50 Best Pubs near Cambridge

“Small beer selection, wine and a bar. But they were great, super friendly, and the food was good.“

“everything was wonderful!“

“My wife and I came here to get a quick bite and some drinks and watch some World Cup. The servers were incredible and the food was delicious. We ordered the Salmon salad and the salmon was fresh and juicy. We also had the pretzel with their spicy mustard which was awesome. I had an IPA followed by the 75 bees which is a perfect drink in this hot weather. Not too alcoholic and sweet. My wife had the Hibiscus lemonade and she swears that’s one of the best lemonade’s she’s had in a long time. Super awesome place to visit“

“Voted best Dive Bar. Locals were very friendly! We had a great time.“

“Walker Memorial, constructed in 1916, is one of the early and most iconic buildings on MIT’s Cambridge campus, built in honor of former MIT President Francis A. Walker and designed in a classic neoclassical style that gives it a timeless presence along Memorial Drive. 

Normally, students find themselves here for a few classic MIT-only reasons:
1. Midterm and final exams at Walker Gym on the 3rd floor — a rite of passage for large classes and a great vantage point for people-watching when you finish early. 
2. Events in the grand spaces like Morss Hall on the 1st floor — where lectures, mixers, cultural celebrations, and student group showcases bring the building to life. 
3. The beloved Muddy Charles Pub tucked into the 1st-floor corner closer to the river — an unbeatable spot to unwind after problem sets, especially with a view of the Charles. 

There are no restrooms on the first floor, they’re in the basement and up on the third, so plan your coffee breaks accordingly. But part of the fun of Walker is discovering its quirks: climbing up staircases past banners, finding that secret meeting room tucked away on 3F, or just lingering in the main entry hall framed by tall murals. 

If you’ve got the luxury of a spare afternoon and no pressing psets, Walker Memorial isn’t just a building — it’s a place to explore. Between the echoes of conversation in its high ceilings, the student radio station humming in the basement, and the corner pub views over the river, it captures a bit of MIT’s community spirit like no other spot on campus.“

“This is our local establishment, and we have been here regularly. The food is consistently good with ample portions. Enjoyable soundtrack 1960s. Most recently, we arrived at 6:15, didn't get the menu or water for 20 minutes (there was only one other table dining). But the place was freezing - everyone in the place was wearing coats, one woman wore mittens between bites!“

“Went there last night after daughter's graduation with her boyfriend's family and her other friends. The bar was loud and very busy as expected but the servers and hosts were kind enough to accommodate us. But it was one particular bartender of Asian origin (I am an Asian myself) who was flustered the entire time we were there and we were not even ordering from her. It was a different bartender who was nice. And when I wanted to close the tab, she asked me something I couldn't hear and when I asked her again, she snapped so viciously, I was aghast. That was beyond rude and more like a criminal behavior towards a patron. I didn’t escalate it and left quickly but this perhaps is a repeat behavior from her and her attitude didn’t seem new. I hope the management/owners take notice of this. The way she behaved and looked flustered the entire time warrants termination, no less. This has nothing to do with the pub, the servers and bartender there are nice, except that one person who shouldn't have been employed.“

“Went for lunch because I wanted wings. They were fresh, cooked perfectly and well sauced. Classic buffalo flavor. My coworkers both had the grill chicken sandwich and both gave a resounding thumbs up. I feel like this place would be a good hang at night.“

“We had the Biria chicken tacos, ordered a 2nd round cuz they were so good! I had a strawberry margarita - was delicious. Vibe was great around 1100 after a concert at the House of Blues. Will def be back !“

“Delicious food, I recommend the chowder!“

“In Boston during FB season and searched for a Packer Bar - BansheeBar kept showing up and when asking around they were the #1 recommended place. FUN atmosphere, met Packer fans from all over, bartender Joy was amazing and took great care of everything! Would absolutely recommend. BansheeBar Boston Packers Everywhere“

“This is my local spot. Love The Sevens.“

“Excellent vibe, great food selection and cold Guinness 👍🏼👍🏼“

“Great atmosphere,great food,reasonable“

“Had to visit as we were in Boston x“

“The Dooliner has a wonderful neighborhood atmosphere, great food and friendly service. Highly recommended!“

“Pizza, steak tips and CZB are top notch!“

“Harrington’s Pub is an awesome place to relax and enjoy great food and drinks! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the staff is super friendly, and the service is always top-notch. Their menu has something for everyone, and everything tastes fresh and delicious. Definitely one of the best pubs around — highly recommend.“

“My nonprofit group enjoyed a private party at Tokenfire. The hot appetizers were a great start to the party, with meatballs, pork dumplings, the best brussel sprouts and savory flatbreads. We enjoyed the authentic Shepherds Pie, perfectly grilled salmon, and a vegetarian pasta dish. Dessert, including a fig bread pudding with salted caramel gelato and tiramisu was fabulous. The service was excellent and the ambiance was delightful. I hope to return when they have live music.“

