Nightclub Review only. This place is getting 2 stars because the bartenders were good and so was the music. We paid to see a concert, yet we still had to wait in line for about 30 minutes. I don't understand waiting in line when you already have tickets. Not "will call" tickets, tickets in my hand. During the show, which was a mellow, aucoustic show, a fight broke out behind me. Seriously?! Then I had to go the the ladies room, 2 of the 3 stalls were clogged and gross, and so was one of the sinks. When the staff was alerted, they handed me a roll of paper towels to dry my hands. Seems like this plumbing issue is probably a normal occurrence if this was the staff's reaction. If you are paying for a ticket to see a show, the least you could ask for is plumbing that works. Gross. read more

I've only seen the Bosstones here, at least a half dozen times over the past years... I like the fact that it only holds a few hundred, making it for a more intimate show, but it gets VERY tight, especially on the floor. This is where they lose stars... I was maybe 2-3 people back from the stage, and really getting my ass kicked, etc..... by the mass of dudes pushing their way forward to get their hands on Dickey or Ben.... so I saw an out, to my left where there is a railing and a small ramp /standing area... I literally pushed my way thru the crowd, under the railing, almost unscathed, when a security guard grabbed my arm and told me that I "couldn't be here"... I was still a little dizzy... and was like "HUH?!?!" He motioned me to go back under the railing, and back into the pit. So off I went, back in, to fight my way out again, only this time, not so lucky with the "gentlemen" on the floor.... Let's just say, if you're remotely atrractive, don't wear a cute (short) plaid mini to a show at the Middle East. Or if you do, stay off the floor. You'll be sexually assaulted otherwise. Fuc%ing punks. I think my days of Hometown Throwdowns are done, I've been lucky for the past 10 years, but this show was my last... read more

The Middle East - Hometown Throwdown #11 12.26.08 - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I went to the downstairs floor to see a show. It's a nice sized venue and the bar staff was nice. My one and only complaint is the (weed) smoke. Some venues don't play games with regards to smoking anything in their establishment. It was a lot of smoke in there and it almost caused me to bail out early. Otherwise, I recommend the Middle East for seeing a good live show. read more

I've been going to see shows at The Middle East for about 10 years. I have probably seen at least 20 shows, both upstairs and down (mostly upstairs recently). I most recently stopped by in August 2011 and everything was just I remembered it! This is a tough place to review since it should be split into two venues: the restaurant and the club(s). I think you would find the restaurant averaging a 2-3 and the club averaging a 4-5. There are so many dining options in Cambridge that I'm not sure why you would pick The Middle East. I haven't eaten here in a couple years, so make sure to read other reviews if you are considering dining. Personally, I've never been impressed with their mediterranean/middle eastern fare, even when I was a decade younger with lower standards. It could be a fine lunch option given the good prices and less stress on the kitchen (from the hungry, time-pressed concert-goers). Upstairs is where the small bands play, and I've seen some great, intimate shows there. Downstairs is for the bigger tours and has a capacity of 550. The sound isn't as good down there and it will take you much longer to get a drink (one Yelper pointed out they only have 2 bartenders working usually). It's also a very large floorspace, so short people regularly get stuck at the back with no view of the stage (not me though--I'm 6'6"). But, it's still a quality venue. The Middle East sometimes has the benefit of moving shows from upstairs to downstairs based on demand--and I think that's why they get some of the better tours. This is one that would get a 3.5 from me. Due the good memories I have of being here, I'll bump it up to a 4. read more

The Middle East - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Awesome staff and quick turnaround for a drink. Food was yummy ordered the falafel & kafta kebab...fresh, flavorful and Delicious w/spicey sauce. Mixed drinks were served in a "kid friendly" plastic cup $7.50 read more

Cannot speak for the food as I have never tried it for the restaurant side. However, the music venue side of this place is lovely. The sound is quite good downstairs while upstairs is decent. Every show I have been to here has been great and the staff has been very relaxed. I am always excited to see a band announce that they will be playing here. read more

