Really good beer and food, especially the pork chop
(5)
Lucio V.
Love the bbq Burger and there is a good choice of beers. I took the cambridge amber; next time i will try a seasonal one. Love this place, is so at the center of MIT life.... Forget about the cheesecake, anyway...
(5)
Alyssa N.
Calamari with hummus- I should've been trusted my gut and not agreed to eat here. My crab cake- which I was assured several times by the server was "Maryland style"- was anything but. Lack of knowledge and bad service killed the tip for the server who pretty much ignored us. And some drunk girl was running amok on her 21st birthday. A good bar or restaurant should know when to cut off someone who's had too much to drink and is now annoying all the other patrons. Hearing her whining about how she had just puked or was about to puke was a great way to cap the night off.
(1)
Ali C.
Wow, people in Massachusetts need to go out in NYC, because the reviews are so harsh! I used to come here all the time - the beer selection is so great, especially considering they make a bunch of them in house. The food is fatty/salty/make you want to drink more beer food - which is totally fine considering that is exactly what you want when you come here.
(5)
Frank N.
My wife and I do a lot of microbrewery visits and we always come back to CBC. It is simply the best of the best. Their house beers are certainly good, but you have to try their seasonals. In particular, I like their Belgium styles and ales. But so much of what they do is great. I suggest getting a flight to try a bunch before settling on a beer. Oh yeah, and the food's really good too.
(5)
Kelly O.
Towers of delicious house-brewed beer for a reasonable price? Yes, please! Really liked their pumpkin ale, and on our most recent trip, the patio was lovely and not too crowded at 3 PM on a Sunday. The white bean dip we got to munch on while enjoying our beer tower was pretty tasty as well. Service was spotty at times, it took someone a long time to eventually come up to us, but our waiter was somewhat attentive after that (although we did not get water nor napkins/utensils for our food, a big oversight). Love their commitment to locally sourced, in season ingredients... their beer dinner next weekend on a farm sounds amaaaaazing... EDIT: as a now 3-time attendee of their yearly Pumpkinfest, I've come to really appreciate their beer. Come here mainly for the beer, and you'll be pretty happy.
(4)
Steve A.
Did not order the food - this is just a beer review. It was a Saturday night, so understandably crowded. Wish the bar had more seating, though they try their best. The beer, in one word, is hoppy. If you like that sort of thing, fine, but the amber was hoppy and the porter was hoppier - really? I dared not try the IPA. The specialty beers were better - I tried Sgt. Pepper, brewed with peppercorns, and a Scottish double malt that, despite its 9% alcohol content, was by far the smoothest brew of the night. (Still hoppy.) They also had a mix of beer/sake, but for a brewery, they managed to do the sake right and the beer wrong. I hate to say it, but you could get a Sam Adams seasonal on tap elsewhere that beats any of the regular beers here.
(2)
Timothy W.
First of all, I love the stained glass windows of the half full pint glasses, this is a nice touch. This place looks to be a favorite hang out of the local college crowd. It doesn't get rowdy, just a younger crowd which isn't necessarily a bad thing when you get to my age ;-) The menu has some mainstay's as well as a couple of unique items. They do their best to use locally grown organic goods and that shows in the quality of the food. Our clan shared a Poutine for appetizer, for those that don't know what this is. It's a Canadian dish of french fries with cheese curds and gravy, Yumm!! DW, went with a margarita pizza which was very good although it came out a little bit cold (it was very busy so I suppose our food was sitting in the kitchen for a bit). I went with a BBQ Burger, medium well with a side salad which Mrs. Tim W. enjoyed. The burger was a little undercooked toward the middle, but after enjoying a few of their beers it didn't slow me down. Now for the beer, it's representative. The styles are for the most part true to their descriptions. I started out with an ABLE IPA (which is for a good cause) If you don't have any reason to drink beer, then why not at least have one to help someone out :-) I moved on to the Cask version of the Spring Training IPA (this was on the specials menu), this was one of my favorites. Next I tried the Venus, which claims to be the first collaboration brew amongst all female brewers. This was a really well done Belgian Dubbel and was my other fave. The last beer I had was a Spring Training IPA (Non-Cask), I'm not sure if it was all the beers that proceeded it being that much better, but it was my least favorite of the night. All in all I would give the CBC five stars for food, and 3 stars for the beer, so if my math is correct (and I'm no MIT student;-) that's an avg. of 4 stars. Would love to give this place another shot to try out some of their other seasonal brews.
(4)
Terra N.
Honestly, most people take beer for granted, and the brewers here do not! As a beer lover, there hasn't been a single CBC beer that has disappointed me. Now to list a couple of my favorite brews: Om: Love the accompanying story about how the beer was brewed in accordance to the earth's natural vibrations, thus the title. Pretty complex on the palette but it's pretty high in yeast flavor. Crisp finish. Spring Training IPA: this beer has floral and citrus notes hinting that spring is here and life is great. It's a bit of a lighter IPA but it goes down fast and smooth! "Genki?" Ichi: who was the brilliant person to think of combining sake and beer?!!? absolutely love it and it's 14% which can be dangerous for the beer novice. It's definitely a beer to sip on and enjoy like liquid desert. The alcoholic zing is apparent which can be surprising but I liked it because I like sipping on sexy bourbons or anejo tequila. The presentation is really cute, a 5 oz pour glass sitting in a little wooden box. As for the food, I love the fact that they support local everything and they get creative with the dishes. The portions are pretty generous and I end up taking food home. They play fun music and the decor is warm, though the tables are a bit close together, I like that.
(5)
Caro D.
Solid brewery. My friends brought me hear and sold it to me as a chill, well-lit, well-staffed microbrewery where the staff is friendly and the music is low. There's no loud music to distract from making fun of your male friend's painted toe nails, and enough light to be able to see that they are painted red, white and blue, in that order "because that's how the country votes". Clearly, there is enough beer to encourage ridiculousness (see above). Outdoor drinking is also a possibility, although not one we explored since the bartender kept us entertained and even let us sample a bunch of stuff before having to commit to a full glass of a single brew.
(4)
JEM C.
I wish I could say 3.5 stars here. The beer selection was pretty good and the beer tower was fun. We were impressed that it stayed cool and refreshing for the entire 100 oz. The food selection was varied enough and prices were fair. We enjoyed the outside dining area and the ambiance. My only con was the VERY slow service and the long delay to get our food served. Aside from that, everything we ordered was good and if in the area, wouldnt hesitate going back.
(3)
laura W.
This is a place that sells pretty good beer for good prices and serves meh food for expensive prices. I agree completely with the "just OK" posting. Everything here is ... okay. The restaurant was PACKED on a Wednesday night. Our server not very personable but consistent with service. Can't complain too much. I got the Charles River Porter which was fine. Nothing to write home about but worth trying. ($4.50 for a pint) and the black bean burger ($11). The burger was fine but they didn't have any wheat bread to substitute the roll. I just don't think I've ever paid $11 for a bean burger. It's...uh... beans. All and all, 2 dinner and beers came to $30. Not too bad. When/If I go back, I'll drink here and maybe get a cheese plate to share with friends. This is more of a brewery than a restaurant.
(3)
Elizabeth G.
Did you ever have a friend whose house you would go over to just so you could hang out with her dreeeeeeamy older brother? You know, waiting around to catch a glimpse of him, and maybe, just MAYBE, if you got reeeeaaallllly lucky, he might even SMILE at you? That's what CBC is to me. I find their house beers flat and boring, but I will still come here because of the awesome selections they have on the "guest" taps. Unique, unusual, hard-to-find beers (most recently Viva Habanera by Night Shift Brewing Co., brewed with agave nectar and "dry-hopped" with habañero peppers). CBC apparently was recently voted the best brewpub in America. Really? Their menu is all over the place. You can get seared scallops for $24, or baked macaroni + cheese plus salad (listed as an appetizer, but more than enough for a meal) for $8 - what? Some of the food is really good (that macaroni + cheese, with poblanos and chorizo, was excellent), but other times I've been less impressed with the flavors. I do find the staff quite helpful. They're ready with the smiles (kind of like that older brother), and if they don't know the answer to a question about the beer, they'll find out and get back to you. But the food often takes quite a while to come out, and goodwill only gets you so far... Actions speak louder than words. Older brother, I'm sorry... the substance isn't quite there for us to make it work. Cheer up, though... I'll still come over sometimes to hang out with you.
(3)
Andrea M.
My friend and I were starving late Monday evening, and it was pouring rain so we ducked in here. There were quite a few people inside for a rainy weeknight so I figured the food must be decent. The tables are fairly close together and we were squeezed in more tightly with the other patrons than I would have liked, given the numerous empty tables available. We both ordered the CBC Burger, but she asked for no cheese, and for uncooked onions rather than the standard sauteed onions. If there were sauteed onions on my burger, it was hard to tell. My burger patty though, was really good. That was probably the highlight. The bun was plain and boring, but at least it was slightly toasted. Her side of fries was cold. Half of my side salad consisted of large parts of greens that you would normally discard rather than eat (like the butt of a lettuce head). We were shocked when the bill came - they wanted to charge my friend extra for the raw onion. Sure, it was only 75 cents, but seriously?? Thankfully, when we brought this up, our waiter did remove the charge. If I ever come back, I should probably just stick to beer, and forget about the food.
(2)
Brandon A.
Absolutely loved the atmosphere, beers and food. reminded me of a brew-pub in Detroit, only with better beers!
(5)
G D.
We went to the Cambridge Brewing Company as a last resort and we were pleasantly surprised with the experience. Ambiance, service and food were very good. Our waiter said that the menu was new as of two days prior to our visit. Everyone enjoyed their entree and the food was a whole lot better than we expected. The beer was good too!
(4)
Stephanie K.
Was in Boston for a meeting and a friend and I thought we would check it out. We walked in when they first opened and were over whelmed with the smell of bleach. I guess that is good that the place is clean but why? Is it really dirty? The staff is very attentive and the beer is good. The menu is average and standard. If in Boston again not a must do!
(2)
Brian D.
CBC is a whole bunch of 'just okay.' It's not the kind of place that you'd use words like "great" or "terrible," more like "nice," "decent," "so-so" and "eh." And for every positive you can give there's going to be a negative. For example, the beer seems good, but they don't seem to have that much diversity in types of beer. The Veggie Nachos were good, but my burger was overcooked. The decor is relatively cheerful, but the place is really loud. The staff was friendly, but the parking ain't great. But once you have a couple of beers and relax, it really isn't bad. I did luck into a good parking spot, and the Pumpkin beer is actually quite nice. And my friends seemed to love the pumpkin ravioli, and there was some decent diversity on the food menu (duck, locally sourced farmer's plate). And it's a great neighborhood. And they seem to have some sort of ice cream partnership with Toscanini's, at least for fall (pumpkin ale ice cream, which I didn't try, sounded like a good idea). (And I've been there a couple other times and had the same reaction to it, so it isn't just that they're depending on Pumpkin to make things work!) Three 1/2 (rounded down) stars for mediocre, but pleasant, well-intentioned mediocre.
(3)
Colleen A.
I came in on a very slow lunch. Sat at the bar for about ten min before the bartender who was entering tips and texting actually greeted us. We were about to move to a table but he finally came over and begrudgingly got me a water, so we decided just to stay. We felt like we were inconveniencing him by being there so we asked if we could stay an order food. He laughed,rolled his eyes and jokingly said no. Fifteen min in we got the menu. After we closed the menu And pushed it forward insinuating we we're ready he then took out order after he finished his text. Our food came and it was mediocre and mine was cold. I did not mention it though in fear he would give us another eye roll an a snarky comment. At four a new bartender came on and he was great. Luckily the tip went to him. My friend an I are in the service industry and we know our livelihood depend on tips from happy customerss... Maybe that bartender has other sources of income. To bad for the company he's working for though.
(2)
Nik B.
Cambridge Brewing Company at least has the ability to say that it's better than Boston Beer Works. However, it's not THAT much better. They were out of one of the beers listed on their website (Punjabi Pumpkin) and then also kicked out of the Old Mother Hubbard, so we were left with ordering a tower of the Great Pumpkin Ale. Unfortunately, the taste of pumpkin was pretty subtle, and the beer was pretty dull overall. When I ran out of beer, I opted for a non-CBC beer instead. Why does a brewery offer several beers from other breweries? I'm not quite sure, but my Dogfish Head Punkin was delicious. They also offer a pumpkin ravioli for a steep $17. The dish itself is rich, and delicious, but quite small compared to some of the sandwich deals. I think either a side needs to be offered, or charge less for the entree. Luckily though, I admit it was very good. The cream sauce was rich and very flavorful. CBC seems like a fun option if you live nearby, but quite frankly, I don't think it's necessary to make the haul if you live on the Boston side of things. However, I'd take it over Boston Beer Works any time.
(3)
Allison S.
I can't believe that I've never reviewed the Cambridge Brewing Company, considering that I'm absolutely IN LOVE with their pumpkin beer. Every fall, I trek all the way to Cambridge just to pick up a growler. Sometimes, I even stop in for some food. On my most recent visit, we ordered the calamari, the buffalo tenders and the cheese board. The calamari was quite tasty, but it was served with this weird lime sauce. I hope they get rid of that and bring back something similar to a marinara - it will make the dish so much better. The buffalo tenders were smaller than I've seen before, but they were great (and pretty spicy)! It was so nice to be able to pop one of those suckers into your mouth without having to worry about cutting it into a million tiny pieces. The cheese board is where it's at. We tried some sort of brie and some sort of gouda, and it was our favorite plate. Do I stop in here all the time? No, but I know that I'm in for some good food and delicious (pumpkin) beer when I do. CBC: If I don't see you again this fall/winter....I'll see you again next year. For sure.
(4)
Kate F.
Come for the beer, stay for the... beer. The beers are great. Most recently, we had chili chocolate porter and cherry stout, and both were hearty and unique and well-made. Five stars for the beer. The food? We've been twice, and they're trying too hard with the free-range, fancy entrees. They are okay as entrees at a price point around $15 -- better than the lame chain places that charge 12ish bucks, but definitely not work the $20ish that they charge. The sandwiches are an okay deal (but I don't like the fries), and I've yet to try the pizzas, but I need to stop trying to pretend that I can get great beer and a great meal. 2.5 stars for the food quality for price. But, four stars for the service, which has always been friendly and laid-back, and pretty good with the water refills. Thus, somewhere between three and four stars, and I will go ahead and round up.
(4)
Shawn M.
Relaxed atmosphere midday. Large outdoorpatio available. Best brewer in boston, maybe the east coast? Strong attempt to use local ingredients in both beer and food. Seasonal tap list changes regularly. A destination to seek out when in boston, though can be tricky to find. Hidden in corner next to irish pub, across from think tank bar. Usually about 10 beers on tap. 4 ounce samples available of everything. But if you are ultra thirsty they have a huge test tube tower beer thing available. Food solid, fresh, flavorful. Minus one star for ambiance of the neighborhood. Walk through a bunch of office buildings, labs, parking garages to get to cbc.
(4)
Colleen H.
If you love beer, go here. I've gone here for lunch a good amount of times and have yet to have an extravagant meal. The salads have been the best thing so far. And that doesn't really say much...
(2)
Travis D.
One star for the very nice patio and another for the beer. That's why you should go to CBC -- to have some cold beers on the patio. Do not go there to eat delicious food or to get great service. You will find neither.
(2)
WVmounty S.
The beer here may be good, but the burgers leave something to be desired. My husband and I ordered medium burgers (he had the BBQ, I had the carmelized onion) that arrived medium; however, they were very dry and tasteless as if the had been overcooked. Would recommend trying something other than the burgers if you are planning on eating.
(2)
Ben L.
I ended up here when a couple of my friends decided to go out for their birthday. Being the big fans of beer that they are they had their hearts sest on Cambridge Brewing Company. They called in advance to see about reservations but were informed that none were available. Being the determined people that they are we went anyway. As it turns out there was a reason why they weren't taking any more reservations and we ended up waiting 1 hour to get a table. lesson one. Get reservations, even on a tuesday. When we were finally seated we decided to order some beers (as it is the logical thing to do at a brewing company). All of the ones that we ordered we good examples of their beer style. In general I would say that they needed more character but the IPA is the real stand out. I thought that it was a little mild but very good. lesson two. Drink beer. When we got to the food it was a small step down from the beer. I was pleased that they had a specials menu to compliment the standards. Most importantly it is a menu not just two or three dishes. I had the pea soup and the steamed mussels. The soup was flavorful but watery and the mussels were cooked properly but not spectacular. lesson three. Go for the beer. CBC is first and foremost about the beer. They have some good dishes but the experience will suffer if you aren't focused on the brew (non drinkers prepare to be disappointed).
(4)
Eric P.
This place gets 4-stars for the bar/beer and 2-stars for the restaurant. The good first. The beer is really, really good, and the bartenders are very knowledgeable about helping you find one that you like. What's the word for a beer-sommelier? That's what they are. On the downside, the bar can be deafeningly loud (some people like that, I don't), and the servers have the same arrogance that comes with being a beer-sommelier. The bad. The food service is unexcusably awful. The waiters are rude, forget requests, there aren't enough of them when things are busy. I don't want to be fussed over (in fact, I hate that), I just want my waiters to be professionals. They aren't. To top it off, they commit the odius, unforgivable practice of putting a "suggested gratuity" at the bottom of your bill, at the amounts of 18 and 20%. Sorry, but a tip means a tip - I get to decide, not you. Putting that at the bottom, especially after receiving terrible service, feels really insulting. The food...is ok. I would definitely get a burger again. At 11-bucks-ish, they are reasonably priced for what they are. The other food attempts to be gourmet, but it just isn't. It's bland, nothing-special food that I would not have a problem paying $8-9 for at a cheap cafe, but not $17 for (hello, risotto!). So, in summary, I will definitely be back here for the beer, repeatedly, especially if I can sit outside during the summer. But never again will I partake of the food, unless I am in a hurry to get to a movie at Kendall and just need to scarf down a quick burger.
(3)
cricket c.
their molten chocolate cake is really, really good. EDIT: they took this off their menu! WHY? how silly. boo.
(3)
Mags L.
waitresses are indie cute. burger is tremendous. fries are crispy goodness. like they might be double fried. double fried?!!! wha-wha? beers are good. what was bad? $.75 for red onions. que ridiculo! in my universe, onions come standard w/a bar burger. i can almost understand cheese being extra, but onions?!!! that said, i'll most certainly be back to have another.
(4)
Emily H.
Will Meyers is a God Of Beer. His brewer-brain is just ridiculous with the stuff he comes up with, and the traditional seasonals (esp. the Hefe) are very tasty. I'm a big fan of the food here, and have never had anything bad--the pizza crust is really really good, and the nachos are huge and come topped with veggie chili.
(5)
Kristina M.
Pretty decent food, nice outdoor seating and friendly service. Interesting beer selection and some of their brews are really nice (others I don't like, but there's something for every taste and always something interesting to try out). Definitely a good place for after-work drinks and food. Also, you can take a huge bottle of your favorite beer home and bring it back for refills.
(3)
Dave J.
Excellent barley wine. Food is still so-so.
(4)
Catherine B.
Some good, some bad. The good first: The beer is great and their shrimp salad is big and tasty. The bad: the coasters were filthy and the table grimy, and when we complained our server refused to get us new coasters, saying "you'll just spill beer on them anyway". It made me kind of sick to my stomach and we had a hard time enjoying the meal after that exchange.
(3)
Sara B.
The food's not bad, it's just not amazing either. It's best when you're looking for a burger and a beer. It's certainly always better than whatever random crappy restaurant is located next to it. That 's always changing. Their blackened chicken sandwhich is good enough to mention though. It comes with a real nice curry mayo, and pretty good fries.
(3)
Stephanie ..
Been here twice. Both times the food was mediocre. Both times I tried their microbrews. Those were mediocre, too. (This is really a 2.5, so I gave it a 2.)
(2)
Erin G.
A great place to go in the winter and a particularly great place to go in the summer...the outdoor dining is GREAT! The beer is top notch (favorite is the pale ale...often take a growler home =)! ) and the food is also really good. While not such a fan of their salads, I would highly recommend their burger or their mediterranean pizza...I actually have thought about that pizza since my last trip to the CBC...I thought it was that good. Enjoy!
(4)
Jen K.
I have been going to CBC for several years now. Always have had good beer, decent to good food. Never have had a problem with a bad server. Until last night. I went for their special collaboration event (female brewers from CBC/Stone/Victory). The ONLY thing good about that event was the beer. I sat at the bar, and it was not terribly busy when I arrived with a friend. We ordered drinks, then food. Now her food came out quickly, but when she tried it she said it was nearly flavorless. I however, had to wait and wait for my order. The bartender seemed to be doing everything she could to avoid looking at us or noticing our concern and attempts to get her attention. Finally, after at least 7 or 8 minutes had passed, we both managed to get her attention. She said it was a kitchen mistake. I think she was covering up though for her own mistake, which I hate. The check had our party size as 1, and listed my friend's app selection as simply an appetizer no mention that it was a meal and to be fired with my entree. When I finally got my burger, it was poorly made. Supposedly it had BBQ sauce (hence the name BBQ burger), but if it did it was invisible and tasteless. The cheese was not melted at all. And the fries were stone cold. I told the bartender who asked if I wanted new ones. Um, yeah? At this point I'd like some sort of offer to compensate for the hassle! But no. She did say she was sorry a few times at least, but it really didn't make up for how slow and poor the service was. Now, I know people who say serving beer is just as had as making cocktails. But go watch someone like Peter Cipriani handle a busy bar. Sorry, busy is not an excuse. I have always liked CBC, but wow was this miserable. I might try to go again and not sit at the bar. Or maybe I'd just go for a quick beer rather than food. But if this is what CBC has become, it certainly won't be high on my list, and I'll be trying to dissuade my meetup group from going as often.
(3)
Sandra C.
Nice summer outdoor seating. Try their microbrew sampler - you get 4 totally different kinds of beer. The most interesting was the pumpkin ale which was very good. Food is pretty good though service was slow. More of restaurant than the name would suggest. Lots of meal choices.
(4)
Lee H.
Standard brew pub. Food's OK, location is great.
(3)
T I.
A nice place to hang out with friends and have a beer. The food is kind of boring!
(3)
Michael G.
How have I never been here?! If you even think that you enjoy beer or food, then CBC should definitely be on your list. I finally went here for beerunch on a Sunday with BeerAdvocate, and I'm happy I did. My pub steak and eggs were cooked perfectly to order, and the beer was as fresh as ever. My girlfriend enjoyed her four cheese quiche, and I didn't mind drinking the rest of her bellini (which wasn't all that great but why would you get a non-beer drink anyway?). After all this food and some great drinks, I almost didn't care that the MBTA was all screwy that day. The only stinky thing about this place is its distance from the T. It may feel like you're walking through an industrial wasteland and your girlfriend may be complaining that her feet hurt and that you have absolutely no idea where you're going, but don't worry: it's just a couple blocks farther.
(4)
Dom M.
I've come here after work a few times over the years and I think last week was my last. I just don't like their beer, any of them in fact. The heifewiezer ( i know I killed the spelling) has a terrible after taste, regatta golden is just "eh", and another one, that I cant remember the name, tastes like bad coffee. The food is nothing special, especially when looking for simple after work eats. Basically not a great appetizer menu. The outside is nice but since I usually dont have a good drink to go with it, I'm not really enjoying it.
(1)
Rinn S.
CBC makes good beer. That's about all there is to know about this place. Their mainstay beer is very consistently good, as are the seasonal offerings. I want to enjoy their food offerings as well, but I fear that if not for the beer, the star count would be much lower. I've tried to appreciate their food, and I did go to one Brewer's Dinner (cus I'm a nerd) that was very good. But they could have served almost anything along with 5 beers and I would probably have appreciated it. Their menu tries hard, but is a bit all over the map and nothing I've had has impressed me very much. The Beer-unch is an inspired idea, but again the food was just so-so. I wish they could just share a menu with Tommy's the way they share bathrooms. Then you'd get the awesome CBC beer plus cheap honest bar food that lets the beer be the star of the show.
(3)
Maryn H.
Great outdoor seating! Good for BIG groups. Great beer selection! The food was all right too. The waitstaff is knowledgable about their beer. Try the beer sampler.
(3)
Matt W.
CBC isn't bad and it isn't great. The best restaurant to compare it to is Boston Beer Works which I personally enjoy much more. The beer at CBC is hit or miss. Most of it tastes good but not really distinct. The food is also not bad. I haven't had many of the dishes, but I've been happy with the ones I gotten. One of the best parts about the CBC is that large parties can be seated and entertained with beer towers placed on their table. So, to sum it up, I like CBC but I don't go out of my way for it and usually only go when we have a large party.
(3)
Nik O.
I've never ever had good service here but with that said, the food isn't bad. I don't mind going here when I have time to burn with friends. Not the best, not the worst. The chicken salad is really good, if i remember correctly.
(3)
Enday G.
The beers and food are ok. Nothing too exciting. There are better places in Cambridge and Boston.
(3)
Mike G.
So, read the reviews, approached this place with some trepidation. However, we had a GREAT meal, and would definitely come back. We tried the darker beers, all good, Stout was pricey, but well worth it. Fried buttermilk clams were good, filet mignon was good (but not great) but the gorgonzola mashed and snap peas accompanying it were AWESOME. The kids meals were nothing to write home about. The Tosci's special ice cream was made from their stout, and was insanely awesome, stout ice cream had the flavors of molasses to it. Overall, pricing was reasonable, beers were great, food was good, dessert was awesome. Wait service was a little on the slow side, but very competent.
(5)
Frank H.
Had the clam chowder which was very good and the margarita pizza which was also very good. The crust is very flavorful with the addition of the spent grains from the brew which is added to the dough.
(4)
sage f.
For a brewing company, I'm not terribly impressed with their beer; the menu is pretty mundane and the decor looks like an institutional dining hall.
(2)
Dan G.
Good basic bar type food....beer is good though...im partial to the Golden Regatta.
(3)
Al A.
good beer selection. good food
(3)
Chels G.
I'm not really a beer person but I went here with friends and they got a beer tower which was truly awesome. Never before have I seen anything like that! I was torn on what to get on their menu but to play it safe I got their CBC Burger, boy I was not disappointed at all. They could have cooked the patty a bit more but either way it was very scrumptious. The atmosphere was on the posh side which reminded me of a place that you would find in San Francisco. Would definitely go here again but try something new.
(4)
Sean E.
Love this place. Have yet to have a bad dish here (guess I've lucked out?), the squid ink pasta with mussels was amazing, and the service has always been good to me. But the real treat here is the beers. Some of the best in town. Their Pale Ale is second only to their Amber, and the seasonals are usually fantastic. And if you are with a group and want to look silly you can get yourselves a beer tower filled with your choice. Yes, it's so very tempting. Don't leave without trying the ice cream though -- it's from Toscanini's and it's made with whatever their beer of choice at the moment is, and it's un-freakin-believable.
(5)
Jud P.
The other reviews are right in saying that the food here just isn't up to par. I've never had anything bad, but it's just nothing special and can be bland. But the beer here is amazing. Will Meyers, the head brewer, does a great job. The regulars are all solid (the Cambridge amber is a favorite of mine, and available at some bars in the area), but the seasonals are where the action is. They can range from huge IPAs (the red god IPA is excellent) and barleywines in the winter, to delicate and refreshing in the summer (the hefeweizen is top notch). They also have a cask on every Tuesday which is worth checking out. The place is spacious and I enjoy the atmosphere, plus they have outdoor seating and the location is easily accessible as well. So take or leave the food, but stay for the beer.
(4)
Laura M.
Two words: Beer towers. Okay, so the food isn't exquisite. They can make a tasty Cuban sandwich, to the surprise of this Florida girl. I really like their beer, they're located conveniently close to the movie theater, and I really like their beer. Some quality stuff always available, plus interesting seasonal choices, and you can cart home a 1/2 gallon growler of your favorite.
(4)
Michael W.
I like going to brewing companies, its fun on a Sunday, and after a movie at the Kendall theater. We went several months ago, and I was really disappointed, the wait staff was less than exciting to serve you, food was iffy, burger was just overcooked and gross and the beers are nothing to write home about... maybe next time i will do a double feature at Kendall and just eat tons of popcorn...
(2)
Jennifer T.
LOVE IT. Awesome beer and food. The calamari appetizer is delicious- always cooked perfectly. I love the outdoor patio in the summer. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the beer menu. Great, casual atmosphere.
(4)
Robin W.
I went here a few weeks ago to grab dinner before going to the movies. I can honestly say this was the absolute WORST dining experience I have had in a really long time. There were four of us. Two of us ordered beer, I ordered a Diet Coke and we asked for four waters. We ordered an appetizer and four entrees. Our appetizer came first, BEFORE our drinks. Then they brought the two beers when we were finished with the appetizer, but did not bring the water or the soda. I asked for my Diet Coke and they brought it a few minutes later. It was completely flat and tasted bad. I asked again for the waters for the table. The service was REALLY, REALLY slow. I asked again for a third time for the waters. Three out of four of our entrees came. I asked again for the waters, fourth time. They brought only one water. My boyfirend was waiting on his pizza.... FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. Finally, they brought his pizza when the rest of us were finished eating. The waiter NEVER asked how our food was, NEVER asked if he could get us anything else, NEVER apologized for bringing the fourth entree 20 minutes later than the rest. The entire experience was painful and the food was mediocre, at best. Go here if you like mediocre food and horrible service.
(1)
Steve L.
Try and get a sample of the beer you are about to try, or else you may end up with a pint that's not your thing. As for food, stick with the pizzas and burgers (which is the reason for 4 instead of 3 stars), as their other food tends to be thrown together at the last minute. In the summer time sit outside, and avoid the tackiness of a beertower, unless you are ordering one for yourself then it's excused.
(4)
Angel D.
I think it's a good casual place to grab a bite to eat before a movie. We ordered the Calamari Appetizer which was so-so. There wasn't enough calamari and too much of the other stuff (a sweet and spicy glaze, wild rice, strings of yellow "things", green onions). My date ordered the bacon cheeseburger with fries which looked good. I ordered the chick pea fritter wrap with field greens. I definitely recommend my wrap, it was VERY tasty. I especially like the fact that I've never had anything like it before, however my field greens were drowning in dressing. I would have ordered a beer if I wasn't still hungover from the night before, but I had a sip of my date's Pumpkin Ale and it was rather smooth. Considering the food selections around Kendall Cinema, I would recommend going here, PLUS you get $3.50 off each movie ticket, just remember to tell your server before they bring you the check so they can run your ticket vouchers with your restaurant tab.
(3)
Melissa B.
I don't get why this place is so popular. Every time I've been the food is HORRIFIC and the beers just weren't worth it. Nice to sit outside in Kendall in the summer, but otherwise skip it.
(1)
Geoff T.
The food is okay. Not terrible, not superb. It is about worth what you pay for it. I do, however, like the beer. Sitting with some friends and getting a sampler before settling on what pint you would like is just plain good old fashioned fun. The beers are seasonal, too. Also, you can bring home larger jugs of the beer and, upon returning it, get it refilled. Near the Kendall Theater and Flat-top Johnny's, so there are other reasons to be in the neighborhood anyway!
(3)
Oggie B.
The CBC deserves credit for recent cosmetic improvements to the space: eye-catching new logo, the behind-bar area updated with attractive wood shelving, they've hung up a whimsical Sgt Pepper's-esque mural, and they seem to have been able to subdue that nasty chemical smell present where beer is brewed on site. Of all the restaurant/bars in that little plaza where it's situated, I prefer the CBC: it's very relaxed with a bit of crunchy-Cambridge vibe, the bartender and servers are always very friendly to me, the beer they brew (there are usually 4-5 varieties on tap at a given time, which seem to rotate quite often) is quite tasty and well-crafted. I agree that the plated entrees seem expensive in relation to the atmosphere, and for that reason, I haven't sampled any. In fact, the only thing i've eaten there is the blackened chicken sandwich, which is VERY good--cripsy, peppery spice rub outside but very moist, perfectly cooked chicken breast topped with a tangy creamy sauce. A few suggestions: finish the refresh and lose the lightly-stained tempered pine bar & furniture. Also, a measure of choice of breads for the sandwiches would be nice. Otherwise I can't wait for the summer, sit on their patio and drain beer out of one of those towers that look unsettlingly like massive bongs.
(4)
Greg S.
Ok if you want to go someplace and have some drinks and appetizers after work in the Kendall area, this is a good place. I have tried numerous pints here and have never been dissatisfied in the beer department. They also have huge beer towers if you can get everyone to agree on the same beer. However, when venturing into the food realm I have been disappointed on more than one occasion. One time I ordered a buffalo chicken quesadilla for lunch and it was down right awful, not something I would even recommend ordering to my worst enemy, so it makes me wonder why you'd put something like that on your lunch specials menu. Seriously, stick to the apps or order the most boring thing on the menu like a burger.
(3)
Amy D.
Towers of beer are excellent. We always stick to basic pub food - pizza, sandwiches, buffalo tenders-and have no real complaints. I would never drop $20 on one of their entrees though. Service is efficient but never overly-friendly, which is too bad. It's the kind of place you want to love, but it's meh-ness tends to overwhelm.
(3)
Thomas M.
Beer is okay -- nothing too special. Service iffy, waiter did not know a lot about the beer at all. Food simply tries to hard -- $20 entrees at a brewpub? Come on. Burger I had was disappointing, served on an herbed roll, that completely overpowered the meat. Odd location -- way too bright inside.
(2)
MS B.
Great micro-brew in the MIT area of Cambridge - not far from central Boston. The staff and managers are great, very knowledgeable about beer and food pairings. The restaurant strives to use local ingredients and also has nightly food specials. Beers do rotate seasonally, and, as mentioned by a previous reviewer, the Tall Tale Pale Ale, well, it's no tall tale to say it tastes GREAT! Outdoor patio seating in season, and a nice inside. Be sure to check this place out whether you're local or visiting. Adjacent to Kendall Square Cinema, so why not have a brew pre or post a cool international film?
(4)
Traci K.
These three stars are for the Pumpkin beer. It is very tasty and it is my favorite part of the season. A few friends and I shared a tower of it (100 ounces) and were shocked to find it was only $28bucks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the tower stayed relatively cool for the entire time. Delightful! The food it okay. It's not mind-blowing and it's not all that terrible.... Okay. Except for the mussels. The mussels were questionable - like they'd been sitting there for quite some time and bland as all get out. The service wasn't bad. It was pretty busy - but our server was around, inconsistently so. She popped up before we were ready to order and didn't come back around for at least twenty minutes. It's okay...we weren't in a rush. For my future visits to the CBC, I'll eat elsewhere and have a nice big tower of beer.
(3)
Christian L.
Cool ivy league bar, the beer towers are pretty awesome. The beers were good but not many to choose from.
(3)
H T.
Very casual and fun place to hang out with friends even in large groups. I don't come for the food but mainly for the atmosphere and beer list. Just like to see what else is brewing and how creative these brewers can get. This place can get very busy, noisy and hard to have a full fledge conversation. Not a good place to bring a girl to especially if it's the first few dates. The outdoor seating is nice when the weather is warmer!
(4)
Joy Y.
To be quite honest, I wasn't even remotely impressed with this place. The beer was good, the service was good but the food was was 'eh' at best. My friend and I ordered the pumpkin gnocchi, which was so disappointing, we couldn't even finish it. The gnocchi's texture was very tough, almost bordering on hard, although I could understand where they were going with the flavor concept. We also ordered the poutine, which was soggy, under seasoned and overall, just not that great. Finally we ordered the taza chocolate and porter stout cake, which was just terrible. It was dry and and you literally had to soak it in the ice cream accompaniment to make it edible. Luckily, we also ordered the cheese plate. And while it did not make up for the rest of the meal, it certainly tried hard to. The cheese was delicious and the combination of apples, marcona almonds and butternut squash puree just elevated the cheese to another level. Not a fan.
(2)
Adam P.
Been to CBC twice and I'm looking forward to many more visits in the future. Beer: I've tried their Wee Heavy/Scotch Ale, Hefeweizen, Banryu Ichi, Ozymandias, and sampled small sips of a few of their other beers. Every one has been fantastic -- moreover, Ozymandias is probably the best beer I've ever had. Food: I ate off their special prix fixe menu last night, which was reasonably priced and enjoyable. That said, I think I enjoyed my girlfriend's meal more (beet salad and egg/four cheese pizza). The prices for their regular entrees are a bit steep, but the pizza is a deal that can't be beat ($12 for a very respectable portion). Plus, they use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, which surely impacts their pricing decisions. Overall, a phenomenal gastropub that is very worthy of a visit (or two or three or four...).
(5)
Alex N.
Recently went to CBC twice for lunch and it was great! I'm a big fan of the Regatta Golden beer, very nice on a hot day (it's the lightest beer they have). My husband has tried a variety of their beers and has liked them all. Their food is hit or miss, and the menus change from lunch to dinner. The fried calamari - skip it. The salt & vinegar fries - amazeballs. We tried the margherita pizza and that was really good too. I got a cheeseburger one of the times and it was pretty good. My husband had a cuban and said it was just okay. We're from Florida and have higher expectations and probably should have known better. I definitely recommend stopping in, but would suggest you do so when they are serving dinner as the menu options seem to be better then. Both times we ate outside which is preferable to the inside - it seems a little dingy in there. Almost all of the outdoor seating is covered which was nice on an overcast day when rain looked imminent. Lots of little birds hang around trying to find food so my son had a good time feeding them. There are some pretty flowers around too that add to it being a nice place for an outdoor meal.
(4)
Daniel L.
Must try their nachos! HUGE plates of nachos (three hungry men could not finish one order) with a great mix of condiments. Also, their burgers are quite good.
(4)
Sally B.
The best thing about this place is the outdoor fireplace. (one star) Second best is the fact that they have STRONGBOW cider! (two stars) Unfortunately, this fact was not advertised anywhere and I didn't find out until after I ordered my second beer, but the beer was good too. (three stars for locally made beer) The food was decent but the atmosphere (apart from our time sitting around the fire) didn't really do it for me and the service was nothing to write home about . It was like a cross between a bar and Friendly's, with families sitting around and people all crowded into one half of the place, which made it really hard for the standing half to get attention from the servers.
(3)
Andrew R.
Good line of beers, though the glass sizes are a bit deceptive if you don't know what you're do. So tip #1: Know what you're doing. Tip #2: Eat a pizza. They're big, surprisingly delicious, and people will envy you all night. Tip #3: Observe. Check out the walls and then check out the odd crowd. See if you can match them up!
(4)
Misty S.
CBC is one of my favorite places to go in Kendall square. The beers are hit or miss- some really good, some are mehhhh. The Pumpkin beer doesn't do much for me, but I like their pale ale and their IPA's. Prices are great. One thing I especially love about CBC is their seasonal food. I went for lunch recently and got a fantastic autumn salad that had local goat cheese, butternut squash, walnuts and apples on it. I've also had really good squash ravioli here before, and their hummus is very good. Lots of healthier stuff on the menu. Service is always friendly and prompt. Outdoor seating in summer too!
(3)
Leah K.
I've generally enjoyed coming to CBC, but I went recently and had the worst service I've had there, and was really rubbed the wrong way by the bartender. Perhaps it was because it was Saturday, (it was also kind of late), but still! I couldn't believe how long it took me to get a beer! It wasn't just this, though. At one point, I overheard the bartender making fun of another customer to the gentleman sitting next to me. I'm not a business owner, but, dude...maybe not great protocol? It makes you wonder how often he does this, right? What if he was was making fun of ME to other customers? Maybe that's why it took so long to get my beer! He wasn't even that friendly when I did finally get my drink! I don't know what this guy's deal is - maybe he thinks that having a bar code tattooed on his neck makes him too cool for his customers? Ridiculous. Luckily, there was another bartender there that was much friendlier and and much more expeditious, or I probably would have left after that first drink. Probably not going back, at least not on a Saturday night!
(1)
Daniel M.
One word: brunch. Or as they call it beer-unch. Either way, mad tasty. We came on a Sunday post wedding hangover looking for some nibbles and should a beer come along, well hey. Walking through the ghost town that is Kendall we waded through the people foolishly wasting their brunch time waiting to get in to Friendly Toast and walked right in to CBC. We were greeted and seated in no time, suck on that waiting losers! Our server was nice and had amazing eyes. Yeah that has nothing to do with anything but it deserves mentioning cause wow. Anywho... First and foremost the brunch menu had a small handful of items (6-8 maybe) and it took us forever to decide what to do. Everything sounded so good. I opted for the day's Eggs Benedict which happened to be crabcake. OMFGDelicious. The creole hollandaise was so flavorful and went so well with everything I practically had to refrain from licking the plate. The crabcake was delicious and perfectly prepared. My only complaint was that the eggs were slightly over done but that didn't even matter thanks to the rest of the ingredients. Also, homefries = home run. Not too done, not too underdone. Just right. My friend had the French toast which was HUGE and delicious. The beer was also good but at the time my body kept saying "are you effing kidding me, you're drinking *AGAIN*?!?" so I wasn't as enthused as I might normally be. Regardless it's nice to know that there's fresh beer waiting for me within walking distance of the apartment. I will certainly be back here for brunch and I will most likely point and laugh at the people waiting to get in the joint across the courtyard.
(4)
Nroop B.
Good place to start an evening with! Decent collection of their own brews. Nachos with vegetarian chili sounds fun too!
(4)
James H.
Been there many times, often after a movie. Food and service usually quite good. Atmosphere loud but it is a brew pub so not a problem. BUT: someone please take responsibility for the almost always DISGUSTING men's room which gets filthier by the minute if you go there at night. Yes, they share if with another establishment but couldn't they work together to monitor and clean it?
(3)
richard m.
I love a good char-grilled burger and steak once in awhile and CBC is the best place to get a very good steak or burger with tap beers. The only downside is the service. It should take more than 5 minutes or so to get a beer and the staff is never around when you run out of beer.
(4)
Aaron S.
If you're looking for actually drinking CBC's delicious brews...you can probably find them for less elsewhere in the Boston area. My fiancee and I got burgers. I think they were $11 bucks, which if they were amazing, that'd be one thing. But they weren't really. We got some sort of dessert that came with barleywine which was the redeeming feature of this meal. I don't think I'll be back. I can get CBC beer for much cheaper, with better quality food at Cambridge Common.
(3)
Chris M.
Pretty disappointed. I live in Chicago and have come to the Boston area a couple of times on business. Seeing as neither Harpoon nor Samuel Adams have a brewpub (why the heck not?) i decided to see what else was out there. On the surface, you'd think that the self proclaimed one of the oldest brewpubs in america would have its game tight by now. Nope... I ordered fish and chips, as well as two beers (a pale ale and a wit). First of all, the fish and chips was one of the worst i've ever had, which is really sad... how do you mess fish and chips up? Well, the fish was not fresh, or was just a poor cut or variety (it had fish "dark meat" if you know what i mean... the kind of greasy blah part of the flesh). Also, it came in a huge hunk, so it was unevenly cooked. I mean, seriously, I'm from the midwest...we don't get the opportunity to have the freshest of the fresh seafood.... You'd assume that a micro brewery in Cambridge, MA would do it up right.... yet somehow this establishment totally missed the mark. The beer was also really boring... not bad exactly, but for a micro brewery... it was below average. Not enough flavor or character to remember it 1 second after a sip... Obviously, i guess that everyone is allowed a night off or a botched dish, or whatnot, but seriously... based on my one and only experience that I will ever have with this place.... thumbs down... save your money... it sucks.
(2)
Joyce L.
Even our host, whom we visited for a weekday lunch catch up, said this place can be unpredictable. To be fair, it has the markings of a good brew pub place... friendly staff, indoor/ outdoor options and a wide bar. And then there is the food... I grabbed a burger - my medium rare order was closer to medium well. There wasn't quite enough BBQ sauce on it to call it a BBQ burger. Good portions however, and an excellent green salad side. My buddy ordered the bean burger... he's had it plenty of times before and it's his favourite on the menu (for lunch). Boyfriend had the pulled pork sandwich... he was wow'ed more by the fried pickle than the pork, but the sandwich was totally acceptable. And then the beers... we all got a pumpkin seasonal, and to my completely untrained palette (for beer, and pumpkin for that matter) - my Berliner Weisse was more sour than pumpkin. Just so I can correctly judge it, I read on a beer connoisseur site that it's traditional to serve it with a sweet syrup (such as Raspberry) to counteract the sourness... and so, where was my pumpkin syrup? Did not wow me but seems like a safe lunch bet. I would like to come back for their regular beers, one time. Service was quick too.
(3)
john e.
I think we timed it when they had weird seasonals and also the cask choice was porter. Sorry, but porter is no good on cask. We started at the bar and the bartender was very aloof and condescending. Seemed to be more preoccupied with those he knows. Plus it smells a bit dank indoors. So then we went and sat outside and it was weird. The servers seemed to be all mixed up and did not know what table to go to next. The one who ended up being assigned to our table had no clue about the beer/ales, which was a shock. Food? MEEH. The only place I know of in New England that serves pre-frozen pollock in the fish and chips. Terrible. Is CBC that desperate for profit, they save a dollar a meal by not serving cod or haddock? Geez, you are only 10 minute drive to the docks where the fishing boats come in. Mussels were OK, if you like mussels that is. They have clams, and other dishes, all overpriced for what you get and the quality. Restroom - messy. Weird - it is also shared by the Irish pub next door. Wow these guys are really saving money. House beers disappointing. Tasted like the brewer is on a budget with the ingredients.
(2)
Megan R.
My friends and I LOVE CBC for a night of dinner and beers out. This place is tucked right into Kendall Square, a short walk from the T or a perfect place to go after some costume shopping at the Garment District. During the fall, their Great Pumpkin beer is definitely the best! You can get beers by the pint, pitcher, or tower! We opted for the tower once when we were there with a large group, and it was enough for about 5 of us to have 2 glasses of beer. Pints are typically around $5-$7 each. As far as the menu goes, it isn't huge, but I actually find that refreshing in comparison to some bars with 6 pages of food options. I always think the fewer options, the more care they put into each dish, and I think that definitely holds true for Cambridge Brewing Company. I've opted for the burger twice, and the main event is actually the french fries- absolutely delicious! The burgers are always cooked well and are juicy. I've also gone for the fish and chips before- served over little newspaper papers, a very cute touch. Friends of mine have also gone with soup or pizza there, and have never heard a complaint. Service is great here- the bartenders and waiters are incredibly friendly and great on making suggestions, especially if you are torn on the beer choices. They also serve a glass of water with the beer- a major bonus point. It can get pretty busy on a Friday or Saturday night, but there is always room at the bar to sit down and have a beer while you wait for your table! If you find yourself in the neighborhood, Cambridge Brewing Company is definitely worth checking out!
(5)
Saba N.
Didn't really wow me. The food was good, service was fine.. atmosphere is comfortable. I'd come back for sure, especially with a big group - but there are so many fun, unique restaurants in the area that it seems silly to come here. Oh, and the beer's good.
(3)
David D.
This place was *AWESOME*. Their beers are absolutely fantastic. (The New England Shellfish entree I had was also phenomenal.) I sampled eight of them. The Regatta Golden, the Tall Tale Pale Ale, and the Charles River Porter are always on tap. The Bachelor's Buttons, the Banryu Ichi, the Kriek du Cambridge, the Pearls of Wisdom, and the Remain in Light are all rotators, but it looks like they have a lot of rotators on tap on a pretty regular basis. They were all good. The Belgian styles (Bachelor's was a Saison; the Kriek was, well, a Kriek; and the Pearls of Wisdom was a wild fermented ale with a really nice brett streak) were *TO* *DIE* *FOR*. If you like Belgian styles beers and care to find a place that brews them right, this place is phenomenal. OK, I already said phenomenal. Definitely "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" I wished I live in Boston.
(5)
Alison D.
I've been back a few more times since my last review - including for beer-unch. Cheesy name, but I like it. All the beers I have ever tried have been excellent, and same goes for the food. The food is locally sourced and well, the beer is brewed on the spot. If you drink and eat, you will like it here.
(5)
Tim G.
These guys are local legends, and started way back in 1989. They've got a brewpub right in Kendall Square in an old mill building of sorts. The brewpub itself is mostly solid-looking wood furniture and brick walls, as a proper pub should be. Quirky art pieces accent the bar and dining area: bold murals, wire sculptured hands grasping giant brews, and stained glass depictions of foaming pints. They brew a wide range of styles and influences, and I can't think of a bad one I've ever had. The outdoor seating option in the summer is nice, but on this winter day, we were glad for the shelter and heat inside. We snagged several samples; they don't offer an official sampler or flight, but you can put together your own with 4oz samples for $2 each. My lady friend and I chose five apiece, and between the two of us, covered most of the menu. We also ordered lunch, which was excellent. More importantly, the beers were excellent, and enough to elicit a mild buzz, preparation enough for the cold that lurked outside. I have never had a bad CBC beer. Go there.
