this was a chill and cool place without the spoiled brats. the decor is typical lounge. we had the la confidential and the sangria - interesting and delicious cocktails. their spinach and bacon and artichoke and parmesan dips andtomato and goat cheese and italian style flat breads were yummy. the portions were ridiculously generous!!! this is a cool place to hang out with friends to discuss life and love. read more

after reading the other reviews here and picking noir for dinner and drinks last night, i was really disappointed with my experience. we spent about 10 minutes looking over the menu (during 5-4-3-2-1 happy hour, which is an amazing deal and i wish it worked out better) and listening to servers pass us by and say "i'll be right with you, i promise". we finally placed an order for beers, an appetizer and flatbreads. the appetizer came out in a good amount of time, parmesan artichoke dip, which was good except that the french bread they served it with was not AT ALL sturdy enough for the dip. we had to macguiver a few solutions and went through a lot of bread trying to consume this dip. my flatbread, the butternut squash, bacon, carmelized onion one, came out a few minutes after the dip. it was slightly burnt, slightly cold but i was RAVENOUSLY HUNGRY and it was tasty enough to make me wonder how good it would've been otherwise. an hour goes by, and the girls i am with still haven't received their food. things just got messier from there. someone "managerial" told us when we asked that it would be out "shortly" cause the kitchen was swamped. they did come out quickly after that. then our server came by with the same thing, plus my order again. which looked MUCH MORE DELICIOUS than the one i was served. there was obviously no communication between any portion of the staff and another, double meal orders being sent out, we also got sent double beverage orders... no wonder the kitchen's swamped if you're making two of everything. i don't know, i don't think i'll be back. two stars noir, disappointing. read more

Just went in for a late dinner on a Tuesday night. The dining room was a quarter full and there were a handful of people sitting outside, but our two sandwiches took over 45 mins to arrive. They were tasty and slightly above average, but I shouldn't have to wait 45 mins for ANY sandwich, especially on a slow Tuesday night. Normally I would rate the experience with three stars. But I give Noir an extra star because the waitress was sympathetic to the situation and comped our food. I always appreciate the extra effort and tip accordingly. read more

My favorite upscale bar in the Boston-area. They always have an amazing soundtrack playing, I love the red and black leather decor. You feel like you've stepped into a fancy Mad Men party. The drinks are pricey but very creative, tasty, and strong. Been craving that Old Fashioned? They make it. Want a different take on your usual martini, named after an old film noir? They have it. Plus, you can't beat their 5-4-3-2-1 deal, Monday-Thursday, during happy hour. Their flatbread pizzas and warm chocolate cookies are soooo good. Plus, try the mac and cheese with tortilla chips! You won't regret it! read more

Service Service is lacking, bartenders a bit gruff - which is surprising given that it's housed out of the Charles Hotel. Some nights, when it's quieter, the waiters are very inattentive. Strangely, on nights when it's more crowded, the bartenders are easier to flag down and are actually very engaging in conversation. Drinks Mediocre. The ones that sound interesting on their drink menu have all been let-downs. Come for something classic, neat, simple - don't get too creative. They do have absinthe, so I go for a Sazarac whenever I return (or if it's one of several stops, and I'm on my 2nd or 3rd drink - an old-fashioned). Atmosphere It's really, really dark. And red. Depending on the day of the week, the music changes and volume sporadically readjusts. It's the type of place that serves well as the classier start for a girls-night-out that may end up less classy. It's the type of place where the jaded go to rendezvous or socialize. There are very large, well-dressed groups passing through, mingling professionals staying at the Charles, Harvard students bored of other bars closer to Harvard Square proper. If you identify with any of those groups, you would fit in well here. You might not be disappointed, but don't expect to be dazzled either. read more

Nice stop specially late at night since they're open an hour later than other bars in Cambridge...

It turned out to be the perfect place for a nightcap, but it was a bit surreal. The cool part was the film noir playing on the blacked-out window, with the blinds drawn in such as away that you were viewing the movie through the open slats. The surreal part was the overamped techno music that was setting a completely opposite mood. I would have been much more impressed with some muted-trumpet jazz or speakeasy equivalent. That said, Brandy and I were perfectly happy sipping wine, nibbling a chocolate-covered pretzel, and enjoying a few more moments of our child-free Cambridge excursion. read more

I went here with a group of friends on a Saturday, thrilled by the idea of film-themed cocktails after seeing a film at the Brattle. Turns out, this gimmick worked once, but it won't work again (for me at least). The service was terrible. Our waitress had to return to the table to verify our orders, but still messed up - she got 3 out of 5 correct (that's 60% accuracy, better known as a D). Compared to the overpriced and weak drinks, the food is less expensive and tastes fine. But it is very much of a boring afterthought; the menu is made up of flatbreads, sandwiches, salads, and apps, all of which come in relatively large portions. Good lighting. Open until 2 am. I'm not planning on wasting money here again. read more

