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Midway Cafe

3.8 (96 reviews)
InexpensiveMusic Venues, Bars, Karaoke
Open • 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

Midway Cafe Photos

Business Info

MIDWAY CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Divey
Live music
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Midway Cafe

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Midway Cafe in Jamaica Plain
Bruce K.

Quick stop for a watering hole, I hit up the Midway Cafe for a beer and a quiet table in the early evening to use my laptop. No, they don't have a wifi that I was able to hook on to but I did find a power outlet to charge my phone and tether to it. So that's cool. Cheap beer, I had a UFO white that was $7 with tip for the bartender who poured it and provided the requisite orange wedge. It was quiet while I was here but as I was leaving, the bands were coming in and getting set up. Midway is a small place but I think the music is gonna rock.

Dana S.

Has a super blast at their Polynesian pounce. Amazing blue Hawaiians and Labretta Suede and her band were fun too Def be back.

Adam C.

First off, I read the review of the "really nice ladies room" and had to laugh. I wouldn't know if it is or isn't. It probably is nice, but I was here this past Saturday in the men's room standing in a 1/4"-1/2" of piss/PBR when I was in the men's room. Whatever, it wasn't a shock for that bar or anything for me. Anyway, I've been here a couple of times and it's been entertaining each time. I ended up there this past Saturday at "Nerd Night" where they have kids get up and dork out on their favorite topics, such as Ham Radio. Anyway, entertaining shit. Also, I've been for the karaoke/dance night thing on Thursday. It's fun and you actually don't HAVE to be a lesbian to attend, just don't be a douche and you'll be fine. It's cheap, zany and fun.

Rosie Q.

No food & cash only! It might look a little sketchy from the outside but once you walk inside, it's not a bad spot for a beer! It's an adorable small music venue. The drinks are listed in colorful chalk on the boards on the wall and they have little Christmas lightings around the place. Hey! It adds character! (: Plus, they have a prettay prettay decent selection of drinks and beers to choose from!

I walked in here for some beer. I decided to try this and it was such a happy moment.
Robbie P.

I come here for the beer. Midway has a decent selection and a few that are new to me. I love coming here to try something new. The bartenders are friendly and well mannered. The place is dark, but that doesn't bother me. As for the music, I'm not going to hate on it because I'm really a House/Trance/Techno fan...yet the bands that play here manage to put a smile on my face. When the place brings in a small crowd, it becomes a small show and I can see how the customers enjoy themselves. I'll always come here for a beer and a good time.

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16 years ago

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13 years ago

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12 years ago

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10 years ago

Local music scene. It was ok.. Cheap good drinks and worth a visit when the venue rocks!

Business owner information

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Jay B.

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13 years ago

I had so much fun coming here. the ambiance is wonderful and my friends and i really enjoyed the cocktails. food was ok

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20 years ago

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17 years ago

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19 years ago

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13 years ago

If you want to listen to an epic rendition of 4 Non Blondes' "What's Up" and drink $2.50 PBRs, this is the place for you.

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18 years ago

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19 years ago

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14 years ago

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13 years ago

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16 years ago

Great place to hear awesome bands and drink. What more is there to be expected? Nothing.

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13 years ago

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13 years ago

They don't have any AC and gets crowded VERY fast....not my fave. I went there in June and it was SO hot.....ick.

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Review Highlights - Midway Cafe

“I don't get to JP very often-- but I try to schedule my trip across the river to coincide with queereoke.”

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The Bebop - Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich Dinner

The Bebop

4.1(229 reviews)
3.0 mi•Symphony
•$$

The vibe & music are perfect! Walked in on Friday after being at Fenway& Lansdowne Pub down the…read morestreet. The live music and friendly atmosphere here were exactly what we were after. Our waitress, Caoimhe "Kwee-va," was truly a standout and made this a 5/5 experience. It is so rare to have such caring, attentive service nowadays and we were absolutely blown away by her. Music by Caeltish was great!

The Bebop sits near Berklee College of Music and combines the energy of an Irish pub with a live…read moremusic venue, creating a lively environment filled with musicians, students, locals, and visitors. We walked into a space where the walls are covered with photos of artists and music memorabilia, while dim lighting, packed tables, and frequent live performances give the restaurant a distinctly neighborhood feel. Whether stopping in for a casual drink or staying for an evening of music, the experience centers around the performances happening just a few feet away. The menu leans heavily into Irish pub comfort food with generous portions and hearty classics. We tried the Guinness Beef Stew and the Shepherd's Pie, both of which delivered rich flavors and exactly what you would expect from a solid Irish restaurant. Other popular items on the menu include curry fries, clam chowder, burgers, and traditional pub fare designed to pair naturally with a pint. The comfort food favorites consistently stand out, while opinions on some other menu items may vary. Service is friendly and welcoming, even on busy nights when the venue fills up for performances. The staff handles both diners and music crowds with ease, helping maintain a relaxed atmosphere despite the constant activity. Live entertainment is clearly a major part of the identity here, with regular performances ranging from Irish sessions and jazz to open mic nights and other local acts. For a neighborhood pub near Berklee that delivers on both hearty Irish food and live music, The Bebop offers a warm, energetic experience built around community and performance.

