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Tavern at the End of the World
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Pubs, Restaurants [Edit]
108 Cambridge St(between Carter St & Brighton St)
Charlestown, MA 02129
Neighborhood: Charlestown
(617) 241-4999
- Nearest Transit:
-
Cambridge St @ Carter St (86, 91)
Cambridge St @ Parker St (86, 91)
Cambridge St @ Brighton St (86, 91)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Live, Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
64 reviews for Tavern at the End of the World
Review Highlights
"A hipster bar near Sullivan Square."
(in 10 reviews)
"...with the likes of Pretty Things Brewery and other artisans..."
(in 3 reviews)
"This place also has live music some evenings."
(in 6 reviews)
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64 reviews in English
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Review from use your t.
Boston, MA
11/14/2011
tasty food and beer, friendly bartender.
veggie burger with habanero flavoring added. crisp french fries.
free sample of beer on tap to see if I like it.
So what could be better? I'll be back -
Review from Alexandra S.
Hingham, MA
My husband and I were driving home from running some errands when we got a call from one of our friends who was at his contracting office in Charlestown, a place we were coincidentally only 5 minutes away from at the time. When we mentioned this fact to him, he told us to swing by to meet up with him.
His office is down the street from this tavern and so we decided to go there for a couple of beers. I was pleasantly surprised, having never set foot in here before.
Since it was late afternoon, there were only a few others in the bar and dining areas combined. It's a pleasant place with an Irish pub kind of feel.
Right off the bat the most impressive thing to me was checking out the terrific list of beers both bottled and draft. It's quite a collection of local, domestic and European brews with many things I'd never heard of nor tried before. Love that!
I went with the Rapscallion pale ale they had on draft.
I liked that it's a from a local brewery in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
We weren't hungry but I did check out the menu and it looked both surprising and good. I'm used to not finding much of anything I can or will eat on most bar menus. Here, there was not only the more typical bar food you'd expect but also a few things veggies could eat. That's a plus for sure.
There's a cool looking jukebox here with great selections. I love a good jukebox.
This place also has live music some evenings.
I'm only giving this place 3 stars because I haven't tried the food and I haven't seen what it's like when it's really hopping. Being there on a late afternoon with only a few other patrons makes it difficult to know how it all shakes out under more typical circumstances
For us, the service was attentive and friendly, the beer selections interesting and good, the prices reasonable and the atmosphere down to earth and comfortable. And hurray, there's a clean bathroom.
This place is in a spot convenient to the Sullivan Square environs but is otherwise in a bit of an industrial, forlorn-ish looking area. I would definitely return though if only to try more from the cool beer list and have a nosh.Listed in: Belly Up To The Bar
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Review from jim b.
Somerville, MA
11/8/2011
It is the best place in the neighborhood, but that isn't saying all that much. Great beer selection, the prices vary from bartender to bartender and night to night (from $5-6.5 a pint, so no bargain). For $11 (add $2 if you want a single slice of bacon added) is a decent cheeseburger, but not really worth it. The fish dishes I've had are good deals. I'm feeling it at 3.5 stars, with .5 of that being the quality and style of pub for the location.
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Review from Scott S.
Charlestown, MA
8/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to the Tavern at least a dozen times. I live just up the road, and it's one of the only places within walking distance. Thankfully, it's a terrific place. The food is extra tasty pub fare, with some heartier dishes, as well as their delicious panini-like "toasties".
Run by two awesome brothers? (they're definitely related) that are always friendly and good for a laugh. You can sometimes run into a lag in service when the place gets busy. They usually just have the two guys working the bar and tables. The beer selection is varied, but not massive.
The place is fairly small, but there's a handful of tables in a casual/quaint setting. The main dining room is separated from the bar area, and it features a not-exactly-glamorous open kitchen. It's usually pretty busy but not cramped, and there's always something interesting playing on the jukebox. It's good for small groups, but once you pass half a dozen people, you may be hard-pressed to find a place to sit.
Overall, The Tavern is a great place to meet friends, have some dinner, or just stop by for a quick drink. It's not worth coming across town for, but definitely the best bar in the immediate area. -
Review from Greg D.