(5)
Mike T.
Damn good craft beer is served here. They also serve lunch and dinner, some dishes are good, some are mediocre. Service is good, whether you are at tables, which there are a lot of, of the bar. The great thing over the last couple years, has been the ability to purchase bombers of their beer at some Mass. liquor stores. For those who enjoy craft beer and are in the Boston area, this is a place you need to check out.
(3)
Walt G.
OMG! What were they thinking with that meatball special? Ground meat and way too much 5- spice powder. Four over seasoned meatballs and sliced bread for $16, are you kidding me? Worst meal ever. Our other meals were duck (okay) that did not go with the accompanying bean mix and an over cooked burger with cheese that wasn't melted. $110 for three poor meals and 5 okay beers. Sorry I can't give zero stars.
(1)
Darth R.
As far as breweries goes, this one takes the cake for me. The only portion it falls short on, is the lack of a tour. That being said, if you're looking for a brewery to drink in, these guys are a fantastic selection - always great beers, and there is almost always a beer brewed in partnership with another known brewery (e.g. past examples are Victory, Stone). Their food is actually good as far as brew pubs go. It's by no means a polished meal, but the best damn (hot!) chicken fingers in Boston, and all the beer to wash it down with. If you're looking to crush a few Bud Lights, this is not the place for you. They do have a Regatta Ale which is quite light, but that's the extent of it for the carbonated-watered-down-urine-drinkers. You'll find a lot of Biotech Pharma dude(tte)s hanging around here. If you're in from out of town, and in Cambridge, go here. If you live in Cambridge, go here at least once. If you can't stay, they do have six packs to go.
(5)
Bia M.
I like CBC a lot. The atmosphere is very cool, the staff chill and friendly, the prices are okay. I'm not a fan of the food, but the beers are awesome. It is a great place for big groups since there is a pretty big bar area. In the summer there are outdoor tables and you can sit there without ordering food. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Timothy H.
Come for the Beer Towers and stay for the great eats!
(4)
Beans B.
Went over for the first time in a while and happened to hit brunch. Very pleasantly surprised. Someone at CBC must have been listening to us vegetarians bitch about lack of menu options. On both the lunch and brunch menus there were creative and tempting items. I actually had a hard time choosing. I ended up getting a frittata off the brunch menu which knocked my socks off. Mmmmm pesto, tomato and fresh mozarella, topped with greens and a little vinaigrette... I'm making myself hungry! Generously portioned and reasonably priced mimosas too. All in all a very nice time chilling on the patio.
(5)
Tamar A.
So you know how I loved this place before? Then I tried their perfection-inspired, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside brine-pickled fried chicken and the greatest--and, as a person who just can't get on the kale train, I mean GREATEST--garlic-sauteed collard greens that ever there was. Then I tried them again. Then my boyfriend took measures to defend his plate from my fork's sneak attacks. He always wins our entree-ordering face-offs, and it's getting annoying.
(5)
Jeff W.
Stopped in here recently for brunch. Food was good and well prepared, and it looked like a really nice brewery, however I didn't try any of the beer. There were probably 10 or 15 beers on the menu and it wouldn't surprise me if they're all great. Would love to go back and give em all a try. Not in one night of course, but probably in one night....of course.
(3)
Xtine B.
I really just wanted to see a bit of the brewery and do some tasting so I bypassed the menu entirely. When I explained why I was there to my waitress, she was so nice and accomodating I almost wanted to pack her up and bring her home with me! She brought me some water and some bread so I could cleanse between beers, ahh, what a sweetie. :) I had to get back to the flat and make a dish for a pot luck so I couldn't stay as long as I would have liked. That being the case I settled for sampling only 5 from their pretty impressive list. Cambridge Amber: Tilted more toward the sweet end, this still had pretty good over all balance and was really good for a low alcohol (4% abv) beer. I think with would be great with light summer dinners or maybe a pitcher on the porch on a warm evening. Charles River Porter: I didn't like it. I found it needlessly heavy and bitter. I don't say that just because it's a porter..... I'm a Guinness girl. I normally like beer that's like stew in a bottle but this was difficult to finish if was so harsh. I do, however, think it would be a great beer to add to chocolate, like a cake as the espresso notes in it were quite powerful. Project Venus: Great nose! Very floral, way yummy and the background of the beer is very interesting, being a creation of several female brewmeister in colaboration. Sgt Pepper: Wow! I would never have thought that a little pepper in the kettle would have produced such a wonderful result! Bright and lively, this one was my absolute favorite. Very crisp, nice balance and the pepper gives it a lovely punch. Valley Girl: I found this a bit too hoppy for my taste but Sgt Pepper is a really hard act to follow. I did end up ordering a dessert at the end because I wanted some chocolate to help me finish off that porter. Was told by my lovely server they recommended porter with the Big Ass Whoopie Pie. Sounded good to me, bring it on. It arrived, much bigger than I expected. Seriously, someone is supposed to eat all that after dinner? The really confusing part is that they recommended it with the porter but brought it out with a little glass of milk. What the hell was I supposed to do with that?? *shrugs*
(4)
Morgan M.
Recently went for lunch on a Saturday and it was okay. Great pub if you're looking for bar food with a better than average beer menu. Waitstaff was friendly. All in all a decent place but since average pub fare is not my speed I most likely won't be back.
(3)
Kathleen F.
I got invited to check out CBC with some friends and was pretty pumped to check it out. I went in expecting great beer, but probably some pretty awful bar food, but I was definitely wrong. The beer selection was great, and the waitress was very knowledgeable about the beers which was awesome. The food was amazing, and just what I was craving after a long day at work. For apps we had the nachos and the white bean dip, the nachos were great, could have been a little cheesier, but nevertheless very good. The white bean dip was nice and garlicky, so if you are a garlic lover it's a great choice! For dinner I tried the eggplant stacker with a side of greens. The greens were lightly dressed and very fresh, and the eggplant had just the right amount of cheese and flavor. It also had some nice juicy tomatoes on top which I liked. Another recommendation would be the salt and vinegar fries! My friend ordered a side of them and they were delish! Can't wait to come back here and try out some new dishes and beers, great ambiance and great service. A solid 4 star experience.
(4)
Kevin E.
Popular brew pub in the Cambridge center area. The menu is typical club fare. I ordered a burger that was cooked to order and was more than I could finish. Plenty of fries came along with it. The place can get rather loud so not the easiest place to carry on a conversation over dinner but that is to be expected at a brew pub.
(3)
Helena B.
Boyfriend and I are amateur beer snobs, so stumbling upon this place was like approaching an oasis in the Sahara. Well, perhaps a little less dire than being stranded in the Sahara would likely be, but I needed to lean upon hyperbole to fully express my love. I love: Local beer. Our great nation is starting to shine in the craft brew arena and it's fun to see what different brewers are doing. I got to try various beers brewed at CBC and one born of a collaboration with another local brewery. Fantastic. I love: Servers who know their stuff. Our server helped two out-of-towners try the cream of the local crop. He was attentive without hovering; our glasses were never empty. His area included several large tables, yet he still had time to chat with us about what brought us to Cambridge. I love: Kriss Kross (Jump, Jump!), Boys II Men, Bell Biv DeVoe, Salt n' Pepa, and DJs who can weave these musical geniuses together seamlessly. There may have been some mini, seated dancing. Our friendly, knowledgeable bartender? Also cute as heck. I have no idea as to his relationship status, but ladies of Cambridge, get on it. Get. On. It.
(5)
Johnna M.
First time I went here was to grab a quick bite to eat on Friday night before moving on to bigger and better things. Not paying particularly close attention to the alcohol content on the draft list, I ordered the Barley wine because it is beer disguised as a wine or wine disguised as a beer and that intrigued me. Half an hour later I was completely out of comission/completely in commission for the whole night. Word to the wise-anything with an 11 percent next to it is not a nice light accompaniments for your grilled chicken sandwich. That being said I absolutely adore this place. The beer is delicious and I always have fun sampling the different types. My favorite is the Charles River Porter. You can also get what looks like a large smoking device filled with beer. This typically can serve 5 people. I adore the laid back service, although I typically go with regulars who helped install their sound system and are treated extra nicely, so maybe I am not a fair judge. I adore the awkward clientele and the fact I am for once in my life amongst the least awkward. I adore the mural of the awkward clientele with random celebrities thrown in. All though I have spent a good portion of my life trying to identify each person in the picture, only to realize there is an answer key below it. They also have outdoor seating-major plus. You can buy growlers of their beer which are fun and make for awesome slightly sketchy gifts. I have tried their nachos with chicken, veggie pizza, and chicken sandwich. All of these were very good (especially the pizza) and their was more than enough food. I ended up sharing with the people next to me - it's the kind of place where that isn't so odd. Their fries are also worth trying. If you are looking for a place to relax and grab a nice bite and good conversation, this is the place. If you are broke and want to get completely silly off of one beer, this is the place.
(4)
Linda E.
Went here on a Monday night because I was in the area. The walkway to the restaurant may have been the nicest part of the experience. It was decorated really pretty. Once I got inside it was dead, it was 9pm and I was wondering if it was still even open. I sat at the bar and some guys at the bar later told me that everyone was next door at Tommy Doyle's because they were playing Monday Night Football on their flat-screens. The pumpkin beer for the season was delicious and they even had one that was 9.4% alcohol, but I was a little afraid to try it since I was driving. I also ordered the calamari which was not good at all. It had no flavor and it was very small. I'm used to calamari being a large app for groups to share. There was no flavor so the chef made the sauce thick, extremely spicy(and I usually love spicy), and mixed with olives which I hate. The music playing was a mix of Johnny Cash and Michael Jackson hits which weren't too bad. The bathroom seems like your walking into a back closet. The bartenders are kind of socially awkward. The receipt gives you a suggested tip amount for help in case you have had too many 9.4% alcoholic beers :) I will not return here. I'm glad that I had a coupon for a free appetizer from the Yelp-Kendall event since it was worth that much.
(1)
Steve S.
This place totally gets the idea of good food and good beer. Everything I had (beer and food) was excellent and expertly served. It is hard to describe but you should order the Poitine. It is the description of comfort food. Shout to Ben for the great service.
(5)
Calvin F.
As a budding beer snob, their beers are to die for. I like the dark ones, and everything I've ever had here has left me quite pleased. You really can't go wrong, no matter what you order. The food is better than standard bar fare. Definitely good enough to satisfy, but then again, the food isn't even the main draw. It's like how they say in musical theater that everyone is either a dancer or a singer? Well, if eating/drink places are either restaurants or breweries, this is a brewery that has damn good food for a brewery.
(5)
Dessa R.
A good burger is a good burger is a good burger, right? Well, when it's served by a really great server who follows complicated directions with a smile, accompanied by a not-too-sweet Strongbow cider, that makes my meal taste even better. And when that server offers to add your Kendall movie tickets to the bill at a discounted price, well, that just warrants another whole star. Well played, CBC, well played.
(4)
Amy S.
Maybe I have poor taste, but I think this place is better than just okay. Friendly staff (in my experience), tasty food and good beers. Sold. I don't usually order soup, but I was intrigued by the baked potato soup....it wasn't what I expected, but I really liked it. In fact, 3 of the 4 of us at dinner got it and we all "scraped the bowl" enjoyed it. It was completely creamy with no chunks (except for some pieces of bacon on the top) and literally tasted just like a baked potato with butter and cheese. I love dunking food so I was happy to see it came with two pieces of bread. I love CBC's pizza. They had a pizza of the day with huge chunks of pepperoni prosciutto and veggies. Too bad it was only a special.
(4)
Ed M.
Well things have certainly improved over here. The local and seasonal food focus was great and the beers were nice. They tell you where ingredients are coming from (pumpkins from Wilsons Farm in Lexington for example) and the food was much nicer this time around. The service is still underwhelming, the place was near empty on a weeknight yet our waiter seemed miserable and disappeared for a good chunk of time, right when we needed to get in touch with him about something missing from one of our orders (one of the two things the entree came with, not special orders or anything). We enjoyed it a lot this time around and would probably make it back much more often now.
(4)
Big S.
this place is great. the food is good for a bar, i had the sunrise burger which was awesome. the sirachi aioli was fantastic. and the beer is good. pumpkin and golden are best. would come back in a heartbeat, nice atmosphere too.
(4)
Molly J.
Hosted a 12-person birthday party here. Although it was a warm night and we had made the reservation weeks in advance, we were informed when we showed up that there was no way they could accommodate us on the patio. Instead, they took us to the very back of the (stuffy) restaurant, to a table packed in -- the host sheepishly described our route as "a journey" as he snaked and squeezed through other tables to guide us to our seats. The main thing CBC has going for it is that the guest beers are unique, and the food is pretty good. Unfortunately, this was undermined by the worst service I've experienced in any restaurant in the city since I moved to Boston a couple years ago. Our waiter must have been smoking something -- something strong. It took him 45 minutes to take our order. When we asked for water all around, he responded, "Do you really need that?" On multiple occasions we watched him stand in the corner of the room, just hanging out with his back to the tables. Food didn't arrive until a full hour after we placed our order. Other requests (for napkins, silverware, etc.) had to be made multiple times. In the meantime, a party of 14 came, ate, and left -- before we had even received our plates! We didn't finish our 7:30pm reservation til 11:30, at which point it was too late to hit the clubs in Central. Careful -- due to mandatory 18% gratuity for large parties, our waiter got a pretty big tip. He probably used it to buy more of whatever he was smoking, which means you should gear up for a four-hour meal.
(2)
matt k.
I went here for the 22nd anniversary of the brewpub. Even though I love their beer, my experience was not something I would want to repeat. Night one: showed up to order a beer and a bratwurst from the grill. The beer was great, but the bratwurst was mediocre. My wife called to say she was stuck in traffic and so we switched plans to go the next night instead. Night two: since we didn't have a sitter for this night, we brought my two-year-old. Big mistake! Way too loud inside for a little kid, even way in back, far away from the bar and the speakers. My daughter's irritation was compounded when our server spilled a beer on the two of us :( They took a big discount off the bill, which I appreciated along with the staff accommodating our request to sit in a quieter area. But this place stays in the "beers after work" category.
(3)
Hyunu K.
Was on a mission the other day to check out as many breweries as i could and i ended up at CBC. They had some amazing beer and ok food. The bartender seemed like he was not enjoying himself and actually tried to offer me some guest taps that they had. Which i thought was very strange because you would think that your own brewery would want to push your own beers as much as possible. I don't know that is just my opinion take it or leave it. The beer that i had was amazing though. It was an amazing sour beer called the devil because of the 6.66 alcohol content. They also had many types of pumpkin beer which i thought was pretty original. Another aspect that i really loved about the place was that most if not all of their food is sourced locally which is always a plus. It is worth checking out but hopefully when you go there you don't get the same bartender that i had and hopefully they are more intuitive and proud of their beer! Cheers!
(3)
Aubrey W.
We come here probably about once a month, either for dinner or drinks. We live fairly close by and it's a fun place to grab a bite or try some great local beer. I'm looking forward to trying the Beerrunch, the menu looks fabulous. The food and beer are consistently good, but the place can get very loud and crowded, especially for dinner on the weekends (to be expected, I guess). I really appreciate the effort that they put into sourcing local, sustainable ingredients and giving their provenance on the menu. In my experience, the staff is really friendly and knowledgeable- recently my parents were in town and we sat outside because they had their Lab puppy with them and our waitress brought her a bowl of water and some treats. I'm a big fan of how the menu changes seasonally, but they also keep some favorites on all the time (fish & chips, poutine). I haven't tried the poutine, actually, but I once saw two men sitting nearby eat THREE orders of it. The pizzas are a great value and always have creative seasonal toppings. The nachos are delicious and huge, and the rotating seasonal salads are always good. As for the beer, they have a good stable of standbys- balanced and satisfying (esp. the Regatta Golden and Tall Tale Pale Ale) and there are always 6-10 seasonals that are diverse and fun. They offer growlers and bombers as well, for takeout.
(5)
Brita F.
CBC amber beer is a favorite of mine, and they had an interesting beer/sake hybrid when I went in on special. But the food is just not very good. I had the Arepas Con Pollo: the corn cakes were too dense, the chicken was grisly, all in all it was inedible. One of the bartenders was reasonably attentive and friendly, but his colleague, not so much.
(3)
Justin g.
Just left dinner with my wife and seven month old daughter. We had a WONDERFUL seasonal meal. My charcuterie platter had everything I could have asked for. Pate, pork Belly, etc. My wife had the brined fried chicken and waffles. Again, well prepared and very tasty! Loved seeing butter radishes on my plate as well! Excellent beers as well! All were dead on for their style, and the seasonals were deftly described as well as brewed. We will definitely be back! As we are here for business, this was a hugely bright spot on our trip so far!
(5)
Jon G.
I love CBC's Great Pumpkin Ale; I have for years. It's the reason I was so excited to try their Wilson spiced pumpkin porter, and their Belgian-style pumpkin beer. It's the reason my buddy and I decided to brave a torrential downpour and haul ourselves over here through the muck. But, as has happened before, we got there, and they were out of their own beer. Out of the porter. Out of the Belgian one. I mean, c'mon, did you honestly think people wouldn't like them? That we're all here for the food or something? (We were not. It's average.) If you had asked me that night, I'd have given them one star, but I've cooled down a bit. And their beer, WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE, is fantastic. But if you're looking forward to trying a particular brew, call ahead. (Their website is no help -- it said "available today on draft," which was clearly not the case.)
(3)
Anne H.
Local beers, wonderful staff, outside terrace.
(4)
Selena J.
Never had a meal here that I actually enjoyed (in fact, I've only had meals that I had no interest in finishing because they were so bland and uninteresting), but it is one of the few places in Cambridge I know of with outdoor seating, so I end up returning for that reason alone. I am actively seeking alternatives.
(2)
Lucas R.
Some friends and family came to visit from out of state, so I was looking for a place to grab some decently priced dinner that had a little something to please everyone. After seeing reviews of the great beer, good fish n chips, a nice atmosphere, and service, I decided to give it a try. We got nachos and beer to start. My sister loved the flower child beer, and the house Regatta brew I got was also delicious. However, the nachos were soggy and nothing I couldn't make better myself at home. Basically everyone at the table got fish n chips. 3 out of 4 said they were tasteless, super greasy, and not worth the calories while one enjoyed it. I got the half chicken, and it was bland. The mashed potatoes were also tasteless. Only good thing about the dish was the greens! The waiter was nice and offered my sister an alternate dish, so they were at least sympathetic. My only complaint was they took FOREVER to get the beer. If I return, it'll be for the "beer tower" which is 100oz of beer to share among the table. They did have delicious beer. If you come here, make sure you've already had something to eat!
(3)
Christine K.
Came here for lunch today and I guess it was alright. Service was decent and the place is clean, but the tables are really closely put together. For $9, I got a tuna whole wheat wrap with a salad. The salad was, while quite fresh, was not that exciting and the tuna wrap was okay. It filled me up, but it didn't taste so delicious that it compelled me to finish the other half. Nope, I became that customer who wastes: I didn't finish half of my plate and didn't take it home! Food is decent, but not amazing... You can easily make this at home. But maybe my opinion would've been different if I had tried some beer?
(3)
Ralph M.
Four years ago, I was in Boston and I had a Cambridge Amber Ale and LOVED it. So I made a big point of tracking this beer and CBC down upon my return to Boston. The seasonal right now is their hefeweizen, so that's all other bars were carrying, so I trekked to the brewpub itself. The menu proudly touted their history of daring microbrewery, and I was excited to see what they had to offer. I started with the much craved amber ale, a 9oz glass so I had room (and time) to try a few more. It tasted like a garden variety amber ale. I was so disappointed, but I guess it's not their fault. Can't blame them for my memory of beers past. But dammit, he brought it in a pint glass. Maybe when he stops by I can get that corrected or just plain get a new beer. 30 MINUTES LATER Okay, guess I'll just finish this one. I don't generally mind more beer, but I do hope he stops by soon so I can try another one of their beers. ANOTHER 30 MINUTES PASS Man, I haven't even seen him. Are they still open? Is he still on duty? I go into the bar and am quickly and graciously served. What a difference. I get a couple smaller sample sized glasses so I actually can try two more of the beers. Again, I wasn't too impressed with either (although the chocolate milk stout was pretty good). Still no sign of our waiter, and I'll be damned if I'm going to chase him down to pay him. The sole solace in my evening at this point was the thought of ducking out on our check. So naturally, he swoops in when I'm in the bathroom and leaves a check. Lucky I had exact change, or I still might be sitting there waiting for him to run my card. Too bad I had to settle for just not tipping him. I have trouble remembering a time I've ever had such ABYSMAL service. I can't think of beer good enough to put up with this crap, and I can say CBC certainly did not have beer that came close. STAY AWAY!
(1)
Marianne C.
Contrary to local belief, the Charles River Porter is NOT made with sludge from the Charles River! Visited here twice while in Cambridge and both times I had the Charles River Porter. I also had an amber ale, which I liked. The food was meh, but the beer is pretty good. When I asked the waiter about the pulled pork sandwich, he hesitated...that never inspires confidence. He did suggest I get extra sauce for the sandwich, which was a good suggestion. I didn't eat it as a sandwich - too messy - so I just used my fork. The meat was good, but nothing overwhelmingly awesome. My second visit I had the chicken tenders with the buffalo wing sauce, and they were a bit hot, but palatable. So, overall, good place for a few beers if you want to sit outdoors, but find a better meal elsewhere.
(4)
B. B.
As far as I'm concerned, the crowning virtue of this place is that it can usually seat large crowds from MIT. Lesser virtues include a good variety of beers (but not a variety of good beers) and outdoor seating during the warmer months. I think the food is remarkably awful. It's one of the closest restaurants to the Kendall cinema, but even if you're desperately hungry, consider walking the extra two minutes to Emma's pizza or Atasca, or the extra 10 minutes to the B-side lounge.
(1)
Adam C.
A lot of reviews have bashed the food at CBC. I can't speak to it recently because I never tried it again after having one of the most dry and flavorless pizzas of my life a couple years back. The atmosphere on the inside also kind of sucks. I think my grandma has those chairs in her dining room. On the other hand, I like it out on the patio. This may, sadly, be the closest thing to a beergarden that Boston has to offer. As others have pointed out the service can sometimes be hit or miss. But all that aside, the real reason to come is for good quality local brewing, and CBC mostly hits the mark. I don't usually bother but the house beers, particularly the amber, are pretty good versions of those styles. The real stars are their limited and seasonal releases. If you ever see the imperial stout "youenjoymystout", get it immediately. It's seriously as good or better than some of the truly mega-hyped IRS'es like Dark Lord and Abyss. I think their barleywines are also solid, as are some of their sours, particularly "Rose de Cambrinus". CBC also throws some great special events which I wholeheartedly recommend. We went to pumpkinfest this past fall and had a great time (just be sure to get there ridiculously early). So despite a shocking lack of competition in the genre, CBC is almost definitely the best brewpub in the Boston area.
(3)
Megan S.
We may not have the plethora of brewpubs in our city like the midwest, but who needs more when you've got Cambridge Brewing Company! These guys rock! Their beers are diverse and unique. Their food, pretty darn good. And, ehem, did someone say firepit? Sweet! Hot tip: Watch out for their special events when they do beer-food pairings and have bands.
(5)
Dickie L.
Some people just don't understand how silly their reviews are. I didn't realize Gordon Ramsey worked at an office across the street from the pub. It's got good beer and easy to eat food. Get over yourselves!
(5)
Nelly D.
The menu is pretty small and nothing really sounded good or interesting. I ended up getting the fish and chips, but was really disappointed. It came out as a huge square chunk of fried mess and really didn't have any flavor. Also, our waitress was extremely slow--she gave us the check and didn't come back for 20 minutes to take our cards (and no, it wasn't busy at all)! In other news, the hefe weizen was good!
(2)
Vivian L.
BEERUNCH. I freaking love beerunch. It combines two things that are awesome: beer and brunch. The french toast is by far my favorite brunch item. It's a malt and vanilla bean french toast with apple butter on top. And it's served with REAL maple syrup. If you find yourself at CBC for beerunch, please do yourself a favor and order this item. The other items are good, but the french toast is GREAT. I'm not sure why there are people who rated this place so low. Granted, this may not be the place to be food-venturous, but it's consistently good and made with quality ingredients. Plus there's fresh delicious beer! What's not to love?
(5)
Dan C.
"Tower of Power" was ORIGINALLY some rando band from the 70's. Granted nobody (including myself) is old enough or cares to remember them, but whatever. Having experienced the CBC's tower o' Beer? the 70's can go suck it, and come up with new band names. This wonderful/disastrous idea is literally a TOWER (about 3 feet or so) of pretty solid quality beer served with its own spigot to your table to the tune of 30ish bucks. BAM! As a beer guy, I'm pleasantly surprised that an establishment would offer not only interesting and tasty beer varieties but also do so in LUDICROUS quantities. Added perk with the tower? You service yourself *snicker snicker* and don't have to do the chore of tracking down a server. Who could ask for more? I haven't been here enough to see how often their tap beers rotate, but all of the options sounded pretty solid and were listed out by strength, and gravity. If you're enough of a beer dork to understand or appreciate this, here's your chance to pat yourself on the back while enjoying a pint. The food is a bit hit or miss. The beer battered fish and chips were decent, but its kind of hard for fried food to NOT be decent. Its FRIED. EVERYTHING is delicious when you fry it. My friend got the CBC burger which was pretty plain and could have been a burger from any bar in a 50 miles radius. Really you're going to a place with "Brewing" in its name. If you expected it to be anything other than a watering hole, shame on you. Cheers!
(4)
John K.
Food tasted great, but I'm not sure how attentive they are to allergies--it made me feel sick. Perhaps I should be thankful the portions were small. I was there Sunday. At first I ordered the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) Burger and asked the server to omit the bun and the cheese since I'm allergic to wheat and milk. I was rather hungry, so I thought I should order the $21 steak tips instead of the $11 burger. The steak-tips dinner was extremely tasty, cooked just right (medium rare) and looked great, but was rather puny. A couple guys at the next table got burgers, which were served with more fries. So much for paying more for a greater quantity of food! About an hour later I started feeling dizzy and sick to my stomach. I ended up lying down for a while, but was able to drive home after a while. It was the kind of nausea I experience after consuming milk products. I have to wonder if the steak tips were marinated in milk and the server was simply inattentive to my allergies.
(2)
Andy H.
Stopped here after work on Thursday. Really busy, but I was able to get a seat at the bar. As you would assume, the beer is definitely the center of everything, and the bartenders were constantly moving to and from the taps. They offer towers as an option, which I'm not personally a fan of, but if you have a bunch of people and all want the same thing, go for it. I had the Golden Regatta which was delicious, but a bit too sweet at times, and the Hefeweiss which was near perfect. Got the salt and vinegar fries with buttermilk ranch sauce. Perfectly fried and salted wonderfully. I really enjoyed myself, and I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Jing W.
Overall, the beers are great. Atmosphere is casual and fun. We loved the towers and I did experience good service here. Which is why yesterday's experience was a bit disappointing. I was here yesterday with 7 other coworkers/friends who ran the 5k. We got seated in the back and was served by David S. (name on receipt). He was nice enough in the beginning. He did have to come back a couple of times because we couldn't decide on the beer we wanted for the tower order and food as well. But as time went on, he got just a tad bit more aloof with us. I can't remember if he checked how we found the meal. We asked for containers for leftovers and we had to hunt him own to provide us with our check (we figured asking for containers was a clear sign of us being done). What I do remember is his face when I told him that we have cash and 4 cards. I understand it's a pain to process this. But c'mon, I'm sure it's not the first time you've had to do it especially in this day and age when hardly anybody carries cash anymore. He projected an attitude when he took our payment. And when he came back with receipts to sign and our cards, he just placed it on the table and quickly left. We just thought that was kind of odd and rude. As we were leaving, we walked by him and he looked away with a scowl on his face. I was going to say thank you and have a nice day. Maybe he was having a bad day or he found us annoying, but clearly he shouldn't be making it so obvious since we are paying customers. I will be come back to this establishment, but hopefully I won't be served by him again.
(3)
Kate S.
This is our go to restaurant at the moment! And every time we've been it's been fantastic!! The beer is always great, although if you're looking for something light you may have a tough time. Most of their beers are pretty heavy and failrly hoppy, but I like hoppy beers so I'm ok with that! The food is also a winner. We've never had a bad meal here. I've learned to try their seasonal specials and I've not been disappointed. If you see fried chicken on the menu in the summertime you'll kick yourself if you don't try it. It was out of this world! And recently I tried their Spaetzle without knowing exactly what it was (it's thinly pounded, breaded, pan fried pork- BTW) and was so glad I did! The only thing I didn't love here was the pizza but they can't all be winners, right? Will definitely go back! Again, and again and again...
(4)
Jason J.
Ehhhh. As a huge beer nerd, places like CBC should be Valhalla for me. Unfortunately, I have only had one or two beers that I truly would enjoy drinking more than once here. That said, their seasonal pumpkin ale is quite delicious. Most of their other beers seem to be fairly safe bets for the general beer-consuming public but are otherwise uninspiring. Likewise for the food.
(3)
Kate O.
Okay food and beer but awful awful service. Went there on a busy night but had to wait over an hour for food
(2)
Paul M.
How is it that a place that makes great, locally sourced, seasonally rotating food and pairs it with amazing, adventurous house brewed craft beers.has been in my neighborhood all these years but I just realized it just months ago?? True to its name, CBC brews up its own selection of year-round and seasonal beers. True to the city it calls home, CBC's products, like other Cantabridgians (yes, that's what you call someone from Cambridge), they are often complex, cerebral, fun, and often odd and off-beat. I'm not sure, but they're probably also registered democrats (not saying that's good or bad, just if beers could choose a party affiliation...). I've had a whole mess of pretty cutting edge or otherwise unheard of beers here. They serve them in individal glasses, pitchers and the mythical beer towers that have gone extinct over in Boston and its burbs (Yes, Allston/Brighton IS in Boston). The more the merrier, but I think you need at least 2 people at a table per pitcher or 4 per tower. Why don't you do it? It's actually fairly cheap for their high quality suds (in a pitcher you're looking at around $4 to $6.50 per beer depending on the selection and I guarantee they'll be better than what you get for the same price out of just about any other tap in a 20 mile radius). Oh and don't be afraid to ask for a sample before you try out that 3-year barrel aged sour cherry barley wine or other concoction that sounds funky but maybe a little too funky for your liking- they'll be happy to bring you one on the house. Hell, I've seen 'em basically do free tasting flights for people, but I'm not that grubby. But don't let the name fool you! While the beer often takes center stage for me it does in fact share the spot light! The food is always great (I really like their pizzas), and usually reasonably priced for what you get; especially at lunch. The food, like the beer, is also usually on the more interesting side (I even had beer flavored ice cream here, what??) and blends flavors and ingredients I haven't had elsewhere. I kind of think of this place as the restaurant/beer tap cousin of Christina's Ice Cream- very Cambridge, very good, very odd flavor/ingredient choices that some how just work darn it. So do yourselves a favor and don't sleep on CBC like I had and head there. It's basically on the Red Line, you've no excuses. Parenthetical Count For This Review ("PCFTR") 6...wait...make that 7.
(5)
Jonathan L.
While in town during a conference, I discovered this restaurant/brew pub and was pleasantly surprised by the food, beer and service. Of most importance, the beers that I tried from this location were both delicious and completely different in character. I thought it quite appropriate that they had a pumpkin ale seasonal beer in the fall and excitedly selected that ale as my first brew. The pumpkin undertones were soft and pleasant, and the maltiness gave this beer a nice finish. The pumpkin ale was a winner for sure. My second beer of the night was the Penumbra IPA, which was a Belgian style IPA. When I hear Belgian, I brace myself for that distinct yeast flavor. Sure enough, this IPA has got it! Also a very good beer, but not for the faint of heart. My burger to complement these beers was delicious in its own right, but really paired well with the ale. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll be back!
(4)
Ethan S.
Food is meh (not bad, just not special), but the drink selection and drink quality is excellent! Decent atmosphere, rather bare bones, not especially loud as bars go. Good for small-medium groups or larger groups that are happy congregating amorphously.
(4)
Erika G.
I love CBC- especially in the summer when you can sit on the patio- sit back and enjoy a TOWER of tasty beer. Whichever MIT genius invented these- Thank You- Amazing invention. However the inside- especially the back of the restaurant- tends to feel a bit claustrophobic. Dim lights, bags of yeast, barley and hops stacked up on either side, giant vats towering over you.... don't even get me started on the days that they are brewing the hops. It STINKS back there. I think that a few small changes could make a big difference to avoid from feeling like you, the customer, are the one being brewed. Other than this *small* gripe, CBC is a solid option for lunch or dinner in the area. The choices rotate seasonally, are consistently delicious and are always affordable. Its an especially great place to go with a group- 1. you can order a tower and not look alcoholic 2. the service is quick and 3. there is something delicious for everyone on the menu. Recently I tried the "soup and sandwich": open faced crab melt, with warm pea soup and a side salad- all for 11 dollars. YUM. Can't go wrong w that!
(4)
Christina S.
This place was OK. The beer is good and I like the atmosphere but I wouldn't go again for food.
(3)
Brady H.
Great draft beers. Good selection and new ones are always rotating in. Buy a growler and they will fill it up for you.
(5)
Greg J.
These guys are outstanding. Went here for dinner on my 21st. The food was consistently good, with solid portions for the price. The beer was outstanding. Tried the Great Pumpkin Ale, their stout, and their pale ale; all superlative. The pumpkin was smoother and a little less sweet than you get at most places, with great (and locally-grown!) pumpkin flavor. Because it was my 21st, they gave me my first pint and a second bottle of the pumpkin for free. Definitely coming back with my friends.
(5)
Jeremy L.
Problem: non-crappy beer is needed. Solution: CBC is the best little brewpub this side of Cambridge. Food is tasty but not earth-shattering, and the staff is helpful with tastings and pairings if you want them. If you are not willing to drop ~$10 on a burger and/or your favorite beer is one of the American three, you are sure to be disappointed.
(4)
John W.
This is my favorite micro-brewery around. Tucked away in One Kendall Square, wtih a plethora of outdoor seating to boot, this pub always has a good selection of CBC golden, pale, amber, and porter ales. I am also a fan of their seasonal specials: pumpkin ale in the fall and wheat beer in the summer. Oh, and they serve food too.
(4)
Anonymous P.
I've changed my mind about the beer. Brews like the pumpkin and heather ale are very good, especially for the price. The food here is lackluster and overpriced.
(3)
Paul F.
One of my favorite quick and easy restaurants to go to. The food is good, and the service is usually quick and friendly. The beer is definitely their strongest point. Lots of variety and usually has interesting specials.
(4)
Maeve W.
Imagine a mouth full of charcoal with a bit of feta cheese. That's how half of the pizzas were at CBC. The pizza of the day sounded delectable, until it actually came. Great ingredients, but sort of tossed together all wrong. It sounded great on the menu though: zucchini, squash, oregano-walnut pesto, tomato, feta. But don't be fooled. We sure were. Between the 15 or so of us, we ordered 4 of them, some more burnt than others - and I don't recall anyone being too impressed with any of them. The nachos, however, were quite enjoyable. Food aside, what I will say is that this place was named a brewing company for a reason. The descriptions of their beers were paragraphs long. The Arquebus (Summer Barleywine, "aged over one year in French oak chardonnay barrels, will change the way you think of strong beer. Intended for sipping on sultry summer evenings, it is full-bodied yet light and drinkable... complex notes of concentrated grape, peach, and apricot fruit, and loads of wildflower honey... of, tannin-hinted wine-like finish, notes of aged sherry, and a hint of tartness... Beheld in a simple stemmed glass and poured still, its flavors and aromas express kinship to both grain and grape.") was as fantastic as it sounded on the menu. For those who skipped the paragraph and went to the bottom, the noted 14.0% ABV caught their eye just the same. That was definitely a hit with everyone. Being someone who likes heavier, darker beers, I thought that the Dubbel Entendre (barrel-aged Belgian-style strong brown ale) was also superb. "Brewed with dark caramelized Belgian candi sugar plus a touch of molasses, and fermented by our proprietary Belgian yeast strain. Additionally this beer was spiced not with hops, but with sweet gale, a member of the myrtle family long used in the production of gruit (herbal) beers... notes of spirit, vanilla, and marshmallow from the oak... ABM 9.2%" It was as heavy as it sounded -- I think that it's one of the darkest beers I've tried in a while. Aside from the beer selection, service was also great. They were very accommodating for our extremely large party and kept refreshing the pitchers and towers. Conclusion: Come with a large group for beers after work, but hold off on the food (especially the pizza).
(3)
Thomas N.
been here several times, usually for lunch....beers are always good, varied and interesting and same goes for the food...the outside dining area is nice and we always enjoy a visit here...their 23rd anniv party was great but we were there early, imagine it really got going later. lots of people talking about BEER!!
(4)
Erik O.
Great Beer and Awesome nachos, i don't think you need to know anything else. this little brewery/restaurant is an awesome little spot with a cool patio.
(4)
Larissa C.
Love their seasonal beers! When I lived down the street from here I would go at least twice a week.... maybe 3, or 4, but who's counting! I also love their outdoor patio area in the summer time, can't beat good beer and a beautiful setting. The only thing that's keeping this place from a fiver is the food is a tad on the expensive side. Otherwise if you stick to splitting plates or the appetizer menu you're golden.
(4)
Dara C.
I love beer-centric bars and restaurants so I was excited to try CBC after a work-related event. They were out of most of their seasonal beers and some of their house beers on an early Thursday evening. I understand when one or two things have run out (especially when beers are brewed in-house) but quite a few taps had run dry (including the squash-and-honey saison.) As Zenon would say, disappointment MAJOR. The Great Pumpkin ale was the hands-down favorite of the group. Excessively drinkable but didn't have too much complexity or spice. It was a bit sweet and low in alcohol, but also had a good nose of "pie." You simply have no idea how awesome pie-flavored beer can be, unless you've had it and then you DO know how awesome it is. CBC's is one of the better pumpkin beers I've had but still can't hold a candle to Smuttynose. The Charles River porter was also good: very warm and caramel-y, but also a bit like hoppy burnt chocolate. I would be fine drinking that all winter. On the other hand, I didn't love the golden ale. It was crisp but tasted kind of thin, with too dry of a ... oh, God, don't say mouth-feel ... Food-wise, CBC is very, very standard. A Mediterranean plate came with okay hummus, tabbouleh, odd "chickpea fritters" and a smattering of cherry tomatoes (none of the promised olives to be found.) The pita it came with was cold, not grilled. An order of calamari was tasty but everyone decidedly loathed the accompanying herb sauce. It tasted like Kraft dressing. Companion's burger was cooked correctly and seemed fine; my own spinach and mushroom pizza was massive (not appetizer size!) and decent-tasting, but heavy on the cheese and a little too greasy with a slick of garlic oil shimmering on top. Fries were amazing but no "pumpkin ketchup" in sight. Service was slow and often difficult to obtain, but friendly. We arrived in a party of 10 so 18% gratuity was automatically added to the bill. Overall, okay for a drink, food was a solid 3, and it's not a terrible watering hole if you're nearby.
(3)
Lisa R.
This place is MY kind of place . . . lots of good beer, good food, good portions, nice people, and very casual. LOVE it! Their pizza rocks, as do their salads and sandwiches. Twice I've had their poached salmon salad sandwich, and it was a tasty as it was messy. Keep in mind that their menu changes pretty often, so don't get hooked on any one thing ~ it might not be there next time! Also, if they say they're all out of a particular beer, and it was the beer your heart was set on, say something. I lamented when they said they were all out of their L'Amour Du Jour, and then the waitress said they had a little bit left that I could have. I could have kissed her feet. If you have a group of beer lovers, you can get a TOWER of BEER! It's 100 ounces of pure goodness. You can't go wrong here. I got one of their shirts, and wore it to the Beer Advocate American Craft Beer Festival, and I met their head brewer, Will Meyers. He complimented me on my shirt, and I complimented him on his beer. I think I fell in love that day. :-)
(5)
Robert A.
Sat down on their patio and immedietly enjoyed the service. After sampling Sam Adams brewery in Boston I decided to try their Pale. Fantastic! I highly recommend it if you are in the mood to wander.
(4)
Rob C.
Last night while drinking with some coworkers we hit upon the truly excellent appeal of the 100oz beer towers at the Cambridge Brewing Company. Better than a pitcher, in addition to providing you with a lot of beer to drink, it gives you the opportunity to make it clear to everyone around that you're drinking a lot of beer. We destroyed four of them before slowing down. They do take some technique to figure out how to get a good pour of the different beers, though. The beers are all pretty tasty; not standouts, but all very solid beers that you can spend an evening with. The food is also really tasty; i don't know if i was just really hungry or what, but the bacon cheeseburger with porter barbecue seemed like the best thing ever at the time. My only wish was that i had more of the barbecue. The appetizers were okay to good; the nachos were substantial, but the assorted chicken wing type products were very 'meh'. It's crowded in the winter, but awesome to eat outside in nicer weather. The fire pit outside is kinda cool, too; i couldn't tell if they let you drink out there. We had a reservation so we got a big comfy table in the back. One minor quibble is that the bathroom (well, the mens room) is small and frequently seems to have a line. Which, you know, is a problem if you're drinking four towers of beer.
(4)
Amanda Z.
I want to like this place more. I love the artful design of the logo and will probably buy a pint glass or two the next time I go. The beer is decent and definitely has potential. Our waitress was nice and tried to be helpful. It's just not the first place that I would offer up to a friend or family member if they were cruising around Cambridge for a day and wanted to know of some good places to eat. That being said, the food is decent. We tried the crab cakes, also good, but were a tad too expensive for the two that showed up on the plate. The burgers were messier than I would have expected for their cost (the bottom bun already soaked in the meat juices before it had hit our table). I also thought that waters all around would've been a given, but perhaps I just should've spoken up about it. All in all, not a bad place, but not something I'd write home about.
(3)
Kelly N Z R.
CBC is clearly about the beer and they have no reason to focus much on the food. The extra star is for good brews. I've never been impressed by the vegetarian options. They certainly have options, but the entrees are often too sweet. They have fancy names, including key words like 'arugula' or 'aioli', but then there's not much to the meal beyond the name. I thought I'd give CBC one last chance at the Brewer's Dinner--$60 five-course meal including beer pairings. The beers were great (too bad my limit is 1/2 a glass), but again, as always, the food was uninspired. Or maybe it was inspired and just poorly implemented? The 'arugula' salad, mostly comprised of a spring greens mix, had exactly 2 baby arugula leaves in it. The pea soup tasted "like baby food," as S. pointed out. The soup was tasty but absent of any complex flavor. The 'spring vegetable pot pie' looked like and tasted as though it had been made of a frozen diced carrots-peas-corn mix. I'm fairly certain those are all summer vegetables, anyhow. The key lime pie was satisfying. The restrooms are atrocious-- every time I've visited the restaurant, I've found the toilet rooms understocked, messy, wet, and clearly unattended. The restrooms are shared with the next door restaurant, so I can imagine that no one has too much incentive to take responsibility for it. Furthermore, despite an 8:30 reservation, 4 of our party could not be seated until closer to 9. The servers repeatedly placed glasses, silverware, etc. on the wrong side. I much prefer my own cooking at home. Or any other restaurant.
(2)
Marie C.
The food here has been greatly improved in the last few years..there was once a time when I'd come to CBC for their beer, and the food was an after thought..not so much now..the food is fresh, imaginative, and much of it is locally sourced. This place is loud and fun..I think it's also great for kids -- we've taken our kids here for brunch or an early dinner, and find it very kid friendly. The fish and chips are very good, and most of the revolving soups are good. I've also had tasty pasta and clams, burgers, and many of the specials, and think the food is tasty for a brew pub. The beer is outstanding...try the sampler to get an idea of what they have, then (if you have a group), order a yard and enjoy your favorite.. Great location in Kendall Square - T-accessible, and adjacent lot near the Kendall cinemas (we usually find free on-street parking in the area though). Great people watching in this part of town too!
(4)
Angelos K.
I really hate it when a place has great food, great beer, is in a good location, but the manager does not understand that hospitality means catering to your customers. This place is a four star place with 2 taken off because of their 'rules' and attitude. Listen to this: If you are a party of 5 you cannot get seated or reserve a table unless the entire party is there. No exceptions. EVER. If there are four of you, it's OK, they'll seat you while you await the rest, if there are six, they'll take a reservation, but no luck if you are 5. I have been coming here for 20 years, since it first opened and was shocked by the attitude I experienced last night. Took the party next door to the blue room, where parties of 5 are welcome and tall tale pale ale is served. If the beer wasn't so good, I would vow to never return. Probably won't unless there are 4 or 6 of us :)
(2)
Theis C.
This place is tragic. What could be cooler than a brewpub that makes its own beer on-site? Well, let me tell you. One that hasn't noticed that because of its good location and dearth of sufficient competition, it doesn't need to work hard or give good value and service to stay busy. If you go here with 2-4 other friends, you will probably have a nice time. You'll pay $2-3 more for each entree than is right, but what the heck, you have a tower of local beer in front of you, and the place is bumpin. Here's the thing. NEVER MAKE THE PARTY 6! Your whole world will go pear-shaped the moment you reach the dreaded automatic 18% gratuity. I think this place has a class for new servers explaining that they're gonna get tipped anyway if they ever see a table with six or more, so relax, smoke a joint, and if you bring the wrong food, that's ok, it's a big table, and I bet someone will like the food you bring. Heck, they should be thanking YOU for the privilege of eating (maybe). So yeah, I'm done coming here. PS, They have waiters, but I checked NO on "waiter service" because that's not actually something they feature.
(2)
Kimmie M.
Great great great beers, especially the seasonal ones. Food was also very good and reasonable prices. Very cute, tucked away in a plaza! I'd go again.
(4)
Caroline J.
I'm giving this place two stars because I didn't actually eat here so I can't comment on the food. Me and a friend had movie tickets to the Kendall Sq. theater on Friday night, so we decided to hang out, have dinner and a brew at the Cambridge Brewing Company. I called ahead and was told the wait was "10 minutes". Ok. When we got there (5 minutes later) the wait had increased to 15 - 20 minutes. Ok, fine. We were 2.5 hours away from the movie, we had time to wait and then some. However - we waited almost 50 minutes. No explanation, and everytime I asked about the status of getting seated, we kept getting a friendly "We're really sorry." I get that things are busy on Fridays, I used to work as a hostess, but they really misjudged the wait time. We ended up going to Tommy Doyles next door which did not have a wait. Perhaps I'll try Cambridge Brewing company again, but I will be sure to not have any plans for later in the evening in case the wait time is grossly underestimated.
(2)
Shane K.
Great beer, decent food, horrible service. It really shouldn't take 15 mins to get our check. Our server decided to take a break and eat his dinner after we asked for the check. I was 30 seconds away from getting up and leaving before he graciously showed up and gave us the bill. Meh....
(2)
Anne W.
This has got to be the worst bar I have ever been to for food. The pizza looks bad and doesn't taste too much better that my other friends wouldn't even try it. I heard the pulled pork isn't anything to write home about either. The bar is pretty busy during happy hour but it clears out by the end of the night. The microbrew beer is good though.. I tried two of them. But the food is lousy.. so lousy that I wouldn't come again especially if I was driving through town since there is a lack of free parking. And there is a line for a table? Puh-lease.. what for? Ick. **shudder**
(1)
Cori M.
If you haven't been here in the past year, and have been disappointed in the past, let me implore you: come back. It's awesome. When my friend suggested this place for dinner, I was hesitant -- it was usually just a "let's go here before the movies" kind of place. I can't overstate how much the menu has improved. Whereas before I expected their trumped-up bar food, I now find a menu that is properly varied in it's offerings and locally-sourced in it's ingredients (but isn't all in your face and Cambridge-y about it). In addition to nachos, fries, pizzas and burgers, there is a beer and cheese pairing, a cranberry maple glazed salmon, an Asian duck confit salad, and beer-braised lamb shank. I had the Roasted half chicken, which was good, but I was jealous of my friend's roasted duck breast with pork belly, which was downright fabulous. I have always enjoyed the CBC's regular brews, but I was especially impressed with the specials we ordered. The sour beer was a totally new experience for me. I also had the Barleywine, which I loved. The sampler beer order was a perfect choice, and I highly recommend it. Additionally, the wait staff was very, very pleasant. We were there on a busy Saturday night. We were accidentally served the wrong appetizer. The waitress and manager both came over to immediately apologize, and gave us both the incorrect app and our correct app for free. When dinner arrived, she apologized for it's tardiness -- frankly, we hadn't noticed. When our bill came, several drinks and an entree were comped for our "trouble," though we hadn't felt troubled at all. The waitress was knowledgeable about the beers and about pairings. Overall, I had an excellent, excellent night.
