Reviews of Middle East (Night Club)

Ghada

Great food and friendly service. Portions are large, all food comes with Harrisa sauce on the side so if you have children or someone who doesn’t tolerate spicy food be sure to inform the waiter. Most of dishes are Halal apart from burgers and stake! Their outdoor sitting is small but cozy!

Rob MacNeill

This is for the basement live music part of the place. Sound was excellent. Kind of limited frills but good for a show. Bars and some seating is available. Felt a little claustrophobic WRT to emergency exit options. Good place for music, I would go back.

Steve Watson

Great place for a show

Christopher Mcauliffe

I frequently go to shows here. Lots of great bands play here.

Duan Yutong

Sound quality has always been the downside of this venue.

Penelope Wilhelm

Saw the Aristocrats with the Travis Larson Band. The sound was great, and the energy in the club was electric. It's a great place to see a show.

Chris Heald

Venue has a great atmosphere! Good place to see some awesome bands for a good price!

Ryan Mills

I was there with @QwillMusic for his performance. The staff was friendly and accomodating... There were 2 shows that night and when we arrived the first show was still in effect. We were greeted and given spacial awareness about the flow of performances. Where to setup our gear, and space for our merch table. #bring your own table... It was a great time. Very well coordinated and safe. Nothing shady just good ppl.

Blake Moore

Hip community spot with new and old artists. Love

Alex Flannery

Small crowd, undercover people watching. Underage being kicked out. Don't know if optimal experience however some people enjoyed it. I didn't have a bad time.

Todd Olsen

The food here is sub par. The drinks are great. The staff is great. The live music is great. But the food really leaves something to be desired. Even for middle eastern diner food you could put a little more effort into things. It’s 2018.

Fey Lee

Friendly staff (Amanda, our waitress was awesome!!), cute venue, good food. I've food restrictions and they were very understanding and accommodating. It was a wonderful evening out.

Ven Brady

Great downstairs venue, good selection of alcoholic beverages and mixers!

Matthew Rocca

Played a show there on Friday August 9th. Had fun. Professional staff. Good atmosphere.

Gil Obler

Still marvelous after all these years. A welcome relief from the drudgery of the corporate music scene.

Eric Bergman

Everything about this place is cool: food, atmosphere, music. Everything. I make it a point to visit each time I'm in the Boston area. Seen Cracker there a bunch of times.

True Allah

Dope Hip Hop Venue

John OBrien

Great night ...staff was awesome ..awesome and helpful

Conner L

Went here to see my friend play live. Middle East has "sections" of its' venue. I was in the "corner" venue; great little spot for intimate live performances. The drinks were really good and mixed well; I ordered Jameson-Gingers and had no problems. Seating is also great, but if you're going there for a performance, they clear part of the floor to stand or dance. There's still places to sit and plenty of space to dance with your friends as it wasn't super crowded. Definitely recommend for a night out. The atmosphere is what you'd expect; right on the corner of Mass Ave; great people watching. They have a great-looking menu which I haven't tried just yet. Overall, drinks, sound and service were excellent. Only reason I haven't presented 5 stars yet is because I haven't tried their food!

DjWhiz Pk

This was a great night nightclub will be definitely a fool to not let me folks know

Daniel Dauer

authentic cultural aesthetic Hotspot

Rachel Nettles

I ate at the ground level restaurant, so my review has nothing to do with the nightclub aspect of this establishment. I ordered the beef couscous. While the meat was cooked very well, all I could taste was vinegar. It was like the whole plate was drenched in vinegar. To add to my distaste of the meal the music played over the speaker was very loud and was at times profane. This was not live music being played from the nightclub, but was hand selected music from the staff. It was very unprofessional. I will not be patronizing this establishment again.

Emily Zimmerman

The servers are very knowledgeable and energetic! Although each restaurant in the Middle East is technically different, they often share menu items if you ask.

lisa wood

My favorite place to eat before dancing and catching a live show downstairs. This place has it all. Best shows and delicious food, so it's a win win.