Middlesex, MA
7/2/2011
I was surprised at how nice this place on the inside. For a local bar it has a great selection of beer. It is defiantly off of the beaten bath and if in a better location, it could do 3 times the business.
This place does get crowded with local and there is a poetry slam or AA meeting, I am not sure which, on wednesday nights. Defiantly a must for East Somervlle. -
Review from Joe Y.
Medford, MA
2/27/2011
Hot Damn this place rules!
Sullivan Square is not known for its hearth and kettle atmosphere. From the Schrafts Building to the McGrath-O'Brien Highway, Cambridge St is a series of industrial buildings that would be better suited for a complex off of 495. But, lo and behold, this miserable stretch also houses a little piece of sunshine known as the Tavern at the End of the World.
Opened a few years ago by some renegades from JJ Foley's/Squealing Pig family, the Tavern features some fine traditional pub fare with an international flair. I highly suggest the BBQ Pulled pork sandwich with its savory sauce. There are still giant chunks of stewed tomato in there! The curries are delicious too.
For a place in Sullivan Square, the beer selection borders on the absurd. Rogue, Geary's,Victory... they are always introducing newer brews than the ones I always expect to see. Go here if you want to experiment with different types of beer without seeing a Budweiser anywhere in the place. -
Review from Rebecca L.
Brighton, MA
5/12/2011
My boyfriend and I came here pretty much by chance. I should clarify. My boyfriend had been here before (more than once I'm sure, given his location), but it wasn't on our list of places to go eat. We had planned to hop on the 86 into Harvard Square for dinner one night, but when we missed the bus and realized the next one wasn't for over half an hour, we wandered into this place.
The bar was packed, but the back dining room was pretty free. I attribute this partly to the Celtics game that was just wrapping up.
Our waiter was a delightfully disgruntled older man, who was surprisingly easy to win over once I noted that the place reminded me of the Squealing Pig (based on a couple of the menu options). He seemed pretty pleased to tell me that they were owned by brothers. In addition to his demeanor and attitude, the service was generally above par. The only thing that took a bit of time was getting our check, but even that wasn't bad compared to several places I frequent.
While we waited on our food, my boyfriend suggested I put on some music at the jukebox. I love how obscure some of the music was and had a blast mixing some of my favorites (Johnny Cash) with some stuff I didn't know at all.
The food was delicious. I can't remember what my boyfriend ordered, but that's because I was busy dreaming about and subsequently devouring my Chipotle Burger with bacon and Gorgonzola. It was absolutely delicious and cooked just the way I ordered it (medium rare).
Overall it was a great experience and I certainly hope to come here again, soon. -
Review from Hermin M.
Everett, MA
11/11/2010
I really don't know why this keeps happening to me?? Maybe it's because I'm attracted to the seediest of places? I walked into this place around 11:30 and I got awkward stares, which really is no big deal. Walked up to the bar and asked for a Bacardi and Diet, well I ended up getting a tequila and coke?? When I complained, the barkeep told me he thought that "all Mexicans preferred that crap" (I'm not even Mexican, but am Hispanic)... I go the message, sat there for about 5 minutes then left...on the way out some locals yelled "get the F out-of-here"...
On to the next dive I guess! -
Review from Aaron K.
Allston, MA
1/15/2011
I must say, I appreciate a bar that seems as though it will be a dive but winds up having good beer and a surprisingly interesting menu. And given my personal preferences, I especially appreciate the $5, heaping pile of truffle fries. The bartender was friendly, the other patrons were pleasant, and I like the pub feel.
However, the truffle fries were pretty "meh" due to the lack of additional spices and a thin, plain texture. The beer selection was fine, but it didn't stand out, given all the bars in Boston with excellent beers.
Good place. If you're in the area, it's a good place to get a good beer. -
Review from Jake C.