(5)
Kyle B.
Awesome, awesome beer selection here. Had a sour ale named "Higgs Boson", and it did not dissapoint. My wife and I tried two different seafood plates with wellfeet clams, and they were both top notch. The outdoor seating was a perfect setting for Cambridge.
(5)
Diane W.
Simply awesome beers. Friendly servers. First brewery restaurant in the Boston area, opened the year I turned 21 - like we were meant to be together.... Go, you won't regret. (Avoid weekend nights if you don't like standing.)
(4)
Beck N.
Have been here quite a few times & can say they meet my expectations consistently. The beer is tasty & fresh (my fav is the Amber)... & I like that it comes in your regular glasses or a tower (perfect for when we've gone here for birthday dinners). & I have to say that their menu has grown more tasty as the years go on. I suggest getting the boneless chicken tenders (& you may want to get some extra blue cheese if you're sharing). I also really enjoy the 1/2 chicken - it is a-mazing!
(4)
Greta A.
I would give it 4 stars for the beer, and 3 for the food. The food is a fairly bland selection of pizzas and burgers and pasta with the sorts of ingredients that are trendy these days. It's well executed enough, but nothing special or unique, and not worth the price. The beers, however, are almost always quite good, and they also serve towers of some of them, which are good for groups, or when it's just been a really long day. Despite this, I went with three starts overall, since I just haven't been tempted to go back very often, despite it being convenient.
(3)
Eric S.
Come for the excellent beer, but be selective in your food choices. I cannot say enough about the exquisite quality of beers offered at the Cambridge Brewing Company. They are consistently innovative, fresh, and delicious. Easily the best brewpub in the Boston area. Highly recommended brews are the pale ale, the amber ale (amazing), the bitter (seasonal), the Red God IPA (seasonal), and many, many others. The food, however, can be a bit hit-or-miss. Some of the offerings are solid (burgers, nachos), but the more elaborate options can be sub-par (the pizza, for example, has never been a good choice for our group). As of July 2008, the CBC has a new chef and an updated menu, so perhaps the menu quirks will change, but a recent visit suggests that they're still working out the kinks. Regardless, if you're in the mood for truly excellent, innovative beer, do not miss a visit to the CBC.
(4)
Erin E.
I was coming back from the airport after an exhausting business trip wherein I had had little time or inclination to eat (super stressful). I was starved, and have been wanting to try this place after having seen a promising menu on-line. Dehydrated and expecting a long workday (today), I chose against imbibing, deciding instead to gorge myself on nachos Garcia, broccoli and mushroom pizza, a cubano sandwich, molten lava cake, and pale ale bread pudding (the bf ate exactly 2/3 of all this). The place was pretty empty and pretty, well, boring. It was rather devoid of character or anything resembling charm. The nachos were supposed to have veggie chili on them. I saw maybe 1.5 teaspoons of that; it was mostly sour cream. The pizza was mediocre, with approx. 1 tablespoon of toppings for an entire $12 pizza. I ordered this arugula asparagus salad with it for like $9 that was wilted and had exactly 2 measly asparagus spears. The cubano was pretty good. I love pretty much any bread pudding, but this pale ale bread pudding was drenched in this savory rather disgusting sauce which killed it for me. Nothing was presented with any sort of pride. The service was distracted, but very sweet. We ordered dessert from him and about a half hour later someone else brought it out just as he was about to hand us the bill (i.e. he forgot that we had ordered). Between the unreasonable prices, slow service, lack of ambiance, and dull food, I will not return and will not recommend it.
(1)
Jenn R.
I cut back on my meat intake but when I am craving a burger I head here. I LOVE their cheeseburger . The beer selection is also fun, I'm a big fan of the pumpkin ale and usually always find something new and tasty to try for each season.
(4)
Jamie G.
I am repeat customer here and will definitely keep coming back. Great beer (not my favorite hefeweizen but it's definitely delicious.... a little too wheaty, not as fruity). Tonight I had the beer-braised lamb with gnocchi and veggies and it was DELICIOUS! Good atmosphere, decent staff, definitely worth a visit!
(4)
Derek C.
My 4 stars are based on atmosphere and beer alone since I didn't eat. Beer: I had 3 samples - Tale Pale Ale, YouEnjoyMyStout, and Easy Ryder. These beers were all very good and I was happy to find this brew pub with a week left in my Boston trip. Atmosphere: Sat out on the beautiful patio surrounded by red brick buildings on a 70 degree Sunday afternoon. That's right, doesn't get much better! If you are a beer fan and find yourself in Cambridge, it is worth the visit.
(4)
Dan N.
This rating is based mostly on the great beers. Any place that has a brew called Gourd of the Ring is worth a visit. The best part is that they offer 2 dollar sampler glasses, however that is where the good news ends. The food can get rather pricey. The blacken chicken was a good choice at ten bucks but it all goes up after that. There are not really any value buys, this removing CMC from great pub contention. With that being said stop on buy for some great beers and great service, just take it easy on the food.
(4)
Rick U.
I've recently started to revisit the CBC (as it's often abbreviated by those in the know) now that my office is closer to Kendall Square. When I first moved to Boston (early 1990s), I worked in a building one block from the CBC, and needless to say it became a favorite lunch and post-work hang out. I don't put the beers away like I used to, so I tend to favor the Tall Tale Pale Ale, but for office social events, the towers of Cambridge Amber and Hefe-Weizen help me get my buzz on. The menu is well-executed bar menu: burgers, fries, pizza, wings. Other reviewers have called the menu uneven, but that's not been my recent experience. The place can get loud and crowded but I like that in a bar. The CBC's been rocking since 1989. Let's keep it going!
(5)
buckminster f.
you have to order the specials here. finally got it after the umpteenth visit here. the two of us shared the tri color beet salad, a small order of the lobster pasta, and the fish and chips for dinner. everything was quite tasty, but the first two were especially inspired. maybe there's a new chef in the kitchen? i don't remember the fish and chips being that good. and of course we enjoyed washing everything down with the house brews. we'll be back again soon.
(4)
Gina Q.
Came here because the menu boasted local ingredients; the ambiance was lacking and the house brews weren't so great, but much of the menu did seem to be locally sourced and the steak sandwich I got was pretty good. The special was a chicken liver sandwich, which I give them props for, and the homemade veggie burger served on sourdough looked good as well.
(4)
Daniel T.
I have been here four times in the last 9 months. Every time I was very pleased. The beer is skillfully crafted and sometimes outside the box. Among the beers I have had here are a bourbon barrel aged porter, bourbon barrel aged english ale, sour cherry beer, black peppercorn saisson, and many more. All are good. The food I have sampled ranges from beer braised lamb shank with gnocchi, strip steak, honey glazed duck breast, nachos, cheese plate, fried calamari, etc. The desserts are also good. I was pleased with the chocolate-porter cake, strawberry rubard tart with ice cream, and a beer ice cream sundae. The amber ale creme brulee was not set properly and really didn't have a good flavor. The service has ranged from competent to downright stellar.
(4)
Dana L.
This was probably the first microbrewery that I've been to - we used to come here when I was in college. The beer was great, and you could take home a Growler if you wanted more later. The food was definitely just so-so. Recently I've moved back to Cambridge, and have had several opportunities to come here. Everything is just as I remembered it, down to the refrigerator filled with Growlers. Its a great place to come with friends and enjoy the beer. You can order it by the pitcher, or you can get one of the towers, which is sort of like a gravity-fed mini keg (if you want to relive your college days, get two and race your friends). On sunny days, the patio is fantastic. Unfortunately, the food is still so-so. The chicken tenders are chewy, which sort of defeats the purpose of chicken "tenders". The nachos are fairly pedestrian as well. I'll give the food a 2, but everything else deserves a 4. Overall it averages out to a 3, but you might want to consider eating dinner before or after you come here.
(3)
Brad F.
First things first - i *LOVE* the Cambridge Brewing Company. I've been going there for oh about 6 years now. Awesome hand crafted beers, good food, and a great setting. This place feels about as comfortable as my living room. The menu - you can get anything from a good burger and buffalo tenders to a very fancy special. The CBC also seems to cater to my vegetarian friends, so that makes picking a location to meet up quite a bit easier. The beer - my god, the beer. There are 4 brews made year round, and they all have their merits. My personal favorite is the Cambridge Amber. The novice beer drinker may be turned off by the deep reddish brow color of the brew, but it's actually quite an easy beer to drink. I could drink this brew till the day i die and be happy. My 2nd favorite has to be the Charles River Porter. A nice porter, with a hint of chocolate - it won't disappoint. Next up is the Tall Tale Pale Ale, easily one of the best local Pale Ales. Perfect in the summer time. Last, we've got the Golden - and unfortunately i rarely order this brew, as it seems to be geared towards the less adventurous beer drinker. It's very light however packs quite a bit of taste for such a light beer.
(5)
Lori M.
I was there just last Thursday night - a perfect Boston summer evening - and enjoyed a whole lot of food! The Asian Tofu burger with wasabi was excellent (though it had the consistency of raw meat, which freaked me out a tiny bit), the mango salad was excellent, and the cheese plate comes with (COMES WITH!!) three beer samples! (Set selection, whatever is on the blackboard). Still! We had fun trying a bunch of beers. My bro is a beer nerd - brews his own - he really loves it here too. I had some weird groovy hop-free beer. The menu said it had floral elements in it (jasmine, sweet orange, and lavender) and damn the description was spot on. It was called the L'amour du Jour and I am pretty sure it's a summer special. Interesting for sure. Some of the nicest staff too. Parking is crap as expected in Kendall but if you are drinking up, you should take the T anyhow.
(4)
Ari S.
This place is the underrated performer of Kendall Square - no one would call it an all-star, but it always comes through. The food is excellent. Try the boneless buffalo tenders and you'll just keep stuffing your face with them until you go into a coma. The microbrews, made in-house, are generally spectacular. Try the Imperial Stout or whatever cherry brew they have when it comes around, you will not regret it. This place is ideal for a group of 4-6, because they have these "beer towers" which are pretty cheap and awesome for a small group determined to get absolutely ossified before going elsewhere. Oh, and they also sell "growlers," jugs of their two most popular beers. These are nice if you don't mind lugging them around, but I'd prefer if they sold some of the more specialized brews like this. Highly recommended, particularly if you live in the cultural wasteland of Kendall Square, because, let's face it, there aren't that many other places to go.
(4)
Kisbee B.
If you enjoy beer, CBC is the place for you. This place has wide assortment of beers... something that almost everyone will enjoy. If you are a bud light only kind of person, I'd veer away from this place. Their food is medicore, but not bad by any means. I've tried the margherita pizza and their cheeseburger.. and both were fine. The outdoor seating is nice and it has a very chill atmosphere. They also sell "towers" of beer which is fun to get with a group of people. Its about a 15 -20 minute walk or so from the Kendall T.. so on your way back you feel like you are burning some of those calories!
(3)
Lisa K.
The beer is great but as mentioned already, the food is inconsistent. If you are with a group of people that want to try the same type of beer- go for a tower- its great and fun and saves you a bit of money. I've had decent burgers and good mac and cheese but the salads are hit or miss and I've had some pretty lousy entrees here. The prices also are a bit high for what they give you. Stick with pub food and you'll be fine and it won't cost you.
(4)
t h.
Good beer and grub... But not great beer and food like there prices would make you think
(3)
L-Train A.
They have great beer. And mediocre to sometimes outright crap food. What you want to do is stick to the basics, like burgers and boneless buffalo wings. If you go for anything fancy, you will be hugely disappointed. Example: Last night we ordered the wings (quite good) and the brie appetizer (Booooooo): 1. Brie just a little above room temperature - definitely not ooey and gooey. You know how grilled brie has black lines on it from the grill? I felt like they had put theirs on fake, like with a magic marker, and then microwaved the brie for 10 seconds. 2. Crap fruit preserves of some kind on it. Looked like they had scooped it out of a jar. Cold and useless. 3. Completely undressed greens. 4. "Crostini" = old crappy toast. You know when you make toast and forget about it and it gets cold and brittle. That was their crostini. Service and speed of food coming out was great. At any rate, beer enthusiasts should go here and try lots of different beers and don't order anything on the menu that is the least bit fancy in any way and you will have a great time!
I used to think John Harvard's was good. This is better. Their stock beer selection is pretty good but they usually have a bunch of other "seasonal" brews available. If you have 3 or more people, you can order a tower of beer which is essentially a massive graduated cylinder. Not all beers are available in this format since some of them are particularly strong. The food here is also very good. I like the Salt and Vinegar fries and the Clams with lunguine. Portions are a decent size and service has varied between slow and great the few times I've gone. The bathroom is shared with the neighboring establishment which can be tricky if you've had 1 too many.
(5)
L D.
I like beer, a whole lot. That fact is no secret and is the only reason I ever go to CBC. The food is really terrible and overpriced. They're trying to be upscale in menu while forgetting the purpose of the restaurant... fill people's tummies so they don't get too wasted on delicious beer. The only menu item that I can stomach is the Cuban sandwich. Not great, tolerable. The beer, on the other hand, is delicious. I'm a huge fan of pumpkin beers and their doesn't disappoint. The stout I had last night was also superior to many available at the packie. Plus, you can pop in for a growler at the bargain price of $10 per 64oz jug. That's four full pints!! Heck, just get yourself a growler and cook dinner at home. My biggest pet peeve about CBC is the height of the bar. I feel like a 12 year old because the bar is just too tall for the chairs and I can't get comfortable. They should keep adult-sized booster seats on hand to make up the difference. One bonus point for under-the-bar coat hooks.
(3)
Takaki K.
Great beer. Enough said.
(4)
Wade L.
Being under 21, this review has to just ignore the beer. I'm sure a lot of it is great. Judging by the descriptions, a lot of it sounded right up my alley and for that they earn some points by default. Hopefully i'll return soon and give them a fuller review in that sense. I won't give them a low rating because maybe I didn't expect that much. Brewpubs are brewpubs and their food is generally similar. CBC is no more expensive than most others and the food is along those lines: hearty, varied enough and satifying. Most importantly, they had good fries and my pulled pork sandwich didn't taste like junk (New England has a problem with doing this often).
(3)
Jason M.
Beer is wonderful. I am a big fan of the Charles River Porter. The food is average.
(4)
Angela M.
I like coming here because it is very low key and the beer is great. Apparently there is a chocolate stout right now, that I can't wait to try! The food has gotten so much better than it was a few years ago, and apparently the staff has been working on improving the menu lately...it shows! I like the vibe that this place has, without any pressure of having to dress up in club clothes to go there. Tricia is a great waitress, and also bartends on the weekends. Go find her there and you will receive the best service in Cambridge!
(4)
Ross G.
This is my third visit to Cambridge and my third visit to the Cambridge Brewing Company. I would normally look for a new brewpub on each trip, but the Pizza at CBC is killer - tonight I had the Pizza of the Day which was a white pizza with smoked bacon and a fried egg - it was awesome like other two I have had on previous visits. For the craft beer fan, the CBC has a great variety of beer styles (11 tonight if I counted right) both the Belgian IPA and the Cast ESB were very good. The service at the bar has been great on every visit as well. The only downside of CBC is location - located in an office area with a number of other food choices but parking is impossible except in the Cinema Garage which will cost you $10 - which I find excessive overhead on a meal for one! But I will probably keep coming back for the Pizza and Beer.... For those of you that are not Pizza fans, all the other food I have seen come out of the kitchen looks amazing as well.
(4)
_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 10 *Drinks* 7 Service 8 Atmosphere 7 Value Their usual brews are quality and their seasonal brews are often exciting.
(4)
richard r.
Beer is 4+ stars and they have a nice outdoor patio. However, food is only fair and kind of expensive. In my experience service has been spotty. If you just go for the beer, you will be good.
(3)
Rajiv R.
Whether you are attending MIT or working in the Kendall square area, you have certainly have heard of or visited the CBC. CBC is easily one of the best microbreweries I've been to and has a wide selection of flavorful beers including the Regatta Golden and the Tall Tale Pale ale. I was there a few weekends ago celebrating a reunion with my SDM class. It was great to meet some of my few classmates who reside in the Boston area. Above all, the food was great. The Mediterranean Plate was a great way to begin dinner. The BBQ Pulled Pork and CBC Burger were excellent main courses that followed. If you have not visited the brewery in a year, you'll realize that the old mural on its wall that featured Ted Kennedy et al. is gone. (I used to know someone who was on that mural. He wasn't a celebrity but was an awesome programmer.) The new mural has (slightly) newer politicians(Like John Kerry) hobnobbing with MIT students and locals(or their look-alikes).
(3)
Katie Y.
I'm not really a fan of beer (well, American beer to be precise), so I don't have anything to say about their ales. The fish and chips was great, though. I'd definitely go back to get some more! It was nice to sit outside on the patio in the summer, but the waiter sort of forgot about us after awhile.
(4)
K P.
The food and beer were both excellent. What I like most about the food is that it is always balanced in both texture and flavor. Occasionally this leads to food that sounds wacky, like butternut squash ravioli with apples and croutons, but tastes delicious. I started off with the Winter Salad, which had a nice balance of crisp lettuce, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese with just the right amount of dressing. The cassoulet style duck was rich without being heavy, and in my opinion better than the same dish at Central Kitchen. My companion had the butternut squash ravioli and the addition of apples and croutons kept the dish from being soggy or boring like so many ravioli dishes are. They do tasting size portions of their beers, so we tried 6 different types and each ended up liking 5 of them. I'm pretty picky about beer, so it's not often that a restaurant has 5 different beers that I like! The atmosphere is casual and had a lot of families, from couples with young kids to college-age kids with parents and grandparents. I found this rather charming- nothing like the whole family getting around to drink a tower of CBC beer! There were also couples on dates and groups of 20-somethings. What keeps this place from 5 stars from me is the fact that the seats can be close together meaning a lot of server traffic jams and general chaos, and the bathrooms were weirdly institutional style and not very well maintained. But overall this is one of my favorite dinner places within walking distance of Central and Kendall.
(4)
Karen R.
Great appetizer, lousy meal and service. Pork loin was dry, corn cakes were burnt and fish and chips were tasteless and fishless
(2)
Shirley Y.
service has improved slightly but still below par. the server could have checked back more frequently, but i am excited that he provided us with our very own steak knife to divide the burger in half [but i guess you can argue that the burger could have been cut in the kitchen since we told him we were sharing in advance]. the food has definitely improved in quality. the heirloom tomato and watermelon salad was surprisingly delicious and light. the swiss burger was pretty tasty. the beer was great as it was before. all in all, i'm glad to see this place improve, and justify its nice outdoor venue.
(3)
Van S.
What's not to love? Great beers and pretty good food. The sweet Italian sausage pizza is rockin' and the spinach and mushroom pizza ain't bad either. Fun to sit outside when the weather is nice, like last weekend.
(4)
Heather H.
A favorite spot for Dinner and A Movie nights, CBC is located close to Kendall Theatre. Their beer menu usually includes about 4 standard year-round beers along with 2-3 seasonal. Their chef takes care to create specials with matching beers. I enjoy their standard menu, but anymore prefer to order from their specials menu; the specials menu tends to be about $5 more expensive than regular menu items, but well worth it in quality. The environment can be cold (ambiance-wise) during the afternoons- a friend remarked with surprise that it looked like a family joint inside- but cozy at night. Their patio is excellent when open. Christmas lights provide soft lighting and stovepipe heaters keep it warm when it gets chilly at night. Their occasional brewers dinners are well worth the nominal $50 for 5 courses and beers to match.
(5)
Andrew C.
Food:1 Beer: 4 Average: 2.5 Can't enter a 2.5 so you have to round which gives you 3 stars. I can't figure out why some of these brewing places can't make food. The Boston Beer works has tasty food, can't the CBC and Watch City Brewing Company just copy whatever they serve... I like their beers, especially the pumpkin beer they put out in the fall. I have taken many growlers home or to parties but every time I walk out of that place after eating I swear I'll never eat there again. So stop by and drink the beer and tell them to upgrade the food. It could be a great place for dinner rather than just a good place for a drink.
(3)
Katherine T.
So, I come from Oregon: Land of Many Microbreweries. And I've got to say, hats off to the CBC. They may not have as many beers as some of my old favorites back west, but they do have one of the best Amber Ales ever (second only to New Belgium Brewery's Fat Tire, only available west of the Mississippi). I also love love love their brewer's dinners, which are amazing!!! Five courses expertly paired with five beers, all for 50 bucks. It's awesome. Check out their website for the next one, and sign up early because they always sell out. PS--the tofu stir fry is really really ridiculously good tasting.
(4)
victor E.
I acknowledge that this may be a biased review, I LOVE CBC. I'm there probably every week. Their beer is great and you will find something for everyone. If you like hoppy beers (like myself), the Tall Tale Pale Ale is a must. Their seasonal selection is always worth experimenting. I recommend the tasty CBC burger (with glazed onions) for a quick meal. They also have excellent pizza.
(5)
Graham C.
If you come here, understand that you are coming for the outdoor seating and the nachos. If you're coming for the beer, do me a favor. Go to Downtown Wines and Spirits and buy one of their hundreds of awesome microbrews and drink that on your couch with your hand down your pants. The service here is glacial. They should keep flare guns on the table to signal the wait staff. Also, the food is meh. Not worth it. Seriously, only go if it's nice outside. And then only have the beer and nachos. Oh, and by the way, if you decide to get hammered here, a note to the wise. There are two doors when you leave the men's room, which you will undoubtedly visit. One leads to CBC and the other to Tommy Doyle's. Make sure you remember which one you came out of, or else you might be very confused.
(2)
Melissa B.
Erica is where it's at. Whenever I go there, I hope to get her as my server. I was there the other night, but she was not. She stares at my yelp review wondering where I am, but when I go, she was not there. Erica, where are you? Call me sweetie!
(5)
Kat T.
Up until a year ago, I've always preferred wine and martini drinks over beer. This place serves pretty good stuff. It's definitely a good after-work place specially in the Summer, when their patio seating is open.
(4)
Jessica B.
I enjoy the festivals at Cambridge Brewing Company. All the food I've had from CBC has been excellent and most of the beers (including the specialty ones--pumpkin beers right now) were great! I would recommend CBC to all my friends!
(5)
Patrick B.
Food quality seems to vary quite a bit from day to day, month to month, year to year. I've been there and have absolutely love the meal and on other days its looked and tasted like something from a microwave (could even be the same dish I loved on a prior visit). Not sure what's going on in the kitchen. The beer is a bit more predictable and always good to very good. In the last few years, they've gotten a bit more creative with the brews they offer which means there is usually something different to try on every visit. Outdoor seating is great in the summer as the square comes to life during lunchtime - though get here early for lunch if you want to be outdoors and in the shade.
(3)
Emily S.
I think I've said it before but I will say it again: any place with good beer deserves my attention. CBC's beer is fresh and the prices are reasonable. The food is a little pricey but always delicious (try the potstickers). The beerunch is decent too. I had a Black Velvet there (porter and champagne)...think it's gross? It's actually not! Watch out for crowding. It can get PACKED!
(4)
Betsy G.
My husband and I went to CBC in early November 2008, with the intention of enjoying a nice pumpkin-themed dinner, complimented by freshly brewed beer. My appetizer was the house salad, and my husband had the steamed mussels. The salad was good, but it came with the stalest piece of bread I have ever been served at any restaurant. The bread must have been sitting out since 6am. I was actually a bit offended that someone thought it was a good idea to put it on the plate. It wasn't in the salad description, and I definitely wouldn't have missed it. My husband got the steamed mussels and said they were OK. For our entrees, my husband ordered the CBC burger, and I ordered the pumpkin ravioli. According to my husband, the burger was great but not spectacular. He appreciated that they cooked it very rare. My pumpkin ravioli was good . . . but so overpriced that I have to give it a thumbs down. For $16, I got a total of 8 ravioli. And not the big ones either; these were a good 2" by 2". The knowledge that each tiny ravioli cost $2 really detracted from the meal. From a culinary standpoint however, they were delicious - well cooked, with a wonderful sauce. I'd gotten a small appetizer thinking that a $16 plate of ravioli was going to be a bit larger, so I was still hungry after finishing my entree. As a result, we ordered the nachos to finish off the meal. They were nothing spectacular. The chips were piled high, and the toppings (vegetarian chili, cheese, etc.) were good though meager. There were too many bare chips for me to recommend this dish. Finally, the beer - I can't remember exactly what we got, and it's no longer on the menu, but again - mediocre. All in all, I'd say that CBC is overpriced and nothing to write home about. We won't be returning.
(2)
Emily S.
A friend of mine who happens to love this place invited us to try it with him the night before his wedding. To be honest, none of us really understood what he found so appealing about this place, because we found their beers mediocre and the food ranged from inedible to just all right. The boneless wings my friends split was rubbery and the sauce tasted off according to my boyfriend. I thought my CBC burger and salad tasted fine, although nothing I'd ever go out of my way to eat again, but my friend who ordered hers with fries found the side totally unappetizing.
(2)
a w.
Their beer is actually quite good, which is why i've given this place two stars. However, the few times I've been here I've NEVER had a dish that i thought was good. And a couple of them I could barely choke down. I think it's partly that they don't have very knowledgeable cooks, so the execution is usually sub par. But it's also partly that whoever dreams up the menu doesn't *really* understand the average human palate, so some of the ideas are bad to begin with. I would suggest you don't stray far from the basics and stay away from anything that sounds remotely fancy.
(2)
Jill I.
My husband and I went here last night to grab a beer and a few appetizers. We sat at the bar ... being that it was the first warm evening in three weeks and the patio had a twenty minute wait. There were seats ready and available for us inside, so we opted to eat there. Everything about the experience was "ok." The food was better than the service, but its not like the service was awwwful or anything -- it just wasn't great. Our calamari and local cheese and meat plate (both were good and nice sized portion-wise) took about 25 minutes to be delivered, and the guy sitting next to us had to have his burger comped it took so long (they offered, he didn't ask for the freebie). We also had a margherita pizza, which was the best part of the meal, in my opinion. The beer *was* delicious ... they offered a variety of in house brewed beers that just taste better than your everyday domestic brews. The CBC beer was a little more potent as well. We did have to ask the bartenders for everything -- for menus, to order, for refills, to clear our plates -- and they were not slammed busy, so that was kind of a let down, but they were friendly and welcoming when we did get their attention. There are other bars in spitting distance of CBC, and unless I am really, really craving a Hefeweizen and a pizza, we probably will be more inclined to try somewhere new rather than returning in the near future.
(3)
Amie R.
Love it, love it, love it! The food is great - always some seasonal items featured. Try the Brewer's Dinners they host now and then, you won't regret it! I don't love ALL the beers they offer, but there is something for everyone. Unless you want a light beer. Do they have any???
(5)
Flora B.
Just around the corner from Kendall Square Cinema. Open-airy interior. I bet it's great in the summertime -- beer garden outside, anyone? The beer was good -- I had BIÈRE DE MIEL. I enjoyed watching the bartender pour gigantic beers (with a spout on the bottom of the glass, what are these called?) behind the bar.
(4)
JC M.
Now take my stars the wrong way,i love the CBC.Great,great beer! I have been coming here for years and have always been happy. The lack of stars are a result of our last visit. We sat. in the dining room for the 1st time,in yearsr! I have to say,i realized that is has never changed...ever! I just feel like the CBC has got to be turning a profit at this point,how about re-doing the place? The floor beside our table made a "creak-squeak" every time someone walked by-maybe it would have been charming another time,this time is was just aggrivating. The waiter was fine,not nearly friendly-but fine.Everyoe's allowed an "off" night-we'll chalk it up to a blue moon event. Now on to the food-good chowder,i imagine it's coming from a can-maybe not,but i think so. I had the "chicken pot pie"-this was the worst,by far! worst! I didn't manage to find any chicken! The veggies were all diced in the same exact fashion-canned? And they top it with 3 discs of crust....what we love most about chicken pot pie is the crust! This was a cop-out! It tasted more like Non-chicken,mush veg. creamy soup! Hubby had a burger that was surpisingly over cooked. Their burgers are usually right on! Heart broken we left,unsatisfied-except for the beers....maybe if we sit back in the bar the next time our good CBC mojo will return!
(3)
Adrienne M.
I recently had a really bad experience here with some friends. I didn't have any beer, so I can't speak to that, but several of my friends really liked the Cambridge Amber. That was about the only positive. We had a party of 9, so I can understand the service being slow (although the fact that we had to ask 3 times just to get glasses for the whole table was weird) but the problems really started when we ordered food. One of my friends wanted the Southwestern Chicken burger, but they told her that they were out, and she asked if she could have the Southwestern Burger with a beef patty instead (since they indicated they were just out of chicken patties). It took quite awhile to communicate this to our waitress, who kept insisting to my friend that she should get the "blackened chicken sandwich" and they could even scrape the black stuff off...um, it was the "Southwestern" in "Southwestern Burger" that she wanted, not the chicken, thank you very much. You'd think the fact that she was trying to get the burger with a BEEF patty would make this clear, but no. The waitress was not the brightest bulb. When they brought out our food, they just brought my friend a plain burger. We told the guy who had brought out the food that this wasn't what she had ordered and he seemed very confused, brought out another women who we explained the situation to AGAIN, and finally our waitress emerged with a little cup of BBQ sauce. When my friend politely said "Is this all there is to the 'Southwestern Burger'?" the waitress rolled her eyes and replied "yes" in an exasperated tone. The saddest part of this story is that because of our large group size, we were forced to leave a mandatory 18% tip (probably the exact same reason that we got such crappy service). Still, I've dined in large groups in plenty of other establishments and I don't think I've ever had service this bad. We gave her the evil eye for the rest of the night, but I would rather have had our $25 of tip back. As for the rest of the food, it seemed to be hit or miss. I heard several people complain about how their burgers were cooked, although that may have been due to some confusion amongst my friends, two of whom accidentally switched burger orders. I had a "white pizza" without any white sauce, which was bland but not inedible. I have to say I don't think I'll be coming here again, at least not for food.
(1)
Chris S.
This is the closest pub to my place. I'm a big fan of their Big Man Ale as well as the pale ale. I'm not really feelin' the Amber. They have a decent pub grub menu and respectable bar. The growlers are a bit pricey but worth it if you want microbrew freshness.
(4)
Vito M.
Cambridge Brewing Company is a great place to grab a brew. Excellent variety in beverages and there's something on the beer menu for every palate. The food leave a lot to be desired, though. Haven't had an amazing meal there in a half dozen trips or so, but the drinks are consistently amazing. Very relaxed atmosphere which is most likely due to it's out of the way location. Also not the best place to go if you're trying to catch sports on the TV due to the lack of televisions and their poor placement. Grab a beer tower with a group of friends and enjoy some good company.
(3)
Eric K.
I like this place - I love the giant mural on the wall - I love their carefully selected, aromatic smelling, delicious tasting skull crushing micro-brews. Dont come here expecting oysters and hoity toity crap - thats what hammersleys is for. This place is a great place for chatting to colleagues and friends alike. The food is somewhat disappointing, but if you love traditional fair, I would hearily recommend the veggie burger, the cubano sandwich the CBC burger or best of all the boneless buffalo wings... We come here for the beer, pure and simple. the beer is simply amazing. If they removed food from their menus - then this place would get 5 stars, (yes thats is weird logic, but I am writing this , ignore it if you want) . Yes their regular beers are a satisfying as they are different. But its when they get crafty and come up with new beers that the master brewers here really shine and display their craft very well. try the blunderbuss or the barleywine if you are revelling with old friends and you are there for the evening.. The regatta golden is light for hot days, the porter for the rain... For people who dont like beer - dont worry there is some cider and wines available. Overall - give this place alook if you are in the kendall area - you will have an enjoyable time... I forgot to add they do have a small beer garden to enjoy the outdoors on the nice days.
(4)
Marin T.
The Boston area's best beers come from here (Audacity of Hops!), and leave it to a neighbor of MIT to serve craft beer in giant test tubes. The outdoor patio is one of my favorite al fresco dining spots, and they host great beer-geek events here throughout the year. Food is your usual burger-and-fries pub food menu and nothing special, but hey, you're here for the beer.
(4)
Michael S.
Every time I go here I am floored by how good the food is. I had fried Brussel sprouts the other day with their hummus plate and an As You Wish beer. All three incredible. The Brussels sprouts were crispy and chewy and Iv'e never had better. They Hummus was served with the freshest Olives Ive ever had with a lemon zest that was perfect after me and the girl went on a little Charles river Kayak ride. The Beer, O man. As You Wish is the perfect summer beer, just a little tart, a little orange and lemon and a little spiced Belgian, Perfect. Had the burger before... delicious and I didnt feel sick after. The Salmon... The fucking pinnacle of salmon dishes. Did I mention the Saki Beer they had once? Been there 6 times now over the years... Always Exceptional.
(5)
Keith A.
And well, well, well. This time I finally got to Cambridge Brewing Co. on a trip to Boston. In fact, to make up for my mistake last time I was in town, I made sure to go twice. I didn't eat any of the food here, so my review is based off the beer and service they had. I have to say, the beer selection is extremely good. CBC goes to show that you don't need a hundred million taps to make a good beer list. I focused on all of their own beers, but I absolutely loved the range in selections. I rarely come across sours in Chicago, and for them to have one of their own on tap, spot on CBC. CBC pretty had any style that a beer geek like me could want, and they have plenty of selections for more normal people too. That's when you know you're onto something. I never had a problem getting a beer here and the staff was always very helpful. If you asked, they'd always give their opinions and they didn't lead me wrong at all. I can't wait to come back out here and have more of their beers. We now get some CBC bombers in Chicago, but I'm not sure about the freshness on them. I'd also like to keep this as a place that warms my heart and stomach with good beer.
(4)
L F.
I've been to CBC three times so far; twice with a larger group (~10 people) and once on a date. Every time I came I enjoyed myself, but I'm not in love with even thought I feel I should be. Pros: - local food, sustainable sources, love it!! - they make their own beer! - outdoor seating space is great in the summer - friendly waiters - food is solid "American" fare, some fish, some meat, some veggie options, French fries... most people will find something they will like. Cons: - service is so-so Food comments: - offer more veganizable food! For dinner, I can only really eat the veggie burger minus cheese and aioli. That leaves me with... a gardenburger-like patty that I can get for way cheap at the grocery store, which is just boring. The patty without cheese and aioli is also kinda bland tasting, so I usually have to dress it up with some mustard. - I liked all the beers I've tried so far (the porter and the hefeweizen) but wasn't too into the seasonal barleywine. That's probably just me, though ;) - Taza chocolate is around the corner... time to make some chocolate stout! (maybe they have some; it could be seasonal and I just didn't see it when I was there?) - what about a vegan dessert? Vegan cakes can be amazing, and we are in Cambridge, after all...! How about a chocolate beer cake? Just a suggestion...! In my book, there are lot's of pros and little cons... so why am I NOT LOVING this place? Maybe I'm too focused on the food rather than the beer, and from my perspective the menu could use some additions. Bottom line: I will go back here if someone else suggests it, but if the choice was up to me, there would be other places that rank higher on my list.
(3)
Mike B.
While we were unable to wait around for a table, we purchased a bomber bottle to go. The "Sgt. Pepper" beer we got was amazing. It paired well with food (red meat), and was a very well executed brew. I'll look forward to returning and sampling their food and other brews next time through.
(4)
Drew S.
Coming from a city that may not have been the first in the country to operate brew pubs (Boulder, CO) I still learned a thing or two about what's good and what's not in a brew pub. Things I look for - great staples (burgers, apps, snacks that complement the beer, etc., as well as service folks that want me to know about the great house beers.) My first impression of CBC is that they know how to make a good beer and that's about where they stop. Summary - go for a beer and then go somewhere else for food. For a slow day (we were one of three tables seated in the dining area) after the lunch rush (1:30pm), it took over 40 minutes to get our food on the table. 40 minutes for some burgers, tuna melts, and one boring order of fish and chips - are you kidding me? I had the fish and chips - blech. The service was fair, but uninspired. There was no "Have you been here before?" followed up with the "Let me tell you about our great beers...". Guess I'll have to explore the various flavors at another brew pub willing to take the time to educate me. Perhaps it was the "B"team. Perhaps it was the Monday blues. I don't know. But even the tastey beer isn't enough to get me back there again anytime soon...
(2)
Jennifer K.
I LOVE brewery Pub... I LOVE Cambridge Brewing Company.. I love how I can order as many $2 mini glass on the beer menu... Some of them quite interesting especially Banryu Ichi 2012 a Sake/Beer Hybrid is really unique as I have yet taste anything similar to that. I also have some of their House blends: Cambridge Amber, Charles River Porter, Regatta Golden and Tall Tale Pale Ale. And of course there are quite a few pub food to go with all these Crafted beer.. I rather just drink beer.. but my friend just want to eat Buffalo Chicken Tenders ($9) .... why? (another predictable DC... ) I love the vibe here: Friendly and Down to Earth... I definitely will be back again next time when I am in town!!
(4)
Kevin R.
I've been going here off and on for over 20 years. I have to say it's been a delight for some time. They've been at the forefront of innovative brewing. The food has always been very good, especially for a brewery. In the past couple years they've gone towards the locavore movement. That's been generally well executed Tonight was my first visit in several months and I'm starting to wonder if the place is now on the downside of their peak. I felt like they've slipped in three general areas. First, the food was not quite as good as usual. I got a special of deep fried Brussels sprouts. They were very good but over salted. The second appetizer was also over salted and tasted more like something one could have expected at a generic chain. Second, I don't know if I'd become spoiled by a couple exceptional years with their beers. But tonight just didn't seem to really have anything that I felt was epic and worthy of my high praise. Granted, they're still far better than the standard industrial brews. So let's not go there. But if you're expecting the exceptional well I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Lastly, I think the place is jumping from a beer haven to a hipster hangout. Maybe it's me, but I just don't get the new vibe in the place. Fedoras and faux 40s mobster fashion? Gimme a break. Hopefully this is just a passing fad like leisure suits and suspenders. I'll give the place four stars based on loyalty and good memories. But if tonight's experience is the start of a trend, then expect a revision to my position. And that would start with removing CBC from my recommended list.
(4)
J. L.
A few of us came here for "beerunch"aka beer + brunch last Saturday morning. We had a great time with a great waiter. I had the Cambridge Amber which was good and then the Pumpkin Ale which was even better! The Pumpkin Ale was so delicious...wish it was around all year long! Plus, I love that they use local pumpkins! My boyfriend and his friend had the Pumpkin Ale too and enjoyed it. The two of them also did a sampling of the beers they had on tap. They liked that. We got the apple cider donuts...wow so warm, fresh & yummy! I had the french toast and my boyfriend had the Pumpkin Ale Spiced Bread Pudding Sandwich, we recommend both. I NEED to come back soon so I can have that Pumpkin Ale again before the season is over!
(5)
Davy G.
Simple new American menu, with excellent beer to choose from. Lots of locally sourced dishes, and always plenty of fresh beer. These guys get packed on weekends, so I recommend getting a reservation if you have a large group. If you just want to watch the game, there is some space at the bar as well. Friendly staff, prompt service, music playing at a reasonable level - one of my favorite breweries to visit. About a fifteen minute walk from either Central Square or Kendall/MIT red line stop. If you're driving, then the validated parking in the lot out back is nice. Notable beers to try: Charles River Porter, Tall Tale Pale Ale, Great Pumpkin Ale.
(4)
Jason M.
The first time we went to CBC set a very high bar for future CBC shenanigans. #MyEric and I pulled up some stools and settled in for some fine, fine day drinking. Minutes later, someone stumbles in and asks for a Bud Light. The bartender explains that CBC is a brewery and they only serve the beer they brew. The guy, a bit perturbed at the situation, then asks for a Miller or Coors. At this point the bartender suggests going next door for a beer there. The dude left. #MyEric and I then proceeded to try almost every beer they had on draft that day. It was a good day. Beer standouts - Sgt. Peppers - a farmhouse ale with peppercorn Heather Ale- a light, spring beer with heather Blunderbuss Barley Wine - barley wine, delicious sweet barley wine Nomi Sugi - a beautiful beer/saki hybrid served in the cutest drinking container ever Yeah, there are a lot of great, reasonably priced beer standouts. What doesn't standout is the food. It just doesn't live up to the quality of the beer. Go to CBC because you can't order a Bud Light there. Stay because the beer is tasty.
(4)
Enna B.
Love the beer! Had the French onion soup, which was tasteless except for pepper spiciness - don't order unless you like peppery warm water. Also had the butternut squash and pear pizza (with prosciutto), which was fantastic! Very flavorful. The great pumpkin ale is definitely one of the best pumpkin ales I've had. The autumn harvest salad was delicious, even though the dressing was a little salty. Keep in mind it's loud on a weeknight (went on Monday around 6:30), but it is a nice atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, and never order the French onion soup again.
(4)
John T.
Haven't been here for 4 yrs but was looking forward to their great CBC burger. Ugh. Small, overcooked on a stale roll. Fortunately the beer is still good but forget about the burgers
(2)
Rachel W.
We've been here so many times, honestly I've lost count. Fantastic service. (When I was sick once with a sore throat, he made sure to keep refilling my hot water tea pot, very sweet) Beer of course is always top notch. I always find that food also really stands out, yeah it might be a little overpriced, but seriously? This is Cambridge, aren't we all used to it at this point? I really like that they make it a point to use all natural meats. Bathroom could use a makeover, but it's always clean. It can get a little loud, I think that's the only thing I'd really complain about. Also when it get's really busy, I feel like they're understaffed and it takes a lot longer to get normal things like refill on my water or get the bill. But it won't stop me from going back again and again. Also it's literally at my bus stop when I come home from work. Score!
(4)
Veronica H.
Even if you don't like beer, there is a high chance you will enjoy visiting this place: 1. You can order a 9oz size of beer if you want to take it easy or sample a few different beers. 2. Outdoor seating, great place to bring a group of friends. 3. The wait staff is really helpful when you are trying to decide which beer/food to choose. Cambridge Ember and Regatta Golden are great, Baku-Cha has a rich flavor that you will want to savor.
(5)
Roberto S.
Food: Poor. I've ordered a medium CBC burger. It was over-done and definitely dry, trying to eat with the burger bun was unbearable. So I ate the fries, which are decent. Another time I was here I ordered the roasted salmon from the dinner menu, and the salmon was dry, the rest of the dish was flavorful and nice, yet the main component of the dish was not done well. Brussels sprouts are definitely a tasty treat. Drinks were good, the variety of beers is great and prices are reasonable, which is CBC's main redemption point as expected judging from their name. I would recommend the Cambridge Amber and CBC Hefeweizen. Disclaimer: I am not that fond of pale-ale's :P Ambiance: Good. The environment is good, simply expect a bar-type of environment, that aims to be somewhat refined but doesn't do a great job at it. Service: Poor for parties of 4-6. Casually throwing coasters at the table and being disrespectful to one of the people in our table despite behaving properly is not something I would expect at any restaurant, let alone tip for it. Then demanding a tip of 18% as part of the bill, seems like rubbing salt on a wound. Out of the three visits to CBC, first two visits had decent service, nothing special but not rude. The last visit was terrible. All three times it was very hard to flag a waiter/waitress. To sum it up, after three visits, food was not impressive, ambiance was decent, service was terrible, therefore I am not planning to attend CBC again. I would recommend this place for people who want to drink beer and are not too hungry.
(2)
amy b.
Went here with a huge group because I was organizing a high school reunion and it was the only place on Open Table that let me make a resv for 20 people. The service was horrific. We never were able to get a waiter without aggressively flagging one down for anything including our initial food/drinks and then later for refills. We also had some late arrivals and asked to keep seats open at the end of our table, but then they seated people there. So our late arrivals got to basically sit in our laps. Most of us ordered dinner/aps as well and several rounds of beers, and so it wasn't a cheap tab. The experience culminated when our waitress tried to steal about $ 100 from us (and the restaurant) by pocketing all of the cash we gave in addition to credit cards for the bill. We happened to notice that the balance for the cards was really high and asked her to retally the money (she had only entered in $20 cash when $120 was given to her). Spoke to management the following day to complain since it was such an egregious and clearly intentional mistake. In summary, the beer is good, the food is mediocre (my burger was overcooked), the decor is blah, the ambience is loud, and the service is terrible. Pay close attention to your bill if you are in a group.
(1)
Paige C.
what is this beer place? hidden somewhere in cambridge listen for bluegrass. This place is worth going out of your way for (well, on a weekday night or off hours). Their food is fantastic AND they try to source locally as much as possible. The bar is big. In the summer there is outdoor seating. They brew everything here, and the beer and food menus are constantly changing. Everything is reasonably priced for the area, and it can get VERY busy here. It's sometimes not worth the crowds (hence, why I've never been to the blue grass brunch). So, there's that risk, you arrive only to never be seated. I haven't always had the best most friendly service here either... Splurge and get that 12% abv barleywine!
(4)
Jason B.
"The beer is decent, the food is meh." I feel bad dropping that turd in the punchbowl, but there's really not much more to say. Their beer is good. They appear to have outsourced their kitchen to an Applebee's, though. That's the level of quality you're getting. Hey, free WiFi, though.
(3)
Chris D.
Good brews and make sure to order the pretzels.
(4)
Mark T.
I like to get food with my beer here. The beer alone is sometimes interesting They have a lot of unique brews. Some are good. Rarely have I found one that makes me want more. The triple threat is really good: very smooth and pretty strong. I think they best way to describe their beer is to say they try too hard. Their pizza is amazing with their beer. Their beer has given me headaches a few times. Maybe I shouldn't be such a princess?
(4)
Ryan K.
If you're looking for a great burger and great beer come here! This place never let's me down and the atmosphere is really cool. One of my favorite places in Cambridge to grab a burger and a beer. I'll be back with friends soon.
(5)
Carolyn F.
Watch out for the peach pits. The beer I had was pretty good (Regatta Golden) and we ordered the Broiled Peaches. They were great until my friend and I both ended up biting down on peach pits. Great idea for an app but terrible execution!
(2)
Jessica S.
First time at CBC and I was much impressed. We tried a flight of 5 seasonal brews - all were quite good! We also split a mushroom veggie burger with garlic aioli. The burger was house made and had a solid mushroom flavor, lots of garlic! Also, THE FRIES!!! were delicious. Outdoor seating and great service was just an added bonus. I would love to go back and try more of their beer and food!
(4)
Christina P.
We just had some nacho's and a few samples of beer, but we loved the craft beer and the nachos were great! My absolute favorite drink, out of all the sampling I did in the Boston area, was the Kriek du Cambridge! It's a high ABV cherry lambic and I was SO sad they didn't have any of it bottled! Good service and an extensive menu... I'll go back and give them a try again!
(4)
Jenny B.
Stopped here for lunch, and had a sweet potato veggie burger and a beer. The veggie burger was pretty good, but tasted overly cumin-y (lots of people don't realize that vegan food can be vegan and NOT be spiced with cumin). The beer was just OK. I also didn't appreciate the brewery smell that hung in the place--it also felt a little damp. Ugh. Yes, I get that they brew the beer in the restaurant--but so do lots of other places, and they manage to get rid of that smell in the dining area.
(3)
Kitty D.
They used to be our favorite gourmet pub, but the last two times we went there this summer, the food wasn't that great, the portions got small (3 teeny tiny pieces of fish in fish and chips, very little coleslaw, which did not taste good anyway), and the service was bad. We hardly saw our server, both times. Waited with empty beer glasses quite a while...
(3)
Melisa C.
I came here with 4 others on a Saturday evening around 5 pm. We ordered small samples of different beers to taste. I ended up going with the plum beer, which was interesting! We split the calamari and native corn, bacon & lobster hushpuppies. Both were fine, nothing too special. For dinner I had the spicy lamb meatballs, which were also okay. 2 people split the seafood pasta, and 2 others had the lobster pizza. Everyone else enjoyed their dishes, and both pizza-eaters had 2 slices each to bring home as leftovers. There was also an advertisement for a clam bake at their outdoor seating, but reservations are required. Otherwise, our waiter was friendly and helpful, but besides the service I'm not sure if I would come back for the food itself.
