Milky Way Lounge & Lanes

DANCE PARTY!
restaurant was cute, and the atmosphere was good. the bar was reasonably priced, i think. great space to dance, which allowed the good people of boston to see an often neglected side of my awesomeness– the crazy dance move side. the pizza smelled good, but i didn’t get a chance to try it. my only complaint is the bathroom being outside of the actual bar/​restaurant, which allowed for some creeper douche bag to corner me and say some garbage.

So here’s a clue: you can have *two* colors of temporary door bracelets, one of which lets you buy booze, the other one of which doesn’t.
You can even charge more for the one that doesn’t. That way not only do you get more people and not be exclusionary of 18 – 21 year olds who like to dance, you also get more money from people who just think booze tastes like shit (like me) or who are designated drivers.
–Disgruntled after being turned away at the door with a 20 year old friend.

I’m really sad that this is going away.
What’s our country changing into?
We have so many bands that come here, so many fun nights dancing. Great drink prices, food too!.. and bowling and pool?.. who would NOT want to go here. and why the hell are you closing…
i don’t mind over all price increases, just keep the freaking night life alive in JP.

I think Milky Way has multiple personalities. I’ve been there four times, twice for corporate parties and twice with friends. Both corporate parties have been amazing. Both recreational trips have been like a prison sentence.
On paper, Milky Way’s profile has everything you want: drinks, pizza, bowling, karaōke. It sounds like a damn good time.
But you’re not going to be able to enjoy your drinks after passing through the prison-​like security: they went through my bag, patted down my jacket pockets, everything short of stripping and de-​lousing me.
I think I even saw a pack of convicts betting cigarettes over whether or not I was going to cry.
And in spite of the thorough security up front, the bartender was still suspicious to the point of hostility. He wouldn’t sell me two drinks until I got my date up dragged her in front of the bar, and when I went back for my second drink a half hour later, he greeted me by saying «Didn’t I just sell you a drink five minutes ago? Who’s this one for?»
Not that it matters, but I’m not exactly baby faced and youthful, but they treated me like I was 17 years old and out looking for trouble.
The pizza would have been excellent, had it not arrive an hour later and cold. And the bowling would have been fun, if we’d actually gotten a lane (3 hour wait and no lane was ever available).
But let me tell you, if you organize a corporate event and pay for this stuff ahead of time, you go from being treated like prison inmates to all the perks of being the Warden. At our corporate events I never even saw a bouncer, let alone had my ID or bag checked. There was at least one waitress always within ear shot, and our food and drinks arrived promptly. And as soon as we were ready to go bowling, the lanes were there waiting for us.
If I got THAT sort of treatment every time I went to Milky Way, I’d be there every weekend. But if I’m going to pay to be abused, it’s going to be from a busty brunette in a corset, not a cranky black shirt on a power trip.

Just went here for the first time last night and had a blast. The atmosphere is really nice. It’s a shame that they are moving into a smaller building and will no longer have bowling. The mixed drinks they make seemed to contain rocket fuel and were very very strong. I ended up just drinking the beer. They had Harpoon Dark on tap so that kept me happy.
The only real down side to this place was the guy at the door. He had an attitude problem with every girl that walked into the place.

At first, I was going to give this place three or four stars, but I thought about it some more, and realized the only reason I had such a good time was the cool people I was hanging out with.
The bouncer at the door was checking IDs and wristbanding those over 21, which is good and everything, but I was with a 19-​year-​old. The bouncer told her she had to leave at 9, and he would go looking for her to make sure she left. That’s stupid, because her hands were x’ed out and she had no wristband, so there was no way she could drink. So she only got to stay for an hour, which sucks.
The pizza was good, except it was gone as soon as it was brought out. So I don’t really think it’s worth the $ 7, but I bought one ticket for me and my friend and we both ate from the same plate.
I didn’t have any bad experiences with the drinks, because I stuck to beer. I thought it was reasonably priced, about $ 5 for a Sam Adams. It’s expensive for what I’m used to back home, but I guess it’s good by Boston standards.
The bowling was fun, and the guy in charge of the lanes/​shoes was very nice, but I didn’t understand why the wait was so damn long. I had to put my name down on a list to get a pager, and then they would buzz me when the lane was ready. So I had to wait to wait some more? We waited about two hours for the lane, which is ridiculous. I mean, by that time I don’t think anyone was into the bowling. But at least the shoes were free!
I’d go back with a cool group of people, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to go here. And don’t come with underage people; it’s not worth it.

