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    Shays Pub & Wine Bar

    4.0 (261 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Wine Bars, Pubs
    Closed • 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Shays Pub & Wine Bar Photos

    SHAYS PUB & WINE BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Chicago Style Hot Dog with Chips and Salsa
    Nat B.

    The first time I went, I didn't end up ordering anything because it was just too crowded. Most people seemed to be there for the drinks, standing around and mingling. So, I decided to come back on a weekday when it was quieter. On my second visit, I went on a weekday night and was able to grab a seat at the bar. I ordered their Chicago-Style Hot Dog and a draft beer. Wow, the hot dog was so good that I even asked about the recipe so I could try making it at home! It came topped with diced tomatoes, purple onion, relish, and Dijon mustard. Simple but so delicious. I'd love to come back and try more of their food fare!

    Outdoor seating

    We ordered the Chicago style hot dogs, fries, and a round of hot toddies. Everything was delicious and portions were large. Server was attentive. We sat at the outdoor patio and it was nice enjoying the cool weather in Harvard square.

    Quesadilla, Bahn Mi sandwich
    Kit D.

    Came here with my girlfriend for a quick mid-week dinner and left feeling satisfied and impressed! The eatery is small, and has a dark-cottage like feel. We sat ourselves and were served promptly. I ordered the chicken quesadilla, which was very juicy and jam-packed with minced pieces of fajita vegetables. It was delicious and cheesy. Every ingredient was very fresh and of good quality. It came with a side of cheesy refried beans, which were incredible! They were so good I'd honestly order them on their own. Wow! My girlfriend reported that her Bahn Mi sandwich was good, but a little on the hotter side. If you're a spice lover like me, though, that is a perk! Overall, we had a great dinner at Shay's and will definitely be back!

    The non alcoholic beer
    Christina H.

    This was a great find in Harvard Square! Our server Sean was super friendly and excellent! The Aperol Spritz was excellent. Made to perfection! And then I had the Claudhauler non alcoholic beer which was a flavorful dark beer We sat outside and enjoyed the summer breeze. The nachos were very good. And the burger was awesome. I forgot to take pics of the food. All the staff were great and the whole place has a great vibe! Will come back again!

    Black bean burger plain and simple.  Yummy!
    Eric B.

    What this place still exists!?! It was a staple of my crowd for decades. The place you went to have good wine, a baked Brie or a veggie alternative and have a quite chat. We it is still that! The burgers are still really good, and the salads have gotten much fresher. Our server was professional and efficient; just what I want for a lunch rush. Water and sodas got filled. Ambience, well the inside is old wood basic; very sturdy. We sat out in the road tables felt great. I always like the deck o. A sunny day but my friends wanted these tables. All good! (Stupid friends, Hahahha) I like this place, no Aires but solid beer, wine, booze, and good food with a little class and understanding. Why fix something if it ain't broke.

    Chicken quesadilla and banh mi
    Abigail M.

    Shay's is a beautiful Harvard Square gem that is seemingly full of a regular local crowd. I loved the instant feeling of being welcomed, and a sense of comfort radiated through the entire building. My girlfriend and I seated ourselves and were instantly welcomed and served with drinks, and we loved getting our waiter's insight on the menu as we ordered a chicken quesadilla and a banh mi sandwich. The chicken quesadilla came with cheesy rice, beans, and pico de gallo. It was extremely satiating and gave us a great variety! The banh mi was spicy, but super filling, tasty, and colorful. It came with chips and salsa, which was an interesting side choice, but was worth it -- definitely go with chips and salsa at Shay's! I liked the banh mi, but I'd go with something the smallest bit less spicy next time around. We loved the variety, filling options, and the fast service, and will definitely be back. You can't go wrong by picking Shay's!

    Nicki L.

    Step down into this cozy pub for a warm and down-to-earth time. It's a 30-40s crowd of friendly people. They've got a pretty good selection at the bar from wine to beer to cocktails. Our server was running the whole place. He was one of those guys who seem to truly love their job - looks people in the eyes and thanks them for their patronage. Highly suggest this spot for a causal hang!

    Hot Dog and side fries
    Aaron L.

    Great small bar, sat inside during winter. Enjoyed a well poured black &tan and the hot dog(pictured) hot dog wel worth 10$ very loaded, and on a baguette. Bartender and waiter were very helpful nice and checked in with us often. People smoking outside, bathrooms ok, only one sports TV. :)

    Basic burgers and Greek salad
    Raymond Y.

    It usually looks busy and crowded so my friend and I decided to grab lunch here on a Saturday afternoon when it didn't look busy at all. There were only 3 other parties seated outside when we arrived, no parties inside, so we got a seat right away. QR code is at table to scan and review menu. The menu is small and simple, which makes it easier to choose since you're not bombarded over analyzing what to get. The location is also small overall -- inside and outside seating and bathrooms. You definitely get a dive bar/pub feel. We both got the Basic Burger $14 and I also got the Greek Salad $10. Overall the food is OK. The burger and fries/wedges could've used more seasoning. I loaded up on ketchup. You don't get a choice on how the beef is cooked; it came out well done. The Greek Salad has too much dressing.

