The Midway is always a loud crazy time. Playing there is really really fun...there is no sound guy so you are pretty much on your own as far as that goes...but it all works out in the end. Small, dark, loud, and divey, the Midway is on par with the old O'Brien's...before the closing and renovation. Decent beer and lively regulars. Way the hell out in JP but you can't stay in Boston proper and Cambridge all the time! read more

Shows. Shows. Shows. I come out here every so often to listen to live music, because isn't that what life is about? I def enjoy myself here.. a little too much. Things to know; - cash only - burritos has food next door - awesome bartenders and staff - great for live music Love it here! It just stinks the drive from where I live, isn't great. So I've lucked out on never having to drive here.. but I'm sure one day I will. Getting there, from the north side of Boston is quite the commute.. just saying. That's all I can really say anyways. read more

CASH ONLY! We came here to see the Galactic Perimeter play on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and this place is a dive music venue out of the dreams of a budding rock legend. I felt like I needed a tetanus shot after using the ATM in the corner, but the bar tender was friendly and the glasses looked clean, so I had a couple drinks and settled right in. The band sounded great, with the exception of a little reverb situation right at the start of the show, and looking around the place, I feel like it must be a piece of history, like so many other cool places in New England. There is the obligatory Drop Kick Murphy's framed poster on the walls, as well as band memorabilia from a thousand other artists, and the graffiti in the bathroom made me feel like I was 15 again, sneaking into the local clubs in Hollywood. Moral of the story here: it's a great place to be entertained, as long as you bring cash and eat before hand! read more

My only visit here was for a Boston Boylesque show I was in... but I liked it okay. As a performer, the basement was a great "green room"/dressing room and the stage is at a pretty nice level for burlesquing, as it is high enough to be seen over heads. It may be awkward for a band, because the stage is almost at chest level for the front row. The owner and managers seem pretty cool, considering they let gay boys take off their clothes at a pretty stereotypical dive bar. Oddly enough, I think we won over a lot of dive-regulars. read more

So, my husband is in a band (Something Something Buy A T-Shirt) and they played here on a Sunday afternoon. It was a great space for them to play. Great stage, room in front of the stage, some seating around the bar and small bar/table facing the stage. Great sound/sound system. Cover charge is only $7. They do have drinks and soda, but no food. With a name like The Midway CAFE, you'd think they did food, but nope. But you can bring in outside food. They are right next dorr to Burritos (see my other review for them!). Also, really easy to get to. Right on Washington St. And I think of JP and get nervous. Really though, it's not in a bad neighborhood. Great band space. Great bar. No food. All in all, I really enjoyed this place. Hope to go back soon. read more

Visiting from out of town on a Thursday for the weekend. Astros versus Red Sox. Go stros!!! Anywho. We won. Lol. Sidenote stopped by here cause it was kareoke night. We don't stay for the whole experience but we chatted with the bartender mike. Super sweet knowledgeable guy. He made the night fun. If ur in the neighborhood hit this spot up. Drinks weren't expensive and the atmosphere was nice. Mike u rock. read more

On the one hand, I love the Midway. Cheap drinks, Smilin' and Seamus behind the bar, Dave being crazy. On the other hand... it's often an interesting experience. So, here we are with 3 stars. As mentioned in a lot of other reviews - if you or someone you know is in a band, you've been to the Midway. I've seen a lot of great bands here and I've seen probably twice as many awful ones, but you have to give them credit for giving everyone a chance. They have Magners and Allagash on tap, so I don't know what everyone's complaining about. Except for one time, I asked for a Magners and got a Madras (I think? It was... orangey-grey) and that was a little sad. (Don't let me fool you though; I drank it.) Oh, also, they sometimes grill during the summer and will then walk through the bar with sizzling hot steak tips! How can you go wrong? read more

I had an awesome awesome night at queeraoke! The singing was horrendous but the energy was great, the drinks were strong, the bartender was nice and there was dancing. Definitely a win. Attention queeraoke patrons on 3/11: I lost a digital camera that has a memory card with super duper sentimental pictures on it... A trip I took, my grandmother, etc. If by any chance you picked it up PLEASE shoot me an email at desmit2000@aol.com and I'll give you my address to mail the memory card to. Your good karma points will be off the charts. Thank you! read more

I have not been hear in about 6 years and was shocked to see it is the same! The same great bands, the same annoying posers ( that i could care less about now 6 yrs later) good beer and cheer. I guess the main ingredient that has kept it the same is the part owners Dave's enthusiasm and good customer service! I showed up with 3 folks right after the band had left and had a great time with Dave and the regulars. We were starving and the surrounding food places were closed! Dave to the rescue - he ordered Chinese from Roslindale and shared with us! I love a local place when it survives! read more