I had a show at the corner stage, great sounding room! Awesome staff and crowd! Good amount of people for a Monday night! Great food also! Will definitely play there again! read more

See all

This review is for the nightclub experience. My friend and I booked tickets to come here to see a band perform. When we purchased our tickets, we were informed via email that the performance started at 8pm. When we arrived, we found out that our band actually started at 11:30pm!!! At first, I thought this was a communication error by the third party vendor, but I quickly realized that this is some kind of scam to get you there early! Because on our tickets, I noticed that dinner was 25% off with your tickets for the concert. AND we arrived at 8pm on the nose and the restaurant was empty. After we found out that our band didn't start until 11:30, we went back upstairs and the restaurant was full of people who had just sat down. HMM! Seems to me like the Middle East gets you there early so that you have time to kill and then gives you a discount on food so that you will stay there and eat dinner. What a sneaky scam! I was annoyed by this sneakiness, so I left to go to another bar for a drink and then came back in time for the show. I can't financially support a place that tricks you into spending more money there. Finally, when I was carded to get into the 18+ venue, the bouncer bent my card all types of ways and stared at it intently for way too long. It was just offensive and rude. I can drink legally and this show was 18+. There was no reason to scrutinize my card and act like I'm not of age. read more

01/01/2020- tonight (at about 12:30) I decided to go to the restroom while at the Middle East. I identify as non-binary, while also accepting that I pass as femme/female. The line for the "womens" restroom was 5+ people long, while the "men's" restroom line consisted of 1 other femme-leaning individual (for a 3 maybe + Stall restroom). I decided, after seeing other femmes doing so, to use the "mens" but as I exited the restroom I was confronted by a security person at the venue, who informed me that I was to exit the building. I asked why, and was told that I broke the law by using the incorrect bathroom. I pleaded that my coat, with my id and money, plus my friends with my phone, were inside and was told that it did not matter- I broke the law and that was that. I was then forcibly moved outside, while requesting that I be able to reach my friends and being told that "it didn't matter", "I made my own choices" and other bullshit. Eventually I was able to secure my personal belongings, but not with any help of the Middle East. The security was extremely aggressive and it was a terrible experience, which seems to be a theme. read more

How will my review stand out in lieu of the 155 already here? It likely won't. However, I highly recommend you see a show at the middle east. Get there early and push your way to the front to get an amazing view of your band. I'll tell you they book wicked cool bands-- the Wrens, Mountain Goats, Art Brut, Dungen-- for wicked cheap. Save yourself ticketmaster fees by buying from the box office. OH! and I can't believe I forgot to note that I once purchased a shot of hennessey for Eddie Argos, handed it to him, and he DRANK it onstage during "Move to LA." read more

A must to if visiting Cambridge, most residents in the Cambridgeport area agree that an evening spent at The Middle East is time well spent. Pretty much one of the "icons" of Cambridge. read more

The Middle East - Corner of Brookline and Green St. Rear of Middle East, great art is everywhere in Cambridge. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Simple place, they give pita bread and dip for starters but it's cold.. And not so so great. The food is good 3.5/5 but I don't think I'll be back because nothing sparked out in particular. read more

The Middle East - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I ended up eating here with a friend for a late dinner...and it was definitely an experience I won't be forgetting soon. The place is a little run down, but I think that adds to its charm. Downstairs there's seating for diners as well as a bar. Upstairs there's a stage and a great space to listen to bands--featuring both relatively unknown groups and popular musicians. Because it was a Friday night, the downstairs seating area was a little too noisy for our conversation. We still really enjoyed the chill and moody ambience. Our waiter was super friendly and patient with our questions. I ended up ordering the cous cous, and while the cuisine didn't blow me away, it was definitely flavorful and enjoyable. The best part of the night was going upstairs and listening to the amazing music! The bands playing that night were all full of energy and mingled among the audience. The space upstairs is very dark and attic-like, which made for a totally immersive musical experience. I loved the variety in the musical styles being featured: from rock to indie to experimental sets. I did wish that there was a bit more dancing because everyone was pretty much just standing there and watching--but maybe this was just the nature of the music/crowd that night. Overall, this was definitely a new and interesting way to kick off a weekend night, and I'd recommend Middle East to anyone looking for an alternative music scene. read more