(3)
Joanna F.
The food is ok, but I love the atmosphere and the beer. The Pumpkin Beer festival here around Halloween is such a good time and they have every pumpkin beer you could think of. Again, the food at that event was fine, but nothing special. I will definitely be back time and again for the beer.
(4)
Khusbu P.
Beautiful day for a beer from the Cambridge Brewing Co. Charles river stout was absolutely delicious. The outdoor seating was excellent but don't sit in the sun for too long your beer will get warm ;)
(4)
Brad S.
Good beer. Decent food. Wait staff was undermanned and all 4 were splitting duties between indoors and patio which made for slow beer delivery. Drove me crazy when apps and salads came out at the same time....i couldnt eat fast enough and i am military...we eat fast. Entree came out as we were still trying to stuff mussels in our face. Server was good but overtasked
(3)
Lauren P.
I can't say enough good things about CBC. Their beer is great. I love their sours when available. Lush Life is fantastic. I will be sad the day this is not on their beer list. Probably serves the best nachos I've had at a restaurant. They take the time to layer their ingredients which makes all the difference. Everything here is reasonably priced and good. The atmosphere is great. The servers are very friendly.
(5)
David B.
A gastropub. Nice room. Noisy and crowded. Which is ok for a festive beer garden vibe. But there must be a loose floorboard or something, because everytime someone walked by, it felt like they were bumping my chair. Didn't hit it off with our waiter. He hesitated to bring out a sample of one of their more challenging beers, a Belgian IPA. I did order it; good but a little too dry. I also had the Dark Night which was a little flabby, weak and watery with spices in sediment, not well integrated. My daughter's Hiver was nice but overly yeasty. The waiter was also not friendly, didn't check on us, didn't sell dishes enthusiastically, and took things away before we were done with them. Food generally good, except the pumpkin ravioli had inedible roasted garlic cloves. (I suffered for that all night.). Porter Fondue delish with strong beer notes. Salad that came with the burgers nice.
(3)
Boudu B.
I stopped in for lunch before seeing a movie at the Kendal on a weekday. Just after the lunch rush, and I don't think anyone was in a rush to serve or offer to sell me food for some reason. I would love to go back when it's busy and they want to sell me things because I have heard good things about this place.
(3)
Carl G.
Excellent beers brewed here! There are some really interesting ones on the list as well (sake/beer hybrid?!) They seem to do a great job of not resting on their past success. Food was good too. Nothing really fantastic, but you could tell some thought went into the menu and they used good quality, local ingredients.
(4)
Cheryl N.
Stopped by busy Cambridge Brewing on a chilly windy Friday afternoon; were seated quickly in the cheerful front facing room - try for this area, and enjoy gazing at the wonderful stained glass artwork of beer glasses. I really enjoyed my DownEast draft cider with the house-made, delightfully oven-warm pretzels with a mustard dip. The pretzels were super, the dip was not as mustard/spicy as I usually prefer. For brief respite on a chilly day, Cambridge Brewing was a fine choice.
(4)
Benitoni A.
Decent restaurant/bar. Food was a bit bland and the cheeseburger tasted like it was a frozen patty rather than hand made fresh. I would go back for drinks but probably would not eat there again. Service was just OK.
(3)
Nitya D.
Great in-house brewed beers. You can get 3' beer towers if you've got enough people (they are responsible here at CBC, they like to ensure they don't fully destroy anyone's liver). If you sit inside you can actually see the tanks that the beer is made in. Although, warning, it does smell kind of "yeasty" inside sometimes. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well, which is great. The food leaves a lot to be desired. But hey, it's called Cambridge Brewing Company, not Cambridge Food Company.
(3)
Sharon O.
Happy hour after work with a group of about fifteen people. If you can all agree on a beer (or at least in groups of 5-6), check out the towers for saving some cash. We got two towers- pretty fun graduated cylinder with a spout. Patio was full. Sat us in the way back of the inside of the restaurant. That's life. Service was good and happy hour beer food (nachos and fries) were good quality, above what I'd expect. Price point was about average- but we enjoyed the cost savings of the towers.
(3)
Emily S.
I wanted to love CBC. But I didn't. Somehow I lived in Cambridge for 3.5 years without ending up here. I finally visited and was pretty disappointed. I've have CBC beers from the bottle and at various tastings, I expected more from the keg. First of all, this place is LOUD. So loud, I could not have even a shouting conversation with the group I was with. The food was okay - lots of vegetarian options which is nice to see (but predictable in Cambridge). I ordered a cask-conditioned Audacity of Hops. Apparently, I was the last to order this beer because the keg kicked. What was strange was that the waitress still brought me the glass of foam and flat beer and said it was "on the house" because it kicked. Thanks... but no thanks. I ordered a regular Audacity of Hops, it was just okay. Nothing remarkable. I tasted the Regatta Golden, which was also just okay. The waitress never came by and asked me if I wanted another beer - and then brought the check. So that concluded my trip to CBC. Perhaps one day I will try again, skip the food and loudness and just go for a tasting.
(3)
C D.
I am surprised this place doesn't already have 5 stars. We have been here a number of times. The food is reliably tasty and fast. The beer is always good. The waitstaff have always been friendly and knowledgable. Today was our first time going to the beerunch and it was phenomenal! We both ordered the buttermilk jalapeños egg biscuit with cheese and an order of the apple cider donut holes. Everything was delicious! It was so much food we couldn't finish it and brought some home. 'We were already talking about the next time we could come back for brunch before we had even paid the bill.
(5)
Dean H.
I didn't really even have high expectations for my meal, but I was still hoping for more than I got. It has a nice atmosphere, and it was a nice evening so we ate outside. I had the mushroom, spinach pizza. It was Luke warm, with overly chewy mushrooms. I also had an Autumn salad which was sort of "ho hum". Not bad but lacking something. I was surprised at how few beers they had to offer for a brewing company. The server was attentive, but at times even over-attentive. So, all-in-all I was not impressed an will not rush back.
(2)
Dave F.
I wanted CBC to be amazing--and if I were just judging the beer, it would be. The beer brewed on site is delicious. A glass of YouEnjoyMyStout is a must for anyone serious about craft beer, especially stout lovers. It's on par with some of the best barrel aged stouts in the country, and can only be had on tap. The other seasonal offerings, such as the Belgian Double IPA, are real treats. We ordered fries to munch on, which did the job just fine. The brew part of CBC is fantastic. The pub, however, could use a little work. The atmosphere inside on a Saturday afternoon was a bit dead, and the bar was so sticky it left the impression that it hadn't been cleaned in a day. The music was also played at a very low volume, which gave the bar a public library vibe. That amazing glass of YouEnjoyMyStout and fine Belgian Double IPA was enough for me to overlook these flaws, which would doom a bar with lesser offerings. We're looking forward to returning on a warmer day to try out the beer garden, which looks to be a perfect setting for enjoying CBC's great beer.
(4)
Caroline H.
Service? Yes. We had a big group of about 30 people and the waiters were great about helping to divide drink tabs up and get the right meals to the right people. Beer? Definitely. The $2 per mini glass in a flight is a great system. Our waiter was knowledgeable about which beers should be drank in which order and helpful in picking out cohesive flights. Food? Not so much. I had the scallops and I have to say, I was kinda disappointed. The citrus fruit in there was really bitter and combined with the spinach, it was just really acidy and overwhelmed the scallops (which were cooked pretty well). However, the poutine appetizer was tasty! I'd definitely go again, but might stick more to pub food and won't go crazy with fancy meals.
(3)
Chris F.
Pretty good beer but nothing spectacular. Surprising for one of the oldest craft breweries in the country. Food is nothing to write home about. Hard to believe that one of the worst clam chowders I've ever had was in Cambridge! So few tiny pieces of clams and way too much celery and potatoes. Cool space and good service. Offer flights, pitchers, and beer towers, plus relatively cheap growlers and bombers to go is a plus.
(3)
Steven G.
Nice casual atmosphere and good food. I liked it.
(4)
Elena M.
Great beer, fast service, cosy place, gigant Nachos. I spent there a great evening!
(4)
J. Michael M.
Good beer. Good bar food. Lowkey lunch atmosphere.
(4)
Robert K.
The tall tall pale ale was great. I want to come back and sample the other offerings. But the seasonal Belgian was literally the worst beer I've ever had, bottle or draft. My four friends and I made the mistake of ordering a pitcher and we couldn't finish it, even with little else to drink that night. The description should have warned: "Great flavor, but then the aftertaste is like eating a cigarette." So don't expect your random selection to be any good. Get a recommendation instead.
(2)
Chuck T.
This place rocks. Awesome awesome drinks. I keep a little notepad and take notes on the beers I try. I love that they let you sample the beers or order small glasses of a few selections to find the one that suits you. GREAT stuff. Food is about a 3.5-4... but the drinks make up for it. Brunch is excellent as well. Aside from the drinks... TRY THE DESSERT. They usually feature ONE item on the menu because it's that good. The chocolate flour-less cake is one of the best desserts I've ever had, period. Enjoy!
(5)
Sara M.
Had a great time here for beers and snacks. Great space, friendly servers, very clean. Also welcoming of my boyfriend's monthly cycling meet up. Would love to go back and stay for dinner
(4)
Matthew H.
I've never had a bad meal or a bad beer here. My most recent trip was for a hangover brunch with a few friends, and the food was very well prepared. I had a breakfast burrito, but I had a really tough time deciding because the rest of the menu looked so good. You have to love a place where you can buy beer to bring home.
(4)
John H.
This is a food and service only review, no beer. I stopped in CBC before a movie on a Saturday afternoon and was very disappointed. It took way to long for our server to arrive even though the place was not busy. Drink orders were taken and a very simple ginger ale, Sierra mist and diet cake somehow got screwed up. Next the very brief brunch menu is full of very non-pub grub type food which would be ok if they could pull it off but they can't. Our three meals arrived and were just ok. I had pulled pork which came with a slice of cheese on it, very odd IMO. The other meals were simple brunch items but were just so so. I hope CBC has good beer because the brunch is lousy.
(1)
William R.
Stopped in here during a 24 hour layover in Boston Anthony Bourdain style, and while the beer was good (I always get myself a stout, which they did not have, but their porter did the trick), however the food left much to be desired. Tucked near MIT, this place is built like a typical brewery. Large ceilings, wood everywhere. The vibe was real chill and people were big into beer who were sitting next to me. The food is why this gets 3*. I had myself a smoked salmon scramble but good Lord, it was almost entirely cheese and bread! I picked at it and ate the eggs and salmon in there which were quality, but it would have been a full fledged heart attack had i even attempted to take down the bread. Net-net, good place but not one you should go out of your way to attend.
(3)
Doogie H.
Had a work lunch here for 22 people. Service was ok but food was aweful! I called ahead of time to make a reservation as we wanted to all sit together. The place did the best it could but we ended up in the back room and they were cleaning the beer drums the whole time so it smelled musty. Not for a work event. (limiTed options in walking distance and not $20 a plate for lunch). Good for a casual beer and boring food.
Great beer, all crafted for the restaurant itself and many of it onsight. I got the burger with half fries, half salad (Love that they offer that) and it was delicious! I asked for it medium-rare and it came medium I would say but it was still yummy. Their fall Pumpkin beer is good although I've had better. The atmosphere is fun and it's a great place to grab dinner before heading to the movies at Kendall Square cinema. Price is about what you'd expect for the food, not too pricey. The menu is normal American fare although I've always felt that their desert options leave much to be desired. I like this place a lot and the beer tasting is always a good idea if that is your type of thing! Enjoy. :)
(4)
Jason H.
My favorite Brew Pub in MA. Top notch craft beers- they make some of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot. You can't go wrong with the Charles River Porter, but their seasonal offerings are exceptional. Food is fresh, tasty and the menu has improved dramatically in my opinion over time, where as before, it was lacking. There's not a limitless selection to choose from, but what they offer is pretty damn good now, I think. Atmosphere is lively, I really like being on the patio- which is pretty nice. You never know who you'll be sitting next to as the clientele is all over the place; could be a family, pack of hipsters or a couple. CBC also hosts an awesome Pumpkin Festival around Halloween.
(5)
Apolinaras S.
CBC is probably one of extremely few reasonably priced restaurants/bars in the area. Kendall restauranteurs seem to think all people want is atrociously priced tiny burgers that have more pretense than flavor. Well... CBC is not that place. I tend go to CBC on regular basis for business meetings and to also grab a nice beer with a friend or two. I love their house beers and tend to stick with them. Most food is good too. I recommend charcuterie plate, most of their pizzas, and burgers (but be very specific and vocal about the level of done-ness). I like their staff too. Good folks.
(4)
Eric F.
Pre-dinner beer tasting? Okay! CBC turned out to be a most convenient stop before moving onto The Blue Room...right next door. For a moment I thought it was the wrong place since it looked much more like a restaurant than a brewery at first glance, but the signs confirmed it and we were seated right away. Our waitress was an absolute sweetheart and knew the beers well as I went through and ordered a flight of the entire lineup. Which brings me to the 3 stars... Sad to say, the beers across the board were sub-par with the exception of the Valley Girl IPA. The Amber had less flavor than any of Anheuser-Busch's offerings and the YouEnjoyMyStout was easily the worst beer I've had in years (sourness in an Imperial Stout...blech). Still, CBC is a nice spot to hang out with a group and I'll def be back to try the food - saw a number of dishes being served around me and they looked very tasty =D
(3)
Dan P.
Went here for my birthday this year, as I had heard good things, plus I'm a fan of a few of their beers. Tried the short rib poutine which was delicious, and a roast that was awesome. I know a lot of the reviews on here say the food hasn't been great in the past, but it that was the case, I think things have turned around. Must try beers are the Great Pumpkin Ale!, and they're Heather Ale, which might be my favorite
(4)
Meridith H.
This is a great place tucked away in a corner of Cambridge. They really grabbed me by including skate fin on the menu; I'd never seen it before and didn't know what it was, so ordered it to find out. It was tasty AND educational. And a little too salty (but still good despite that). The atmosphere and service are great, too. The things that keep this place from being awesome are: *Most of the beers on the list are heavy on hops or malt (which is really limiting if you don't enjoy IPAs or malty flavors). *The brew tanks are in the dining area, which, frankly, makes the area smell unappetizing. I know those tanks are clean, but there is, and will always be, a smell associated with brew tanks that doesn't mix well with food.
(3)
Kate K.
Great American Beer Festival, Denver CO, September 29, 2011. 450 brewers and over 2,000 beers. Yep, that's right - over 2,000 beers from all over the country. Hope you Massachusetts folks appreciate your brewers cause people were lined 5 deep to try CBC's beers at GABF for the 4 hours I volunteered. And now I know why. Raves about all five samplers but flat out grins about Arquebus and Banryu Ichi - sake infused beer. Also constant requests for Able IPA and Mind Left Body. Past years enthusiasts at GABF wanted the Great Pumpkin Ale and Sgt. Pepper. Will and Megan - top notch people and brewers. Took the time to visit with other brewers and enthusiasts while pouring, judging and generally going full bore to allow the volunteers to sample some of the other brewskis. GABF and CBC - good times and great beer!
(5)
Liliana C.
The first time we came here, we thought it was a fluke. The second time we came here, then having tried five different beers, we can safely say this place is overrated. None of them stood out in any way, except perhaps in their mediocrity. Not much flavor, and lacking in that crispness of a good, fresh beer made on premises. As East Cambridge residents, we're totally disappointed that our neighborhood brewery isn't better. Head down the street to Lord Hobo for some better beers.
(2)
Josephine L.
I'm the wrong clientele for this place. I'll drink beer if there's nothing else available, but it would never ever be my first choice. So I can't vouch for the selection or quality, but I'm told by more passionate friends that CBC's is good. The food is slightly-elevated, almost-gourmet pub fare with items like flatbread pizzas and pot roast and beer-battered chicken. I had the margherita, which was hot and gooey and delicious. I also tried the duck confit pizza and was not as impressed with that (plus it was kind of cold). The buffalo chicken tenders weren't as spicy as I would have liked, but they had a nice little crunch to them. Service was good overall and the waiters are all cute in an indie hipster kind of way. There's a lot of space, so you can easily come in on an off night with a ton of people and be seated right away.
(3)
Jo H.
Good service, great beer, tasty food. I am live writing this review. Just had the subtle Tall Tale Pale Ale and the AMAZINGLY AWESOME Breakfast burrito. The hush puppies are sweeter rather than savory and are fried with this sultry honey powdered sugar crust. Only disappointment - Ragatta Golden. Sorta tastes like Keystone. But I grew up on keystone so iz all good. Will's Not Here - good amber and super hoppy Heather Ale - surprisingly savory but delicious!
(5)
Jessica S.
Good food, good beers, crappy service. The bartender was seriously annoyed to be asked for drinks. Even though it was a Sunday afternoon and he was far from busy. He honestly huffed and puffed and rolled his eyes every time any of us asked for something. And left us with empty glasses for a while as he ate and played with his phone. The micropub thing is cool, but whats the point if you're made to feel bad for ordering beers?! The guy doesn't even have to make cocktails. I don't know if we'll bother coming back.
(3)
Dawn E.
This was a meal the fueled debauchery of genuine *epic* proportions. Whatever you've heard about this night, it's probably true. Let's just say the Outcome was better than expected, and then some. So, for that, I'm grateful. Without these calories I'd have most certainly been carried away by EMTs in a pool of my own sweat and tears. So we sit down and wait a good clip for the wait, who doesn't even take the time to notice us and just says "hello gentlemen." Um. Listen. Hi. BOOBS here. Yeah. I call him on it and he says he was only paying attention to the fellow I was with. Fine. I get it. I went with a cask brew IPA and the pickled brined fried chicken and waffle. The chicken did not disappoint. It was quite exceptional although there were two small pieces of it and, for the price point, *that* was disappointing. I mean, I know it's not a bucket of extra crispy (which you could get for less), but, you know, mayeb 3 pieces of chicken would have been nice. Especially given the calories I needed for the afore mentioned debauchery that was about to ensue. I also had a taste of the burger and some fries, both good. And my beer was great, not exceptional (I'm a craft beer snob so ignore this part), but still great. I think maybe we saw our waiter one more time throughout our meal and we had to ask someone else to give us silverware. I'll probably be back though, because it was good debauchery fuel.
(3)
Nick H.
I want to like CBC. A good sized brewery pub with outdoor seating that is across the street from my office. They produce some excellent beers and when my work group has a lunch, I get to eat a free meal.... so whats the problem? The FOOD! 1) The menu is a disaster. It's a mix of intimidating / discouraging items and standard pub grub. The menu boasts locally sourced, sustainable, fresh food.. Go pound sand CBC, I know what fresh food tastes like, and you don't serve it. 2) Bland and boring flavors. A dog wouldn't even wag its tail if it was served a meal here. It doesn't seem like the kitchen staff ever tastes anything before sending it out. One time I ordered a seafood paella special, just to be different from everyone else.... Clams / squid / and fish were overcooked and not fresh at all. Rice was mush, broth was rancid. A far cry from real paella. Everyone laughed at me and made fun of my food because it looked gross and literally stunk up the table. I didn't want to come off like a douche in front of my bosses, so I didn't send it back. Anxiously awaited diarrhea for the next few hours. 3) The prices suck fully erected cock. $11 for a burger that is just plain... meh? $11 should buy me a burger that makes me hard. 4) Atmosphere does come off a bit unclean and dank in the back of the restaurant. A bit stinky inside too. They get 2 stars for a few reasons. Music is good here, they tend to play some cool jams. The beer can be absolutely fantastic if you make the right choices. Service is usually pretty quick and friendly. There are a handful of stellar pubs and restaurants nearby (emmas / area 4 / think tank / friendly toast). I suggest you step up your game CBC!
(2)
B B.
Went for drinks and apps. I strongly recommend the Cure. A Delicious brew with a profound grapefruit note but excellently balanced. I could drink it all summer long. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. Had a great time with Ryan the bartender. Will be back.
(4)
Chris D.
Let's get a few things straight right off the bat: you're not going to the CBC for the food. The food is acceptable - I usually stick to simple things like the burger. My wife has tried more adventurous dishes to varying success - a while back she had a great pear and gorgonzola pizza, but recently had scallops on salad with dressing she said tasted like dish detergent (yuck!). But I digress. You're coming to the CBC because you love beer, all different kinds of beer. Now I admit I think most of their standard beers are pretty average, but they always have a number of special beers and hit many of them out of the park. If you want to taste a good beer that 20 billion other people have rated 99 on some website, you can go to any number of Cambridge establishments. But if you want some tasty local beer you are just not going to do better than the CBC. Last but not least, they're one of the better patio options in the area if you're looking for outdoor dining.
(4)
Reg T.
I'm a tourist and visited this place as part of an after-party for a conference. It's a great venue which reminded me very much of some of the similar establishments in my home town of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We were able to sample some of the beers here, and each one was excellent. What really impressed (and amused) me was that they had sacks of Canadian barley stacked against the walls. The vast majority of Canadian barley and hops is exported around the world to make beer, so it was like having a little taste of home during my trip. If you're a tourist in the area, you should definitely check this place out.
(5)
Eric R.
I really love this place for both lunch, and after work drinks. The food is solid, and they occasionally have really great lunch specials. Not in the vein of "giant burger for a dollar" but in the vein of "shrimp scampi so good it has no business coming from a brewpub's kitchen" The variety of beers is the reason most go, and I have yet to have a single bad one. I tried too... I'll go in, and order the highest alcohol content beer just to see if it sucks. Hasn't yet. I highly suggest the cask, whatever type of beer is in it, it's awesome. Natural carbonation leaves a much smoother and less bubbly beer, and since it's a little warmer then the chilled kegs, you can actually get the different tastes of the different ingredients. I love this place dearly, and everyone in it. I will say one thing though... on the days they are actively brewing, it smells like the inside of a gym sock at the end of a season where it wasn't washed once. It only takes a few minutes for your nose to adjust to it, but it can be really off putting at first. A small price to pay for the most delicious beers I've found in a long, long time.
(5)
T. B.
The main attraction at CBC is the beer. The standard selection of (in house brewed) beers is solid - the Tall Tale Pale Ale is probably the best of the lineup - and many of the frequently rotating specialty brews are great. Five stars for the beer. The food is pretty strong for a brewpub, plenty good to have a nice meal, but you won't be plotzing. Highly recommended for people who like beer.
(4)
Matthew W.
Pretty good beer, solid pub food with a few upscale surprises.
(4)
Alex O.
Went here on a Thursday with 6 friends and they were very accommodating. Service was attentive and patient and able to make good recommendations. The menu has a wide enough array for everyone. The ambiance is as expected for a brewing company, which was what we had in mind. They also had no problem splitting a bill 6 ways.
(4)
Julie B.
It's not too often that I bookmark a place and coincidentally end up there a week later. One can only imagine my squeals of excitement when after google mapping the Kendall Square Cinema I realized that Cambridge Brewing Company was right next door. I quickly alerted my wonderful friend (Sara E.) that we'd be heading there immediately after the Yelp event at the theater. Nursing quite the hangover from the night before, it only seemed reasonable that I should start drinking again the next day by 11 AM...pure logic right? After downing a few Narragansetts -- courtesy of Yelp (yay!) -- we headed over to CBC ready to get our food and drink on. I was definitely lured in by the menu touting the use of local ingredients. I try to be an avid supporter of local businesses, and what's a better way than to eat some locally grown food and drink some locally brewed beer?! The place was fairly empty by the time we got there and we picked two seats right in front of the taps. Travis, the bartender, was really great. He was happy to answer all of our annoying questions, was attentive and not at all overbearing, and was ingeniously manning the radio with some old Weezer and Dashboard Confessional. After sampling just about all the beers (some of the little glasses the samples were served in were ADORABLE), I went with a 9 oz pour of the Regatta Golden. This beer was delicious and tasted great along with my BBQ burger. This burger was bomb. Cooked perfectly, topped with bacon and cheddar cheese and served with some crispy artery-clogging fries. I finished just about every bite. For "dessert" I ordered the Project Venus Seasonal. I'm a sucker for supporting female ventures, so as soon as I heard this was the product of possibly the first all female brewer collaboration, I knew I was getting myself a glass. This beer was wonderfully sweet and with a pretty high ABV, I was feeling pretttty tipsy. I also made sure to try the experimental sake/beer hybrid before we left. It was really unique and tasted great but I can't imagine having more than a few sips of it! Overall it was a really great lunch and I'm so happy I got to try this place out. Will definitely be returning for some beer-runch in the near future!
(5)
Justin K.
I can't speak for the food because I just came for an after dinner drink but it is the perfect place to have a beer outside with a group of friends. It was the ideal atmosphere to chat under the stars in their courtyard and sip a cold one. My only complaint was that they didn't serve cocktails.
(4)
Calvin T.
Came here for a little college friend reunion, which was a party of about 20 people. Seeing friends was nice and all, but the best part about having that many people was the fact that we ordered 3 towers of beer. The ones that stood out was the Great Pumpkin ale and the Punjabi Pumpkin. The first was well rounded and the second was uniquely spiced. Food was okay, but I think people come here for their brews. All I can remember was that they had good nachos. Hope that helps.
(3)
Lauren B.
If I was writing this review solely about the beer or while drinking one of their beers, the review would have more stars. But unfortunately for the CBC, the food sets the tone of this review. Specifically a certain salad. I went here back in October for lunch with a few people. Being as girly/stupid/neurotic as possible; I ordered a salad. I don't know what it was called, but it was one of those leafy, blue cheese, nuts, apple, crasin, popular type of things. Normally, I totally dig this and its really hard to mess up. But.........this sucked. It sucked AND I was 3 pints deep. THAT right there says something. It's really my own fault for ordering a salad at a beer/burger/greasy food type of place. But.......really? How did you mess that up. It lacked flavor and barely had anything but greens. I was really sad and the beer only intensified my emotions. Can you say BEER TEARS? The three stars are for the beer. We had some sort of pumpkin beer and it was really good. I bet this is a fun place when your not eating salad, but unfortunately I was. I will most likely not return. So many brew houses, so little time!
(3)
Anushri M.
So, I must admit, I went to this establishment for food and not to get tons of drinks. As their name suggests, they should probably not be judged on their food, but I am still writing. This is the quintessential bar food menu with a New England theme. The food is neither healthy nor super hearty nor great. The prices are very reasonable and the alcohol is good, which is why you go. Their desserts were weird -- but not weird in a good way. For example, I found I am not a fan of beer ice cream (huge shocker there). The ambiance is not so romantic. It's not well light, but not dark in a romantic way -- it's dreary. This is not the type of place you take a date unless somehow you happened to be trapped at the Marriott a few blocks down the road. The layout makes it feel very suburban and not intimate or cozy. So, I guess you go there when your parents from the midwest are in town and don't want to leave their comfort zone. The one thing that was nice was the service seemed to be a group of genuinely nice people. Maybe they should work at a nicer restaurant.
(2)
Miguel M.
There are only 3 socially acceptable scenarios on why you would ever slap someone: 1. They are terminally allergic to bees and a bee just landed on their cheek. 2. A person wearing a snuggie riding a segway bumps into you. 3. Someone suggests you get drinks at Cambridge Brewing Company. With so many places to drink in near Central square, you do not want to be stuck here. My friends wished me to go to hell for bringing them here and most of them are nihilist... they believe in nothing!! The good part is that this place is rather quiet and laid back and has a low frat boy to regular person ratio. However, the beer is what is most important. Their Regatta golden is no better than Miller High Life. The Cambridge Amber didn't have distinct kick. T'was a plain ol' amber. I was excited when I heard that they brewed their own seasonal Pumpkin beer, but it was way too hoppy and bitter. I did not taste any pumpkin. Someone needs to tell them that a pumpkin beer should probably have some pumpkin in it. Just because it looks orange doesn't make it a pumpkin ale. I've had orange Kool-Aid that tasted more like pumpkin than this. Only saving grace: Charles River Porter and the Heather ale (another seasonal). The Heather ale had a pleasing scent and a delectable taste (like the first kiss on the very first day of fall... mmmmmm). 2 good beers out of 5 = 2 stars.
(2)
Cheryl H.
I've been to this place probably 10 times because it's close to where I work and every time I leave feeling "eh." The beer really saves the day. As for the food, I've had some decent pub food here, but it's really hit or miss. However, it's the service that really kills me. Sometimes it's just really...really...really slow (even when the place isn't busy!) while other times I've had waiters who were just rude - this last bit has happened a few times when we had a large group. I just read another review that says that they revised the menu with better results food-wise, so I'll be sure to update next time I end up here.
(3)
Sara E.
CBC, tucked away in Kendall Sq. is a local gem. I stopped in here with a friend (Julie B. !!) after attending a Boston Underground Film Festival screening hosted by Yelp. My friend had heard great things about CBC, I had heard pretty much nothing - so came in with an open mind. We got there at 1-ish on a Saturday and the place was pretty empty - I didn't mind, more space for me! (Sidenote: is no one in Cambridge awake at this hour? All of Kendall Sq. was a virtual ghost town). I'm a sucker for unique craft beers so this place is right up my alley. The bartender, Travis, was awesome. He was ridiculously knowledgeable about all the beers on tap, and happily dealt with us when we asked to try a bunch of them. After settling on Able Pale Ale (super hoppy, a bit bitter, and completely delicious) I ordered the soup/salad/sandwich combo which was enjoyable and too much to finish. As we ate the bar filled up a bit and the crowd CBC attracted was super approachable and we struck up a convo with a couple other ladies at the bar. Overall, I have no complaints about this place - had a great time!
(5)
Danielle B.
Cider beer is the best I've ever had!!! The food is great, and for 'pub' food it's amazing! The Quattro fromagio with egg and truffle oil is to die for! Yes you heard me right, a fried egg is sunny side up on your pizza! Decadent! Fries are perfect! Just love this place!!!
(5)
Sean B.
CBC is a solid choice for any lunch -goer in the Kendall MIT area looking to kick back a bit on a Friday afternoon. They have a quality selection of beers, with a few fail-safes including their Pale Ale and Cambridge Amber. Arrive a bit before lunch time, and you'll certainly be seated quickly, and if it's during the summer, you can score a seat outside on the patio. I'm admitedly not a picky eater, so I enjoy the food, but the portions are plentiful, and they offer a nice variety of plates. Once in a while the waiters might cross up your side of fries with a salad or vice versa, but if the biggest thing you have to fuss about in your life is someone giving you a plate of fries instead of a salad, then maybe you should go here and remind yourself it could be worse: sportsgrid.com/media/pho… The price is totally affordable, especially if you're with a group and order pitchers or towers of beer. Still, a pint is about $5. Entrees tend to be in the $9-12 range, which is great for what you get. I try to make it here at least once a month, and usually don't think twice if my co-workers ask me if I'm interested in going here for lunch.
(4)
Ladyjane S.
This could so easily be a 4-star place. But everything about it is so hit-or-miss. The food, the beer, the service...well, actually the service is consistently miss. I used to come here a lot but haven't returned for awhile until recently. I had their pumpkin ale at Cambridge Common not long ago, which was delicious, and I figured it would be worth another shot to come back to CBC last weekend. So, about 10-15 minutes after we arrive, we finally get a waiter to come by. Oh, also this was at about 2pm on a Saturday, so there were only about 4 tables filled outside. So we order the pumpkin ale and after about 10-15 more minutes we finally get it. yay! But, it doesn't taste the same as it did at CC. In fact, it tasted kind of watery. :( So while we were contemplating ordering a different beer and perhaps something to snack on, we finished our beers and ended up waiting...and waiting........and waiting.......................... Until we finally decided that actually we didn't want another beer or food and we might as well leave and check out Lord Hobo down the street. So, yeah. That's usually how it goes. Sometimes the beer is great and sometimes it's just...meh. Sometimes food is great (had a Jamaican fish stew once that was amazing) but it's usually blah. If you don't care about service, or if you just want to sit at the bar, you'll probably enjoy this place. But considering it has one of the best outside dining spots in the area, they should really try harder. Because they could be awesome.
(2)
Seth B.
I went here about a month ago, but getting to this now. First off, not a bad little place. It has a bunch of outdoor seating, which is always nice. This is a brewpub of sorts, so they brew their own beer and have decent food. I tried a couple different drinks, all of which I enjoyed. For food I got the salmon. I rarely get fish at a restaurant. I'm not sure why, just one of my things. But I went ahead and got this one. A bit unimpressed. I really liked the bed of ratatouille it was on. That saved the dish. The fish itself was a little overcooked. I was there with two siblings. Their lazy mans lobster and steak frites were both really good. Good for a quick beer. Not in a rush to try their food again.
(3)
Joanna C.
I can't fault the server for inattentive service since she was the only server on duty last night at the CBC. She definitely tried her best, and was friendly, but she was running around like a chicken without her head... and I was hungry and tired and cranky after driving back from NY last night. The boy and I stopped by here for some beer and bar food at around 9PM on Sunday night. They had a few tables filled, and we requested a table by the t.v. so that we can watch the Sox vs. Yanks game. Nice - no problem. My burger came out really good (cooked perfectly with melted cheese, bbq sauce, and bacon on a toasted bun), and the boy's blackened chicken came out looking pretty blackened. We both polished off our plates in no time. The beer was also pretty good - I took the server's suggestion for the Petit Mort Tripel, which tasted a bit like Chimay. My only complaint was that the first glass had a fly swimming around in it, and she had to get me a new one when we saw her again. She checked in on us pretty infrequently (she was pretty busy dealing with everything by herself), and I was just super tired and just wanted to go home, and we waited at least ten minutes for the check, when I finally just gave up and put money on the table and left. I hope it was enough ($40 for 2 sandwiches and 2 beers?), but I just could not stay for any longer.
(3)
Di B.
Great nachos (huge size)! The patio/beer garden is a perfect place for after work drinks. I'm excited to try more of their brews (which are all fairly priced)!
(4)
Catherine S.
I love beer, so naturally, I really loved this place. I had a pizza that was to die for, and of course, the beer selection is super unique. I believe I had the regatta golden, and it was awesome. My boyfriend had the sour and liked it (sour beer isn't your typical beer, just a warning. Not for everyone). We also brought home the Big Man IPA which was great too. If you're not sure what to get, ask your waiter; ours was very nice and helpful with recommendations, so even if you're a novice, you'll enjoy it here. The restaurant itself is great too; nice, clean, and with a great ambience to drink some brews!
(4)
Lani I.
Good beer. My husband and I shared nachos for an appetizer and could barely put a dent in it because there were so many. My black bean burger was dry, but overall everything was pretty good.
(4)
Lynn H.
Awesome beer selection? Check Sweet patio seating? Check The best french toast in town? CHECK I'm not even a big fan of french toast but CBC's french toast might have changed my life. I came this close to kidnapping the man in the kitchen responsible for doling out that sweet+savory+ohsobuttery party in my mouth. The rest of brunch was also delicious. The lox was served on perfectly pillow-y yet dense homemade English muffins, and the freshly made doughnuts were da bomb diggidy. The menu changes seasonally and it always features local produce, meat and cheese. CBC is definitely a spot worth checking out over and over again, especially on Sundays. Chef Jon knows how to work it at Beerrrunch!
(5)
Andie M.
I've been here twice. I love their beer and I love their appetizers. The buffalo chicken tenders are particularly good. The best I've found in the Boston area so far! They have a really nice outdoor courtyard too. It's always busy here because it is a great place to come after working in the lab all day!
(5)
Silas S.
I've been coming here for lunch and after work drinks for a couple years now and I've always been impressed with what they try with their beers. The styles are often varied and to be honest I have had some beers here that "I am not a fan of" but that comes with the territory when you aren't afraid to push the envelope with beer and as a result they do come up with beers that are on occasion truly fantastic. They also have their normal selection of beers as well as growlers for sale at the door. As far as the food is concerned its pretty good but at times not so great. Their menu changes from time to time and they have some daily specials. So stop into CBC and see whats on tap. Get adventurous and you may be pleasantly surprised,
(4)
Joanna M.
#NAME?
(4)
Vanilla P.
The waiter never flinched when my daughter dropped her food on the ground. He didn't bat an eye when I jokingly asked to split a "tower" with my hubby. We were seated within 10 seconds of entering the restaurant...the essential part of dining with a small child. The food was good to great, and the baby loved her french fries (I'm a bad mom, whatever, I know). Refills were fast, the check quick, and the overall mood chipper. CBC has a customer for life due to their kid-friendly service and solid food.
(5)
Josh E.
My favorite bar in the Boston area and one of the best breweries in New England. Been coming here regularly for about 5 years. Their Tripel Threat, OM, Black Magic, Benevolence and Sgt. Pepper are some of my favorite beers, period. They have a great patio thats ample in size and secluded from the street. Food is pretty good, definitely better than standard pub fare. Gotta give them credit for focusing on local ingredients before it became the trend. Any serious beer geek needs to pay this place a visit as its the only great brewpub in Boston.
(5)
BJ C.
I've never had an experience less than incredible at this place. Every beer I've tried has been amazing, especially the Red Barn Espresso Stout. I've tried a few things, and settled on the BBQ burger, which is possibly the best burger I've had anywhere in the city. The decor is great, I love seeing the barley and malt sacks on the side, and sharing the dining room with the brewing area. The staff is always pleasant and they know their shit, and they seem to be from all walks of life. I like a restaurant that hires on character instead of aesthetic. Tattoos are as common as crew-cuts, and everyone seems like they love the place. I also appreciate that they use as much local food as they can (including MoonBrine pickles from JP!), and they give their spent grain from brewing to local farms for their chickens! Could be my favorite place for a burger and a beer.
(5)
Chi N.
So you're a girl and you're a virgin. Or chances are, since you're on Yelp, you're no longer a virgin, but let's go back in time anyway. It's prom night, or freshmen year, or if you're the Jonas Brothers, it's 2026. And you're on a date with a handsome young fellow, or if you're the Jonas Brothers, a handsome old man, and you decide tonight's the night. Enough is enough, it's time to join the packs of society and give it up once in for all. So you drink a bottle of tequila or two, put on some cheap perfume, and spread those legs like you're Joan Rivers. And he gets you in the back of his Jeep, parked at the romantic parking lot of Burger King. After a few minutes of awkwardness, he's in.. and after another few minutes of awkwardness, done, faster than a Michael Phelps lap. And you lay there, half naked, disappointed. And really, that's what coming to CBC is like. Except for the half-naked part, perhaps. Just like sex, you'll come back again and again. And each time, the beers prove to be just a slight bit better than average and the food, just a tad notch worse than so. And this is all too bad because CBC has so much promise -- good locally brewed beer with locally sourced food. Unfortunately, just like your first night at it, it leaves you wondering what the fascination is all about.
(3)
Alexandra S.
CBC now serves fish with ID! What that means is you can trace your fish back to where and when it was caught. Who know fish could have ID?
(5)
Shaina P.
Every time I head in to CBC, I like it better and better. Fine. It's growing on me. Great for happy hour. Great for weekend lunch on the patio. Not so great for tasty food across the board... Go for the daily specials to try something unique. Popular for beer towers. And they have those big growler jugs for $10+ a two buck deposit. Not bad... Typically known as CBC. Overall: go for the beer tower in the strongest ale they offer. In the spring, I like their Belgian beer. Damn...what's it called?? However, taste it before ordering. Some Belgians of theirs aren't so great. ATMOSPHERE Down-home, lodge-like, or something... You sort of feel like you're at a brewery. Interesting, right? Well, it's got a wooden bar and stools and tables and things. Nothing fancy. Good for big groups. Smells of toasted barley and fermenting yeast. BEER Inconsistent (as in season and style. Some IPA are better than others). I love beer and microbrews especially. There are a few beers that I think are great. Their standard brews are great, but their special brews have their ups and downs (i.e. Belgian-style beers don't taste anything like some of the Belgian beers you might get at, say, Bukoswki's in Inman. I can't even give CBC credit for trying...). Their ambers and lagers and those dark ones are tasty. Also, I have been a big fan of the Barley wine. Why can't you get THAT in a tall beer tower?? Good choices: 1. Red God, spring-summer, super strong hop flavor, but it's surprisingly smooth and 8.5% abv. 2. Amber Ale, all the time, is dark but smooth, light on the hops, enjoyed by many. 3. Tall Tale Pale Ale, all the time, is pale, but flavorful. FOOD I like the pork chop. That's about it. I've tried other dishes: the fish and chips is dry, the asian spring rolls are sort of tasteless and totally pre-made... They seem to have a lot of specials, so I recommend giving those a shot. In a nutshell, their menu is constantly changing as of late and I love that.
(4)
Christopher S.
I was pretty impressed by the CBC. They have an impressive selection of homemade craft brews of various types. I enjoyed all the beers I tasted. The food was also pretty good. In particular, I thought the pizzas and the burgers were best, but the duck entree was also really good. Overall, it's an ideal marriage of beer and food.
(5)
Jeremy S.
CBC isn't perfect, but it puts on a strong show. The seasonal brews are exotic, the burgers are great, and the local food selection can be impressively delicious. I'm never blown away when I leave, but I always exit feeling content and satisfied. For local beer aficionados, it is definitely the best place to be in the Boston area. It has cheaper (and better) beer than Boston Beer Works, and its beer list always includes a funky collection of barley wine, intense stouts and porters, and a hoppy selection of IPAs. If nothing else, come here for the novelty of sitting outside whilst topping off your pint from a giant beer tower with its very own tap.
(4)
Alicia B.
Dan, the GM, rocks. When I contacted him about hosting a craft beer meetup ( meetup.com/craftbeercrew ) for about 30 people, he was happy to oblige. More so, he was communicative, helpful in selecting cost-effective grub options and friendly when finalizing the deets of our event. I can't thank him enough. When we arrived the day of, the staff was - for the most part - friendly. As a collective, we felt the bartender was the least friendly, but that's okay, because our group was taken care of by Amanda and Liz. Quickly, when I arrived, I ordered 3 of their delish beer towers, filled with amber ale. I also ordered pizza, asking for the slices to be thinner to accommodate hungry beer lovers. They happily obliged. I was surprised to see how slow this place was on a Sunday afternoon/evening, but that's okay; it gave us the perfect opportunity to socialize without feeling like being in the way. Thanks, Dan and CBC for being so gracious! We had a fabulous time and will most definitely be back!
(5)
Dave M.
Great beer and great food. The service was amazing- the server was very attentive and polite and very knowledgeable about various beers.
(4)
EC S.
First and foremost, the beer is good, some of the better stuff I've been able to find about town so far. I'm recently transplanted from Austin which, believe it or not, boasts some pretty amazing brewpubs and beer bars. Right now at CBC I'm going for the Porter and the Pale Ale. And the Regatta Golden is a good Kolsch I think. I really like that I can go to CBC alone on a Friday night, sit at the bar and feel comfortable. Sure, there's the occasional slightly drunk old man who wants to start a conversation, but that's just what you get at a beer bar. Free wifi is also nice. I sometimes like to do schoolwork here on weekend afternoons. One warning: you're better off doing metered street parking than parking in the Kendall One garage. CBC only validates after 5pm and even then their validation just isn't very good. Taking the T/walking would be the best option.
(4)
Randy W.
I went here shortly after moving to Boston. I must say I am not a beer fan, but LOVED their pumpkin beer. They offer large portions and the food was Delicious. I especially recommend eating here (the burgers and pizza are incredible). Highly recommended for tourists and locals alike.
(5)
Julianne S.
We go here often before heading over to the Kendall Cinema. Beer is tasty and the food is delicious, much better than normal "pub fare".
(5)
H S.
Yes and yes! Amazing beer menu and very tasty food. I had the flower child IPA and some of the golden regatta (I think that's what it's called?). Also had the swiss burger which was good. Our service was efficient and did a great job at serving our 20 person party. The only kind of down side was that our reservation had an expiration time so that they could fit a new big party in, but CBC is in a good enough location that you can always move to a new bar after. Restrooms were confusing! I definitely walked into the bar next door by accident, which I'm sure is a common mistake here.
(4)
Barney B.
So the guy sitting next to me at the bar is talking about being here on business, and this isn't the first time this week he has eaten here. he likes the food, he likes the beer, he likes the service. he will return home with good memories (and to his hotel with a decent buzz) and so, during a commercial break (from the Celtics game, not from this guy - I don't think he had commercial breaks - but that would be cool, wouldn't it?? anyways, back to the review...) - yeah, during the break, I look around - I observe the vibe, the building, and the way that the staff interacts with each other and the customers... and I realize this is EXACTLY the kind of place I would totally eat at when I am on business - and eat there often. and yes, I know that for some, what happens on the road isn't the same as what happens when you are at home - but that's not really the case for me - i think I have the same expectations regardless of what state I am in. and yet, somehow, after living a mile away for 3+ years, I just never used to consider coming here. not sure why. maybe the whole implosion of the microbrew pub thing soured the idea? maybe because one is so rarely in Kendall unless rushing to a flick? who knows. All I do know is that for $25 I got a great chicken sandwich, 3 tasty beers, and an overall great experience. the decent sized outdoor seating area up front just adds to the pluses for the place too. suffice it to say, I dig. and when I dig, I return
(4)
Cherie C.
Had a really nice afternoon here, drinking beer and eating lunch on the patio under an awning. Perfect setting for relaxing and trying some of their brews. Food was fine. The crab cake sandwich was just fine. Everything was perfectly adequate--neither bad nor remarkable, but reliable.
(3)
Sarah D.
Okay, the bathroom thing still grosses me out and I'm still not real keen on the layout of the place, but 2 stars is definitely too low. The menu is full of local meats and produce, and the waitstaff is knowledgeable and friendly. I had a great meal their the other night, and the beers are still excellent.
(3)
Ben J.
I went here with some friends last summer and had a bad experience with the service. I got a satisfying reply to the e-mail I sent to the manager of Cambridge Brewing that makes me think that they had an off night. So, I was willing to give them another shot. I went back this past weekend with some out of town friends who love microbrews. We had a great time and all the problems from my first review seem to have been fixed. I think they did a good job and the managers were sincere in their email that they knew what they had to do to improve. I would go back.
(4)
Michael S.
Beer Snob here. Best Brewery (including brew pubs) In Mass. Enough Said.
(5)
John K.
One of my favorite places in Boston. Great microbrews and they usually have one or two "guest" microbrews. What's even better? They serve beer in this "tower" that's un-freaking-believable. They will only serve it to you if you have a party of 3 or more. I think I could tackle it by myself, but I would probably have to be carted off to the hospital afterwards. I'm definitely a fan of their Tall Tale Pale Ale and their Cambridge Amber.
(4)
Chris P.
My wife and I went to the CBC this weekend to grab a quick bite before a movie, and I was most pleasantly surprised. I have a long history with the CBC - I worked in Kendall Square for many years, and for a heck of a long time it was one of the only decent sit down lunch places in the area. In my opinion the food had always been OK and the beer quite good, but I'm happy to say they've changed their tune. We split a very nice 'autumn salad' as an appetizer, it was very fresh, well prepared and nicely seasoned and dressed. I chose the 'New England Short Ribs' - which were a nice big slab of falling apart tender roasted beef over a bed of horseradish mashed potatoes. Yummy! My wife ordered the sweet potato ravioli and enjoyed it as well. We both ordered the delicious Pumpkin Porter which is a seasonal treat. It's dark, spicy and complex with a great nose and a nice complex flavor and a nice finish. We wished we had more time, we'd have gone for a pitcher! Great beer and now, really good food - we'll definitely be back!
(4)
Dan C.
I've been around the yelp block once or twice. I've compared places to Nazi extermination camps, gateways to Hell, and as attempts on your life where self defense has been warranted. All of those places pale in comparison to the festering demon excrement that CBC calls it's "Great Pumpkin" Moroccan Mussels (which, btw, does not actually contain pumpkin). The mussels smelled like Pferdescheiße--I'm not speaking metaphorically; I am not likening them to Pferdescheiße in an attempt to invoke some universal hyperbole. No. I'm from a small town in Michigan and have spent my fair share of time around horses and horse excrement, this smelled like horse excrement. The smell was palpable (now that's a hyperbole), even people around me were looking to see if there was a baby around who may have dropped a load in his diaper. As soon as this affront to food passed out of the kitchen the mood of the room changed--happy couples now stared at each other with disdain, friends began to argue, young children began smoking and doing hard drugs. When the waitress put the plate down I swear I caught an apologetic look, as if to say, "I shall pray for your soul for the rest of my, and my bloodline's, days." Lots of things smell bad but taste awesome, this can't be that bad...can it? Bite one. Oh. My. God. It tasted just like it smelled, if not worse. I'm at a loss of how to describe it--yeah, it has even managed to bring me to a loss for words to describe how completely, utterly vile this dish was. I'd make a Hitler or Satan reference, but it was much, much, oh so much worse. CBC has managed to claim the worst dish of my life award, I didn't even realize food this bad existed. Had a horse been around I probably would have tossed its salad just to get the taste out of my mouth.
