This is a great neighborhood bar. This isn't a vibey dive bar opened by a hipster with a loan, it's just a simple place where people go to drink bottled beer. If every bar in America were like this then we would truly be a country of heroes. Long live Paddy's Lunch. read more

Paddy's is a unique, old school pub where if you don't know everyone, you will by the time you leave. It's a total neighborhood place, cash-only, no real food and woman-owned. They are good people and support local causes. read more

Authentic. Paddy's is NOT a dive bar. Paddy's is a trouble free philosophy where you leave your worries outside the door. If your a jerk don't go because you will expose yourself quickly and the place is too small for you to take up valuable space . Go and have fun and enjoy great people who will welcome you with open arms . read more

Old Dive Paddy's is a fun place but there is no lunch any more. When it started in 1934 it served the Irish brickyard workers and there was good food. Over the years it has turned into a simple bar. Not a club just a place to drink. Mostly a family kind of place they get to know you fast and you are in the family.They have men's and women's sports team. The normal parties are a fun time. Try it you will like it. Thanks read more

The absolutely NICEST people in the Cambridge, Mass area! We stopped in to have a few beers before heading back to Boston to watch Notre Dame football. We left with a nice little buzz and a bunch of new, forever friends! The best local bar EVER! read more

My father was a bartender at Paddy's back in the day when women could not go in. We lived up the street. My mother and I could go into the back room though.(.So exciting as a child.) I visited a few years ago to meet the present owner, the daughter of the woman that my father worked for. It was like going home...such warm feelings of a great place where locals hung and supported each other. When my father passed away at 40 years old , they had a benefit and collected money to help my mother with 2 young kids.. I shall always have wonderful memories of the place that my father loved and the people who run it ! I am thrilled that they are still in business.. Karen Shea Smith read more

This place is very, very weird... It feels like a neighborhood joint, which is cool; decor is kind of random but has a friendly feel. There are obviously locals there. They have a softball team. But, the lighting is SOOOO bright! What's the point? It's really off putting, and it made the scene a little awkward for me. read more

This is my favorite Boston bar. This bar has something that people travel far and wide to find - authenticity. You don't come to Boston looking for the "hot scene", let those posers go to LA and post an instagram story. You come to Boston cause you're looking for this country's roots - That's what you will find here at Paddy's Lunch. At paddy's, you'll feel like family. read more

Hell yeah Paddy's is the best bar in Boston. We stopped by looking for some beers but found jaimo shots with hot dogs and nachos straight outta fenway park. Paddies is the long lost neighborhood bar youve been searching for read more

I play a lot of Social Boston Sports dodgeball. The sponsor bar is a well known over priced bar in Davis, which has been listed as a bar you can't step foot in over 30. ::insert blushing emoji here:: So I recently branched out into Monday night Kickball. I arrive after work, and my first question is "what is the sponsor bar". I am TOLD that it's Paddy's....now, this might be a wild and crazy RUMOR, but I said "I have been dying to go there, can I bring chipotle??" I walk into Paddy's with my Chipotle in hand and am WELCOMED by green plastic clover table cloths, and a bar seated full of locals. They were immediately friendly and wanted to talk Boston Bruins, despite being discreetly a Black Hawks bar (ballsy move, Cambridge). Our Fair City's finest not only welcomed us into their home base bar, but we're a lot of fun. I mean one of the clearly regulars may have been a little handsy, and definitely wouldn't have been friends with John Taffer, but completely harmless and a great dancer. The sound system seems to be a boom box with an aux cord and some big speakers, but we listened to maybe Temptations radio. It was so fun. PBR IS ONLY $2.50!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got like 7 drinks for $20 (5 were PBR, 2 were a little crafty). Oh and they have a pretty extensive beer selection for a dive. In summary: the owner, super nice. The bartenders, super nice. The local crowd, super nice. All welcoming to the kickballers. If you're in the area, stop by for a cold, clean pint. You won't regret it. read more