Boston, MA
3/17/2011 7 Check-ins Here
After some reluctance to wander in after reading previous reviews, I'm glad I did. The space is warm and comfortable. Front room has a few tables in front of the bar, back room has twice as much seating. I stopped in on a slow Tuesday night for a bite and easily found a spot at the bar. Interesting people chatted me up at the bar, including a very kind bartender, an attractive woman, and an MIT researcher.
Very inviting atmosphere, but I should mention that I am White. Everyone in there was. This bar is on the border between Charlestown and Somerville, so not surprising, but still worth mentioning.
Several great beers on tap, including two from Dogfish Head, a phenomenal (and my favorite East Coast) brewery. Kitchen was open late, serving right up until midnight.
Overall, a good place to go back for a nice, chill drink with a friend. -
Review from Paul C.
Boston, MA
9/25/2010
You get what you pay for. This pub lives up to its reputation for well prepared (not great) food at a fair price. It's a star in this rough location on a truck route.
The place is not particularly clean. It is extremely noisy, due to the hard-surface decor. Very difficult to have a serious conversation. I would not use this place for doing business, unless you like drinking beer while doing business. Something I don't recommend.
My favorite eccentricity is the urinal placed right next to the men's room door at an angle that could get you arrested for indecent exposure if someone opens the door while you're using it. -
Review from Tom K.
10/28/2010
So I can't say I'm a fan, but there's definitely nothing wrong with this Sullivan Square pub. And for the area, it probably can't be beat. But this just isn't a place I'm going out of my way for.
I've come here twice now, both times to meet up with a friend that lives locally. First time we sat on the restaurant side and more recently at the bar. Both experiences were met with a good beer selection, some good sandwiches, and decent enough service.
As others have mentioned, on various nights you have to put up with various performances on the restaurant side- from comedy shows to live music- which in of themselves aren't terrible but Sullivan Sq is only going to draw so much talent. The bar side only has one tv, so if you're looking for a place to catch the game, you might want to move on.
All in all, a place I'll probably be back to, if only because there's nothing better in this forgotten neighborhood. -
Review from Matheus C.
Somerville, MA
4/22/2011
To be fair, I'm really only rating the place off the strength of their potato salad. The place could be run by Nazi sympathizers and have a poisonous snake problem, but I would go back for the potato salad. I don't even like potato salad. I have a shameful amount of anti-potato salad literature and propaganda tucked away at my parents lake house in New Hampshire. But this stuff is ridiculous. I got some kind of fish sandwich too that I recall fancying. The atmosphere is what you'd expect from a Charlestown Pub, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the same night I yucked it up with a 28 year old in a Patriots jacket and Red Sox hat, and a 70-something year old with a Red Sox jacket and Patriots hat. I was like: "Is this really happening?"All in all, a good experience.
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Review from Jonathan J.
Ann Arbor, MI
5/30/2010
Walked into this place off the street for lunch during a business trip. Took me a moment to realize that this menu had some items you are not going to expect. I ordered a toastie I believe they call them and was blown out.
I had to catch a flight about three hours later. Took half the toastie home with me to Ann Arbor. Once Amanda got home I unwrapped it and had her take a bite. Her eyes lit up. It was worth smuggling.
I keep trying to engineer another business trip to Somerville so I can hit this place again. -
Review from R B.
Charlestown, MA
7/27/2011
Awesome beer selection. Pretty good food. Never too crowded.
It is on the "other" side of Charlestown so the location is a bit weird. -
Review from George S.
Cambridge, MA
8/7/2011
I'm not sure what to say. This place is fun and very down to earth. I mainly came there for events, where I knew the DJs/musicians, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Is it easy to get to if you live in Cambridge and don't have a car or bike? Not really. (The path from Sullivan is a bit dark and dodgy at night.) But it's definitely worth the ride.
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Review from Colleen Y.
Cambridge, MA
11/22/2008 ROTD 3/3/2009
In a cashewshell:
Belgian beer
Owner operator feel
Cozy atmosphere
Ironic vibe, unique and smart art choices contrasted with simple and rustic room styling (wooden bar, American flag)
Pretty pumped to write the first review about the Bar at the End of the World, because it kind of kicks ass. Sullivan Square is not what I would call a 'hip area with a lot of little known gems' but, this bar has changed that.