This is kind of a fun little complex. There's the upstairs and downstairs for one of the few great concert venues in Cambridge. Downstairs There's chill music at nights in the two restaurants on the ground floor. The Upstairs introduced me to Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears. I will love Mid East forever for that experience. The Downstairs I got to meet the Tokyo Police Club... and yell at them for not showing up to T in the Park in Scotland, where I waited for a good hour to see them... only for them to not show. The food on the ground floor is actually pretty good. Its not the best, but the service is always descent, and they do have falafel... although the Falafel is good... its really not great. read more

I really like the restaurant! Honestly, I avoided it for a long time because I mostly knew of it as a nightclub and didn't realize they also had a good restaurant, but I'm very glad that I finally tried the restaurant part. The food is delicious and the prices are pretty reasonable. We were also served very quickly. The selection of vegetarian options was exceptional. I had the pumpkin kibby and really enjoyed it. I look forward to coming back and trying more items! read more

There isn't a nicer, more welcoming family in town. You can always come in and find wonderful food, friendly people, and fun music. It's a treasure of Cambridge and has hosted many legendary performers and nights. Food wise the whipped garlic is peerless. It will ward off all nasty viruses and colds. The stuffed grape leaves are the delicious Lebanese style, the falafel sandwiches are a guilty pleasure and the kibby can't be beat. Don't forget to say hi to Josef and Nabil and thank them. Tell them I say hi and you will become part of the family too. read more

The Middle East - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

The employees at this venue are incredibly disrespectful. MY TOES FROOZE BECAUSE THEY LEFT ME IN LINE FOR SO LONG AND I AM ON MY WAY TO URGENT CARE RIGHT NOW. I waited for two hours and all they did was yell at me with a blow horn for my "poor club etiquette". BULL they have POOR ETIQUETTE. Shame on you absolutely SHAME ON YOU MIDDLE EAST CLUB. Please do not come here. I am begging you read more

Saw a show here and it was fine. Way better than the Wilbur. The Wilbur has bullshit zones and security doesn't let you out. It's stupid. When you buy tickets for standing room ga shit, it doesn't tell you crap about floors. Ugh But here it's a typical venue, which is why I'd rather see shows here to not deal with zone bullshit. I saw snow tha product and it was great because of her. Security is hella chill compared to the Wilbur too. They just kinda search you, take your lighters (lame) and alcohol. Then after that let you enjoy the show. At the Wilbur they were being crazy uptight. The venue kept it air conditioned as much as possible and didn't over pack. I'm definitely gonna see another show here. I like venues in LA more, but for what I've found in the Boston area so far, I like the middle east downstairs much much better. read more

The Middle East - Snow tha product - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

After walking around in MIT we went to dinner at The Middle East Restaurant. It's seems connected to ZuZu though I didn't ask about it. There's a bar area that people were drinking at and one guy was eating some dolmas though looked good. We got: FREE pita - tasted store bought & brought in a bag -cold bowl of lentil soup - tasty baba ganoush - I liked it husband got a lamb shank - he said pretty good Meal was like $20+, so a cheap meal for Cambridge, MA. Recommended, though I can be Loud in there with loud music & high ceiling. read more

I went tonight for an Obama event, which the Middle East restaurant apparently closed down at 8:30pm - an hour earlier than they were supposed to. I ate with a friend. The Coca cola was flat, and my salad was very watery. The tofu in the salad was nearly tasteless. The best part of the meal was the greasy french fries. The service was slow but nice. Not sure I'd go there again if I could help it... read more