Improper Bostonian ranked Paddy's Lunch as a Best of Boston 2012 Dive Bar. Should I take offense to that or should I embrace it? COME OVER HERE AND GIVE ME A BIG HUG I SAY!!! This place is as townie as it gets. Used to be that if you were not a local you didn't go there. That isn't quite the case anymore. Granted there is still a slight hint of xenophobia in the mildest sense of the word but no where near what it used to be. Once it becomes cool to hang out at a dive bar it's hard to keep them out. Cough Cough Sligo's... Went there for a Disco night. Assumed that it would be busy but we were wrong. Only about 12 people in the place but you know what? We still had a blast! Music was awesome. Bartender is a friend of mine. And they carry Heineken Light. WIN WIN WIN to me! Paddy's Lunch DOES NOT SERVE FOOD! Ironic I know but deal with it... Ladies bathroom is a little scary but again deal with it... Too bright... read more

I've driven by this place for years, and it took me forever to stop in. The main reason for this is it's well hidden on a side street in the neutral zone between Porter Square and Cambridgeport, and the only time I'm there is mid-commute. But it looked like the ultimate townie bar and I had to know, so I deliberately went there for lunch on a weekday noon. First of all, don't be fooled. What they mean by 'Paddy's Lunch' is 'a carousel of hot dogs behind the bar.' If you're dreaming of an arugula salad with goat cheese and caramelized pears, check yourself. This is Paddy's, and they eat hot dogs for lunch. When you can jump that hurdle, the Lunch Special (2 hot dogs and a domestic draft for $4) is a helluva deal, considering most places would just charge you $4 for the draft and let you toast your own hot dogs with a Bic lighter. And the best part, when it comes time to dress that weiner... Grey Poupon in a squeeze bottle. But of course! So ignore the 'Lunch' bit... that's just a smokescreen. Paddy's is the ultimate townie bar, and the sort of place you go to talk to potbellied men about sports, discuss local politics from a blue-collar perspective, and if you stay there long enough, get a healthy beer buzz for under $20. I have to admit, if I lived within walking distance... this place might just end up being my living room. read more

I stopped in here on a Saturday night with a friend visiting from out of town, for "just a beer" as we were walking home from dinner. I really truly intended to only stay for a single beer, but somehow don't even quite know how many were had, whiling away the time chatting about the bar's history and the sports on tv with the bartender. Two regulars bought us a round as they were headed out, and the bartender joined us in our last round. At some point, when we were the only customers left in the place, I remember saying to him, "We're not keeping you here, right? I wouldn't want to..." and before I could finish, he replied, "Oh believe me, if I didn't want you here, I'd let you know it." This place is awesome and unique, and the folks there really welcomed us newcomers, in true Yankee style. read more

Good neighborhood spot with cheap drinks and friendly clientele. Mostly a beer and shots type of place. There isn't any food served here. This is a dive bar through and through. You can play darts here but that is the only game available. There are a few televisions inside as well to watch sporting events. This is a great spot to hit after work to relax, talk and have a few drinks. read more

I went on a weekday afternoon to grab a drink and kill some time. It's exactly what you look for in a dive bar. Sticky tables, unclean bathrooms, and super cheap prices. I think the bartender, as well as the other regulars combing the bar, realized I wasn't necessarily from the area so they pretty much left me alone. Also, be warned that there is zero food there as they do not have a kitchen. If I'm back in the area, I'll probably take a trip back for some cheap, quick drinks. read more

One word - authenticity. This place is authentically old-school Cambridge as it gets. No frills or food but a nice selection of cold drinks. People are friendly, and you might walk away with a story or two. Get a t-shirt or hoodie and you'll look like a true Cantabrigian. read more

I have removed my previous review and given an accurate rating based upon my sincere appreciation for Paddy's. I don't know what I was thinking by reviewing it in the first place. If you are lucky, you can get one of Dana's Hot Dogs for lunch. He cooks them in a nice old-school rotating hot dog cooker thing and they are pretty tasty. 2 bucks. Bumped to 5 stars after a particularly yummy hot dog and a fine time hanging out with some of the very nicest people in Cambridge on a hot summer day. OK, morning. I have nothing but good things to say about Paddy's. The best of the best. read more