If you can handle the awful security guy the place isn’t that bad.
For some reason I’ve been here three years and haven’t bothered going to the Milky Way until tonight. Heard they were doing some free candlepin and 7 dollar pizza buffet… figured why the hell not.
We get there around 6:15ish, guy at the door asks for IDs… not a big deal I know the drill. We went early because we had two people in our group that weren’t 21 yet — one of them happening to be my boyfriend. The guy gives him this horrible third degree «you have to be with someone that’s 21 to get in» boyfriend points to me. «You have to be out of here by 9 if you’re not out by 9 I will find you and kick you out» ok whatever, could have told us nicer but whatever we get it you’re on a power trip and you want to strike fear into our hearts or something. So the of agers get wrist bands and the two 20 year olds get ex-​ed up and we make our way to the lanes.
We put in our name for candlepin, the earliest slot is 8:15. Trying to figure out a way to kill time my boyfriend and I decide maybe we’ll skip pizza and check out the Bella Luna restaurant upstairs. I haven’t been there before and asked the door guy if we had to go up the front stairs and outside to get to the restaurant or if there was another way. He says «oh you can go use those stairs over there» pointing to the staircase toward the back of the bar area. We go upstairs, have a pretty good quick meal because we got there before the dinner rush. Had about a 40 dollar check between the two of us. Tipped the waitress well since she was awesome.
We figured we’d just get back to the lounge the same way we came up since that’s the logical thing to do. We head down the stairs and once we get to the end of the bar we’re greeted by the not-​so-​friendly door guy. He yelled at us. no I’m not shitting youyelled at us «WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD GO DOWN THOSE STAIRS»; we said that we figured that he told us to go up them then we could go back down them since he didn’t say any warning to not go back down that way. He continued to interrogate us «WELL YOU’RE NOT TO GO THAT WAY, YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO GO OUT AND COME AROUND.» He then looks at my boyfriend and yells at him «LET ME SEE YOUR HANDS. I HAVE TO MAKE SURE YOU DIDN’T SCRUB OFF THE X’S» Then demands to see my wrist for my wristband. It wasn’t more than a half hour ago since we got there since we got our dinners fast.
So seriously, fuck that guy whoever he is. Yes, I know you have to be tight with security because of underage drinking, but to totally spaz on good paying customers and be flat out rude jackass and cause a scene — then accuse them of trying to get around security to top it off is no fucking way to make me want to ever come back there. Get fired, prick.

Five stars for the idea of free candle pin bowling, cheap pizza buffet, and great sounding drink menu.
Minus four star for atrocious service and employees with incredible attitude and terrible drinks.
I guess if I were a middle-​aged man checking IDs, looking through purses for underage patrons smuggling in nips, and «assisting» people self-​check their own coats, I’d be in a pretty shitty mood, too. Or not. We’re paying for your service, so brighten up and check your own attitude at the door, Mr. Grumpy. You suck
Bartenders have the biggest attitude I have ever encountered. What the hell. I’m sorry your «Candy Corn» drink tasted like gasoline. I gave it back and offered to repay for a new drink, which you refused. I wasn’t being unreasonable, and I appreciate you giving me another drink for free. Except, I would have rather paid for a drink with some nice service.
2.5 hour wait for candle pin bowling? Cold, soggy pizza? No cabs ANYWHERE close to the venue? This place blows. I’m glad it’s closing. At least I was with awesome people.

Awesome place! I’ve been here a few times now and figured it’s time to write this review.
The Milky Way has it’s own style with fun pouring out of it. First, you have really cool décor which catches your eye as you walk in — very unique — very cool. Then as you’ll soon find out when you hit the bar, there’s both an excellent selection of beer and cocktails. The service is great with pretty cool people helping out with your orders of drinks and food.
As far as food goes, I’ve only had their pizza but in assuming that their food is just as good as their pizza I’m going to go out on a limb and say that all their food is good. Their pizza is excellent — even if you’re just getting a Simple Sam. (What they call a cheese pizza.)
On top of all these you’ve got an excellent lineup of eclectic music you don’t normally hear at bars and you’ve got your candlepin bowling. You can’t go wrong with the Milky Way!
Awesome place overall — I’d highly recommend it to anyone whose going out with a big group of friends, a few friends, or a date. You’re going to have fun no matter what!

