The bar really is the best of both worlds. 1. You got a sense of RAF and Watson and Crick history. 2. You get genuine British food that is cooked well in the traditional British manner. Some knocks on this place has simply because people don't like the style of the more traditional British food. BUT... for those who can appreciate the difference between good British food and bad British food... this is on more of the good hearty type. I got the traditional fish and chips and my friend got a shank of lamb. YES... my fish and chips and mashed peas in it of itself was rather bland... BUT I could definitely tell they used a whole... relatively fresh fish and relatively fresh cut potatoes. I had to put the ketchup, salt, and vinegar to give it flavor (the British way). My friend's lamb shank (I had a sample) was very well made and did indeed need some shakes of seasoning, so you had to damp it in the broth that it came with. Do it the British way and you'll enjoy it! read more

A large, rambling multi-roomed and historic pub, which was opened as the 'Eagle & Child' in 1667, and was a Coaching Inn. The site is still owned by Corpus Christi college, but now managed by Greene King. The rooms ramble around to the 'RAF Bar' at the rear, which almost seems like a separate pub. Its ceiling is decorated with the details (names and squadrons) of RAF and US airmen from World War II. The rooms are all different in style and character, some with 1950's style wooden panelling, others with more traditional low-ceilings. There is a beer garden sandwiched between the front and back. They serve a range of real ales, include Greene King IPA, Theakston's Old Peculier, Old Speckled Hen and Brains' Reverend James. They also serve an extensive range of food - but I've not eaten here. A plaque outside records that Crick & Watson, discoverers of DNA, used to drink here, and it was here that they announced their discovery on 28th February 1953. The one downside is that it is packed with tourists as well as students, so finding a seat can be hard, despite its size. The tables could also have done with a clean, so perhaps it is a victim of its own success? read more

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I'm a fan. It's a solid pub. The place does get very crowded, which is irritating because food can be slow and you may not be able to find a table... but the place is cozy and fun. I love the atmosphere. I love their weekend meals, particularly the Sunday Roast and the Mushroom Wellington. OMG is the Mushroom Wellington good! I wish I could find the recipe (or who they purchased it from!). Very worth my money in an already overpriced Cambridge. I'm getting nostalgic now... read more

Stopped here because it's famous and I'm a tourist. It's cool that the RAF bar is historic and has the writings of those WWII pilots. It's modern day petroglyphs. I respect that. Ordered beer, but let's face it, if they didn't make it themselves then I can't rate them for that. I ordered the chilli con carne and rice. They might as well have replaced the rice with spaghetti because that's was it tasted like and that's mainly what I'm basing my rating on. The garlic bread that it came with was good. Crispy, buttery and full of garlic. Just how I like it. Other than that, the atmosphere didn't impress me. Oh well, it could have been worse. read more

You can imagine Watson and Crick sitting and talking, over a pint, about their research into DNA. Something we take for granted these days. Lovely atmosphere in the pub although, expectedly, full of tourists. So finding a table can be a bind. Service is good with a reasonable selection of beers and the food looked in large portions and smelled appetising. I cannot describe the taste as we had eaten elsewhere. Nice seating outside where you can get all the info about the pub from the many guided tours that stop outside. Saves a few quid and you can have a DNA pint at the same time LOL read more

At the outset, let me be clear that the star is for the atmosphere, not the food! The pub is quite atmospheric with actual candles and friendly service and is a great place to grab a drink They tout their homemade food a lot, but it was a complete disappointment. The potted ham hock was just salty with no flavour and very dry for potted meat. The red onion chutney along with it was the only thing that made it slightly palatable. The side of Rosemary Roasted Butternut Wedges with sour cream was completely tasteless except for an extremely mild hint of rosemary. I used the ham from the potted ham hock to get some salt into the dish (People who know me, know that I am someone who NEVER adds salt to my food) The barmen recommended the Slow Cooked Pork Belly which was very soft and coming apart at the gentlest touch, but again there was no seasoning or flavour, either in the pork or the accompanying vegetables. The only thing palatable in this dish was the creamy mashed potatoes on the side. We had, had a really long and tiring day, otherwise we don't normally order everything in one go. And we really regretted it, especially given all the other options around. read more

