On my first ever night living in Boston my cosmologist roomie gave me a brief walking tour of Central Sq, we sat down for couscous in Middle East and he flatly proclaimed: "FOR THE MUSIC SCENE, THIS IS THE CENTER OF THE GALAXY" 15 months on and he's only ever been proved right. The scenesters of Boston rotate around this hipsteropolis as if it has a dense mass attracting them without question. At the heart of the system is the Supermassive Blackhole that is Downstairs - a fantastic venue that hosts great shows and serves up enough PBR to form an almost inescapable gravitational pull. Close to the Event Horizon, several dense Nebulae spawn new hipster stars every second... the spartan upstairs bars, the mediocre dining area, the wonderful Zuzu's, TT the Bear's Place, HiFi Pizza, Brookline Lunch... it's difficult to know where this Galaxy Center begins and ends. With a weak telescope it now appears to stretch across everything from Mary Chung to The Phoenix Landing, such is the dense concentration of hipsters and clove cigarettes permanently occupying the sidewalks and doorways. (...let me take this analogy a few steps too far) Recent calculations by cosmologists have predicted an expansion rate that will one day see the center encompass all from Harvest to Middlesex and perhaps even lead to a local mass so dense that it causes the weaker nearby stellar clusters of Allston and Somerville to collapse. Observational astronomers (such as Hana T) have already noted that the gravitational pull at The Middle East is sufficiently strong to withhold a staff of unanimously large-chested women, with only those with slender profiles able to to withstand the forces and come and go as they please. It is even hypothesized by some of the more brave theorists in the community that soon the strength of gravity will only allow for escape those who haven't modded their bicycles to fixed gear. Just like the center of our real galaxy, it's a beautiful thing to look at, but every now and then I'm glad I live a little away from all the chaos on my own galactic arm of Orion. read more

I love the Middle East. It's such a great place to relax and enjoy great music. There are a lot of phenomenal artists that perform here monthly which is awesome. The most I've ever paid for a show was about $25-$30, which is cheaper and much more enjoyable than some whack a$$ nightclub, although Naga is next door and pretty cool. Another great thing about Mid. East is that the drinks are strong and cheap. 3 honey jack and cokes & 3 shots of henny costs about $49. That's what I'm talking about! There's nothing better than feeling good and being in the zone. There's also no pressure or enforced dress code, which allows you to be laid back and comfy wearing whatever you choose and plus the lighting is dim so no one will even really see your outfit. I just wouldn't suggest wearing anything too fancy though. Overall it's just a cool place to chill, without pretentious people or lames. Other notes: Security is cool as h-e double hockey sticks. If you're a single woman looking for companionship there are plenty of dudes here. Ladies bathroom has a nice mirror. Staff is cool AF. Right in the heart of Central Sq. Street metered parking or plenty of metered parking lots nearby. Close to the Central Sq. MBTA stop. read more

What? Yeah it was downstairs, past the cranky door-people. I'd be cranky too if I had to take money from people wearing cat ears and thinking they're trendy. Huh? It was an awesome place to see a band, because you could actually see everything. The stage wasn't too high, maintaining the intimacy illusion people like to have with bands. Easy to throw stuff on them too. (the band) Come again? Oh yeah there were two bars, although the one on the left closed at midnight. PBR/High life tallboys were $3, not too bad. the mixed drinks came in a thimble though. I drank some and asked the bartender to top it off. She poised the squirter (what is that thing called?) and looked at me, and I shook my head. She topped it off with gin, quite kindly, thank you. Thank you for my $6 thimble of cranberry juice. What? Yeah I stood up on the left behind the railing, with a good view of Electric Six, and it was good. Yes, they played Gay Bar. Speak up. Um, I was next to the speaker. Huh? Yes you fool why else do think I can not understand one single thing you are blabbing on about? I am deaf and my brain is liquefied. I could hear my cochlea disintegrating whilst I fell into a silent slumber. ------------------- The upstairs is good too, we've played there and got free food and beer. read more