I heard about this place ages ago and would drive by all the time. A few years back I was riding my bike and seriously needed a beer so i went in. I was a little scared at first as everyone in there is a regular and I was not (at that point at least). I got a cheap beer and made some friends real quick. I go back on a regular basis and am now one of the regulars, but I will say I tend to be the youngest person in there, and usually the only chick (not that I mind that what so ever)! It's still a favorite of mine to bike to and drink, but I live a little further away now and it's getting harder to make it home after so many beers. read more

Are you looking for an authentic Cambridge bar? (where the old timers hang out) Paddy's Lunch is where you need to be. I went with my friend and her boyfriend (who are born and raised in Somerville). He wanted to hang out with some older guys from work (50-60 year olds) and watch the horse races. I didn't feel uncomfortable since I was there with people who know the locals. It might get awkward if you don't have an in. Definitely a good place to grab a beer and catch up with friends or catch the game. read more

Paddy's is one of a kind....it's small, dark (some would say intimate) and everyone there seems to know each other since their childhood days. A good place to go for beers...and only that I must say.... After reading a review about Paddy's being a townie bar, where hot-dogs were the only food option, I decided to check it out. However, much to my disappointment, i quickly found out that there are NO hotdogs...and no food at all.... Nonetheless, a very intriguing place... read more

Okay, it's a dive, and something of an old man bar. But I like both of those things and this place feels like home to me. You only have to go a couple of times before people recognize you and are friendly. If you're there before five say hi to Dana behind the bar. There is no food here. There is only Beer. read more

This bar RULES in each and every way. Really and truly. 'Nuff said. read more

Does it get any better than this. Paddys rounds off Cambridge perfectly. Tucked 5 min away from the square.real people,hard working folks, local people,most are here cause they are not all there. Good bartender keep your empty glass full at all times. The beer is cold and fresh, the mixed drinks are stiff, overall a good bunch of local people! read more

This is the quintessential local dive bar. Awesome people, who are all part of the Paddy's family. The drinks are beyond inexpensive. Owners and bartenders are all very friendly people. read more

One of the funniest things about my experience at Paddy's was when I looked up and sitting on top of the ancient fridge was a whiteboard where some one had indeed written "follow us on facebook and twitter". My eyes nearly popped out of my head, but not one to make a scene among locals (this does not apply to trendy clubs or places where my coolness surpasses those around me), I simply prodded my friend next to me and pointed with a large smile. I cannot wait to follow and friend the shit out of Paddy's. My group and I stumbled upon Paddy's accidentally after a dinner party at Jose's. Now, this wasn't just any dinner party, I had thrown one of my best friends a 30th birthday quinceneara, and she was dressed the part in a full, bright pink, crystal embellished ball gown. For us to make fun of anything would have been like calling the kettle black. So here were were, some of us in our finest ball gown attire, ready for a PBR and a shot of Jameson to end the night. Lucky for us, Paddy's was serving up our special - $7 pitchers of PBR and shots so big, my Irish husband and I only needed one. The bartender was awesome - he joined in on conversation with us about the Notre Dame/BC game, lamented about the good ol' days when the T didn't go all the way to Alewife (of which there is a sign for hanging in the bar), and when he was a 16 year old patron himself. The crowd was mellow and there to mind their own business and drink, which a lush like myself really appreciates. Although I was there with my dear friend the ex-Rat bouncer and my gruff looking husband, I am pretty confident that no one would have bothered me even if I wasn't. I am not sure what the "lunch" part of their name entitles, but I do know I can't wait to go back and find out. read more

This place reminds me of a bunch of old-time haunts in places like Jersey City. You cannot come into Paddy's and be anonymous, whether alone or in your group -- it is too small, too bright, and that's just not the vibe here. You are there in someone's barroom, and you have a certain obligation to be polite and respectful to them and your fellow guests. You get that down, and this is one of the friendliest places around. Leave your pretentions at the door and stay a while. read more