    Steak and cheese and Parmesan fries

    Loved this place and the vibe! We had a steak and cheese sandwich and Parmesan fries and they were both amazing! Good selection of beer and food, and server was great!

    Outside
    Maria G.

    On a busy night, they check your IDs outside the bar before entering. (And if you have an out of state license, they could demand a second form of ID for verification.) The tables outside get full pretty quickly, but people do smoke out on the tiny patio. If you are inside, space is limited and the tables all kind of cram together. I did feel like I was forced to eavesdrop on the people seated next to me. Not sure if I am in a hurry to come back to this pub. They do have a limited selection for beer and wine. I opted for a Prosecco ($11 per glass) here, and it tastes like prosecco. Even though it has a "wine bar" in its name, it is more like a pub and feels very divey. The tables are sticky, and it is very, very loud in here (nearly impossible to hold a conversation).

    Hummus plate
    Albie E.

    Nice little pub and wine bar near Harvard University. I was at Harvard all day walking around in the heat and was looking in the neighbourhood for a nice chill place to have a drink and snack. I found this place, not too far where I sat outside which was great for people watching! I ordered a sangria, that was nice, chilled and flavourful. I also ordered a hummus platter to snack on. Large beer selection and wine/hard liquor. Also plenty of snacks/food plates to choose from! Place is quaint and service was good and hostess was nice. Very reasonably priced.

    Gin and tonic

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    7 months ago

    Running weather is back, and nothing beats a post run Miller Lite at Shay's Pub. Perfect chill spot to end the day with great service !!!!

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    2 years ago

    Colleen and Sean were great bartenders! Super cool atmosphere, great beer, awesome vibes. We'll be back!

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    One of the best bars in Cambridge. Always have a great time here with very friendly bartenders

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    4 years ago

    Love this spot, divey but great. Love the outdoor seats during the summer and the vibe good and the staff are always excellent.

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Shays Pub & Wine Bar

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    Dear Annie - Vibe

    Dear Annie

    3.2(77 reviews)
    0.9 mi•Porter Square

    Dear Annie has a great atmosphere and an impressive selection of wines, but I don't recommend…read morecoming for the food. Last time I visited, I ordered their "Sea Dog" which they purport to be their special dish. I should have thought twice when the server told me it was "creamy," but they had a limited selection of food and I was very hungry--and, they made it seem like their signature dish! When it came, I immediately realized I had made a terrible mistake. One bite of the Sea Dog was all I could manage, as it was, in fact, very creamy, and very fishy. It was a very unpleasant eating experience, and I actually sent it back, which I almost never do. I will take some responsibility for ordering this dish, but I'm still puzzled by the whole thing. It was like creamy, fishy seafood mush enclosed in a sausage casing. The server did kindly offer to take it off our bill which I appreciated. On the bright side, the staff was very helpful and I really enjoyed the wine they recommended. I'd gladly come back for wine and the pleasant ambiance, but after the Sea Dog incident I'll probably stay away from their food for the most part.

    They no longer add the automatic 25% gratuity! Yay :) The atmosphere at Dear Annie is exquisite and…read morethey have a nice selection of wines. I haven't personally tried their food, but my friend had the grilled cheese and thought it was great! This is a perfect spot for a girls' night, a date, or just to hang with a group of friends! I will say it's a bit tough being expected to tip 25% on an entire bottle of wine...although they no longer add the automatic gratuity, they have multiple signs encouraging people to tip and I did feel some type of way after we did not tip the full 25% on a bottle. The workers behind the counter aren't very welcoming or friendly and I did feel a bit judged for not tipping the full 25%. Hoping it was just in my head but it honestly didn't feel great. I hope they can work on their service because this place has amazing potential.

    Photos
    Dear Annie
    Dear Annie - Wall of wine bottles as viewed from the window area

    Wall of wine bottles as viewed from the window area

    Dear Annie

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    Forage - Second course arancini