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The reason I like to travel so much is that sometimes you get to walk in the footsteps of greatness. The Eagle, which opened in 1667, is one of those places. Such great history here! 3 quick stories. In world war II, this pub was a popular hangout for the Royal Air Force men that flew in the airfields close by. In 1945, pilots from all over the world who returned from the War signed their names on the ceiling and walls using only cigarette lighters, candle smoke and lip stick. Francis Crick and James Watson, along with generations of other students used to come here and drink while developing their brilliant ideas. At lunchtime on February 1953, Crick interrupted startled patrons eating lunch to announce that he had discovered the secret of life: The double helix. There is a plaque that commemorates the event outside. And inside, in the bar where it happened are pictures of the event and of course, the double helix. Last, there is a room upstairs in where you will see a window that is always open. Apparently there was a bad fire once, and a boy was killed because he wasn't able to open the window. So now his ghost makes sure that this window is never shut. Creepy! Opposite the Eagle is St. Benet's Church, the oldest structure in Cambridge dating back to 1033. After taking in all of this history (and hearing of the legend of the ghost) we took a seat in the outdoor patio out back, where we perused the menu of traditional British fare. My wife and I both ordered the fish and chips, of course. The service was great, but it wasn't too busy at lunch time in August. The fish was flaky and the batter was light, and golden brown. The chips were cooked perfectly (not too greasy). The meal also came with mushy peas, which is peas that have been blanched, and run through a food processor with a little cream, salt and pepper. Love it! This place also has a variety of local craft beers on tap. There is even a beer called "Eagle's DNA". Amazing place. Go for the history and then stay and enjoy a Craft beer and some traditional British Fare. read more

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A really neat bar in Cambridge with a lot of history! There are a few different neat rooms - one has lots of aviation / WWII / Royal Air Force history with carvings on the ceilings from WWII and stickers / signatures from more current units. Another one has scientific history - it's where the discovery of DNA was first presented. There's a neat plaque at the table. The rest of the rooms have a very British ambience, although no specific history. There are fireplaces and low ceilings, old tables and chairs - you can feel all the history surrounding you as you have a drink! I didn't eat here, so I can't comment on the food, but they have a good selection of beers. Everything from Guinness to IPAs are on tap, although they don't take orders from or deliver beers to most of the tables - just go order at the bar and carry it back. It's definitely a go-to place for the university students, so every time I've been, it's been quite packed. We had to wait a bit for a place to sit, so expect that. read more

Didnt really order the DNA beer.But, Chips are awesome! A must try out there!Its definitely a place of history, with stories.Located in the center of Cambridge, really close to Kings College. Nice pub! read more

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What I liked: Great history in the bar area, good location if you're only in Cambridge to visit and nice food selection. Ordered the lamb with a side of fries. Got the lamb served on top of fries instead of their potatoes which seemed odd and not what I wanted but could be chalked up to miscommunication. I enjoyed the lamb dish a lot. My brother enjoyed the seafood pie, but it comes with eggs so it's good to know that before ordering because it's unexpected. Overall everything was pretty enjoyable, but we ended up waiting nearly 30 minutes after our meal was finished to receive our sticky toffee pudding (which is delicious and is a MUST if you swing by). The wait was definitely excessive, but we enjoyed the dessert. read more

I knew nothing of the history of this pub, just that it was a pub that I passed on the walk towards King's Parade from the shopping centre car park. Attractive atmosphere, and the food was OK, adequate but nothing great. read more

4.5 stars. I have been going to the Eagle for decades. I go a few times a year, when visiting family, and the fish-n-chips, mushy peas, and draft beer are superb. I even go alone sometimes just so that I can *be one with* the food, drink and atmosphere. I always feel welcome. The nooks and crannies can be romantic but perhaps best for groups (birthday celebrations, etc.). As a student, I once had a boy leave a note in my bicycle basket asking me to meet him for a drink there. As the time drew near, I lost my nerve -- and still wonder if my life might have been different had I joined the young Trinity man who chatted me up, oh those many years ago... read more

The Eagle - This does not show the beer garden out back. - Pubs Near Me - Cambridge, CAM

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Great English pub located near King's College. Arrive between 4-6pm and you will have difficulty finding a table. The crowd is a mix of locals, expats, students, and tourists. We were able to find a table (probably because it was filled with dirty dishes) and to our surprise, a server appeared shortly after we sat down and cleared the table. Be sure to read the plaque near the front door on the exterior of the building as your leave (or when you arrive)! read more

Average in terms of pub food. I got the fish and chips, which came with peas and a slice of untoasted white bread with a pat of butter. Maybe I'm biased by my London fish and chips experience, but it wasn't mind blowing. There was only one vegetarian option, and they seemed to have run out of certain dishes that evening as well. (The pub is where Watson and Crick announced "their" discovery of the structure of DNA.) read more