(1)
Andy H.
Stopped in on a snowy day while waiting for a flight out of Logan. Great friendly bartender to talk to about Curling, the sport that was on the TV at the time. Had the CBC burger which was cooked splendidly, delicious crispy fries, and I am not so sure about the specialty pickle...which had a funny spicy taste to it. Had the Big Man Pale Ale I think... whatever the winter seasonal pale ale was, and it was good and strong and tasty, had just enough to keep me warm. I'd go back for sure.
(4)
Nick M.
I've been a long time fan of Cambridge Brewing Company (or CBC for those that have been there before). They have an excellent rotating beer selection as well as some long time favorites (Tall Tale Pale Ale is one of the best Pale Ale's I've ever had). I'm also a huge fan of the Spring Training IPA, Triple Threat, and the Pumpkin Ale They have outside seating, which is great on a day where the weather is cooperating. The servers are attentive and offer suggestions (if you want them) and also check-in at appropriate times (not too much, not too little). They do Beer Towers (for 3 people or more), which has a tap so you can pour your own beer* *The taps tend to pour very fast. If you get a tower, be sure to tilt the glass and pour very slowly We tend to eat here whenever we come as well. I've had the pizza, CBC Burger (Excellent with the Stout BBQ sauce), Buffalo fingers, Mediterranean Plate, and several other dishes as well This is a great place to go if you are a beer lover; I've never had anything but beer here (I know they have wine, but I've never seen liquor), so I can't attest to any of the wines that are offered. Bar seating can be tricky after work; best bet for the bar is early on a Saturday/Sunday or late at night after the Happy Hour crowd has left The music is decent here too -- usually there's an iPod hooked up to the sound system. There's also an eclectic mix of characters that visit this establishment - from the MIT professors and students to professionals and musicians. If you haven't been already, I highly recommend scoping this place out
(4)
Teresa T.
When it comes to the CBC, the beer is what drives me back. Solid and priced reasonably. The food is mediocre though I like to pair my beer with a burger and start off with the nachos. Nachos are piles high and the burger is made well - juicy meat though not to the point where everything comes falling out of the burger. The CBC is a staple for a low key atmosphere to throw some back with friends. Service is nice.
(3)
Dan L.
Outdoor seating in March! We popped in last night and took a spot at the bar while we waited for our outside table. They have some really good beers here - I tried the Oakquinox which is a strong oak cask lager - great beer, but very strong. My wife tried the Red Barn Espresso Stout which of course I tried and it was delicious. I also tried the Sprint Training IPA which was nothing short of excellent. Bar Service was attentive despite the crowd. We got seated and ordered dinner - I had a Pizza of the day - a white pizza with Artichokes and olives. My wife had the pulled pork sandwich and a friend had the margarita pizza. We all really enjoyed the food and outdoor atmosphere. Prices were very reasonable. The service took one star away. Our waiter was not attentive and we had 3 or 4 situations were everyone in our party was looking at each other wondering where he went. I will be back for both the beer and great food.
(4)
Torin C.
Great beer, great service and great atmosphere. Personally it is my hangout of choice.
(5)
Ben K.
I don't know why I had it in my head that going to the CBC was going to be a disappointing experience. Maybe I was conflating it in my head with Cambridge Commons (which is always enjoyable, but rarely great), or maybe it was memories of overdrinking on the patio, but whatever the etiology, I was wrong. You have my apologies, Cambridge Brewing Company. I came with a date, which was the right thing to do. I've always loved the tucked-away courtyard area in Kendall that the CBC anchors, and next time I'll try to time my meal better to catch a movie at the ever-delightful Kendall Square Cinema. If the weather's nice, it's worth taking a wandering route, rather than beelining straight from the T. The CBC is a brewery, so you've of course come for the beer. If not, perhaps this isn't the place for you. I had the surprisingly good Sgt. Pepper's -- very light, with a spice kick that pairs well with food -- and the CBC burger, which was juicy and flavorful, and came with pretty killer fries. Better than the I-guess-you-need-something-to-go-with-your-drink fare I thought I'd get. They have classier (and pricier) options on the menu, but I doubt I'll ever meander into their territory. The star here is the beer, and beer is a humble drink. Also surprising (uncanny, even, but shying clear of unnerving) was the speed of service. Waiters were ever-helpful, and we both got our meals in the amount of time I'd usually expect for a drink. If I had higher expectations, maybe I would have been let down -- this place is certainly far from perfect -- but with little in mind, the CBC certainly came through with panache to spare.
(5)
Monica R.
Can't go wrong with a group of friends on the patio with a TOWER of beer! Awesome..... And please order the Charles River Porter!! I didn't give it five stars because I wish the menu would change a little more -- or that they had a few more dishes to chose from.
(4)
A P.
The ambiance of the restaurant itself was pleasant, but avoid it around 6 pm, when probably every MIT grad student and employee from Kendall Square was there getting a beer, so it was pretty crowded, noisy, and rushed. I don't hold that against them, though, since most brew-pubs are zany at 6 pm Friday. Their burgers come with caramelized onions, which are amazing, their fries are delicious, and their pizzas are surprisingly good. They also are the origin of my most favorite beer, the CBC Pumpkin Ale, though oddly, if you order it in-house, they do not rim your glass with cinnamon and sugar. The Sunsets both carry it, and they both rim your glass. They had an outdoor fireplace, which I didn't use, but I really liked it because it made the whole area smell like Vermont, or camping. (Especially once people started ordering some odoriferous fish dish, it smelled like a bonfire on the beach.) They share a bathroom with the Tommy Doyle's next door, so I assume they are part of the same company. (Yeah, I saw through your multi-decorated-doors into a bathroom vestibule. The MIT smartness was rubbing off on me.) The bathroom was unimpressive to not-so-clean, but I have no complaints. This is definitely a staple in my dining out rotation, though I do think they could turn down their music. It's irritating to go to a sit-down dinner only to have to shout. Oh, and there's a mural of a bunch of famous people (scientists?) hanging out at CBC. Stewie Griffin's chilling out next to Bill Gates.Try to identify the famous faces.
(4)
Michael W.
Had the BBQ Burger and CBC Porter. It was like a hug from Jesus. Went in Wed. for a meal before " Food Inc." at the Kendell. Not only was is delicious, but the service was great. I'm very picky about how I want my burgers made and seldom get it one without errors. This was as dictated, and the BACON! I don't know where that came from or how prepared but...brilliant!. I ordered at the bar, so the bartender (Trish?) also needed to cover the other customers while taking my detailed order. Can't wait to go back when it's sunny and avail myself of the patio. And I need to sample more fare before I can give it a 5th star.
(4)
Maria B.
hey-o this place is great. I love beer, so uh, check. Second of all, it's in a great locale (1 Kendall). The service is always pretty great, the beers are all absolutely delicious. The fry basket and potato skins are fantastic (mm beer, fries & potato skins- what a balanced meal!) There is outdoor and indoor seating, inside a really nice decor/vibe. Overall, kudos to CBC.
(4)
Kim P.
I had been to Cambridge Brewing Company a couple of times over the summer. It had okay service, decent-to-pretty good food, very good beer, and a nice outdoor patio. The patio, beer, and room for groups were pretty much the biggest draws. Therefore, it was definitely a second choice for dinner last night when it was (1) freaking freezing (no patio), (2) I didn't want to drink much, and (3) I was out with my boyfriend and we only needed a table for two. But alas, it was a freezing Saturday night and Emma's had closed early (their heat broke), so we hustled off to CBC, which we knew was close. Oh. My. God. It was like that scene in "She's All That" when Rachel Leigh Cook comes down the stairs before the big dance and she looks all hot and Freddie Prinze Jr. can't believe his eyes. Just yesterday, I was still thinking of CBC as the nerdy art school girl with paint splatters. However, last night, she emerged as a princess, and changed my image of her forever. I think that the Cardigans' "Kiss Me" might have been playing in the background as we ate, but one can never be sure. We decided to go out on a limb and order some fancier things than the traditional wings-and-nachos that we normally order here. We started with the duck sausage appetizer (with lentils, chutney, grilled bread, mustard) and a pitcher of pumpkin beer, and they were both absolutely delicious. We then split the AMAZING PUMPKIN RAVIOLI and a DELICIOUS ricotta-pesto-red pepper-sausage pizza before finishing with chocolate cake (very good, but nothing to wax on about) for dessert. The total came to about 60 bucks. I'm giving four stars to Cambridge Brewing Company for the following reasons: very good beer, good for groups, kind service, extremely reasonable prices (I would even say under-priced), a nice range of options for when members of your party want completely different things, and unexpectedly delicious food if you stray off the beaten wings-nachos-burger path. The fifth star is for completely blowing away my expectations like no other, and for that PUMPKIN RAVIOLI.
(5)
Raz G.
Let me start by saying the bartender was awesome. Big man IPA is a fab pale, I did taste the Cerise Cassee n it's kind of sour but You Enjoy My Stout is the fav at 11%.. Overall a fab place.
(4)
Geoff P.
Nice place to get a burger and a beer. The prices won't kill your wallet. The IPA was refreshing. The Porter wasn't as dark as I like but it was OK. I wasn't a big fan of the golden lager. It was weird having to go outside to a different building to pee.
(3)
Kristina D.
This review only pertains to the current seasonal offerings at CBC. 2 stars for Scotch ale (9.2%) 2 stars for Blunderbuss barleywine (11%) 1 star for Scotch ale IN A TOWER for your frisbee team (note: this is not a punitive rating; it is merely meant to achieve the full five stars).
(5)
The Dude L.
Cambridge Brewing Company is simply the best brewery in the Boston/Cambridge area. They're at the cutting edge of brewing, producing beers that other area brewers don't have the nads to mess around with. Of course this means that not all their beers are for everyone, but if you're even a bit adventurous in your love of beer, this is the place to spend some time at. Among my favorite styles here are their barleywines, stouts, pumpkin beers and their Big Man Ale. The food has never wowed me, but I would totally recommend their Sunday brunch. One of the best in town.
(4)
seth w.
What we had was really good. Calamari was ok... tender, could have used a little bit more hot peppers, they added onion rings which takes a bit away from the amount of calamari and I don't think it added to the dish. CBC burger - my girlfriend avoids eating generic factory meats. So she was pleasantly surprised that they source Brandt all-natural beef products. She took advantage and ate one of her first burgers in a long time. It was really well cooked and delicious. Roasted chicken - really moist and flavorful, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables including peas and lentils Beer - Amber was really good, Seasonal Belgian was mmm ok Overall, I plan to come back again soon.
(4)
Justin I.
Spring training IPA is so good. The food is great too! They have some really big celebrations and parties all throughout the year. This was the third time going and every time is just as good as the last. Good service, especially if you sit at the bar. During the summer and fall it's nice to sit outside and hang out with friends. This place is awesome and I think everyone should go at least once.
(5)
Morgan F.
Its a warm summer night/afternoon and all you want to do is DRINK BEER OUTSIDE! Done! Head to the huge patio of CBC. Its a popular spot, so there might be a wait, but be bold, just ask and they will let you grab a beer from the bar and sip it on the stairs outside as you wait! Beer-wise, I love that they brew the stuff RIGHT THERE, like when you go inside you can see all the stuff behind the bar! Talk about local! I tired two of the seasonal beers, a hefeweizen and a belgien, just what I needed to break the summer heat! Once seated, check out the menu, lots of healthy food, and a surprising amount of veggie options! I ordered the Asian Tofu Burger with wasabi sauce and a friend got the veggie pizza yum! I will be back and with a group of friends so I can get one of those beer bong things (think a huge skinny pitcher of beer with a tap on it for only $25)! That and their Beerunch with a "beer" Bloody Mary sounds awesome!
(4)
angela c.
I just recently joined the "Dirty Thirty Club," and went out to dinner with two of my girlfriends who I haven't hung out with in a while to celebrate. It was decided that we'd go to the Cambridge Brewing Company. I had been there only one other time, and liked the atmosphere, so thought, why not? Why not, indeed. Had I known that there was an untapped world of cute/hotness there, I would be there all the time. Or more of the time, anyway. Seriously. Upon arriving, we had to wait for a little while before a table opened up. One of my friends spent some time talking to one of the female servers, who, upon review, I would probably make out with because she was (A) cute, and (B) really funny. (She also, weirdly enough, reminded me of a female version of the guy I went with to my high school senior prom.) Let's not forget to take into consideration the fact that I'm straight. We were eventually seated, and our server was... SO. FREAKING. CUTE. He sort of reminded me of Adam Levine (the lead singer of Maroon 5), but in a hotter, real, he-can-wear-a-faux-hawk-and-make-it-look-super-Âhot, he-would-never-be-caught-dead-singing-falsetto kind of way. He was sort of quiet to begin with, but generally a pretty good server. Toward the end of the meal, my friends revealed to him that it was my birthday, so he opened up a little, told us a funny work story, and then offered to buy me dessert in lieu of a drink, since I was driving. Dinner, drinks, good conversation, and free dessert? Done. On our way out, our server tried to give money back to my girlfriends because they left him a really generous tip, but they just laughed it off. I thanked him again, and he wished me a happy birthday in a quiet voice that briefly made me think of dimly lit rooms and hot make out sessions. Oh, and the food was good, too. ;)
(4)
Josiah S.
Cambridge Brewing Company is the best place in town for craft brews, bar none. They combine friendly, relaxed service with excellent, creative food and phenomenal beers. Generally speaking their rotating specials are better than their standard line-up, but this is not surprising: those are the fun ones to come up with, after all. Their sweeter, boozier Belgian-style beers are particularly scrumptious, but they have been doing a great job of getting me to branch out into other genres. The Red God IPA is particularly worthwhile, for example, and the release of their seasonal barleywine has long been an annual event for me. Also, they occasionally do Brewer's Dinners that are particularly noteworthy: they will serve locally grown vegetables and humanely raised meats in creative preparations and match these with a stock of limited-run beers. When you see that one of these is happening, you should definitely take advantage of it.
(5)
Dan T.
If you make your own quality beer, and you allow it to inspire your food, it's tough to go wrong. Also, they support locals, and that matters to me. Not only with their own menu, but on a public scale, strengthening the beer community with connections and experience. I'm impressed w/how they conduct themselves. No matter the season, this is a great place to stop after work to get a satisfying drink and a bite. Summer brews in outdoor seating are fantastic for people watching and soaking up the environment, but the indoors seems to be laid out to transform to the feel of the season...along with their beer and food menus.
(4)
Katie V.
I had a good experience here on a Monday night-- it was pretty "dead" as other Yelpers have mentioned, but that was fine by me. I sat at the bar with a friend and drank some of the Cambridge Amber, which was like a better tasting Sierra Nevada. The food we ordered was good and a great value -- mussels appetizer was entree-sized and the $10 "personal" pizza special was gigantic. Pizza was great -- a white pie with tomatoes, spinach and (spicy!) chorizo on top. The mussels were plump, but the sauce they came in, while creative and autumn-themed, was not entirely harmonious with seafood. The mussels were served in a pumpkin-esque broth, with potatoes, garlic, squash and garbanzo beans mixed in. Sounds better than it tasted. It wasn't bad, just a little bizarre and the flavors didn't exactly meld together they way I was hoping they would. I'm not in Kendall Sq. often, but I'd come here again if I was....
(4)
Orian I.
straight up? I love beer, I love my boy cause he loves beer and he is most deff. a beer expert.I had a great time and it's a chill spot with good service. They have a nice selection and even though it was later the place was still hoping. it's a nice chill spot for sippin suds and chatting.
(4)
Maureen S.
Went here with a group of roughly 15 people. The food was fine, the beer was fine, but the service was terrible. There were hardly any other people in the restaurant and they still acted like we were too much handle (and we were anything but). Bottom line is if everywhere else is packed, it would probably be fine to grab a beer and a burger here, but I won't be back.
(2)
Jake D.
I was excited to come here because I love visiting local breweries. Upon arrival, I was not impressed. The entrance was narrow, the service was awkward. Our waiter seemed stressed and distracted, but maybe he was having a bad day. My seasonal beer on cask was awesome, but the margherita pizza was overpriced for bland bread, a bit of cheese and 3 small pieces of basil leaves. There wasn't any fresh tomatoes and the basil was only on 2 slices. I had a better time talking to our neighbors than enjoying the food. I'd say only come here for the beer and move onto the place across the street for food. I wish I had a flight of beers to give a better review. I did like that CBC offered your own beer tower per table.
(3)
Kristine A.
I came here w/ my co-worker since I have come before & thought it was decent. What a mistake. I ordered this veggie muffaletta which was huge & kinda crappy. I couldn't pick it up, couldn't cut it w/ a knife & basically destroyed it trying to eat it. It was annoying when I found out it was pre-made so I couldn't delete an item from this sandwich so I basically picked it out. My co-worker wasn't impressed by her quesadilla either. Aside from that, I am glad my waiter even bothered asking if I wanted salad or fries w/ it so when it came out already w/ fries & he asked me if that was ok that he forgot-um really? What the hell is that about anyway? I won't be going back since it's just not worth it since their menu has totally gone downhill.
(1)
Joanna C.
I stopped by the CBC for pre-movie meal last weekend. I started off with a Tall Tale Pale Ale at the bar and my dining companion had a Charles River porter that I liked but he wasn't so keen on. I had the butternut squash soup appetizer (goat cheese, apple chips, chives) and a beet and goat cheese frisee (watercress, arugula, balsamic and E.V.O.O, pistachios, honey) for my meal. The soup was only so-so, the highlight being the creamy goat cheese. The salad had a lot going on in it which I tend to enjoy. My only complaint is that I found a couple of spots with too much pepper on it. I admit, I'm pepper sensitive so take that complaint with a grain of salt. (HAH!) My dining companion had the BBQ burger. The fries were really yummy. He tried to order the blond beer but the waitress told him that she wasn't aware of any blond. She eventually brought the menu and he picked out the Regatta Golden which definitely has blond in the description. Maybe she was new but otherwise she should have known. I think I'll just take the idea for the salad and make it myself instead of returning.
(2)
Barbara W.
First time here and love the beer selection. Bruins vs. Canucks game 3 Stanley Cup final game is on and a small but mighty crowd here. Our lovely bartender even succumbed to our pressure to put the sound on the game and cool tunes at intermission. Looks like a good patio in the summer. Looking forward to the Pumpkin Ale!
(4)
Glenn R.
What started as a very nice, but fairly straightforward meal last night turned into one of those really special, and unexpected, dining experiences. I ordered the lamb shank. The waiter obligingly substituted white asparagus for the Brussels sprouts. The shank itself was good size and perfectly prepared. However, the marrow in the bone was inaccessible: the opening was too narrow for the dinner knife at the table. It seemed a shame to waste it. When I mentioned this to our server - somewhat in jest - he commiserated and said he'd see what he could do. He took my plate away and returned ten minutes later. On a rectangular serving platter was the shank bone, the marrow in a tasting spoon, toasted (under the broiler) thin slices of bread, a small composed arugula salad, and a tiny pile of pink Himalayan salt. The presentation brought smiles to the three of us at the table and we quickly devoured our little bonus dish (there's only so much marrow in a lamb shank bone). It really was an unexpected surprise!
(5)
Wendy G.
The beer was yum (Pumpkin). The food was eh. Either my knife need to be sharpened, or my pork chop was terribly over cooked. Probably a little of both. And the waitress peed on the seat! When I was coming into the bathroom, my waitress was leaving the bathroom. I went into the stall she had been in because it was open, and there was piss all over the seat. That's disgusting!
(2)
Dana B.
Eegads. Where do I being? Nothing is really coming to mind, because nothing really stood out to me. The CBC is as bland as they come. A large, loud, open room with large murals. The night that we went was not that busy, but the staff seemed to be running around like crazy. Location: Right in One Kendall Square an area bustling with plenty of other places to eat in varying monetary scale. Food: I ordered a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger and it was gross. Not cooked well done like I had asked, but arrived very pink. The bacon was a joke. It was fairly expensive for what it was. As were my other friends meals. They range in price from $10-$20 and none of them are worth it. Chain restauants have better quality meals. I do like that they try to buy local, but if they are buying local, the food should be cheaper! Beer: The beer is what gets this place two starts instead of one. It was quite tasty. In fact, we were all pleased with their beers and we each had something different. They should probably just concentrate on beer. Service: Took forever. Our waitress forgot some of our drink orders even AFTER she brought another friend her beer. We had to ask her. So, the one enjoyable part of the meal took about 25 minutes to get. Money is tight and I was not happy at all when I left.
(2)
Justin M.
This place was close to my hotel and received good reviews so I thought I'd try it out. I wasn't disappointed. I ate at the bar where the friendly bartender tool care of me. A Too Tall Pale Ale and a bomb piece of salmon later I was full and happy. I'll be back again since I need to try the rest of their beers!
(4)
Cecilia H.
My husband and I visited the Cambridge Brewing Company last night and it was a warm and bustling place even though it was a cold, wet, weeknight. Although the restaurant is a bit pricey, the appetizers alone are stupendous! Our server was really easygoing but attentive and the environment was clean and comfortable. We decided to try the Om beer and the Pumpkin Ale which turned out to be everything we hoped for. The Om was our favorite though it was strong but went down smooth. If you're into beer, this is probably a great place to go to.
(4)
Jeff M.
Everything about this place was perfectly good, but nothing was particularly outstanding. There's a good beer list, and the three pints I had were good, but not striking. The food was plenty good, and hit the spot after I spent all day hiking around Boston & Cambridge. If I'm ever it the MIT area again and finding myself in need of food /drink, I'll happily come back here, but I don't think I'd make a special trip. Also, can I just say, as a tourist, that the "One Kendall Square" address is @#$%ing impossible to find? I know Cambridge types are smart, but throw us tourists a bone, gorram it!
(3)
Jym B.
The beer is TOP NOTCH. The food is excellent. The service is attentive without being hovering. They're friendly and VERY knowledgeable. The atmosphere is first rate. It's clean, welcoming and subtly states "stay, enjoy yourself and have a good time". If I could own/run/promote a brewpub it would be CBC with a brick oven for pizza :)
(5)
Beth E.
In concept, I like this place. A good selection of beer, and food that focuses on trying to stay local. All good in my mind. But, there's just something that doesn't quite click with me. After my first visit, I was left thinking the beer was good, and the food was pretty good too, but there was something about the atmosphere that left me kind of cold. It was winter, mind you, but there was something about the seating that made it feel more like a cafeteria than a restaurant to me. Fast forward to more than a year later, and I return. Again, good beer selection, and the food was pretty tasty. It was summer this time, and while the outdoor seating seems nice, we snagged a table inside to avoid the tremendous wait. Things were going well until a roach started crawling across our table. We tried to flick it away a couple times but it kept coming back. We captured it under a glass and warned our server as we left, so as to not frighten her with its scurrying. After my last experience, it'll probably be a while before I make it back. I feel CBC has a lot of potential, but just hasn't lived up to it yet.
(3)
Holson Y.
Great People Great Cheeseburger Great Beer Great Atmosphere Great Location 5 Greats, 5 Stars
(5)
brian c.
Cambridge Brewing Company is in the Kendall Square Complex. The inside is nice. You can see all of the brewing equipment and they have booths in the back as well. The servers are friendly and very knowledgable on the beers that they serve. The food is reasonably priced and tasty. I recommend the burger and the pulled pork sandwich. The beers are fantastic. They have 4 house beers and rotating taps of sesonal brews. The Darkest Night and Charles River Porter are both awesome. I will easily come back again. Great place!
(5)
Chloe B.
Holy shit, but Cambridge Brewing Company blew my expectations right out of the Charles. I was totally shocked by how tasty and well-conceived the food was at this glorified brewpub. I had the Club Sandwich pizza and my dining companion at the Fish and Chips -- both were super tasty, although the coleslaw left something to be desired. Seriously, why would anyone in their right mind head to Tommy Doyle's right next door? As for the beer, I have two words for you: WEEKAPAUG GRUIT. This beer is barely a beer, it's more of a mead/wine/thing and it is out of this fucking world. Brewed with herbs like sweet gale, yarrow, and rosemary, sipping this gruit is pretty much like drinking the best witch's brew ever. It's also a total trip back to the middle ages, minus the weirdos who like to pretend they're still LIVING in the middle ages. Mmmm, gruit. My mouth waters just thinking of its malty, herbal awesomeness.
(4)
Scott B.
I've been to CBC a few times now. The staff has always been awesome... the service supreme... and the food mediocre. The beer is really good though, especially in the fall. The Pumpkin Beer is quite possibly the best beer I've ever consumed! Outdoor seating in the summer is key, and giant beer tubes for parties of 4 or more make this place a MUST GO for anyone new to the area. They also have jugs of beer to go... but make sure you order it before 11:30, because they won't sell it to you after that.
(4)
Kat O.
I FINALLY made it to CBC after moving to Cambridge from Allston (ew) about 4 months ago. Woooorrrrrtttthhhhhhh the wait. The energy was perfect - boisterous but not obnoxious (both great words, by the way). The bartender and waitstaff were all friendly and amicable and our food and drink was soo satisfying. TRY THE PUMPKIN BREW! No really, I'm normally not a fan of pumpkin beers (Shipyard Pumpkinhead? Tastes like pumpkin pie soda...) but this one was so subtle with the perfect tiny little spicy taste and decent alcohol content. Our food was fantastic too - our table ordered a couple of the eggplant sandwiches, a pate appetizer plate and a caesar salad with a scallop appetizer. Basically, this place epitomizes why I was pumped to leave Allston for Cambridge - plenty of space to go out and be merry, but no drunken dirty sloppy people fuggin' things up. Adding it to my list of faves!
(5)
Tracee D.
My 3 stars will mysteriously evaporate come fall and winter when the patio disappears. I like the cheese plate they offer and the bottled cider they sell. The cider is nice and dry not as sweet as the usual offerings. I worked in Brewing companies in Western Mass all thru college (Amherst Brewing Co & Northampton Brewing Co) so I know my hops and Barley recipe's. The beer here is decent. I like me a patio. So it works. The menu is ok. The staff is cordial.
(3)
Andrea S.
I'm fairly neutral on the topic. Working in Kendall leaves us limited places to drink after work. So often we head here. When it's warm out, the outdoor tables are the best thing about this place. The food is ok, the beer is decent, the service is a little sad. Nothing decidedly awesome or horrid has ever taken place here when I've been here. I've never had a burning desire to go, but I've never not gone out because we were heading to CBC.
(3)
Ian S.
This is a review for the food, not the beer. I've eaten there twice, once I got the BBQ Burger(BBQ sauce, cheddar, bacon) and the other time their cuban sandwich. Both managed to be remarkably flavorless and bland. How one makes a flavorless BBQ-bacon-cheese burger I don't know, but they managed. The cuban had much better bread, but the pork wasn't good, was too thin, there was way too much cheese, and the cheese wasn't that great. I got the Cuban because the waitress recommended it and the burgers, so if I've had two of CBC's best, I'm very sad. That being said, their beer is very strong. I haven't had any beers there that weren't good, and some have been exceptional. But the food is average enough that I have to rate them on that, since that dominated my experience.
(2)
Barbara G.
Place was great. Great beer and food. Local brewery in Cambridge. The brunch menu is awesome. Make sure you look at the whole menu before you decide. I ordered and then my friend ordered her food, and I was like where was that on the menu. I was left with my great choice, but deep down I wanted to steal her plate!
(4)
Joey M.
I didn't get a chance to try the food here, just stopped by for a few beers. The beer was pretty good, i really liked the Charles River Porter a good malty caramel taste but not overwhelming or too heavy. The Tall Tale Pale Ale was disappointing in my opinion, not enough hops and a bit too on the fruity side. The pumpkin spice beer was similar in color and taste with a touch more spices to it. A pretty solid beer but all in all nothing to write home about. On beer quality alone I would rate this a 4 star establishment but both me and the person who I came with didn't like the atmosphere. I understand that its not a bar in the usual sense but more of a resteraunt but it felt kinda boring. It felt almost like a college cafeteria, severly lacking in character. CBC would probably be a good place to go out for a meal and a few beers with a group, but overall it left me wanting more.
(3)
Megan A.
If you're there in the fall, try their pumpkin beer. I've never tasted anything like it at any other restaurant or brew pub. It actually tastes very good because it's a very slight flavor of pumpkin. Our waitress said that they even use real, fresh pumpkins to make it, not some flavoring. Every dish of food we had was quite good. Not gourmet, but very good. The waitress was friendly but not very attentive. She passed our table several times every time we seemed to need something and we had to try a bit to get her attention. It's a good place to go hang out with friends and there's plenty of outdoor seating.
(4)
Dave M.
Excellent beer, great food, and perfect atmosphere. Whether you want lunch, dinner, or just something to snack on while having some drinks, CBC has become my top choice in the area. Try The Wallet (dinner time only)!
(5)
Purvi R.
Fun place! HUGE outdoor patio, great for groups, both with the large picnic type tables and the draft beer at your table. (what are they called, those big portable tap things that have like 8 beers in them?) A little out of the way if you are walking around and want to just hit up a bar, but there are a lot of dive-y places around that you can entertain yourself for a while.
(3)
Ellen C.
This is actually a 3.5 star review. A group of 16 very hungry people descended on the CBC last night (Monday) around 9pm for dinner and beer. They accommodated us easily -- shoved a bunch of tables together no problem. The patio outside was packed, but inside was empty except for our group. Our waitress was great -- she was personable, brought us several pitchers of water for the table, and took our orders without much of a wait. Decor is blah -- the brewing equipment in the back of the restaurant is cool, but the dining area left zero impression. The tables were square, the chairs were wooden, beyond that I couldn't tell you what the place looks like. The food was on the slightly pricey side (apps around $6-8, sandwiches $10-12, pizzas $10-15, entrees $20-28) but not unreasonable. My poached salmon salad sandwich was huge and tasty enough, but not mind blowing. Similar sentiments from around the table. The beer though, the beer is great. Date guy had the triple, which was complex (let me be pretentious for a minute), had a nice aftertaste, and was surprisingly light for something with 9% alcohol. Wide selection -- beer is the reason to come here. That and the outdoor patio. Good post-work spot, I bet.
(3)
Jamie F.
I really don't understand the hype. I went with a group of five friends on a weeknight when the restaurant was ~40% full, but both the hostess and server gave us a very hard time about being in a group. It really seemed that both of them didn't want any business. Vadhat, our waiter, was very very slow (when he didn't even seem busy), rude, and surly. He really seemed to resent being a waiter. He avoided eye contact and scowled at us, and several people would ask for water for the table, and 20 minutes later he would return with a single glass. The beer was mediocre, although I was just coming from Germany, so I suppose I shouldn't have expected much. The food was very disappointing. The menu sounds interesting, and the organic/local/fair-trade/seasonal/etc adjectives appealed to my liberal guilt, but everything was just bland, uninspired, and overpriced.
(1)
Sarah D.
I have gone here for lunch a couple times and it just doesn't do it for me. The service is extremely slow, the food is so so & the tables are on top of one another. I work right next door so it's convenient but I don't think I will return anytime soon.
(2)
Anthony R.
CBC is great! I love going there in the summer - nothing quite like sitting out on the patio on a lazy weekend afternoon getting buzzed off a tower of delicious beer with a couple of friends. I mean, until you get hungry and order a $9 plate of nachos that's really small and you fight over every last bite for. Outside of the $9 nachos, the food is tasty, although I've always gotten just sandwiches (love the Cuban sandwich they serve) and pizzas, which are also very tasty. They're also great for groups - the tables inside can accommodate a lot of people and outside of the summer it's usually not that packed. Currently, now that it's frigid outside, their great pumpkin ale is great, even if the patio isn't.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Food's all right, beer's all right, wine's all right, service is all right, bathrooms are fairly sanitary by city standards, the price isn't too bad. The only two things that stand out from utter mediocrity: The fireplace/stove thing they put outside in the winter (to warm the dirty smokers). The beer towers.
(3)
Allison P.
We love a good brewery. We really love a good brewery with good food and good atmosphere. Their porter is drinkable but nothing special. I got the CBC burger, mostly because it had grilled onions. The problem was that there was hardly any onions and the bun was dense and dry. The side salad was also dry and boring. To top it off my food was hardly warm. My BFs fish and chips were great.... Thus the 2 stars. We appreciated their patio on a nice summer evening but the service was nothing but the bare necessities. We inhaled their salt and vinegar fries but I think that was probably because we were famished and didn't care what we were eating.
(2)
Basile B.
Very attentive staff. Great beer.
(4)
Nicholas K.
I've been here a few times now. This place is pretty good if all you're doing is drinking, and all you're drinking is beer. The place itself is pretty nice, there are huge vats of beer in back, which adds to the feel of the place. I had the Mediterranean Plate, most recently. This was my only experience with food at the CBC, and I shall not repeat it. The plate was bland and small for the price. The falafel on the plate was too mushy and cold, and the tabouleh was tasteless. The hummus was the one redeeming factor from the plate and even that was simply passable. The beer, however, is very good. I don't think I've tried one there that I didn't like. I've had the sour ale, the tall pale ale, and a few of the pumpkin brews, and each one has been quite good. Come for beer and don't be tempted by the food.
(3)
Lisa R.
Living very close to the Kendall Square complex, we are big fans of CBC and visit a few times a month. The atmosphere is great--clean, cozy, comfortable, and not pretentious. The menu is seasonal, so with the exception of staples, there are lots of things changing season-to-season (in addition, of course, to a rotating selection of beers). Service is no-frills, but good. Really can't complain--and have been here many, many times. For appetizers, the hush puppies (seasonal this fall) are pretty delish, but am not a fan of the ricotta/pear brushetta (would be so much better with a goat cheese). Buffalo bites are very hot, so not for those who prefer something more mild!! The wallet sandwich is super delicious, and the fish and chips are a standard favorite. We've also had some excellent specials, the shining star of which was a four cheese pizza with fried egg. Don't forget a whoppie pie for dessert--make that a "big ass whoopie pie!" (Try to catch a pumpkin one on special some nights!) Even the growlers have become a big hit for bringing CBC home on holidays and to parties.
(5)
Joel M.
Great beer at a good price, but the two times I've eaten here I've been less than impressed considering the cost. I wish they would expand the bar area, as it's always packed but there's normally open tables save for Friday and Saturdays. It's close enough that I'll definitely keep coming back, and it's certainly my favorite spot for a beer in Kendall square.
(4)
Jeremiah G.
I've hit up the CBC many-a-time following softball games and I'm always amazed at their ability to seat an entire softball team, usually within a few minutes. So they definitely earn major props for that. Although when I've gone there in small parties, I've often had much longer waits. However, I assume it varies on a night-by-night basis. In addition to the usually prompt seating (when escorted by a hoard of bat-wielding librarians, anyway), CBC also offers some really great food. I've tried a bunch of things on the menu and I feel that I have yet to go wrong with any of my choices. The pulled-pork sandwich is one of the best I've had in the Boston area, the pizzas are great and their burgers are incredible. Although, let's be honest here the main reason I love CBC can be summed up in two words: tower race. CBC serves all of their homemade brews in a 100 oz tower. Often times the tower serves as a large groups answer to ordering multiple pitchers. Other times the tower serves as a means of competition and liver-debilitation.
(4)
Trish F.
So I was so mad when I came here last week.. I had two beers. For those that know me, they know I'm not supposed to be drinking because of my vocal chord issues. One beer is pushing it.. two beers is bad news bears. To top it off.. the beers were just.. ok. Maybe it's because I haven't had a drink in awhile, but the Regatta Golden and the Tall Tale Pale Ale were just so so to me. I will however taste them again when I'm drinking on the regular and update my review. The things I do for you guys. My friend and I were ravenous, so we ordered the nachos to start and then I ordered the fish stew. There were scallops, mussels, and other sea creatures involved in this situation. I also realized after awhile.. that the dish was HOT. I must have missed something on the menu, but that's probably why I downed the beer so quickly (besides being in a bad mood.. haha.. ). It seemed kind of strange that the rice was just chillin' at the bottom of the stew, but it tasted pretty good. Not gonna lie, I'll probably never get it again because I'm a mild child. One semi-bothersome food thing was that as my friend and I were leaving, we realized there were specials! Sad.. I love ordering specials.. but the waiter didn't mention them and we were in an area where we didn't see the board. Our waiter was really great though. He was very attentive and knew when to stay away because I was in middle of some story-telling-super-pissed-off-at-X-Y-Z moments. The food delivery was cutting it close though. Our entrees came out while we were still working on our appetizer, but that didn't bother us piggies. Although the huge portions did crowd the table. Oh.. and there were also some very good looking fellas here. haha.. But that's neither here nor there. 3.5 stars rounded up.
(4)
Sean J.
The food here is pretty delicious. It's tasty and not overly filling, just the right amount. The service (or lack thereof) leaves something to be desired though, and they don't have air conditioning so it gets really hot inside the restaurant.
(4)
Kristine M.
How sad it was to go to a brewery while pregnant, especially when my dining companions were extraordinarily excited about their beers. I guess I'll have to return with an appetite for beer after I pop the bambino out. CBC has a really nice patio, perfect for a warm evening. The waitress screwed up my order (brought a Mediterranean platter instead of mussels) but they let us keep the Mediterranean platter free of charge. It was a tasty little platter with good hummus. The mussels were also tasty, and it was a generous portion. I also got french fries which were garlicky and rosemary-y, and tasty! I love that a lot of their ingredients are local, too. Definitely worth stopping by there. And I can't wait until I can enjoy a beer again...and I'll be going to CBC, for sure :-)
(4)
Jamie A.
Mmmmm. Delicious brews, healthy dining options, friendly servers. We've been here many a time and just love it. Since it's right around the corner from where my boy works, it's a great spot to meet up for dinner. Try their seasonal brews for SURE. The hefe is also delish. The smoked salmon salad is scrumptious, as well as the seared tuna. It might have a bit too much wasabi sauce, and I love the stuff, but other than that, it's very good. I will admit that I miss sitting out on the patio in the summer, but the inside is cozy as well. It's a great place to stop before heading over to the Kendall Cinema, which is right around the corner.
(4)
Steve H.
Okay, so I visited Cambridge Brewing Company on a Tuesday Night in the summer, not too busy. The Server was great, and attentive.. good job to her. We sat outside, it was really nice outside, their patio is kinda tucked away. not much to see, other than older buildings. The food was good, I had the buffalo chicken finger, they were boneless and get a 2 out of 10 on the spicy meter, they were good, served with blue cheese and celery. I also ordered the Salt and Vinegar Fries, if you like Salt and Vinegar Potato chips, you'll love these fries, they were very unique as far as taste goes, the food was presented in a nice and quick manner. We didn't try any of the beer, but they do brew beer on site. Overall, I would recommend this place. The only reason I gave the place 4 stars is primarily on the Host Staff, which ties into service
(5)
Silvia A.
Loved it! Beer was excellent, especially the hefeweizen. Food was really good too. We got the entree with the blue fish with an amazing side of cucumber Thai salad. We also got a pizza. Any Italian reading this will cringe but this pizza with pesto, PEACHES, Serrano prosciutto and cloumage was actually good. The food for the kids was excellent and abundant We will be back.
(5)
Amy B.
Cambridge Brewing Company has two seasonal beers that I particularly love: The Sargent Pepper in the spring, and the Great Pumpkin in the fall. If either of these beers are on the menu, my order is a no-brainer. If those beers are not on the menu, fun options include ordering a sampler or a beer tower--two different serving size extremes. In terms of food, I think it's just ok at CBC. There are two appetizer items I love, the salt and vinegar fries and the nachos. Both are hard to stop eating. The other food items are fine, but none of them stand out as exceptional. CBC has a really nice patio in warm weather months.
(4)
Ashley C.
My first mistake was going here for brunch. The line for the brunch at the Friendly Toast was way too long so my roommate and I decided to go here instead. Food: Obviously, I had slim pickings for breakfast/brunch items on their menu, considering this is a brewery restaurant. Ended up getting their belgian waffle, which had nothing special to it. As I was eating, I felt like it was such a waste of money. I would've definitely enjoyed eating Leggo My Eggo waffles on my couch and watching Netflix more. Again, in fairness, I should've this is a brewery restaurant and their specialty isn't breakfast foods but still... if they're gonna have it as an option on the menu, the food should at least be decent. Service: Place was empty so they were able to sit us down instantly. Our server came by to check up on us a couple of times and filled our water glasses when asked. Wouldn't come here for brunch.... but maybe I'll try it for a dinner.
(2)
Shaji K.
Went here on a Friday night with an overzealous appetite and an eye on the samples of all the beers I haven't had. Ordered the nachos to start ($9) and the peach pizza ($13). The nachos are gigantic; layers of nachos, cheese, salsa, jalapenos and the like. Very tasty and an instant regret on ordering the pizza as well. Speaking of, very interesting combination on the homemade cheese and slices of peach. Too bad I couldn't finish all of it. Sampled a few beers and liked the "Flower Child" the best - a balanced bitter that's not too strong to pair with the food. Nice place to grab food/drink, though I could only do a sampler of 3 at a time (despite what previous pictures have shown). Will definitely be back when in the area.
(5)
Emily L.
We recently enjoyed a long-overdue visit to my brother and sister-in-law in their new Boston home, and they wisely steered us to CBC for dinner. First of all, Boston summer nights are so perfect it's almost not fair -- cool and breezy, perfect weather for outside dining. The outdoor seating was beautiful, strung with fairy lights. The beer selection was impressive, although I have to say everything I tried was a little too bitter for me. I'll be glad when the hop-it-up fad is over in this country! We started with an order of nachos, which were toweringly impressive. I wish there had been a meat chili option -- more power to vegetarians, but the whole point of chili is the meat, so veggie chili is a little anticlimactic. Still, the seasoning was excellent, and between the cheese and sour cream, I almost didn't miss it. Extra points for the super-spicy fresh jalapenos. Everyone at the table loved their entrees, but my BLT was the best, if I do say so myself: a generous pita wrap spread with creamy, mild cloumage cheese, littered with fresh greens and ripe tomatoes, and crowned with a huge tangle of crispy bacon. Clearly they understand the point of a BLT! In place of mayonnaise I had asked for a side of their jalapeno aioli, which was the perfect complement. I actually couldn't finish it, so we shared bites around the table. Everyone was astounded. Another bonus: they allow you to order salad instead of fries for no additional charge, so I didn't feel too terrible about my food choices! We were too stuffed for dessert, but my husband's margherita pizza was so huge he took half of it home -- and ate it for breakfast the next morning. NOT my thing, but he loved it -- cold as well as fresh from the oven. We will definitely return here the next time we're in town!
(4)
Steve K.
I haven't been to this area in decades. It's now become a hip little gentrified spot. There's a cluster of restaurants here, one of them being the "CBC", or Cambridge Brewing Company. - It's a casual but nice restaurant. I had some of their American Lager, which was excellent. I had their steak (filet) for dinner, and it was also really good. - We also had their roasted brussel sprouts, which was nicely done. My friends also had some mussels, which aren't my thing, but they loved them. - It wasn't all that busy, and we went during prime dinner time - 7 PM on a Saturday. I was surprised it wasn't packed. - They also have outdoor seating, for those few days when the New England weather actually cooperates. - I liked the food and I'd go back if asked.
(4)
Alexandra M.
I came here as part of a Harpoon 100 Barrel Series. It was a colobration between CBC and Harpoon, so that was pretty cool. However, we spent $50 for a beer at harpoon, a beer at CBC, a bottle to take home and food. Then there were not enough seats at CBC and it was cramped because they had the outdoor area open. It's not that bad until you start thinking, 'I paid $50 for this...' The beers + transpo was probably $30, so where's the rest? Complaints done, the beer was great! You could tell that the harpoon and CBC beers were slightly different. I liked the CBC one more! Their fried mac n cheese was great, although I don't understand the shape....I liked it more without the homemade ketchup, but my roommate liked it better with. Sushi was terrible. Pizza was okay--too bready for both of us but the toppings were good. I'd come back for the beer and mac n cheese and if I have more to report I'll update.
(3)
Jeff D.
Great local brewery that has been putting out great and innovative beers for over 25 years. In fact we were there for the 26th anniversary party and I really enjoyed the funky mix of stuff they'd put on tap, including my first ever sour stout. My wife came along with a friend of mine despite saying she'd never had a CBC beer that she liked. I looked through the list and got her at Topaz IPA which she loved. Just took the right beer! Great spot and we can't wait to spend another summer night there.
(4)
Mallory C.
We had stayed in Kendall Square for a fundraising event, and after seeing there was an hour wait for the Friendly Toast, we turned the corner and ended up at CBC! I must say, it is one of the best brunches we have had in the Boston area. My mom and I had the "Benedict of the day," which was Avocado and Bacon with Sriracha hollandaise (I dare you to say a word I don't like!) and the boy had the hangover wrap (I can't remember what my dad had) First of all- they have BEER-UNCH on Saturday, so YAY!!! And the food and service were absolutely amazing. We all cleaned our plates. The beer was also out of this world, and I intend on looking for CBC brews to enjoy at home as well. There is an accessible bathroom on the first floor, and all things considered, we will definitely be back here for brunch, lunch or dinner. Even though it's a little out of the way, I consider it a worthy venture! YUM CBC.
(5)
Rachelle B.
Tried here for the first time on a gorgeous, warm May Monday for lunch as regular Boston tourists. We mistakenly thought it was open at 11am, so arrived just then to be told it doesn't open until 11:30, so walked around a few blocks to kill time, then were right back at 11:30 to be the first customers of the day. We took a 2-seater table outside on the patio in the sun, but then they opened the big awning to provide shade for the tables as it was actually getting too warm in the sun. Never thought I'd say that in May, but true! Anyway, the outside is mainly four-seaters, with some six-seaters, with the whole seating section wrapping around the corner of the restaurant in a cozy courtyard style between brick office buildings. Standard black metallic tables. Some flower beds. When you go indoors, there's a large front dining section of tables and booths of brown, with a large celebrity mural painting on one wall, high ceilings, overall casual atmosphere. By the time we left around 1:00, the patio and this dining section were totally full and it was a bit loud with all the conversations going on, to the point I don't know if music was playing or not. There's a third back dining room but nobody was in it, so guess they seat people at the front first and then work their way back. Friendly service. Staff definitely kept busy with the lunch crowd. I tried the Local Organic Vegetarian Black Bean Burger (Slow Tractor Farm Black Beans, Pepper Jack Cheese, Roasted Garlic & Jalapeno Mayo. $11) which was very good. The only downfall I guess would be that it was a plain white bun and guess there isn't an option for whole wheat or any other variety. The patty was thick and soft with some whole beans visible. Good fries. Very filling. My partner had the Cubano (Honey Chipotle Roast Pork Loin, Swiss, Hop Mustard. $10) which looked a tad on the small side to me, but I think that's just because places are making food items larger all the time, so this was actually closer to a proper portion size, and fine for the price. He enjoyed. The fries were good. I am not a huge beer lover but liked the Tall Tale pale ale. Ordered the 9oz to be safe in case I didn't like it, but the bartender poured a pint out of habit, so I got the next size up for the price of the small. :) Followed it with a glass of pinot grigio though because all beer I find too filling and gassy with meals, especially in the sun, and I needed to maintain my energy for other afternoon outings. The only thing we really found odd was that they don't accept debit/Interac? Is this normal in Boston? Or the US? In Canada, we all use debit for 99% of our purchases and they have the portable hand machines, so you rarely even have to go to a cash register on your way out. We were lucky to have a back-up credit card. Definitely would go back and I'd like to try the spinach risotto or mushroom pizza.
(3)
Chelsey C.
The beer is good and the patio area is not too congested which I appreciate but the food is like frozen T.G.I. Friday's frozen appetizers.
(3)
Maggy E.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Excellent staff. Nice chatty patrons who are into their brews. Fantastic brunch, the rest of their menu looks great as well. Huge, good for groups. Attractive decor, lots of outdoor seating. Dog friendly ( bringfido.com ). Fellas (and ladies), perfect place to bring your SO if they aren't into beer. Amazing beer selection for you, and excellent everything else for them.
(5)
Elica F.
I found a spider in my salad, I uploaded the photo. I could throw up :(((((( They changed my food and yet they charged me for that!!!!
(1)
Laura S.