Love, love, love this spot. I've come several times for just drinks but really enjoy their Happy Hour if I can make it. Amazing deals on much of the regular menu. I last had the Greek wrap (for $3!!) and it was phenomenal - amazingly fresh! Chic bartenders accommodate this spot's atmosphere well but are also engaging and knowledgeable. Really can't say enough good things about this swank spot. read more

Probably most "Manhattan-like" place in Cambridge. Open late. Friendly bar attenders. Great food. read more

Noir - Lounges Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I am a huge fan of Noir, especially for the 5-4-3-2-1 deal as well as date-night drinks. The artichoke & parm dip, tomato & goat cheese flatbread, and sangria are my go-tos - so good! My only complaint about Noir is that the waitstaff is not as attentive as they could be... but I will continue to come here! read more

Great little bar attached to hotel in harvard square. The inside is dark and moody with a film noir style as the name suggests. Didn't have any food but the specialty drinks are great....try the black dahlia or a sidecar. Considering we just happened upon this place is was a pleasant surprise! read more

I remember seeing several one or two star reviews when I looked this place up last year and deciding maybe it wasn't worth trying it out. I ended up going to Noir with a co-worker a few months ago and I loved it. The people giving one stars must either be exceedingly high maintenance or just had bad luck with whatever staff was there at the time. We had a really nice waitress and my drink (a variation on a Manhattan - forgot exactly what it's called) was AMAZING. It was probably the best drink I've ever had and I'm not exaggerating. The bar itself was classy but didn't seem like it was trying too hard. The only minus was the pizza I ordered - it was only ok. Still, I am looking forward to coming here again soon! read more

This bar continues to be a regular spot for our group. We go for the ambiance and quality of the crowd there. I drink scotch neat, so I can't speak for the cocktails. But the girls always order the same drinks from the menu when we come here after work or on a Saturday night and are always happy with the result. This place has really improved from where it used to be, mainly because the crowd they let in now is better dressed and not there to cause problems. It seems to be the only bar in the area that you can sit in and have a conversation, which is why we all meet up here every week. The prices are higher than other bars, but you get what you pay for I guess. Overall, it's our go to bar because its consistently a good time and not overrun by college students. read more

Great ambiance and artisanal cocktails. Staff are friendly, attentive and create a good vibe throughout the place. Bar bites are good. Try the bacon fondue pretzels. Food comes from the award-winning Henrietta's upstairs. Great place for cozy winter drinks. read more

Not as good as it's predecessor but it you like drink in a modern take on the funeral home..please do go. The drinks are OK, food OK if you've just eaten elsewhere and the staff has the attitude of of a NY hot spot..what's up with all that? Oh yeah, kind of pricey $$$ read more

Its a pretty cool spot with good hip-hop, funk, sould playing in the background... the music made it for me but the drinks were good too...

I think it's a nice little bar with character. But some call it a hotel bar. I like their unique drinks, especially basil Chartreuse. They also make great perfect Manhattan. This is the type of bar to enjoy the drink they do perfect job, rather than making complicated requests (for which, I recommend Green Street Grill). I like the ambiance and everything. About the only complaint I have is that they don't have enough tables. read more

Honestly, could have given this place anywhere between 2 and 4 stars, depending on what my friends and I focused on. I settled for a three, and I stand by my decision. Four of us walked in around 6 on a Saturday. At first, we were seated at a booth near the entrance. One of my friends sat down and the booth fell backwards. Our hostess responded with zero shock, saying "Oh, they still haven't fixed that?" Not cool. Luckily, said friend was not hurt. They restacked the broken booth and sat us at a different table. One star off before we even looked at the menu. Realistically, it should have been three stars or so, as we were offered little more than a "sorry, let's get you seated elsewhere.' We had come into Noir with the intention of getting a quick bite and a drink in a cool, loungey sort of place before heading off to dinner. Sandwiches were $4 and we were offered a tomato, basil, and prosciutto sandwich. Holy cow, this sandwich was amazing! I would have easily been willing to pay at least three times as much just for the sandwich. Absolutely delicious. Unfortunately, it was a special, and it is not on the regular menu. One less reason to want to come back. The four of us each got a different drink. Two out of the four drinks were exactly what we expected and spot-on delicious. The other two were gross. Luckily for me, mine was one of the delicious drinks. I felt bad for my sister and my friend who really just choked down their $9 cocktails as they discussed our next stop for the night. I loved the atmosphere, the decor, and the noir film playing on the wall behind us. The drinks are inconsistent and the service was bad. We literally waited twenty minutes after finishing sandwiches and drinks before we could find anyone working to give us our check. We didn't even wait at the table, we were standing at the bar looking for someone to help us. I realized it was early on a Saturday night and we were one of two groups in there, but I thought that since we had money, they would have wanted to help us. Guess not. I wanted to like this place a lot more than I actually did. Maybe I'll give it another chance some day.... you know, if they happen to be offering that delicious sandwich again. read more