Jason

Honestly except for music everything else here is just terrible. the food is terrible, the services often pretty bad.

Shalabh Vyas

We went in at 11.30am for brunch. We were the first customers of n the restaurant so it was not crowded. We got the food we ordered within 20 min but the service was poor. No napkins, nobody coming to check in with you. Servers were sitting in a corner and just chatting. I ordered a drink with them food. I was done with my brunch, ordered the cheque took out the card and was then informed that the drink I ordered couldn't be made since they were out of mint!

Jenn Cyr

Kind of dark and dingy feel. The music was great. Not my typical scene.

Matty Mcf

Great venue for small bands!

Kat Bent

Great place to see a show!

Nikki Haley

One of the last mom and pop music Venus in Boston, great atmosphere the show's I've seen there are always fun

Jeffrey Currier

Great cheap food in an old and austere room. Awesome service and general staff. It was a very hipster vibe, suitable for Central Square. I had lamb shank with couscous, which was amazing. The multiple music venues (we went for an event) are fun and lively. God bless the owner for his many years of friendly service the the community.

Evan Lukash

Their in house VJ and artist v.Kash is amazing

Gisselle Enrique

Best laid back clubs in the Boston area!

Rob Cherubino

This review is for middle east upstairs. Wonderful time! Small space with plenty of sound and bar service. Easy in and out.

Kerri Baker

Great venue, bathrooms need some work.

Shane Pratt

It is a pretty good venue, I have been to shows both in the downstairs and upstairs. One they should do is improve the sound systems, the house PA systems are getting really old and should be replaced with modern great sounding equipment. Both shows I went to had pretty terrible sound and not because they weren't mixed well.

Jimmy G

Great club with great falafel friendly staff upstairs room is great as well as the downstairs room

Lesean Charles

Horrible customer service, my wife was treated with no respect this place was clearly sexist and treated us like 2nd class citizens

Andrea Reimer

This feels like a fire hazard incarnate, and the sound quality is pretty awful. It's difficult to move around within the venue, and the bathrooms are somewhat of an abomination. One had a door the didn't shut. The one next to it didn't even have a door. I'll be back, since I don't have much of a choice, but I will definitely skip some shows that I normally would see.

Alex Barshevsky

I've been coming here for over two decades now and it's still one of my favorites in Cambridge!

Brian Saunders

We saw snow tha product tonight and the sound and the energy that goes through that place is amazing. Kudos.

Alan Baillargeon

An Historic music venue with great food !

smellthelotus&f4

X mortis is phenomanal Eh! Staff upstairs are amazing too. Eh! Oh... Say hi ♡ at follow the white rabbit if Im there. Eh?

Kelly

The Middle East is an awesome small venue for killer shows. I haven't been to the restaurant hooked to the front of this place but it always seems busy and has additional outdoor patio space to dine at as well. There are many other great restaurants on the same street. Definitely a great venue to attend. Crowds are always awesome and I look forward to knowing that the band I want to see is playing here instead of other places.

Carl Jean

Better efforts to keep the basement breathable and cool when its a full house but otherwise, great experience!

Alexander Cole

Great food, generous portions, attentive staff, good drink list. And that's not even mentioning the live performance venue downstairs.

Chelsea F

I tend to only go here once a year for Harry and the Potter's Annual Yule Ball, which I have a super great time at each year! Also got some food from the restaurant half this year; enjoyed the food!

Cyann Polena

Amazing food! Large menu and great flavors. Inside is a little rough looking and small but they make up for it with great service and great food!

Kaylee Little

Absolutely incredible!! First of all the staff is great. We were a very difficult party with a preteen and twin toddlers. The staff was completely unphased with the screaming, throwing and dumping water in my lap

Robert Akey

Went to see a show in the basement and that area is a really great venue. Drinks are average priced and the atmosphere is great. There is even a tiered section off to the left that allowed great viewing of the performance. Would definitely recommend

Michael Ramirez

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.