Centrally located, crowded, and lots of history - visiting is a must if you're a tourist/student in Cambridge. I didn't partake of much of the pub grub, but it wasn't too bad (just don't expect to be wow'ed by the food). I was more interested in the ceiling graffiti and the Double Helix. I find it hard to believe that Watson and Crick ate here 6 days of the week - maybe to drink, but to eat?! Then again, Watson, at least, isn't easy to understand - the racist remarks, the cheating Rosalind Franklin of recognition, and the genetic engineering crap. read more

An average carvery offered within a quintessential English setting. The Eagle is no doubt steeped in history and for that reason alone it is well worth a visit, a swift half in the most English of surroundings. Unfortunately the Sunday lunch doesn't quite live up to the location. The normal offer of meat, veg and pudddings under gravy is entirely edible, even enjoyable, yet somehow falls short of the establishment. read more

This is one of those classic Cambridge pubs that you really need to go see. The history is great. The beer selection is really good. In good weather, they have a lovely garden outside. Because of its location, though, they have to keep the noise down. That means they close the outdoor seating at 10:30. I love the character of places like this because the rooms are all irregularly shaped and there are nooks and crannies and different sized tables to accommodate all sorts of different moods. You might have a quiet pint in a corner with just one special person, or you might bring a small group and have a loud time together. It all works. I will definitely go back. read more

It's a cool English pub vibe and you can have a beer where Crick and Watson (and Franklin!) hung out while discovering the Foundations of DNA and also where World War II flyers hung out as well. Food was pretty average even by English pub standards. You can order and pay for food and drinks at the bar which makes check in/check out fairly quickly. read more

The Eagle - Pubs Near Me - Cambridge, CAM

This place has so much history here, it's crazy. From the writings on the ceilings from the WWII US/RAF pilots to the exact place where the discovery of DNA was first shared with the public. They have a variety of drafts as well as scotch. We enjoyed some fish and chips as well as a chicken sandwich here, both were great. The staff doesn't seat you, so if you see a table when you walk in, take it because this place gets quite busy with locals and tourists. The only downside here was that the bathrooms were quite dirty and were not cleaned once while we were there (5 hours). If you're visiting Cambridge, I would definetly recommend checking this place out, but would not recommend choosing this pace as for dinner as there are many better options in town. read more

Nice traditional pub. RAF bar is an amazing piece of history. Plus, if you are male you can make use of the urinals used by Watson and Crick. Actually you could if you're female too, although it might be wetter and less ergonomic. Really, though, a small price to pay to experience history. read more

What better way to contemplate the double helix molecular structure of DNA than by downing a few pints of real ale a few steps away from where it was apparently announced by Crick and Watson. Even better (for me) is the RAF bar which has the names of pilots and squadrons from WWII burned into the ceiling by the cigarette lighters of crews from the days when "The Few" saved us from nasty Mr Hitler in the Battle of Britain. OK - now on to the pub itself. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with several rooms and an outdoor area for nico-philes or when the weather is nice. The selection of beers is good ranging from Directors to Old Speckled Hen and many in between. The menu is pretty basic and good (not great) from a quality perspective, but with a few pints inside you, that doesn't really spoil the evening. If you're visiting Cambridge, the Eagle is a must - get there around 7pm and wander around with a pint or two before settling down into one of the nooks in the RAF bar to tuck in for dinner. And more pints. read more

When we asked around what pub to hit up in Cambridge, EVERYONE recommended the Eagle. Touted as the mainstay of Cambridge by all its raving supporters, we entered the dark pub looking to just chill and soak it in a little bit. A few of us ordered pints and we scoped out the place. It felt pretty cool to be in a place that is older than America (where we're from). And the World War II writings were very interesting. The place overall is a bit pricey, so I don't see how someone could come here often as it would really set them back. They have wifi but it is EXTREMELY weak and you pretty much have to be in the central area of the bar to access it. The bartender said this was because their walls are very thick and the signal doesn't travel through them. Go here for the history, but not really much else. It is a great tourist location but probably not a pub to frequent. read more

Yes, oldest pub and DNA and what-have-you, and while I'm a tourist, and while it was very strongly suggested that for my first visit to Cambridge I stop at the Eagle, the fact that it's a Greene King property takes a little bit of the fun out of it. Sure, the menu isn't exactly offering the same fare you'd find at a Hungry Horse, but the corporate ownership still didn't give the impression that I would walk away with a meal that would be befitting my day in an otherwise captivating town. As a pub, the Eagle performs better, if only because there is beer and people will sell it to you if you ask them. Go here, marvel as how old the walls are, if you're into that sort of thing, and enjoy some ales, but go find somewhere else for dinner. read more

