Cambridge’s Central Square experienced a renaissance early in this century and today the diverse neighborhood has a range of trendy cafés and nightclubs, as well as several technology start-ups. Photo via Wikimedia Commons/Eric Kilby

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Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: Central Square

A guide to eating, shopping, and hanging out in Cambridge’s other square

Long overshadowed by its glitzier and more affluent neighbor Harvard Square, Cambridge’s Central Square is a diverse neighborhood with an eclectic array of ethnic eateries and retail shops, as well as upscale restaurants and bars. Nearly demolished during the 1950s—officials planned to build an eight-lane highway directly through it—Central Square was spared, only to suffer from increasing crime and general decay through the 1970s and 1980s.

But the neighborhood experienced a renaissance and today boasts a range of trendy cafés and nightclubs, as well as a growing number of technology start-ups. Still, Central Square retains a certain grittiness that lends it an air of unpolished authenticity—precisely what makes it so appealing.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese and Burgers
292 Massachusetts Ave.

This classic grilled cheese and burger joint began with a food truck and now has a brick-and-mortar location in Central Square. The menu has unique combos, like the Green Muenster Melt (with applewood smoked bacon and housemade guacamole) and the Steak & Cheese (with shaved steak, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and Roxy’s three cheese blend). If grilled cheese isn’t your speed, Roxy’s also offers a variety of excellent burgers, including Justin’s Burger (with house made pimento cheese, caramelized onions, grillo’s pickles, and chipotle mayo), a classic bacon cheeseburger, and a mushroom burger (with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, truffle mayo, and arugula). Don’t forget to add a side of poutine fries or a decadent milkshake to your meal.

Naco Taco
297 Massachusetts Ave.

Naco’s menu is chock-full of inventive tacos and tortas (Mexican sandwiches on pressed telera bread). Choose from a variety of taco fillings—from braised pork with chile de árbol, cilantro crema, and pickled onion to fried shrimp with spicy cabbage slaw, chipotle aioli, and cilantro. Tortas have equally creative fillings, like chili braised beef brisket with arugula, Oaxaca cheese, guajillo mustard, and pickled jalapeño, or crispy tilapia with spicy cabbage slaw, tomato, pickled jalapeño, and cilantro mayo. In warmer months, the large outdoor patio draws a lively crowd. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

The Smoot Standard
313 Massachusetts Ave.

Opened in 2024 by the restaurateurs behind Central Square’s Naco Taco, this neighborhood restaurant, cafe, and bar honors a nonstandard unit of length, the Smoot Standard, which was created in 1958, when a group of MIT students decided to measure the length of the Harvard Bridge using the body of an MIT student, Oliver R. Smoot: the bridge measured 364.4 smoots ± one ear long (each smoot measuring a distance of 5 feet, 7 inches). The breakfast menu includes open-face bagels, pastries, and the very popular Smoot’s Breakfast Sandwich (with fried egg, cheddar, black pepper mayo, and a hash brown, on brioche). The lunch menu has a variety of salads and sandwiches, while for dinner there are plates like grilled scallops (with bitter greens, Sicilian olives, and blood orange) and Chicken Milanese (served with arugula, kale pesto, and parmesan).

Miracle of Science Bar + Grill
321 Massachusetts Ave.

This geek-chic bar’s claim to fame rests on its periodic table chalkboard menu on the wall behind the bar, giving it a quirky charm. Menu items are color coded into groups—on a bun, quesadillas, appetizers, desserts, skewers, and more—and organized as if on a true periodic table. The rotating beer list features local favorites and smaller community brews, including IPAs, lagers, ales, and more.

Desi Dhaba
401 Massachusetts Ave.

This restaurant is serving up some of Cambridge’s most authentic Indian cuisine, with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Start your meal with the Dhaba platter, featuring the chef’s choice of vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetizers. Other standouts: Dosas (a thin, stuffed crepe, made with rice and lentils), the Lamb Korma (pieces of boneless lamb cooked in a light creamy sauce with mild spices, herbs, and nuts, served with saffron-flavored basmati rice), Chicken Karahi (boneless chicken sauteed with fresh ginger, onion, peppers, tomato sauce, and a unique combination of spices), and Chana Bhatura (whole chickpeas cooked with onions, tomatoes, and authentic spices, served with bhatura, a north indian fried bread). Desi Dhaba also has an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, served daily from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, for only $14.95.

