Nightclubs & Bars
The Middle East
A
live music club to rival any in New York or Los Angeles, the Middle
East rocks its patrons from three stages and nourishes them with
delicious kebabs and curries.472–480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
617 864 3278
Adm
Western Front
Live
soul, R&B, hip-hop, Latin, and especially reggae make Western Front
the alternative club for Bostonians and Cantabrigians of color. Local
jazz on Wed.343 Western Ave, Cambridge
Regattabar
Befitting
its location in the sleek Charles Hotel, Regattabar offers a refined
yet casual setting for watching jazz giants. Shows sell out quickly.1 Bennett St, Cambridge
Closed Sun–Mon
Johnny D’s
Dance
to live zydeco, East Coast swing, and salsa all in one night. Davis
Square’s – and arguably all of Boston’s – home for eclectic live music.
Dinner served Tue–Sat.17 Holland St, Somerville
617 776 2004
Adm
Enormous Room
The
red elephant hanging outside the Central Café downstairs is the only
clue that Enormous Room lies above. Hip-hop, soul, R&B, and club
mixes dominate.569 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Closed Sun
Hong Kong
Chinese
food at ground level gives way to a bustling lounge on the second floor
and a raucous comedy nightclub on the third. Tuesday night features a
comic magic show.1238 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
Comedy club closed Sun
The Field
This
modest Central Square pub is probably as Irish as Boston gets – the
bartenders here draw endless pints of Guinness for a cheerful crowd.20 Prospect St, Cambridge
T. T. the Bear’s Place
T.
T.’s is a rock club in the tradition of New York’s C.B.G.B.: small,
dingy, and incredibly loud. Expect to sweat, expect to leave with
ringing ears, and above all, expect to rock out.10 Brookline St, Cambridge
River Gods
Eccentric
decor, video game nights, and a hip crowd make this one of Boston’s
more interesting nightspots. Nightly entertainment switches between DJs
and live acts.125 River St, Cambridge
Restaurants
Oleana
Chef
Ana Sortun’s mastery of exotic spices is clearly evident in Oleana’s
sumptuous Middle Eastern cuisine, served in a casually elegant dining
room.134 Hampshire St, Cambridge
617 661 0505
Closed lunch daily
Redbones
Redbones’
kitchen slings some of the best barbecue north of the Carolinas, and
the atmosphere could not be more emphatically, Southern if it tried.55 Chester St, Somerville
617 628 2200
Rendezvous
Chef
and owner Steve Johnson is a passionate champion of local produce,
which he uses superbly in his creative western Mediterranean dishes at
this friendly spot. Vegetarian options are always available.501 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge
617 576 1900
Rialto
Rialto’s list of accolades could stretch across the Charles. The
kitchen performs deft twists on Mediterranean and French country
cuisine.Charles Hotel, 1 Bennett St, Cambridge
617 661 5050
Closed lunch
Atasca
The
bold flavors of Portugal are yours for the tasting at the warmly
appointed, cozy Atasca. Flavorful sautées and rustic grilled dishes are
just some of its many charms.50 Hampshire St, Cambridge
617 621 6991
Chez Henri
Cuba
might seem an unlikely place for a French restaurant to draw
inspiration, but therein lies Chez Henri’s irresistible appeal.1 Shepard St, Cambridge
No reservations
Closed lunch
East Coast Grill
Chef
Chris Schlesinger cranks up the heat at his Pacific Rim-influenced
Inman Square fish house. Sample dishes such as dry-rubbed mahi mahi and rare ahi tuna with wasabi.1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge
617 491 6568
Closed lunch Mon–Sat
Restaurant Dante
Creative interpretations of contemporary Italian cuisine are the highlights of this riverside room at the Royal Sonesta.
40 Edwin H. Land Blvd, Cambridge
617 497 4200
Craigie Street Bistrot
It’s worth seeking out this tiny restaurant near Harvard Square for the true flavors of Burgundy.
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge
617 497 5511
Unless otherwise specified, reservations are recommended for all the above restaurants. |