Bored on a sunday night? Try checking out the Lizard Lounge's weekly poetry slam, open mic and jazz band. It's a lot more relaxed then the Cantab's Wednesday night slams and the food is really good. Suggestions? Try the tiny burgers and curly fries. They're great! read more

I've been to the Lizard Lounge twice, once on the Poetry Slam night and again two nights ago. The poets were local, all ages, with diverse and at times provacative styles; I enjoyed that night very much and the bartender concocted a delicious (and on the house!) cocktail for me, and I loved to see him later jump on stage to recite! Lovely staff. Couple nights ago was fun. The place has a true underground, local, dimlit ambience and somehow perfect acoustics. Again I had a strong, tasty Uncommon Rum Punch. I take away the star only because the acts somehow fell short both times, but I think that's my personal taste. read more

Home for the holidays, I decided to take my boyfriend on a tour of my old musical haunts. Having loved the Lizard Lounge's dark and intimate feel as a kid I was initially thrown when I realized its location near Lesley and seemingly tame upstairs. Yet, any fears were quickly assuaged as I entered the familiar downstairs. We went on Monday's open mic night hosted (in small-worldness by my beau's childhood friend from NY), Tom. Often open mics can be a mixed bag, but I was thrilled with the diversity of talent: everything from a husband-and-wife blues duo, to a politically poignant piece on working in a gun factory, to an uplifting (and unexpected) cover one of the '90s best, The Magnetic Fields. But what really holds the glue of the event together is the Master of Ceremonies. Armed with a quick wit and self-depricating sense of humor, one could tell Tom really enjoyed what he did. He knew the regulars well, always made sure to pitch anyone's upcoming gig, and was genuinely blown away by a few of the newcomers. Being from Buffalo, I was nervous about beer prices. After having 2 healthy-sized vodka drinks, I still walked away with money in my pocket and songs in my heart (which is useful when dealing with family during the holiday). Great venue, amazing event. read more

This downstairs section of Cambridge Common is pretty awesome, although a little bit tight on space. But while some would say it's "cramped," indicating severe seating discomfort and trouble moving around, I would say it's "cozy," implying a very intimate atmosphere with your friends and fellow audience. Besides, if there was enough room for us to bust out a dance or two, it can't be that bad! We went on a Friday night to watch a live band (Holmes) perform, and they played some great jazz. The way the place is laid out allows you to watch the band perform from every angle except from directly behind, which is how it should be in my opinion. Who wants to watch a bunch of hineys perform? (If that's your thing go to a strip joint.) I loved the interior. I don't have much of an eye for interior design, but this place had a very intimate feel just by clever use of the color red. The walls are red, and the ambient lighting is red as well, making the jazz feel even sexier. I was really digging some of the Persian rugs they had as well, which is an awesome touch - I would not mind having a few of those rugs in my house, lemme tell ya! Add to that a few inconspicuous candles and some well-placed mirrors, and suddenly there's a bit more perceived space. Coat hangers are everywhere, so there's none of that "let's pile our jackets here on this seat which we could have used for a human being because we're not pressed for space already." (Note sarcasm.) Bar staff was very friendly, and seems to be much nicer to the ladies. I ordered a drink and a burger, which the bartender asked me to come back for in 10 minutes to pick up from the bar. My friend Heidi ordered the same thing an hour later and he brought them to her - AND charged her less! Ladies, work the cleavage. You just might get a discount. It sucks that there was a $5 cover, and the small space could become an issue if you're not good at Tetris, but the bathrooms are clean, the staff is friendly, the beer selection is good, and the atmosphere is awesome. We also lucked out with good music. I'll be coming back for sure. read more

When I first moved to Cambridge in 2004, I hung out at this spot every Sunday...The poetry slam is amazing, and I have told so many people about this place, you would think they pay me. Great band and atmosphere also. The last time I was there was during the slam finals last spring. It was a whole lotta fun. If you love poetry, you will love this spot. Reasonable drinks and bar fare. The curly fries are great! $5 entry for the poetry slam event on Sunday. read more