If you went looking for it, it would be hard to find. Its across from a small Dunkin Donuts (I know, I know, that doesn't tell you anything in Boston), and I've honestly never seen a sign. (They have a sign now.) When my friends from work would tell me to meet there I actually thought they were just making up the name because it is on the edge of our building so I was surprised to learn it feels like it is on the end of the world and it actually is on the end of our building.
From the outside, it looks like a dump...not because of the building, more because of the area. It is industrial and off the beaten path, and by off the beaten path I mean it looks like the path has been thoroughly beaten, Washington St. is pot hole city.
But, the beer is great, they have Duvel which I love and the normal favs on tap. They have lots of tables that you can seat a large group at, and until it goes discovered, my coworkers kind of own the happy hour. The only other people there are blue collar workers from the area.
I also enjoy that even though it is in the unposh Sullivan Sq. it does have some really smart artwork. The only thing I'm not really into is the huge American flag painting on the wall, it fits in with the rustic feel of the place but not with the other artwork. Otherwise, I think the genuine smart dive bar feel with a clean streak feel is really working for this place. Plus, a cool bathroom sign--always a plus.
The bartender/owner (I think) is friendly but so authentic. He looks like a 50 something who used to be the tough guy with a good heart. You know, the one who listens to Van Morrison and wears the same worn in jeans and hanes t shirt from when he was 35. I also know that one time when my work crew was happy houring there, he ordered a bunch of pizzas for them. Pretty cool, and business savvy.
FYI I think they are still waiting on a credit card machine, but he said it should be in any day. (Update: CC machine now.)
So, ya, I love this place and think it deserves some more patronage. So if you're ever around Charlestown...hit it up.
PS. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because I wish they had food options. (Update: They have food now.)Listed in: My hot spots from 9am to 5pm
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Review from Mcslimj B.
Boston, MA
2/10/2010
A friendly, modest neighborhood pub with many small virtues, including decent food (including occasional unexpected Nepali flavors), an excellent beer selection, live entertainment, and a really good jukebox.
They say there's no accounting for taste, though most folks will agree that if your tastes and mine are similar, then we both have good taste. This occurred to me as I scanned the jukebox at Charlestown's Tavern at the End of the World, a neighborhood bar/restaurant just outside Sullivan Square. I thought, "Classic punk, garage, British Invasion, soul: stuff I like. This owner has good taste." Then I noticed the mostly small-producer beer selection of a dozen drafts plus a Belgian-heavy 15 imports and nearly 30 domestics in bottles: eclectic and abstruse enough to satisfy a real beer geek. There's a comfy 12-seat bar with a TV, 14 seats at tables, and another 30 seats in a back room that features live entertainment (comedy, DJs, bands) a few nights per week and big-screen sports on weekend afternoons.
That back room also houses an open kitchen that turns out an equally eclectic, modestly priced menu drawing mostly from the British Isles and American bar-fare standards. Pizza is thin-crust, or rather two very thin crusts rolled together and given a char on the grill; the margherita ($8) actually tastes of fresh basil. Tuscan wings ($7) are an off-kilter idea: 10 deep-fried wings drizzled with fake-truffle oil and grated Parmesan -- better to stick with the classic Buffalo style ($7). Toasties ($7-9) are enormous sandwiches of excellent Iggy's bread grilled on a sandwich press, with options like a Cubano ($8) of roast pork, ham, cheese, and mustard. These come with excellent hand-cut fries. Burgers ($8-10) are substantial, tasty, and served on good rolls.
Given the owner's Belfast roots, I expected shepherd's pie ($10) of beef and lamb to be good, and was not disappointed. The batter-fried cod in a fish and chips platter ($10), with more of those fine fries, was likewise very fine. What I didn't see coming were the excellent curries ($9-11) of vegetables, chicken, or fish; it turns out the three chefs are from Nepal, which makes their beef kabobs ($10) and curry fries ($4) also a cut above. While the food here is more often satisfying than amazing, it's part of a whole package -- very friendly staff, laid-back and unpretentious atmosphere, terrific beer, good music, nice prices -- that comes as a welcome surprise in an industrial-looking neighborhood without many cozy alternatives. If your taste runs to places like Tavern at the End of the World, then I guess you have good taste, too. -
Review from Nicole E.
