The Rathskeller

The Rathskeller was a legendary live music venue in Boston, Massachusetts that was open from 1974 to 1997. A dimly-lit, gritty establishment, the Rathskeller was considered the "granddaddy" of Boston rock venues.During its heyday, the Rat hosted such acts as the Cars, Pixies, Metallica, Powerman 5000, the Dead Kennedys, The Ramones, Talking Heads, R.E.M., The Motels, and The Police. From 1980 to 1987, The Hoodoo BBQ—which Esquire called one of the "100 Best Restaurants in America"—was located at The Rat.In the 1960s it had been a restaurant and bar catering to college students. At the time it offered live music in a back room, featuring local bands such as The Remains, The Lost and The Mods . The Remains were so popular in 1965 that the owner of the Rathskeller was forced to open up the basement for the first time to the overflow crowds that the Remains attracted. Sixties-style live music was phased out at some point, and the Rathskeller reverted to a simple restaurant until 1974.