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B-Side Lounge - CLOSED
Categories: Restaurants American (New) Nightlife Bars Lounges American (New), Lounges [Edit]
92 Hampshire StCambridge, MA 02139
Neighborhood: Kendall Square/MIT
(617) 354-0766
- Nearest Transit:
-
Hampshire St @ Clark St (85)
Hampshire St @ Windsor St (85)
Windsor St @ Hampshire St (85)
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
159 reviews for B-Side Lounge
Review Highlights
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"blue cheese fries: OMG you will die." In 22 reviews -
"Try the baked gouda with a side of chard or spouts." In 14 reviews -
"lets not forget the free hard boiled eggs on the bar for..." In 4 reviews
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159 reviews in English
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Review from Chris S.
Dorchester, MA
2/3/2009
I live south of the Charles these days, but even so I'm going to miss the B-Side Lounge, even if though there's promise in its replacement.
I've been once or twice of an evening, but for me the place really shines for brunch on Sunday afternoon. Decadent food and a relaxed atmosphere... and of course it's still one of the few places that stocks a goodly variety of top-of-the-top shelf whiskeys. (This latter bit draws me more so than the food, honestly !) But I'm already missing the bacon, bacon, bacon and eggs, which apparently is just a fond memory for the clientele - my waitress couldn't even find someone on staff to tell her what it was, let alone prepare it. Ah, well. Their bacon is still worthy, although there are other worthy bacon establishments. -
Review from Billie M.
Boston, MA
1/4/2008 ROTD 1/29/2008
I once went here on a date. We sat at the bar, and I ordered a sidecar on the rocks, and the bartender smiled happily as she went about making one of the best sidecars I've ever tasted. My date ordered a Coors light, and she grimaced as she slammed it down in front of him.
Then it was on to food. He ordered a mesclun green salad thing. Another grimace. I ordered the blue cheese fries. Another smile. When he got up to go the bathroom, she came over and asked what the hell I was doing with him. I think her exact words were "why are you wasting time on a guy who thinks Coors lights and side salads are acceptable things to order in public". Three dates later, I realized she was right and ended that one quick.
Moral of the story? I still hang out at b-side for the intoxicating sidecars and yummy blue cheese fries. I forgot he even existed until I went to write this review.Listed in: I just can't get enough..., Who moved my cheese?!?
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Review from David d.
Los Angeles, CA
2/10/2007 ROTD 3/11/2007
"I'd like to speak to your manager, plz."
I've been to the B Side before... but just for drinks and small things. And I think those drinks/ yummiez were purchased by my rich bitch socialite friend, who was trying to date my BFF, and didn't mind throwing cash around.... So this is my first time spending loads of my OWN $$$ here.....
I was out with an ex-friend after a movie, and we decided to stop and get drinks... I didn't want to get wasted, so I proposed the idea of getting a few yummiez to pick at. The prices were alarming. For a spot that looks like DeLux was picked up by a twister, slightly cleaned out, and thrown into Kendall Square, I was confused. And at least at DeLux I could hear Black Flag and look at a velvet Elvis, instead of hearing the Arctic Monkeys and staring at broken light fixtures at the B-Side.
We decided on the (Mama Celeste) Pizza of the Day... It was topped with roasted peppers, onions and chicken. Sadly, the one topping that was missing, was the FLAVOR. I couldn't taste ANYTHING. And the chunks of onions were HUGE. I fucking HATE that... I like diced onions, chopped onions, slivers of onions, but this was like someone cut an onion in half, and threw it on the pizza. YuckiezZz. :'(~~
This was simply a horrible mistake on my part. I'm sure if I spent $20+ on an entree, or even $5+ on a side of fries... I would have been happier. I know bar pizza is supposed to be awful, but this was a prime example. Also, I don't like the prices for drinks, and many were had.
The highlight of the evening would have to be my water glass... I thought I noticed a crack at the top, nothing dangerous ... but the lights were very dim. Later, I realized it was RED LIPSTICK. :( FUCKING GROSS.
Besides (B-SidezZZz... LoLolzzzZz) all of that, I STILL like this place. I think it's supposed to be a dive bar, but with Newbury Street prices. I love the staff. The waitresses are hott and friendly. I bet it's the owner. I bet s/he drives a Porsche.
I'll certainly go here again, but for 1 drink ... or maybe the cheese plate, but NEVER the pizza. And I'll bring my own water in the future.Listed in: The Morning After. :(
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Review from Tom E.