I can always count on the Middle East to provide me a great show. I've been coming here since 2001 to support my local bands, Endway, Haloburn, Junction 18, Lock & Key, HellsWithin, LannenFalls (used to be Brilliant Misstake), Burn in Silence, DrinkFist, well you get the idea. Lots of my friends bands have played here and neighboring bars. Between the upstairs and the downstairs, I personally find that the downstairs is a bit more accomodating for larger crowds, especially since they have a 2 bars available on either side. While upstairs only has that lil corner makeshift bar. But I do like the stage set up on the upstairs with the way the awning is shaped. However, for a kickass show, downstairs is the place to be. Especially if there is going to be moshing going down. Or even better, when I'm standing front stage, next to the lead singer (Sarah) of Lez Zepplin and being able to catch a drum stick from Helen the Destroyer. Drinks are cheap but are in tiny cups. Credit cards are accepted, but I don't suggest it on a sold out night especially since you'll be bounching between the bars to find out which one would serve you faster. They do sell earplugs for those who are not strong enough to rock out with the best. Weaklings! Get up front and start head bangin' yo! Get in that mosh pit will ya? Crowd surf much? While I have not dined in the actual restaurant part, I do have memories of taking tequila shots and have massive amounts of drinks there after shows have let out. Great times, Middle East. Great times. read more

I'm torn on the Middle East. I went to a great Cake concert a few years ago. I've seen my friends' group Soulfege perform there. My school took a field trip there and they told the kids all about middle eastern food while providing us with a spread. It's owned by a cute little family. All good stuff. But then recently, the last two times I've been to the restaurant on the Corner, there is this mean ass waitress who is always giving me a hard time. It's not that all their staff is mean. There is this wonderful other lady there that I've never gotten as a waitress. I keep getting this cranky ass lady. Time 1: Wouldn't let me order rice pudding at almost 11pm because "It's dinner time." Grilled me about what I wanted to order until I got up and almost left. Time 2: Hounded my friends and I about ordering. We got hummus and baba gonoush and a schwarma. Anyway, the hummus and baba gonoush were not that flavorful. Lots and lots of pita -- as much as you want -- but you might need to add spice to the spreads. I wanted to order a beer but I didn't want to give her the satisfaction. She rushed us several times, bullied and guilt-tripped us. She tapped her watch and said "I need you to pay now because I have to leave". She tried to get us to pay for everything before getting the dessert I order. Bossiness != good tip. Anyway, I wait for the pudding. It comes. She stands there and watches me. The pudding looked like congealed oatmeal and had a strawberry on top and some other yummy looking fruit on the side. I am reluctant to touch the pudding bc I know I don't want it. I gently touch the top surface with my spoon. The pudding barely moves. I say, "it looks cold," and she says "Rice pudding is cold!" I gently touch the pudding again and say "I don't know if it looks.. good." and she snatches back the pudding and the check and storms off. She brings the check again and says, "Now you have to pay me -- I need to go pick up my daughter.." So we pay and actually tip a little but not that much. Basically, she seems to be in the family as she's a long time member of the staff, but she is uptight and mean for no reason. If you don't like your clientele, don't be a freaking waitress. Don't chide them on what they order, give them guilt trips, and be a freakin sourpuss jerk. Don't make the Middle East look bad. read more

This review is for the 480 Mass Av location (which shares the same kitchen as the 472 Mass Av location at the corner... its just that main one was packed so this is where they told me to go). I got some salad, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves (later realizing they used ground lamb/beef for the stuffing) here. Service was great. I decided to celebrate on my own for interviewing at the big school by having ice cold brewski.... so I tried the Sam Adams Boston lager... hella good.... while I sang "All By Myself" quietly in my booth. thanks Tsada for the rec! ( | ) read more

I live just around the corner from the Middle East, and it has everything you need for a fun night out. Reasonably priced food, drinks, and music. But, what really makes the Middle East great, is their awesome staff. Every person I've interacted with has genuinely made every reasonable attempt to ensure my visit was a good one. I will come back here whenever I can an recommend it to everyone looking for a cool place to spend the afternoon/evening in Central Square. read more