Somerville, MA
2/12/2009
When you think of the area near Sullivan Square, you don't often think of cool places to hang out. What comes to my mind is a traffic congested area that's kind of sketch. Think purse snatchers and creepy middle-aged men from Everett asking if they can go home with you. DO NOT WANT! But turn the corner, walk up Cambridge St and there it is, a gem among rocks.
So I stop in last night for their open mike night that happens every Wednesday. I've been to many many open mikes to support a friend of mine who does stand-up. I must say, this is one of the better places I've been! The small room was full of people and a bunch of comedians. With an open mike you will get the expected inexperienced and those that just plain aren't awesome. Like the guy who got up there and talked about beating off for his entire 6 minutes. I really don't want to hear about your wang-in-hand addiction for your entire bit. But then there are others who have it down. They bring the giggles and belly laughs while you sip your bev and have a nibble. I was very pleased!
I'm sad to say that I have not tried their food though I definitely will have to. You can see their open kitchen as they prep food for hungry mouths. The bartender was busy but I never had to wait long for a refill. I've been to places that have insane beer lists and crappy beer lists but this one was the Goldilocks of the all. They are just right. There is some variety but not overwhelmingly so. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is laid back. I wonder if its possible to leave here unhappy!Listed in: Date Spots, When I'm not there, I'm here
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Review from Paul C.
Medford, MA
1/28/2010
This is honestly one of my favorite places.
I work a mere 100 feet form here at 56 Roland and was so glad when they were putting this pub up. The food is fantastic (i recommend the burgers and toasties), the beer selection is amazing (especially for lunch on a stressful day at the office) and the bar tenders are cute, talkative and knowledgeable.
An engineer and I, one day, took apart a machine, salvaged the aluminum and profitted big. What did we do with the money?
Well, we went to this little tavern next to work, got lunch, tied a few beers on and made some new friends with patrons and a bar keep.
Seriously, try this place out if you like delicious creative food or are into worldly and local brews!
Thank you, Tavern at the End of the World, for being my go to place!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Grimace M.
Cambridge, MA
4/2/2009
If only this place was easier to get to, I'd go here all of the time. Of course, if it was easier to get to, it'd probably be routinely packed and I had packed bars, so perhaps it is a good thing.
Total hidden gem, this place has some great food. Try the chipotle burger, served a perfect medium rare. A very wide ranging beer list with reasonable prices. Friendly bartenders, and a great neighborhood feel to the place. -
Review from Peter G.
Boston, MA
8/23/2009
Literally steps from the Sullivan Square T Stop is a world where Boston prices never existed.
Yet this place has all the fix-ins of an expensive gastropub: craft and local beers and an ever-changing menu of inspired pub grub.
Service can be a tad slow, as the bartender single-handedly serves the bar, front room, and back room. But even seated at a table, he doesn't bat an eyelash if you get up to order at the bar or to ask for the check.
If your sick of Boston prices, but are looking for a solid gastropub experience, The Tavern At the End of the World is your place. -
Review from Ty B.
Mid-Cambridge, MA
8/2/2009
A decent place with a nice beer selection that appears to change regularly. Food is decent but just the standard stuff.
One thing to watch out for is the men's room. Its layed out in such a way that you are guranteed to see a johnson when you walk in. -
Review from Josh G.
Somerville, MA
1/27/2009
It may be too early to rave, but we checked out this place last Thursday and it was awesome. A nice little beer menu, heavy on the Belgians. The food was excellent. We had calamari that overflowed the large platter and was fantastic. I made the mistake of pigging out a bit, and after finishing my huge juicy burger felt a bit too full. Sleeeeppy....but the good kind.
