New Lease on The Good Life

With the release of their independent hit, “Swingers,” in late 1996, Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn introduced into our pop culture a new vernacular based on Sinatra’s Rat Pack. “You’re so money” became 1997’s biggest catch phrase, and swing dance lessons suddenly became a lucrative business. All of this boded well for the opening of The Good Life, a bar and restaurant seemingly ripped straight from Favreau’s screenplay and placed across the street from a homeless shelter on Kingston Street in downtown Boston.

The Good Life’s early years were defined by the red leather booths, the smoky basement lounge where jazz trios reigned nightly from Thursday through Sunday, and the house martini that was responsible for more than a few great nights and just as many painful mornings (Coincidentally, 1997 was also the year that this Bostonist turned 21). As the neo-swing culture faded, however, so did The Good Life’s luster, and for the last five years, The Good Life could have more aptly been called “The Afterlife.”

At the beginning of the summer, a trio of siblings bought The Good Life and promptly closed it for several weeks of renovations. The new owners have replaced the worn out red leather and the photos of Frank and Marilyn with warm, natural colors and original artwork. Since its re-opening two months ago, the new Good Life has been attracting new clientele, and the reviews of the modern yet unpretentious space have been overwhelmingly positive.

Bostonist did some investigation work and more improvements are ongoing. The downstairs lounge will be completely refinished -- the exposed brick walls will be the only remaining element – and will feature live jazz, funk, and DJs every week. The upstairs dining area will host occasional art exhibits featuring works from local artists (including that of co-owner Peter Fiumara). About the only thing you’ll be able to recognize from the old place is the original Good Life martini, which believe us, is still as potent as ever. Bostonist believes that The Good Life will be better than ever.

Contributed by Bryan Maleszyk