What does it take to get a drink in here? Pete stood on two sides of the bar before anyone came over to him. In fact, I think I might have yelled out "excuse me" to get the bar tender's attention. Of course an hour later there's 3 people tending bar, but it really seemed that all the people we received drinks from did not know how to bar tend. Also annoying... walking into the ladies' room and I see a dude peeing? You have your own bathroom... thanks. The neighborhood is kind of sketchy too. Their tap beers are pretty good though..... Probably won't be back, unless the show is amazing. read more

If you love going to shows with a lot of energy this is the place. its a small place so if you are at the bar you are damn close to the stage still. beers cheap. the cover is never that much. i read more

I love this place....it is like an old friend--reliable, familiar , fun and always welcomes me back with open arms. I hadn't been in several months because of my schedule and then one of my friends came into town and wanted something fun to do on Thursday night and i picked here! The night was a hit--and it was my friends birthday and the djs had her stay up on stage and had everyone sing HB to her...I took a pic of her embarassed face and that is now her B picture!! Of course she is also very drunk, so the picture is slightly hysterical! :) read more

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What an amazing place for underground live music. Classic dive bar. The neighborhood is a ghost town except for this one corner where you'll find the Midway Cafe and a couple of other restaurants/pubs. But it's worth the trip. The interior is even more authentic and "old-school" than that "other" complex of four clubs in Cambridge. Midway is JP to a T. Bring your cash and your earplugs, and don't be afraid of cute strangers talking to you. read more

This review pertains exclusively to the THURSDAY night, QUEEREOKE. A mostly lesbian, gender-queer night always jam-packed with interesting folks. This is the place to drag your skinny jean wearing, vintage T rockin', bandana doning, hipster ass to meet all of those similarly-minded dykes on a Thursday night. Plus, Queereoke tends to be hilarious after a few beers! The bartenders are attentive and friendly. Though I must warn you, the bar is CASH ONLY. Also, there's a $2 cover. read more

Miss R., I agree with you. May I just add that: Wednesday is usually a fun dance night called MUSK; Thursday is Queeraoke night (mostly lesbians, not too many guys) with lil dance party thrown in and always a blast; and my favourite local band Neptune plays here quite a lot. I tend not to come here just to drink, more for a quick social night out on a weeknight and usually no cover or very cheap. Just please note that the drinks are cheap and the bartender friendly, the place is tiny, (I found a dartboard on the back door-whoa!), the bathroom is fine, and they only take cash. read more

Save the stage for the gays. Queereoke is definately an avenue for Thursday night aural debauchery. Although, the show doesn't usually get started until after 10pm, once it does... there's nothing that can stop it. Well, nothing except the ten to twenty minute hip hop breaks, which make for longer waits to sing, but overall the party gets hoppin'... after all, we queers DO love to tear it up on the dance floor. The drinks are affordable, the cover is reasonable, and if you don't mind taking a cab home and trucking through a Friday hangover... this is the place to be on Thursday night. read more

It's loud. It's a dive. It's very tiny and has questionable bathrooms. It charges a cover on band nights that are sometimes just a bit too steep but the drinks are cheap so knock a few back and you'll forget about it in minutes. Crappy bartender? Don't worry. They'll probably get fired during their shift. It's happened. The staff are surly and friendly but that's what make them so damn fun. There is some pretty great music too. But WHY must it be in JP when I live in Somerville?! At least street parking is free right across the way. read more

I've been here a few times, and its a solid night. It's a dive bar, but the best bars tend to be. Five dollar cover, five dollar well drinks, and the cutest female-bodied queer people you can find. Small breaks of pop music between sets of kareoke, and the crowd was very welcoming to the occasional gay man (re: me) so I had a blast. Granted its in JP so unless you're local you need a ride. If it were closer I'd probably be a regular. read more

All these reviews mention that the drinks are cheap, but there's a reason fore this... they water down their liquor while it's still in the bottle. And there is something wrong with their beer taps, they often taste funny and people get sick from them. If you live in JP, and you have a friend who's in a band, you'll probably end up going here anyway. They are certainly a neighborhood institutrion and an authenticly grungy place to hear rock n roll. But does that really make it okay for them to water down our booze? read more

I went last night for the first time. I would have to say if it werent for the two UNFRIENDLY bartenders, I had an awesome time. I got the sense that he was more friendly to the usual crowd, but who carfes I wasnt there to have fun with the bartenders. Friendly group of lesbians and transgenders, good music, great dancing, great energy. I only wish there were a few more gay men to diverify the crowd but maybe that would only take the edge and relaxed atmosphere down. a refreshing break from the Boston "crowd" No attitude, non-scene, fun edgy crowd. I'll be back again and again. read more

I had a great time here! Granted I did not eat anything, but I did drink quite a bit! The drinks were strong and the dancing was on! I loved the vibe, and would totally go back here for another night of fun! read more

It's a dive, It's smelly, It's rock and roll! I have only been here to see friends' play and can't speak for the usual crowd. I can say it is a great, intimate place to see a band, kind of like being in a garage only there is a bar and better sound. Beer is cheap, cover is expensive. read more

I went here once to see a friend of mine perform as part of a burlesque show - which was hilarious and amazing. It's extremely small though and gets loud fast. So go here if you just want to drink and get rowdy. It is PERFECT for that. They always have interesting shows of all spectrums going on. I reccomend you just drop in one night to see whats up. read more

Great spot for live music and a quick bite. Very friendly to all people that go there.

