Cambridge Dining Guide
Best Bars & Cocktails in Cambridge
Cambridge's best bars — craft cocktails, wine bars, breweries, and Irish pubs. Your guide to nightlife in Cambridge MA.
13 restaurants curated
Cambridge's bar scene is more varied than most people expect. Beyond the classic college bars of Harvard Square, you'll find speakeasy-style cocktail lounges with house-made bitters, natural wine bars with curated European imports, local craft breweries, and neighborhood Irish pubs that have anchored their blocks for generations.
Insider TipCambridge bars close at 1 AM (some at 2 AM on weekends). For the best cocktail experience, visit earlier in the evening when bartenders have time to craft custom drinks.
North Cambridge
1Harvard Square
5Wusong Road
Tiki Bar · Harvard Square
Hidden tiki bar in historic Conductors Building. Minority & LGBTQ+ owned. New England Chinese flavors meet classic tiki drinks. Named USA Today Restaurant of the Year.
Noir Bar
Cocktail Bar · Harvard Square
Chic cocktail bar in The Charles Hotel with 1940s nightlife atmosphere. French-inspired cocktails, seasonal menus, and 5-4-3-2-1 Happy Hour. Black velvet elegance.
The Longfellow Bar
Cocktail Bar · Harvard Square
Above Alden & Harlow in historic Café Algiers space. Craft cocktails with house-made infusions, syrups, and bitters. The famous secret burger available all night.
Shay's Pub & Wine Bar
Wine Bar · Harvard Square
Harvard Square institution since 1984. Cozy basement pub with curated wines, craft beers, and great burgers. Heated outdoor patio. Eclectic crowd of locals, professors, students.
Grafton Street Pub & Grill
Irish Pub · Harvard Square
Upscale Irish pub between Harvard and Porter Squares. Great beer selection, American fare with Irish touches. Late night kitchen, outdoor patio.
Inman Square
1Central Square
4Darling
Chinese/Cocktail Bar · Central Square
Chinese-inspired cocktail bar in the former Mary Chung space. Dim sum-inspired small plates reimagined with playful, creative flair. Hong Kong Shrimp Toast, Filet O Fish Bao, Red Braised Pork Ribs. Opened July 2025.
The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub
Bar · Central Square
Iconic music venue and bar with multiple stages. Live music nightly, Middle Eastern food, diverse crowd.
The Asgard
Irish Pub · Central Square
Irish pub with extensive beer selection and hearty pub fare. Live music on weekends, trivia nights, sports viewing. Central Square landmark since 2006.
Phoenix Landing
Irish Pub · Central Square
Irish pub with dance nights and events. Karaoke, trivia, and themed parties throughout the week.
Kendall Square
1Neighborhood Nine
1Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge has an excellent bar scene spanning craft cocktail lounges, breweries, wine bars, and classic pubs. Harvard Square and Central Square have the highest concentration, with Kendall Square growing as a cocktail destination.