Wondering where to find the best music venue in town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to catch live music in Cambridge, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to keep in mind when you're looking to see a show.
1. The Plough & Stars
Topping the list is The Plough & Stars. Located at 912 Massachusetts Ave. in Central Square, the Irish pub is the highest rated music venue in Cambridge, boasting four stars out of 307 reviews on Yelp. Grab a pint while you listen to live music seven nights a week, including a weekly Wednesday night blues jam.
While you're there, food choices include fish and chips, burgers, salads, New Orleans-style gumbo and more; and there's a $10 beer and burger special, offered Monday through Friday until 7 p.m. Check out the menu and calendar here.
2. Toad
Next up is Porter Square's Toad, situated at 1912 Massachusetts Ave. With four stars out of 146 reviews on Yelp, the divey club and bar has proven to be a local favorite.
It offers 12 drafts on tap, in addition to cans, bottles, wine and cocktails. A limited menu includes burgers, chicken tenders and fries or tots.
Yelper Chirl P. writes, "This place is awesome! I came here on a Saturday night for a chill night to hang out with some friends. It is a little hole in the wall, but it's so cute. If you want a seat, do come early but standing is not so bad. They have live music, and cheap drinks [and] food." See who's performing here.
3. Club Passim
Harvard Square's Club Passim, located at 47 Palmer St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the non-profit music hall and American bistro four stars out of 110 reviews. The venue bills itself as a listening room, bringing artists from all genres, patrons, teachers and students together.
The kitchen is open during shows, serving small bites, burgers, salads and desserts. If you'd like an entree, try the spinach ravioli. Soft drinks, beer, wine, ciders and a few cocktails are available.
4. Lizard Lounge
Lizard Lounge, a music venue that offers burgers and more in Porter Square, is another go-to, with four stars out of 103 Yelp reviews. Dubbed "an intimate, eclectic hot spot," by Rolling Stone, the lounge offers live music seven nights a week, featuring both local artists and national acts.
"With its subterranean location, sensuous red lighting, and welcoming staff, Lizard Lounge brings a unique vibe to performances," the venue's website notes. "As the Huffington Post says, 'Lizard Lounge feels like a house party without curfew.'" Head over to 1667 Massachusetts Ave. to see for yourself.
