servers can be salty and rushed, get over it. Go here for the food, drink and character. Also go here just to say that you did, as the hordes of soulless, bottom-feeding, money-vultures will one day prevail and turn this place into the foyer of a $50 million dollar condo complex. Brought to you with generous support from the Titanic Nut Company. read more

Best dive'ish bar in Boston. Full of character and charm. Everywhere you look there's something cool

So great! We didn't have a res and just wanted drinks, they let us have a table for one drink until the res came or we could move to the bar. Super sweet/great service! Drinks were amazing too! read more

I unfortunately came here looking for a fun night, and before we were able to order a drink the waitress approached us saying we were drunk and rude. I was very far from drunk and had not even been given a menu prior to her approaching us. She continued to say we were rude and lucky to be let in. I had heard great things and was very disappointed in how we were treated in our time at delux. I am writing this after leaving the bar and am far from drunk. Very disappointed in how I was treated as a resident of the south end read more

Hi this is the best bar in Boston thanks let me tell you about it. The facts: It's cash only. The beers are cold and range from your $3 cheap American classics to some heady crafts. The burger is perfect. The prices are just right. At first everyone who works there seems like they may or may not want to deal with your ass - which isn't the case! Well let me back track, depending on who you are I can not say that this will sway back into your favor. For those it does hurray for you! For those it doesn't - well tip better and stop asking why your well done burger hasn't come out in 10 minutes. It's not technically a gay bar but is definitely a gay bar. I love it here. read more

Stopped into Delux Cafe on a cold Friday night. We had hoped to grab some food, but the kitchen was already closed. Instead we just had a few beers. Quality Delux Cafe is a dive bar with a reputation for some solid food. Unfortunately we missed the kitchen, but still opted to grab some beers before heading back into the cold. The menu had about fifteen options, six on tap, and the rest in cans and bottles. I selected a local beer that was on tap. The selections vary between your typical cheap beers and then some craft beers. Quantity With the bottles and cans, you know what to expect, and the drafts were fair pours as well. Value Beers range from $4 to $8, regardless of whether they come on tap, in a can, or in a bottle. They also have a few wines, but they were pricier than I expected. I didn't really look at the food menu, knowing I would only be disappointed in what I couldn't have. Ambiance Delux Cafe is located in the South End of Boston. On the corner of an otherwise residential area sits this little dive bar. Inside is a small and narrow space lit primarily by Christmas lights. There were other Christmas decorations up as well, but I was not sure if they are a year-round staple, or just leftovers from the month before. The remaining areas on the walls are covered with memorabilia, with a heavy emphasis on Elvis and rockabilly. The actually bar is in the back left corner, with tables lining the walls around it. Classic rock and old country songs crooned over an outdated speaker system. Crowd The cold weather seemed to keep most folks home as the bar was quiet on Friday night. The few customers there were bundled up by the bar, chatting with the staff. I get the impression it is a locals bar, and being in a quickly changing neighborhood, it is trying to keep its regulars happy while also trying to figure out how to appeal to a new crowd. Service When we walked in the bouncer said that someone would come to our table to get our drinks. That turned out to be untrue. Eventually we had to go up to the bar to get the attention of the waitress who seemed to already be clocked out. She brought beers without glasses, then when the glasses came they were dirty. I understand it is a dive bar, but it still fell below standards. Parking We were staying nearby, so luckily did not have to worry about parking. The only option was street parking and it seemed very limited. Extra Delux Cafe is a dive bar that has survived the massive changes occurring around it. The idea and the vibes seemed cool, but clean glasses and at least average service are needed. I also wish I got to try some food, as the beer list was just okay. read more

Really adorable! Great ambiance, nice music, friendly service. We got the Nick and Nora, the Dollywood, and the Jazz Baby. read more

Delux Café - This bar area is so adorable. - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

See all

How fortunate foe me that I live just a few doors down from this amazing neighborhood bar/restaurant. The owner and staff treat you like family, and I am continually impressed by the quality of the delicious meals that comes out of this Its tiny kitchen It's unique decor and cozy interior is perfect for a chilly night. read more