They should change the name of this place before anyone who walks by and wants to try it will actually believe it actually serves middle eastern food. I haven't had bad middle eastern food in so long. I'd add this place to a short list of restos i will never go back to. If you want to try REAL middle eastern food, I'll even cook for you. Just don't go here. read more

The Middle East as a concert venue is totally 3 stars to me, but I have a few good things to say: * Cheap Ticket prices (Suck it, Orpheum!) * Even cheaper ticket prices if you walk to the box office which is open 1-7pm all week (Take THAT, Ticketmaster!) * Small venue for great views (Boo on you, TD Banknorth Garden) * Intimate space gives that up-close-and-personal feel. You can bump into guys from the bands watching the other acts or doing their own merch. Rawk on! (Jealous, Bank of America Pavilion?) * Free water at the bar to rehydrate after you sing all night along with your favorite indie band (Read it and weep, Tweeter Center.) Still, * The sound levels are overwhelming for such small spaces, both upstairs and downstairs. Bring earplugs. read more

Pretty much brilliant. Enjoy tasty food before or during your show. Boston is lacking a great spot for music venues and the Middle East fills the void. Just about all indie shows (both big and small names) I've been to have hit this joint - so keep an eye on who's passing through. read more

I've been going here since forever. There's a lot going on in this place, but I'll try to keep it on the short and sweet side. Most people are introduced to this place as a music venue. If they're smart, they come back for the food and plan on it every time they come to see a show after. It is awesome. Home made, so reasonably priced I almost feel bad, and seriously addicting. The baba ghanouj is one of my favorite things ever and comes with as much pita as you can stuff down your mouth hole. The shawarma is HUUUUUGE and tasty. The falafel is similarly huge and similarly tasty, minus the meaty goodness, of course. Seriously... come here for food, it rules and will help you not be dead from drinking while rocking out. The upstairs is a fun place to see locals and touring bands, although the layout is a little annoying when it's packed. The sound has been really good over the past year or so, which is great because it used to be pretty spotty. The downstairs is a fairly big room with low ceilings. On the plus side, it gives it a really intimate feeling... that said, it can also make it difficult for bands who bring sound engineers who must not listen to the house staff. More often than not though, the place sounds good. It can get a little rough in the winter down here if the show is packed, and you're going to want to check that coat, chief. The beer is reasonable, though the prices have started to creep north. The schedule is always packed and they do a really good job of bringing locals onto touring bills downstairs and doing local shows upstairs. It's a varied schedule too, with everything from Black Metal to Hip Hop to dance crap to Indie Rock. Save yourself the fees and hit the box office to buy your tickets. read more

I was seriously disappointed by the food. I was coming here for a show and thought I would kill two birds with one stone by having dinner 15 feet from where they were playing. It's the first time in my life I have ever made a mistake. They gave me a bland falafel wrap, the tahini had almost no taste and even though I asked for some heat there was none. Upstairs the beers start at a reasonable $3.75 for a large PBR. The sound system is pretty decent but the layout of the floor isn't the best. Overall: Restaurant gets 3 stars and the venue gets 4. read more