Tiny space, over zealous sound equipment. The "poetry slam" was to begin at 7:30, but didn't start until nearly 8:15. Cover was $5. A $5 cover should explain all about the caliber of events held at the LL. I've just experienced way better poets in even tighter spaces. If you're one of the first there, you might be pulled to be a judge. Sit against the bar if you don't want to be seen. read more

By far my faborite venue in town - small, intimate, and good to local artists. I have seen more shows that I can count on a completely random basis after having a bite upstairs, then just wandering down - some of the artists I have seen in this way have become regular plays on my iPod. Get there early, grab a table up close and experience something new - even if it's not your style, you will have a great story to tell after the fact read more

The Lizard Lounge feels like an opium den. And I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I have only ever been here for their poetry slams (hi Kit!) but I will concur that they are an awesome venue for poetry. Even if you aren't a poet, come check it out - it's some of the best poetry in town, consistently, every week. Come be a judge. If you are an poet, I have to warn you - as a poet, I find this place intimidating. I am not a strong performer, I am not a confident poet, and while I read regularly at the Amazon, I have only slammed at Lizard once, I think. It's intimidating, because everyone there is so good, and usually very, very intense. Sometimes a little pandering (as in, we don't need to hear how racism is bad, or domestic violence is bad, and how awesome you are because you speak out against it... tell us something new) but almost always very good. And that can be intimidating as a poet, but amazing as a listener. If this is true for you too, I, recommend starting off with their open mic, which is after the slam and the feature. It's a little less intimidating. Come check it out. read more

* Tasty burgers & curly fries (prepared upstairs at Cambridge Common) * I've only gone to the LL on Sunday nights when there is SLAM poetry. *Come early if you want to ensure entry. I've arrive an hour or so after the start time and the lounge was over capacity. *Atmosphere is reminiscent of a jazz club * Jeff Robinson and crew are fantastic. I love when they freestyle in the backdrop of poets' performances during the Open Mic session. * My only complaint is not about the place itself, but about the crowd it sometimes attracts. Sometimes the crowd does not give those amazing poets and poems their due justice. read more

This is a quite alright place, the restaurant upstairs is nothing special, but it is quite a cozy place to watch some live band. The band is off stage, just in the middle of the room w some carpets and stuff it is a good experience. The Beer selection is limited but good at the same time... Try the Cambridge Ale... I like it. read more

Thanks to the Cambridge Common being upstairs, the Lizard Lounge has a great beer selection and a decent vegetarian food selection that you can enjoy while listening to music or attending the awesome Sunday Night Poetry Slam. There is a cover but it's definitely worth it. Get there early to get a good table. There's often a line before the doors open. It's a nice (tattered, but nice) intimate (yes that does mean small) place to watch people perform. Always seems to be an enthusiastic crowd. If you go, and you should, plan on staying a while. It's worth it!!! read more

Loved the ambiance here . Good music and not so expensive beer . What more can you ask for a weekend. Yes there is a cover charge . read more

Small place, but good crowd and fun! Great atmosphere and acoustics were really good, must be the carpets. Been there twice, the second time listend to a friends band MARS! read more

Poetry slam downstairs in the basement is worth checking out. What was probably once a dark, smoky dungeon, is now a lively spot--great date material here. read more

If you want to watch good live music with a bunch of music loving fans go no further. This place always has great local music groups stopping by to jam. I think the best nights to go are usually Tuesdays or Thursdays, but I have been pleasantly suprised on more then one Sunday. The atmosphere is great, and I have rarely thought the acoustics seemed off. It does get really busy depending on who is playing, so getting a drink can be a pain. This is made up for by the selection of beer, especially when the music is good. read more