Classic Central Square establishment. I've been going here for years. I like their food and bands. read more

An excellent place for live music, in an area where you can throw a rock and hit a live music joint without even aiming all that well. I saw a ton of bands perform here back in the old days, including Moxy Fruvous, Jonathan Richman, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Dropkick Murphys. Note to self: Do not go see the DK Murphys live in concert. Ever again. I'm still having bad flashbacks. I think the bathrooms are a bit scary, so do your bidness and get the hell out. Other than that, have a great time. Just avoid the Dropkick Murphys. Trust me on this. read more

Yup. I like this place. Why? Well, I was already having an excellent night on the town by the time I got here, and the two beers that I enjoyed while at the bar here just put me exactly where I wanted to be. They were tasty, the staff was friendly, I was hanging out with good friends, and just having an all-around great night. I don't think we ate anything here... and I don't remember too too much else other than the fact that the bartender was really nice and the beer was tasty. Shots of Jameson were most likely involved. And that's just never a bad thing, right?? read more

I came here a while ago with my friend for a concert. We're both under 18, so it was great that there was a show that we could see. The ticket prices were really reasonable, and the show was great (we were downstairs). The stage was really visible, and though people were constantly milling around we had no comfort issues. I even sat on the soda bar for a bit (great seat!). What I really liked was that during the show, we were allowed to go upstairs into the restaurant and eat. We had delicious falafels (reasonably priced, too) with fries, and no problems at all getting let in again downstairs! I would come back. read more

Didn't check out anything else other than The Corner...why is there no Yelp page for it? Anyway, the Bartender was cool and the bar was well stocked. It wasn't crowded or anything when we went, so I can't really comment on what it's like when it is. And if you're in the mood for a show, just pay the cover to go downstairs and you're in. Drinks were fairly cheap. read more

Why the hate? I had NO issues with the service and a Chicken Schwarma was $6 and bigger than a burrito at Chipotle. We came here because we were here for a show in the upstairs venue. Saw the artist lolling around in the dining room beforehand too, had a nice chat with him. All in all a great place. The decor is quirky and funky. I wish we had a place like this home in Connecticut! Highly recommend the Island Oasis too...liquid licorice! read more

This review is for people playing at the middle east upstairs: I have played the middle east now twice and had great experiences both times. The audio techs are always on top of their stuff. They have the gear ready and set up, sound check efficiently and are amicable and totally willing to help out if you have questions or issues. The staff can be a bit rushed, but are professional and friendly. The set up of the room is nice with decent acoustics and they actually pay their musicians pretty well which is rare these days! They also always have a nice array of many different genres of music from the small local bands to national touring acts. read more

I've been to the Middle East 3 times on MOBD Gay night, tonight I was kicked out by one of the bouncers accused of doing drugs in the men's room.. which I don't do drugs at all. I told him to prove that I was doing something wrong and he didn't have an answer for me .. this was my last time for sure to this place .. they're obviously homophobic, not gay friendly at all.. DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE !! The people that work there are very much against gays they shouldn't be hosting gay nights, cause to throw someone out because I've been to the bathroom more than once in short period of time when I'm drinking beer and pee pretty often then accuse me of doing drugs it's just ridiculous .. Never going back to this shit hole ! read more

Oh, Cambridge. I have so many memories, in so many different directions. Writing of all of them here would remove Yelp from various app stores, so I must be a tad carefull. Or not when talking of wetness, hardness, and other bodily aspects. But as far as this place... Somehow I missed it way back in the day. They were there. Waiting? No, I was such a minor blip that no one would wait. I wish I had known way back then. Perhaps the dinosaurs would have smiled. At least they would have appreciated the skirt lengths at night. And the well-spiced sauce on the (kindy dry) tibby. I do wish there were more of a local beer selection, but not as much as I wish for other things. read more

