Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub

472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Address:	472-480 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
Phone:	+1 617-864-3278
Site:	mideastclub.com
Rating:	4
Working:	11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–1AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–2AM 11AM–1AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

A Private User

Me and my girlfriend got tickets to the Jet Life Tour show last night and when we tried to get in, they let me through with no problem, gave me big Xs because i am only 20, but they did not let my girlfriend in who just turned 21 and had a brand new valid license. The young woman who was collecting her tickets looked at her ID and then asked her when she graduated, which to me seems like a ridiculous question. My girlfriend was confused and when she didnt answer right away, they sent her out. She talked to the cops right outside the club and they told her to provide another form of ID. She walked all the way back to the car and grabbed everything she had with her name on it (credit/debit cards, school ID) and showed it to the woman at the entrance. They refused her entrance again, because they said that they had already made their decision. As of now I do not plan on returning to this venue, as I risk wasting more money and having another terrible night. The blond woman at the front who was taking our tickets was extremely rude and inconsiderate. Middle East is the worst venue I have ever been to for a concert and as a warning for people attending shows there, make sure you bring five valid forms of ID and make sure you know when you graduated from high school, or else you probably wont get in.

C SUN

We happen to see this place as we were driving by. Someone in the packed minivan shouted, "Pull over!" Ordered enough food for 10 people. The best dishes were: lamb and rice pilaf (tender and delicious), the kafta (tender an tasty), lamb kebab (grilled to perfection). The rice pilaf was wonderfully flavored, and the grape leaves were just good. The consensus in our group of 8 was that the hummus needed more garlic and lemon juice. The chicken wrap was kind of dry and the veggies in the wrap were cut so large that the pita was lumpy and difficult to keep rolled. We had the privilege of interacting w the owner who was extremely gracious. Had we eaten on the premises (we took it all to go), he likely would have helped address some of our quibbles. Overall, a lovely experience that we would likely repeat.

julie thrasher

Went here for the first time for a concert. Was really having such a wonderful time. It was WAY too hot downstairs.. I wanted to go get some fresh air and then my husband noticed a sign that said no-rentry if you are under 21... ended up having to leave because I was too hot and needed to get fresh air. And then could not get back in. I get the point of the rule, but they have to realize how wrong that rule is. I was also going to see one of my favorite DJs there in a week and I dont think I could stand being in there for more than 30 minutes. They should at least give you a warning at the door. Very unhappy. Waste of my money and time.

Connor Antul

Come for the music, stay inside for the entirety of the show if youre under 21. The artists that this venue attracts are awesome but the security are extremely professional and will not allow you re-entry if you are not 21. For most people this is not an issue, but being 19 years old, it was an moderate inconvenience. That said, the security are also very helpful for those who may be in wheelchairs or have any other physical disabilities that may prevent you from enjoying your night to full potential. Guys, if you have to take a dump, make sure you do it before the show.. none of the stalls in the downstairs venue area have doors.

Max Goldfarb

First off the food was garbage. Second, after the bouncer stole my phone and refused to give it back, he proceeded to call my friend with long hair a "lesbian". They are thieves and racist/sexist. Please stand up to the bullying and discrimination this place has toward people that are different from their d-bag stealing bouncers. This place does deserve business and their crappy food and music only reflects this further. I am thinking about taking legal action tor receive my items back and hopefully put these stealing, poor talented, and poor managed company in their place. The Middle East will be hearing from my lawyers.

Christopher F

Came here for a concert / event (+21) and I definitely enjoyed myself. Youll immediately notice that the layout of the whole place is quite unique with all the different levels. Theres a bar to the right side of the concert area which was convenient to grab another drink mid set. The concert size is definitely in between medium and intimate with a low hanging ceiling (kind of squishes the band since theyre on a tall stage) but that doesnt mean they dont know how to fill a room with some great beats (and towers of speakers). Give it a shot.

Christophe Petitjean

“an Iconic place in Cambridge” I had a really great time at The Middle East. Run by Lebanese brothers since the 70s, this amazing place is a must-visit in Boston. The owners are proud of their venue and are morethan happy to give tou a tour and let you discover its rich heritage. Meet, enjoy music or dance, drink and eat with locals or bump into a local politician or any other artist in one oft the Middle East rooms : Upstairs & Downstairs (concerts), ZuZu & The Corner (restaurant & bar with live music some nights a week).

Rachel Leah Blumenthal

Theres so much going on here! See music upstairs, downstairs, on the corner, at ZuZu...eat in most of those spaces as well...this is the ultimate food and music nighttime destination. My go-to entree is the yabrak, stuffed grape leaves. Delicious. Service at the restaurants is friendly but can be slow, so make sure to leave plenty of time if you want to get to the music on time. Playing at the Middle East Downstairs has been one of my favorite local experiences with my band. What a fun venue.

Adam Solomon

Local and small touring band venue. Its a Boston institution. Several performance spaces. A number of bars. The food upstairs is pretty good too, though it is not the best example of Lebanese cuisine Ive ever had. The performances spaces are differently sized, but even the largest "the downstairs" is an intimate venue. It can get loud and hot -- but it is a club after all. The bouncers have always been polite & professional. The bartenders are quick. Its always a good time.

Christopher Taylor

As a restaurant you will get a decent meal of standard Mediterranean fare. There are three venues for music, downstairs, ground floor, and upstairs. Upstairs has a charm and a small warm space that suits smaller shows. Downstairs tends to host larger acts and the sound of the room is loud. Great for rocking out but less desirable that other Bos/Cam venues. The ground floor hosts music and sometimes comedy. Hit or miss but good for local acts developing their craft.

Zack Trubow

Went to see a Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier concert in the downstairs of the Middle East. This was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. More because of the people playing than the actual venue, but the venue was great as well. There isnt a ton of room in the downstairs, but this allows you to get real close to the artists. The sound of the concert still has my ears ringing a couple days after. Definitely would recommend seeing a concert there.