Apparently there's comedy in the back room on Wednesdays and some seemingly random live music nights, but I think this place will really shine as a top-notch local. It's laid-back, but not lazy. The chef came out to talk to us about the calamari (excellent sauce, by the way), and we felt like it was really important to everyone there that we enjoyed our food and our beers.
I'll be back, and I'm dragging all of my friends. -
Review from Elaine A.
Medford, MA
5/11/2010
This place is surprising.
The outside looks a little dive-y. The inside is a bit bare-bones.
The staff just got a lot better, which is awesome, and they also got some printed beer menus (much easier than trying to read the bottles across the bar and through the fridge door.)
They're food is really good. It's just a super clean stainless steel kitchen with one guy, and he does some good grub. I've had some really decent sandwiches, fish chowder, burgers, etc. They have a great assortment of toasties, including for dessert, a mars bar toastie.
I think they're really a hidden gem in the beer department though, because they have some good stuff on tap, including Rapscallion, which is one of my favorites, and an extensive bottled collection for a small place.
I recommend it.Listed in: Drink Beer Like a Pro.
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Review from Dic D.
Somerville, MA
4/15/2009
What a change. I used to work in the area, and wanted to show my friend the shithole that used to be there. Went in a couple weeks before Christmas... absolutely nobody there. Dead. Big beer selection, although I am not a "beer snob" and prefer regular american beers (i.e. not microbrews).
Anyhow.... fast forward to March... I stop in with my girlfriend and the place is absolutely PACKED. There were a lot of people there, a strange mix of people, whatever... and a band playing. Big improvement from before... even though I love dive bars, I won't miss the old place.
Beer prices are reasonable, and it's the only place to go in the neighborhood, so a good place to stop in! -
Review from Casey F.
Salem, MA
8/18/2010
A great neighborhood pub.
Lots of good beer on tap, lots of great craft bottle in the fridge. Excellent pub food. If there wasn't any beer, I'd still go just to get a ham and cheddar toastie and mustard-y potato salad.
Friendly staff and owner, simple but comfy bar area and a separate room with additional tables for diners. -
Review from Julia F.
12/10/2008
I feel like it's like when girls follow a good hairdresser around, to follow a good bartender around to the next place he works. I know Timmy from The Field, he makes good shots, he pours a quick pint, and is always in a good mood, and listens to some of the best music I've heard in a bar lately.
I like this place. It's clean, it's nicely organized, and doesn't try to show off. On a Thrusday night or Friday night, I went in with my friend and we were able to chat with Timmy and be heard. The other patrons were your run of the mill hard working people - it wasn't run amuk with students and the like. The sidewalk did get a little crowded with all the smokers out there at once, but whatever.
I am sooooo excited for when I can roll in on a weekend and get a full irish breakfast *fingers crossed* let it be soon! Or go see a live band and eat dinner and relax. The bathrooms in this place are huge, clean and smell pretty. -
Review from Joe G.
5/11/2010
I wandered here for a quick drink after work one day just because it's (as far as I can tell) the only bar really within walking distance of Sullivan Square, but I think I'd go back even if it had some local competition.
I was one of two people there at the time (around 5 PM on a Wednesday), so I had plenty of time to look around and admire the decor - it had a very modest, comfortable feel. The bartender was awesome, she was very talkative and friendly, and she played a selection of sweet 80s new wave music from her iPod which instantly endeared me to the bar.
Unknowns: I'm not sure how the crowd here is when it's busy (I've heard mixed reviews), and I've never had the food here, but I've heard it's very good. -
Review from Lynette S.
Roslindale, MA
2/22/2009
They have organic (chicken, not sure about the sauce actually....) buffalo wings...oh my!
Had dinner there tonight. Ordered curry french fries (the bartender told me with pride that they were hand-cut)...the curry flavor was dead-on!!!
Also got the mixed greens salad with cajun blackened chicken...yum all around...
small pub menu but they also had burgers, "toasties" a cute name for toasted sandwiches...pizza, shepard's pie, 2 curry dishes (one vegetarian!),
dessert: "irish mars bar:" belgian waffle with bananas, cream & strawberries...i was too full for dessert but want to go back sometime specifically for this!
they also serve a full irish breakfast.
wall-mounted juke-box, 1 flat-screen tv @ end of bar, back room of tables/open kitchen...
as with many small pubs, they do not have a wine list but just a few offerings.
all in all, this phantom approves... -
Review from Kelly A.