I’ve only been to the Milky Way Lounge once but I had a blast. As I recall, the drinks were fine. The main attraction of the place is the candlepin bowling (smaller balls and longer pins — sounds kind of phallic that way… hmm) Anyway, the place is great and dark and has a really fun, grungy/​carefree aesthetic.
The best part was that we had to finish in a hurry to make room for a party that had previously reserved space and while speeding through our game, I came roaring back to win. That’s almost enough to give Milky Way that elusive 5^th star.
Last time we were in town I thought about suggesting this. But, we were all to drunk and gorged on food to make it there alive via car.

After coming here for (just about) every day this past week — i live a block away — I can safely say this place is outstanding.
1. Mondays — free bowling, what more do you want? You want the shoes free too? Cough up the two bucks you cheap bastard.
2. Tuesdays — put on your dancing shoes and hear some great songs.
3. The staff — are diamonds in the rough. I’ve run into a lot of salty bartenders in the past, and this group are (for all but one) amiable individuals.
4. Fridays — are interesting, every other day (apart from saturday when I didn’t go — the only day with a cover) seemed to have the same type of crowd. It seems other parts of boston crawls out of the woodwork and makes «the trek» up to JP for their weekend sojourn. A lot of fun with this group as well. A lot of dancing on fridays too.
Great atmosphere. Different sections — billiards areas, bar areas, booth areas, lounge areas. You can watch the bowlers behind the lanes, watch «the game» even.
It’s all there, you should be too.

I am going to *cry* when this place moves away.
My biggest complaint about the Milky Way is that it is too far from my apartment.
I have planned two parties here for work, and the staff was kind, accommodating and prompt with service. You can reserve tables, food, and bowling lanes in various combinations depending on your budget. I recommend bringing your own dessert (cake cutting is only $ 10) and adding in a selection of pizzas ($ 3 per person). Five stars for that alone.
Five stars also go to the Milky Way Dark beer on tap, and whatever that sangria was that tasted like spiked Manischewitz.
Five stars for candlepin bowling while you feast on fresh thin crust pizza and aforementioned beer and sangria.
Three to four stars for being a bad place for quieter live music acts (impossible to get people at the bar to settle down) — and for having an insanely strict door policy (DO NOT forget your ID!)
Oh yeah, and 5 stars for air hockey!

This has to be the coolest place I’ve ever been to, it’s certainly the best place in Boston to hang out. They have a great bar with martini glasses full of goldfish (crackers), pool, pacman, foosball, and like 5 or so lanes of candlepin bowling (free on mondays-​prepare for a wait)!. They also have food here like pretty decent pizza which is awesome when you’ve got a good buzz going. In addition they have events here like live music or karaōke which gets this place packed (and adds a cover charge at the door). The décor here is artsy and funky and just plain fun all the way around, the Milky Way just can’t do anything wrong.

I’m not sure what I’ll do without this place…
went there late on Saturday night with friends for drinks and my first attempt at candlepin. my shoddy bowlings skills aside, we had a blast.
really nice and attentive bar tenders, always a place to sit while waiting for our lanes, fun music and comfortable surroundings.
the hour+ wait for the lane flew by, but i’ll give ms. pac-​man all the credit.

How can the Milky Way really be leaving? This is just another place to add to my long list of favorites that have left us, populated by Curious Liquids, Deli Haus, etc. I guess we’ll all have to squeeze a lot of good times into this last year… i wish there was something someone could do!
The Milky Way is a great place to drink, a great place to bowl, a great place to eat, to celebrate, to hang out… it’s a beyond great place to play a rock show, with the best sound guy I’ve ever worked with and the cutest stage… it’s an overall amazing place that I’ve always had a good time at with no exceptions and it’s a real shame that it will be no more…(sniffle)…

Seeing as how I’ve been here twice in one week and am preparing to go a third time tonight, I believe I have developed a fair judgment of this place and can now review it. That said, let the reviewing begin.
This place makes me feel at home in Sacramento. I used to go dancing on many a Tuesday night at Old Ironsides and would walk in and know nearly half the people there. What a feeling; to dance and drink the night away with your friends. So even though I don’t know many folks at the Milky Way, I can already see the beginning of an adventurous and harmonious relationship. Milky Way, please don’t break my heart…
So now down to brass tacks. The place itself is fucking rad. Drinks are decently priced. They pour em alright, but I prefer pints anyway. The bowling OWNS. Never been candlepin bowling before and it was awesome. I got a sore butt-​muscle from bowling weird. Lame-​ass Brian (literally). We went on a free-​bowling night and got a little beeper to let us know when the lane was ready. We hung out, shootin the shit before our turn, and didn’t have to hover over a lane waiting for it to open up! Yay! And we were able to fit 6 people on one tiny lane.
The dancing is great, the regulars seem to be great: my one beef (eww, not vegan) is with the stairs. When my drunk-​ass wants a cigg, I don’t want to have to trek up like 25 stairs in order to accomplish this. Still not a big enough deal to dock a star though.
Rock on Milky Way, let’s hang out more.