3/7/2007
I'm Christening this "Boston's First Gastrodiner"... WTF? Well, in Britain the quality of cuisine has dramatically improved in the last 10 years due to traditional pubs hiring great young chefs and experimenting with classic British/European recipes using locally sourced fresh ingredients. This craze is called the Gastropub and is honestly the best thing to happen to dining in Britain for a 100 years. I've been disappointed by a lack of gastropubs in Boston - I've heard New York has 2 and I've been to an excellent one in Toronto. London probably has 50 to 100 now.
But now it's dawned upon me - Boston can't really have gastropubs, as it doesn't have any old traditional-style pubs - just dark Irish bars. So what does that leave for our young culinary talent to work on... THE GASTRODINER (of course)
And yes, they have so many of the same features as gastropubs...
::: relaxed dining attitude
::: excellent exciting and somewhat local dishes
::: ever-changing menus and specials
::: justifiably expensive entrees (20 dollars plus)
::: visible kitchen behind the bar
::: open til late
::: ability to just come for a great drink and high-quality snack at the bar
::: sides of chard and cheesey fries (very typical of gastropubs!)
It took the B-Side Lounge for me to finally awake to this reality and since then I've noticed a few other gastrodiners around town, notably two nearby - Central Kitchen & Green Street. But for me B-side does it best. The food is worth every dollar and so is the fitness regime you'll need to endure afterwards if you choose the gouda skillet like I did.Listed in: Category: American (New)
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Review from Jeffrey H.
Washington, DC
6/3/2008
The B-Side reminds me of "The Max" from Saved by the Bell where those 90s teens hung out for burgers and shakes after detention with Mr. Belding...but instead it's a bunch of Cambridge 20-somethings who hang out for hard boiled eggs (FREE) and beers after detention with their full time jobs.
I love this place - it resembles a diner on the inside but you are most definitely in a bar. There are some tasty bar eats that I've picked at whilst lurking over a friend's shoulder, "Oh excuse me, I don't know how my face landed in your plate of French fries w/ blue cheese..."
I remember the last time I was at the B-Side I ordered a Harpoon beer and I was pleasantly surprised with a gigantically tall glass of the liquid goodness. And the price was more than affordable - cut to me Tipsy McGee.
The bar area is usually crowded along the sides, so beware if you need to make it to the bathroom--if you hold it too long you may get an elbow to the abdomen and sprinkle a tinkle in your denim. If the crowd isn't your scene, make your way to one of the many tables or booths in back- a waitress will find ya!
And it seems like every time I'm at the B-Side, I bump into someone I know outside on the corner - it's definitely one of those neighborhood joints. Check it out. -
Review from L D.
Montclair, NJ
1/4/2007
The B Side has been reviewed too many times already but I can't NOT review the bar where I spent at least 5 days per week for a solid 3 years. I'm nothing if not loyal. To make it simple, I'll just list the most deliciously awesome (and sinful) menu items...
blue cheese fries: OMG you will die.
arugula and baby spinach salad: best ever
baked gouda in a skillet: what? hot melted cheese with garlic crostini? CAN I HAVE ANOTHER?
braised beef short rib: so tender and delicious
rare tuna: yum. home made wasabi
fried calamari: some of the best I've ever tasted
ploughman's platter: variable. perfect bar snack
Cornish game hen: drool
pork shank: you have no idea how delicious this is!!!!
I've had some other dishes there but the menu varies seasonally so they might not be offered right now. Everything listed above is available all the time.
The drinks are perfect. You will have to wait a bit for your drink but be patient. Don't yell at a bartender for making you a proper martini! This bar is perfect for a date (I've taken several blind dates there over the years) or for meeting your next new boyfriend (I've dated way too many guys from the B Side). The music is great, varying between new indie to old classics. They stock a huge selection of CDs and vinyl. There's one TV for those of us who can't go a day without checking the Sox scores. The beer selection is meager but tolerable for even the discerning palette. They have Schlitz tall boys for the budget-minded and mini-Budweiser cans for the liver-impaired.
You can't sit at a table unless you order food. Such is life. I'd complain about that but they serve food late into the night and people do eat late so they deserve the tables. I won't discuss the brunch menu here but, trust me, it's excellent.
By far, my favorite bar/restaurant in Cambridge. Return three times and all the bartenders will know your name and your favorite drink. I promise. -
Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
3/13/2008
If B Side were a guy, my relationship with this little dive bar could only be classified strictly as a booty call. Somehow, I am always finding my self here late night after work, already a few drinks in, to have some more drinks and not leave until the bartender kicks me out.