The Middle East - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We rented out the downstairs but when we showed up they decided it was appropriate to let 1 person in per minute. Hundreds of people waiting outside in the freezing cold. At the end of the night they had let in 50 people and everyone ubered home. Never come here. And definitely never rent it out. Worst run business I've ever seen. read more

myself and three other very hungry females were trying to decide on where to eat for a while. We all decided to go to Cuchi Cuchi (yeah that is the real name of the place and it is also Charo's website, pretty creepy discovery) and walked there. However, Cuchi Cuchi had a 1.5-2 hour wait so we ended up going to Middle East. When we got there, it was relatively empty, just a few diners and a few more people standing by the bar. A waitress came to our table relatively quickly with the menus, and once we ordered she memorized our orders instead of writing them down,which is always impressive. What is more impressive is that she got all our orders right. The menu has a good amount of options, most of them are standard for middle eastern cuisine, and the prices are reasonable. I ordered the hummus as an appetizer. Although I was going to share it with one of my dinner companions, the other two were so hungry that we all devoured it within about two minutes of it arriving at our table. As a hummus lover I can say that the hummus here wasnt that good. It was just ok, but I can get store bought hummus which tastes way better. I ordered the Middle Eastern Cous Cous and if not for the spices, which i ended up eating by themselves, the dish is very bland and I cant say it was tasty whatsoever. My dinner companions, however, have seemed to enjoy their food. To sum it up, the food here was mediocre, and so it deserves 3 stars, however, the good service, reasonable prices and pleasant environment brings it up to 4 starts. P.S.- if you need to go to the bathroom and the line is too long (the place gets very busy) ask one of the employees for guidance to the other bathrooms, this place is connected to three other venues so you have some options with that. read more

The Middle East - Hummus (appetizer) - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Love it! Great Mediterranean food. When it comes to Boston there is not much I know. But I went here and I'm glad I did. The way the story pans out is... my friend and I went here to a 60's dance party night. We were referred by our friend Professor Z. It was rocking, grooving and a whole lot of hip swaying. Wonderful, groovy tunes all set in a small little bar with a top notch crowd of Boston's hottest mod's. I loved it, felt like I was at home. I quite possibly was. And to top it all off the bartender made a wicked mean Manhattan. she is a fan of them too so she knew what to do... maker's mark-baby! It's the only way! And then we went home and at first mornings light realized we were starving. And only Mediterranean deliciousness could satisfy this food urge. We got up and dressed for the cold that had somehow not bothered us at all the night before and struck out on the path back to the Middle East. Upon arrival we satin a tiny little booth and grubbed on such scrumptiousness as hummus, pita, lamb, etc. It was a truly glorious feast after a night of hip swinging. And the service was great! I love you Middle east! You complete me! Photo's to follow! read more

The Middle East - Marissa in the Middle East - Middle Eastern Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

i got kicked out of here once but i keep going back so i think that says a lot. i love that they give local artist so much time to shine while also bringing in up and coming artist... it really holds a place in the hearts of cambridge residents. always a cool time read more

Middle East passes my LIT-mus test for an okay night scene, but barely. I purchased tickets in advance to a Drake vs Kanye 18+ event and (1) Purchasing in advance was a waste of time and money. It cost more or less the same as at the door and we were still left waiting on line anyway (2) it was an 18+ event so by it's very nature it was kind of lame. The venue itself was spacious and solid sound quality throughout. It was also surprisingly not overheated at any point despite a larger crowd. The crowd control does a good job at not letting this place get too overpacked. I'm also a fan of just straight songs, nothing crazy and Middle East does a good job at straight up playing good music. So despite a mediocre first experience, I'd be happy to return. I hear the food is decent as well, making it convenient to have a meal and stay until an event. Just make sure to arrive early or on time because the line can get egregious. read more

Racist establishment? Finally got in - but worth the wait? Cute atmosphere and good music, but as a white girl coming with her hispanic girlfriends I unfortunately have to post on my rare racial encounter this evening with the doorman. He was running a list and let a few parties ahead of us (I understand they prob called ahead, no problem) but when I did get us in he laid into one of my (hispanic) friends about not entering because the "culture" wasn't for her and that she was better off going somewhere else. Wtf does that mean??? Also, why's there only 1 bartender on a Saturday night? read more