New City Microcreamery
403 Massachusetts Ave.

New City Microcreamery is unlike any other ice cream shop in the area: they use a liquid nitrogen technique to create smaller ice crystals than normal ice cream, producing the smooth texture they’re known for. The shop has classic flavors, like vanilla and cookies and cream, along with more adventurous options, such as tiramisu or baklava. Try the Nëwtellaroché (chocolate hazelnut ice cream with swirls of chocolate hazelnut cream and chunks of hazelnut clusters) or sweet corn vanilla blackberry (sweet corn ice cream with vanilla bean and swirls of blackberry). You can also create your own ice cream with custom gravies (sauces) and funks (fun toppings). The shop has vegan options too, including vegan peanut butter oreo (nondairy soy milk ice cream and peanut butter ice cream with Oreo pieces) and mango sorbet. Sundaes and milkshakes are available as well.

Mariposa Bakery
424 Massachusetts Ave.

At Mariposa, everything’s homemade: soups, baked goods, and breads. Besides the wide selection of homemade products—be sure to try one of the signature pretzel rolls—you can also sip direct trade coffee and organic teas. And the scones—ranging from a classic orange and currant to more adventurous combinations like kale and parmesan or blackberry lime—are not to be missed. If you’re looking for something more filling, Mariposa offers a delicious selection of sandwiches, like the avocado banh mi (classic Vietnamese sandwich with avocado, mixed greens, tomato, cucumber, pickled daikon, and carrot, with lime garlic & cilantro vinaigrette, on a housemade baguette) or the Italian chicken (house roasted chicken with mozzarella, tomatoes, pesto, and greens). You can also find Mariposa Bakery items at local markets in Union Square, Somerville, and Arlington throughout the spring and summer.

Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar
425 Massachusetts Ave.

Jaho Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar has several locations in and around Boston as well as this Central Square outpost. The menu has a number of creative coffee items, from a maple soy latte to iced Hanoi, a Vietnamese-style iced coffee. You’ll also find hot teas, boba and bubble teas, Frosticcinos (essentially a milkshake with espresso), smoothies, ciders, juices, and even martinis on the menu. There’s also a range of Mediterranean pastries, cake cups, sandwiches, donuts, pizza bagels, and puddings. Jaho’s motto is “Live Slow,” and the cozy atmosphere, with mood lighting, wooden floors, and dark walls, provides the opportunity to do just that. 

Si Cara
425 Massachusetts Ave.

This neighborhood pizza bar specializes in freshly made gourmet pizzas. Inspired by traditional Italian Sunday family dinners, Si Cara is all about bringing people together and elevating simple dishes It has a range of appetizers, like garlic bread and white bean dip, a variety of salads and sandwiches, and two options for pizza: pan (by the slice) or canotto (traditional Neapolitan pizza with large and airy crust). The pan pizzas include classics, like pepperoni, and more innovative options, like the fired artichoke slice with goat cheese, preserved lemon, and mint. As for the canotto-style pizzas, check out the sausage and mushroom pie (with pork sausage, maitake mushroom, and lemongrass) or the hot honey chicken (with chicken thigh, smoked mozzarella, chili, black garlic, and oregano).

La Fabrica Central
450 Massachusetts Ave.

La Fabrica Central boasts an impressive range of Spanish Caribbean cuisine from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. You’ll find familiar Caribbean appetizers, like empanadas, tostones, and chicharrón. The Latin sushi rolls are made using Japanese techniques and Latin ingredients to create unique fusion dishes, like the mar y tierra roll (chopped ribeye steak, shrimp tempura, and green onion). Every dish is special, but the mofongo—main ingredient: fried plantains—is a real standout. There’s also a “SuViche” bar, a nod to Peruvian cuisine, and a delicious dessert selection, including coconut flan (a Spanish baked custard) and passionfruit mousse. At the bar, you’ll find an extensive selection of rum, along with wine, beer, and Caribbean cocktails. On Friday and Saturday nights, La Fabrica Central hosts a nightclub in the basement, featuring live DJs, where customers can dance the night away.

Central Square Theater
450 Massachusetts Ave.