We never hang out during the day. We certainly don't talk on the phone. And we never go out on dates.
It's cool though. Because we both understand what's up. It's late. I wanna have drinks. B Side has plenty. And they're cheap.
Like the writing on the bathroom wall. For a good time with little attachment, go to B Side.Listed in: Eggs + Cocktails: U.S. Bars…
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Review from Kabir H.
Cambridge, MA
11/3/2008
Adieu, B-side!
You'll forever hold a place in my heart for warm brunches of those delicious caballeros eggs, listening to yellow submarine while sipping on a man's ruin or the best coffee this side of Broadway. Thank you for teaching me that Bud isn't a 4 letter word. Thank you for your easy, unpretentious women, apt at lifting my spirits in those times when I carried my heart in my hand.
And for cocktails! For bringing them back, and making the aviation a staple on every cocktail lounge menu; that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Adieu, adieu! -
Review from Morgan F.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2008
"I need me a cocktail, A PROPER COCKTAIL!!" yells my black blazered, skinny jeans wearing friend as he pounds his first on the bar.
My friend Jarreau has a THING for Sazeracs and apparently our current bartender, at a bar that will go unnamed, just WILL NOT DO.
" I need a freakin' PROPER COCKTAIL! Where in this city can I get a PROPER COCKTAIL!" he yells now a bit drunk flailing his arms!
I knew where to take us, so from across town at 1am we hop in a cab and head to B-Side. We slide up to the stools at the bar just in time to order a round of drinks complete with a perfectly mixed Sazerac and then a second round JUST before last call.
Despite our crazed entrance, the atmosphere in B-side is friendly and buzzing. I love it here because I imagine this is where the cool kids hung out in the 1950's as they sipped the cocktails we now call "classic". The huge drink list is AMAZING for people like me, who know they like cocktails, but can never remember the names! It takes me a while to pick, but the bar tenders are on their game and will help you choose a concoction to your liking, and mix it just right!
MORAL OF THE STORY: For a PROPER COCKTAIL, head to B-Side!
(also try Eastern Standard, Green Street, No 9 Park, Deep Ellum)
**According to the Improper, the mixology movement in Boston was inspired by B-Side when they opened in 1998. But I like to imagine people were drinking here in the 1950's because of the decor ;)Listed in: I heart Booths!, Just a drink or two ;)
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Review from Becca S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/21/2008
Guess where I went this weekend? Yes, THAT Boston! And guess where it is very hard to find brunch on Saturday? Right again!
So for serving brunch on Saturday in a no-brunch-on-Saturday town, I think I should give at least a star to B-side. And for not having to wait for a table, another star. And for the absolutely spectacular sweet potato biscuits & gravy and perfectly poached eggs, another star. And for having 8 times as many cocktails on the menu as food items, two stars!
However, for giving my brunch to another table and not realizing it for 10 minutes and then just taking it off their table and handing it to me with a "I gave this to somebody else, but they didn't eat it", and for trying to cheat me out of my home fries, minus 2 stars.
You almost had it, B-side!Listed in: Everybody loves brunch!
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Review from Malena L.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 7/23/2008
Another thing I love about the B Side: they classy, dawg. I got kicked out of this place and EVEN then they were really polite and elegant about it:
Me: [falls on the ground, laughs histerically, gets up]
B Side: IIIIIIII think you have had enough and maybe it is convinient for you to go home?
Me: [pointing left finger at the bartender and moving it up and down with each word] Yuuuuuuuu ahhhrrrghhhh toutally rrrrrrighhh
AND they didn't care I came by 4 days later.Listed in: Best French Fries
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/5/2007
BLUE CHEESE FRENCH FRIES MOTHER FUCKER HMMMMMMMMMMM SO DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!
JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ. I love… Read more »
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Review from Joanna K.
9/18/2008
I was there for brunch on a recent weekend - had to go in the midst of all the speculation about them being sold and changing leadership and whatnot... especially since I kept hearing about how they have the best brunch ever!
And boy... changing my travel plans just to make brunch at this place was SO worth it! You don't get much in terms of ambiance - it's obviously a dive-y bar with booths. You also don't get much in terms of service - they seemed a bit befuddled and I had to use my knife to stir my coffee since we didn't get spoons. Whatever, I didn't care too much about that.