I've been to my share of music venues and the Lizard Lounge is considered to be one of my favorites! Once you pay your cover and walk downstairs, you'll notice ample seating with the bar straight ahead to your right. I thought the bartenders that night were accommodating, friendly and funny. Bathrooms are located to the left in the back and are not gender specific. You might get hungry or yearn for that second beer...I know I did. Firstly, the food menu is cheap and ranges from $4.95-$10.95. Aside from cheap, the food is damn excellent for bar food. Mark and I got two boneless buffalo chicken sandwiches with sides of blue cheese. The buffalo chicken was breaded well and there was just enough sauce as well. My mouth waters every time I think of the sandwich, haha! The tater tots were a total hit aside from them being $4.95; They were crunchy and went super fast....I can't describe it more so get them when you're there, okay? Are you a vegetarian? You're in luck because there are two different veggie burgers on the menu...be excited! The bartender will give you a number to take with you to your table so they know what you ordered which is very convenient. There is a full bar as well so order up before the music starts because it will get super crowded, but if you're daring...by all means make that trek to and fro with drinks in hand, haha. I got beer because I love it and I remember the Yuengling Lager not being too expensive. Mark and I were blown away by Kabir Sen & The Krush Faktory W/ Members Of The Dub Down. My boyfriend ended up buying his CDs because of how good they played that night! Kabir Sen has a melodious voice and changes between jazz, funk, soul, hip hop and rock. The Krush Faktory and Members of the Dub Down added a great reggae vibe to his music which I thought was really amazing. I really enjoy jazz so seeing that being incorporated in the way Kabir Sen did it was interesting and really fun. Check out the webiste to see who is playing and have a blast. I can't wait to be back myself. http://lizardloungeclub.com/calendar/ read more

I'm not sure how this place gets four stars from many of the other reviewers, but I'm giving it a well-deserved one star. For reference, I went to the Lizard Lounge for lunch with a coworker. We were the first in the door around 12:00 noon. Problem 1: The waitress. She acted like she had 100 tables to attend to - rushed us through ordering, was impatient when we were making up our minds for one of the courses, and generally rude. Not to mention she looked like she could use a shower (I get this is Cambridge, but please be presentable in public). Problem 2: The food. The food was perhaps the most non-food I've tasted in a long time. I ordered the steak tip salad, artichoke and spinach dip, and a tomato soup. The steak tips were tough strips on meat on skewers (who serves steak tips on skewers?), the salad was overdressed, the greens were wilted. Overall pretty gross. The artichoke and spinach dip was a creamy, gelatinous mess. Low flavor, high in fat; pretty much not worth the perfectly stale pita chips accompanying them. Lastly, the soup. Ahh, the tomato soup was more like a tomato paste. Disappointing to say the least. NEVER NEVER NEVER again will be eating here, especially when there's Hi-Rise next door, Rafiki across the street ... even a Starbucks microwaved sandwich would've been more satisfying. Good luck, hope this helps inform you better than I was. read more

I've been to the Cambridge Common once before (albeit briefly), but hadn't ventured downstairs to the Lizard Lounge until last night. My future stepbrother is a musician and was playing there with two other singer/songwriter acts. I love small and intimate venues for shows, and there's a semi-decent selection of beers on tap. It was also very easy to get a drink, despite the crowd. I haven't had the food, so I can't comment on that, but I was impressed with everything else. Plus, it's not far from me here in Medford. I'd definitely go here again for a show. read more

I agree with everyone else's sentiments. I just need to add that as a liquor drinker - bring a flask. My friend Disaronno on-the-rocks costs $10 here!! I was warned about this thorn and now that I know, I can go, enjoy the rock n' roll and keep it cheap and pleasurable sans my favorite beverage. read more

This place is small, cramped, dark, and acoustically unfavorable. Now that all that is out of the way, this place is FANTASTIC. The drinks are great (and so are the prices, no drink minimums to sit at a table to listen to poetry), the people coming to listen to the poetry are great, the poets are humble and bring a lot to the table. If you are a poet in the area, just come by to put a little somethin' on it. My homegirl happened to win the poetry slam the night I went, so that made it even more enjoyable ^_^. We didn't stay for the band and the open mic, but if it was anything similar to the caliber of talent for the Poetry Slam I saw earlier in the night, you are in for a treat. This is another venue that I have to visit when I head back up to Mass. read more