Meghan Drysdale

Cute night club with great food! We watched a concert after eating and both were amazing. Setting is small and intimate so we felt as if we were at a private concert. Highly recommend.

Katie Rowan

Fantastic! Fresh, delicious food, friendly staff and a great night life!

Julian Massari

Great place, thought not the BEST acoustics...

Patti Sullivan

Steeling Ocean was the group I went to see and they were awesome!

Jeremy Rosenzweig

Amazing venues and great music any night of the week

Joshua Grant

I've seen so many bands here on the various stages, but have never eaten at the actual restaurant. I love that they host so many styles of music and that the varied venue sizes allow for established acts as well as brand new ones. There just aren't many places like this anymore. I hope it never closes!

Mayline Rosario

Although the food was fairly priced and they had a fast service, the food felt reheated, almost like microwave. And that sadly makes any lamb dish tasteless.

Allison Jackson

I was looking for a place to see some live music while visiting Boston. I came across The Middle East. I checked out the reviews. I was pleased with what I saw. A quick trip across the bridge and we were there. We had a nice and reasonably priced dinner. Then it was onto the Upstairs for our concert. It was a small crowd and a small venue and that was exactly what I wanted. Up close and personal with each of the bands. Loved it.

Alpha Omega Music Studios

Played a matinee show today. The sound in the venue was excellent! Lionel, who books the rooms, was so great to work with. Food was great too! Can't wait to get back.

Davis Le

Venue was pretty nice. Had a great time when Heize was performing.

Molly Minah

Love it here. Always a great time and great people

ryan lynn

Shwarma is unseasoned...and not made at all like shwarma is supposed to be.no spit..no rotisserie...its just bland meat with fixins in a pita. The waitress did a good job considering ahe had no suppport from colleagues

Virginia Levesque

Went to see Grace Drive in the battle of bands.Ate outside before venue.Food and drinks were good

Matthew Nichols

Cool atmosphere, decent prices, clueless bar tender

Taric Alani

I really didn't like this venue. The website said they had a box office for will call. I wondered why I was paying a $4.12 convenience fee but figured they must be nice tickets with a hologram. I got there, and it was just a guy who looked up my last name on his cell phone as everyone else was paying in cash. I didn't even get a ticket. I felt cheated. The venue was also pretty small. Upstairs, the band by the door was deafening. Downstairs, there was a sad guy at a desk waiting for someone to buy a shirt and a coat check, for which I had to pay. (Then why did I pay for my ticket? Oh, wait, I didn't even get a ticket.) The vending machine in the restroom didn't even work and ate my money. I talked to the guy at coat check who thankfully at least refunded my money I fed into it. I understand this is Boston, with the laws being a lot more strict around public. Even so, in Chicago, the clubs for the same type of event have no cover charge, free coat check and larger venues. I was really disappointed.

Joseph Britton

Drove almost 6hrs round trip, for my absolute favorite band. First time at this venue, but it's DEFINITELY not my last. Extremely friendly staff, bartenders, security, etc. For a death metal show, the sound was on point. Re-entry is always a plus for us smokers. I'm a big guy, and can get sweaty quickly when inside smaller venues, but amazingly enough, they had a decent AC unit that kept the air flowing nice and cool. Plenty of space and seating throughout, for those who enjoy watching from a distance. That also meant there was ample area for the crazy ones who mosh, without having to worry about someone flying into you. I think I've made my point. I dont write reviews, but after some sub-par experiences at other venues, I feel its worth the time writing this, as I prepare back to Maine. Cant recomend enough, will be back soon.

Kathryn Lea

Amazing food and big portions. We got the Sharma plate with half rice and half Sharma, almost enough for two. It comes with hot bread and some great sauces.

Mike Pucci

Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Great food good prices. Definite hipster flavor in the heart of Cambridge. Two concert venues featuring lots of new artists and seasoned acts. Dinner specials with show tickets.