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The Bebop
The Bebop - Bebop Wings

Bebop Wings

The Bebop - Outside

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Outside

Foundation Room

Foundation Room

3.6(61 reviews)
2.9 mi•Fenway
•$$$

I had access before a show. I had previously been in contact via email and purchased an upgrade…read more There were no reservations available however Maeher was excellent in finding a time slot, then seating me right away when I arrived early. I was given a short tour of the facility which was very comfortable, like someone's home but with great themed decor. My waiter was very attentive. The menu was necessarily brief as per the nature of a pre-concert meal. I had no problem selecting a shrimp po'boy and it was delicious, very filling, and surprisingly fairly priced. During the meal the venue offered an acoustic solo singer adding to the atmosphere. Maeher also checked on me and kept her promise to escort me to my seat in the venue. Maybe it was the upgrade, but I did feel like a VIP. Other diners around me seemed to also receive good service. I've seen mediocre reviews of this location but that was not my experience. I'd definitely like to have a pre-show meal there again.

When my partner upgraded us to VIP tickets for a show at House of Blues I was skeptical if it would…read morebe worth it. But it totally was! The Foundation room was stunning and unique. Going upstairs the walls are covered with beautiful quilted fabric. Upon entering you are greeted by a shrine to Ganesha. The bar area is full of dark wood, stained glass and features a fireplace. The whole ambiance is one of luxury and comfort. There's also an outdoor area overlooking the street if you want views of the city or to get some fresh air. The only letdown was the food. We ordered appetizers and entrees. It took forever to arrive and my burger was dry and overcooked. I would recommend go for the drinks and the ambiance not the food.

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Foundation Room
Foundation Room
Foundation Room

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VIVA Karaoke Downtown

VIVA Karaoke Downtown

4.2(52 reviews)
3.8 mi

EXCELLENT!!! I have…read morea group that does karaoke at every conference we go to. That means we do karaoke two or three times a year, all around the country. As such, I feel well qualified to talk about how amazing Viva is! Song finding system: the Viva system is easier than most, and made it simple to find what we liked. Easy to move things around on the queue. Location: easy access, safe location for arrival. Private rooms: this is where Viva absolutely shone. Private rooms are obviously critical. However, at most karaoke places, it's challenging to get in and out of the bench seating to get up to sing. Not at Viva! The bench was long, with space to get in and out, while still having table access and plenty of water. It's hard to say how much this improved the experience. Service: there's a button to press for service, and they show up and take care of whatever you need. Drinks: many of us find that karaoke requires alcohol lubrication. That means the drink quality really matters. The drinks were fab!

WOW!!!! A truly Amazing Experience at Karaoke in this high…read moreTech location in Downtown Boston proper! For those who seek a place to show your singing abilities and entertain the audience, then this locale is perfect for you! The Stage is huge along with a Mega Microphone so you can sing to your heart's content without holding one! The light show and massive screen at both ends of the room to see the lyrics for you and those watching you to also sing alongside your Stella performances! Don't be shy cause we are all here to be entertained and have a wonderful time with friends and colleagues. The audience has great tables and the most comfortable chairs to watch who's performing and not only that the full bar is only feet away as to not miss a beat of any song! The Staff is truly First Class and the Bartenders are ready to serve you your favorite beverages! The hospitality of its Staff makes your experience very professional and gives you the opportunity to show case your vocal qualities! They even have Private Rooms to give you and your party guests a place to sing in private and record your selection! The Managing Partner ALEX VICHIENRAT Can be found floating around to answer and questions or concerns to make Karaoke so much better! Today I was invited to attend a group of 30 plus and our Hosts were ESTHER ZEE LEE and WILSON LEE. They organized this Group of attendees for an evening of Connection, Welcoming area Communities for a night of Networking for CHINESE AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION INC. ! They treated all of us to some tasty light dinner treats while we listened to our attendees on stage and Bringing us all together in support and community compassion! THANK YOU ESTHER ZEE LEE - CHAIR of the BOARD and PRESIDENT and her Husband WILSON! To see both of them greet all of us with open arms and hearts made this gathering at VIVA a time to Remember! All the attendees included many Special Guests all had a special time! www.wing guys.com

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VIVA Karaoke Downtown
VIVA Karaoke Downtown
VIVA Karaoke Downtown

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Midway Cafe - musicvenues - Updated October 2026

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