Cash-only dive with a decent beer list, limited food menu. Bar is small with limited seating, so get here early if you need a seat. Vibe/decor is Americana with a healthy dash of quirky. Sadly understaffed (one server for the whole bar??) on a Thursday night during peak happy hour, felt bad for the server who was super harried and overassigned. Prefer both Anchovies and Coda for actual drink menus and tasty food. read more

We arrived in Boston a little late for dinner and had the great fortune of finding this place. The host was awesome and squeezed us in under the bell for food. The fish tacos and quesadillas are some of the best outside of California, they have a great mixed drinks, beer, and wine list, but for me the Artifact Magic Hour Cider hit the spot. But the most amazing thing? The house hot sauce...just...wow. Do yourself a favor; if you're ever straddling Chinatown and South End, make the walk here. 100% awesome! read more

So great. Was there in mid May with my daughter and nephew. My daughter lives relatively close and it was a wonderful evening out, we wanted to dine outside. We called around 6:30 p.m. to put our name in for a table and indicated we lived close by so could be there within 5 minutes. We spoke with Andy and he was great. We eventually got in around 8:00 p.m. and had such a lovely meal. Our server was Laura and she was spot on especially with the wine selections. We all started with a radicchio salad that was a special and just had such great taste. I had a pasta dish that was the special and it was perfection. Creamy, tasty and pasta was perfect. My daughter and nephew did the cheeseburgers which they devoured. This is a great neighborhood spot. Go there now. read more

"A building that looks like a public bathroom on the outside" ..... that's what my British friend texted me as I headed over there on a Tuesday evening..... which didn't really help me at all because, frankly, I have no idea what a public bathroom looks like on the outside. I even told the cab driver that, who then proceed to resemble a deer staring into headlights. Thankfully, because of my innate sleuth skills, and partially because it says "DELUX" in gigantor bold letters on the outside, I found the place. The very first impression I got as I entered was that it looked like the backdrop of an album cover by 'The Clash'. I swear I thought I was in a punk pub in mid-80s London. Record album covers adorn the wall, and there is even an Elvis wall, which, in my book, automatically makes it blue-suede-shoe-cool. The place is surprisingly small on the inside, but perhaps that's part of what gives it a kind of cozy feel. While they have no cocktail menu, they have a fully stocked bar that can make you practically anything. But it is the eclectic food menu that raises the bar of this place over other, um, punkpub-looking places. No seriously, the menu red like a sci-fi novel, and my British friend insisted that everything was a must-try. Unfortunately, I'd already eaten dinner, but I did opt to try what I thought was typical plate of nachos. What I got was something totally unexpected. It was a plate of baked (I think) tortillas accompanied by the most amazing mango salso I've ever had. I swear if I hadn't already eaten dinner, I'd have ordered 3 more portions. I was told that the quesadillas are to die for as well, and I've marked it down as a must-have on my next visit. Delux does not have any deep-fried foods on the menu (no friolater chips or typical pub grub grease-on-a-bone items), which I thought was rather original. Apparently, there is a specials menu that accompanies the regular list, which I think they said changes either weely or monthly. It added an artist-feel to the whole concept of Delux, and I find it hard not to want to come back just to sample everything on the menu. I was told to avoid the place on weekends unless you love being shoulder-to-shoulder with young kids (which I loved back in the day), so if you're in the mood to experience "cool", come on weekdays. read more

What can I say? I love this place. Great food, people And atmosphere. Would highly recommend.

Came on a weekday with co-workers and it was a nice dive bar to grab a drink at average prices and eat a burger. They don't have too much food selection, maybe less than 10 choices. However, they do have some drink options but it's not extensive either. 1. Burger - Average tasting, nothing amazing but gets the job done. Comes with some fries which were average as well. Overall, I'll come back for a drink only if I come with a group. read more