Love this bar. Midweek it is a quiet low key scene with the occasional business trippers at the bar. Always a different crowd. Saturday nights are awesome. They start off low key and before you know it everyone from the girl in a prom dress to the 65 year old woman are having a dance off in the middle of the floor. Not sure what I love more..the music selection or the top notch drinks made by Mike at the bar! Good times : ) read more

Not busy at all, but we felt like we were bugging them by coming in? Expensive drinks, subpar service. Don't get the oysters! Lukewarm, really strong fishy smell, no horseradish, and my friend got sick from one of them... overall, not recommended. Just go to Grendel's. Much better. read more

Happy Hour, Happy Hour, Happy Hour... So you can't have a true happy hour in Mass. but this is great for people like me who love a fancy pants cocktail every once in a while but cannot afford drink fancy drinks and also eat at the same time. Mon-Thurs. 5-9 they offer a happy hour menu. Great deals on small, but satisfying plates of food...seriously good deals..like a $2.00 salad. The catch is you have to order at least a 6.00 beverage, which is pretty easy to do. They have some delightful, albeit expensive cocktails...and if you go on the early side it's is usually pretty laid back and quiet. A nice place to catch up with friends, you can actually hear what someone is saying to you, and the atmosphere and service has always been pleasant. In warmer months you can sit outside which is always a bonus. read more

I used to come here all the time. They have the best dirty martini called "Dirty Harry" (the blue cheese stuffed olives are outrageous.) My friends and I used to come for the 5-4-3-2-1 and one of our favorites was a pizza that had bacon on it and I forgot what else. One of my other favorites is the strawberries with creme fresh and brown sugar. They change their menu around which is great too (but hten you lose your favorite flatbread...) The reason I can't give them 5 stars is because a whole bunch of times we showed up and they were closed for a private party... and they dont open till 4 or 5PM so by the time you call to check if they're having a private party that evening, its too late or you've already left work. great place to meet up with your friends in harvard sq for some drinks and a bite. read more

Perfect place for young professionals to relax and socialize.

went to Noir for the first time on Saturday night of July 4th weekend. It was pretty quite when we got there around 9:00 but it quickly got busy. They have an awesome outdoor seating patio and great cocktails. They also have specials from 5-11pm. We had read about it here on yelp actually! They feature a $5 flatbread $4 sandwich and $3 snack. The key is to ask for it. It isn't printed anywhere on the regular menu but when we asked the waitress she brought out a little card with the specials. We got the flatbread which had beach plum jelly, goat cheese and arugula and it was awesome, especially for five bucks. I give Noir 4 stars only because the cocktails are pricey, around $13-$15 but I guess that is typical in the city and the service was a little slow but our waitress was nice. We will definitely be back! read more

I love this place for its creative and innovative drink list. Yes, it's a little pricey, but the service is always good and the waitstaff is knowledgeable about their often unusual beverage concoctions. For a bar, the food is above average. The mood is dark and romantic, plus there's also an outdoor seating area. read more

This place has the best drinks ever!!! The change the drinks seasonally and always come up with fantastic creations. In addition, they micro make whatever you'd like. So if you don't see a drink on the current menu, they'll make the one from the previous one. Mike is the best. He's one of the bartenders who designs the menu. My favorite spot for drinks!!!!! read more

Noir is hands down one of my favorite local bars. It's got the right amount of swagger to it, while refraining from being pompous even though it is located in The Charles Hotel. The drink selection is great, though I must admit I've only ever tried their mixed drinks and not the beer selection. You won't be disappointed in the strength of the drinks, which is good considering they are a little more expensive than other bars! The food is quite tasty; the macaroni & cheese and tortilla chips are amazing. That's usually my go to snack whenever I'm there. The music is sometimes trendy, sometimes indie, and they often play full albums (or playlists) through of artists. This works for me, but might not for everyone, depending on who it is that's coming through on the sound system. Also, they play old movies on the wall once in a while, though there is no sound since the music is playing. The only downside to this place is its size. It's too small for such a great bar, but that gets partially remedied in the spring and summer when they're able to open their patio area. read more