Let me start off by saying that in the past I have always enjoyed this place. I've witnessed many stellar musical performances over the years. Unfortunately, what took place on the night of 4/7/16 during the Cormega show completely eradicated every morsel of extracted enjoyment and musical bliss I have once obtained from this establishment. Let me break it down for you; we're two songs into the Cormega set and all was sounding and feeling great. I tapped my friend Jimmy on the shoulder to not only nod in appreciation of what Cormega was doing up on the stage but also nod in appreciation of a gigantic plume of purple haze smoke someone exhaled in the first 2-3 rows. My friend non-verbally agreed and passed me a vape pen - yes a vape pen which could of easily been mistaken for an eCig or an actual Uniball for that matter. I put the pen in my front left pocket. Immediately after, we were approached by a female bouncer who was not having a good night. She proceeded to violently scream at us and ultimately kick us out of the venue (all three of us - sorry Doe Doe I know you were just minding your own business :( Let me cut to the chase; was it wrong to have telegraphed a vape pen into my jean pocket? Sure, amateur hour indeed but all I'm saying is that she could've handled the situation differently. A verbal command of, "if I see it again - you're gone!" would've been understood and supported by all three of us! The lady wouldn't even give us a second to explain ourselves or even evidence the fact that it was a vape (which it was...just saying). It's crazy to think that we were removed from the show when in fact we weren't even smoking! However, dude in arms reach was burning it down with the best of them (remember Jimmy just passed it to me and I put it in my pocket). The whole ordeal was unjust - outrageously unjust! Now I'll have to wait another 15 years (I'll be 47) to hear Cormega's Realness album live (BTW this was his 15th anniversary of that record). I was under the impression that Cambridge, MA was an area of extreme diversity, acceptance and liberalization but that notion was proven to be horribly inaccurate. They should rename this venue, "Far Right" as opposed to Middle East when you consider how this wicked employee handled this circumstance. Jimmy also informed me that this savage bouncer grabbed him by the arm (I believe she broke skin...ouch...poor Jimmy!) Get this: Jimmy was also forced to forfeit his lighter before exiting the venue like it was some sort of weapon of mass destruction. Can you say...salt on the wound or better yet salt on poor Jimmy's torn up arm skin? It goes without saying that I shall never return to this place ever again. I will make it my God given duty to stop all my friends as well as friends of their friends from using their hard earned money to purchase a ticket. read more

Hands down one of the worst venues ive ever partied at. Yeah the events can be cool but the venue itself is disgraceful. Staff are soooooo rude!! I was trying to be friendly with everyone but all i got in return were bad-mannered A-holes of a staff team!! Other than that the music is good, but the venue is so grim, dull and dirty. Toilets are disgraceful (unless walking in puddles of urine is your thing). The smell inside the venue is horrendous, but i guess thats what you expect in a venue full of sweaty people when there is no air conditioners, just furnace style heat lol The mid-east seems to be trying way too hard to be something its not, it reminds me of those old, wash-up bars you would find your college professors hanging out at. There are much cooler places in Boston you can find good music and people at. read more

Last night was my second time attending a hosted event here. My organization spent thousands of dollars to be incredibly disrespectful to everyone and not let people in that paid to be there. Their bouncers stomped on my friend's ankle, making her go home for no good reason. This establishment should not exist. read more

I was a part of an event that had rented out this venue. I waited patiently for two hours. The only words that left my mouth the entire wait time to people at Middle East were "please" "I'm sorry" and "I'm not trying to push." Despite my unending patience I was lectured on my etiquette and nobody was let into the venue. We never experienced the inside of this venue but the way they treated people waiting in line told us everything we needed to know about this venue. read more

So, I wish i had listened to all my yelper helpers and tried Green St, but i regret that i did not. We decided to go to the Middle East because we had never been there either, and I had heard it was pretty good. It wasn't... It was just ok... we ordered the cold combo, hummus, baba ganoush, and tabouli plate. It tasted great, but something about the fact that it came out litereally 45 seconds after we ordered made me think that they had prepped it in the morning, and it was sitting in a walk-in cooler all day. The pita also came in a plastic baggy?? I still ate it. I had the roasted eggplant with chickpeas and rice pilaf... i forget what it was called but it lacked any serious flavor or uniqueness. it was pretty much just un-seasoned, mostly cooked eggplant, swimming in a red sauce, that sort of resembled a marinara... i didn't get it. My mom got salmon, and it was this really really thin peice that she was only sort of pleased with. The waiter boy was nice, and i liked his T-shirt. I'll go back here to eat, but if and only if, I have a show to go to and no time to eat somewhere else. read more