Small bar, cheap beers, good inexpensive food, cash only. Opens at 5.30pm, CASH only, closed Sundays. This is a bit of a stylish dive bar. The drinks are cheap, and the food is really good for the price. I really like this spot, and considering they have one waitress cover the whole bar the service is usually good. It is a small place, so be prepared to wait for a seat. If you show up and it's busy tell the waitress your waiting for a table, and she'll sit you when she can. The beer selection is rather small and different. So no Bud Lite for you my friend, but try the Brazilian beer, Brahma, it's like a nice Corona, or have a Hoegarden. Now I'm just worried after writting this review that I'll have to wait even longer to sit and eat! read more

Delux Café - Elvis Album on the wall - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

After a long day exploring Boston and cheering on Liverpool in the heat my boyfriend and I just wanted a chill spot to cool off and grab a bite. We Yelped and Delux Café won since it was only a block from our hotel. It was exactly what we wanted. Great vibe/decor and relaxed. I ordered a tequila and watermelon purée cocktail that was delicious along with their grilled cheese. This grilled cheese was delicious and I wanted to have it again the next day for lunch but sadly they weren't open for lunch. If you're in the area definitely get some cash and make a stop here. You won't regret it! read more

Coolest bar in Boston! Classic Rock n roll/ doo wop / R&B/Soul in heavy rotation, fun kitschy atmosphere - walls lined with LP covers and a poster of a promo photo for The Thin Man (with Myrna Loy, William Powell and Asta the dog) prominently displayed, excellent cocktails, excellent food and the kitchen stays open pretty late for Boston! Maybe the only bar in Boston that is always comfortable to me. The next closest thing would be a John Funke DJ night, but Delux is that cool all of the time! Coming from Brooklyn (10 years strong, but originally from MA, this is the only bar in town that feels like home. No "dunce, dunce" music, no Sports on glaringly bright TVs, just great music, drinks, food, taste & style. read more

Delux Café - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

My friend Dan used to think this was a vacuum cleaner repair shop. I suppose that's what it looks like from the outside. Delux is the dive that's not a dive. The food is inspired (try the salsa) and the beer selection is great. The service has always been friendly and upbeat. When I worked in Boston, this was always one of my favorite places to go... and so close to Back Bay station, you can grab a beer before hopping on the orange line OR the commuter train home! read more

I would say this is more of a fake dive, or is that hipster dive? Or, my personal fave, a faux in the wall? Whatever you call it, this is a dive-esque place that is cash only, as you are reminded by a lite-brite sign behind the bar. Rembmer lite-brite? That takes me back. Anyway, the place is covered in christmas lights, old album covers, elvis art, and a prominent Dolly Parton photo. The food seems a bit expensive and well to do for a place trying to be divey, but hey what do I know. It reminds me of a diner menu. The drinks are relatively cheap, if that's what you want, come on in. Staff is a bit rude, but I guess that's part of the dive experience. read more

Delux Café - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I live in the south end and eat out frequently. I work in the hospitality industry and am also a gay woman. I have been there two times. The first time we went we had a horrible interaction, we were ignored for 45 mins. It took me 3 months to get convinced to go back.... It was just as bad. They market themselves as a gay friendly location. They are blatantly homophobic, and treat different tables better than others. Do not be tricked by the marketing, you want gay friendly go to Anchovies x100 times better in every way possible. read more

Drinks were okay but terrible service. It was not busy this evening but we were told that we couldn't be seated at a table unless we were ordering food (although we did see a party sit without eating). We stood at the bar but there were only 2 seats for our party of three. Normal this would be fine but we were towards the end of the bar where the bartender was putting out drinks. The bartender asked my friend a few time to move to the side while she was putting up drinks. This would have been fine but the bartender came over to us at one point and was extremely rude to my group. She took a condescending tone while telling us about how much we were in the way. She also shamed us, insinuating we shouldn't even be at the bar as we hadn't ordered another round of drinks. This would be one thing if it were busy however it wasn't busy and there were multiple tables open! Multiple tables we could have been sitting at and not in the way but as I said they made it clear we weren't allowed to sit there. After the bartender was rude we immediately left as we all felt very uncomfortable. I will not be back. read more

Cool neighborhood bar - we met up with a friend that lives here while in town for the Marathon. Great selection of beer and liquor, food was really good, and service was fast / friendly. It's a bit dark and has a dive bar feel, but that's exactly my speed so 5 stars from me. If that's not your style you may prefer a different spot. read more

