The Rathskeller ('The Rat') - influential Kenmore Square rock club

The Rathskeller, commonly known as 'The Rat,' was a seminal rock and punk club in Kenmore Square that operated from the 1970s until its closure in 1997. It served as an important incubator for Boston-area and touring bands, hosting early performances by acts including The Cars and the Pixies. The venue is widely cited in histories of Boston's punk and alternative music scenes for its role in launching careers and fostering a local music community.