Coffee was good, and the food was DELICIOUS. Oh my GOD - those sweet potato biscuits with that white sausage gravy... MMMMMMMMMMM. Warm, fresh baked and slightly sweet biscuits with that thick sausage gravy.... I didn't even order this dish but it's definitely the one that stands out foremost in my mind. And in my tummy. It was SO good. Lactose intolerancy be dammed, bring me more gravy!
I had the duck confit (which was also very good - just the right blend of crispy fattiness) with a sunny side egg and sauteed spinach served on toasted english muffins.
But that biscuits and gravy dish takes the cake, hands down. And I think it was only six bucks!! Dude... get it. Run to B-side and experience these heavenly morsels before they switch hands! -
Review from Lys W.
Jersey City, NJ
3/11/2008
I love the dive-bar feel. Reminds me of a lot of places from home. The B-side was gracious enough to host our little bookclub, but I was not impressed by their food. Bland. However, I definitely want to come back during the evening to check out their bar life.
I also was irritated by being called miss. The waitress couldn't possibly know that it is a major pet-peeve of mine, so I won't hold that against her. -
Review from Deepa C.
Somerville, MA
3/15/2008
B-Side, B-Side, B-Side! For MONTHS everywhere I turned, someone was recommending this Cambridge joint. New Yelp friends, the girl at the bus stop, people at work, it was like it came up in every conversation. I had B-Side on the brain and all I wanted to do was eat and drink at this miraculous bar. Maybe that's why I was so disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, I liked the decor, the location and the service. I love that the menu is one page food and like 49 pages of drinks. But I just wasn't blown away. I had the mac and cheese - good, but average. Josh's Buffalo Shrimp where also good, but not amazing. Back for brunch a few days later for bookclub and my opinion didn't change. The people around me where not thrilled with their dishes and the coffee. The service was good and the prices aren't too too bad, but I probably won't go back for the food.
I may, however, come back for the drinks. Just saying. -
Review from Amanda L.
Brighton, MA
3/9/2008
Waitress to Me: Would you like some more coffee?
Me: No, I didn't really like it
Waitress: ::looks confused:: Why didn't you like it?
Me:...::thinking to herself, "Because it tastes like SHIT"::....Because it's burnt
Waitress: ::still doesn't comprehend:: Well....would you like another pot?
Me:....What? No.
It was like that.
The place was too dark, the girl kept calling us all Miss, to which I wanted to smack her in the head saying, "You work in a BAR! You don't need to say shit like that!"
My pancakes looked good, but they were too dense and tasted like sandpaper. My egg over easy was good, albeit a bit watery.
They have a page and a half dedicated to their drinks though, so obviously food isn't there strong point. I would come back for the drinks. The prices for food aren't bad, but it's not great either.
And their coffee tasted like ass. -
Review from Bill K.
New York, NY
4/7/2006
Yeesh, going against the grain here, but I have to be honest. Alright, where to start. First of all, if you are a young person living in Cambridge, it is in your best interest to patronize the B-Side from time to time. As others have observed, the drinks are mixed well and they also have very cheap pounder beers for the grad students/starving artists in your group.
The appetizers are tasty. You must abandon all hope of looking svelte and sample the gouda. Give in to the gouda. Who cares, you're in Boston, so you're going to be wearing a coat 9 months of the year anyway. Despite rumors to the contrary, the whole egg thing is not a plus. Anyway, the calamari is a good snack.
The waitstaff has a ton of personality and despite how busy it gets, they'll still find time to take care of you and crack you up while doing it.
There are a lot of positives, but the downsides begin with the fact that the location leaves a lot to be desired unless you happen to live a few blocks away. It's a hike from Central or Kendall and the parking situation is enough to remind you of why people tell you not to drive in Boston. Long story short, you need to take a cab.
Sometimes they have live music here...why is that? So weird and doesn't fit.
In addition, once you get there, expect to be completely jammed in. If your friends are already there and have staked out some real esate, sweet. If not...prepare to mill around for 10 minutes until you can elbow in somewhere. -
Review from Laura M.
Cambridge, MA
1/27/2008
By far the greatest thing B-Side has going for it is its proximity to my apartment. Its quickly becoming a Thursday night tradition for myself and any of my roommates/apartmentmates that are around to walk the 2 blocks to B-Side for some delicious beer and gorgonzola cheese fries.
The second best thing about B-Side is the crowd. Its been a totally different scene every time I've been- one time it was packed with young professionals out for a post-work beverage, another time it was crawling with hipsters, and sometimes its taken over by strange old men. Whomever happens to be there, however, its always guarantees excellent people watching.