I went to this place the Delux on a very cold nt when I was spending a few nights at the hotel down the street. Someone said the food was good there. Well make no mistake this is not an American Restaurant/ cafe as advertised it's a dive bar!!! My sandwich was good but the drinks and my waitress were awful. The waitress was so busy talking to her friends at the bar I couldn't even ask for some salt!! I was told it was cash only and they had an ATM. Checks were hand written so they could charge anything they wanted. Never pay cash, a good lesson. A 5oz gin and tonic with well gin $13.00. Run away dont walk!! read more

Cool little dive bar. Seating is very limited since the place is tiny to begin with so definitely make reservations in advance. We just got a quesadilla and a few drinks, I definitely recommend the Massachusetts ciders on the menu if you enjoy cider. Prices were cheap, not much to complain about this place. read more

What they mean, 'cash only'?! What is this cash of which they uh speak ? Is meaning they play a only the Johnnie-the-cash? I liking the Johnnie-the-cash some goodie, but huh hmmm errr, is funny they take they play only the cash? Lotsa groovy some other stuff is in the cards, you betcha bye golly wow ! Hipster doofus is a dueling shenanigans . I'm a gone axing some the peoples what is a this here cash-a thingy. Where you gets and a how come why . Three percentile points, she's a no big thingy baby. read more

Wish this was located in Cambridge so I could rent an apartment above it and move in. Awesome dive bar with much better than expected food and a friendly staff. Tiny space with a really eclectic crowd and a good music really adds to be ambiance. So does the Elvis lamp and Soul Train reruns on TV. (Millennials will have to Google "Soul Train" I'm sure). Place is awesome. read more

Delux Café - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Delux is great for a beer, but can be hit or miss for food and service. When the place gets crowded, it can take 10 minutes to get staff attention. The menu rotates often, which is great for locals who go often. Their pasta dishes are reliable, and the half chicken is good. Burger is fantastic! Everything is a little pricey given the ambiance, but that's just the neighborhood. Overall a fun dive bar. read more

A lot of Boston restaurants have been on my radar, but for some reason, this place wasn't. I came here for a work meeting. My lovely supervisor is a long-time resident of the South End, and he told me this was one of his favorite places to eat, and that this is where he always takes his favorite out-of-state guests! It's definitely a low-key place where locals tend to go--which is why I think I liked it so much. I love the random colorful lights and the little Elvis "shrine". A lot of trendy Boston restaurants look all the same, so this one is really unique. They don't have an extensive food menu, but I think that's one of a signs of a great restaurant: when they have just a few things they do really well. They do, however, have a pretty extensive drink menu. I got a cheeseburger which was 10/10. The bourbon mustard on it really gave it a great kick! It also came with a side of oven-fried french fries, but I gave most of those to my supervisor hahaha. It came with some of their homemade ketchup, which was weirdly runny and didn't taste any different from regular ketchup. It's quirky, cozy, and you can take a nice stroll in the South End afterwards! Kind of pricey, but I wasn't the one paying, so I can't complain :) Also, FYI-the sink to wash your hands after you use the bathroom is not in the bathroom, but against the wall you pass before going in. I spent five minutes wondering why on earth there was no sink until I walked out of the ladies room and realized! read more

Great service, atmosphere and food. Love the kitch. Seems to be very popular and is cash only. Lamb tacos were delish and they have local beers on tap. read more

I was meeting a friend in the city for dinner, and she suggested the delux cade, which she had seen on tv. Located just next to back bay in a tiny store, Delux is a trendy-hip restaurant that is well known for having a small menu, but doing things right. My girl friend had a fantastic salmon steak with fingerling potatoes, my friend had sausage stuffed pobelano peppers with were excellent and were only $8. However, i ordered the lamb raviloi and was very underwhelemed. the flavour was good, but i only got 8 pieces with no bread. I was left with pool of thin sauce that i couldnt really do anything with. Anyway, there is a full bar, and everything was extremely well priced. The decor is funky with old comics on the walls and the service good if a bit slow read more

Delux Café - Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts