Cambridge Dining Guide
Best Bars & Cocktails in Harvard Square
The 5 bars & cocktails restaurants in Harvard Square worth walking to — ranked, with addresses, hours, and T access. Curated by Guide to Cambridge.
Cambridge's bar scene is more varied than most people expect. Beyond the classic college bars of Harvard Square, you'll find speakeasy-style cocktail lounges with house-made bitters, natural wine bars with curated European imports, local craft breweries, and neighborhood Irish pubs that have anchored their blocks for generations.
Insider TipCambridge bars close at 1 AM (some at 2 AM on weekends). For the best cocktail experience, visit earlier in the evening when bartenders have time to craft custom drinks.
Wusong Road
Tiki Bar · 112 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Hidden tiki bar in historic Conductors Building. Minority & LGBTQ+ owned. New England Chinese flavors meet classic tiki drinks. Named USA Today Restaurant of the Year.
Noir Bar
Cocktail Bar · 1 Bennett St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Chic cocktail bar in The Charles Hotel with 1940s nightlife atmosphere. French-inspired cocktails, seasonal menus, and 5-4-3-2-1 Happy Hour. Black velvet elegance.
The Longfellow Bar
Cocktail Bar · 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Above Alden & Harlow in historic Café Algiers space. Craft cocktails with house-made infusions, syrups, and bitters. The famous secret burger available all night.
Shay's Pub & Wine Bar
Wine Bar · 58 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard Square institution since 1984. Cozy basement pub with curated wines, craft beers, and great burgers. Heated outdoor patio. Eclectic crowd of locals, professors, students.
Grafton Street Pub & Grill
Irish Pub · 1230 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Upscale Irish pub between Harvard and Porter Squares. Great beer selection, American fare with Irish touches. Late night kitchen, outdoor patio.