Recently went to a sold out show, alone as a female at the Sinclair, and had a blast. I stayed at a hotel in Harvard Square and had no idea how close the venue was. I was walking around, wasting time, before the concert and stumbled on the venue. I was happily surprised to have found it without Google walking directions! I bought merch and literally walked it back to my hotel in between bands and walked back before the show started again. Event staff stamped my hand and getting back in was easy peasy. The bathrooms were clean and the bartenders were nice. I don't recall seeing any food options, but there are tons of options nearby. You have a good view of the stage no matter where you are in the venue. I would 100% see another show here. read more

See all

The security team seems to be comprised of dimwitted nineteen-year-olds that are angry, rude, drunk on power and have no idea how to handle a crowd. Good points are the entry staff and bartenders are nice. At half-capacity (200-people) it was comfortable. I would not want to attend an oversold show. read more

The Sinclair - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Attended a show here last month, the air conditioning was broken and it was 90+ degrees outside. They made no mention of the AC being broken, as the sold out audience started packing in, it got even hotter. People passed out due to the extreme heat, the floors were soaking wet from condensation, the performers had to ask the venue to bring water in for the audience. The whole ordeal was handled poorly, but the performers handled it like champs! read more

I came here for Fruitstand and OMG IT WAS PERFECT!! The DJs gave me lifeeee It is an intimate venue but has enough space and is aerated enough so you can dance nonstop and not feel uncomfortable. Bartenders are very nice (I asked for a ginger ale and they didn't charge me), and bar is stocked really well! The upstairs has a quieter crafting activity and open space area for those of us who can't handle the sensory overload of too much sweaty loud music and strobing lights. No coat check so everyone just slung their jackets along the wall. Location was great, with a reasonably priced parking lot right outside. I will absolutely come back for Fruitstand and try to come to some indie shows here soon! read more

The Sinclair - Fruitstand - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Good spot. I like this venue a lot because even at sold out shows the place has enough room to breathe! Very important, very respectable. There are stairs going up to the door, this is a smaller venue, there are multiple bars inside. Fortunately there is a coat check for $3 per coat, we waited in line for maybe 15 minutes. The coat check is smaller than the venue capacity, and everyone floods to get a coat on the way out. I've deducted a star because that was an unorganized and flustering situation. read more

The Sinclair - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Great little music venue!!! Main floor and balcony available, sound system is decent and the bathrooms were actually clean!!. Full bars available on both floors. Was a little chilly in there during the winter. Don't skimp on the clothes. read more

The rudest staff in any establishment, anywhere, hands down. Would never, ever return there. The security staff has absolutely no social skills, the bartenders are just beer pourers, the place is literally a rat hole. So many other places to spend our hard earned dollars to see a concert. Don't care if it's the only place a band is playing in the area. Whomever owns this place clearly does not care about customer service, decency, and repeat business. The best thing that could happen here is they fail and someone else buys it. Go elsewhere. read more

I had a quick pass which allows you to skip the line, they didn't seem happy about that. Intimate venue without feeling too crowded. Coat check was closed,not sure why. Wasn't very warm in the building. Like that you have the option to sit or stand. Place could use a refresh, felt a little outdated. read more

First thing I have been coming to this venue for years and now it's just bad went last night for a concert and I don't think that I would be back to the venue again if another show pops up there. The security staff are arrogant and rude treat tools to help hearing devices and people who deal with ear pressure like weapons I had a ear cleaning tool on my person that removes excess wax buildup from ear plugs and decompress the ear. I also smoke weed for medical reasons so I had some on me incase I needed it and the security guy got mad and berated me saying no drugs as well and treated like a criminal. Also weed is legal in Massachusetts. I went to the bar and ordered a hard cider and when I asked for a cup of ice water after I paid the bartender laughed at me and said go to the free water thing I asked just for a cup of ice then I was laughed at again. The venue is still nice inside and everything but they need to do something about the staff not very welcoming and the staff can lead the venue into a discrimination lawsuit if not careful. But again the inside is very nice as a venue and very spacious and easy to maneuver. read more

I came here to see my cousins band play. I thought it was a pretty nice venue with a main area in front of the stage and then a mezzanine around three of the 4 sides, so you could go to different areas for different vibes. There are three bars, all with a water station. One is in the main lobby area, another to the side on the floor in front of the stage, and one on the mezzanine. The bathrooms were also very clean and there was one in the lobby area, and one on the mezzanine. read more