This dump is the major venue for all the Russian concerts. That is just sad. Our people have higher standards then this. The food is awful, nasty and gross. I think the hungry African kids featured in the Christian charities commercials will not eat this. But ok, I didnt come here for the food, right. I came for the show and the drinks. The drinks - took us at least 20 min to get some drinks, and we are "the hot Russian Jew chicks", you know. I guess my god given gifts weren't that attractive that night. Moreover, we got overcharged by $6 on a $20 dollar bill. The bouncers are a-holes, Im sorry, one of them was seriously high on crack or some other illegal substance. And I am not just saying that, he really was. The downstairs is "down the toilet". This "club" has a cover charge. I think they ought to pay me to go there. Its hot, humid, and nasty and disgusting. The sound is a little better then my old laptops speakers. The floor hasn't seen a mop since the birth of Jesus H. Christ. The bathroom....I have no words, Id rather pee outside and risk getting arrested for peeing in public and/or indecent exposure. read more

My first visit to Middle East Downstairs was marked by a few lapses in customer service: First, I'm not sure who took a leak in the Cheerios of the girl taking IDs, but a little smile would help her night go a lot faster. I'm sure it's not fun being handed some fancy Photoshop excuse for a driver's license on those 18+ nights, but when I show up with my Delaware ID with its sweet Cesar Rodney hologram, don't lay on the snark about my ability consume adult sodas. Simply ask me for a credit card, or perhaps an expired college ID, and I'll gladly oblige. Oh, and to the bouncers who booted my friend for tripping over your unmarked hillocks of plywood that I guess are what you call ramps: it was very James Bond of you to descend from the shadows, tear off his wristband and smear black X's all over his hands. But next time, how about you smear some caution tape and grip strips all over those lawsuits waiting to happen near the soundboard. You might impress the bosses a bit more. After a Saturday night visit to the fantastic Zuzu, I was expecting much more of its neighbor to the south. Don't worry hipsters, I'll give it another shot. read more

This is not Shwarma King. The first time I ate here, I think I had the lamb, which was passable. Maybe. Tonight I had the beef shwarma, which was a pseudo-middle eastern version of a deli roast beef, with excessively watery tahini. For which I was charged $2 extra, although there was none in the sandwich. None. Cold. With untoasted pita bread that was falling apart. And they asked if I wanted fries with that. No, I did not want fries with my "middle eastern" food! I would have liked some rice or lentils, though. On a completely unrelated note, they served the Blue Moon with a slice of orange. WTF? read more

The Middle East downstairs... It's a dark and musty-gross basement. Smells of stale beer. Poles are in the way. Narrow. DON'T LOOK UP (or do, because it's fascinating) since there are 20-year old cobwebs among the wires coated in dust to ponder. But still. It's a treat to see growing bands not quite big enough for the larger venues perform in a small place like this, for cheap. Sense of group solidarity in the grime. read more

Ive had some of the appetizers for lunch which were good... I got the lamb shish kabob to go - was very disappointed! The lamb was marinated in hot sauce - that's all you taste, and the lamb is so grisly... you chew and chew, and end up taking it out of your mouth and leaving it on the plate!!! The salad, pilaf and beans were good . read more

I want to hug the Middle East. I want to bring the staff jelly beans. I think I even may love this place as much as I adore TT's. Awesome (and sometimes not) bands perform here. I have so many great memories of watching Mary Lou Lord, Robby Roadsteamer, and about a billion other groups take the stage here. This may not seem too significant, as it's a venue, but remember that someone books these bands. I sort of wandered in, as it was my friends' hangout, and I always felt welcome. I kind of felt like I was getting adopted. The servers were always friendly, and one even helped me devise my own dish that wasn't on the menu (tahini salad with chicken roll up). One bartender actually grew up in my neighborhood and we were able to compare notes. *love* Ahh, the hazy, smoky nights spent at the Middle East. I may not remember them well, but I'll remember them fondly. It's a happy, comfortable place. I think I need to go back tomorrow. read more