Pretty average bar, average beer, good atmosphere, pretty good service. I have been to CBC several times. They have pretty decent brunch and pretty decent salads. I enjoy sitting at the bar, especially for a mid day, weekday salad. Around happy hour this place really picks up. I have always enjoyed the music selection at the bar and the cheerful and pleasant attitude of the bartenders. I find the food to be inconsistent though.....and the beer to be just drinkable, nothing to write home about. I will, however patron here plenty in the future. Pleasant, not rave worthy.
(3)
Rebecca P.
My friends and I were in town for Extreme Beer Fest and figured we should check out some other breweries in the area during our visit. I had never been to Cambridge before, so I was pumped to check the brewery out. We each got different samplers so we could try as many of their beers as possible. My favorites were the Red God, Machinery of the Night and Mahatma Blahndi. Sampler pours are 5 oz. for the regular beers and 3 oz. for the stronger beers or specialty ones. You can get a sampler of 3 or 5 beers at a time. We opted for beer only as we had already eaten but the food coming out of the kitchen looked quite delicious. Our server, Britt, was AMAZING. She knew a ton about the beer and was able to guide our decision making. She even took the time to write down suggestions on other breweries to check out on our visit. Definitely top notch service!
(4)
Jess M.
I've been here 3-4 times and never remember being super excited about the food. Today I ordered the fish and chips and before it came I kept thinking I should have just ordered a burger because it may be horrible. To my surprise, the fish and chips were the best I've had in a very long time. CBC's fish and chips is even (a ton) better than Summer Shack's. Didn't see that coming. The fish (pollack) was incredibly tender and the breading was light and perfect. The fries were also fantastic. Their version of a cole slaw looked like chewed up cole slaw with no mayonaise. I'm going to overlook that because the fish and chips were sooo good. One downside was that my nephew ordered a kid's burger and it was super overdone with burnt edges. We asked for another one and it was only slightly better. The poor kid had to cut the edges off to get to the less hard part of the burger. Their adult size burgers aren't like that, so I'm guessing they cook all of the kids' burgers well done and often overdo it.
(4)
Beck K.
My review is not about the food or drinks at Cambridge Brewing Company. I work nearby and can say that it is not bad at all. Service is also pretty friendly. However, I don't appreciate that the seating on the patio is only possible when ordering food. I discourage such practices for restaurants aiming to keep their clients. Yesterday, we were walking from a movie and simply wanted a few drinks. I saw that there were some empty spots on the patio, but were told that we must order food to be seated there.
(2)
Hannah P.
I went here over a year ago and it was so blahhh and pedestrian that it wasn't worth a review. It's like a slightly elevated fast-food place but with far worse "staff"--gotta work to be staff right ;). I went here for 'Lambs and Can's event which had a fricken awesome menu full of lamb burgers, homemade sausage with tomato chutney on a pretzel bun (!!), lamb kebab and leg of lamb. We arrived and the staff directly running the event were awesome. Friendly, well informed about the menu and beer selections. ETC. We ordered a bunch of things to try and a beer each (only two available at the event) and then realized all the outdoor seating was filled. A lot of people were not even eating at the event or eating at all!!! Rather, they were hanging out taking up space while people tried to figure out how to eat what they had ordered and picked up. We went inside because there is no where to eat in this area outside of the resto and we had beer which narrowed the options. The host inside told us "only food from inside"--are you kidding me? We were told the bar or bar tops were an option. Shocked by the attitude, stupidity of how poorly organized the event was seating-wise and crappy staff, we went to the bar. The bartender barked that it was only bar tops that was available for the event. Seriously dude, remember that patrons pay your salary! We ate at the bar top and scooted right out of there. What a scrappy place full of mediocre food and poor service. Outside vendors should re-evaluate working with this place if they want to maintain their business and reputation.
(1)
Wendy K.
I really liked the mimosa and they were helpful giving me hints about the t . I liked the atmosphere. My hubby liked his beer Charles river porter, brewed there! My friend did not like her non alcoholic beer. The bathrooms were nice!
(4)
Erin B.
I had a wonderful experience here overall. We took a bit of a trek through Kendall Square from the movie theater to find a place close enough to grab a beer before our movie. One of us had a slight injury to the foot so we didn't want to walk much! We stumbled upon CBC and thought it would be a great option to sample some local brews. I wasn't enamored with any of the beers, but they were unique, fresh and the establishment clearly takes pride in its offerings. I have narrow taste in beers, typically staying away from IPAs and heavier beers like stouts and porters, so I understand when rotating menus may not have the particular things that I like. The bartender was friendly, but not overbearing. We ended up coming back after our movie to grab an appetizer and another round of beers. The calamari was excellent! I especially loved the peppers and artichokes mixed in, and the dipping sauce. Also, the large mural on the left wall as you walk in is a great conversation piece. We had a great time figuring out who everyone was and determining who had been added recently (Miley Cyrus with her wagging tongue?) vs. who is a long-term resident of the wall.
(4)
Carlos C.
I'm not a beer drinker so maybe this wasn't a smart choice for me. I had the fish and chips which were average, I was expecting more from a Boston area restaurant.
(3)
Megan E.
Great Beer,and Vegan Food? Yes 5 stars. Oh and a waitress that understands what Vegan means. There were a few options, but I ended up going with the burrito as it seemed to have the most protien to get me through a day of drinking. The portions were really great for the prices, and I stole some yummy fries too. The beer was really great, I went for a few samples and enjoyed all three beers. I fell in love with the Youenjoymystout, I also really liked the Sgt. Pepper, and the Equinox IPA was good too. I stole a few sips of the Big Boy IPA and liked that better then mine, but not as good as the stout. YUMMY! It's really crowded, the tables are super close together and in the winter with big coats and bags I feel like I knocked a few things over. I wish there was more space. Other than that I enjoyed my experience. My waitress was quick, and friendly. Our food and drinks came out quickly. I'd absolutely go back if I was in the area.
(5)
Chris M.
There is a lot to like about Cambridge Brewing. The location, the food, and naturally, the beer. Boston has red brick buildings aplenty, which might not be a big deal to East Coasters, but coming from the Pacific Northwest they are a novelty and a treat. I love them. The layout of Cambridge is perfect, with a courtyard and spacious, high-ceiling interior. I am not sure how old the building is, but it looks pretty venerable. Still, the outside seating on a summer day must be among the best in Boston. I tried the Spring Training IPA, and their rendition of poutine, with tots instead of fries. Good, but fries are still better. I also had one other beer, which as of the time of this writing I've forgotten. But does it matter?
(4)
William F.
CBC is a decent, if not very exciting brewery. It has a great patio, but they rarely let you use it unless you are willing to order food, even if the patio is mostly empty. This is a big problem because their food is mediocre pub food that comes with Cambridge price points. The inside is typical brewpub and its not really that great of a place to have a beer. If you can snag an outdoor spot, CBC is a nice place to have a drink.
(3)
Scott L.
Good beer. Very nice staff. I had the CBC Hefeweizen, which is like Shock Top or Blue Moon, and my wife had the Tall Tale Pale Ale. Both beers were smooth and tasty. We came on Saturday, so they were featuring their brunch menu. It was OK. Calamari tasted cooked from frozen, and the Caesar Salads were average. I expected more of a craft brewery menu that complemented their draft choices. Loved the beer, won't recommend it for a meal.
(3)
Anton P.
Meh. Beer was rather flat and flavorless, food wasn't good. I got chili soup that was lacking flavor and salt and wasn't very hot. Fries were soggy. Service is very slow. Took over 15 minutes for someone to pick up my credit card. Not coming back here again.
(1)
David C.
Consider this a review for anyone who is dragged to CBC despite their disdain for beer (it all tastes like I imagine urine would--maybe it's one of those weird allergies, like when people can't stomach cilantro?). Now, I am obviously the wrong market for a brewery (which for some reason can't serve liquor--would someone please explain the rationale for that law?), but CBC actually has a pretty delicious-sounding food menu. I say "delicious-sounding," because all the food that I tried sounded delicious on paper only to fall flat on the plate. For an appetizer, I had a half-sized portion of the pumpkin ravioli. The filling was phenomenal, but the pasta was in desperate need of a sauce to coat it. I think there may have been the tiniest hint of a cream sauce, but it tasted as if I was eating pasta tossed from a pot of boiling water into a colander and onto my plate. I thought the ribeye special, priced at $23, sounded like a good deal, but it turned out to be a pretty lackluster steak. Served with brussels sprouts and romanesco (both of which failed to leave an impression of any kind), the steak was well-cooked, but underseasoned. The foie gras butter on top (which was the real selling point for me), was the only thing that added another dimension to the dish, but even that underwhelmed. Dessert was even worse, as I tried a beer creme brulee which tasted like a sour egg custard, topped with a limp, acrid sugar crust. Our server was funny and attentive, and pretty much the only thing keeping my experience from being a total disappointment.
(2)
Andrea L.
I'm not the biggest fan of brew pubs. I used to be - when I drank a lot of beer, and when my boyfriend got paid in "brewery bucks and I drank and ate free. But I haven't been to many in Portland, and here I go visiting one I've been to before yet again. It's kinda like every brewery I've ever been to. Which is generally my complaint about breweries and often brewery food. A little crowded at some spots. The outside area is really nice - that's really the time and way to go. Beers were pretty good - I tried a few, and food was decent - but nothing awesome. A nice friendly crowd, decent location. Just wish it offered more.
(3)
Anthony J.
I'd probably give 3.5 stars if that was an option, but I'm going to bump up to 4 because I really did enjoy my experience at Cambridge Brewing Co. I met a friend for brunch here and we were seated very quickly. Service throughout the meal was great, even as the brunch crowd got larger. I got the sunrise burger with tater tots and was pretty happy with that choice. Food didn't blow my mind, but it was certainly a delicious brunch that I would come back for! As someone pretty into craft beers and trying breweries all over in my travels, I was a fan of the beers here. I had two different ones, a stout and a saison, and enjoyed both. I hope to come back and try out their rotating brunch benedict options. With it's laid back vibe and cool location, I'd recommend a trip to CBC if you get a chance.
(4)
Alie C.
The beers: phenomenal. The food: decent. We tried the Sgt. Pepper Farmhouse Ale (nicely spiced for a cold, rainy day) and Spock's Brain IPA (floral but not too bitter and a relatively low ABV of 6.5%; perfect for lunch). The beers were great and the pricing was just fine. The food was less amazing; I had the CBC burger and my husband had the pulled pork sandwich. His fries came way overcooked and dried out; must have been the bottom of the basket. My salad had nice fresh greens, but they were drowned in a heavy, sugary vinaigrette. He enjoyed his sandwich a great deal, and mine was good too - nice and pink (medium rare) and the ale-braised onions were a nice touch. It's a nice place to stop for lunch, but go for the beer!
(3)
Mansi N.
Had dinner here during a recent trip to Boston. Great place to have dinner with friends. The food was just ok for me. My husband enjoyed the poutine tots. My black bean burger was a little too thick and I was not impressed with the quality of bread. I did really like the sweet potato fries. My friends seemed to enjoy their food so perhaps my meal was the exception. Not sure I'd return here but seems like a fun place to go for happy hour and in a neat part of the city.
(3)
Beka O.
Cambridge brewing company is great for larger parties because it has a lot of space and a diverse menu that can satisfy the most picky of palates. They have a great selection of beers and their food is pretty good. Get the nachos! Reservation times seem like a pretty fluid concept here given that they have so many large parties so just beware that you might have to wait in the bar area for a while before your table is ready.
(4)
Nisha P.
Came here with a HUGE group of classmates. We had made a reservation for 16 and had way more than 16 show up. The servers were quick to accommodate and serve everyone. I was very impressed. Food was ok - the mussels were good, but naturally not too filling. I also got the hushpuppies which were quite decent. I still wasn't very full, so I had some of my friend's pizza. Overall a good experience.
(3)
Nan C.
Went here for brunch on Saturday as we didn't feel like waiting for a table at our usual spots. So glad we did! Got seated right away, everything was absolutely delicious and the service excellent!
(5)
Nicholas F.
Decidedly mediocre and expensive for what it is. I've been here twice, last time I had a burger, which was okay. We were interested in ordering the fish tacos but they were at a "market price" of $22, which is insane. The place makes a big deal about their beer but it is nothing to write home about. I'd go back because I live down the street and they have tables outside, but this is just some random pub with aspirational airs.
(2)
Andrea B.
Having just finished our very stressful BollyX instructor exams at Cambridge Athletic Club this past Sunday, Nandanie S. and I found ourselves to be very much in need of: 1. Some yummy food. 2. A good beer. Or two. Or three. We were already in Kendall Square...Where could we go and get both of those things? Cambridge Brewing Company ended up being our choice. We showed up in the early evening hours on a Sunday, so the place was pretty empty. We opted to sit indoors despite it being a nice day outside, with plenty of outdoor seating available. Air conditioning was much needed after a long day of working out! CBC has a nice selection of craft beers to choose from, and our server was very helpful and knowledgeable when it came to deciding what to order. She was also very patient with our requests to try samples of four different beers before we settled on the CBC Hefeweizen, a slightly fruity wheat beer that was very refreshing indeed. We got an order of the nachos to munch on while sipping on our beers. Nine bucks gets you a mountain (not an exaggeration, see the photo) of tortilla chips, vegetarian chili, salsa, sour cream, and green onions. There were a handful of very, very spicy jalapenos in there, too. As always, I wish there was more sour cream, but the veggie chili was ridiculously tasty. We downed the entire thing pretty quickly and found that we were already quite full. Overall, I wasn't blown away, but CBC is definitely a decent choice if you're looking to grab a drink and an app or two. I just started taking BollyX classes on Friday evenings at the Cambridge Athletic Club, so I may be back for post workout drinks sooner rather than later!
(3)
Matthew B.
Solid choice, reliable eats. The beer is hit or miss based on the season and your taste buds. I find they aim toward hoppy more than I enjoy. The porter is reliably good. We ate there last time I dropped in and I had a tasty burger and fries.
(4)
Ryan B.
Came here after dinner and a movie with the wifey recently. I ordered "The Cure" white pale ale, which was de-LICIOUS, and she ordered the Sour Saison. I was not a fan of the saison. To my palate it tasted like it was brewed with sour patch kids, but the cure made my taste buds dance. We will return soon to try their pub food and to fill up our growler. Grrr.
(4)
Bing H.
Ambiance: *Huge space inside and good size outdoor seating. *Great stop during a rainy day, but the rain definitely contributed to the low rating :/ *Very smart staff with a lot of beer knowledge. Food: *Banana HefeWeizen Donuts ($6) were delicious! Can't go wrong. *Beers were really good.
(3)
Dancy P.
Good starters and some good beers. Wish the nachos came with meat. My drinking companion was awesome, has great hair and looks really young for his age.
(4)
Jason B.
The CBC is great for an after- or before-movie beer and snack. This is a good place to meet up with friends from the area, if you are back in town.
(4)
Sydney K.
My mom reserved a space for a brunch for a special occasion. It was great to have the space and be separate from the other dining areas. The staff helped me select some pitchers of beer (great IPA, wish I could remember the exact one). I ordered a burger (I clearly was not in the brunch mindset) and it was delicious. I wish I had more to offer, but it was an all around good experience. Despite the big group atmosphere, the staff still checked in on us and ensured that our food and drinks were all set!
(4)
Keith B.
Man - I popped in to CBC after walking from the Meadhall (as it was the closest brewery from where I was working). Thursday afternoon, around 4:30pm, I walk in to the bar and ordered two flights of beer. Holy shit - I don't think I had a beer I didn't enjoy. I'm not saying these were all "best beers ever" - but their smoked porter was nowhere near as "overly powered" with that smoky flavor, and the Cambridge Amber - whereas it was malty, it was one of the better Ambers I've had (and I don't like Ambers). I took a chance and ordered the brussel spouts - which were crispy and delicious, and a perfect pairing after two flights of beer ;-) I'll be back on my next Boston trip!
(4)
Marc C.
Fantastical place to grab a beer after worrk and meet local professionals. They also serviec growlers and Canned Beer for what they brew, Er, GENIUS! Only bad points are: this is NPOT the best place to grab a B's or Red Sox game. I saw TWO Tvs on the walls playing TV shows on a Bruins playoff night. Hurmph. IM A FAN.
(4)
Brian M.
Came here after brunch at friendly toast to grab a few beers with the group. Overall, great beer list and there plenty to choose from. We didn't get any food but looking at the menu there were a lot of choices I have wanted to order. Good atmosphere with outdoor seating for when the weather is nice.
(4)
Jenna E.
Met up here with some work people while we were all in Boston. This definitely felt more like a nicer restaurant than a brewing company. They had a fantastic beer and wine selection. My coworkers ordered some food as well (I had already eaten) and when it came out it smelled and looked amazing and according to them, it tasted even better. The server was very attentive without hovering and was quick to give spot on suggestions. A little pricier than maybe some other places I've been, but worth it. Parking - find the garage that's nearby, otherwise it's street parking and that is a beast.
(4)
Lindsay M.
Came here on a Saturday night, there was a 40 minute wait to sit outside but no wait for inside seating so we opted to sit inside. I ordered the CBC Hefeweizen and my boyfriend ordered the sergeant pepper. We both really enjoyed our beers! We weren't expecting to be blown away by the food, but were pleasantly surprised by the homemade French fries and homemade pickles. The burgers that we had were typical bar burgers but weren't awful by any means. We'll probably be back to try different beers when it's not as busy.
(4)
Shane B.
Great beers and food. Definitely worth the a try.
(3)
Samantha L.
One of my favorite places to eat lunch. It's a busy Saturday afternoon but the food is great. For drinks, I ordered a Downeast Cider since I'm not much of a beer drinker. Two people in our party ordered Vegetarian French Onion Soup, which came in a mug and was light and on the bland side. Our party ordered Autumn Salad, Roasted Pear & Beet Salad, and Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp. We really enjoyed the Autumn Salad which consists of Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, sunflower seed, Vermont cheddar, Apple cider vinaigrette and the Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp which consists of corn tortilla strips, diced roasted red pepper, and anchovy and gave this salad a Mexican flare. There was nothing spectacular about the Roasted Pear & Beet Salad, Our party also ordered the CBC Burger which came with glazed onions and cheese and Swiss Burger. We were surprised that the buns weren't toasted and the beef patties weren't very juicy but it still tasted delicious. I have yet to try their Apple Cider Donuts and BBQ Burger!
(4)
Savannah G.
I love CBC- I made a reservation for 8 on a Friday, and the manager/host/server were all wonderful. They sat us, despite only 6 of us were present, promptly. The server was super knowledge about the menu and suggested brews for each plate that was ordered - it's was such a great experience! I can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Drew D.
Waitress had a bad tude and perky rack. The service was the worst ive ever seen ive been to better service at a funeral
(1)
Carrie S.
I always have fun here! The food is good -- much better than most bars / beer places. I especially like their pizzas. When it's nice out the patio is a wonderful place to sit but I wish they took reservations for the patio. The beer is actually really good! If you go with a big group, it's worth getting a beer tower just because it looks cool.
(4)
Lisa R.
Great beer! I had a saison. Yum. Can't wait to go back and try more and also try some food!
(4)
Dave Y.
If you're not drinking beer. Don't come. The meat of the burgers were tasty, but everything else was overcooked, dry buns. Soggy fries. Tasteless side salad. Once our server wasn't getting tipped off of booze from our table he lost interest in serving us. Don't worry, he checked how we were doing after we were done eating.
(1)
Michael T.
Very interesting place.... The food was decent, the service was above average, only drawback is they don't serve any liquor at all. I dint know how to describe this place really, we came here for another stamp on our passport and it's a very unique place, the decor, the patrons, just had a really interesting vibe to it.
(3)
Ardi E.
Man oh man, don't get me started! Place smells like a frat house, not the same smell as a brewery. Stale beer smells different from fresh beer. Waiter kind of grouchy. (OK, I brought a baby to a brewery at 9:30PM, so one star for me too.) But the food, let me tell you! Ordered the fish n chips and it looked exactly as it should, but appearances can be deceiving. Undercooked unsalted frozen fries textured like old flip-flops. Ate eight, one was good, was not willing to continue with those odds, gave up on the fries. Coleslaw was the single biggest insult I've ever seen hurled at the dead spirit of poor old Mr. Cole (the slaw's eponymous inventor). It was sad, flavorless, watery. No salt, no mayo or emulsion of salty cabbage juices. Just diced cabbage flavored like a hotel bathtub. I was delighted the fish did not make me wretch, so I ate it heartily. Until it suddenly made me want to wretch. Apparently, you can't make a dinner of just fried fish. Wife has a pizza, it was like an angel of heaven appeared. Then I had a few more bites and realized a stray cats excrement would appear to momentarily taste better too in the context of that meal. The beer was fine, I had a pilsner. But the place smelling like it did, it made anything palatable about that beer really hard to, uh, palate. I had one. Baby or no baby, I would normally have had four.
(1)
Sarah A.
For someone who doesn't know beer very well getting dinner with a friend who knows a lot about beer, this was the perfect place. Our waiter did a great job helping me figure out what I would like and what my friend would appreciate. Both recommendations-- I tried the Baku Cha and the Om-- were fantastic! The food was equally delicious. My friend and I split the peach and serrano ham pizza and the BBQ burger. The pizza was phenomenal-- peaches were perfectly grilled, and the pesto and shallots were a great addition. The BBQ burger was decent but not great. We were both hoping for a lot of bbq sauce, and it was a bit lacking for that, but still perfectly cooked and a great flavor (it's worth it to get anything for the fries.) It's definitely worth it to make the (short) trek out to Cambridge
(5)
Kim K.
Decent food, nothing special at all. Service is quick and the location in Kendall is pretty cool. The only reason we went here was because we knew it would be a quick/cheap place to get lunch before going to the movies next door at the Kendall Cinema.
(3)
Mike D.
This place..I really can't say enough about it. I love everything about the CBC! The food is always incredible, the service is friendly and fast, the atmosphere is an awesome blend of classy, modern and rustic, and guys...let's talk beer. The beer is absolutely amazing! The menu is always changing to include new seasonal brews, and the brew masters and staff are always ready to talk beer with their guests. This place is a hidden gem, one of my favorite spots for sure! Thumbs way up!
(5)
Melissa A.
During (another) major snow storm in Cambridge, this place was open and catered to our party of 14. The BLT is so classic and delicious and I paired it with a special they had that day- curried sweet potato soup which was the perfect amount of spicy and sweet. It was legit- my taste buds thanked me.
(5)
Erika S.
This was recommended to me by a friend as a great place for beer and food. Everyone in our group thought the beers were good, but not amazing. We felt the same about the food- pizza and burgers were definitely acceptable, but not the most amazing we've had. However. One of us got chicken with bleu cheese mashed potatoes and thought this was really good. Very good service and good atmosphere.
(3)
Joel P.
Cambridge Brewing is in a great location, just enough of a walk away from Kendall but still easy to find. Their brews are all very tasty, my favorite being the Regatta Golden. However, the sandwich I had, their summer spice-dusted beef, left a lot to be desired. Clunky and very dry, it was an underwhelming sandwich. When the fries, which are darn good, beat out a sandwich in a meal, we have a problem. Its good, probably deserves 3.5/5, but that sandwich was just such a let down. Staff is nice and attentive as well.
(3)
Praise D.
I was looking forward to trying CBC as I've been working in the Cambridge area for a while now and haven't gotten the chance until today. Unfortunately I don't have many good things to say... I ordered the Chili dusted grass fed beef sub with hopes that my beef craving would be satisfied. In one word ...disappointed. Yeah, maybe I should've just done the smart thing and got a burger...who knew?! The mediocre sub roll was soggy and the mango salsa now that I think about it wasn't the best pairing with this sandwich anyhow. I don't even think the truffle aioli made it onto the sandwich because I certainly couldn't tell. Did I mention that the "chili dusted ness" was not apparent until a burp maybe a few hours later.. I wanted to like you CBC I really did. I went with co-workers at lunch this time so beer was not on our radar but if I go back I will definitely get drinks. The lamb meatballs and golden raisin bread dish was my second choice. A few of my coworkers ended up getting it and apparently I didn't miss out on anything. They said the meatballs and sauce were unimpressive and the bread was the best thing on the dish. I'm no restaurant basher so I will visit again and can hopefully chock this up as a fluke.
(1)
Robert H.
Met here on the patio with a colleague after work, and had a great experience. CBC brews their own beer, and the two I tried were unique and tasty brews. I also had a pizza w/ Vermont cured pepperoni and sweet onions. The pizza exceeded my expectations and was perfect for dinner. I would come back to this place easily - great al fresco dining in Boston.
(5)
Abby T.
Great service, great food: cooked how we ordered it, great plate display, not a long wait and delicious, very clean and beautiful outdoor seating. Delicious beer: I had The Machinery of Night. I would defiantly come again! Also great size options especially for those who want to try different beers or only have a small size.
(5)
Cristina R.
"Beerunch." This meal's name alone just sounds of success. We actually didn't plan on coming here at all, but when The Friendly Toast's wait was upwards of an hour, we decided to ditch it. A friend had seen a sign outside of CBC announcing that they served brunch until 4. So here we were. Our group of 7 was immediately seated. Take that, Friendly Toast! The atmosphere is definitely more pub-like than most places I frequent for brunch, and there was a slightly strange odor in the air (cleaning products, maybe?), but we were all impressed by the variety of brunch fare. Oh and of course the beer. They had some seasonal offerings like apple cider donuts, and apparently there's always a special "eggs benny." I go for today's apple sausage eggs benny ($11) which is whole wheat toast topped with savory sausage, a poached egg, and apple cider hollandaise with a side of potatoes and peppers. A great dish! The sausage and cider sauce proved to be a great twist on the classic. My friend ordered the eggs in purgatory ($10) which is 3 poached eggs in a "spicy" tomato broth with crostini. Considering the devilish name, I expected the dish to be pretty dang hot, but it was mild. The flavor was nice though, and the soup-like tomato concoction still had a warming effect. My sweet-minded friend loved her french toast, which was thick, chewy, and tasted like fall. I wish they had more warm drink options (only coffee and tea) since I love me some strong stuff in a mug. Okay, The Friendly Toast, you get a point for your beverage options. But if you're feeling a beer and brunch combo, "beerunch" has become your new B(eer)FF.
(4)
David D.
Great experience with a party of 4 for Beer-unch... Comfortable, pub-like decor. Seated immediately with reservation. Server was friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable about food and beer. Brunch food was solid -- good portions and very tasty. Kudos for the pickled squash ! What drew me was the beer, though... Build-your-own sample flights available -- 5 oz pours for $2 each; 8-10 site-brewed offerings on tap when we were there, including a rotating cask-conditioned ale. Growlers / growler fills also available at reasonable prices. I sampled a range of beers from light to dark, including a hay-based gruit (no-hops) appropriately tagged "Hay is for Horses". All the beers I tried were nicely done. There's a range of styles from the fairly traditional to the off-beat (e.g., our hop-less equine friend).
(4)
Daniel H.
All of there beer was great and decently priced corn bacon hush puppies were delicious bartender was very accomadating and well prepared to handle a crowd
(5)
Chris M.
Woo! The best thing this place has going for it, aside from friendly staff... is the patio. There is not a better place to be on a sunny warm day. Sitting out on the patio surrounded by brick, sunlight, and beer is just awesome. This place is a microbrew, if you like microbrews go here. It's just that simple. The food is good, I usually get a burger. Patrons don't flock here for the food, they flock here for the beer. Bring some friends, get a tower of beer and enjoy. If you don't have friends just shoot me a message and i'll duck out of work and stop by!
(4)
Jessica B.
I was invited to a birthday party at Cambridge Brewing Company today. The group was 9 adults and 2 babies. When I arrived, our group was seated inside. Because they would not seat us outside until all of our group had arrived. Because if I was a restaurant manager, I'd want to treat a larger party as crap as possible, you know? It looked nice outside, but I wouldn't know. First order of business. They don't split checks for groups. How convenient. When asked again, they agreed to split off our check for three of us sitting next to each other. What benevolence. They were out of their porter because, of course they were. Their amber was fair. I had the Mezza Plate which was Spicy Carrot & Chickpea Fritters, Beet Tzatziki, Sweet Herb Tabbouleh, Pita. It was OK. Beet Tzatziki was just runny tzatziki that tasted a bit of beet. The Tabbouleh was totally bland. The Fritters just tasted like fried dough. When the waitress brought my check back she asked if I wanted change. This is a bit of a pet peeve of mine ESPECIALLY WHEN I PAID WITH A CREDIT CARD. Yeah babe, go on a shopping spree.
(2)
Alicia J.
Cambridge Brewing Company is a place I'll never tire of. Their beer, brewed on site, is always delicious - they have plenty of year-round and seasonal options at any given time. The food is also delicious. Pricing is moderate on food ($10-20 for meals, generally) and a great deal for the quality on beer. CBC is also worth checking out for their seasonal events! Their big parties will feature limited releases and guest taps. Just get a ticket early, because their events generally sell out.
(5)
Bruce J.
Have been to this place a few times with friends. While the beer is good, the food is average at best. Considering the location, there are plenty of better options if you want a good dinner.
(3)
Miles W.
I was on a whirlwind tour of Boston and its surroundings days after the marathon bombing in 2013. Not only was I impressed with the city and its people as a whole in the face of such a tragedy, Cambridge Brewing was one of the most welcoming venues I spent time in. The food was excellent, especially after a long day of walking the Freedom Trail, but I was most interested in their craft beer selection. My timing was perfect as they had an amazing barrel aged beer that I came back the next day to taste again.
(5)
Joseph G.
I just had my wedding here on Saturday. It was amazing. The entire staff, especially the General Manager and the Owner, Phil, were exceedingly kind and responsive in the planning process and on the day of. Also they didn't try to gauge us because we were having a wedding. I loosely quote the owner in saying "That's how much our entrees cost, why would we charge you more just because you are having a wedding?" which is nice knowing how some caterers look at Weddings with dollar bills signs in their eyes. We had exclusive use of the whole place for a Saturday afternoon. Ceremony on the patio and reception inside, with a little bit of dancing on the patio at the end. Most wedding my wife and I have been to had either good food or good beer or neither. It was wonderful to be able to have both great food and great beer at our wedding (or Downeast Cider for her since she is gluten free.) Thanks to CBC!! Also I have been going to CBC for years prior to this and always loved it. This particular experience is just clearly the one worth writing about.
(5)
Mat R.
Excellent food; and their CBC Hefewizen is about as close I have come to a real München Hefeweizen in North America. If you are coming to watch sports they only have one TV and its up on the wall to the right of the bar; make sure you show up early if that is what you are after.
(4)
Frank N.
Boozy pub brunch--agree with others that CBC beats the Friendly Toast in terms of accessibility. Tried the Dubbel Nickels, a nice Belgian-style brown ale--great for a lazy Sunday morning, who needs coffee when you have a Dubbels? We ate the hash, 2 eggs with the sweet potato chestnut muffin and spinach artichoke frittata. The simple sweet potato muffin was the hit of the morning, were hoping for more, but alas sold out. Finished off our morning with the Local Notion pale ale.
(4)
Nicole B.
Go for the beer not the food. I ordered the Sgt. Pepper beer which I enjoyed. The veggie burger was also decent and mainly consisted of portobello mushrooms. I had to give three stars instead of a higher rating due to service and the dessert. Although the staff was friendly it took a while for our orders to be taken. The "whoopie pie" dessert was gigantic, but lacked moisture in the sandwich. This made the dessert hard to swallow! I would only go back to chill out in the open courtyard and sip some of the various beers.
(3)
Joe S.
stopped by for a quick lunch when in the area... great food (had the turkey club that was on special although can't recall the exact name) and good service A+
(5)
Tom M.
We went for lunch. Beer, wine was great. My friend had the Chicken & Dumplings, said she liked it. We shared the Butternut Hummus, which was phenomenal. I had the Mushroom Veggie Burger, which I found dry & under-seasoned.
(3)
nick d.
I work right next to the CBC, and its always a solid choice for after work beer or lunch/dinner meetings. It's a great spot to have lunch outside on the patio (well, there is construction going on right now at One Kendall but that will be done soon hopefully). The beer is really good. Getting a tower of one of their house brews is always a good time (not if you're drinking by yourself though, then it's too good of a time). I would have given them 4 stars, but they recently switched up the menu and dropped my favorite meals like the falafel wrap. Hmm. I might revisit this review once I've had a chance to try out some of the new ones. UPDATE: Matty and I stopped by for a brew the other night and gorged ourselves on starters. The mussels are amazing, so is the Mediterranean plate. I am upping my rating!
(4)
Matt S.
Good but nothing special. I used Yelp on my iPhone to get to the restaurant and it was a bit difficult to find in the complex. The burger was mediocre and the beer was decent (I did like the 100oz "tower" for $25) but I probably wouldn't return on my own.
(3)
Natasha A.
The food is not as great as at Boston Beer Works but is good enough. It has standard pub grub such as burgers, salads etc. They also have a special menu on most days with twists on classics such as a churizo quesedilla. The beer selection is not very large but very well crafted. $5 bucks for their heather beer is definitely worth trying. Overall, it is a decent place to go for a happy hour with your coworkers in Kendall square.
(3)
Buddy M.
CBC is a fine-enough place to go for lunch/dinner. I get the sense that it is a very average place in terms of food/service/atmosphere. The thing is, after at least 10 visits, I've never been wowed by a beer here even once. Some of their brews are competent to be sure, but they're just not up to the level of other craft brews that you'd find on tap in the area.
(3)
Stacie R.
Though the ambiance doesn't match the refinement of the food, I had a hard time looking up from my dish to notice. The beer, of course, is good. You know it is something fabulous when I can't stop eating in order to imbibe. I was attracted by the promise of local food, and I was not disappointed. I started with a pumpkin a fabulous pumpkin soup and had the salmon cake which was balanced on top of cubed squash and baby Brussels sprouts with a parsnip puree. The food was so good, I wish I worked for the Phantom Gourmet so I could try everything on the menu!!!
(5)
J E.
We had an hour to eat before our movie at the Kendall and decided to pop into this place. I'm not a beer drinker so I just had a margherita pizza and my partner had a pulled pork sandwich. It was delicious! I also like that they source locally. i was bummed we had to eat fast to make our movie but I definitely want to come back here.
(4)
Denise P.
Hi All Beer Lovers. I really enjoy a fresh brewed beer. My favorite is actually Barley Wine and some of the German Beers. Never a bad tasting beer at Cambridge Brewery! Price is $$ (sometimes $$$). Dee
(4)
Shannon S.
Wow. Now that was interesting. I was looking forward to knocking back some beers in a relaxing brewery where I could enjoy some American fare and a tasty brew.Instead, I found out that it was possible to make Chicken taste like Fish, Make a Spring Roll Unappetizing and turn a Naturally raised beef taco into A Taco Salad. All these unfortunate incidences happened when I visited the CBC with 5 of my friends on Saturday night in Kendall. When Russ and I came in we were weirded out because a flock of what appeared like young Ben Stillers came in holding portfolios and wearing name tags. There had to be 40 of them and they were sat right near us -- the whole gaggle of them. We ordered Nachos and Spring rolls to kick off our meal (since we were waiting for friends to join us after there movie) The Spring Roll was so hank that I actually excused myself from the table and spit it out after taking too big of a bite. In addition, the nachos were pretty soggy. When our friends joined us, we were ready to get our beer on. We ordered a giant totem poll of delicious, mouthwatering Golden Ale, but much to our bereavement our liquid refreshment would only come out of the spout with a 8-inch head on it. Not even Peter North can say that about himself. So, we mentioned this to our waiter (who was nice) but MIA the ENTIRE night, and he said -- "OH YEAH, it does that. Those are infamous for giving a lot of head." Well, buddy, why didn't you tell us that? Let's keep the head where it should be, in porn, and let me have a beer that tastes like beer and not sea foam. We waited quite awhile for our food, which I was somewhat understanding about since the Model UN was getting clobbered with burgers, but when our food came out -- my naturally raised beef taco was not a taco at all, but a taco salad. Now, I love taco salad, but this wasn't the only incident at our table where we felt like we didn't get what we thought were getting. Get a copywriter, CBC and do a little legwork on the descriptions, they totally need an update. Not to mention that the beef was cold and dry, the taco was annihilated with lettuce and it was served in a giant bowl. Taco means taco. A bunch of lettuce sprinkled with beef and cheese with a few tortillas ain't a taco. Anyway, all of this would be okay I guess, if the beer were flowing like a mighty river, but in the 2 excruciating hours that I was there, I think I was looked at once by our waiter and after much begging, receive my second beer of the night from another waitress. And of course, at the end of our meal we were charged 18% for service and overcharged by $40. CBC, you can eat a D, but I'll still knock back your amazing pumpkin beer when the season is ripe.
(1)
Danielle F.
I have a beer loving boyfriend and Lhasa Apso with separation anxiety so I was psyched to find out that they welcome dogs on the patio! The patio is relaxed and filled with pretty plants. It wasn't too crowded and there were other people there with dogs too. We tried the ESB, the Saisonarre, their Triple and Flower Child IPA. ESB is just not my taste but my boyfriend thought it was a really great brew. The only beer that we agreed under-delivered was their Saison. It was good but just seemed like it was missing something. The IPA was delicious! We were there for brunch and had some awesome hush puppies drizzled in honey, mmmm.... I had their eggs benny that were tasty but the home fries it came with were really greasy. My boyfriends frittata was good, and gave me plate envy. The server was really friendly and even brought our dog a bowl of water. I'm glad that we found this place!
(3)
Chrissy H.
I'll go easy on 'em since I knew what I was getting myself into when I sat down. I mean, it's a brewery. I wasn't expecting a gourmet meal. Just something to fill the belly before I trekked over to the theater. I must say that I love the big silver beer making thing in the dining room, but I don't like the fact that they also use that area for side work like storing dirty glasses in crates and what not. I don't feel the diners should have to see the dirty dishes. But hey, maybe it's just me. We started out with the empanadas which I didn't particularly like. kind of flavorless if you ask me. John got the Romano pizza which was cheesy with potatoes and about 2 pieces of pancetta. Didn't look at all appetizing to me, but he said it was alright. Would've been good with more pancetta. I got the naturally raised beef taco salad thingy. I have to say, I was happy with it. The beef was flavored nicely. John enjoyed mine more than he enjoyed his. I had really wanted some Mexican food and it was better than making a run for the border at the Galleria. Our waitress was really nice and kept the cups full and made sure we were happy. My biggest complaint would have to be the bathrooms. I know they're shared with the place next door, but for real... there's no excuse for a gross bathroom. The doors to the stall were all bent and barely closed. There was toilet paper and paper towels all over the floor. I appeal to all women out there! Why can't you make sure the toilet paper gets into the toilet???? And why throw the paper towels on the floor when the barrel is not full and its right next to you??? Drunk or not, littering is never cool. Indoors or out. It might do the CBC employees some good to go in and check on the state of the bathroom every now and again.
(2)
Nate H.
I'm a fan of CBC. I go here on a regular basis and always have a good time. It has a good laid back vibe with a friendly staff and usually the service is prompt. Obviously the selling point would be the beer. They have a rotating selection of special beers along with a few standards. I recommend the pale ale and porter. The food at CBC is also good. I'm a fan of the nachos and I really enjoy their pizza. Its a good place to go meet with friends for dinner and a few pints. A comfortable environment that never gets too loud with a nice outdoor seating area for the summer months.
(4)
Ben L.
Just stopped here for a beer as I've run into them at local beer festivals but never really spent time in the area. I had a collaboration between CBC, Victory and Stone and it was delicious. For a second round we had dry-hopped porter served off the cask, which was outstanding. I will definitely be heading back.
(5)
Ranjit V.
The craft beers are alright. They're not all they're cracked up to be. The food is unnecessarily fancy. No matter how much you dress up mozzarella sticks, they're still just mozzarella sticks.
(3)
Chuck C.
Almost as good as my home CBC (Carolina Brewing Company)! Great beer, and a bartender willing to pop over to the Saints-Redskins game during commercials on the Patriots game :-).
(4)
Erica S.
Once again: Mmmmm.... beer. Their brews are right on, and the seasonals always make for a good time. I had some Barleywine last night-- delicious, and extremely potent stuff! Plus, reading their beer descriptions is like reading a highly descriptive novel. There is a long paragraph dedicated to each brew, clearly written by an English major drop-out turned beer ethusiast. I enjoy sipping my beer while simultaneously reading its description, then try to pick out the flavors I've been promised. Yes, my amber ale DID have chocolatey undertones, with a hint of malted caramel, thank you very much! I suppose I should dedicate a line or two to food. CBC food= yum! Veggie friendly, vegan friendly, cheese and meat lovin' fool friendly. I recommend the wasabi tofu burger. This place puts a smile on my face and love in my heart. Can't wait for it to be summer again so I can sit on the patio and drown the day away in pitchers of beer.
(5)
Max P.
I guess it might be worth coming here if you only plan to drink. The decor is pretty blah. The portions are painfully small: I had the Portuguese Stew entree. It was at least $12 and there was barely a quarter of an inch of stew in the bowl. The burger and fries at the next table looked OK.
(2)
Anna P.
I think my expectations for CBC were set a little too high. After hearing about this spot for years from my friends (all of whom seem to have worked for a tech company in Kendall Square at some point in their lives), I expected a palace - no - a temple to beer. I found the beer to be quite tasty - but my hamburger, which i ordered as "medium," came back charred and overcooked. Sorry guys, there is no beer that goes with burned up burger. Oh well, the company at my table, the eclectic mix of patrons, and the convenience to the Kendall movie theater made up for the burger of doom.
(3)
jade g.
The pub food here is okay, nothing special. I've had the pizzas and nachos. The real deal here is the craft brewed beer, which they rotate on a regular base. You can pick up their standards like the CBC Amber and some of the specialty beers in growlers, and try their small batch offerings on tap. All the beers I've had I've been great! Also, it's generally not too crowded so it's a nice place to chill...
(4)
Christopher M.
The Cambridge Brewing Company has ok beers, a flat, family-oriented ambiance, and medium-grade food. I was greatly looking forward to trying a new craft brew in Boston when I came to CBC, but after one IPA and one ESB, I left unimpressed. The IPA had a watery aftertaste and the ESB was just bitter, without any of the spicey/wheaty nuances a good ESB can have. The ambiance is lacking charm. It is simply a place to park your booty with simple chairs and tables that look fresh from your kitchen. My filet mignon was ok, but tended toward awful once I realized the meat beyond the immediate outer layer was raw enough to get up and walk away. I wanted to like this place, and it would be worthy of four stars if they improved the interior and food quality, but for now, it's a 3 - not horrible enough for me to castigate, but not worth revisiting.
(3)
Alena D.
I'd give it five stars if it wasn't so crowded. The tables are packed in so tight, you might end up sighting on your neighbors lap. On to the positives: Everything else. The food is delicious, I'd recommend the cuban sandwich, or any of the pizzas, or the calamari, or the vegetarian burger substitutes. The beer is brewed in house and always interesting and complex. The last beer I tried was the D'Amor, and it was incredible. Rosehips, and lavender in a slightly sweet and bitter lager. Delicious. Great place for a group of people. Kind of loud and crowded, so not a date spot or a place for spilling secrets. Bring a group and chill out for a while, grab a yard of some unique micro-brewed beer.
(4)
Liz S.
Aren't waiters supposed to, well...wait on you? Ours didn't. He was the most confused and awkward waiter i'd ever had. He came over to our table, and without saying hello or asking how we were, stared at us blankly. To break the awkward silence, I said, "umm hi?" He nodded and mumbled something about starting with something. I told him that we were ready to order. He again, stared at me blankly. I ordered the CBC Burger, and he seemed extremely confused as to what I was talking about. I repeated it, and this time he scribbled something down on his pad. We received our appetizer of fried calamari, delivered by another waiter. As we were nearing the end of eating it, we found a long fried hair. Delightful. We did not see our waiter after our entrees were delivered, he did not check in to see how things were. I then caught him for a second to ask for some honey mustard. He, again, seemed confused by the question. I repeated my request, and he went to get it. He delivered it by basically sliding it across the table in my general direction while walking past. By this point, we were disgusted and wanted to leave, but could not find our "waiter". My boyfriend finally flagged him down and gave the check symbol. He seemed to understand that, and basically threw the check at us, without making eye contact or saying anything. We paid, and walked out quickly past him, again, without him saying anything to us. Horrible service aside, the food was also terrible. The calamari with the fried hair in it( two hairs, actually), was probably the best part. My burger was dry and almost tasteless, and the roll was stale. The fries were overly fried and oily. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips, and he felt that for 15 bucks, he should've gotten more than one tiny piece of fish and some fries. Awful. Just all around awful.
(1)
Meg C.
I'm not really sure why I'm bothering to review CBC, because basically I agree with everyone here who says it's just ok. The beer is fine I guess, but nothing special. The food is overpriced and just so-so. The buffalo chicken app was good and super spicy. I got fish and chips thinking..it's a pub, they'll have good fish and chips. It came out as one big hunk of fish in a thick, chewy batter that separated from the fish itself. Not impressive. One of my friends for the $20 steak and it was fatty and bland. I've also had the CBC burger, pretty underwhelming. The service was ok, though our waiter took a long time to bring us the check. I'm not sure if he was busy or trying to give us some space. The one thing CBC has going for it is that it's a pretty big place, so they often have tables available when Friendly Toast is full. But take my advice and wait for Friendly Toast. You'll pay less for better food.
(3)
Alison C.
I like CBC, and I enjoy their beers -- I usually go for the seasonal or one of the other specials. The food's not spectacular, but it's good enough, and there's usually something for everyone. Some of the dishes are definitely overpriced, though. I think I actually prefer their brunch food over their lunch/dinner fare, but I'll have to test that theory a couple more times before I do that. Service can definitely be hit or miss. Last time I was there with a large group, the waiter was friendly, but neglectful. And it was hard to say why, because while the patio was full, the inside was empty, and we didn't see him running around with too many other tables. Other times, with a smaller group on a night when the place was packed, I've had great service there. Who knows. One thing to note is that they are very strict about not seating you until your whole party arrives (I have had negative interactions with them on this point in the past -- some people were running late due to problems on the Red Line, and they tried to physically take one of our 2 tables away). So either try to get most of your group to be punctual, or just resign yourselves to slowly cramming more and more people around a small table.
(4)
sam h.
Yikes! This was bad. Only half a dozen other tables with customers, we waited half an hour for baaad bar "food." A tasteless tuna wrap, creepy ravioli in a hot thousand-island sauce, greasy blackened chicken sandwich with rotten lettuce. Fries not worth writing home about, drinks mixed up by the nice waitress. So what? Craft brews without any real distinction. Sorry, just not acceptable.
(1)
Daniel C.
I always end up defending this place to my friends, who tend to be pretty critical of CBC, especially of the food. The beer here is really fresh and consistently good and would earn a five-star rating alone, but other aspects are less admirable. So the service here kinda sucks. I mean it's not bad, but the servers don't really know anything, and there just aren't enough of them. It takes several minutes to flag someone down, and then to actually get that next beer takes another ten minutes or so. Also someone needs to have a stern word with whoever designs the menu here. The burgers and fries and pizza are all reliably good, but they need to stick to what they know. This is NOT the place to order Diver Scallops with Carmelized Cauliflower, Asparagus, and Candied Kumquats (which is on the menu). Stick to what you do best! Some blame can be laid on the consumer in this case, since you really shouldn't expect that to be any good. Also, they have no liquor. I understand why they choose not to serve it, but I can't ever bring my non-beer-drinking friends here. A modest bar would be totally appropriate.
(3)
Jtree B. C.
A couple friends and I sat on the outside porch and enjoyed the summer rain. Nice atmosphere. The beers here were pretty good- I particularly liked the porter. The reason for the three star rating: $16 for fish tacos that did not impress. Three tacos were enough to fill me up; however there was nothing to them besides fried fish, a little cabbage and a wrap. They were pretty bland. I have had much better fish tacos at half that price. In fact the entire menu seemed really overpriced- welcome to Cambridge!
(3)
Kat R.
I want to say this place is "meh" (2 star), but they got an extra star for their french fries. Kick ass fries! Also love the little beer sampler thingy. Pretty cool way to try out like 5-6 different beers, but still be able to drive home. Burgers are good, but I like well-done, so it takes quite a while. Had a really bad experience once (if you burn a tuna melt on one side... but flip it over on my plate... I WILL still know that it's burnt. HELLLOOO! Oh... and I can see that hair on my plate when you bring me out a new one), but it was quite some time ago, so I'll let that slide. Bathrooms are shared w/ Tommy Doyles and are pretty gross... and they've been that way for at least a few years. Also, since it's a brewery there's a bit of a funky smell to the place, but it's tolerable. Eating outside is also a plus.