I have been to the Lizard Lounge many many times because I have friends in bands who play there frequently. I love the small, intimate atmosphere (there isn't even a stage - just a space with rugs on the floor in front of the viewing/seating area - it feels like a living room rather than a music venue - really awesome), and I love that there is table seating. The sound system is really great for a tiny place and is never overwhelmingly loud. Since the place is located in the basement of the Cambridge Common restaurant, you can order restaurant-quality meals instead of just bar appetizer-type food (although they have that too), which is awesome. I recommend their caesar salad (the dressing is amazing) with or without chicken, and the cambridge common burger with curly fries. The food is really reasonably priced too. The beer selection is REALLY good, and besides having a wide array of top quality stuff, this is also the only music venue I've ever been to that has Magic Hat Circus Boy [one of my personal favorite go-to beers] on tap. I haven't ever tried their cocktails/mixed drinks, but I've heard those are really good as well. The only downside to this place in terms of food and drink is that they don't have a very good wine selection, but everything else makes up for it. Their staff is really chill and friendly too. The only reason that I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 (besides the wine issue), is that unfortunately, parking sucks here (and the shows here usually get over after the trains stop running). The Cambridge Common parking lot is very small and only has enough room at the entrance of it for one car to go in/out at a time, so if a car is exiting, and you are trying to enter, you basically need to wait for them to back up and let you in [which, as you can imagine in a city of notoriously aggressive drivers, doesn't always happen], or you need to BACK UP ONTO MASS AVE and wait for them to leave, which is really annoying and potentially dangerous. I have been able to find street parking near the venue a few times, but it's usually really difficult to find so a lot of times I end up just parking in a Harvard Square garage and splitting the parking cost (usually around $14 total) with my friend(s). It's about a 15 minute or less walk from Harvard Square to the Lizard Lounge. read more

Lizard Lounge brings nice fresh memories to mind. From following those spiraling stairs to sitting in the red lights... and all that other beautiful specific stuff. I liked going to see Dennis Brennan and his crew in the summer for awhile. All those old people dancing and not giving a shit made me feel at home. No really. The NEMO showcase with Dirty On Purpose was good too. You can count on them to have booked a decent show when you just drop by for some live ear noise. Crowds are never too rowdy.. though getting to the bathroom, the bar or out the front can be a pain when it;s crowded. There is an emergency exit in the back corner. The mini burgers and fries (order at the bar) were delicious to eat while listening. Mmm.. sweet potato fries. Sort of a semi circle when the band plays. Can stand or sit in those elementary school chairs. Drinks are cheap. Blue Moon's for those wheaty nights. Bring your ID. Most of the times, cover exists. read more

When it comes to live local music, the Lizard Lounge gets it right. Located below the Cambridge Common, the space is incredibly intimate - low ceiling, no windows, oriental rug and a red-ish sort of glow for lighting. Sound quality is excellent (I have seen the same band play here as well as other venues and the Lizard Lounge is superior). If you like craft brews you'll enjoy the robust selection on draft. I'd suggest arriving early for a show if you want seating. The staff are always friendly and accommodating - Kosta in the ticket booth is just a doll. If you love local music and good beer, the Lizard Lounge won't let you down! read more

I have only been here to see Session Americana, but it was the perfect venue and ambience for this show. Session Americana at Lizard Lounge is probably my favorite thing ever. read more

Love this place!! I usually go on Sundays for poetry night. I have been coming to Poetry Slam off and on for the last 15 years and it's still the same energy, great ambiance, the amazing Jeff Robinson Trio, and great people enjoying spoken word! There is a restaurant upstairs that you can order food from that can be served downstairs. Great beer selection, reasonably priced drinks! You need to go there! read more

This place is cool. Dimly lit, with warm tones. A little bar in the corner that cranks out some nice beers. I went for the poetry night, that was pretty cool...some good stuff some bad. I was hungry so I got a burger the "blackjack" and I subbed in blue cheese for the pepperjack, it was hand formed and pretty damn good for $7. I would definitely go back and bring some friends for a chill night in good space. read more

Love this room, have seen some of my favorite shows here. A highlight was Seks Bomba (now defunct?) opened up by The Irreversible Slacks. Loved the Slacks so much I had to check em out in NYC. Bartenders are good, cool crowd. read more