Established in 2008, Central Square Theater (CST) bills itself as “the oldest female-led theater organization in Greater Boston.” In addition to performances, CST runs acting classes for youth ages 13 to 25, artist-in-residence programs, and workshops for schools, museums, and cultural groups. It has also paired with MIT on Catalyst Collaborative at MIT, one of the only nationwide partnerships between a world-class research institute and a theater. Be sure to check out CST’s special student discounts.

Veggie Galaxy
450 Massachusetts Ave.

With booths, counters, and stools, Veggie Galaxy has the feel of a classic diner. It also has a classic diner menu—omelets, pancakes, fries, burgers, sandwiches, and pies galore—but with a twist. As its name suggests, you won’t find a traditional club sandwich with bacon, a tuna melt, or a beef hamburger here. What you will find are a southwestern breakfast burrito (with chopped seitan corned beef, guacamole, home fries, scrambled egg, cheddar, pickled jalapenos, and cilantro in a flour tortilla), a BBQ pulled pork sandwich (with BBQ jackfruit pork, caramelized onions, pickles, and slaw on a brioche bun), and loaded mac and cheese (with caramelized onion, diced seitan, tomato, broccoli, and peas, topped with an herbed panko crust). The restaurant also offers oodles of vegan options (vegan cheese can be substituted) and has an in-house vegan bakery. And in the spirit of all great American diners, breakfast is served all day.

The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub
472–480 Massachusetts Ave.

Opened in 1970 as a Lebanese restaurant, The Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub offers first-rate Middle Eastern cuisine, and it is a fixture of Boston’s rock music scene. With five venues under one roof, the Middle East showcases local and national touring acts. Downstairs houses the larger shows, with a capacity of 550, Upstairs hosts smaller touring acts, with a capacity of 200, and Sonia, which can accommodate 330, hosts midsize crowds. The Corner contains the larger restaurant and a stage with a front bar. And Zuzu has a separate kitchen and menu—and hosts dance nights throughout the week, when DJs spin soul, funk, and R&B. With at least one performance every night of the week, there’s always something happening at the Middle East.

Vialé
502 Massachusetts Ave.

This upscale eatery serves up a variety of entrées, ranging from fresh seafood to handmade pastas to grilled meats to weekend brunch. The dinner menu features signature appetizers, such as halibut ceviche (served with serrano, pickled ramps, cucumber, and potato chips) and zuppa di cozze (mussels, smoked san marzano, nduja butter, with sourdough potato focaccia). There’s also a selection of vegetable-based appetizers, like smoky beets and fried artichokes. Large plates include land/sea options as well as a selection of pizzas and pastas. We recommend the mafaldine, a pasta with soppressata, green garlic, peas, and pecorino, or the classic bucatini carbonara, with guanciale, pecorino, and egg yolk. Vialé also serves $1 oysters daily from 5 to 7 pm, for the perfect post-work pick-me-up. 

Little Donkey
505 Massachusetts Ave.

James Beard Award–winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette (the duo behind popular restaurants Toro and Coppa) teamed up to open this “global tapas” restaurant. The menu includes a range of signature dishes, from Mediterranean branzino to Spanish empanadas to Thai noodles. Don’t miss their delicious crudo selection, featuring Kowloon fried cauliflower, with chili garlic and sesame; tuna tostada, with charred tortilla salsa, avocado, radish, and hatch chili crema; and halibut ceviche, with coconut lime leche de tigre, aji panca, cilantro, sweet potato, and crispy choclo. Save room for the restaurant’s famous cookie dough dessert, served right on the beater with a side of milk foam.

The Phoenix Landing
512 Massachusetts Ave.

Part sports pub, part dance club, this hybrid eatery offers modern Irish pub grub, DJs, and a weekly trivia night on Wednesdays. Named one of America’s best soccer bars, all soccer fans are welcome, with major games in all leagues and competitions televised on the pub’s numerous HD screens. Patrons can enjoy classic bar snacks, like fries, nachos, and chicken wings, or try one of the pub’s sandwich options—we recommend the Phoenix burger, which comes with a special “secret sauce.” At night, the pub turns into a club and offers a roster of house DJs Tuesday through Saturday. Plus, they’re open for weekend brunch!

The Mad Monkfish
524 Massachusetts Ave.