(3)
Michael M.
This week we decided to explore one of our favorite watering holes across the river in Cambridge, the Cambridge Brewing Company. Public transit in Boston doesn't exactly make it easy to get to this gem from my home in Brighton, so we aren't exactly regulars there, but we are familiar enough, and the journey was worth it. In summation, with their beer menu split between the simple and the sublime, and some interesting beer alternatives like wild fermented wines, as well as a respectable food menu and very sociable, open atmosphere, CBC is a great option for diverse groups in the Kendall/Central square areas of Cambridge. I'd go so far as to say it's the best option for excellent beer in Cambridge/Somerville, if not for the fact that I crave variety more than anything and CBC only serves it's own beer. It does sit shoulder to shoulder with Bukowski's for this honor, however. For the Full Review: trappistpunks.blogspot.c…
(4)
Justin G.
Wow, I have to write a review for this place to somewhat alleviate the presence of all the bad reviews. But you should know the food here is secondary -- while it's certainly not bad, and some things are better than others, it's not why you come here. I'll get the cheese plate (three nice flavorful hunks each paired with it's own beer) and drink away. The beer here is top-notch, best in the Boston area hands-down (sorry Boston Beer Works -- you do have the better burger). Anyone on this page who says the beer is bad has never brewed beer before and/or is not someone you should trust for beer advice. The beers here are crisp, easy on the malt and heavy on the flavor, and the seasonals are creative. I go here about once a month on average and there's always something new on the menu, and they always have something high in ABV for those days I need some extra happy. If there's a barleywine, go for it -- they know how to do 'em. And yes, plenty of outdoor seating for outdoor pleasure while enjoying the sips. This is why I dislike Yelp -- there are a lot of people on here who don't know what they're talking about when it comes to quality, or base their opinion on a very small sample (how many of these reviewers have been here once? - had ONE beer and then wrote a review? - way too many I'm sure), yet their opinion has equal weight. SHEEP! In this case, if you're a beer fan, you'll know what to do here ...
(5)
Sara G.
Quick service, good beer, and great prices. I got an appetizer-the habanero and chorizo Mac n cheese-and it was delicious. Enough food for a meal and only $8 to boot. A great spot.
(4)
Matt K.
Its a great place to do some serious beer drinking with your beer-geek friends, but I'd highly caution against going for dinner. It has some of the best beer you can find in Boston/Cambridge but the food is overpriced and leaves much to be desired.
(4)
Mike H.
Fantastic beer! Great beer events, parties, and dinners! Creative, friendly, and warm. Delicious food! I am also impressed they make an effort to serve grain-fed beef and local ingredients. Plus, they send their grains to local farms I believe. So cool. The brewer is constantly pushing boundaries, coming up with new beers, and is very accessible. I am always very excited to visit CBC. Why only 4 stars? I really want to give it 5. It should get 5. But, several times I've been there I've had mediocre service, where they took a LONG time and were not all that friendly. Not sure if the delay in service was simply due to being so busy, but at least come by and check in or let us know how our food's doing. Otherwise, I love this place!
(4)
Mike D.
I love the concept, but the execution is always disappointing. It's taken me a long time to write a review for CBC because of my love for the concept, but having given them several chances I've come to realize that I just need to cut it out. The concept: A wide variety of locally brewed beer on tap and a menu that's comfy but sticks its neck out a bit more than your average pub. The execution: Several of the beers are just dull, and the good ones aren't always consistent--the Vienna Gold was one of the best beers I ever had the first time I tasted it; next year it just wasn't the same. I've had some good food there and I've had plenty of not so good food there--and overpaid for it in both cases.
(2)
Terry S.
I give 5 of these stars to the CBC just because I like beer more than you and I know better and perhaps I will only concede if you agree with me and admit that you (yourself) likes beer as much as I do and we can see each other as equals. If not... then don't go to the CBC. The food there is pretty much basic and generally I am not a fan (though, I do dig their boneless buff wings) for its slightly overpriced for not top-notch dishes. BUT... here is the rub... the place is called Cambridge Brewing Company, and with that, they make a delicious beer. Ohh.. and outside seating is a definite win.
(5)
Kristin G.
This place grows on me. The first time I went I was pretty underwhelmed by the food, but each subsequent time I've visited I've been more and more impressed. The beer selection is great. I find that this place can be randomly empty on nights you would think that it would be crowded and randomly packed on weeknights. Bizarre. The outdoor patio is nice during the spring/summer- a great place to sit outside and enjoy your lunch and a good beer.
(4)
Renee G.
Rumor has it that I got cut off at Cambridge Brewing Company. I don't recall this occurring, and I'm fairly sure I wasn't *that* drunk, but the whole end portion of the night is a bit hazy, so I suppose it could have indeed happened. I blame it partially on the beer towers, and partially on my enabling coworkers. In any case, I won't hold it against the CBC, because where after-work hot spots in Kendall Square are concerned, it sure beats Characters. The hefeweizen is really good. It's possible that I drank an entire tower of it on my own. I also thought the honey ginger beer was rather delicious. I didn't do a whole lot of eating in the time that I was there, but I did nibble on some vegetarian nachos and buffalo wings and they seemed to be a notch above regular bar fare. Later in the night, I stole a few bites of a coworker's burger and thought it was overcooked and not that good, but he could have ordered it well done for all I know so I'll let that one slide for now. (Now that I'm doing the math of exactly how much I drank and how much I didn't eat, the whole cutting-me-off thing seems more and more likely. Party on.) I was, however, not especially impressed with the service. We started the night on the patio, but when more coworkers began to arrive, the hostess very bitchily informed us that we were going to have to move inside. Ask, lady, don't TELL. We wouldn't have minded if you'd just said please. The waiter inside wasn't bad, though, and he was definitely very patient considering we had people coming and going and being loud and annoying for the better part of six hours.
(3)
Olivia C.
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch. I discovered that after scoring a sober work lunch with the non-profit peers at the Brewery. Home-made beer, beer, everywhere, they are even making the stuff in giant vats directly behind me, but not a drop to drink ... Just put your business card in the fish bowl in restaurants when you go out to eat and you will win--the free financial talk promo lunch sans alcohol at a certain date and time and a reason to pay attention to mass emails at the office. And after all this my co-workers didn't want to splurge for a pint.. Ok?! Diet coke at the brewery it is!! This young Charleston Ameriprise robot chick had her 10 minute spiel about long term investments, Roth IRAs, and money market accounts. We gave her fake names and fake phone numbers. We were all equally ignorant about investments and hungry for fried food. Oh yeah. I am writing a food review. The fall salad was off the coat-hook. Endive, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin, pumpkin dressing. Too much pumpkin. No way! Refreshing! Have it with their famous pumpkin beer, which I would have done if I was at a normal lunch at the brewery. I also ordered spicy shrimp but actually never got it! Ha! The waitress ignored us when she found out we were free lunchers.. I didn't push the issue. I had a lovely time coming all the way from Boston for a "free lunch." I may report back on the Cambridge Brewing Co. beer at some distant future.
(4)
Arjun K.
This place has awesome beer and the foods not too shabby either. Its not the best place if you only have 2 or 3 people but I think it would be a great place for larger groups. Our server was also great. she was helpful and she recommended a couple of really tasty beers that basically made the night. Also, if you're planning on seeing a movie, you can get general admission tickets there for $6.50.
(4)
Maggie S.
We went to the Cambridge Brewing Company last week and had a pretty mediocre experience. We definitely want to go back and try them out again, but not for a while. They had a great draught beer list and the service was great but it was the food that left more to be desired. It was a tuesday night and this restaurant was packed! We were hoping to sit at the bar but it was completely full and so we took a table in the dining room. Our server seemed experienced and payed close attention to detail but our drinks did take about 15 minutes to arrive after we ordered them. They were undergoing one of the first nights on their new spring menu and I ordered the lamb shank which the server admitted he had not tried but told me that he had served it that night and that everyone who ordered it loved it. My husband ordered a seafood and linguini dish. His pasta was so salty and my lamb shank came out with no sauce and completely dry. It was luke warm with a tomato paste type drizzle on top. It was served on top of an ice cold couscous with what looked like boiled chopped asparagus and other mixed vegetables. When I ordered the lamb shank I was most excited about the asparagus and thought it would have been pan seared with seasonings or roasted in the oven. The luke warm lamb shank and ice cold couscous was awful! This was the first time I have ever sent a dish back to the kitchen because I could not endure the meal. Our server took good care of us and made sure that the dishes were taken off of our bill. I would like to give these guys another chance! They use local ingredients in their food and promote a great business. Maybe next time they will have perfected their menu.
(3)
Joanna A.
I might be biased because i live down the street, but i love this place. We come here alot. I don't like beer but they have good wines too. I LOVE the burger with sauteed mushrooms and gorgonzola. Also, i would say that their pizza, made with the same malt barley that they make their beers with is as good as Emma's, across the street. Other than those 2 entrees, I've only had the quiche for Beerunch, and that was just ok (and cold). I love the atmosphere, the prices are good and my husband loves the beer. Its a great place to meet friends and drink, especially in the summer.
(4)
Doris K.
CBC wasn't a bad place but I would prefer John Harvard's over this place. They do have a large assortment of beers and they have these really cool towers of beer which is nice for large groups from $20-28 depending on which beer you choose. I liked their stout, heifweizen, and amber but I didn't like their golden. Stay away from the honey ginger beer...it is disgusting! As for the food my fish and chips were dry and tasteless. I felt like the forgot about my fish in the kitchen and just decided to leave it in the deep fryer for fun. The sirloin burger was cooked correctly but again was lacking in flavor. I understand that CBC is not suppose to be known for it's food but they could have done a much better job.
Tom L.
Really good beer and food, especially the pork chop
(5)Lucio V.
Love the bbq Burger and there is a good choice of beers. I took the cambridge amber; next time i will try a seasonal one. Love this place, is so at the center of MIT life.... Forget about the cheesecake, anyway...
(5)Alyssa N.
Calamari with hummus- I should've been trusted my gut and not agreed to eat here. My crab cake- which I was assured several times by the server was "Maryland style"- was anything but. Lack of knowledge and bad service killed the tip for the server who pretty much ignored us. And some drunk girl was running amok on her 21st birthday. A good bar or restaurant should know when to cut off someone who's had too much to drink and is now annoying all the other patrons. Hearing her whining about how she had just puked or was about to puke was a great way to cap the night off.
(1)Ali C.
Wow, people in Massachusetts need to go out in NYC, because the reviews are so harsh! I used to come here all the time - the beer selection is so great, especially considering they make a bunch of them in house. The food is fatty/salty/make you want to drink more beer food - which is totally fine considering that is exactly what you want when you come here.
(5)Frank N.
My wife and I do a lot of microbrewery visits and we always come back to CBC. It is simply the best of the best. Their house beers are certainly good, but you have to try their seasonals. In particular, I like their Belgium styles and ales. But so much of what they do is great. I suggest getting a flight to try a bunch before settling on a beer. Oh yeah, and the food's really good too.
(5)Kelly O.
Towers of delicious house-brewed beer for a reasonable price? Yes, please! Really liked their pumpkin ale, and on our most recent trip, the patio was lovely and not too crowded at 3 PM on a Sunday. The white bean dip we got to munch on while enjoying our beer tower was pretty tasty as well. Service was spotty at times, it took someone a long time to eventually come up to us, but our waiter was somewhat attentive after that (although we did not get water nor napkins/utensils for our food, a big oversight). Love their commitment to locally sourced, in season ingredients... their beer dinner next weekend on a farm sounds amaaaaazing... EDIT: as a now 3-time attendee of their yearly Pumpkinfest, I've come to really appreciate their beer. Come here mainly for the beer, and you'll be pretty happy.
(4)Steve A.
Did not order the food - this is just a beer review. It was a Saturday night, so understandably crowded. Wish the bar had more seating, though they try their best. The beer, in one word, is hoppy. If you like that sort of thing, fine, but the amber was hoppy and the porter was hoppier - really? I dared not try the IPA. The specialty beers were better - I tried Sgt. Pepper, brewed with peppercorns, and a Scottish double malt that, despite its 9% alcohol content, was by far the smoothest brew of the night. (Still hoppy.) They also had a mix of beer/sake, but for a brewery, they managed to do the sake right and the beer wrong. I hate to say it, but you could get a Sam Adams seasonal on tap elsewhere that beats any of the regular beers here.
(2)Timothy W.
First of all, I love the stained glass windows of the half full pint glasses, this is a nice touch. This place looks to be a favorite hang out of the local college crowd. It doesn't get rowdy, just a younger crowd which isn't necessarily a bad thing when you get to my age ;-) The menu has some mainstay's as well as a couple of unique items. They do their best to use locally grown organic goods and that shows in the quality of the food. Our clan shared a Poutine for appetizer, for those that don't know what this is. It's a Canadian dish of french fries with cheese curds and gravy, Yumm!! DW, went with a margarita pizza which was very good although it came out a little bit cold (it was very busy so I suppose our food was sitting in the kitchen for a bit). I went with a BBQ Burger, medium well with a side salad which Mrs. Tim W. enjoyed. The burger was a little undercooked toward the middle, but after enjoying a few of their beers it didn't slow me down. Now for the beer, it's representative. The styles are for the most part true to their descriptions. I started out with an ABLE IPA (which is for a good cause) If you don't have any reason to drink beer, then why not at least have one to help someone out :-) I moved on to the Cask version of the Spring Training IPA (this was on the specials menu), this was one of my favorites. Next I tried the Venus, which claims to be the first collaboration brew amongst all female brewers. This was a really well done Belgian Dubbel and was my other fave. The last beer I had was a Spring Training IPA (Non-Cask), I'm not sure if it was all the beers that proceeded it being that much better, but it was my least favorite of the night. All in all I would give the CBC five stars for food, and 3 stars for the beer, so if my math is correct (and I'm no MIT student;-) that's an avg. of 4 stars. Would love to give this place another shot to try out some of their other seasonal brews.
(4)Terra N.
Honestly, most people take beer for granted, and the brewers here do not! As a beer lover, there hasn't been a single CBC beer that has disappointed me. Now to list a couple of my favorite brews: Om: Love the accompanying story about how the beer was brewed in accordance to the earth's natural vibrations, thus the title. Pretty complex on the palette but it's pretty high in yeast flavor. Crisp finish. Spring Training IPA: this beer has floral and citrus notes hinting that spring is here and life is great. It's a bit of a lighter IPA but it goes down fast and smooth! "Genki?" Ichi: who was the brilliant person to think of combining sake and beer?!!? absolutely love it and it's 14% which can be dangerous for the beer novice. It's definitely a beer to sip on and enjoy like liquid desert. The alcoholic zing is apparent which can be surprising but I liked it because I like sipping on sexy bourbons or anejo tequila. The presentation is really cute, a 5 oz pour glass sitting in a little wooden box. As for the food, I love the fact that they support local everything and they get creative with the dishes. The portions are pretty generous and I end up taking food home. They play fun music and the decor is warm, though the tables are a bit close together, I like that.
(5)Caro D.
Solid brewery. My friends brought me hear and sold it to me as a chill, well-lit, well-staffed microbrewery where the staff is friendly and the music is low. There's no loud music to distract from making fun of your male friend's painted toe nails, and enough light to be able to see that they are painted red, white and blue, in that order "because that's how the country votes". Clearly, there is enough beer to encourage ridiculousness (see above). Outdoor drinking is also a possibility, although not one we explored since the bartender kept us entertained and even let us sample a bunch of stuff before having to commit to a full glass of a single brew.
(4)JEM C.
I wish I could say 3.5 stars here. The beer selection was pretty good and the beer tower was fun. We were impressed that it stayed cool and refreshing for the entire 100 oz. The food selection was varied enough and prices were fair. We enjoyed the outside dining area and the ambiance. My only con was the VERY slow service and the long delay to get our food served. Aside from that, everything we ordered was good and if in the area, wouldnt hesitate going back.
(3)laura W.
This is a place that sells pretty good beer for good prices and serves meh food for expensive prices. I agree completely with the "just OK" posting. Everything here is ... okay. The restaurant was PACKED on a Wednesday night. Our server not very personable but consistent with service. Can't complain too much. I got the Charles River Porter which was fine. Nothing to write home about but worth trying. ($4.50 for a pint) and the black bean burger ($11). The burger was fine but they didn't have any wheat bread to substitute the roll. I just don't think I've ever paid $11 for a bean burger. It's...uh... beans. All and all, 2 dinner and beers came to $30. Not too bad. When/If I go back, I'll drink here and maybe get a cheese plate to share with friends. This is more of a brewery than a restaurant.
(3)Elizabeth G.
Did you ever have a friend whose house you would go over to just so you could hang out with her dreeeeeeamy older brother? You know, waiting around to catch a glimpse of him, and maybe, just MAYBE, if you got reeeeaaallllly lucky, he might even SMILE at you? That's what CBC is to me. I find their house beers flat and boring, but I will still come here because of the awesome selections they have on the "guest" taps. Unique, unusual, hard-to-find beers (most recently Viva Habanera by Night Shift Brewing Co., brewed with agave nectar and "dry-hopped" with habañero peppers). CBC apparently was recently voted the best brewpub in America. Really? Their menu is all over the place. You can get seared scallops for $24, or baked macaroni + cheese plus salad (listed as an appetizer, but more than enough for a meal) for $8 - what? Some of the food is really good (that macaroni + cheese, with poblanos and chorizo, was excellent), but other times I've been less impressed with the flavors. I do find the staff quite helpful. They're ready with the smiles (kind of like that older brother), and if they don't know the answer to a question about the beer, they'll find out and get back to you. But the food often takes quite a while to come out, and goodwill only gets you so far... Actions speak louder than words. Older brother, I'm sorry... the substance isn't quite there for us to make it work. Cheer up, though... I'll still come over sometimes to hang out with you.
(3)Andrea M.
My friend and I were starving late Monday evening, and it was pouring rain so we ducked in here. There were quite a few people inside for a rainy weeknight so I figured the food must be decent. The tables are fairly close together and we were squeezed in more tightly with the other patrons than I would have liked, given the numerous empty tables available. We both ordered the CBC Burger, but she asked for no cheese, and for uncooked onions rather than the standard sauteed onions. If there were sauteed onions on my burger, it was hard to tell. My burger patty though, was really good. That was probably the highlight. The bun was plain and boring, but at least it was slightly toasted. Her side of fries was cold. Half of my side salad consisted of large parts of greens that you would normally discard rather than eat (like the butt of a lettuce head). We were shocked when the bill came - they wanted to charge my friend extra for the raw onion. Sure, it was only 75 cents, but seriously?? Thankfully, when we brought this up, our waiter did remove the charge. If I ever come back, I should probably just stick to beer, and forget about the food.
(2)Brandon A.
Absolutely loved the atmosphere, beers and food. reminded me of a brew-pub in Detroit, only with better beers!
(5)G D.
We went to the Cambridge Brewing Company as a last resort and we were pleasantly surprised with the experience. Ambiance, service and food were very good. Our waiter said that the menu was new as of two days prior to our visit. Everyone enjoyed their entree and the food was a whole lot better than we expected. The beer was good too!
(4)Stephanie K.
Was in Boston for a meeting and a friend and I thought we would check it out. We walked in when they first opened and were over whelmed with the smell of bleach. I guess that is good that the place is clean but why? Is it really dirty? The staff is very attentive and the beer is good. The menu is average and standard. If in Boston again not a must do!
(2)Brian D.
CBC is a whole bunch of 'just okay.' It's not the kind of place that you'd use words like "great" or "terrible," more like "nice," "decent," "so-so" and "eh." And for every positive you can give there's going to be a negative. For example, the beer seems good, but they don't seem to have that much diversity in types of beer. The Veggie Nachos were good, but my burger was overcooked. The decor is relatively cheerful, but the place is really loud. The staff was friendly, but the parking ain't great. But once you have a couple of beers and relax, it really isn't bad. I did luck into a good parking spot, and the Pumpkin beer is actually quite nice. And my friends seemed to love the pumpkin ravioli, and there was some decent diversity on the food menu (duck, locally sourced farmer's plate). And it's a great neighborhood. And they seem to have some sort of ice cream partnership with Toscanini's, at least for fall (pumpkin ale ice cream, which I didn't try, sounded like a good idea). (And I've been there a couple other times and had the same reaction to it, so it isn't just that they're depending on Pumpkin to make things work!) Three 1/2 (rounded down) stars for mediocre, but pleasant, well-intentioned mediocre.
(3)Colleen A.
I came in on a very slow lunch. Sat at the bar for about ten min before the bartender who was entering tips and texting actually greeted us. We were about to move to a table but he finally came over and begrudgingly got me a water, so we decided just to stay. We felt like we were inconveniencing him by being there so we asked if we could stay an order food. He laughed,rolled his eyes and jokingly said no. Fifteen min in we got the menu. After we closed the menu And pushed it forward insinuating we we're ready he then took out order after he finished his text. Our food came and it was mediocre and mine was cold. I did not mention it though in fear he would give us another eye roll an a snarky comment. At four a new bartender came on and he was great. Luckily the tip went to him. My friend an I are in the service industry and we know our livelihood depend on tips from happy customerss... Maybe that bartender has other sources of income. To bad for the company he's working for though.
(2)Nik B.
Cambridge Brewing Company at least has the ability to say that it's better than Boston Beer Works. However, it's not THAT much better. They were out of one of the beers listed on their website (Punjabi Pumpkin) and then also kicked out of the Old Mother Hubbard, so we were left with ordering a tower of the Great Pumpkin Ale. Unfortunately, the taste of pumpkin was pretty subtle, and the beer was pretty dull overall. When I ran out of beer, I opted for a non-CBC beer instead. Why does a brewery offer several beers from other breweries? I'm not quite sure, but my Dogfish Head Punkin was delicious. They also offer a pumpkin ravioli for a steep $17. The dish itself is rich, and delicious, but quite small compared to some of the sandwich deals. I think either a side needs to be offered, or charge less for the entree. Luckily though, I admit it was very good. The cream sauce was rich and very flavorful. CBC seems like a fun option if you live nearby, but quite frankly, I don't think it's necessary to make the haul if you live on the Boston side of things. However, I'd take it over Boston Beer Works any time.
(3)Allison S.
I can't believe that I've never reviewed the Cambridge Brewing Company, considering that I'm absolutely IN LOVE with their pumpkin beer. Every fall, I trek all the way to Cambridge just to pick up a growler. Sometimes, I even stop in for some food. On my most recent visit, we ordered the calamari, the buffalo tenders and the cheese board. The calamari was quite tasty, but it was served with this weird lime sauce. I hope they get rid of that and bring back something similar to a marinara - it will make the dish so much better. The buffalo tenders were smaller than I've seen before, but they were great (and pretty spicy)! It was so nice to be able to pop one of those suckers into your mouth without having to worry about cutting it into a million tiny pieces. The cheese board is where it's at. We tried some sort of brie and some sort of gouda, and it was our favorite plate. Do I stop in here all the time? No, but I know that I'm in for some good food and delicious (pumpkin) beer when I do. CBC: If I don't see you again this fall/winter....I'll see you again next year. For sure.
(4)Kate F.
Come for the beer, stay for the... beer. The beers are great. Most recently, we had chili chocolate porter and cherry stout, and both were hearty and unique and well-made. Five stars for the beer. The food? We've been twice, and they're trying too hard with the free-range, fancy entrees. They are okay as entrees at a price point around $15 -- better than the lame chain places that charge 12ish bucks, but definitely not work the $20ish that they charge. The sandwiches are an okay deal (but I don't like the fries), and I've yet to try the pizzas, but I need to stop trying to pretend that I can get great beer and a great meal. 2.5 stars for the food quality for price. But, four stars for the service, which has always been friendly and laid-back, and pretty good with the water refills. Thus, somewhere between three and four stars, and I will go ahead and round up.
(4)Shawn M.
Relaxed atmosphere midday. Large outdoorpatio available. Best brewer in boston, maybe the east coast? Strong attempt to use local ingredients in both beer and food. Seasonal tap list changes regularly. A destination to seek out when in boston, though can be tricky to find. Hidden in corner next to irish pub, across from think tank bar. Usually about 10 beers on tap. 4 ounce samples available of everything. But if you are ultra thirsty they have a huge test tube tower beer thing available. Food solid, fresh, flavorful. Minus one star for ambiance of the neighborhood. Walk through a bunch of office buildings, labs, parking garages to get to cbc.
(4)Colleen H.
If you love beer, go here. I've gone here for lunch a good amount of times and have yet to have an extravagant meal. The salads have been the best thing so far. And that doesn't really say much...
(2)Travis D.
One star for the very nice patio and another for the beer. That's why you should go to CBC -- to have some cold beers on the patio. Do not go there to eat delicious food or to get great service. You will find neither.
(2)WVmounty S.
The beer here may be good, but the burgers leave something to be desired. My husband and I ordered medium burgers (he had the BBQ, I had the carmelized onion) that arrived medium; however, they were very dry and tasteless as if the had been overcooked. Would recommend trying something other than the burgers if you are planning on eating.
(2)Ben L.
I ended up here when a couple of my friends decided to go out for their birthday. Being the big fans of beer that they are they had their hearts sest on Cambridge Brewing Company. They called in advance to see about reservations but were informed that none were available. Being the determined people that they are we went anyway. As it turns out there was a reason why they weren't taking any more reservations and we ended up waiting 1 hour to get a table. lesson one. Get reservations, even on a tuesday. When we were finally seated we decided to order some beers (as it is the logical thing to do at a brewing company). All of the ones that we ordered we good examples of their beer style. In general I would say that they needed more character but the IPA is the real stand out. I thought that it was a little mild but very good. lesson two. Drink beer. When we got to the food it was a small step down from the beer. I was pleased that they had a specials menu to compliment the standards. Most importantly it is a menu not just two or three dishes. I had the pea soup and the steamed mussels. The soup was flavorful but watery and the mussels were cooked properly but not spectacular. lesson three. Go for the beer. CBC is first and foremost about the beer. They have some good dishes but the experience will suffer if you aren't focused on the brew (non drinkers prepare to be disappointed).
(4)Eric P.
This place gets 4-stars for the bar/beer and 2-stars for the restaurant. The good first. The beer is really, really good, and the bartenders are very knowledgeable about helping you find one that you like. What's the word for a beer-sommelier? That's what they are. On the downside, the bar can be deafeningly loud (some people like that, I don't), and the servers have the same arrogance that comes with being a beer-sommelier. The bad. The food service is unexcusably awful. The waiters are rude, forget requests, there aren't enough of them when things are busy. I don't want to be fussed over (in fact, I hate that), I just want my waiters to be professionals. They aren't. To top it off, they commit the odius, unforgivable practice of putting a "suggested gratuity" at the bottom of your bill, at the amounts of 18 and 20%. Sorry, but a tip means a tip - I get to decide, not you. Putting that at the bottom, especially after receiving terrible service, feels really insulting. The food...is ok. I would definitely get a burger again. At 11-bucks-ish, they are reasonably priced for what they are. The other food attempts to be gourmet, but it just isn't. It's bland, nothing-special food that I would not have a problem paying $8-9 for at a cheap cafe, but not $17 for (hello, risotto!). So, in summary, I will definitely be back here for the beer, repeatedly, especially if I can sit outside during the summer. But never again will I partake of the food, unless I am in a hurry to get to a movie at Kendall and just need to scarf down a quick burger.
(3)cricket c.
their molten chocolate cake is really, really good. EDIT: they took this off their menu! WHY? how silly. boo.
(3)Mags L.
waitresses are indie cute. burger is tremendous. fries are crispy goodness. like they might be double fried. double fried?!!! wha-wha? beers are good. what was bad? $.75 for red onions. que ridiculo! in my universe, onions come standard w/a bar burger. i can almost understand cheese being extra, but onions?!!! that said, i'll most certainly be back to have another.
(4)Emily H.
Will Meyers is a God Of Beer. His brewer-brain is just ridiculous with the stuff he comes up with, and the traditional seasonals (esp. the Hefe) are very tasty. I'm a big fan of the food here, and have never had anything bad--the pizza crust is really really good, and the nachos are huge and come topped with veggie chili.
(5)Kristina M.
Pretty decent food, nice outdoor seating and friendly service. Interesting beer selection and some of their brews are really nice (others I don't like, but there's something for every taste and always something interesting to try out). Definitely a good place for after-work drinks and food. Also, you can take a huge bottle of your favorite beer home and bring it back for refills.
(3)Dave J.
Excellent barley wine. Food is still so-so.
(4)Catherine B.
Some good, some bad. The good first: The beer is great and their shrimp salad is big and tasty. The bad: the coasters were filthy and the table grimy, and when we complained our server refused to get us new coasters, saying "you'll just spill beer on them anyway". It made me kind of sick to my stomach and we had a hard time enjoying the meal after that exchange.
(3)Sara B.
The food's not bad, it's just not amazing either. It's best when you're looking for a burger and a beer. It's certainly always better than whatever random crappy restaurant is located next to it. That 's always changing. Their blackened chicken sandwhich is good enough to mention though. It comes with a real nice curry mayo, and pretty good fries.
(3)Stephanie ..
Been here twice. Both times the food was mediocre. Both times I tried their microbrews. Those were mediocre, too. (This is really a 2.5, so I gave it a 2.)
(2)Erin G.
A great place to go in the winter and a particularly great place to go in the summer...the outdoor dining is GREAT! The beer is top notch (favorite is the pale ale...often take a growler home =)! ) and the food is also really good. While not such a fan of their salads, I would highly recommend their burger or their mediterranean pizza...I actually have thought about that pizza since my last trip to the CBC...I thought it was that good. Enjoy!
(4)Jen K.
I have been going to CBC for several years now. Always have had good beer, decent to good food. Never have had a problem with a bad server. Until last night. I went for their special collaboration event (female brewers from CBC/Stone/Victory). The ONLY thing good about that event was the beer. I sat at the bar, and it was not terribly busy when I arrived with a friend. We ordered drinks, then food. Now her food came out quickly, but when she tried it she said it was nearly flavorless. I however, had to wait and wait for my order. The bartender seemed to be doing everything she could to avoid looking at us or noticing our concern and attempts to get her attention. Finally, after at least 7 or 8 minutes had passed, we both managed to get her attention. She said it was a kitchen mistake. I think she was covering up though for her own mistake, which I hate. The check had our party size as 1, and listed my friend's app selection as simply an appetizer no mention that it was a meal and to be fired with my entree. When I finally got my burger, it was poorly made. Supposedly it had BBQ sauce (hence the name BBQ burger), but if it did it was invisible and tasteless. The cheese was not melted at all. And the fries were stone cold. I told the bartender who asked if I wanted new ones. Um, yeah? At this point I'd like some sort of offer to compensate for the hassle! But no. She did say she was sorry a few times at least, but it really didn't make up for how slow and poor the service was. Now, I know people who say serving beer is just as had as making cocktails. But go watch someone like Peter Cipriani handle a busy bar. Sorry, busy is not an excuse. I have always liked CBC, but wow was this miserable. I might try to go again and not sit at the bar. Or maybe I'd just go for a quick beer rather than food. But if this is what CBC has become, it certainly won't be high on my list, and I'll be trying to dissuade my meetup group from going as often.
(3)Sandra C.
Nice summer outdoor seating. Try their microbrew sampler - you get 4 totally different kinds of beer. The most interesting was the pumpkin ale which was very good. Food is pretty good though service was slow. More of restaurant than the name would suggest. Lots of meal choices.
(4)Lee H.
Standard brew pub. Food's OK, location is great.
(3)T I.
A nice place to hang out with friends and have a beer. The food is kind of boring!
(3)Michael G.
How have I never been here?! If you even think that you enjoy beer or food, then CBC should definitely be on your list. I finally went here for beerunch on a Sunday with BeerAdvocate, and I'm happy I did. My pub steak and eggs were cooked perfectly to order, and the beer was as fresh as ever. My girlfriend enjoyed her four cheese quiche, and I didn't mind drinking the rest of her bellini (which wasn't all that great but why would you get a non-beer drink anyway?). After all this food and some great drinks, I almost didn't care that the MBTA was all screwy that day. The only stinky thing about this place is its distance from the T. It may feel like you're walking through an industrial wasteland and your girlfriend may be complaining that her feet hurt and that you have absolutely no idea where you're going, but don't worry: it's just a couple blocks farther.
(4)Dom M.
I've come here after work a few times over the years and I think last week was my last. I just don't like their beer, any of them in fact. The heifewiezer ( i know I killed the spelling) has a terrible after taste, regatta golden is just "eh", and another one, that I cant remember the name, tastes like bad coffee. The food is nothing special, especially when looking for simple after work eats. Basically not a great appetizer menu. The outside is nice but since I usually dont have a good drink to go with it, I'm not really enjoying it.
(1)Rinn S.
CBC makes good beer. That's about all there is to know about this place. Their mainstay beer is very consistently good, as are the seasonal offerings. I want to enjoy their food offerings as well, but I fear that if not for the beer, the star count would be much lower. I've tried to appreciate their food, and I did go to one Brewer's Dinner (cus I'm a nerd) that was very good. But they could have served almost anything along with 5 beers and I would probably have appreciated it. Their menu tries hard, but is a bit all over the map and nothing I've had has impressed me very much. The Beer-unch is an inspired idea, but again the food was just so-so. I wish they could just share a menu with Tommy's the way they share bathrooms. Then you'd get the awesome CBC beer plus cheap honest bar food that lets the beer be the star of the show.
(3)Maryn H.
Great outdoor seating! Good for BIG groups. Great beer selection! The food was all right too. The waitstaff is knowledgable about their beer. Try the beer sampler.
(3)Matt W.
CBC isn't bad and it isn't great. The best restaurant to compare it to is Boston Beer Works which I personally enjoy much more. The beer at CBC is hit or miss. Most of it tastes good but not really distinct. The food is also not bad. I haven't had many of the dishes, but I've been happy with the ones I gotten. One of the best parts about the CBC is that large parties can be seated and entertained with beer towers placed on their table. So, to sum it up, I like CBC but I don't go out of my way for it and usually only go when we have a large party.
(3)Nik O.
I've never ever had good service here but with that said, the food isn't bad. I don't mind going here when I have time to burn with friends. Not the best, not the worst. The chicken salad is really good, if i remember correctly.
(3)Enday G.
The beers and food are ok. Nothing too exciting. There are better places in Cambridge and Boston.
(3)Mike G.
So, read the reviews, approached this place with some trepidation. However, we had a GREAT meal, and would definitely come back. We tried the darker beers, all good, Stout was pricey, but well worth it. Fried buttermilk clams were good, filet mignon was good (but not great) but the gorgonzola mashed and snap peas accompanying it were AWESOME. The kids meals were nothing to write home about. The Tosci's special ice cream was made from their stout, and was insanely awesome, stout ice cream had the flavors of molasses to it. Overall, pricing was reasonable, beers were great, food was good, dessert was awesome. Wait service was a little on the slow side, but very competent.
(5)Frank H.
Had the clam chowder which was very good and the margarita pizza which was also very good. The crust is very flavorful with the addition of the spent grains from the brew which is added to the dough.
(4)sage f.
For a brewing company, I'm not terribly impressed with their beer; the menu is pretty mundane and the decor looks like an institutional dining hall.
(2)Dan G.
Good basic bar type food....beer is good though...im partial to the Golden Regatta.
(3)Al A.
good beer selection. good food
(3)Chels G.
I'm not really a beer person but I went here with friends and they got a beer tower which was truly awesome. Never before have I seen anything like that! I was torn on what to get on their menu but to play it safe I got their CBC Burger, boy I was not disappointed at all. They could have cooked the patty a bit more but either way it was very scrumptious. The atmosphere was on the posh side which reminded me of a place that you would find in San Francisco. Would definitely go here again but try something new.
(4)Sean E.
Love this place. Have yet to have a bad dish here (guess I've lucked out?), the squid ink pasta with mussels was amazing, and the service has always been good to me. But the real treat here is the beers. Some of the best in town. Their Pale Ale is second only to their Amber, and the seasonals are usually fantastic. And if you are with a group and want to look silly you can get yourselves a beer tower filled with your choice. Yes, it's so very tempting. Don't leave without trying the ice cream though -- it's from Toscanini's and it's made with whatever their beer of choice at the moment is, and it's un-freakin-believable.
(5)Jud P.
The other reviews are right in saying that the food here just isn't up to par. I've never had anything bad, but it's just nothing special and can be bland. But the beer here is amazing. Will Meyers, the head brewer, does a great job. The regulars are all solid (the Cambridge amber is a favorite of mine, and available at some bars in the area), but the seasonals are where the action is. They can range from huge IPAs (the red god IPA is excellent) and barleywines in the winter, to delicate and refreshing in the summer (the hefeweizen is top notch). They also have a cask on every Tuesday which is worth checking out. The place is spacious and I enjoy the atmosphere, plus they have outdoor seating and the location is easily accessible as well. So take or leave the food, but stay for the beer.
(4)Laura M.
Two words: Beer towers. Okay, so the food isn't exquisite. They can make a tasty Cuban sandwich, to the surprise of this Florida girl. I really like their beer, they're located conveniently close to the movie theater, and I really like their beer. Some quality stuff always available, plus interesting seasonal choices, and you can cart home a 1/2 gallon growler of your favorite.
(4)Michael W.
I like going to brewing companies, its fun on a Sunday, and after a movie at the Kendall theater. We went several months ago, and I was really disappointed, the wait staff was less than exciting to serve you, food was iffy, burger was just overcooked and gross and the beers are nothing to write home about... maybe next time i will do a double feature at Kendall and just eat tons of popcorn...
(2)Jennifer T.
LOVE IT. Awesome beer and food. The calamari appetizer is delicious- always cooked perfectly. I love the outdoor patio in the summer. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the beer menu. Great, casual atmosphere.
(4)Robin W.
I went here a few weeks ago to grab dinner before going to the movies. I can honestly say this was the absolute WORST dining experience I have had in a really long time. There were four of us. Two of us ordered beer, I ordered a Diet Coke and we asked for four waters. We ordered an appetizer and four entrees. Our appetizer came first, BEFORE our drinks. Then they brought the two beers when we were finished with the appetizer, but did not bring the water or the soda. I asked for my Diet Coke and they brought it a few minutes later. It was completely flat and tasted bad. I asked again for the waters for the table. The service was REALLY, REALLY slow. I asked again for a third time for the waters. Three out of four of our entrees came. I asked again for the waters, fourth time. They brought only one water. My boyfirend was waiting on his pizza.... FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. Finally, they brought his pizza when the rest of us were finished eating. The waiter NEVER asked how our food was, NEVER asked if he could get us anything else, NEVER apologized for bringing the fourth entree 20 minutes later than the rest. The entire experience was painful and the food was mediocre, at best. Go here if you like mediocre food and horrible service.
(1)Steve L.
Try and get a sample of the beer you are about to try, or else you may end up with a pint that's not your thing. As for food, stick with the pizzas and burgers (which is the reason for 4 instead of 3 stars), as their other food tends to be thrown together at the last minute. In the summer time sit outside, and avoid the tackiness of a beertower, unless you are ordering one for yourself then it's excused.
(4)Angel D.
I think it's a good casual place to grab a bite to eat before a movie. We ordered the Calamari Appetizer which was so-so. There wasn't enough calamari and too much of the other stuff (a sweet and spicy glaze, wild rice, strings of yellow "things", green onions). My date ordered the bacon cheeseburger with fries which looked good. I ordered the chick pea fritter wrap with field greens. I definitely recommend my wrap, it was VERY tasty. I especially like the fact that I've never had anything like it before, however my field greens were drowning in dressing. I would have ordered a beer if I wasn't still hungover from the night before, but I had a sip of my date's Pumpkin Ale and it was rather smooth. Considering the food selections around Kendall Cinema, I would recommend going here, PLUS you get $3.50 off each movie ticket, just remember to tell your server before they bring you the check so they can run your ticket vouchers with your restaurant tab.
(3)Melissa B.
I don't get why this place is so popular. Every time I've been the food is HORRIFIC and the beers just weren't worth it. Nice to sit outside in Kendall in the summer, but otherwise skip it.
(1)Geoff T.
The food is okay. Not terrible, not superb. It is about worth what you pay for it. I do, however, like the beer. Sitting with some friends and getting a sampler before settling on what pint you would like is just plain good old fashioned fun. The beers are seasonal, too. Also, you can bring home larger jugs of the beer and, upon returning it, get it refilled. Near the Kendall Theater and Flat-top Johnny's, so there are other reasons to be in the neighborhood anyway!
(3)Oggie B.
The CBC deserves credit for recent cosmetic improvements to the space: eye-catching new logo, the behind-bar area updated with attractive wood shelving, they've hung up a whimsical Sgt Pepper's-esque mural, and they seem to have been able to subdue that nasty chemical smell present where beer is brewed on site. Of all the restaurant/bars in that little plaza where it's situated, I prefer the CBC: it's very relaxed with a bit of crunchy-Cambridge vibe, the bartender and servers are always very friendly to me, the beer they brew (there are usually 4-5 varieties on tap at a given time, which seem to rotate quite often) is quite tasty and well-crafted. I agree that the plated entrees seem expensive in relation to the atmosphere, and for that reason, I haven't sampled any. In fact, the only thing i've eaten there is the blackened chicken sandwich, which is VERY good--cripsy, peppery spice rub outside but very moist, perfectly cooked chicken breast topped with a tangy creamy sauce. A few suggestions: finish the refresh and lose the lightly-stained tempered pine bar & furniture. Also, a measure of choice of breads for the sandwiches would be nice. Otherwise I can't wait for the summer, sit on their patio and drain beer out of one of those towers that look unsettlingly like massive bongs.
(4)Greg S.
Ok if you want to go someplace and have some drinks and appetizers after work in the Kendall area, this is a good place. I have tried numerous pints here and have never been dissatisfied in the beer department. They also have huge beer towers if you can get everyone to agree on the same beer. However, when venturing into the food realm I have been disappointed on more than one occasion. One time I ordered a buffalo chicken quesadilla for lunch and it was down right awful, not something I would even recommend ordering to my worst enemy, so it makes me wonder why you'd put something like that on your lunch specials menu. Seriously, stick to the apps or order the most boring thing on the menu like a burger.
(3)Amy D.
Towers of beer are excellent. We always stick to basic pub food - pizza, sandwiches, buffalo tenders-and have no real complaints. I would never drop $20 on one of their entrees though. Service is efficient but never overly-friendly, which is too bad. It's the kind of place you want to love, but it's meh-ness tends to overwhelm.
(3)Thomas M.
Beer is okay -- nothing too special. Service iffy, waiter did not know a lot about the beer at all. Food simply tries to hard -- $20 entrees at a brewpub? Come on. Burger I had was disappointing, served on an herbed roll, that completely overpowered the meat. Odd location -- way too bright inside.
(2)MS B.
Great micro-brew in the MIT area of Cambridge - not far from central Boston. The staff and managers are great, very knowledgeable about beer and food pairings. The restaurant strives to use local ingredients and also has nightly food specials. Beers do rotate seasonally, and, as mentioned by a previous reviewer, the Tall Tale Pale Ale, well, it's no tall tale to say it tastes GREAT! Outdoor patio seating in season, and a nice inside. Be sure to check this place out whether you're local or visiting. Adjacent to Kendall Square Cinema, so why not have a brew pre or post a cool international film?
(4)Traci K.
These three stars are for the Pumpkin beer. It is very tasty and it is my favorite part of the season. A few friends and I shared a tower of it (100 ounces) and were shocked to find it was only $28bucks. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the tower stayed relatively cool for the entire time. Delightful! The food it okay. It's not mind-blowing and it's not all that terrible.... Okay. Except for the mussels. The mussels were questionable - like they'd been sitting there for quite some time and bland as all get out. The service wasn't bad. It was pretty busy - but our server was around, inconsistently so. She popped up before we were ready to order and didn't come back around for at least twenty minutes. It's okay...we weren't in a rush. For my future visits to the CBC, I'll eat elsewhere and have a nice big tower of beer.
(3)Christian L.
Cool ivy league bar, the beer towers are pretty awesome. The beers were good but not many to choose from.
(3)H T.
Very casual and fun place to hang out with friends even in large groups. I don't come for the food but mainly for the atmosphere and beer list. Just like to see what else is brewing and how creative these brewers can get. This place can get very busy, noisy and hard to have a full fledge conversation. Not a good place to bring a girl to especially if it's the first few dates. The outdoor seating is nice when the weather is warmer!
(4)Joy Y.
To be quite honest, I wasn't even remotely impressed with this place. The beer was good, the service was good but the food was was 'eh' at best. My friend and I ordered the pumpkin gnocchi, which was so disappointing, we couldn't even finish it. The gnocchi's texture was very tough, almost bordering on hard, although I could understand where they were going with the flavor concept. We also ordered the poutine, which was soggy, under seasoned and overall, just not that great. Finally we ordered the taza chocolate and porter stout cake, which was just terrible. It was dry and and you literally had to soak it in the ice cream accompaniment to make it edible. Luckily, we also ordered the cheese plate. And while it did not make up for the rest of the meal, it certainly tried hard to. The cheese was delicious and the combination of apples, marcona almonds and butternut squash puree just elevated the cheese to another level. Not a fan.
(2)Adam P.
Been to CBC twice and I'm looking forward to many more visits in the future. Beer: I've tried their Wee Heavy/Scotch Ale, Hefeweizen, Banryu Ichi, Ozymandias, and sampled small sips of a few of their other beers. Every one has been fantastic -- moreover, Ozymandias is probably the best beer I've ever had. Food: I ate off their special prix fixe menu last night, which was reasonably priced and enjoyable. That said, I think I enjoyed my girlfriend's meal more (beet salad and egg/four cheese pizza). The prices for their regular entrees are a bit steep, but the pizza is a deal that can't be beat ($12 for a very respectable portion). Plus, they use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible, which surely impacts their pricing decisions. Overall, a phenomenal gastropub that is very worthy of a visit (or two or three or four...).
(5)Alex N.
Recently went to CBC twice for lunch and it was great! I'm a big fan of the Regatta Golden beer, very nice on a hot day (it's the lightest beer they have). My husband has tried a variety of their beers and has liked them all. Their food is hit or miss, and the menus change from lunch to dinner. The fried calamari - skip it. The salt & vinegar fries - amazeballs. We tried the margherita pizza and that was really good too. I got a cheeseburger one of the times and it was pretty good. My husband had a cuban and said it was just okay. We're from Florida and have higher expectations and probably should have known better. I definitely recommend stopping in, but would suggest you do so when they are serving dinner as the menu options seem to be better then. Both times we ate outside which is preferable to the inside - it seems a little dingy in there. Almost all of the outdoor seating is covered which was nice on an overcast day when rain looked imminent. Lots of little birds hang around trying to find food so my son had a good time feeding them. There are some pretty flowers around too that add to it being a nice place for an outdoor meal.
(4)Daniel L.
Must try their nachos! HUGE plates of nachos (three hungry men could not finish one order) with a great mix of condiments. Also, their burgers are quite good.
(4)Sally B.
The best thing about this place is the outdoor fireplace. (one star) Second best is the fact that they have STRONGBOW cider! (two stars) Unfortunately, this fact was not advertised anywhere and I didn't find out until after I ordered my second beer, but the beer was good too. (three stars for locally made beer) The food was decent but the atmosphere (apart from our time sitting around the fire) didn't really do it for me and the service was nothing to write home about . It was like a cross between a bar and Friendly's, with families sitting around and people all crowded into one half of the place, which made it really hard for the standing half to get attention from the servers.
(3)Andrew R.
Good line of beers, though the glass sizes are a bit deceptive if you don't know what you're do. So tip #1: Know what you're doing. Tip #2: Eat a pizza. They're big, surprisingly delicious, and people will envy you all night. Tip #3: Observe. Check out the walls and then check out the odd crowd. See if you can match them up!
(4)Misty S.
CBC is one of my favorite places to go in Kendall square. The beers are hit or miss- some really good, some are mehhhh. The Pumpkin beer doesn't do much for me, but I like their pale ale and their IPA's. Prices are great. One thing I especially love about CBC is their seasonal food. I went for lunch recently and got a fantastic autumn salad that had local goat cheese, butternut squash, walnuts and apples on it. I've also had really good squash ravioli here before, and their hummus is very good. Lots of healthier stuff on the menu. Service is always friendly and prompt. Outdoor seating in summer too!