“Love the Town Tavern! The atmosphere is relaxing & comfortable! The staff is knowledgeable & attentive! The food is DELICIOUS! (And the portions are large). Highly recommend this restaurant!!!“

“Landed in Boston, looked online for a local spot for fish and chips… 🤯 soooo good and the Holiday Mule has that ginger punch with a hint of cranberry! The kid with the hollow leg couldn’t even finish the steak tips! All the food was AMAZING!“

“Great food and great service“

“A real Boston Irish pub! Not tacos or pasta here like alot of the others. Only pub we go to in Boston.“

“So great! Thank you for being the neighborhood friendly place you are to a family in need of getting out of the house. We really appreciated the warm welcome and hospitality. We’ll see you next weekend for sure! - Sara & Matthew West (cute son Graham)“

“This was a great pub. Very cozy and welcoming right from the start. Our primary bartender was smiles and hellos from the moment you walk in the door. We had some amazing food and drinks while visiting this wonderful establishment. I know without a doubt that this is on our list of favorites while in Boston.“

“If you’re looking for the best place to eat in Needham, Cook is unequivocally it. The quality of the food is outstanding, and the only thing that rivals it is the exceptional service from the entire staff.

A special shoutout to Johnny. His genuine commitment to making every guest’s experience a great one is first class.

Cook has set the standard for what a neighborhood restaurant should be. In my opinion, it’s the best restaurant in Needham. It isn’t even close!“

“Best wings and ribs I have ever tasted!!“

“Go on Karoke night. The is a woman who sings “green eyes lady” that blew me away.

Reminded me of the Hideout in Chicago and that bar in Starwars.

Great spot, great sign, great talent behind the stick.“

“Fast, unique food and beers, open late, serves late…“

“Great menu, atmosphere, staff, and drinks! Excited to see some life back in the place.“

“Great food. Awesome service“

“Best steak tips in Massachusetts“

“Great atmosphere and great folks working there!“

“Love the vibe! Great place to just get a drink, or eat to your heart's content. I have been holding Twisted Networking- Somerville, MA for a while in the side room- awesome! #askjo“

“Romantic atmosphere, stylish interior, rooftop“

“Hidden gem! Classic bar with insanely good cocktails and food but keeping it real. Beet salad could compete with any high end restaurant. Smash burger and fries - no words. Oh pickle plate is a must - classic sweet to the unexpected root veg and snow pea mix. Great beers new and old. The bartender Mike brings it. He's cool and chill and makes the best subtle recommendations. Great fun to talk with. Great music, great vibe. Already planing a trip back for the reuben. Simple menu done right.“

“My wife and I were in Boston for 3 days this weekend , and we found this place on our second stop. As soon as we walked in there, we felt the amazing atmosphere of all the people around. We also met some amazing people who we invited to sit with us because the place was a 100% full. They happen to be from Australia, even though the guy was originally from Boston. We had an amazing dinner and appetizers on the first night there. And then the next day we came back for lunch and had an amazing bartender named Ro. And if that wasn't enough, we came back Sunday morning for breakfast. as far as I can see, this is the only place to go if you are in downtown Boston, hands down. We also loved the live music. Clete Boothby Conway, NH“

“I enjoy going to Costellos with my Fiancée“

“such a great place to get drinks and play pool!“

“Good food, great drinks, good ambiance and the prices are very low“

“When my uncle passed away, he left clear instructions that he did NOT want a traditional memorial service. He wanted his friends to get together and have beers. Joe and the other owners COULD NOT have been more accommodating. They helped every step of the way through this challenging time. They are incredible people, and I could not be happier with how the event turned out. I will be a lifelong supporter of Distraction, as will every single person who attended that evening. I can not thank them enough.“

“Get those awesome skins back…..“

“The steak & mushroom pot pie at Elephant & Castle was spot on, especially when paired with a Guinness. The server went above and beyond to make our visit enjoyable with attentive and friendly service. Thank you for a great experience—we'll definitely be back!“

“Fantastic brunch! Great service.“

“Thank you for the lovely evening! A vibrant place in Bergamo Well done“

“Had a blast. Servers are the best. Singing doorman is so entertaining. Great vibe.“

“If I could give 10 stars for customer service, I would! Matt and Kevin (Bakes) are fantastic bartenders. Bakes, especially, was professional, welcoming, and knowledgeable. He knew the customers by name and they knew him. This superior service made overpriced hotel food worth it, lol. Also, the cobb salad with salmon was divine!“

“I Highly recommend The Viking Pub great food and awesome Friday nights Karaoke and Djing. Awesome time come and ask for DJ Flip“

“First off I would like to thank and simultaneously apologize to the staff, they were extremely welcoming, and astoundingly attentive, the food was dope the recommendations on point, me and my family had a blast and a half, I HIGHLY recommend going to this bar, and to the staff I extend an apology for my family killing 4 bottles of tequila in a a matter of hours, you guys rock!! best wishes from California 🤙“