The Sinclair - Bar and menu - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I worked for a music venue for quite some time, so I know how venues tend to absorb the character of the current show & therefore are not fully responsible for the vibe of the night. We went to see Tinariwen last night (a show we've been looking forward to for months) & it was such a pleasant experience. Tinariwen is an iconic group. The fans were respectful & kind. The energy of the venue was buzzing with happiness & celebration. It would've been a great show even if it were in a empty parking lot. The Sinclair absorbed all of that good energy, but can't take credit for Tinariwen's vibe. HOWEVER, it's clear that underneath all of that good stuff, The Sinclair is still just a solid venue. Yes, the show would've been great if it were in a parking lot, but it was spectacular because it was at The Sinclair. - Beautiful entrance & marquee - Talented sound techs - Clean bathrooms - LGBTQ respectful - Friendly bartenders - Variety of choices at the bar - Multiple different levels for different vantage points THANK you for bringing Tinariwen to Boston. I was able to witness something truly remarkable because of The Sinclair. I won't forget it. read more

The Sinclair - a tall building with a sign on it - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Cool Warm Club We didn't eat here, so can't vouch for the food. But as far as a concert venue, it was nice. I liked the atmosphere there. There was limited seating upstairs if someone needed it, otherwise the event we went to was general admission and standing room. Go Donny Benet!!! Thanks read more

Honestly this is the best venue in the greater Boston area for me. Very few spots where you can't see the bands. Every show Ive seen here has been wonderful. read more

One of my favorite things about seeing shows is checking out new venues. There is something about a music venue that really enhance the experience, especially when it is small and intimate. The Sinclair does just that. I recently went to the Sinclair, as a favorite artist of mine was performing there. The venue itself is amazing. Upon walking in, you feel like you are in an underground venue with the dark lighting. The venue has two sections; one section with a bar, coat check, and bathrooms, and then the actual stage area that has elevated standing room or standing room by the stage. There is not a bad spot to stand within the venue, as it is small. The staff and bartenders were incredibly nice and made sure things were organized. And it was convenient that there was one bar in each section of the venue, so that you could order a drink without leaving the stage section. Overall, the Sinclair was a solid music venue, and I would definitely be excited to go back for another show! read more

It's no Santorini but it's where Donny Benet was playing. First off- thank you Sinclair for booking Benet! What a cool opportunity to see this Australian music teacher who has hit it 'big'(on a low level.) The venue is nestled into a side alley in Harvard Square. This means its pretty cool to head to the area park, go eat and bar hop before and after shows. Optimal options for success here. Thats what we did! Upon entering the Sinclair it was pain to download another app for the tickets but you do what you have to do. Caution to those who hit too many bars ahead of time- a series of stairs are needed to get up before entering the establishment. We get inside and there's a bar and a merch table before entering into the music hall. (This won't pertain to many shows but it was super cool that the man Mr. Bonet was selling his own merch. Super smart on his behalf and just downright cool. Great photo opps occurred.) Also in this main room, loved the old style subway wall with The Sinclair added in like a stop on the red line. The music venue I thought was a decent size but some call it more intimate. Either way You had the opportunity to head to the front and get close, hang on the side and have a great view, linger in the back and still have a great view. After I got home, i did review the photos and videos- realized what didn't bother me was the overhang made an appearance and altered my videos. I didn't affect me live and in person but just an FYI to others... read more

The Sinclair - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

great venue for small concerts! went to go see audrey hobert, one of my favorite artists, here and it was a wonderful concert. it was a quick and easy check in and i got there nice a quick. read more

The Sinclair - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I am writing this review for the music venue. The venue is extremely well run and gets so many points from me. The interior is great with multiple areas to hang out in and a mezzanine. There are several bars and reasonably priced selection of 16oz beers and seltzers. Fast and friend service. The lighting, sound, and intimacy of the stage and proximity to the band is perfect. If you're looking to see a band in an intimate but not tiny space this is a fantastic option. Also they allow re-entry which is very cool if you want some fresh air between sets. Door staff were also excellent getting people into the venue quickly and securely while making everyone feel comfortable. Rare to find a venue that hits in all these fronts. Highly recommend checking out a show here. read more