4/20/2009
LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!
It was the boy's birthday, and he chose to have his birthday dinner here, at the Tavern at the End of the World. He had heard good things about their beer list, and some of my friends' bands have played shows here, so we thought it would be a good opportunity to check it out.
We went on a Saturday night, and it wasn't very crowded. They were showing the Bruins playoff game intermittently with the Red Sox game, so we were able to keep tabs on the score, which was nice.
The menus came and we were pleasantly surprised by the number of vegetarian options. I ordered the vegetarian quesadilla (though admittedly I was tempted by the brie and cranberry 'toastie') and he ordered the vegetarian curry. I also decided to order a beer, which is quite a departure from the norm for me, but sometimes having an Allagash White just seems like the perfect thing to do. And perfect it was. The boy got a Dead Guy Ale, which he said wasn't in the best shape, but he appreciated the offering anyways.
My quesadilla was really good. It was filled with vegetables and black beans, served alongside sour cream, salsa, and some variety of homemade cole slaw. I despise cole slaw, but this didn't look like the normal drenched-in-mayo nastiness you might typically associate with it. It was dressed with olive oil and black pepper, and the slices of cabbage (I'm guessing anyways) were thick and very visually appealing. The boy devoured my cole slaw, saying it was one of the best versions he'd ever had. He also really liked his curry.
The service was a bit gruff, but that's kind of what I expected, especially since we weren't regulars. That just might change though, as we're only about 11 minutes away and they have a much more extensive beer selection than any of the places in my 'hood. Plus it was cheap - for two beers and two dinners, it only came to $25. Score. -
Review from Anthony V.
Boston, MA
1/11/2010
Positive: I really liked this place when i got in. It's small and although its roots are very Irish, its not too much for someone who isn't. They have a really great and unique beer selection (with the likes of Pretty Things Brewery and other artisans) as well as a pretty cute bartender who shared my love for them.
I think the total capacity of the place is under 50 people so it again isn't a massive place.
Negative: After the cute bartender left, i had to close out my tab with an older guy who looked like he may be a manager or even the owner. He had initially run my credit card, charing me for three drinks instead of two. After i brought this to his attention he corrected it immediately and without question which honestly made me feel like he was just trying to get away with charging more. So after he 'fixed' it, I noticed on my back statement a week later that I had still been charged the amount for three drinks.
All in all, i plan to go back although I will be only paying in cash, just in case. -
Review from Barney B.
San Diego, CA
3/6/2010
a few months ago I decided that I was going to write a series of reviews of bars, comparing them to type of boat they would be - I thought that bars, like boats, came in all shapes and sizes, with all kinds of 'passengers' and are held together with a unique combination of knick-knacks, ahrd work, and often duct tape.
That series lasted for one review......but I think its revival is warranted for this place.
This place is the boat your buddy owns. nothing fancy, but definitely well-suited for a good time. It knows what it is and doesn't pretend to be something that it isn't - good for short or long trips with whatever gathering you are with.
solid
and sold -
Review from John P.
Cambridge, MA
6/6/2009
Don't quite know what to make of this place.
Picture your typical seedy dive - a basement with the bare minimum requirements to call it a bar. Cheap wood floors, scrap tables. The kind of place your grandfather would go drinking in after the Knights of Columbus let out.
Now give this place an impressive local beer selection (Dogfish on tap).
Throw up some randomly selected film posters on the wall (The Killing of A Chinese Bookie, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, a Sherlock Holmes movie, etc).
Now add a wide-open back room with a grill (that I've never seen on) and an act completely at odds with the rest of the bar. This Saturday, for instance: aggressive, crunchy techno of the most staccato beats imaginable. A dozen hipsters lounging or throbbing to the beat.
I don't get it and I don't pretend to. But it's a good time. -
Review from Jennifer S.