Negatives: the bartenders can be slightly snobbish if you try to order anything they disapprove of (i.e. a pitcher of beer, which they don't serve, or a bottle of bud light, which they will serve, but only if you beg) For the most part though, they are very helpful/friendly, if not more than a little drunk themselves.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Quinn E.
12/6/2007
Y'know, I just wasn't impressed. I wanted to love the blue cheese fries. That very combo was a staple of my college diet, but they just weren't great here. I know, I must be crazy. But it's true. The drinks were good. A scooch on the expensive side, but not ridiculous.
I also wasn't wowed by the atmosphere. It was just a pseudo-hip bar with booths and too much natural light. I dunno, I expect my bars to be a bit dark, even in the daytime. Again, maybe I'm crazy. It seemed like it used to be smaller and really cool, but then maybe they expanded, took down a wall and ruined everything. That's just the story I made up in my head for what was wrong here.
I'll give them another try, but I just wasn't picking up what the B-Side was putting down. -
Review from rishi h.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/9/2006 ROTD 6/19/2006
bizarre! They gave me my wallet back after closing last time I was there too! The food is a little pricey but I've found it nothing less than satisfying. I really enjoyed the mixed drinks here even though I'm not really a hard liquor fan.
The crowd is always a good mix.. lotsa hipsters, yupsters, people in their late twenties relaxing, regulars, and enough groups having a good time that I never really notice if some scene has adopted this as their new holy ground.Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Kristina M.
9/15/2007
I don't know what it is with these bars, but somehow they never get the atmosphere quite right...
Anyway, the decor and atmosphere here is nice enough (although it didn't exactly sweep me of my feet - half-retro-half-pub), our service was excellent, we had a DELICIOUS vegan pizza (not on the menu, but they are happy to serve it upon request), and the music is TOP. It wasn't too packed either although we went on a Friday night.
However, there could have a better beer selection and the food our friends had (mainly chips and chicken wings) looked pretty crappy, to be honest (except for the chocolate fondue which looked great). Also, some of the "fancier" food options seem really overpriced.Listed in: Veggie Boston, Night out in Boston
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Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2006 ROTD 3/29/2006
Sorry Arwen, but this definitely has the Cambridge personality. I rarely go to Brooklyn so I can't argue against the Brooklyn claim.
Hip retro 50's feel and bartenders that know what they're doing. Reminiscent drinks like the Pilot. Down-to-Earth educated crowd that is friendly.
Food is excellent and not expensive. Kind of like the Franklin Cafe.Listed in: Go For The Tipple, Stay For…
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Review from m p.
Somerville, MA
8/18/2007
I don't really know what has happened to the B-side in the past year or so. The place used to be great. I would rave about it to friends and family. The food and drinks were incredible. That was then.
As of late, the service has been getting slower and slower. The food has taken a nosedive. I was willing to overlook several of the deficits in the recent months, but due to my last visit this week, I can officially say it will be my final visit to this once great institution.
The short of the story is I went there with a friend. We got a table. The waitress walked by us at least 6 times without acknowledging us. She was busy waiting on the people who had sat after us. However, after twenty minutes with not so much as a water or a "I'll be right with you", we decided to take off. I talked to the hostess on the way out and she said she would comp the food and would send the waitress right over. Now, since it was getting late and I didn't want to drive to another location, we agreed. We sat back down. Several minutes later we were still there, waiting at the table. The waitress finally came by, but, instead of stopping to take our order, she gave a dirty look and kept going. At that point, I decided I would no longer put up with this horrid lack of service.
When talking with the hostess on the way out, I told her what had transpired and asked to speak to someone who was in charge. Her response? "There really isn't anyone in charge here right now." At that point, I had given up all hope of the B-Side Lounge remaining what it had once been, a friendly, local hang with great food and drinks. It's now the complete opposite.
One good thing did come out of this though, I found a great place with better food and drinks! Oddly enough, the place is called The West Side and it's on Mass Ave. in Cambridge. Save yourself an hour of frustration and just head over there first. -
Review from Kiwi H.
8/31/2008
Great drinks and cool atmosphere. It's a shame this place is closing, since for those who live in the area, I can see it being a fantastic neighbourhood haunt. I've heard cries of wonder about their brunch, but since I experienced it after the sky had turned dark I can only imagine what their non-nightlife vibe is like - and my imagination tells me it's good as well.