See all

Fun outside bar. Great music and vibes. Josh was the bartender and he was super nice and personable, gave good recs and drinks

Nice small intimate club to see live bands in Harvard Square. Saw cover bands of the Cure & Smiths. It is standing only unless you have disability and they provide chairs upstairs for disabled. read more

Went to concert, can't review food. Honest pout. Some places in the room don't sound as good as others due to the shape. Bar staff were quick. read more

I've been here a few times but I went recently and had a great experience! The staff were very friendly, both at the bar and at merchandise table. The drinks were a typical price for the area. The venue is a smaller room so it feels intimate inside! Can't wait to see more shows there in the future!! read more

Could've used a couch against the wall up in the mezzanine section, but otherwise a nice venue. Parking right across the street is convenient if they have openings. read more

The Sinclair - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Music is the only thing redeemable about this spot. The service was subpar at best, the moment I saw the look on the bartenders face and heard the tone of voice I knew the only way was down. Stay away from any curly haired bartenders. And if you can, stay away from everything about this place. read more

Okay I had a marvelous time seeing amazing performers at the Sinclair. Admission was very reasonable and I already knew that I was NOT going to do a three hour stand so got to a place where I could sit on a (kind of) seat in the balcony. I did NOT run across any of the gestapo that others have mentioned, but I did get a somewhat strange vibe from the staff. I was far less than thrilled with the prices of drinks, and I have to say there was NO sign of food during thee performances I have attended at the Sinclair. The price of a drink was about the same as the price of admission. Since I am a music fan I could not help but consider how much of the drink profits get shared with the bands. At a guess I would say very few. And the high price bugged me, but I guess the idea of keeping ticket prices down has some worth. I know the bands were happy to be there, and they will know whether they are treated well. The club is funky and is a very good size for hot local bands and the occasional out of town band. read more

One of my favorite little venues in the city. It's a cute vibe - you can choose to stand on the mezz or ground floor. They have some fun theme nights here as well read more

Saw a show at The Sinclair on Saturday night. It was a fun atmosphere at this smaller venue, which I would return to for the right show. Quality: A decent venue and one of the better ones I have been to in Boston. While it was a bit snug for a sell-out show, there was still enough space to easily fit everyone into the main room. The design was okay, but since it was small it avoided a lot of crowd problems. Sound quality was good, however could have done more to pump sound into the bar area. Quantity: Small to mid-tier venue, can host around 500. Value: Depends on the show, and can skyrocket for sell-outs. Ambiance: The Sinclair is a music venue located in Harvard Square. It appears to have an attached restaurant, but we went just for a show. When you enter they have a bar area, which also included the merchandise table. The second larger room contained the stage and two additional smaller bars. There was an upstairs horseshoe overlooking the stage. While I wish the main floor had a bit more of a slope, it still provided decent views. Crowd: Sold out show, and the floor in front of the stage was packed. Service: Coat check line was a mess, but security and the bar moved quickly. Parking: Tough to find nearby parking in this busy area. read more

The Sinclair - View Of Stage - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I went to the Sinclair for the John B. concert. The ambience was amazing and the show was great. Drinks were good and service was good. The bartender went over and beyond to satisfy the customers. read more

My wife and I are older and each has spinal issues that prevent us from being in most modern clubs, standing and being pushed throughout the show. Knowing this, the people at the Sinclair guided us to an elevator and took us to reserved seating upstairs along the side. After the show, which was fantastic, they came back to guide us to the elevator and safely outside. This was a remarkable display of care from a venue that does not need our business, and it ensured our positive feedback and return when possible. read more

Awesome smaller venue that has a hole in the wall feel while actually being set up for a real concert! Great lighting and sound, and looked like there were plenty of options at the bar. We saw Here Come the Mummies and Quadrapeg and I'm looking for another show to come back to! read more