I've only eaten here once a long time ago, so I'm not going to review the food, etc. This is simply one of my favorite venues to see live music. This place holds a very, very special place in my heart. I've been going here since I was 13-14. There's too many memories. Here are a select few: 1. This guy began blatantly smoking weed at a hardcore show and began to get his ass kicked by some militant straight edge people before being promptly escorted out of the club. Hilarious. This was circa 96-97. It was Strife, Ten Yard Fight, and some other shitty hardcore bands. 2. Seeing my first local Boston indie rock show downstairs, 1995: The Dambuilders, Neptune, The Elevator Drops, and Cherry 2000. It changed my life. 3. This TOTALLY obnoxious, pretentious girl working the door one night wouldn't let me in because my license had expired THAT DAY. I mean, I understand following the rules and everything, but I even told her I wouldn't drink...showed her my credit card, social security card, etc. She was completely rude to me about the situation, so I gave up and began to leave. Then some guy spit in her face. Karma is a bitch. 4. I was so hammered one night while I was watching a band, I could feel myself getting all wobbly, and I totally fell face first into the person in front of me (knocking the drink out of their hand, etc.). The door guy was SO cool about it, he didn't even kick me out (I didn't "appear" drunk enough I guess for him to give me the boot). He helped me up and I watched the rest of the show. 5. (Insert yours here) I can't even begin to tell you how many amazing, unforgettable (and forgettable) shows I've seen here over the years: Sunday matinees, punk, metal, indie rock, hip-hop, local and national acts...this joint does it all. It is really one of the best places to see live music in the Boston area...hands down. It doesn't matter if it's upstairs or downstairs...they both have their own individual charm. It really is a part of Boston's rich musical history. read more

This place is the worst. Our school booked this place, and they had us waiting in line for hours only for them to shut down the event early. I am convinced this place is a scam. Run me my refund. I didn't even get in the building because you guys are playing games read more

This place is just not the move if you're trying to have a good time with friends and it is dangerous. We came to the nightclub and got "escorted out" when trying to get drinks and forgot to get wristbands, and this is even after a friends of mine got pushed around by one of their patrons. So like a SANE person, I went up to grab a wristband and one of the staff proceeded to treat me and all of my friends incredibly rude. Coming to someone with respect and getting met with disrespect is bottom line not okay. Every staff I interacted with had a terrible demeanor and honestly felt extremely uncomfortable. With my coat downstairs and all, i was unable to go down to get it without an escort, as if I would even want to stay after such disrespect? The staff are absolutely disrespectful, the interaction was highly unnecessary. Would never come back because honestly NOT worth it anyways. There are better places right down the same street! Would love to see where they are at in 5 years. read more

The food at the Middle East restaurant is always good. I really like their baba ganouj. At night - however - the bar tends to get packed with people and they often have loud annoying local bands, which I'd rather just do without. A mixed bag. I like the restaurant, I don't like the nighttime bar. read more

You could review a thousand different things at the Middle East (food, drink, one of the venues, etc.), I'm going to limit my scope to the main bar and restaurant. Service is so-so. If you sit at one of the tables, even at a late hour, you'll feel like you've personally shot the dogs of the wait staff. I always feel guilty about something: Not ordering food. Not ordering enough food. Ordering food but not drinks. Ordering too many drinks. Stop judging me! The bartenders are much better. Not only do they pour well and make conversation, but they are very quick to kick out the many drunk belligerents that make their way to the bar. The last three times I've been to the bar someone has managed to get escorted out after barely managing to slur "I didn't know I wasn't allowed to come back here," to the very large bouncers. The musical acts are obviously of variable quality. Usually, though, they're interesting to watch or talk about, and they aren't overly loud, either. Tap selection is good, and they've got a lot of cheap crappy beers (giant PBR cans for just under four bucks). Food's about average. It's an okay place. Middle East is always an experience, but sometimes it's a bad one. read more

Probably my favorite music venue in Boston area. Good, varied acts and the sound is good (and loud, especially Downstairs). Ticket price always reasonable. All that it should be. Not sure about the food read more

