Submitted by zachwdc t3_10yv3wx in CambridgeMA
I'm trying to think of a bar in the area (Cambridge/Somerville/Boston/Brookline) that:
It has its charms for sure but I’m not sure I’d call it “not grimy”. The decor is pretty vintage and there’s a sign on the bathroom door requesting you not to do drugs in it. If they needed to put up the sign…
I think historically they'd sometimes get a rougher crowd at the Lizard Lounge downstairs (maybe they still do?) but the other 95% of the time it's a pretty chill place. Or maybe I'm just getting old and don't notice that anymore.
Charles River Speedway is definitely worth considering.
This is a good call.
Cambridge Brewing Company ticks your boxes except for the hightops. Though they do have a separate bar height rail with seating
Smoke Shop next door also has a big bar, a variety of seating setups, is clean/bright/spacious, and has the advantage of smelling like barbecue.
You’re saying bar, but to clarify are you hoping to also do food? I’d make a reservation if possible, there’s realistically no other way to guarantee a high top area that seats 8-10 people.
Foundry on Elm has an area that would fit your needs. Bright inside and nice - easy parking, Easy access from the redline
From the same restaurant group could reach out to the independent in union square and see if you could use their bar/lounge space on the left side. I don’t think they typically open that side up until the evening, but not 100% sure. - that time of day should have reasonable parking and is easy access from green line
Olde Magoons saloon in Magoun square may not take reservations but you could contact ahead of time. Cozy Irish pub vibes with a slightly confusing menu, but good food and solid beer list. Easy parking and on the green line
Honorable mentions: five horses in Davis square, Russell house tavern in Harvard sq, Za in Kendall square (and they have an email request form you can use)
Every time I've been to foundry with kids, I've felt like a massive inconvenience to the staff. Not because we're being inconvenient - but the staff were of an attitude that kids should be there.
During afternoons too? Every time I've been there for brunch I've felt like I'm at Applebees in terms of staff attitude
Notch brewery in Brighton (might be too out of the way) is great for gatherings - bus accessible and also easy to park at/near
Flatbread in Davis is nice for adults and kids. Not sure about high tops.
Lamplighter Brewing ticks all of those boxes (and has great beer)
They have two locations- the one down by the lechmere stop is probably closer to what you are looking for
Grafton St.
Cambridge Brewing Company is great - big space, pretty bright, not too loud or anything, and they have both good beer and some solid food. I've done some larger group stuff there in the past and it worked very well.
Russell House Tavern in Harvard, 730 Tavern on Mass Ave, and Foundry in Davis might be some other good options
I thought of 730 tavern too! I’ve definitely seen some family parties, like a gender reveal, there at the high top tables near the front windows.
Miracle of Science kin Central.
Do you need the place to be T-accessible? Do you need it to have convenient parking?
Nope
The Lord Hobo in Woburn is a good spot for this then
Edit: maybe not a great place after all!
The founder/owner of that place sadly has a history of sexually harassing employees IIRC.
Ahh! I did not know that! Damn.
Russell House tavern is pretty nice for families!
I really think Casey's in Somerville would be a good choice. Check out its Google reviews. I used to be a regular at this place before I stopped drinking during Covid. It has high-tops. Very family oriented. Good food at nice prices. it's a hidden gem. I've seen a lot of birthday celebrations there (a group will reserve a set of tables. There are two corners in the room that are really good for a group get-together).
Pretty much any place can handle a 10 person reservation.
Lord Hobo in Hampshire St used to be my go to with the stroller a couple of years ago, open early in the day and with a few high tops
this_moi t1_j7zukzw wrote
Cambridge Common! They have a lot of different table types, and you can definitely call and ask for them to reserve a particular area for you that will meet your needs. Decent menu, well lit, fairly accessible for people with mobility needs.