There's a pretty cool crowd, and it can get kind of loud in there but if you're ready for intimate conversation it's fine, just lean in a little closer. I won't bite. I can see this being a good spot for dates, lovers not-too-PDA canoodlings, groups of friends, intimate catch-ups with close friends and general good times. Prices are fine for the drinks they offer, and they have some really delicious and creative options. I can't remember what one of the ones I tried was called (aviation maybe? it was the first one on the cocktails list) but it was delicious, and my Hugs n' Kisses drink was everything I was craving that night as well.
I'm not sure if it was just because they were closing soon or not, but I've heard they were like that anyway - but the staff can be a little blase. It seems like the sort of place where if they know your face, service will be speedy and spot-on but if not then you might be waiting a while. They're nice enough/alright but I wouldn't go here if I didn't have ample time to kill or if I were in a bad mood, cos it was a little frustrating trying to flag someone down at times... but they were admittedly pretty busy and once we had drinks in hand, we were happy enough.
Their nibbles and bites look tasty (and I saw those heart-attack inducing cheese-laden french fries monsieur) and it's a shame that they're closing since it's a pretty cool spot and I'd absolutely go back otherwise. -
Review from annie k.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2007
Fun atmosphere, good bartending. It's a bar where you can socialize or work if you want too (e.g., not too dark, not too stuffy, not too loud, not too crowded).
The thing I like the most is the baked gouda in a skillet. Yummy. Everything else I've gotten has been OK but not as good.
I'd recommend to pretty much anyone. -
Review from Katherine T.
Allston, MA
6/14/2006
I'm not sure what's up with this, but every time I go there, there are children running around. Granted, it's usually right after work, so it's not too late yet, but seriously--children? In a bar?! That's unnerving.
Anyway, I hate how their bar space is limited, and even if there is NO ONE sitting in the booths, they still won't let you sit there unless you're ordering a meal. That's lame. Especially when you're there with a large group, and don't feel like standing around in an awkward group blocking the little hallway to the bathroom... which is what ends up happening.
I do, however, like the bartenders. They're funny and snappy. And I like their gouda dish thingy. Melted gouda with bread. I didn't make that sound very appetizing, but I swear it's delicious. -
Review from Graham C.
9/16/2007
I went to dinner with a friend here tonight. The menu was a little sparse. Robyn had recommended the steak sandwich, which was not on the menu. But they had Lone Star, which always makes me happy.
Had the blue cheese fries, the spinach salad and the cheesy broccoli. All were good and contained cheese, which means I won't be able to crap for a week.
The decor/vibe was definitely retro-hip. I felt odd because I wasn't wearing a fedora or carrying a wallet on a chain. But overall it was decent and they had the Red Sox on. Oh, and they had Dark and Stormys on the menu. -
Review from Kathleen M.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 11/16/2008
There's a tear in my beer (well, my cocktail) 'cause I'm cryin' for you dear...
Oh B, how I will miss you. Good times and bad, you were always there for me with a tasty cocktail and some delicious food. I will miss your blue cheese fries, gouda, and brussel sprouts most of all. Your periodista, lucha libre, caipirhinia, and mint julep will always hold a special place in my heart. You were the first place where I learned that the grasshopper is a perfect nightcap, and I love that your expert bar staff were always willing to make a creative cocktail for me. Know that you will never be truly replaced, but I will continuously search for a place that can rival your greatness.
Now, I need someone to show me the way to the next whiskey bar...Listed in: Great eats in Cambridge, Would have been six..., Cocktails and Dreams, Please leave the drink menu...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/10/2007
The B is hands down my favorite place to drink in Cambridge/Boston. The drink menu is amazing and… Read more »
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Review from Greg F.
Boston, MA
2/1/2008
Oh, Thursday night, you prove time and time again to be the most magical night of the week. Week upon week you bring be new friends, strong drinks and creamy bleu cheese fries. You happen to do it all at the B-Side Lounge.
This faux-dive lounge is a weekly ritual for me and my roommate's/neighbors. It's a 30 sec walk from our apartment, and a 2 minute stumble on the way back. The bouncers and waitresses are nice, and the bar tenders are a little drunk, which makes for an exciting evening. Sometimes they'll ignore you, other times they'll be right on top of things; they'll probably make fun of you for ordering crappy beer, but they'll never fail to entertain.