Live jazz, sushi, and a menu featuring Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese cuisines are what you’ll find at Mad Monkfish (its name is inspired by jazz great Thelonious Monk). This sushi spot has an extensive menu guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Choose from a wide variety of items, like vegetable and seafood rolls (salmon, tuna, grilled eel, shrimp, and various fish), seafood, beef, and pork entrées, salads, noodle dishes, and more. The special rolls are a standout: the Sophisticated Lady Roll features shrimp tempura topped with tuna, avocado, and eel sauce, for a crispy and refreshing bite. For salmon lovers, try the Pan’s Ecstasy Roll, salmon, avocado, and tamago wrapped in sushi rice, topped with poached salmon, yuzu tobiko, and drizzled with eel sauce and spicy mayo. The restaurant features live jazz Thursday through Sunday.

Dance Complex
536 Massachusetts Ave.

Follow the beat of the drums to the Dance Complex. Established in 1991, the artist-run, volunteer-based center has been heralded as one of the forces that began Central Square’s renaissance. It has seven studios and offers adult dance classes in African, West African, ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, jazz, tap, and more. There are also dance classes for children and youth, and it hosts dozens of performances by local dance companies throughout the year. Find a schedule of adult classes here and youth and teen classes here.

Cheapo Records
538 Massachusetts Ave.

One of the oldest businesses in Central Square, Cheapo Records has been a neighborhood fixture since 1954. Employees estimate the store carries more than 100,000 vinyl LPs, with thousands more in storage, including some valuable collectibles. Once best known for its collection of R&B, soul, and oldies, its inventory now contains records from all artists and genres, and the dedicated and knowledgeable staff will help you track down what you’re looking for. T-shirts, CDs, DVDs, and cassette tapes are also for sale. Plus, if you’re looking to grow your record collection on a budget, Cheapo has a huge collection of $1 records you can peruse just outside the entrance. 

5 Spices House
546 Massachusetts Ave. 

This eatery serves authentic Sichuan cuisine for dine-in, catering, and takeout. The extensive menu features daily specials and has a wide range of offerings, from soups and appetizers to chicken, pork, beef, seafood, rice, noodle, and vegetable dishes. Try the popular crispy duck or Rattan pepper chicken, cold chicken dressed with Sichuan pepper-scallion oil. .

Graffiti Alley
Richard B. “Rico” Modica Way, 565–567 Massachusetts Ave.

No trip to Central Square would be complete without a visit to Graffiti Alley, the 80-foot-long walkway covered in graffiti produced by local artists. It’s one of only two places in the Greater Boston area where artists can legally post graffiti art. You’ll see everything from novice spray-painted tags featuring names and smiley faces to more complex graffiti masterpieces that cover large sections of the brick walls. The public walkway often reflects visual interpretations of pressing social issues and the latest headlines, including Black Lives Matter. The alley sports a fresh look every few days as artists post new work, so be sure to stop by frequently.

Dx Arcade
580 Massachusetts Ave.

Dx Arcade, opened in 2025, is a two-story gaming storefront founded by Sean Hope, who recently opened entertainment venue Dx, just around the corner. Open to all ages, the arcade offers old-school games like air hockey and skeeball alongside modern favorites like NBA Superstars and Super Bikes. Perfect for hosting a party or event, it has a catering menu that includes mozzarella sticks, steak and cheese egg rolls, and chicken waffle bites, alongside a selection of beers and cocktails. Throughout the week, the arcade hosts a variety of ticketed events, which can be found here. Note: Dx Arcade is closed Mondays. 

H Mart
581 Massachusetts Ave.

This Asian-inspired supermarket chain has an extensive selection of fresh goods and groceries. The 18,000-square-foot space is just steps from the Red Line Central T stop and has a vast range of items, including kimchee, Japanese sodas, seafood, Korean banchan, sauces and spices, dried food, and, of course, ramen. The store even carries health and beauty products, small appliances like pressure cookers and electric skillets, and baby products. H Mart shares a food court with Sapporo Ramen, Go! Go! Curry, and Paris Baguette.

Lucky’s Tattoo and Piercing
694 Massachusetts Ave.

This go-to place for tattoos and piercings has a collaborative environment, where customers and artists work together to craft the perfect design. Lucky’s offers any style of tattoo you could want, from American Traditional to micro-realism. As for piercings, Lucky’s specialists will walk you through choosing jewelry, as well as the installation process, in a private procedure room. Note: visits are by appointment only.

Seven Stars Crystals and Books
731 Massachusetts Ave.

