The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
Bar · Central Square
Iconic music venue and bar with multiple stages. Live music nightly, Middle Eastern food, diverse crowd.
Cambridge's finest bars, pubs, and drinking establishments
Cambridge's bar scene is as intellectual as its universities — expect craft cocktails made with house-infused spirits, curated beer lists from local breweries, and wine bars with sommelier-level selections. Whether you want a lively pub quiz, an intimate cocktail den, or a brewery taproom, Cambridge has a barstool with your name on it.
Best Bars in Cambridge
Cambridge's bar scene is as intellectual as its universities — expect craft cocktails made with house-infused spirits, curated beer lists from local breweries, and wine bars with sommelier-level selections. Our top picks include The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, Lamplighter Brewing Co., Paddy's Lunch.
Live music
Local beers
Cold Beer
Irish pub
Selected based on local favorites, authentic offerings, and community reputation.
Bar · Central Square
Iconic music venue and bar with multiple stages. Live music nightly, Middle Eastern food, diverse crowd.
Brewery · Kendall Square
Local brewery with taproom and outdoor seating. Rotating beer selection, food trucks, community vibe.
Irish Pub · Neighborhood Nine
Cambridge's oldest family and woman owned bar. Serving cold beer and warm friends since 1934. Iconic neighborhood institution with rich history and loyal following.
Irish Pub · Central Square
Irish pub with dance nights and events. Karaoke, trivia, and themed parties throughout the week.
Brick & Mortar in Central Square is widely considered Cambridge's best cocktail bar, with innovative seasonal menus and perfectly executed classics in a dimly lit, intimate space. Backbar in Union Square (Somerville, but Cambridge-adjacent) offers creative craft cocktails in a hidden speakeasy setting. The Hourly Oyster House in Harvard Square combines excellent raw bar selections with well-crafted cocktails. For hotel bar elegance, the Noir Bar at the Charles Hotel has been a Cambridge institution. Drink prices at craft cocktail bars typically range $14-18.
Criteria: authenticity, local reputation, quality
Sources: community input • editorial review
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“The only thing better than eating is eating in Cambridge.”
This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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