1
The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
Bar · Central Square
Popular
Iconic music venue and bar with multiple stages. Live music nightly, Middle Eastern food, diverse crowd.
Live musicMultiple stagesLate night
4.3
$$All Guides
The Cocktail Hour
Best Bars in Cambridge
Cambridge's finest bars, pubs, and drinking establishments
4Restaurants
About This Guide
Cambridge's bar scene is as intellectual as its universities — expect craft cocktails made with house-infused spirits, curated beer lists from local breweries, and wine bars with sommelier-level selections. Whether you want a lively pub quiz, an intimate cocktail den, or a brewery taproom, Cambridge has a barstool with your name on it.
The Answer
Best Bars in Cambridge
Cambridge's bar scene is as intellectual as its universities — expect craft cocktails made with house-infused spirits, curated beer lists from local breweries, and wine bars with sommelier-level selections. Our top picks include The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, Lamplighter Brewing Co., Paddy's Lunch.
Top Picks
- 1The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
Live music
- 2Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Local beers
- 3Paddy's Lunch
Cold Beer
- 4Phoenix Landing
Irish pub
Selection Criteria
Selected based on local favorites, authentic offerings, and community reputation.
The Recommendations
2
Lamplighter Brewing Co.
Brewery · Kendall Square
Popular
Local brewery with taproom and outdoor seating. Rotating beer selection, food trucks, community vibe.
Local beersOutdoor patioFood trucks
4.4
$$3
Paddy's Lunch
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.
Cold BeerPub FoodHistoric Bar
4.3
$4
Phoenix Landing
Irish Pub · Central Square
Irish pub with dance nights and events. Karaoke, trivia, and themed parties throughout the week.
Irish pubKaraokeDance nights
4.2
$Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Curated by Guide to Cambridge
Last verified: Feb 2026Recent
Criteria: authenticity, local reputation, quality
Sources: community input • editorial review
What People Search For
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Guide to Cambridge
This guide is updated regularly to ensure accuracy.
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