This locally owned and operated bookstore and crystal shop specializes in the metaphysical. You’ll find a wide selection of new and used books focused on religion and spirituality and the latest bestsellers. As its name implies, it also sells mineral specimens, crystal balls, pocket stones, and crystals, as well as jewelry. 

Cantab Lounge
738 Massachusetts Ave.

In 1957, Little Joe Cook recorded a minor R&B novelty called “Peanuts.” The song was a one-hit wonder, but Cook went on to become a Cambridge legend, jamming every weekend at the Cantab, which opened in 1963. Cook died in 2014, but the unpretentious bar continues to thrive, hosting live entertainment most nights. It shut down during the COVID pandemic, but reopened in October 2021 under new ownership, with a freshly painted interior, new floors, and new bathrooms. Come for the cheap beer and stay for the fabulous music—including jazz jams on Mondays and R&B jams Wednesdays and Sundays. Tuesday nights provide a showcase for up-and-coming artists. Cantab Underground, the downstairs venue, also features performances by touring and local artists. Cantab is 21-plus only. 

Shanghai Fresh
735 Massachusetts Ave.

Here, diners will find bona fide Chinese cuisine served in a trendy dining room. Dig into authentic regional dishes, like the Shanghai spring roll or the Shanghai soup dumplings. The wonton noodle soup is also excellent, especially during the winter months. If you’re craving sesame chicken or fried rice, Shanghai Fresh offers tasty takes on these and other American Chinese dishes. The restaurant also has a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options.

Asmara Restaurant
739 Massachusetts Ave.

Opened in 1986, Asmara is Boston’s oldest Eritrean restaurant. Named after the capital of the northeastern African nation of Eritrea, Asmara specializes in a spicy cuisine similar to Ethiopian cuisine. Be sure to wash your hands before you come; there’s no silverware here. Diners scoop the food with pieces of injera—a spongy, slightly sour, fermented flatbread made from either rice flour or a grain called teff. Served at traditional mesobs, large table-like baskets, the meals are authentic and hearty. For a unique experience, try the Asmara Tibsy: tender beef cubes sautéed with caramelized onions, green peppers, garlic, and chilies.

1369 Coffee House
757 Massachusetts Ave.

Across the street from the main post office and Cambridge City Hall, 1369 Coffee House was serving the square’s caffeine addicts long before Starbucks opened down the street. This charming coffee shop prides itself on offering two dozen coffees from around the world, purchased with socially conscious buying practices. Be sure to try the malted cold brew, a concoction of concentrated cold brew, milk, cream, malt, and a touch of sugar. Homemade muffins and cookies are baked fresh each morning, and local bakers provide scones, croissants, and cookies. Lunch fare consists of homemade sandwiches.

Althea
2 Columbia St.

Althea is open daily for lunch and dinner. An outdoor “backyard” offers al fresco dining during warm-weather months and features a retractable roof and a full container bar. Try the spicy crab spaghetti (with green and jonah crab and black bread crumbs) or the hearty smoked beef brisket (with whipped potatoes, broccolini, and horseradish cream). Finish off your meal with Althea’s yummy banana upside down cake, served with salted caramel ice cream and toffee sauce.

FOUND in Central Square 
5 Columbia St.

FOUND is a must for those who love vintage and thrift shopping. Comprising three separate vintage stores all in one block, FOUND has clothes for every taste. Retail 8 sells FOUND Black Label clothes, Retail 9 carries casual everyday wear, and Retail 10 features streetwear. The stores sell vintage and upcycled clothing gathered from a number of vendors around Boston. FOUND also hosts multiple markets throughout the city of Boston during the year, as well as vendor spots at the Fenway Flea from June through October. 

Praline French Patisserie
6 Columbia St.

This French pastry shop delivers on what it promises: to provide “a taste of France in the greater Boston area.” Pastries range from classic buttery croissants to Kouign-amann, a round laminated dough pastry originating from Brittany, in western France. You’ll find a delicious selection of sandwiches and salads. The patisserie also sells larger tarts to take home. The almond pear tart is outstanding. The shop, whose large windows provide an airy space and lots of natural light, is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat with a friend or hit the books for an upcoming exam.

Andala Coffee House
286 Franklin St.