Stick me in a room with "alternative" 80's music, people freely dancing and liquor and I'm sold, like the first Nathans hot dog on Coney Island on Labor Day weekend. Came here for the Heros 80's thingy in the downstairs part of the place. I think it's a travelling concept visiting different venues around town but visiting Boston for the first time my friends wanted me to experience it and what an experience. I think I fell in love with the 20 something bleached blonde cutie gay guy with his 40 something date/husband....when he took off his t-shirt and kept on his suspenders and gave it his all...raurrr. And that guy with the frizzy hair who relentlessly kept butting in trying to make friends with Tiffany. Then Dan G. hopped on stage dancing in his silver doc martens and I melted...and knew I was home with my tribe. No fucking pretensions here people. It's solid good craic. I think I have been so long in Miami that I forgot that people actually DO let their hair down and have a good time without caring who is looking at them. I enjoyed that so much. People watching here is priceless too. I had a ball here. The bartender in the mezzanine was awesome and compared to South Beach the prices were great. The bathrooms were clean, the DJ Chris from Heros that were featuring that night was so welcoming and personable. The music was great, apart from the odd Madonna track,,but when you see what a fucking fantastic floor show that brings you can excuse it. To the Madonna dancer. you, are. awesome! Don't stop. I love you . read more

This review is for the down stairs/ concert place. So went to Coldcave. Saw tons of people in security t shirts. A man was extremely drunk, touching every woman near him- I asked him to stop, he apologized and then kept doing it to me, the woman infront of me, the woman to the side of him etc. I put my arm out to create a space and he threatened both myself and my boyfriend. A girl with dread locks then decided to tell me to stop and that he can be drunk at a concert. I didn't realize that when you go to a concert you're supposed to expect to be felt up, threatened by grown men. This went on for another 25 mins then finally an actual security guard took the guy out-Fail number one. Fail number two-A crazy girl ran from behind and punched my boyfriend and I. Security let her stay. She did it again. And they had to question me about why I was defending myself. Luckily the people next to us told security what happened as well and the person got taken out- But- really as a person who works in public/ government safety- How the hell do you have that many security personal and nobody is watching anything? Why are you not checking bags or patting people down? This is why I avoid this club at all costs but couldn't resist Coldcave. Furthermore, as a person who doesn't drink, doesn't do drugs and certainly is way too old for "fighting in a club"-- I just wanted to watch a show- not get punched,not get felt up, not get threatened for standing there, not told I would need to leave or deal with being touched inappropriately. Extremely bizarre. I'll stick to going to the Paradise/Orpheum (which has actual security/ checks bags and deals with violent people appropriately) read more

Got talked down on by one of the guys at the bar for not leaving tip for a drink. Really??! I ordered a Long Island and it was so disappointing!!! Ended up giving 30% tip to make this rude guy happy. People here are so rude! I'm never coming back here again. read more

This place knows its food! I hadn't been here for food in years, but I rediscovered it on the Off The Beaten Path Food Tours Central Square Food & Mural Arts Tour. I was blown away by their incredibly tasty meat pie and veggie pie. And it's just feel good in here all day -- this family has done so much to transform the music scene in the city from Cambridge to the Armory in Somerville. I can't wait to come back and support them. read more

You know what attracts me to The Middle East? Music and special events. From a couple of nasty DJs and a smattering of rockin' live bands to a Lamb Cook-Off that left me totally teetering out of the place I was so full, events here are always a good decision. Despite the general chaos that seems to be the foundation to every happening in their raucous, rankish basement, there's just something about crowding around in the dark, dank underground with like-minded peeps bobbing their heads, tapping their feet or chowing down on crafty grub. The beers are cheap, the lines get long but the vibe is always just right. read more