The Sinclair - Here come the mummies! - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I didn't eat here, so I can't review the food. I've been to this venue a couple times before for concerts, more than 5 years ago. The venue itself is fine-- cozy, sounds decent, clean. The bartender was awesome, very friendly and upbeat. The venue and bartender are the reason I'm giving it 2 stars. The other staff though-- wow, I have never been to a more unfriendly/unwelcoming venue. The website said they have a "seasonal coat check." But this is New England, where weather is fickle. Yes, the calendar says it's early May. Mother Nature says it's early April...it was 47* and raining outside. We had raincoats or light jackets, and nowhere to put them. We asked politely if there was a coat check and the response was given in a very curt/rude tone. I get that it's supposed to be "seasonal", but read the room; the forecast was known for days. But the coat check being closed was not the real problem, it was the staff members attitude while answering our question. Then when the show ended, the staff was insanely pushy about herding us out of the stage area. Like, within 3 minutes of the show ending. Our friend was drinking a couple cups of water next to the water dispenser (she was parched after dancing and cheering all night), and we were waiting for her literally 5 feet from the steps leading down the stairs to the lobby. A staff member told us to exit the room so they could clean up. His tone was fine, not super polite but not rude. When my friend said "yeah, we're just waiting for our friend," his tone changed to a sort of sarcastic one: "Yup, and you can wait for them in the lobby." I get that it's a small venue, but we don't leave friends behind in a crowded place. We don't separate from each other without communicating where we'll meet up. TLDR: the bartender was great and the venue was fine. The staff members we interacted with were unfriendly. We will only return to The Sinclair if it's for a show by one of our absolute favorite artists, because we will have no other option. read more

I'm genuinely disappointed with the way we were treated last night. We arrived at the Gay Bash'd event at 11pm, and despite the doors opening at 9:30pm and the event being ticketed, we still had to wait outside for over 45 minutes. There appeared to be two separate lines, and eventually, we were told to switch lines, resulting in additional delays. After finally getting in, we enjoyed the event for about 35 minutes before needing to use the restroom. We've never been to The Sinclair before, and we inadvertently ended up in a different bar/dance floor area with a vinyl-spinning DJ (he sounded great!). There is a door between the two that was not staffed, so we thought it was the part of The Sinclair and we were able to go in there. We couldn't find the restroom and asked a staff member if we could exit and re-enter. To our surprise, the staff member asked to see our stamps, which we didn't have (they did not give us stamps when we went into The Sinclair). She promptly informed us that we were not supposed to be there and asked us to leave. We explained that we had come from The Sinclair and had mistakenly entered through the adjoining door while searching for the restroom, with no intention to break any rules. However, the staff member insisted that we leave and called security before giving us a chance to leave on our own. The security proceeded to literally shove us out without hearing the problem. Outside, we reiterated our situation, but the security personnel wouldn't consider our explanation and insisted we leave. I even asked to speak to a manager and was just ignored, which was really upsetting because this was all a misunderstanding and not a reason for us to be ejected from both venues, and the staff at the door refused to even listen to our perspective. It's disappointing because we were genuinely looking forward to the event and visiting The Sinclair for the first time. The staff's refusal to understand our unintentional mistake and their lack of supervision at the door connecting the two spaces resulted in us being wrongfully kicked out from the event. Our only intention was to attend the event at The Sinclair, and we had no desire to break any rules. I am upset that our money was wasted, and what could have been a great night was ruined because of the staffs refusal to even hear our side. I do not think I want to go back to The Sinclair after this experience. I am disappointed this is the way things unfolded, and I hope the venue can improve its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. read more

Strolling down the sidewalk... I joined the decently long line extending out from the Sinclair's doors. Thrilled by the mild February temps that night, the line steadily shortened as the Sinclair's neon sign lit the way. The Sinclair is a restaurant and music-venue. What's better than food AND live tunes? This review focuses on the venue only. At the top step to the venue, a few employees were efficiently checking ID's and wristbanding guests. Security came next. In no time, I found myself indoors. The somewhat dated, worn interior gave the place its initial charm. Everything is well signed, from the bathroom to the mezzanine. The stage area had a cool vibe to it. Space on the upper and lower levels to stake out a spot for the show. Seems to be a great view of the stage no matter where you stand. It was a bit crowded by the end of the evening at this sold out show but nothing that couldn't be easily maneuvered. Sound was fantastic, intimate feel to the space. I would definitely catch a show here again. Depending on the evening, parking can be a bit tough due to the level of activity in that area of Cambridge. A couple of pay lots available in the area though you might get lucky enough to secure a spot on the road if you're patient. I would definitely come back again! Great space! read more

The Sinclair - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Still steadily one of the better venues for a concert in Boston. Room size is perfect for a more intimate experience and the sound is always well mixed. Bar tenders and staff always professional and efficient. Have yet to try to restaurant next door read more