Andala (“nightingale” in Arabic) is a cozy place to curl up with a book or gather with friends. The staff is friendly, and the gleaming hardwood floors, marble-top tables, and Persian rugs offer an old-world elegance. The coffeehouse features all sorts of teas, Arabic and Turkish coffees, and a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. Try the Kufta Besiniah, baked ground beef, fresh parsley, onions, and garlic, topped with freshly chopped tomatoes, and served on a bed of rice. 

Pandemonium Books & Games
4 Pleasant St.

A haven for sci-fi fans and gamers alike, Pandemonium has been a Cambridge landmark for more than 30 years. The first floor has a broad collection of new and used science-fiction, fantasy, and horror books, and the basement is dedicated to a gaming section. The store hosts numerous events, like war games and hobby nights. Pandemonium is always seeking imaginative ways to connect and play with the community.

Cambridge Women’s Center
46 Pleasant St.

In 1971, a group of women seized an abandoned Harvard-owned building to protest racism, sexism, and domestic violence. This led to the establishment of the Cambridge Women’s Center, a community center that fights all forms of oppression. Open to all who identify as women, it provides crisis intervention and counseling for women of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are uninsured. Monthly workshops focus on topics such as diversity, health issues, personal empowerment, and economic literacy. Volunteer opportunities and internships are available. The center has a community kitchen, computer labs, a crisis helpline, a lending library, and childcare for all mothers attending activities there.

Great Eastern Trading Co.
49 River St.

If you’re on the prowl for a prom dress, circa 1980, or a 1970s-inspired distressed leather jacket, look no further. Just a few blocks from the Red Line Central T stop, this charming shop has a comprehensive collection of vintage clothing and costumes for everyone. You’ll find funky jewelry, sunglasses, wigs, hats, Venetian masks, Japanese silk kimonos, Hawaiian shirts, 1920s flapper dresses, feather boas, and cowboy duds. It’s also the perfect place to find an ugly Christmas sweater. Owned by a former professional belly dancer, the store also boasts a colorful selection of belly dancing costumes. 

Donut Villa Diner
20 Prospect St.

Donut Villa is everything you could want in a local diner: a bright blue exterior, red leather booths, shiny LED signs, and best of all, affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner fare. Try a breakfast classic like the western omelet or eggs benedict or if you’re feeling more adventurous, check out the “Donut Meets Griddle” selection, featuring a donut cheeseburger and a donut bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. For lunch and dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Dillberry Chicken Salad sandwich (freshly made white meat chicken salad with sun-dried cranberries, lettuce, and tomato on your choice of bread) or the Villa Burger (a half-pound all-beef patty topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon, fried pickles, lettuce, tomato, and chipotle mayo). The diner has over 20 vegan and vegetarian options on the menu as well.

ManRay
40 Prospect St.

ManRay, the popular nightclub known as the “home of Boston’s underground,” reopened in January 2023 after being closed for more than two decades. Open Wednesday through Saturday, the club’s goal is, in its own words, to celebrate “the art of nightlife.” ManRay hosts Crypt Wednesdays, featuring goth and industrial music, and Heroes Saturdays, offering ’80s new wave, electro, post-punk, old-school goth, and industrial music. Thursdays and Fridays are reserved for different theme nights, like dark raves and drag nights. Be sure to check the ManRay website for the dress code, as it varies throughout the week.

Lamplighter Brewing Co.
284 Broadway

This Cambridge-based brewery has been serving up flavor-packed IPAs since 2016. Since then, Lamplighter has opened another Cambridge location and begun hosting various events, like food pop-ups, trivia nights, and tours of the brewery. As for the beers on tap, the menu changes each Friday, but expect a variety of fruity IPAs, Mexican lagers, summer ales, stouts, and sours. Lamplighter also has an in-house cafe at the Central Square location—Pepita Coffee Co—which serves breakfast and lunch as well as espresso and coffee from Broadsheet Roasters. Plus, the brewery has a BYOF (bring your own food) policy, so feel free to enjoy your beer with some takeout.

Getting there: By subway: take a Green Line trolley inbound to Park Street, then a Red Line train outbound toward Alewife, and get off at Central station. By bus: pick up the #47 bus at the BU Bridge and take it to the end (Green St @ Magazine St). By foot: walk across the BU Bridge heading into Cambridge, continue a mile up Brookline Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

Click on the points in the map above for more information on the places listed in our guide to Central Square.

This article was updated on June 18, 2025.

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