Somerville, MA
8/7/2009
For what it may lack in ambiance (think: lighting that no one looks sexy in) it makes up for in kick ass food.
I've had: Cheddar Tomato Onion toastie, Chicken Pesto Brie Tomato toastie and the Chicken Club sandwich.
The toasties come on big thick sturdy amazing bread. The regular sandwiches come on thinner, weaker bread - I wasn't as much of a fan of these (although I have to admit 3 slices of huge bread like on the toasties in a club = only Steven Tyler can open that wide.)
Love the skinny cut fries too.
They offer takeout, which is a total blessing because this is the only place within walking distance of my house besides Taco Loco, and there are only so many nights a week a girl can have a (tasty) burrito loaded with inappropriate vegetables. -
Review from Lila S.
10/15/2010
The word neighborhood comes to mind when i think of this place as a bar.
I think I like the atmosphere of this place. No super stuck up snobbys ( I mean in C-town not usual anyways) and a fair mix of working folk in the somerville/cambridge/charlestown intersects.
I havent had much of the food.. just finger foods that I can't really rave about or complain about either.. just average.
As a beer connoisseur I do like their selection here. Although they must have a crazy sponsorship by Dogfishead because they seem to have every single brew they make! I'm not a huge fan, but I hear the 90 min IPA is crazy good if you like IPA. I was disappointed that they didn't have Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale.. the BEST pumpkin ale ever.. but they did have something very similar and almost as good. Forgive me yelpies, I can't remember the name of the pumpkin brew but the staff is super helpful and very nice and attentive. They shall help you find the pumpkin suds you wanna suck down.
I have to say that this is the place to visit after work during the week. Its too small for the weekend crowd. You cant breathe in there on a saturday or friday night when they occasionally have live music.
overall I just really like the feel of this place and their great beer selection. Im sure you will find the same so go n love it up! -
Review from Gary G.
Winchester, MA
2/7/2011
Good, reasonably priced beer and ok bar food. Fish n chips good, honey mustard sauce and onion rings too.
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Review from scooter s.
Cambridge, MA
3/30/2011
I pretty much live here, since it's next to where I work... but even if it were less convenient, it's still the perfect Local Hangout. The food is yummy, there is a good beer selection, and the staff is awesome. It's a low-key non-pretentious place that is rarely ever packed, but not empty either. It has local flavor, but is friendly enough that you don't feel like you're intruding if you strike up a conversation with a stranger or even butt into someone else's!
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Review from Katie V.
10/8/2009
Love the vibe of this place -- unassuming and cozy, cool without trying too hard. It has a small-town pub feel and the prices to match. The food is excellent and, to my shock and delight, they actually serve good wine, which in beer-dominant Boston, is a huge boon.
I recommend checking out the Wednesday night comedy show, which is free and starts at 8 pm. There's always a good roster of talent and enough rowdy locals in the audience to keep things entertaining off-stage. And the TV at the bar will have the baseball game on, even if the Sox aren't playing. -
Review from Mary B.
10/7/2009
Homage to Douglas Adams or a nod to the Apocalypse? Judging by the old movie posters of films that depict the end of dayz I'd say the latter inspired the naming of this unassuming bar in the wilds of Sullivan Square.
Upon entering, you feel like you're in the first floor apartment of a Somerville triple decker that's hosting a cool party that yah dudes and their saccharine arm candy are not invited to. It's a small place, but it never got claustrophobic even on a weekend evening. I came for a DJ night so they had the back room cleared for dancing and mingling but it was clear they serve food there at other times because people were bopping around next to the ketchup dispensers and A1 sauce on the counters.
Great beer selection... I didn't see all that was on tap but they had BBC Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale, which is so potently, dangerously delicious. They also have small but nicely selected bottled supply of Belgian and local craft beers. They had at least 4 pumpkin brew options as well so they are obviously rotating them seasonally. Service is congenial and without attitude.
I'll definitely be back... to try the food, dance next to condiments, and indulge in brews even the 4 Horsemen couldn't resist.