Paddy's is home. Simple. It's a little piece of the Boston that once was-- as much a community center as a bar, a true working class place where the locals gather for lunch in the afternoon and to blow off steam in the evening. It's no first date place, there's a few beers to choose from and I wouldn't expect much when it comes to mixed drinks-- but it's the most honest, friendly, salt-of-the-earth joint in Boston. The locals may seem gruff at first, but they're welcoming and they're good people. Listen to their stories, and you'll see the real Boston. read more

If you have the gift of gab and want to share it, come in and make friends. Plan on coming back over and over! This excellent little establishment will win over those who want good company, laughter, conversation, and a little blarney. read more

A place where the townies definitely go. Everyone there is very nice. Prices are very reasonable. Front section has bar seats and high top tables. Back part has darts. They have fun St Patty's Day events. Ideal neighbor place to walk to with friends and relax for the night. I feel very comfortable going there in sweats, jeans, or after play softball/kickball/etc. Bartenders have always been very very nice. read more

My father grew up with Bubby and Peggy Ryan - two of the greatest people ever. I'm sure Ruth will take great care of the place now and it will continue to be someplace anyone with a smile and a beating heart can feel welcome. read more

So I've been in town for almost 24 hours, but I can tell that this will be my second home. The bartender Chris introduced himself and kept our glasses full, the locals included us in their conversations and invited us to the dance floor, and one guy even gave up his seat so we didn't have to stand. It's divey, but I love them like that!!! I'm a fan. read more

I grew up living in the house next to this place. The former owner, Bubby Ryan (R.I.P), was practically a grandfather figure to me. I have fond memories of this place. I went through a phase one summer when I was like six or seven where I would try to hang out in there. Bubby would give me free chips and I'd play with his dog named Henry. Good times. read more

Awesome old school Cambridge Dive. Love this place

This is one of the finest bars in the city of Cambridge. I was rather intimidated by the awning...a bar that appeared as if it never left the 19th century (in a bad way.) Once I found my way inside, I realized that I'd never found a place that I felt I was more at home at while swilling newcastles and talking sports. I will forever support Paddy's and their hockey team. read more

cheap and a very neighborhood bar, everyone stares when you first walk in but eventually dont care, can be intimadating at first but no ones there to cause a problem. For the area its pretty well known, walk around cambridge/somerville/charlestown and you'll see someone with a paddys 34 sweatshirt on eventually. Theres a microwave but i dont think theres a kitchen anymore. read more

Love this place, great neighborhood bar to get a beer, love their 5K run also, i make sure i do it every year

Is the owner of Paddy's EVER there? Bought stuff online and haven't gotten it yet. And she is never ever there. Going on 5 weeks. They don't have food, how busy can she be? read more

Great little dive bar! Beers are cheap and drinks are stiff. Bartenders are attentive.

Love the place!!!!! Cold beer and hot women!!!!

Wowie Zowie!!!!!!!!!!!! What a place, what a heavenly God-like sanctuary. I felt like I was one with the people of the Earth, and as if we were all joined together into one luminous chain of love and acceptance. Not since "Hands Across America" have I felt such warmth, love, and intimacy with my fellow man/woman. Cold beer, hot women, stunning ass men!!!!!! After my Tuesday night glass-blowing shenanigans, there is no better place to soak up some eye candy (which there is never EVER EVERRRRRR any shortage of). The only thing stronger than the drinks are the biceps on the Paddy's softball team players. In my line of work I am engulfed in a world of shoulder pads and QED Reports, and it feels so good to unwind and escape it all with my Paddy's family. One suggestion (A Paddy's tube top) I'd love to show off the gals. But I seriously love this place and find it to be the greatest thing since sliced bread, and ask anyone who knows me, I am an enthusiast of sliced bread. The guys here are the best, and if you haven't been yet, go and I promise you'll have a great time! read more