I've been to a few shows here for bands I love (only Downstairs), which is mainly where the 3 stars come from. The venue is close to the T, so when your band is doing its 3rd encore and you're thinking of booking it home, you can be rest assured you'll make it to the station before the last train leaves. The drinks are fine and typically priced (more than a bar, much more than if you just bought it at a store), and I don't remember anything bad about the restrooms. Any sound students in the city: this place is LOUD. The mix will depend on whether or not the band has their own engineer, which is usually the case. I've had some great sounding shows, but more often than not the space is incredibly loud and I've had to put earplugs in. Other clubs and venues in the area seem to have a much better handle on this, so I know it's not me. It definitely gets hot in there, even in the winter, so dress accordingly. I'd go back and watch a show if it was a band I'm totally into, but I'd do it begrudgingly. read more

Pretty much everything about the Middle East is amazing. Upstairs is a restaurant, the food is amazing and authentic and the atmosphere is very intimate. Bands and DJs play live on most week nights while you eat, and they are often amazing. Downstairs is where this place really shines though. The Middle East Downstairs is hands down the best concert venue in Boston, and I've been to them all. The room is small and sort of cramped when the show is sold out, however that is all a part of the experience. It is very easy to get up close and personal with the acts, and as the Middle East usually plays smaller artists, they totally encourage audience participation. Every show I have been to here has been electric, leaving me still feeling the vibe days after stumbling out of there. The staff is also amazingly cool. For two separate shows I have been to there they don't kick the artists out afterwards like so many other large venues do. The artists usually take this time to hang around the merch stands, take pictures with fans, and just chill with us like real people. I remember hanging out with George Watsky here for HOURS after his set ended, sitting with the band and swapping stories. That wouldn't happen at any other venue in Boston. Highly recommended! read more

I only had drinks upstairs here so I can't comment on what goes on below nor can I comment about any of the food. I did find however, that the atmosphere was interesting and the drinks were priced OK and full of a decent amount of alcohol. My only real complaint was the disgusting state of the bathroom. Like I understand a lot of people go here but I have been to a lot of busy places and never was the bathroom so gross. If I didn't have to go so badly after all the drinks I might have held it. It was an interesting experience also listening to three different kinds of music at once, upstairs, downstairs, and the live band that was setting up upstairs. Made it a bit hard to talk, probably wouldn't recommend going here to chat. read more

Add my review to the list of Yelpers who love the Middle East for shows. The Upstairs is cool because it seems to showcase more local acts. The Downstairs manages to be both spacious and cozy, and unless you are standing behind 10 rows of people over 6' tall (ahem, Irving Plaza), you'll be able to see. I like the bar area, where you can stand off to the side with an elevated view of the stage and crowd. They also serve Magners. Cider and good music? Sign me up. read more

Any place that books Lez Zeppelin is getting five stars from me. I drank water because it was clearly evident to myself that I did not need an adult beverage for their 11pm show. Eleven. PM. This is when I'm snuggled up in my bed ready for dreamland. However, Saturday was a special night. Saturday was the night that I stayed out well, past my bedtime until the early hours of Sunday Morning. I have the Middle East to thank for easing me out of my black out and into the white bright light of Lez Zep. The Middle East is just how I pictured it. Dark, sweaty, loud, and awesome. I had a great time. I'd definitely try this place out again. I know we were downstairs because I vaguely remember walking down the stairs and then up the stairs after this most awesome show. Their upstairs bar had a really nice/funk band and they were nice to hear too. I will return to the Middle East when my gals come back, whenver that may be. I'll be ready. read more

