Food was average. We tried the Lebanese beer and loved it. Baklawa was not fresh. I would not go back for the food again but would definitely go back for the music, concerts and belly dancing. We... More

Food was average. We tried the Lebanese beer and loved it. Baklawa was not fresh. I would not go back for the food again but would definitely go back for the music, concerts and belly dancing. We went there for lunch and the place was pretty dark. The decor does not represent the Arab or Middle eastern culture.
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Always the right spot to go see a show when you don't know what to do with your weekend. They have a great variety of bands from small upstarts to big headliners strolling through on a regular... More

Always the right spot to go see a show when you don't know what to do with your weekend. They have a great variety of bands from small upstarts to big headliners strolling through on a regular basis, the drinks are reasonable and the atmosphere is appropriately grungy for a good rock scene.
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So the food here may not be of greatest quality but it's edible and especially tollerable if you're there for a show and grabbing a quick bite before you head downstairs. If you want some real... More

So the food here may not be of greatest quality but it's edible and especially tollerable if you're there for a show and grabbing a quick bite before you head downstairs. If you want some real middle eastern falafel go to the Falafel Palace around the corner. However, the lentil soup is quite delicious at the Middle East.
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You've probably come to the Middle East more often for shows than for the food. The downstairs is a classic and relatively intimate place to see a band, with two bars. Upstairs is the restaurant... More

You've probably come to the Middle East more often for shows than for the food. The downstairs is a classic and relatively intimate place to see a band, with two bars. Upstairs is the restaurant with, certain nights of the week, belly dancing for free. The food is good, there are plenty of vegetarian options (you're not just stuck with falafel) and you can get beer or wine. This place is a classic. Also, I see now they have free wi-fi.
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Middle East Restaurant is not hard to find. It's the place with the overflow lines in the hear tof central square. They took a chance ten years ago to wake up the kibby with downstairs rock and... More

Middle East Restaurant is not hard to find. It's the place with the overflow lines in the hear tof central square. They took a chance ten years ago to wake up the kibby with downstairs rock and roll and they've never looked back. It seems they have two clientèle -- punks and rockers take in there basement music while here but they are really one -- poets, punks, rockers. There is alot of history here. The food is decent but the since is the thing. It's a little taste of Bavaria in the heart of Bohemia.
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The Middle East offers three different rooms with three different kinds of entertainment on a almost nightly basis. This establishment also runs a restaurant that serves a mostly American style... More

The Middle East offers three different rooms with three different kinds of entertainment on a almost nightly basis. This establishment also runs a restaurant that serves a mostly American style brunch and a Middle Eastern menu for lunch and dinner. There is an extensive vegetarian menu. All kinds of music can be heard here for a reasonable price.
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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... More

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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