I wasn’t sure if I should review this as a restaurant or a club. I decided to review the restaurant part, because that’s where I spend most of my time.
The Middle East is a nice little place, a bit gritty perhaps, but it has been around forever! They always have great local art on the walls, and there is years of history tucked in the nooks and crannies by the bar. Their beer selection is fantastic and varied, and they have a full bar too.
The best part is the food! Their menu is Lebanese/Middle Eastern and is some of the best eating in Central Square. They are very, very vegan and vegetarian friendly, and offer a great selection for meet eaters too. My favorite dish is the pumpkin kibbeh, pumpkin bread with grains inside and a nice yogurt sauce. Also, do not miss their whipped garlic. Not a great date food, I’ll admit, but it is so good. If you are a garlic lover, be sure to check it out. It makes a great addition to any of their meals.
The staff is usually very pleasant; although there are some barkeeps I don’t care for. The servers are always great.
After dinner you can always head downstairs, or upstairs and check out some of their shows. There are always great bands playing at the Middle East.
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