It's a pub! Exciting things happened here! It was really busy on a Saturday lunchtime! I get that businesses want to fit more customers in but wow this place was rammed and all the tables are very close together. I began to wonder if people in Cambridge were simply far thinner than their Northern counterparts as I became stuck between tables and chairs numerous times while adventuring through the pub. I first had a lager (I don't know what as my friend sent to the bar) which was refreshing and tasty. I ordered a burger and then began to regret it while I was waiting, as pub burgers can be incredibly crap. However this was a pleasant surprise as it was genuinely really tasty. The meals came out very quickly, indicating it might be a defrost and microwave sort of place, but honestly this is what I expect from pub food and it doesn't bother me at all. My friends enjoyed their steak and ale pie and pork fillet. After food we stayed for another pint and I tried what I think was the house ale as it was called something like Eagle DNA ale. This was really nice. The crowd thinned out a bit and we were able to find a more comfortable place to sit. Overall it's a nice pub, nothing too special but worth a visit. read more

This might be my evening hub for awhile when I'm in Cambridge. Just the history of it and their signature IPAs are just good enough for me. What not to like abut this place when you know you drink your beer at a place where DNA discovery was announced (just the nerd in me). Have to warn tho this place get packed in the evenings. read more

The Eagle Public House is recommended by virtually everyone in Cambridge as a place to stop, have a pint, have a meal, and follow with several more pints. The pub is a historic mainstay, and if it were located in the US, then it would have one of those "historic landmark" signs with a brief paragraph explaining its significance during the 2nd World War. Instead, you can find the history burnt into the ceiling by RAF and US pilots alike using candles, lighters, and for the ladies their lipsticks. They wrote anything from their names to their squadrons to their fighter/bomber wings. Quite an enriching and inspiring experience just with all of the writings on the ceilings and walls, plus you can find the insignia badges of fighter/bomber wings throughout time (even modern day RAF and Marine Corps. badges). Enough about history, let's talk about location, beer, and food. The location is directly across from King's College and I can only imagine the bliss-filled study breaks and long nights that Eagle Public House has helped pass. The pints flow freely and the house brew "The Eagle DNA" is a fantastic ale. They have plenty of other brews on tap as well to satisfy even the most particular palate. The food: the recommended tries are the Meat Pie, the Eagle Burger, and the fish & chips (of course, what is England without a good course of fish & chips). I personally can say that the Eagle Burger with an extra patty and English bacon (none of this flimsy striped American crap that we serve) and cheese is an overwhelmingly excellent choice. Cooked medium and served with "salad" (lettuce and tomato) and Eagle sauce (mustard concoction), it was a very pleasing experience. Get there early and claim a spot. The place will be completely full by 6:00pm and you won't be able to find a table - as it is first come, first serve. read more

The Eagle is a good place to hang out if you can get a table and it's not too crowded. I went on a Sunday at 12:30 and we were fine. Oddly, it started to get crowded closer to 2pm. For me it's more just a place I can now say I've been to. The fish and chips were ok. The batter on the fish was very good actually, but the fish itself was a little mushy, and the chips were not worth finishing. Portions are large and service is friendly. I wouldn't mind coming back if I had friends visiting who wanted to go, but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back. Of course, it's so central that it's also practically on your way anywhere in Cambridge! read more

The Eagle is a cool pub with a lot of character. Watson and Crick (the guys who discovered DNA) would come here every week because they liked it so much. I had fish and chips and a pint of hard cider, both of which were pretty good. The fish and chips was a huge helping of food, which I definitely could not finish. Would definitely come back next time I'm in Cambridge! read more

You can't really come to Cambridge without going to the Eagle Pub. History, ceiling. This is like going to London and not walking by The Parliament House. However like the Parliament House, it is a place to visit and maybe stay for a pint but the atmosphere that cold Saturday night was just grim and uninteresting. They have an okay choice of ales but nothing compared to some other pubs I visited. I checked it off my "must see" list but will probably not come back. read more

Interesting history and neat ambience but I wasn't very impressed with the food. I was disappointed considering it received a ton of good reviews. Perhaps I'm just American and don't know good quality pub food when I get it. The food was edible but not that enjoyable. It served as fuel for the rest of our day in beautiful Cambridge. I got a bland chicken and chorizo salad and my husband got fish and chips. He said his fish and chips was good but nothing extraordinary to go out of one's way for. Service was at least good... speedy and friendly servers. I'd say this would be a good stop if you want some local history and quick food... But don't expect something delicious. read more