The drink menu is extensive, full of staples along with a bounty of B-Side originals. They will also shock you with really good food. So far I've had the bleu cheese fries (i was skeptical at first, and after my first bite, decided i was still skeptical. if any of you order a plate, i will continue to be 'skeptical' until i've eaten them all... yummy.), and one of the hard-boiled eggs they display on the bar. From what I can tell, the rest of the food seems pretty good, if not a little pricey.
Music wise, this place is also really good. They play a great variety and often play one CD all the way through (any other shuffle-haters out there? No? Just me? ok...). Any bar that plays Weezer's Blue Album all the way through gets an A in my book. So there,
A+ for B-Side.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from JR M.
Boston, MA
3/22/2008
What do you say about a place that everyone else has reviewed?
One time, I had a hard boiled egg-eating contest here. I ate a dozen. I won, and did not throw up or have a heart attack. Nowadays...not so sure.
Another time, I came here on St. Patty's Day. My friend, a Planned Parenthood employee, treated our party and the bartender to a step-by-step napkin-drawing of abortion procedures.
Oh, and obviously, they have good drinks and mussels. If you're still hungry after reading this. Try not to get the skinny end of the trapezoid-table. -
Review from Beth E.
Medford, MA
5/9/2007
I went to the B-Side on recommendation from some folks at work. A friend was here from out of town, and so a few of us decided to go out for dinner, partially to catch up, partially to celebrate my bday.
I read the yelp reviews after getting the recommendation, and for the most part, they're pretty good, so I thought we'd be safe.
It's Cambridge, so parking is a nightmare. That's sort of a given.
We were seated, and we order drinks. I think those came at normal speed. We then sat for who knows how long with our menus. We had plenty of time to read over the choices, none of which were really jumping out at us. So we finally decide on which not-so-enticing things we're going to order. And then we wait. And wait. And then wait some more. Did I mention we were waiting? For a long-ass time. Finally we order, and we wait some more. For an even longer-ass time. People who came in after us are being seated and served, and we're still waiting. And our waitress is totally MIA.
Finally we're served. We already weren't wowed by the service, and the food was much the same. It was eh. Took us forever to get the check. A couple hours later, we finally pay, we leave, and we realize we're never going to get that time back. But at least we had plenty of time to chat, though parched.
The hostess was great. And had some of the most interesting tattoos I've ever seen. We wanted to leave her the tip. -
Review from Bo W.
Somerville, MA
4/1/2008
Oh B-Side. You used to be so good. Since 2004 or so, it has been a long downhill slide for you. Your best bartenders left for Green St. and other parts, you were consistently over-crowded with a kind of crappy after-work crowd, and then the last straw- you took the Down Home off the brunch menu. That slice o' ham and red-eye gravy was the best thing to happen to my lazy Saturdays.
Frankly, since the new Green St. opened I've only been to B-Side for brunch, and now I don't even go for that meal. I miss you, B-Side! Stop sucking!
Also, the hours here (and on their website) are incorrect- they stopped serving weekday lunch a year ago. -
Review from Ashley S.
Cambridge, MA
8/25/2006
We all know the bartenders and drinks are the best in Cambridge. What doesn't get mentioned much though is the brunch. Serving on Saturday and Sunday until 4p, it's filled with comfort food goodness. Probably the closest to a NYC brunch atmosphere I've had around Boston. Hmmm...maybe that's just the gigantic mimosa talking.
EDIT 10/07
I originally wrote this for my brunch list but now want to sing the praises of the bartenders and food as they should be. Dave and the gang really know how to mix a drink. He was the first to serve me Chartreuse Green V.E.P. and gave me a wistful look of "there's no turning back now" as he handed me the glass.
The food is solid comfort/bar food, with their dish of mussels being one of my favorites around town. Stick with the sandwiches and meal-sized appetizers and you can't go wrong.
Birthdays, catching up with friends, pre/post movie dinners, dates...there are about a 100 reasons to find me at the B-Side. And very regularly, you will. -
Review from Sarah G.
Somerville, MA
2/21/2007
Hooray for an excellent cocktail list so close to home! Bartenders know their stuff. I thought I hated blue cheese. I was so, so wrong - the blue cheese fries have shown me the light.
Everyone seems to be crazy about the food, but it is all a bit pricey for the atmosphere. It's probably all very good, but when I go to a dimly lit, laid back bar with a full reasonably priced drink list, I want some cheap, small options. -
Review from Scott T.
Cambridge, MA
9/11/2008
I just heard from some Boston friends that the B-Side is closing and going to become a west-coast brewery... what a travesty! One of my favorite Cambridge haunts, I visit it each time I'm in town and have tons of great memories. They make classic drinks, have great food and the atmosphere is always lively and friendly.