Cam Silvia

Attended a great show downstairs. Free water for the crowd at the bar. Enforced no vaping or smoking. This rule was enforced, multiple people were pulled out of the crowd

Peter Dlugosinski

Great venue for live music. Good food and beer. An institution in Cambridge for.many years. I've been coming here for.nearly 25 years

Jonathan Adams

Their chicken shawarma was pretty good.

Stephen MacRae

Polite and efficient staff. If attending a musical event downstairs you definitely want to bring earplugs...low ceiling.

Case Merrick

I've gone here for a few concerts, both for their basement and upstairs venue. The concerts are always nice and small, great support to the little guys! I've had some unpleasant experiences with one of the workers but everyone else there is very kind, I won't let that one worker taint my view on this place. I plan to return again when another artist is playing there!

Rob Guttman

Great food, great service. Also awesome music at night but today we only had lunch there.

Mustafa Kilinc

I had a beef shawarma for lunch and it was very good

Chris Oakley

I haven't been inside it yet, so it's hard to give a more definitive review.

A Y

Average food but good customer service

Matthew Reich

Best venue in mass love it there. Home.

Gerald Moran

Delicious platters and good service.

G Easy

Classic cavern music venue from the days of yore, must be experience to understand underground music

Electronic Battlefield

Great music and food

Matt Cook

Went to a show (upstairs) for the first time. The guy working the box office was super helpful and friendly and guided me to the right place. I had my name on the list because a friend knew a band member and even that was seamless to get my ticket. Very small upstairs venue, but set up nicely. Pit in the middle with the bar on one side and merch on the other. Drink prices were as you'd expect at a concert. I love how close you are to the stage even if you stand at the very back. Definitely want to return for another show soon.

Brain Box

Great venue to enjoy live music. Crowd is never rowdy and your guaranteed to meet some amazing people.

Andrew Bolduc

This place is a zoo on Saturday nights. Plastic cups = high class. Bartender sticks his fingers in the cups to pull them off the stack. Dj played jams.

Steve Kilpatrick

GREAT place to see bands bring the house down! Came here to see Alien Weaponry in the "Upstairs" stage. Not as big a venue as the "Downstairs", but still big enough to get a mosh pit going. It's a bit confusing for a first-timer to find where you have to go to get your ticket, but just ask and someone will help you. Also, plan ahead to find parking. It eases up a bit after 6 pm, but you still might have to walk a few blocks.

Gabby Sausele

Very cool location right in downtown Cambridge close to a bunch of other bars. Upstairs is a casual, hip middle eastern restaurant with a really reasonably priced menu, good food with a good selection of vegetarian options and a full bar. Downstairs is a great little venue with live music and another full bar!

Lin Gan

Review is for Sonia. As you might assume, this place is kind of grungy. But so fun!!! Came here for a sold out show and while it was really packed, it wasn't unreasonably so. Kudos for putting out a self-serve water station. Coat check was not too painful. No big lines out the door. Good sound system. I don't know. I kind of liked it.

Joe Skerry

Went to see a low grade rap show because I was invited by a friend of one of the performers. Person working the door wasn't competent at their job and was making it everybody's problem. Decent sound and drinks weren't bad

Joe crazy Diaz

Funky music joint

Vincent Thaxton

Seen Gza here awesome show good food

Lorrendale Johansen

Absolutely fantastic food, lamb was cooked perfectly, amazing done rice, beans and tomato sauce. Great place to see a show too, wonderful atmosphere and always a good crowd

Brian Rosmus

Amazing staff working the events here. I attended a show in the nightclub last night, and it was pretty hot in there. My girlfriend stood too long in one place and passed out, and the staff working was there in less than 5 seconds. They were extremely professional and courteous, and offered her free sodas/water after. Even checking in on her throughout the rest of the show. It was much appreciated and we will definitely be back! You can come here assured you and your friends will be safe no matter what!! PS the sound in the nightclub is great.

David Wolf

I cannot find any fault with the Middle East from my experience. We enjoyed the talented musicians, funky hip-hop blues, friendly young crowd, fresh beer, fine service, and lively neighborhood. We did not try the food.