A pub with a story behind it is one of my favourite things. In a time when character is being wiped out for yet another chain it's great to have somewhere that stands the test of time and the Eagle doesn't just have one interesting story but two! We only stopped by for drinks and they have a good selection behind the bar so you can wet your whistle before tramping around Cambridge. Price wise it is pretty reasonable and they have bar snacks for you to tuck into as well if you're not feeling like a full meal. The pub is filled with tourists so you might find it hard to get a table, but well worth a stop if there's space! read more

Consistently overrated and overpriced. Mainly targeting tourists for the RAF signatures and DNA connection, which the chain who own it have been casing in on for years. If you want to see the history, just stick your heart in the door, or at most get a drink. The food is honestly not worth it and you can get exactly the same from any of the other pubs in the same chain, or better from several other places nearby. There is plenty enough history to go around in the town! read more

If you are in to WW II history this is a must see. Step back in time and see what the air crews did in between flights.

One of the most notorious pubs in Cambridge. The venue is fairly old and contains some remarkable history. It was frequented by many Cambridge scholars as well as American and British military air force personnel during WWII. In particular, look for the spot from which Watson and Crick first announced their hypothesis on the structure of DNA. There is considerable space inside with different rooms to choose from. There is also some outside seating. However, the outside area is closed at 10:30 pm to avoid disturbing the nearby student accommodation of Corpus Christi college that actually own the land on which the pub stands. The major downside is that indeed it gets very crowded during popular hours as this is a fashionable tourist destination. Nevertheless, definitely worth a visit on a trip to Cambridge. read more

Classic place to go on any day of the week! People might even refer to it as "the most famous pub in the world." I don't know if that's true, but it it still a good place. It will always be packed with locals and Cambridge students, despite the fact that there are two bars (one in the front and one in the back) and an outdoor seating area; therefore, getting drinks might take a while, but the service is fast, and the ambiance makes the wait seem shorter. If you want to sit down to grab a bite, you just have to find an empty table first and order at the bar or with a waiter. The food comes out pretty quickly after that. The entree portions are quite big, and some dishes are better than others. For the most part, it's the energy, the company, and the atmosphere that makes The Eagle a great place to go to at the end of the day. read more

It's a tourist trap that you have to go to. They do an a-ok gin!? - But in England I think it's illegal to fail on this front! - or it should be. I would book it was too busy for US to eat. Interesting stories about this place. Would be better if it was cleaner. -It was v.busy! read more

A place with great historical value and tasty fish & chips. A little pricey but everything else is great! read more

The Eagle - Pubs Near Me - Cambridge, CAM

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I do like this pub. The ambience is typically warm and inviting making it the perfect place to meet for a drink with friends. The pub itself is steeped in history and its location opposite St. Bene't's church, the oldest standing building in Cambridge, is ideal for the city centre. It's a shame then that, despite booking five days in advance, they managed to completely mess up our recent restaurant booking. After a short wait we were ushered to a cramped corner table in the main bar and given a standard menu. Unfortunately, this was far from ideal as the main body of the pub becomes extremely busy and seating rapidly becomes a precious commodity. The bar menu itself is varied and offers the kind of choices of food you'd expect from a pub. That said, I ordered the pie of the day and it was drier than that sense of humour people often think they have. I almost had to pour my drink over it to get any moisture on the plate. Don't get me wrong, the accompanying vegetables were cooked perfectly and the pie was tasty enough. It just would have benefitted from some gravy. Disappointing. However, my companions all ordered burgers and apparently they were quite good. It's fair to say that there is a good bar and a wide variety of ales on tap. And that's just it - if you can handle the fact that the Eagle is seemingly becoming a tourist trap, complacent in its own popularity, this is a great place to meet and grab a beer. However, I would suggest dining somewhere else. read more

Very popular place with a lot of people. Food and wine are delicious. The place is quiet with no screen for football matches.

I'm of two minds about the Eagle. One the one hand, the staff is friendly and the dessert sharing platter (with ice cream, Belgian waffles, brownies, strawberries, the works) is a treat even for people who, like me, aren't typically driven by their sweet teeth. I don't tend to eat main dishes at the Eagle, but when I have, the food has been solid pub fare. One the other hand, it's fairly expensive, easily the most touristy and crowded pub in Cambridge (note the percentage of very positive Yelp reviews that come from tourists), and it lacks the broad range of interesting local taps and foreign beers that other popular stalwarts like the Maypole offer. That said, the decor is nice, and if you're looking to see (or show a tourist friend) something that looks and feels "Old Cambridge," the Eagle is a good bet. In short, the Eagle offers something a definite cut above the generic Greene King experience next door at the Bath House, but it's still hardly my favourite Cambridge pub. read more