Hooray for the Lizard Lounge! I like the intimate feel to this room, with cute and friendly bar staff and good sound for quieter acts. A nice place to catch interesting music that won't blow out your eardrums. read more

Intimate, underground (its a downstairs/basement room) setting for live music. Not too loud, but sound is still very good. Book a wide range of bands from Indie Rock, to Americana to Roots. Good selection of beers as well. Cover can range from $5-$10, but you usually get a bill consisting of at least three bands. Definitely worth the trip. read more

Lizard is a great room. It's downstairs from Cambridge Common, giving it some backing on some pretty good food, and is an excellent, small, homey venue to see some great talent. The atmosphere reminds me of a living room, or a basement concert, but the sound is superb, and someone else gets you beer - can you beat that? Excellent selection of beers, and a cool, eclectic crowd...great place read more

The first time i came here was to check out one of their weekly poetry slams backed by a live jazz trio. Since then, my ladyfriend and i have seen great local bands like Club d'Elf and national acts like Medeski Martin & Wood (though performing under a fake name). It's nice cause it's below the Cambridge Common, which means you can get a yummy veggie burger with curly fries before the show. read more

While I agree that the lizard could be a bit larger, it's got a unique charm that my friends and i love. they get a large variety of performers from musicians to poets too. the bartenders are friendly and helpful, and ive never had trouble getting a drink order in despite the crowds. i enjoy the basement atmosphere, it's like a living room, nice n cozy. what's odd is how the back of the room is off to one side of the stage, making it a bit awkward to see the stage when it is crowded. aside from that and the cover charge, this venue is one of the areas best for sure. read more

This is one of my favorite music rooms in the Boston area. Great ambience, super friendly people, killer curly fries, and a truly intimate setting in which to enjoy the well-booked music. read more

I had no idea this place existed until I saw a show here in the spring. The atmosphere reminded me of some small, out of the way club in NYC that only really interesting people knew about. The show was packed (meaning there were probably like 50 people there) and we got a table, drank some awesome beer, and had a good time. I would def go back as it has everything I enjoy (good music, good beer). Duh. read more

There isn't another live music club like this in the area. It's intimate and comfortable. The sound system is better than average. It's the first place I check when I'm looking to go out for music and don't already have a plan because their booking is really good so you know the acts are solid even if you haven't heard of them. read more

The Lizard Lounge possesses a certain magic quality ... persian rugs on the wall ... always a bit of blur and rocker haze, despite the smoking ban, this club is just and ultracool dungeon that welcomes performance art, straight-up music of just about any genre and spokenword | poetry. I haven't seen a bad act down there yet, and Kasey sets ya up right nice w/ a UFO { if that's your poison }. Friendly service and Avant Variety Deluxe, what more could you want? read more

Found this place and decided to go to this place due to the Yelp reviews. Wanted to experience the bar and music scene on my first trip to Boston. Tickets were bought conveniently online before I headed out to Boston. Bands play in the basement which is nice and comfortable with the right amount of light and the acoustics of the place weren't bad. I really liked the beer selection. A good variety of non generic beers. Service was good in that you didn't have to stand long at the bar to get a drink. I enjoyed this place and it gave me a good vibe about Boston/Cambridge. read more

I really like the intimacy of this venue. Like most small venues, it's a great place to enjoy a show as long as it doesn't get too crowded.

Love this place! Went this weekend to see Putnam Murdoch and Reed play! Such and awesome show. Its perfect for shows! It feels so personal! Great beers on tap! I had an organic pomegranate ale not sure the what brewer but it was good then I also had a Pabst! This place is great! Nice staff as well. Just a really chill spot! read more

Love this hidden gem! My fiancé and I were on a Valentine's weekend get a way in Boston and ended up here Saturday night after a rude experience with a horrible bartender at Toad. The bartender at Christophers recommended this place for music and can't thank her enough. Great basement dive-type gem, great atmosphere, great crowd, great band and great bartender who was professional and friendly despite the place being packed. Wish we had place like this back home, would go all the time! Great ending to a great night!!! read more