I've been a long time Middle East Patron. I've never had a bad time here, even when just stopping through for a quick bite to eat or a ticket for a show. The people working are nice and will usually chat you up at the bar on a slow afternoon. The drinks are pretty cheap also and while some people disagree, I think the food is fine. I usually get a grilled chicken falafel if I have some time to kill and need something cheap and filing. They also have good baklava and they serve it with little pieces of fruit. The shows are always a great experience. This is my favorite place to catch acts next to the Paradise as it's small and the stage is pretty low to the ground. The sound system is superior also but the place is so small it wouldn't even matter. I don't always like the the downstairs since it's a little more spread out and the stage is sometimes fenced. It does get VERY hot during packed shows though but it feels pretty good during winter. In any given case, this place is a must to check out. read more

Depending on where you are in The Middle East (upstairs, downstairs, zuzu) you have a totally different experience. Upstairs might be the epicenter of Cambridge, with the owner holding court in the back corner booth. Make friends with him and he'll hook you up with hershey kisses and is generally a great guy, so adorb. Zuzu has a great vibe, especially during their soul nights, but it's pretty difficult to get a drink. Went to Downstairs on Saturday night for a concert, and, I've never used this expression before but it's too fitting, the bartender was slow as molasses. Literally, snail's pace. Slothlike. Took maybe 25 minutes to get two beers. Not cool! A girl needs to get her drink on! Also, the women's bathroom had only one working stall, disaster. So, mixed review but generally good :) read more

Considering the lack of rock clubs nowadays, (or not owned by Clear Channel/Live Nation-don't get me started) the ME is one of the last hold-outs of a bygone era. A loud, rude, independently owned basement level rock club that serves cheap booze and where you will see excellent music (and won't get kicked out at 10 p,m, to let in the cheesy dance crowd-again don't get me started). Downstairs is usually national acts and upstairs local (hooray to ME for supporting local scene). I recommend it to any rock, punk, indie, fan out there. You probably already go there though since there isn't really any other place to see good rock in the area (except T.T.'s) Oh and I can't forget that the Belly Dancing is simply AMAZING, don't forget to check that out even if you go just for that. read more

I've seen quite a few up-and-coming bands perform at the Middle East over the years. And I've seen quite a few not-so-great bands perform there, too. I've also seen some really interesting folks just outside the Middle East who like to hang around and cause a ruckus. Sometimes those folks are better performers than the ones you'll find in the Middle East! - .. but I digress. This is a great little venue and a must-go for those who are into smaller bands and acts. You won't see Lady GaGa performing there - but you may see a Lady GaGa cover band that is just as good, if not better. Performing at the Middle East is a rite of passage for musicians, just as attending a show there is a rite of passage for fans. I'm proud to say I have been seeing shows there for more than twelve years - well before I even lived in Boston! Depending on who is performing, you may find yourself a little crowded and sweaty. However, the place is run really well considering, and you can at the very least feel safe once inside. There are well-placed bars throughout which will gladly serve you free water all night (yes, there are places in town that really don't do that.) The sound is decent enough. Remember, it's also a restaurant! And it's always, always busy! I'm not the hugest fan of the menu, but it certainly isn't bad. Definitely worth the trip once in awhile, especially if you have a fun night of music ahead of you! read more

Pretty plain food, hummus was tasteless, baba ganoush had too much tahini, beef kabob made with cheap meat cuts. Almost no olive oil in the small appetizers. The tabbouleh was pretty good. read more

There is nothing not to like about this place. Maybe I'm biased, but whenever I go in with my friend who used to work there, we get thrown pieces of baklava and a fruit plate and very attentive service. As far as shows are concerned, the smaller venue (upstairs) is intimate but has spots where viewing sucks (right near the entrance). I like the drink specials, but sort of feel like a douche with the tallboy cans. The larger venue, well, I haven't been there in years but I saw Don Caballero play there, hadn't been drinking or anything, and was in the front near the stage and felt like I was going to pass out, so I weaved my way to the back of the club and sort of tumbled/fell into this large guy and blacked out. Next thing I knew, I was on the steps with many people attending to me. They gave me some water and threw some money at me for food, and assured that I was all right. And the guy I bumped into came to check on me. Now that's service. This is the place where every band that I like tends to play. Sixty-seven thumbs ecstatically up!!! read more