Things to do in Cambridge, Massachusetts (MA): The Best Nightlife

December 20, 2021 Alida England

Home to two of America's most prestigious universities, Cambridge exudes a certain intellectual quirkiness. A mix of historical haunts, student hang-outs, alternative art and culture venues, vintage clothing shops, bookstores and ethnic restaurants, the city is, well, really cool. Although it is located just across the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge has a distinct vibe that is noticeable immediately. Start at Harvard Square, a hub of activity and mishmash of trendy stores, outdoor cafes and colorful local characters. Pick up a walking tour map at the visitors information booth in the center of the Square. The route will take you past many important landmarks including the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Tory Row and the Longfellow National Historic Site. Harvard University offers student-led tours through the illustrious buildings and monuments of its sprawling campus. Art and architecture buffs should meander around the M.I.T campus, which includes outdoor sculptures by masters such as Picasso and 20th-century buildings designed by modern greats like Eero Saarinen and I. M. Pei. Along the way, browse through bookstores, stop to watch street performers and grab a coffee at an outdoor café to take in all this captivating city has to offer.
Restaurants in Cambridge

1. Lizard Lounge

1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138-1807 +1 617-547-0759 [email protected] http://lizardloungeclub.com
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
11%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Lizard Lounge

2. Club Passim

47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA 02138-3718 +1 617-492-7679 http://passim.org/club-passim
Excellent
76%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 54 reviews

Club Passim

Reviewed By travelinbluesgal - Cambridge, United States

I went to college in Boston, moved away for a couple of years and came back 20+ years ago. Can you believe in all that time I had NEVER been to Passim?? Cut to a few weeks ago...I went to my first show there and I fell in love with the place. It's so cozy, warm and friendly. The live music is off the chain...such amazing artists are coming through there all the time. The food/drinks are fantastic too. I went back on Halloween night for Peter Mulvey's Lamplighter series featuring Ali McGuirk, Tim Gearan and Thank God For Science. I had a blast. It was the best Halloween I've had in awhile. This is probably my favorite live music venue now. It only took me 20+ years to finally come and experience it.

3. Noir

1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138-5707 +1 617-661-8010 http://www.noir-bar.com
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Noir

4. Meadhall

4 Cambridge Ctr, Cambridge, MA 02142-1406 +1 617-714-4658 http://www.themeadhall.com/
Excellent
44%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

Meadhall

Reviewed By Drbrooks4337 - Concord, United States

This is just about perfect for what you want after dinner, while the night is still young. Wines and cocktails are there but are overwhelmed by the mead and beer options. Gluten free folks have 3 beer options and good options at that. Go here and expect what it is designed forEnjoy.

5. Phoenix Landing

512 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139-4029 +1 617-576-6260
Excellent
33%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 18 reviews

Phoenix Landing

6. Shays Pub & Wine Bar

58 Jfk St, Cambridge, MA 02138-4933 +1 617-864-9161 [email protected] https://www.shayspubwinebar.com/index.php
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

Shays Pub & Wine Bar

7. Ryles Jazz Club

212 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139-1333 +1 617-876-9330 [email protected]
Excellent
45%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 40 reviews

Ryles Jazz Club

8. Cantab Lounge

738 Massachusetts Ave (Central Square), Cambridge, MA 02139-3308 +1 617-354-2685 http://www.cantab-lounge.com/index.html
Excellent
32%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 25 reviews

Cantab Lounge

Reviewed By HotelDeal

Stumbled upon this hidden gem of a dive bar that offers live music! Just an interesting place to relax and have a drink. Highly recommend it.

9. ImprovBoston

40 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139 +1 617-576-1253 http://www.improvboston.com
Excellent
42%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
3%
Terrible
13%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 33 reviews

ImprovBoston

Reviewed By hpetosa - Boca Raton, United States

Share review Embed review Write an update Edit review 3/4/2020 I've been taking ImprovBoston classes since September of 2017. This theater has changed my life. Before I came to ImprovBoston, my confidence when it came to performing was diminished. The classes, instructors, and community at ImprovBoston have made me feel at home, especially as a college student who was new to Boston back then. I highly recommend taking a class, seeing a show, or getting involved in the ImprovBoston community. The talent is exceptional. The community is sincere. The theater experience is wonderful. Need a fun date night? Or a good laugh? ImprovBoston is the place to go. I truly love it here and have had some of my biggest laughs watching the resident casts!

10. The Donkey Show

Oberon - 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA 02140 +1 617-547-8300 http://americanrepertorytheater.org/oberon
Excellent
56%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
13%
Terrible
12%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 16 reviews

The Donkey Show

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