Plough & Stars

For almost 40 years this cozy Irish pub has been a hangout for Cambridge locals, students and intellectuals. Known for its great Guinness beer and intimate live music, this neighborhood spot makes everyone feel welcome - even first-times feel like they?ve been coming here for years. The pub offers an eclectic mix of live music, everything from blues to rock to country, and in the past even hosted the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison. Plough & Stars also serves lunch, diner, brunch and has a Sunday Night Chicken & Fish Fry. Favorite dishes include the cheese grits, spicy pan-fried catfish, crispy Jamaican wings, and the banger press, made of grilled and sliced Irish sausage, tomato, and sharp cheddar. The place has an old comfortable feeling with its walls of red-and-black marbled paint and wood paneling, but since it was recently renovated, it also feels clean and contemporary. For a slice of local Cambridge, Plough & Stars is the perfect place to wet your whistle. more

I had heard good things but when I went for a night out, I was not impressed and would not go back. The place was dirty and small, I wouldn't consider ordering the food AT ALL, and when the band started it was so loud you couldn't talk to anyone. I don't think they should have live music- it is such a small place it doesn't make any sense. Try the Middle East for music, and the People's Republik for drinks. The P+S should make up its mind and either clean up and become a restaurant or get rid of the music and food and be a nice normal bar. Pros: location Cons: small, dirty, noisy more

Great place to grab a beer and chill, especially during the week. Serves Irish themed food that's a few steps up from standard bar fare, and for a small dark place, they do well with the weekend brunch. Still the food might be a little too expensive for what it's worth. more

Great little place for a pint...love the music, very down to earth. Also very hard to get a seat on a Friday or Saturday. or even on a Thursday for that!! very tiny bar on mass Ave. VERY central squarish. love it. Pros: Music Cons: Crowded more

This place is great! A very down to earth crowd, best pints on the continent, good music at times. The only negative is the occasional visiting group of old men from charlies' telling old drinking stories and dropping their glasses. Overall, makes it worth a visit at least every week! Pros: pints of draft, company, music Cons: old men from charlies more