I've been to Noir twice, both times on weekday nights. I like the atmosphere a lot. It's dark and moody (I'm also a noir mystery fan), making you feel like you're hidden away from the bustle of Harvard Square. The service is good and the prices are reasonable. This might not bode well for business, but I also appreciate that it hasn't been packed either of the weeknights I went. It's a solid place to get good food (flat breads are delicious and seem to rotate) and a glass of wine with a group you want to be able to have a conversation with. read more

Whack! It was supposed to stay open until 2 o'clock. Got there by 1:15 a.m. and it was atrocious. I was looking for a good time and all I got was an empty bag with the groceries read more

It is good place to go if you are looking for a small group gathering. It is calm enough specially in week days. Its location in the Charles hotel, allow you to benefit from the lounge area annexed to the Bar if you want to regroup prior to drinks. There is a parking opposite the bar where you can park for 10$ for 3h but place is limited. They don't offer beer on the tap but have various cocktails. It is a smart/casual place with no pressure for additional orders once you get the first drink. read more

A very class and elegant bar. Cool place to go with a friend and have a scotch. Very classy and you feel cool being in there. Nice atmosphere. read more

Cocktails are amazing, staff is so friendly, atmosphere is, as the name implies, dark and lovely. The crowd is really chill, not pretentious. My friends and I love coming here on Friday nights after work to unwind. It's the best part of the week! read more

slightly smallish space, but elegant circular, high-backed booths, warm dim lighting and welcoming staff. great cleverly named drinks, yummy food. not the type of place to find your soul mate, i'd bring someone special though so you can gaze deeply into each other's eyes and all that... read more

My Old Fashioned was way too sweet, and the bartender was much more interested in text messaging his friends than paying any attention to customers. I would not come back. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE and to top it off we were over charged 3 times for our drinks we called the Bar Manager several times to try and rectify and he just ducked all our calls. Feel free to go if you're in the mood for lousy service and to get ripped off! read more

Good food, good (EXPENCIVE) drinks, very nice very attractive female staff.....nice selection of scotch, have a glass of Lois 13 at a mere $200. Sitting outside is great in the summer, they open at 4pm, and it's a nice place to get a drink before work if you work nights. The best of all....it is the ONLY ONLY ONLY ONLY, shall i say it again, ONLY place in the city of Cambridge that is open till 2am sun-wed. So it always get crowded around 1:15ish, my advise, leave your other bar before they kick you out to get the best service at Noir. Also, great place to being a date, but don't go there looking for one unless you like very picky Harvard girls. read more

Giving just three stars was a difficult decision, but a necessary one. There were so many things I liked about Noir, the red bead curtains at the entrance, the sleekly designed interior, the pleasant waitstaff, and the fact that the cocktails are fashioned after film noir movies!!! (I should confess that I've seen The Big Sleep so many times that I can actually follow the plot). But Noir fell short in two key areas, firstly, our flatbread pizza tasted like dolled-up matzoh. This I can forgive, I went to the bar to drink, not eat, and the drinks were solid. The second problem began at 7:00 p.m. PST when a huge projector screen dropped down right in front of our table and they showed the Sox game against Seattle. ARRGGHH!!! Why is it so hard to find a bar that DOESN'T show every Red Sox game? Perhaps I'm being unrealistic, and I should find nothing unusual when an establishment with a modern, urban design, well-dressed clientele, and a frou-frou cocktail menu, decides to drop down a giant screen to show the game. Sigh. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against the Red Sox, it's just that I'm not from around these parts, so I can't totally empathize with the Sox obsession. So maybe my reasons for avoiding Noir (at least until November) will be your reasons for going. To each her own! read more

the perfect harvard square location to end an evening with friends. incredible cocktail selection, well stocked bar, etc etc etc as others have noted, it is open until 2.00 which means from about 1.00 onwards, it can get a bit crowded (as everything else in the area closes) and the staff can be a bit slow with orders. overall - i am a fan. read more

(Ben's roomate posting) Beautiful atmosphere, perfect music, 2am license in Cambridge, lovely hotel.... horrible service. Went to Noir tonight with my girlfriend for the first hour of my birthday. Sat down in a romantically lit leather corner. We approach the bar (as the only server around doesn't seem interested in our business, though she serves the table next to us) for our first round, a "Scarlet Street" champagne signature cocktail and a house sidecar. Scarlet came out fine, but my the bartender dumped 2oz of champagne into my drink to compensate for the 2oz pour. Next round: belle de brillet on the rocks and a "Naughty O'pear." The bartender delivers the signature cocktail (whose second ingredient is supposedly belle de brillet) and informs me that they can't pour my rocks drink because they're out of belle de brillet. With the cool atmosphere and ambiance, if Noir could get it's cocktails and service down, they could be the coolest spot in Cambridge. Until then.... read more