This is one of my favorite places. Is that lame?!
The Boston Derby Dames often choose this location to host a fundraiser or two every year because all of our fans can come and find something they like. Whether it is bowling, pool, dancing, karaōke, live music, good food or just a place to sit and have a drink. They have everything! Including hot and I mean H-​O-​T bartenders.
The crowd on any given night is usually good.
I love going to check out karaōke night. They have some superstars!
And the BEST thing about the Milky Way is its stumbling distance from my house.
You can’t go wrong there. Now making it up the stairs to my apartment is a different story.
–1 star because they close at 1.

Yeah, that’s right, 5 stars. Here’s why.
1.Top-notch drinks
Sure they’re not cheap. The place isn’t a dive. But they’re not exorbitantly pricey either. Especially considering how delicious and creative they are.
2. Unbeatable bartenders/​servers
They’re friendly, make a damn good drink and you should tip them, cheapskate. They’re nicer than we deserve and you probably think they’re hot. I’m practically Susan’s brother so that kind of makes me a little sick.
3. Live Band Karaōke
How awesome is that? Especially when Susan rocks out to Journey! And Ricky is so frickin fun!
4. Little pin bowling
self-​explanatory
5. Tapas
You can get all of the deleeecious food from Bella Luna at the Milky Way, but the tapas are where it’s at. Just the right amount and so freaking good. Pulled pork, hell yes.
The only thing I can complain about is the high concentration of cheap, unwashed hipsters who can’t fathom spending more than $ 3 for a drink.

Cider jack + bowling =Happy me.
Huge area to go and hang with your friends and be perplexed by the inane intricacy that is candle pin bowling. Free bowling on Monday nights is definitely tempting.
I’m not one for karaōke, but everyone seemed to be having a good time and the bartenders were having no issue keeping up with us.
A note on the bowling, kids must be 48 inches tall. As we walked into Bella Luna, we heard some kids bitterly complaining that he wasn’t tall enough as they walked away in despair.

I have been here several times and I am never disappointed!
It’s a huge bar with lots of things to offer – booze, food, pool, bowling, karaōke – everyone should find something to make them happy!
The drinks are cheap and they taste great. Like I said, the place is huge so it’s perfect for any group event you may have (I’ve come here with Unilocal and with the Boston Derby Dames). Food isn’t bad either. Definitely a good time all around.
And on a final note, the bartenders are HOT. Especially one love of mine… but he seemed to like Jenna C… I hate that b*tch.

The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes in JP is out of this world!
intergalactic fun for all … you’ve got the bowling, you’ve got beer and excellent food from Bella Luna upstairs coming down … billiards off in it’s own spot … and then the stage and cabaret seating …
i had the pleasure of frequenting the Milky Way often throughout 2002 as part of the Radio P residency … always a fantastic time … they’re open to such an ecclectic mix of music and performance … you really just feel right at home there … retrofr! kkenfabulous in that funkyStoned coolness you imagine somehow derived from a velvet painted bliss …
and the crowd there … just amazing … too cool … just right …
you gotta check out their All-​Star Karaōke or the Starlight Open Stage … too much talent … and there’s always something goin’ on … so get your ass out there … aight?

The Milky Way is lengendary — mainly for its unreal karoake nights. I have yet to encounter a more supportive and friendly karoake crowd than at the Milky Way. Paired with an awesome live band, that knows every song you could drunkenly yell out, the Milky Way — is the perfect venue to try out your hidden vocal talents. The crowd here, could easily cheer William Hung into a stupor. The Milky Way is also a perfect hang out to try your hand at Boston Bowling — with those lean (slightly wierd) looking pins. It’s hipster all the way, but it’s the kind of place you bask in the hipsterness of it all; rather than scowling at the plethora of rolled up jeans and trucker hats. Who knows, you might even catch my friends doing an amazing rowdy rendition of «Paradise City.»