I got kicked out of entering the glitter boys because because I was trying to make the line that i stood in for an hour fun. 30 minutes before I got to the front of the line I picked up a can that had been littered and started throwing it up in the air for my friend to shoot at with her laser pointer keychain. Mind you I only did this like 4 times. The bouncer waited until I got to the front of the line after waiting an hour to say that I wasn't allowed into the venue for throwing a can. Also I recycled the can afterwards. Like at least tell me before I wait another 30 minutes...literally wasted a whole night in that line. Disappointing because I really used to like the glitter boys and they would've enjoyed playing my game I just know It. read more

I've been here many times under many different circumstances, yet one thing remains the same. The security guards hate women. They must hate young woman, because it's the only way to explain the ludicrous behavior they exhibited against us. I truly have never felt less appreciated as a human being than at the Sinclaire by their security guards. I hope this establishment changes their ways, because they truly ruined my night with their excessive rudeness and tenacious disrespect. read more

This is a great place to see music, small and intimate. But the beer prices are outrageous. i got a single 16 oz craft beer and with tip it cost over $22. If the prices were posted that would be ok but they are not, so I was pretty surprised it cost so much. read more

went to honestav 5/5 !! worst experience staff was horrible swearing at people very rude!!! my wife put her coat on bar in back staff picked it up with our merch and walked away with it when I asked him about it he said you shouldn't of put it down there and u would have it we are not responsible for it you have to check box office while screaming in my wife's face we walked to box office there was no one there so went to someone else again they were rude and through us out told us we were not allowed back !! will never attend a show here again I think every one who worked that show last night should be fired !! fuck you sinclair!!! read more

Just in for drinks at the bar with a friend. They take all the chair off the chair around 10 pm on fridays at least. It's a music venue. But they could've left the chairs around the bar great drinks and bar service tho read more

See all

Seems to be quite the polarizing joint! From dinner to the show, I'd have to say I was impressed with most aspects of The Sinclair. Al dente cavatelli tossed with braised lamb shank, apricots and toasted pumpkin seeds hit all the right notes, and is a fair helping for the $22 entree tag. Most of the cocktails are up pours, and the Roscoe Bryant - bold, spicy Bulleit rye, bittersweet amaro, herbal Pernod, Cocchi Americano for a citrus kick, aaaaand bitters - is easy drinking and basically checks every box as we round the palate. This and other 'tails run $12-13. The show space is cozier than expected, and with our crowd pushing 85% capacity (science!), it was just busy enough to ride the energy without feeling like you're humping the person in front of you every time a groove strikes. Not that a groove strikes often, but when it does, I'd rather not grind strange. Majority of folks stuck to the not-a-bad-angle floor section, while the mezz features a few two-tops for those who'd rather sit and listen. Most call these spectators "grandparents." Three (?) full service bars crank out a decent selection of drafts, cans and EZ booze drinks at modest stickers. Stick with beer for more buck bang. Loved most aspects of what The Sinclair has going, with only a few service hiccups and a grossly over-priced deviled eggs dish being the sole sore spots. Bacon and habanero or not, two eggs should never cost nine bones. That's wedge salad robbery! read more

The Sinclair - Bacon habanero deviled eggs - Music Venues Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

The Sinclair used to be one of my favorite spots in Cambridge, but it's all gone downhill sometime in the past year. A group of friends and I would regularly come every other Tuesday night for appetizers and drinks. We used to inhale the brussels sprouts, gobble up the calamari, and eat way too much creme brulee. We loved that it was never too crowded and that it was a nice spot to catch up and enjoy a calmer atmosphere. Sadly, it all came to an end when management or the kitchen changed over (not really sure what happened) and they introduced a new menu. The brussels sprouts are tiny and overly salty but without flavor, the calamari is mostly just breading, and the vegan nachos are disgusting. The mac n cheese is still tasty, but there's an alarming amount of oil oozing out of it that leaves you feeling a little sick. The wings are fine and have stayed about the same. Thank goodness the creme brulee is still good. The staff has also became less friendly and I've never seen anyone play any of the pinball machines, but they take up a lot of room. We've had to move on to find a new favorite spot. I'll always fondly remainder our Sinclair days, but it's clear that there's only memories and creme brulee left. read more