Who else is going to make my Devil's Torch for me?
Don't go, B-Side! If I have to move back to save you, just say the word. -
Review from Phil W.
Somerville, MA
10/2/2007
Love the B-Side.
Asked the bartender one time, "What do you recommend for bourbon?"
"What do you like?"
"Well, Maker's is fine, I prefer Knob Creek. I like Blanton's a lot, Bulleit is good..."
"Do you want to have sex tonight?" he asked.
"Wha?"
"Were you planning on having sex tonight?"
"Not tonight, but maybe tomorrow...?"
"Okay, try this." He poured me a taste of George T. Stagg, which was fantastic. Very strong stuff, but tasty as hell.
"I'll take one of those!" And now it's the bourbon I judge all bars by.
So yeah, the bartenders know their stuff. But the food's very good as well. The baked gouda appetizer? Awesome. The roast beef sandwich is great, the mussels are to die for, and everything I've had as an entree has been very satisfying.
I love their brunch (follow it with the pecan pie FTW!), and though the service is slow sometimes, the waitress we always seem to get is cute as hell and just as sweet. -
Review from Jef S.
2/6/2008
This is an enjoyable little place in Cambridge. I've been here a handful of times and always enjoyed it. It's not really a place to go drinking with the boys, though you could do that if you really wanted to. It's more of a meet and greet with some couples you know, or a date place. The food is really very good, but it's not for the faint of heart...vegans and allergies beware! My favorite are the steak tips with garlic mashed. They also have these wicked blue cheese fries that I've never tried, but Larry loved them, and whatever the Lar says, goes!
B-Side is full of young hipsters having fun, but it's not frathouse rowdy, which I like. It's crowded as hell and getting a bartender to pay attention to you when it's busy can be difficult unless you're willing to shove people out of your way. Comfy booths and good drinks round out an overall good experience. Have fun trying to find parking around here. It's not near the T either, which makes it suck that much more.Listed in: Boston: Living in the…
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Review from Rebecca H.
Norwalk, CT
12/22/2006
Love it. My co-workers and I trek on over here from the South End for special occasions.
$7.50 for a martini? Well... OKAY! And seriously, some of the best cocktails for fairly reasonable prices. In fact, probably the only (delicious) $7.50 martini I've consumed in this city to date.
Definitely go here. Even if it's out of the way. Plus, hard-boiled eggs at the bar. How could THAT ever be a bad idea?! Tip, though, if you're going around dinner time (especially in the summer for some reason) and want a table, make sure SOMEone in your group plans on getting food. Otherwise, you'll be met with a cold stare and a "Kindly move your arse to the bar" nod of the head by the wait-staff.Listed in: Barstool Mountain
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Review from Tracee D.
Boston, MA
7/22/2008
You will never see me here. It is not for me. The only cool part are the hard boiled egg offerings.
The service has never been polite. I don't like getting shoved around after the dinner crowd dissipates by staff. The food is not so fantastic.
I know a lot of people who used to work here, thank goodness they no longer work here- for I would never visit them at their work! -
Review from Jill H.
New York, NY
5/15/2008
I've only been once, and it may have been the company I was with that made it so enjoyable, but I thought this was a great little place tucked away in Cambridge. It has a diner feel, which is a draw for this NJ ex-pat.
Anyway, we had a great spot up at the bar, and I don't think there was any point where I didn't have a full glass. The bartender was available and ready to pour another by the time my drink hit the "danger! ice line approaching!" mark. I was there until closing and when we closed out, I think my total was $30 - and that was after putting on countless ketel one tonics and new castles. -
Review from Patrick F.
Somerville, MA
9/10/2008
To preface this, I pretty much only hit the B-Side for Brunch.
I kinda love the B-Side. It's not gourmet or anything but it's certainly above the bar most of the time. The drinks are pretty smashing there too. Most of the time It's Biscuits N Gravy with a Biggie Mimosa for me.
Aside from occasionally loud and or questionable music or sports coming through the speakers, it's a pretty good place to kill a hangover seein they serve Brunch till 4 both Saturday and Sunday. It seems like the flood of yuppies bringing their screaming spawn has died down so it's back at the top of my list once I get up sometime after noon or like 2pm.
Overall It's always struck me as a pretty classy yet hip & tattooed adornment to the neighborhood.Listed in: Noteworthy Nightlife, Meals,…, My Neighborhood, Top Restaurants