Should be called half karaoke- half twenty something grind fest. Was supposed to be 4 hours of karaoke but apparently that's an absurd concept. When I inquired of the bouncer and DJ "is karaoke over?" After a 45 minute top 40 dance party- the answer "we can't play karaoke all night!" Silly me. Apparently queereoke is a clever ruse for the same crap music played at ever other bar in the city. No Elton, no George Michael, Boy George, Queen or even Lady GaGa. Meh. read more

The Midway Cafe has been one of my husband's and my favorite hangouts for years, and continues to be so. The reasonably-priced drinks keep us coming back, as do the eclectic mix of bands and the ability to watch the Sox (or Bs or Cs or Pats) game on the TVs over the bar. The best thing about the bar, though, is the staff. Dave and his brother Jay always make us feel at home. It's a cliche, but there is no other way to express the cheerful greeting and the friendly service. Dave's high energy management always adds to the evening, and the bartenders are on the ball. It is definitely not a hipster hang out - the decor is not slick, the drinks aren't gimmicky, and the crowd is just there to have a good time and maybe hear a fun band. If you want to escape the self-absorbed pretentiousness enveloping the city bars, stop by the Midway. The bar is cash only, and they do not serve food, but Dave doesn't mind if you pick up a sub along the way and eat it at the bar. :) read more

My friend Nate Graham (yes, this is a plug) the musician, was staying with me. He had booked a gig at the Midway Cafe. I had also developed a mean cold, but figured hell, why not go anyway. Well, when your body is telling you something, you should probably listen. I went to the Midway Cafe, stepped inside and looked around. It was a hole in the wall with some locals lining the bar. They seemed pretty friendly because when I got there, Nate had already schmoozed with all of them. I had a whiskey sour for only 5 buckaroos, which is totally decent. Then the most TERRIFYING thing happened! An individual whom worked at the M.C. picked up a mouse. WITH HIS BARE HANDS. MOUSE IN HANDS! He proceeded to walk by, asking everyone what he should do. I didn't realize that it was a live mouse until he was about a yard away and noticed the mouse wriggling in his fingers. Mind you I hate mice, I start jetting towards the door, and realize I have a glass in hand. I slam it down on the bar, and BOOK IT OUTSIDE! I bust through the door and my trusted friend Nate is wondering why I am I babbling about a mouse and why I had just sprinted outtside. When I got back inside, the whole crowd turned to me and had a good laugh. It felt like we had all experienced something crazy together and while we'll all remain strangers were united in a moment. I was ready to leave, but then I discovered one of those MegaTouch games. I can't help but become like a kid on Christmas morning when I play some PhotoHunt. There's only one thing better than PhotoHunt and that's "Erotic" PhotoHunt (For the record it's the same level of nudity as cable TV but with moaning sounds when you get the right answer). 'Tis the game of PhotoHunt that is sole reason I gave this Midway Cafe 2 stars. It was the insane experience that is utterly unforgettable. read more

Pretty good bar, pretty good prices, pretty good crowd, I always preferred the Milky Way though, they had bowling.

I was in town and excited to see a show but when everyone showed up, about 20 people and the bands, the people at the Midway Cafe turned us all away. It was one thing to cancel the show, but they were COMPLETE dicks to everyone about it. To hell with this place. I guess they just want ravers and hippies to frequent the club... read more

The Midway is: a) a short walk from my house, b) a great place to see smallish local rock bands, c) a purveyor of reasonably priced drinks, and d) a lot of fun. This is a fun dive, especially if some bands you like are playing here. read more

The Midway is the ultimate in dive bar and local music greatness. Strong drinks, great tap selection, and friendly bartenders make your experience so much fun you can forget about how bad some of the bands are. And yes, for all of the great music you'll hear, there will be a few clunkers. But that's part of the fun of it, so don't let it deter you. The Midway is a great bar when you're looking for a change of pace from your regular watering holes, and if you're lucky enough to have friends playing there, you're in for an awesome night. I have never left this place anywhere close to sober. read more