    Forage

    3.8(181 reviews)
    0.6 mi•West Cambridge
    •$$$

    Forage isn't necessarily a cheap spot, but I just had a great experience here and do believe it is…read moreworth the price you pay. My partner and I couldn't decide what to get from their a la carte menu so we ended up going for the four-course tasting menu instead ($85/pp), picking the omnivore and pescatarian options to see if we could try more items. We were actually a little underwhelmed at first, but the tasting menu got better and better after each course. The tasting menu started with some of their in-house pickles and ferments. We had some onion, green beans, and cucumbers, which I wished were crunchier. Each pickle had a good amount of acidity but I wouldn't have minded if the flavors were punchier. The first course of the tasting menu was a salad. Visually it just looked like a pile of lettuce, but they added a savory garlicky sauce and a sprinkle of asparagus salt that allowed the dish to feel refreshing and hearty at the same time. The radishes were crunchy, peppery, and delicious, and we were very pleased to find that many of the later courses also included raw radish. We ended up getting different dishes for the second course, one of which involved deep-fried arancini-like balls of risotto with a creamy sauce, and the other had a cold plant-based loaf served with a vibrant garlic sauce. Both dishes featured some fresh greens that balanced the carby heaviness. By the time we got to the third course, we realized that Forage makes their vegetables shine. The omnivore course came with a steak while the pescatarian course had a pan-fried fish, both of which were also available to be ordered a la carte. While we thought that the steak and fish were seasoned and prepared well, the vegetables stood out to us even more. They weren't prepared in any crazily innovative way but the chefs made the natural flavors of the vegetables shine in a way that complemented the rest of the dish very well. After the third course, we added one optional cheese course ($22/pp) that came with even more radishes. The hazelnut shortbread was super buttery and everything went well together. I was already feeling pretty full and was glad that we only got one cheese course instead of two. Finally, the fourth course had a maple semifreddo with seaweed crisps and a caramel nut sauce. This was amazing and something that I'll think about for a long time! I could really taste the maple flavor in the semifreddo, and the cold creaminess went so well with the salty, crispy seaweed and nutty, buttery caramel. The balance of textures and flavors in the dessert was excellent. Along with the tasting menu, we added one wine pairing ($60/pp). We liked some of the wines so much that we asked for more information about them and learned that some of the wines are imported in small batches. After experiencing how well vegetables are prepared here, I'd love to visit during different seasons to sample their vegetarian menu items.

    Food is fine but unlike most restaurants who have the courtesy to let their customers know on their…read morewebsite whenever they are closed for a private event, Forage doesn't think it's necessary. Unprofessional. Basement ambience is a bit dreary and tired.

    Photos
    Forage - Panels to block the sound.

    Panels to block the sound.

    Forage
    Forage - Interesting but underwhelming

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    Interesting but underwhelming

    Si Cara - Pizza Margherita with sausage and prosciutto.

    Si Cara

    4.2(180 reviews)
    1.2 mi•Central Square

    My son and I stopped for a quick dinner in one of my favorite restaurants in Cambridge. It is not…read morevery big, but what it lacks in area space, it certainly makes up for in wonderful food. As with any good restaurant, its menu is well curated. While there is a nice outdoor dining area, given the heat of the day, we dined inside. Without reservations, we were accommodated at the bar. Reservations are a must. Bar seating is fine, there is ample space, not at all crowded. The bartender doubled as our waiter. He was very knowledge about the menu and personable. As an appetizer, my son and I split the chicken cutlet - which for some could be a meal. Delicious as always. As an entree, I ordered my favorite, the pizza margherita. My son ordered the same topped with sausage and prosciutto. There is no skimping on toppings here! The pizzas at "Si Cara", are a treat, very highly recommended. Made like in Naples, savory-sweet marinara, fresh mozzarella, topped with basil, delivered hot and ready to eat! Price to portion is excellent. Parking, it's the city, there is none. Great staff and welcoming environment.

    I had been to the South End location recently and had an excellent experience (though service was…read moreslow with only one person covering the entire restaurant). This location has no service - its counter-ordering and the food was not the same. The pizza had barely any ricotta though we paid up for it, and the toppings were so scarce that it was mostly crust (more than usual Neapolitan). The garlic bread was the same price but half the size. It was cafe style seating, not restaurant, and just a weak version of the South End location that I do not recommend.

    Photos
    Si Cara - Wall

    Wall

    Si Cara - Potato Pan Pizza Slice

    Potato Pan Pizza Slice

    Si Cara - Pork Sausage Pan Slice

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    Pork Sausage Pan Slice

    Margeaux Supper Parlor - Chocolate pie

    Margeaux Supper Parlor

    4.6(95 reviews)
    1.2 mi•Porter Square

    Just had dinner at. Margaux and knew I had to write a review. This was one of the best meals I have…read moreever had, and I work in events and have eaten at some of the best restaurants in countless cities around the world. I love how their menu is set up. I don't eat a lot and am always torn between multiple items. They offer the ability to have small plates of every item so I can try everything I want. I went with two small plates - the duck and the artichokes. If I could have kicked my plate I would have. I then had the mango coconut crème brûlée for desert - amazing! We were a table of 4 and everyone loved everything we ordered. Huge call out on their mocktail items - they can make many of their cocktails as mocktails. I had the nor'easter and now want the recipe so I can make it at home. Our server, Elle, could not have been more perfect. She was incredibly attentive but not overly so. We told her of two dietary allergies and she clicked them faster than we did. We said we wanted to taste each others and when one of us stated they wanted to taste them all she noted she could try one because it had shellfish,l before we did. She even checked them all for my tomato allergy, not just the items I ordered. Wish every restaurant would set up their menu the same way Will be back and will send everyone I know.

    The food, the service, the experience and the ambiance were all wonderful. It's a must do if you're…read moreever in Cambridge. You will not be disappointed. Say hello to bartender Tori! She is fantastic!

    Photos
    Margeaux Supper Parlor - Bar / Dining Area

    Bar / Dining Area

    Margeaux Supper Parlor
    Margeaux Supper Parlor - Full bar, wine pairings. The bar seats 12 and is first come, first serve.

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    Full bar, wine pairings. The bar seats 12 and is first come, first serve.

    Shays Pub & Wine Bar - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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