MANRAY where you can be a star or be a spectator. Where you can be alone or with chosen family. Where you're free to dance like no one is watching, unless you want them to. ‍

I frequented Manray back between 2001-2005 between the ages of 19-23. I was devastated when they closed, because this club had incredible energy and the theme nights were so fun too. I'll never forget the time I ran into Marilyn Manson in the bathroom because Dita Von Teese was performing her burlesque show that night (they were together at the time). There was also the time the coat check guy alerted me that Amber would be performing that evening (I was clueless) but thrilled to be able to see her perform her classic hits at a time when her music was still on regular rotation. Fast forward to today. I was absolutely thrilled to hear that Manray was opening back up in a new location. I couldn't believe when I walked in the door and saw the same DJ (Chris Ewen) from many moons ago spinning his tunes. A lot of the bar staff are the same too. Lindsey is my favorite though because she memorizes my drink and gives it to me before I even ask . It was as though I was teleported back to the early 2000's. I cannot say enough about the present day staff too. The door guy Ronin is the nicest bouncer I've ever met. He is pleasant and welcoming and individually greets each person with a smile and provides well wishes for a lovely evening. He makes every person that attends feel VIP. The TVs are always playing some sort of bat shit crazy video, but that's just part of the fun. The crowds and people in attendance are always so chill, fun, and carefree. Every time I go I meet someone new! I can't recommend this place enough!

Thursday, last one of the month. It was drag night. This could be big. This has potential. Staff was on the ball, all around. Word. DJ PJ was on the box and the place was thumpin'. Managers/Owners were visible, accessible and it just seemed right, not like my parents were there to make sure nobody was dropping laundry. Just part of the crowd with the crowd in hand. The place is Safe. The show? It was the box of chocolates we call a drag show and every piece was gorgeous. The Hostess hosted, the acts acted and all was right with the world. Oh, and those two dancers? Simply captivating. My bartender, a fine upstanding young man with interesting ink and a sincere smile, made me a Manhattan... And then BAM! it all went to hell. NO cherries. Wait a minute, what? NO CHERRIES!?!? WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH THAT ALL ABOUT?!?! Must I bring my own travel size jar of Luxardos? Is the proper garnish of a classic libation the responsibility of the patron? When did that start? Is that a COVID thing or something? What if I ordered the Manhattan's life partner, the Martini? Would it just sit there, bereft of onions or olives or a slice of pepper? A glorified shot of warm vodka and vermouth. May as well serve it in a paper bag. But all in all, it's a good time at Manray. I'll be back.

Fun bar decent amount of space on the dance floor very specific vibe fun that they play a lot of 70's music

This must be the place! Great music/ambiance/crowd/themes. Discrete location comes alive at night. Crowd definitely skews older but its 100% better than the loud drunk college student-filled bars and clubs around Boston. Fantasy Factory nights are always a good time. Finally, a place for the goths and gays to get down!

I loved reading through the old reviews but wanted to add to the more recent ones as well! Came to the "new" Manray for the first time on a Saturday Heroes night (80s new wave/synthpop etc) last weekend. It's in the old Improv Boston space but has been so redone it's completely unrecognizable. It's a really nice space, 3 bars total (2 in the main room), a stage, and a smaller lounge/chill room with its own bar and very good air conditioning-- a nice place to take a break when the dance floor gets too hot! Our drinks were surprisingly good for a club, and reasonably priced as well. Sound system was good. If you've been to any similar nights around Boston, you'll recognize the DJ --so I knew what to expect! The crowd ranged widely from college age to maybe 70 year olds?? And everyone was having a great time, with a fun, safe, and very inclusive atmosphere. We came relatively early -- 10:30? And surprisingly there were enough people already there that it didn't feel awkward (so many places are completely empty before 11 or so!!). They have different themed nights each day of the week so check the calendar/instagram to find something that suits you. We will definitely be back!! NOTE -- Normally I would deduct a star for this, but I really like this place so I won't: my one complaint is about the entrance/coat check process. When you enter, you go over to the register to pay the cover, and they ask if you want to add coat check. Which is awesome! Avoids cash and streamlines the process! However, when you pay the POS has the system where it asks you if you want to add tip. 18%, 20%, or 25% iirc. So my mind goes, huh, I do like to tip the coat check people a couple bucks, 18% is a LOT but hey, there's a big line behind me, I don't want to fumble with entering a different amount, and I'm feeling generous-- so I tipped 18% on the entry and coat check for 2 (which was like $15 each for the cover and $2 each for the coat check). Then, you get around the corner to the coat check, and there is a sign saying, "any tips left at the registers don't go to coat check, please leave cash or ask for more Venmo" ........... So... who the f did I tip??? It feels a little shady to have that sign AFTER, versus having a sign at the register saying, this tip goes here, coat check tip is in cash or whatnot. Left kind of a bad taste in my mouth -- if im gonna be extra generous I want to know who it's going to

What a fun place to let loose! They have disco nights, goth nights, drag shows, and more. I've been here a couple time, always fun. I will say they need better AC because when we come, we SWEAT from dancing. During the summer, we'd have to go outside and take cool-air breaks. LGBTQ+ friendly. Bar is never too crowded, always been able to get a drink in under 5 minutes. Bartenders, bouncers, and check-in people are cool. Their vibe matches this place very well. There's usually a cover. For me, it's ranged from $5-$15. If you're looking for a fun time, with a chill crowd, I'd recommend going out here.

Really great space with an amazing sound system. I took a drive down yesterday to hear a friend DJ. I had a great night out. The bartenders were excellent and great to talk to! I can't wait to go back!

Honestly I've never been here. I wanted to come but probably wouldn't have been welcome because of my ex and her friends. But this definitely was the Mecca of goth clubs in Boston. However I have been to the reunion events and had some fun there (that's why I'm giving this a 5). I can only imagine how the real ManRay was.