One of my favorite little venues in boston. A small room with consistently interesting local and national artists. The crowd is local and approachable, and guarantees a good night out. read more

Great little place to drink beer and listen to loud music

So, a coworker belongs to a band, along with his 2 brothers. They are called Garage Dogs, and they were performing this past Saturday night. I wanted to show support and everyone from work was going, so I ventured out to Jamaica Plain to get there around 10; which is when they began their set. It was easy to get to if you take the orange line to the Green St. Stop, a short walk to and along Washington St. There was a cover of $7 and as you enter this small, dark bar you see bar immediately to your left and the stage to your right. There was an interesting mix of people, all ages and walks of life - not used to seeing such a variety in such a tiny space. I bought a beer - a local made - it was OK., not the greatest, but not the worst, either. Garage Dogs played for over an hour and in the future seeing live music here I would recommend to bring your own ear plugs - I am sure as I get older and start losing my hearing it will be partially responsible to seeing them perform. LOUD. If you are in JP or going there look into who is playing at Midway and it is a great place to have a few hours of fun and hear some great music, and people watch - especially if there is nudity and on stage exposure - careful what you wish for.... read more

The Midway Cafe is pretty dive-y. Depending on what you like, this may be a good thing (cheap) or a bad thing (smelly). Some things I would like better would be a clean bathroom (or just getting rid of the smell) and having the beer selection displayed behind the bar (I hate having to guess). read more

I love dive bars, so the dive part did not bother me. My regret is that I did not bring the phone to capture a performance or 2 on video. Though the crowd was mostly female, there were a few men. One young guy performed Foreigner's "I want to know what love is," and it was priceless. Both bartenders were nice and efficient. The DJ's musical variety betwixt performances was notable. Wreckx n Effect's Rumpshaker (with the video on multiple tvs) and then Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. wow. I honestly love that she threw in some Mumford and Sons - however it was oh-so laughable to see a couple of women dancing to the English folky mandolin as though it was ... Salt n Pepa. read more

If you like friendly People and the Grateful Dead come for the early shift on Friday night. The beer is cheap and cold. Regular crowd but nice. Punk band goes on at 9pm. read more

My favorite kind of bar.Cheap beer and loud music.The Midway is definately one of the last in a long-standing tradition of beer stained dive bars.There's usually a band playing that,unless you're deep into the Boston band scene,you've never heard of. Here's a piece of advice;go see them anyway.You'll have a great time.Missing is a sense of hipster entitlement.The bar is casual,full of a neighborhood mix,and friends of the band.The schedule of shows is diverse,and if one night isn't for you,then wait a few days,and eventually it will be. The Midway also engages in the long standing tradition of the all ages show.I brought my 13 y.o. son there a few times to see various punk/hardcore shows. The beer selection is good,straying beyond the Bud/Miller realm usually found in a bar like this.Remember to bring CASH.No cards are accepted here.Also,eat before you go,because the Midway serves no food.There is an occasional back-alley BBQ during the spring/summer shows. Occasionally,because it's a small room,they will be at capacity,as happened a few weeks ago at the Mouth Sewn Shut show.Not much of a problem.Eventually,fans of the lead up bands will trickle out,and in you may go. All in all,it's the type of place that is quickly disappearing here in town. read more

Such a friendly staff and so often they put on good shows, it's hard to say there's anything wrong with Midway Cafe. However, I will point to the lack of any food items and the few special drink combinations takes this from a 5 star to a 4 star establishment. Still, if you're in the area, you should absolutely check out the Midway. read more

The Midway is a dive. Dark and dingy, cheap drinks, and sticky floors. Queeraoke is a fun collection of mostly female queer people. The few men who do show up take more than their share of stage time singing, but that probably means that men who come to Queeraoke are mostly there to sing rather than to hook up - just as well since they're not likely to succeed. People sing the same old songs too often; I try to break from that pattern and never do the same song twice. The song selection isn't bad but alternative is poorly represented. (But then most of the crowd won't recognize it; one night I sang a Muse song and half the audience didn't even know the band let alone the song!) The song books are seriously out of date, and each one seems to be incomplete. (Pieces of the alphabet are simply missing and each one is missing a different part.) Some nights they bring a computer that you can use to make requests; it has an up to date database. The main DJ, Summer's Eve, is OK. The assistant DJ, Erin, always has a big welcoming smile for everyone and she's seriously hot. To answer a couple of questions in other reviews: 1. Why the cover? So they can afford to pay the DJ. Karaoke recordings aren't cheap - the DJ is paying at least $1 per song and he's got a library of thousands of them. And his time is worth something. 2. Why don't they have song X? First, see the answer to question #1. Second, the song selection of the karaoke companies is somewhat idiosyncratic; the song you really want to sing may not be available, or may only be available in a bundle that is mostly dreck that nobody wants. read more