Timothy Preston

Saw The Chats here. Awesome show and a great young Punk band.

Ryck Birch

Went to the night club for February MOBD. Good venue: two large bars on either side of the main gathering floor, dance floor down in front of the stage was less than half the size of the gathering area but level and up close and personal. Drinks are fairly priced. Coat checking was a bit tight for several hundred. Definitely would go the the venue again. Be warned: Central Squre parking is atrocious.

Derek Bush

Great Bands and competent staff. We all know why The Middle East is great

Jessica Winford

Doesn't look like much on the outside, but the food is worth it. Some of the best grape leaves I've ever had. If you are there are 9, it turns into a comedy club or band stage. Wasn't expecting it, but it was great to see some local stand-up routines and share a few laughs.

Beth Lakshmi

This place is an institution- and well worth visiting based on the sheer coolness of that. It’s as funky as central square can get. Service is laid back and friendly, the food is not fancy but well made and clearly described. They don’t really ever change the menu. At night the corner part of the restaurant may or may not have live music or dance - check the calendar. The section in the middle of the block is generally a non-entertainment spot w the same menu if the first spot is too loud.

Amy Lee Jarvis

Trivia night and friendly bar side bartender! Always a great meal too.

Brentley Martin

Exceptional food, friendly service, and, a great venue!

ashley cash

I attended a concert at the SONIA last night and the venue is cool. It is small so it leads for a very intimate setting, which is preferably my fave. The bar staff was really nice and took care of their patrons in a timely manner dispite the many people who were waiting for drinks. There is no seating so it’s staning room only, so be sure to wear a comfy sneaker. Lastly the batheroom was clean through out the night and as a woman I greatly appreciate that, lol.

Max Metzger

I've been going to shows here ever since I moved here. A Cambridge landmark!

jeffrey wethington

The food I had was excellent. And my watress service to my wife and I was the best we had had in years. Very personal and fast service with a great smile.

AnleshDangol

Nice live music venue. Loved the green room

Lenny Young

I came by to see a concert at the Upstairs, and it was a great small venue. Plenty to do nearby, and the bar is good. Would definitely come back to see another show.

Paul Burgwardt

The venue upstairs is pretty small, but other than that it’s been great.

Laura Klobusicky

Amazing food & atmosphere. My boyfriend's band played upstairs, great venue and great restaurant. Sometimes figuring out which entrance to go in is slightly confusing, but once you figure out the layout it's fine.

Danillo Soutto

I never go to this place anymore. How can they host a gay nightclub if all the people that works over there is homophobic ? Doesn’t make a sense. I never will go back

Jaden P. Smith

Great venue with friendly staff.

Eric Erics

Great location! Games! Prices! And best owner

Myron Mouse Belfast

Bartender are mostly nice and food is great

Amy

Boston landmark, happenin place, fascinating people.

Samantha FitzBenson

Had a great time. The bartender was really sweet.

Geoff Bocobo

Saw Kasbo perform here several months ago. Can't speak to their food as I was "Downstairs" in the nightclub area for the concert, but the drinks were what you expect when you're going to see a show (standard but gets the job done!). Love the atmosphere in the basement, not too crowded, easily accessible coat check/bathrooms, and you can enjoy the show from many vantage points- even towards the back, away from the stage. Uniquely intimate AND big atmosphere at the same time. Highly recommend if an artist you like is playing here! Also reasonably priced tickets.

Kyle Seeley

Its a great environment! I frequent the place on Tuesday nights for the comedy open mic, but they're almost always hosting events in one of their multiple stages, if not one at each stage simultaneously. The beer and food choices are decent as well. Check the place out if you've got the night off and no plans, i bet they'll have something going on!

Rob Caron

Just saw a show at Sonia. It's a nice room, good bar.

Andrew Wilds

Freaking awesome real deal food! Cool staff, will stop again if in the area. Good price, good martini!!!