(3)Leah K.
I've generally enjoyed coming to CBC, but I went recently and had the worst service I've had there, and was really rubbed the wrong way by the bartender. Perhaps it was because it was Saturday, (it was also kind of late), but still! I couldn't believe how long it took me to get a beer! It wasn't just this, though. At one point, I overheard the bartender making fun of another customer to the gentleman sitting next to me. I'm not a business owner, but, dude...maybe not great protocol? It makes you wonder how often he does this, right? What if he was was making fun of ME to other customers? Maybe that's why it took so long to get my beer! He wasn't even that friendly when I did finally get my drink! I don't know what this guy's deal is - maybe he thinks that having a bar code tattooed on his neck makes him too cool for his customers? Ridiculous. Luckily, there was another bartender there that was much friendlier and and much more expeditious, or I probably would have left after that first drink. Probably not going back, at least not on a Saturday night!
(1)Daniel M.
One word: brunch. Or as they call it beer-unch. Either way, mad tasty. We came on a Sunday post wedding hangover looking for some nibbles and should a beer come along, well hey. Walking through the ghost town that is Kendall we waded through the people foolishly wasting their brunch time waiting to get in to Friendly Toast and walked right in to CBC. We were greeted and seated in no time, suck on that waiting losers! Our server was nice and had amazing eyes. Yeah that has nothing to do with anything but it deserves mentioning cause wow. Anywho... First and foremost the brunch menu had a small handful of items (6-8 maybe) and it took us forever to decide what to do. Everything sounded so good. I opted for the day's Eggs Benedict which happened to be crabcake. OMFGDelicious. The creole hollandaise was so flavorful and went so well with everything I practically had to refrain from licking the plate. The crabcake was delicious and perfectly prepared. My only complaint was that the eggs were slightly over done but that didn't even matter thanks to the rest of the ingredients. Also, homefries = home run. Not too done, not too underdone. Just right. My friend had the French toast which was HUGE and delicious. The beer was also good but at the time my body kept saying "are you effing kidding me, you're drinking *AGAIN*?!?" so I wasn't as enthused as I might normally be. Regardless it's nice to know that there's fresh beer waiting for me within walking distance of the apartment. I will certainly be back here for brunch and I will most likely point and laugh at the people waiting to get in the joint across the courtyard.
(4)Nroop B.
Good place to start an evening with! Decent collection of their own brews. Nachos with vegetarian chili sounds fun too!
(4)James H.
Been there many times, often after a movie. Food and service usually quite good. Atmosphere loud but it is a brew pub so not a problem. BUT: someone please take responsibility for the almost always DISGUSTING men's room which gets filthier by the minute if you go there at night. Yes, they share if with another establishment but couldn't they work together to monitor and clean it?
(3)richard m.
I love a good char-grilled burger and steak once in awhile and CBC is the best place to get a very good steak or burger with tap beers. The only downside is the service. It should take more than 5 minutes or so to get a beer and the staff is never around when you run out of beer.
(4)Aaron S.
If you're looking for actually drinking CBC's delicious brews...you can probably find them for less elsewhere in the Boston area. My fiancee and I got burgers. I think they were $11 bucks, which if they were amazing, that'd be one thing. But they weren't really. We got some sort of dessert that came with barleywine which was the redeeming feature of this meal. I don't think I'll be back. I can get CBC beer for much cheaper, with better quality food at Cambridge Common.
(3)Chris M.
Pretty disappointed. I live in Chicago and have come to the Boston area a couple of times on business. Seeing as neither Harpoon nor Samuel Adams have a brewpub (why the heck not?) i decided to see what else was out there. On the surface, you'd think that the self proclaimed one of the oldest brewpubs in america would have its game tight by now. Nope... I ordered fish and chips, as well as two beers (a pale ale and a wit). First of all, the fish and chips was one of the worst i've ever had, which is really sad... how do you mess fish and chips up? Well, the fish was not fresh, or was just a poor cut or variety (it had fish "dark meat" if you know what i mean... the kind of greasy blah part of the flesh). Also, it came in a huge hunk, so it was unevenly cooked. I mean, seriously, I'm from the midwest...we don't get the opportunity to have the freshest of the fresh seafood.... You'd assume that a micro brewery in Cambridge, MA would do it up right.... yet somehow this establishment totally missed the mark. The beer was also really boring... not bad exactly, but for a micro brewery... it was below average. Not enough flavor or character to remember it 1 second after a sip... Obviously, i guess that everyone is allowed a night off or a botched dish, or whatnot, but seriously... based on my one and only experience that I will ever have with this place.... thumbs down... save your money... it sucks.
(2)Joyce L.
Even our host, whom we visited for a weekday lunch catch up, said this place can be unpredictable. To be fair, it has the markings of a good brew pub place... friendly staff, indoor/ outdoor options and a wide bar. And then there is the food... I grabbed a burger - my medium rare order was closer to medium well. There wasn't quite enough BBQ sauce on it to call it a BBQ burger. Good portions however, and an excellent green salad side. My buddy ordered the bean burger... he's had it plenty of times before and it's his favourite on the menu (for lunch). Boyfriend had the pulled pork sandwich... he was wow'ed more by the fried pickle than the pork, but the sandwich was totally acceptable. And then the beers... we all got a pumpkin seasonal, and to my completely untrained palette (for beer, and pumpkin for that matter) - my Berliner Weisse was more sour than pumpkin. Just so I can correctly judge it, I read on a beer connoisseur site that it's traditional to serve it with a sweet syrup (such as Raspberry) to counteract the sourness... and so, where was my pumpkin syrup? Did not wow me but seems like a safe lunch bet. I would like to come back for their regular beers, one time. Service was quick too.
(3)john e.
I think we timed it when they had weird seasonals and also the cask choice was porter. Sorry, but porter is no good on cask. We started at the bar and the bartender was very aloof and condescending. Seemed to be more preoccupied with those he knows. Plus it smells a bit dank indoors. So then we went and sat outside and it was weird. The servers seemed to be all mixed up and did not know what table to go to next. The one who ended up being assigned to our table had no clue about the beer/ales, which was a shock. Food? MEEH. The only place I know of in New England that serves pre-frozen pollock in the fish and chips. Terrible. Is CBC that desperate for profit, they save a dollar a meal by not serving cod or haddock? Geez, you are only 10 minute drive to the docks where the fishing boats come in. Mussels were OK, if you like mussels that is. They have clams, and other dishes, all overpriced for what you get and the quality. Restroom - messy. Weird - it is also shared by the Irish pub next door. Wow these guys are really saving money. House beers disappointing. Tasted like the brewer is on a budget with the ingredients.
(2)Megan R.
My friends and I LOVE CBC for a night of dinner and beers out. This place is tucked right into Kendall Square, a short walk from the T or a perfect place to go after some costume shopping at the Garment District. During the fall, their Great Pumpkin beer is definitely the best! You can get beers by the pint, pitcher, or tower! We opted for the tower once when we were there with a large group, and it was enough for about 5 of us to have 2 glasses of beer. Pints are typically around $5-$7 each. As far as the menu goes, it isn't huge, but I actually find that refreshing in comparison to some bars with 6 pages of food options. I always think the fewer options, the more care they put into each dish, and I think that definitely holds true for Cambridge Brewing Company. I've opted for the burger twice, and the main event is actually the french fries- absolutely delicious! The burgers are always cooked well and are juicy. I've also gone for the fish and chips before- served over little newspaper papers, a very cute touch. Friends of mine have also gone with soup or pizza there, and have never heard a complaint. Service is great here- the bartenders and waiters are incredibly friendly and great on making suggestions, especially if you are torn on the beer choices. They also serve a glass of water with the beer- a major bonus point. It can get pretty busy on a Friday or Saturday night, but there is always room at the bar to sit down and have a beer while you wait for your table! If you find yourself in the neighborhood, Cambridge Brewing Company is definitely worth checking out!
(5)Saba N.
Didn't really wow me. The food was good, service was fine.. atmosphere is comfortable. I'd come back for sure, especially with a big group - but there are so many fun, unique restaurants in the area that it seems silly to come here. Oh, and the beer's good.
(3)David D.
This place was *AWESOME*. Their beers are absolutely fantastic. (The New England Shellfish entree I had was also phenomenal.) I sampled eight of them. The Regatta Golden, the Tall Tale Pale Ale, and the Charles River Porter are always on tap. The Bachelor's Buttons, the Banryu Ichi, the Kriek du Cambridge, the Pearls of Wisdom, and the Remain in Light are all rotators, but it looks like they have a lot of rotators on tap on a pretty regular basis. They were all good. The Belgian styles (Bachelor's was a Saison; the Kriek was, well, a Kriek; and the Pearls of Wisdom was a wild fermented ale with a really nice brett streak) were *TO* *DIE* *FOR*. If you like Belgian styles beers and care to find a place that brews them right, this place is phenomenal. OK, I already said phenomenal. Definitely "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" I wished I live in Boston.
(5)Alison D.
I've been back a few more times since my last review - including for beer-unch. Cheesy name, but I like it. All the beers I have ever tried have been excellent, and same goes for the food. The food is locally sourced and well, the beer is brewed on the spot. If you drink and eat, you will like it here.
(5)Tim G.
These guys are local legends, and started way back in 1989. They've got a brewpub right in Kendall Square in an old mill building of sorts. The brewpub itself is mostly solid-looking wood furniture and brick walls, as a proper pub should be. Quirky art pieces accent the bar and dining area: bold murals, wire sculptured hands grasping giant brews, and stained glass depictions of foaming pints. They brew a wide range of styles and influences, and I can't think of a bad one I've ever had. The outdoor seating option in the summer is nice, but on this winter day, we were glad for the shelter and heat inside. We snagged several samples; they don't offer an official sampler or flight, but you can put together your own with 4oz samples for $2 each. My lady friend and I chose five apiece, and between the two of us, covered most of the menu. We also ordered lunch, which was excellent. More importantly, the beers were excellent, and enough to elicit a mild buzz, preparation enough for the cold that lurked outside. I have never had a bad CBC beer. Go there.
(5)Mike T.
Damn good craft beer is served here. They also serve lunch and dinner, some dishes are good, some are mediocre. Service is good, whether you are at tables, which there are a lot of, of the bar. The great thing over the last couple years, has been the ability to purchase bombers of their beer at some Mass. liquor stores. For those who enjoy craft beer and are in the Boston area, this is a place you need to check out.
(3)Walt G.
OMG! What were they thinking with that meatball special? Ground meat and way too much 5- spice powder. Four over seasoned meatballs and sliced bread for $16, are you kidding me? Worst meal ever. Our other meals were duck (okay) that did not go with the accompanying bean mix and an over cooked burger with cheese that wasn't melted. $110 for three poor meals and 5 okay beers. Sorry I can't give zero stars.
(1)Darth R.
As far as breweries goes, this one takes the cake for me. The only portion it falls short on, is the lack of a tour. That being said, if you're looking for a brewery to drink in, these guys are a fantastic selection - always great beers, and there is almost always a beer brewed in partnership with another known brewery (e.g. past examples are Victory, Stone). Their food is actually good as far as brew pubs go. It's by no means a polished meal, but the best damn (hot!) chicken fingers in Boston, and all the beer to wash it down with. If you're looking to crush a few Bud Lights, this is not the place for you. They do have a Regatta Ale which is quite light, but that's the extent of it for the carbonated-watered-down-urine-drinkers. You'll find a lot of Biotech Pharma dude(tte)s hanging around here. If you're in from out of town, and in Cambridge, go here. If you live in Cambridge, go here at least once. If you can't stay, they do have six packs to go.
(5)Bia M.
I like CBC a lot. The atmosphere is very cool, the staff chill and friendly, the prices are okay. I'm not a fan of the food, but the beers are awesome. It is a great place for big groups since there is a pretty big bar area. In the summer there are outdoor tables and you can sit there without ordering food. Definitely recommend.
(4)Timothy H.
Come for the Beer Towers and stay for the great eats!
(4)Beans B.
Went over for the first time in a while and happened to hit brunch. Very pleasantly surprised. Someone at CBC must have been listening to us vegetarians bitch about lack of menu options. On both the lunch and brunch menus there were creative and tempting items. I actually had a hard time choosing. I ended up getting a frittata off the brunch menu which knocked my socks off. Mmmmm pesto, tomato and fresh mozarella, topped with greens and a little vinaigrette... I'm making myself hungry! Generously portioned and reasonably priced mimosas too. All in all a very nice time chilling on the patio.
(5)Tamar A.
So you know how I loved this place before? Then I tried their perfection-inspired, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside brine-pickled fried chicken and the greatest--and, as a person who just can't get on the kale train, I mean GREATEST--garlic-sauteed collard greens that ever there was. Then I tried them again. Then my boyfriend took measures to defend his plate from my fork's sneak attacks. He always wins our entree-ordering face-offs, and it's getting annoying.
(5)Jeff W.
Stopped in here recently for brunch. Food was good and well prepared, and it looked like a really nice brewery, however I didn't try any of the beer. There were probably 10 or 15 beers on the menu and it wouldn't surprise me if they're all great. Would love to go back and give em all a try. Not in one night of course, but probably in one night....of course.
(3)Xtine B.
I really just wanted to see a bit of the brewery and do some tasting so I bypassed the menu entirely. When I explained why I was there to my waitress, she was so nice and accomodating I almost wanted to pack her up and bring her home with me! She brought me some water and some bread so I could cleanse between beers, ahh, what a sweetie. :) I had to get back to the flat and make a dish for a pot luck so I couldn't stay as long as I would have liked. That being the case I settled for sampling only 5 from their pretty impressive list. Cambridge Amber: Tilted more toward the sweet end, this still had pretty good over all balance and was really good for a low alcohol (4% abv) beer. I think with would be great with light summer dinners or maybe a pitcher on the porch on a warm evening. Charles River Porter: I didn't like it. I found it needlessly heavy and bitter. I don't say that just because it's a porter..... I'm a Guinness girl. I normally like beer that's like stew in a bottle but this was difficult to finish if was so harsh. I do, however, think it would be a great beer to add to chocolate, like a cake as the espresso notes in it were quite powerful. Project Venus: Great nose! Very floral, way yummy and the background of the beer is very interesting, being a creation of several female brewmeister in colaboration. Sgt Pepper: Wow! I would never have thought that a little pepper in the kettle would have produced such a wonderful result! Bright and lively, this one was my absolute favorite. Very crisp, nice balance and the pepper gives it a lovely punch. Valley Girl: I found this a bit too hoppy for my taste but Sgt Pepper is a really hard act to follow. I did end up ordering a dessert at the end because I wanted some chocolate to help me finish off that porter. Was told by my lovely server they recommended porter with the Big Ass Whoopie Pie. Sounded good to me, bring it on. It arrived, much bigger than I expected. Seriously, someone is supposed to eat all that after dinner? The really confusing part is that they recommended it with the porter but brought it out with a little glass of milk. What the hell was I supposed to do with that?? *shrugs*
(4)Morgan M.
Recently went for lunch on a Saturday and it was okay. Great pub if you're looking for bar food with a better than average beer menu. Waitstaff was friendly. All in all a decent place but since average pub fare is not my speed I most likely won't be back.
(3)Kathleen F.
I got invited to check out CBC with some friends and was pretty pumped to check it out. I went in expecting great beer, but probably some pretty awful bar food, but I was definitely wrong. The beer selection was great, and the waitress was very knowledgeable about the beers which was awesome. The food was amazing, and just what I was craving after a long day at work. For apps we had the nachos and the white bean dip, the nachos were great, could have been a little cheesier, but nevertheless very good. The white bean dip was nice and garlicky, so if you are a garlic lover it's a great choice! For dinner I tried the eggplant stacker with a side of greens. The greens were lightly dressed and very fresh, and the eggplant had just the right amount of cheese and flavor. It also had some nice juicy tomatoes on top which I liked. Another recommendation would be the salt and vinegar fries! My friend ordered a side of them and they were delish! Can't wait to come back here and try out some new dishes and beers, great ambiance and great service. A solid 4 star experience.
(4)Kevin E.
Popular brew pub in the Cambridge center area. The menu is typical club fare. I ordered a burger that was cooked to order and was more than I could finish. Plenty of fries came along with it. The place can get rather loud so not the easiest place to carry on a conversation over dinner but that is to be expected at a brew pub.
(3)Helena B.
Boyfriend and I are amateur beer snobs, so stumbling upon this place was like approaching an oasis in the Sahara. Well, perhaps a little less dire than being stranded in the Sahara would likely be, but I needed to lean upon hyperbole to fully express my love. I love: Local beer. Our great nation is starting to shine in the craft brew arena and it's fun to see what different brewers are doing. I got to try various beers brewed at CBC and one born of a collaboration with another local brewery. Fantastic. I love: Servers who know their stuff. Our server helped two out-of-towners try the cream of the local crop. He was attentive without hovering; our glasses were never empty. His area included several large tables, yet he still had time to chat with us about what brought us to Cambridge. I love: Kriss Kross (Jump, Jump!), Boys II Men, Bell Biv DeVoe, Salt n' Pepa, and DJs who can weave these musical geniuses together seamlessly. There may have been some mini, seated dancing. Our friendly, knowledgeable bartender? Also cute as heck. I have no idea as to his relationship status, but ladies of Cambridge, get on it. Get. On. It.
(5)Johnna M.
First time I went here was to grab a quick bite to eat on Friday night before moving on to bigger and better things. Not paying particularly close attention to the alcohol content on the draft list, I ordered the Barley wine because it is beer disguised as a wine or wine disguised as a beer and that intrigued me. Half an hour later I was completely out of comission/completely in commission for the whole night. Word to the wise-anything with an 11 percent next to it is not a nice light accompaniments for your grilled chicken sandwich. That being said I absolutely adore this place. The beer is delicious and I always have fun sampling the different types. My favorite is the Charles River Porter. You can also get what looks like a large smoking device filled with beer. This typically can serve 5 people. I adore the laid back service, although I typically go with regulars who helped install their sound system and are treated extra nicely, so maybe I am not a fair judge. I adore the awkward clientele and the fact I am for once in my life amongst the least awkward. I adore the mural of the awkward clientele with random celebrities thrown in. All though I have spent a good portion of my life trying to identify each person in the picture, only to realize there is an answer key below it. They also have outdoor seating-major plus. You can buy growlers of their beer which are fun and make for awesome slightly sketchy gifts. I have tried their nachos with chicken, veggie pizza, and chicken sandwich. All of these were very good (especially the pizza) and their was more than enough food. I ended up sharing with the people next to me - it's the kind of place where that isn't so odd. Their fries are also worth trying. If you are looking for a place to relax and grab a nice bite and good conversation, this is the place. If you are broke and want to get completely silly off of one beer, this is the place.
(4)Linda E.
Went here on a Monday night because I was in the area. The walkway to the restaurant may have been the nicest part of the experience. It was decorated really pretty. Once I got inside it was dead, it was 9pm and I was wondering if it was still even open. I sat at the bar and some guys at the bar later told me that everyone was next door at Tommy Doyle's because they were playing Monday Night Football on their flat-screens. The pumpkin beer for the season was delicious and they even had one that was 9.4% alcohol, but I was a little afraid to try it since I was driving. I also ordered the calamari which was not good at all. It had no flavor and it was very small. I'm used to calamari being a large app for groups to share. There was no flavor so the chef made the sauce thick, extremely spicy(and I usually love spicy), and mixed with olives which I hate. The music playing was a mix of Johnny Cash and Michael Jackson hits which weren't too bad. The bathroom seems like your walking into a back closet. The bartenders are kind of socially awkward. The receipt gives you a suggested tip amount for help in case you have had too many 9.4% alcoholic beers :) I will not return here. I'm glad that I had a coupon for a free appetizer from the Yelp-Kendall event since it was worth that much.
(1)Steve S.
This place totally gets the idea of good food and good beer. Everything I had (beer and food) was excellent and expertly served. It is hard to describe but you should order the Poitine. It is the description of comfort food. Shout to Ben for the great service.
(5)Calvin F.
As a budding beer snob, their beers are to die for. I like the dark ones, and everything I've ever had here has left me quite pleased. You really can't go wrong, no matter what you order. The food is better than standard bar fare. Definitely good enough to satisfy, but then again, the food isn't even the main draw. It's like how they say in musical theater that everyone is either a dancer or a singer? Well, if eating/drink places are either restaurants or breweries, this is a brewery that has damn good food for a brewery.
(5)Dessa R.
A good burger is a good burger is a good burger, right? Well, when it's served by a really great server who follows complicated directions with a smile, accompanied by a not-too-sweet Strongbow cider, that makes my meal taste even better. And when that server offers to add your Kendall movie tickets to the bill at a discounted price, well, that just warrants another whole star. Well played, CBC, well played.
(4)Amy S.
Maybe I have poor taste, but I think this place is better than just okay. Friendly staff (in my experience), tasty food and good beers. Sold. I don't usually order soup, but I was intrigued by the baked potato soup....it wasn't what I expected, but I really liked it. In fact, 3 of the 4 of us at dinner got it and we all "scraped the bowl" enjoyed it. It was completely creamy with no chunks (except for some pieces of bacon on the top) and literally tasted just like a baked potato with butter and cheese. I love dunking food so I was happy to see it came with two pieces of bread. I love CBC's pizza. They had a pizza of the day with huge chunks of pepperoni prosciutto and veggies. Too bad it was only a special.
(4)Ed M.
Well things have certainly improved over here. The local and seasonal food focus was great and the beers were nice. They tell you where ingredients are coming from (pumpkins from Wilsons Farm in Lexington for example) and the food was much nicer this time around. The service is still underwhelming, the place was near empty on a weeknight yet our waiter seemed miserable and disappeared for a good chunk of time, right when we needed to get in touch with him about something missing from one of our orders (one of the two things the entree came with, not special orders or anything). We enjoyed it a lot this time around and would probably make it back much more often now.
(4)Big S.
this place is great. the food is good for a bar, i had the sunrise burger which was awesome. the sirachi aioli was fantastic. and the beer is good. pumpkin and golden are best. would come back in a heartbeat, nice atmosphere too.
(4)Molly J.
Hosted a 12-person birthday party here. Although it was a warm night and we had made the reservation weeks in advance, we were informed when we showed up that there was no way they could accommodate us on the patio. Instead, they took us to the very back of the (stuffy) restaurant, to a table packed in -- the host sheepishly described our route as "a journey" as he snaked and squeezed through other tables to guide us to our seats. The main thing CBC has going for it is that the guest beers are unique, and the food is pretty good. Unfortunately, this was undermined by the worst service I've experienced in any restaurant in the city since I moved to Boston a couple years ago. Our waiter must have been smoking something -- something strong. It took him 45 minutes to take our order. When we asked for water all around, he responded, "Do you really need that?" On multiple occasions we watched him stand in the corner of the room, just hanging out with his back to the tables. Food didn't arrive until a full hour after we placed our order. Other requests (for napkins, silverware, etc.) had to be made multiple times. In the meantime, a party of 14 came, ate, and left -- before we had even received our plates! We didn't finish our 7:30pm reservation til 11:30, at which point it was too late to hit the clubs in Central. Careful -- due to mandatory 18% gratuity for large parties, our waiter got a pretty big tip. He probably used it to buy more of whatever he was smoking, which means you should gear up for a four-hour meal.
(2)matt k.
I went here for the 22nd anniversary of the brewpub. Even though I love their beer, my experience was not something I would want to repeat. Night one: showed up to order a beer and a bratwurst from the grill. The beer was great, but the bratwurst was mediocre. My wife called to say she was stuck in traffic and so we switched plans to go the next night instead. Night two: since we didn't have a sitter for this night, we brought my two-year-old. Big mistake! Way too loud inside for a little kid, even way in back, far away from the bar and the speakers. My daughter's irritation was compounded when our server spilled a beer on the two of us :( They took a big discount off the bill, which I appreciated along with the staff accommodating our request to sit in a quieter area. But this place stays in the "beers after work" category.
(3)Hyunu K.
Was on a mission the other day to check out as many breweries as i could and i ended up at CBC. They had some amazing beer and ok food. The bartender seemed like he was not enjoying himself and actually tried to offer me some guest taps that they had. Which i thought was very strange because you would think that your own brewery would want to push your own beers as much as possible. I don't know that is just my opinion take it or leave it. The beer that i had was amazing though. It was an amazing sour beer called the devil because of the 6.66 alcohol content. They also had many types of pumpkin beer which i thought was pretty original. Another aspect that i really loved about the place was that most if not all of their food is sourced locally which is always a plus. It is worth checking out but hopefully when you go there you don't get the same bartender that i had and hopefully they are more intuitive and proud of their beer! Cheers!
(3)Aubrey W.
We come here probably about once a month, either for dinner or drinks. We live fairly close by and it's a fun place to grab a bite or try some great local beer. I'm looking forward to trying the Beerrunch, the menu looks fabulous. The food and beer are consistently good, but the place can get very loud and crowded, especially for dinner on the weekends (to be expected, I guess). I really appreciate the effort that they put into sourcing local, sustainable ingredients and giving their provenance on the menu. In my experience, the staff is really friendly and knowledgeable- recently my parents were in town and we sat outside because they had their Lab puppy with them and our waitress brought her a bowl of water and some treats. I'm a big fan of how the menu changes seasonally, but they also keep some favorites on all the time (fish & chips, poutine). I haven't tried the poutine, actually, but I once saw two men sitting nearby eat THREE orders of it. The pizzas are a great value and always have creative seasonal toppings. The nachos are delicious and huge, and the rotating seasonal salads are always good. As for the beer, they have a good stable of standbys- balanced and satisfying (esp. the Regatta Golden and Tall Tale Pale Ale) and there are always 6-10 seasonals that are diverse and fun. They offer growlers and bombers as well, for takeout.
(5)Brita F.
CBC amber beer is a favorite of mine, and they had an interesting beer/sake hybrid when I went in on special. But the food is just not very good. I had the Arepas Con Pollo: the corn cakes were too dense, the chicken was grisly, all in all it was inedible. One of the bartenders was reasonably attentive and friendly, but his colleague, not so much.
(3)Justin g.
Just left dinner with my wife and seven month old daughter. We had a WONDERFUL seasonal meal. My charcuterie platter had everything I could have asked for. Pate, pork Belly, etc. My wife had the brined fried chicken and waffles. Again, well prepared and very tasty! Loved seeing butter radishes on my plate as well! Excellent beers as well! All were dead on for their style, and the seasonals were deftly described as well as brewed. We will definitely be back! As we are here for business, this was a hugely bright spot on our trip so far!
(5)Jon G.
I love CBC's Great Pumpkin Ale; I have for years. It's the reason I was so excited to try their Wilson spiced pumpkin porter, and their Belgian-style pumpkin beer. It's the reason my buddy and I decided to brave a torrential downpour and haul ourselves over here through the muck. But, as has happened before, we got there, and they were out of their own beer. Out of the porter. Out of the Belgian one. I mean, c'mon, did you honestly think people wouldn't like them? That we're all here for the food or something? (We were not. It's average.) If you had asked me that night, I'd have given them one star, but I've cooled down a bit. And their beer, WHEN IT'S AVAILABLE, is fantastic. But if you're looking forward to trying a particular brew, call ahead. (Their website is no help -- it said "available today on draft," which was clearly not the case.)
(3)Anne H.
Local beers, wonderful staff, outside terrace.
(4)Selena J.
Never had a meal here that I actually enjoyed (in fact, I've only had meals that I had no interest in finishing because they were so bland and uninteresting), but it is one of the few places in Cambridge I know of with outdoor seating, so I end up returning for that reason alone. I am actively seeking alternatives.
(2)Lucas R.
Some friends and family came to visit from out of state, so I was looking for a place to grab some decently priced dinner that had a little something to please everyone. After seeing reviews of the great beer, good fish n chips, a nice atmosphere, and service, I decided to give it a try. We got nachos and beer to start. My sister loved the flower child beer, and the house Regatta brew I got was also delicious. However, the nachos were soggy and nothing I couldn't make better myself at home. Basically everyone at the table got fish n chips. 3 out of 4 said they were tasteless, super greasy, and not worth the calories while one enjoyed it. I got the half chicken, and it was bland. The mashed potatoes were also tasteless. Only good thing about the dish was the greens! The waiter was nice and offered my sister an alternate dish, so they were at least sympathetic. My only complaint was they took FOREVER to get the beer. If I return, it'll be for the "beer tower" which is 100oz of beer to share among the table. They did have delicious beer. If you come here, make sure you've already had something to eat!
(3)Christine K.
Came here for lunch today and I guess it was alright. Service was decent and the place is clean, but the tables are really closely put together. For $9, I got a tuna whole wheat wrap with a salad. The salad was, while quite fresh, was not that exciting and the tuna wrap was okay. It filled me up, but it didn't taste so delicious that it compelled me to finish the other half. Nope, I became that customer who wastes: I didn't finish half of my plate and didn't take it home! Food is decent, but not amazing... You can easily make this at home. But maybe my opinion would've been different if I had tried some beer?
(3)Ralph M.
Four years ago, I was in Boston and I had a Cambridge Amber Ale and LOVED it. So I made a big point of tracking this beer and CBC down upon my return to Boston. The seasonal right now is their hefeweizen, so that's all other bars were carrying, so I trekked to the brewpub itself. The menu proudly touted their history of daring microbrewery, and I was excited to see what they had to offer. I started with the much craved amber ale, a 9oz glass so I had room (and time) to try a few more. It tasted like a garden variety amber ale. I was so disappointed, but I guess it's not their fault. Can't blame them for my memory of beers past. But dammit, he brought it in a pint glass. Maybe when he stops by I can get that corrected or just plain get a new beer. 30 MINUTES LATER Okay, guess I'll just finish this one. I don't generally mind more beer, but I do hope he stops by soon so I can try another one of their beers. ANOTHER 30 MINUTES PASS Man, I haven't even seen him. Are they still open? Is he still on duty? I go into the bar and am quickly and graciously served. What a difference. I get a couple smaller sample sized glasses so I actually can try two more of the beers. Again, I wasn't too impressed with either (although the chocolate milk stout was pretty good). Still no sign of our waiter, and I'll be damned if I'm going to chase him down to pay him. The sole solace in my evening at this point was the thought of ducking out on our check. So naturally, he swoops in when I'm in the bathroom and leaves a check. Lucky I had exact change, or I still might be sitting there waiting for him to run my card. Too bad I had to settle for just not tipping him. I have trouble remembering a time I've ever had such ABYSMAL service. I can't think of beer good enough to put up with this crap, and I can say CBC certainly did not have beer that came close. STAY AWAY!
(1)Marianne C.
Contrary to local belief, the Charles River Porter is NOT made with sludge from the Charles River! Visited here twice while in Cambridge and both times I had the Charles River Porter. I also had an amber ale, which I liked. The food was meh, but the beer is pretty good. When I asked the waiter about the pulled pork sandwich, he hesitated...that never inspires confidence. He did suggest I get extra sauce for the sandwich, which was a good suggestion. I didn't eat it as a sandwich - too messy - so I just used my fork. The meat was good, but nothing overwhelmingly awesome. My second visit I had the chicken tenders with the buffalo wing sauce, and they were a bit hot, but palatable. So, overall, good place for a few beers if you want to sit outdoors, but find a better meal elsewhere.
(4)B. B.
As far as I'm concerned, the crowning virtue of this place is that it can usually seat large crowds from MIT. Lesser virtues include a good variety of beers (but not a variety of good beers) and outdoor seating during the warmer months. I think the food is remarkably awful. It's one of the closest restaurants to the Kendall cinema, but even if you're desperately hungry, consider walking the extra two minutes to Emma's pizza or Atasca, or the extra 10 minutes to the B-side lounge.
(1)Adam C.
A lot of reviews have bashed the food at CBC. I can't speak to it recently because I never tried it again after having one of the most dry and flavorless pizzas of my life a couple years back. The atmosphere on the inside also kind of sucks. I think my grandma has those chairs in her dining room. On the other hand, I like it out on the patio. This may, sadly, be the closest thing to a beergarden that Boston has to offer. As others have pointed out the service can sometimes be hit or miss. But all that aside, the real reason to come is for good quality local brewing, and CBC mostly hits the mark. I don't usually bother but the house beers, particularly the amber, are pretty good versions of those styles. The real stars are their limited and seasonal releases. If you ever see the imperial stout "youenjoymystout", get it immediately. It's seriously as good or better than some of the truly mega-hyped IRS'es like Dark Lord and Abyss. I think their barleywines are also solid, as are some of their sours, particularly "Rose de Cambrinus". CBC also throws some great special events which I wholeheartedly recommend. We went to pumpkinfest this past fall and had a great time (just be sure to get there ridiculously early). So despite a shocking lack of competition in the genre, CBC is almost definitely the best brewpub in the Boston area.
(3)Megan S.
We may not have the plethora of brewpubs in our city like the midwest, but who needs more when you've got Cambridge Brewing Company! These guys rock! Their beers are diverse and unique. Their food, pretty darn good. And, ehem, did someone say firepit? Sweet! Hot tip: Watch out for their special events when they do beer-food pairings and have bands.
(5)Dickie L.
Some people just don't understand how silly their reviews are. I didn't realize Gordon Ramsey worked at an office across the street from the pub. It's got good beer and easy to eat food. Get over yourselves!
(5)Nelly D.
The menu is pretty small and nothing really sounded good or interesting. I ended up getting the fish and chips, but was really disappointed. It came out as a huge square chunk of fried mess and really didn't have any flavor. Also, our waitress was extremely slow--she gave us the check and didn't come back for 20 minutes to take our cards (and no, it wasn't busy at all)! In other news, the hefe weizen was good!
(2)Vivian L.
BEERUNCH. I freaking love beerunch. It combines two things that are awesome: beer and brunch. The french toast is by far my favorite brunch item. It's a malt and vanilla bean french toast with apple butter on top. And it's served with REAL maple syrup. If you find yourself at CBC for beerunch, please do yourself a favor and order this item. The other items are good, but the french toast is GREAT. I'm not sure why there are people who rated this place so low. Granted, this may not be the place to be food-venturous, but it's consistently good and made with quality ingredients. Plus there's fresh delicious beer! What's not to love?
(5)Dan C.
"Tower of Power" was ORIGINALLY some rando band from the 70's. Granted nobody (including myself) is old enough or cares to remember them, but whatever. Having experienced the CBC's tower o' Beer? the 70's can go suck it, and come up with new band names. This wonderful/disastrous idea is literally a TOWER (about 3 feet or so) of pretty solid quality beer served with its own spigot to your table to the tune of 30ish bucks. BAM! As a beer guy, I'm pleasantly surprised that an establishment would offer not only interesting and tasty beer varieties but also do so in LUDICROUS quantities. Added perk with the tower? You service yourself *snicker snicker* and don't have to do the chore of tracking down a server. Who could ask for more? I haven't been here enough to see how often their tap beers rotate, but all of the options sounded pretty solid and were listed out by strength, and gravity. If you're enough of a beer dork to understand or appreciate this, here's your chance to pat yourself on the back while enjoying a pint. The food is a bit hit or miss. The beer battered fish and chips were decent, but its kind of hard for fried food to NOT be decent. Its FRIED. EVERYTHING is delicious when you fry it. My friend got the CBC burger which was pretty plain and could have been a burger from any bar in a 50 miles radius. Really you're going to a place with "Brewing" in its name. If you expected it to be anything other than a watering hole, shame on you. Cheers!
(4)John K.
Food tasted great, but I'm not sure how attentive they are to allergies--it made me feel sick. Perhaps I should be thankful the portions were small. I was there Sunday. At first I ordered the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) Burger and asked the server to omit the bun and the cheese since I'm allergic to wheat and milk. I was rather hungry, so I thought I should order the $21 steak tips instead of the $11 burger. The steak-tips dinner was extremely tasty, cooked just right (medium rare) and looked great, but was rather puny. A couple guys at the next table got burgers, which were served with more fries. So much for paying more for a greater quantity of food! About an hour later I started feeling dizzy and sick to my stomach. I ended up lying down for a while, but was able to drive home after a while. It was the kind of nausea I experience after consuming milk products. I have to wonder if the steak tips were marinated in milk and the server was simply inattentive to my allergies.
(2)Andy H.
Stopped here after work on Thursday. Really busy, but I was able to get a seat at the bar. As you would assume, the beer is definitely the center of everything, and the bartenders were constantly moving to and from the taps. They offer towers as an option, which I'm not personally a fan of, but if you have a bunch of people and all want the same thing, go for it. I had the Golden Regatta which was delicious, but a bit too sweet at times, and the Hefeweiss which was near perfect. Got the salt and vinegar fries with buttermilk ranch sauce. Perfectly fried and salted wonderfully. I really enjoyed myself, and I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Jing W.
Overall, the beers are great. Atmosphere is casual and fun. We loved the towers and I did experience good service here. Which is why yesterday's experience was a bit disappointing. I was here yesterday with 7 other coworkers/friends who ran the 5k. We got seated in the back and was served by David S. (name on receipt). He was nice enough in the beginning. He did have to come back a couple of times because we couldn't decide on the beer we wanted for the tower order and food as well. But as time went on, he got just a tad bit more aloof with us. I can't remember if he checked how we found the meal. We asked for containers for leftovers and we had to hunt him own to provide us with our check (we figured asking for containers was a clear sign of us being done). What I do remember is his face when I told him that we have cash and 4 cards. I understand it's a pain to process this. But c'mon, I'm sure it's not the first time you've had to do it especially in this day and age when hardly anybody carries cash anymore. He projected an attitude when he took our payment. And when he came back with receipts to sign and our cards, he just placed it on the table and quickly left. We just thought that was kind of odd and rude. As we were leaving, we walked by him and he looked away with a scowl on his face. I was going to say thank you and have a nice day. Maybe he was having a bad day or he found us annoying, but clearly he shouldn't be making it so obvious since we are paying customers. I will be come back to this establishment, but hopefully I won't be served by him again.
(3)Kate S.
This is our go to restaurant at the moment! And every time we've been it's been fantastic!! The beer is always great, although if you're looking for something light you may have a tough time. Most of their beers are pretty heavy and failrly hoppy, but I like hoppy beers so I'm ok with that! The food is also a winner. We've never had a bad meal here. I've learned to try their seasonal specials and I've not been disappointed. If you see fried chicken on the menu in the summertime you'll kick yourself if you don't try it. It was out of this world! And recently I tried their Spaetzle without knowing exactly what it was (it's thinly pounded, breaded, pan fried pork- BTW) and was so glad I did! The only thing I didn't love here was the pizza but they can't all be winners, right? Will definitely go back! Again, and again and again...
(4)Jason J.
Ehhhh. As a huge beer nerd, places like CBC should be Valhalla for me. Unfortunately, I have only had one or two beers that I truly would enjoy drinking more than once here. That said, their seasonal pumpkin ale is quite delicious. Most of their other beers seem to be fairly safe bets for the general beer-consuming public but are otherwise uninspiring. Likewise for the food.
(3)Kate O.
Okay food and beer but awful awful service. Went there on a busy night but had to wait over an hour for food
(2)Paul M.
How is it that a place that makes great, locally sourced, seasonally rotating food and pairs it with amazing, adventurous house brewed craft beers.has been in my neighborhood all these years but I just realized it just months ago?? True to its name, CBC brews up its own selection of year-round and seasonal beers. True to the city it calls home, CBC's products, like other Cantabridgians (yes, that's what you call someone from Cambridge), they are often complex, cerebral, fun, and often odd and off-beat. I'm not sure, but they're probably also registered democrats (not saying that's good or bad, just if beers could choose a party affiliation...). I've had a whole mess of pretty cutting edge or otherwise unheard of beers here. They serve them in individal glasses, pitchers and the mythical beer towers that have gone extinct over in Boston and its burbs (Yes, Allston/Brighton IS in Boston). The more the merrier, but I think you need at least 2 people at a table per pitcher or 4 per tower. Why don't you do it? It's actually fairly cheap for their high quality suds (in a pitcher you're looking at around $4 to $6.50 per beer depending on the selection and I guarantee they'll be better than what you get for the same price out of just about any other tap in a 20 mile radius). Oh and don't be afraid to ask for a sample before you try out that 3-year barrel aged sour cherry barley wine or other concoction that sounds funky but maybe a little too funky for your liking- they'll be happy to bring you one on the house. Hell, I've seen 'em basically do free tasting flights for people, but I'm not that grubby. But don't let the name fool you! While the beer often takes center stage for me it does in fact share the spot light! The food is always great (I really like their pizzas), and usually reasonably priced for what you get; especially at lunch. The food, like the beer, is also usually on the more interesting side (I even had beer flavored ice cream here, what??) and blends flavors and ingredients I haven't had elsewhere. I kind of think of this place as the restaurant/beer tap cousin of Christina's Ice Cream- very Cambridge, very good, very odd flavor/ingredient choices that some how just work darn it. So do yourselves a favor and don't sleep on CBC like I had and head there. It's basically on the Red Line, you've no excuses. Parenthetical Count For This Review ("PCFTR") 6...wait...make that 7.
(5)Jonathan L.
While in town during a conference, I discovered this restaurant/brew pub and was pleasantly surprised by the food, beer and service. Of most importance, the beers that I tried from this location were both delicious and completely different in character. I thought it quite appropriate that they had a pumpkin ale seasonal beer in the fall and excitedly selected that ale as my first brew. The pumpkin undertones were soft and pleasant, and the maltiness gave this beer a nice finish. The pumpkin ale was a winner for sure. My second beer of the night was the Penumbra IPA, which was a Belgian style IPA. When I hear Belgian, I brace myself for that distinct yeast flavor. Sure enough, this IPA has got it! Also a very good beer, but not for the faint of heart. My burger to complement these beers was delicious in its own right, but really paired well with the ale. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll be back!
(4)Ethan S.
Food is meh (not bad, just not special), but the drink selection and drink quality is excellent! Decent atmosphere, rather bare bones, not especially loud as bars go. Good for small-medium groups or larger groups that are happy congregating amorphously.
(4)Erika G.
I love CBC- especially in the summer when you can sit on the patio- sit back and enjoy a TOWER of tasty beer. Whichever MIT genius invented these- Thank You- Amazing invention. However the inside- especially the back of the restaurant- tends to feel a bit claustrophobic. Dim lights, bags of yeast, barley and hops stacked up on either side, giant vats towering over you.... don't even get me started on the days that they are brewing the hops. It STINKS back there. I think that a few small changes could make a big difference to avoid from feeling like you, the customer, are the one being brewed. Other than this *small* gripe, CBC is a solid option for lunch or dinner in the area. The choices rotate seasonally, are consistently delicious and are always affordable. Its an especially great place to go with a group- 1. you can order a tower and not look alcoholic 2. the service is quick and 3. there is something delicious for everyone on the menu. Recently I tried the "soup and sandwich": open faced crab melt, with warm pea soup and a side salad- all for 11 dollars. YUM. Can't go wrong w that!
(4)Christina S.
This place was OK. The beer is good and I like the atmosphere but I wouldn't go again for food.
(3)Brady H.
Great draft beers. Good selection and new ones are always rotating in. Buy a growler and they will fill it up for you.
(5)Greg J.
These guys are outstanding. Went here for dinner on my 21st. The food was consistently good, with solid portions for the price. The beer was outstanding. Tried the Great Pumpkin Ale, their stout, and their pale ale; all superlative. The pumpkin was smoother and a little less sweet than you get at most places, with great (and locally-grown!) pumpkin flavor. Because it was my 21st, they gave me my first pint and a second bottle of the pumpkin for free. Definitely coming back with my friends.
(5)Jeremy L.
Problem: non-crappy beer is needed. Solution: CBC is the best little brewpub this side of Cambridge. Food is tasty but not earth-shattering, and the staff is helpful with tastings and pairings if you want them. If you are not willing to drop ~$10 on a burger and/or your favorite beer is one of the American three, you are sure to be disappointed.
(4)John W.
This is my favorite micro-brewery around. Tucked away in One Kendall Square, wtih a plethora of outdoor seating to boot, this pub always has a good selection of CBC golden, pale, amber, and porter ales. I am also a fan of their seasonal specials: pumpkin ale in the fall and wheat beer in the summer. Oh, and they serve food too.
(4)Anonymous P.
I've changed my mind about the beer. Brews like the pumpkin and heather ale are very good, especially for the price. The food here is lackluster and overpriced.
(3)Paul F.
One of my favorite quick and easy restaurants to go to. The food is good, and the service is usually quick and friendly. The beer is definitely their strongest point. Lots of variety and usually has interesting specials.
(4)Maeve W.
Imagine a mouth full of charcoal with a bit of feta cheese. That's how half of the pizzas were at CBC. The pizza of the day sounded delectable, until it actually came. Great ingredients, but sort of tossed together all wrong. It sounded great on the menu though: zucchini, squash, oregano-walnut pesto, tomato, feta. But don't be fooled. We sure were. Between the 15 or so of us, we ordered 4 of them, some more burnt than others - and I don't recall anyone being too impressed with any of them. The nachos, however, were quite enjoyable. Food aside, what I will say is that this place was named a brewing company for a reason. The descriptions of their beers were paragraphs long. The Arquebus (Summer Barleywine, "aged over one year in French oak chardonnay barrels, will change the way you think of strong beer. Intended for sipping on sultry summer evenings, it is full-bodied yet light and drinkable... complex notes of concentrated grape, peach, and apricot fruit, and loads of wildflower honey... of, tannin-hinted wine-like finish, notes of aged sherry, and a hint of tartness... Beheld in a simple stemmed glass and poured still, its flavors and aromas express kinship to both grain and grape.") was as fantastic as it sounded on the menu. For those who skipped the paragraph and went to the bottom, the noted 14.0% ABV caught their eye just the same. That was definitely a hit with everyone. Being someone who likes heavier, darker beers, I thought that the Dubbel Entendre (barrel-aged Belgian-style strong brown ale) was also superb. "Brewed with dark caramelized Belgian candi sugar plus a touch of molasses, and fermented by our proprietary Belgian yeast strain. Additionally this beer was spiced not with hops, but with sweet gale, a member of the myrtle family long used in the production of gruit (herbal) beers... notes of spirit, vanilla, and marshmallow from the oak... ABM 9.2%" It was as heavy as it sounded -- I think that it's one of the darkest beers I've tried in a while. Aside from the beer selection, service was also great. They were very accommodating for our extremely large party and kept refreshing the pitchers and towers. Conclusion: Come with a large group for beers after work, but hold off on the food (especially the pizza).
(3)Thomas N.
been here several times, usually for lunch....beers are always good, varied and interesting and same goes for the food...the outside dining area is nice and we always enjoy a visit here...their 23rd anniv party was great but we were there early, imagine it really got going later. lots of people talking about BEER!!
(4)Erik O.
Great Beer and Awesome nachos, i don't think you need to know anything else. this little brewery/restaurant is an awesome little spot with a cool patio.
(4)Larissa C.
Love their seasonal beers! When I lived down the street from here I would go at least twice a week.... maybe 3, or 4, but who's counting! I also love their outdoor patio area in the summer time, can't beat good beer and a beautiful setting. The only thing that's keeping this place from a fiver is the food is a tad on the expensive side. Otherwise if you stick to splitting plates or the appetizer menu you're golden.
(4)Dara C.
I love beer-centric bars and restaurants so I was excited to try CBC after a work-related event. They were out of most of their seasonal beers and some of their house beers on an early Thursday evening. I understand when one or two things have run out (especially when beers are brewed in-house) but quite a few taps had run dry (including the squash-and-honey saison.) As Zenon would say, disappointment MAJOR. The Great Pumpkin ale was the hands-down favorite of the group. Excessively drinkable but didn't have too much complexity or spice. It was a bit sweet and low in alcohol, but also had a good nose of "pie." You simply have no idea how awesome pie-flavored beer can be, unless you've had it and then you DO know how awesome it is. CBC's is one of the better pumpkin beers I've had but still can't hold a candle to Smuttynose. The Charles River porter was also good: very warm and caramel-y, but also a bit like hoppy burnt chocolate. I would be fine drinking that all winter. On the other hand, I didn't love the golden ale. It was crisp but tasted kind of thin, with too dry of a ... oh, God, don't say mouth-feel ... Food-wise, CBC is very, very standard. A Mediterranean plate came with okay hummus, tabbouleh, odd "chickpea fritters" and a smattering of cherry tomatoes (none of the promised olives to be found.) The pita it came with was cold, not grilled. An order of calamari was tasty but everyone decidedly loathed the accompanying herb sauce. It tasted like Kraft dressing. Companion's burger was cooked correctly and seemed fine; my own spinach and mushroom pizza was massive (not appetizer size!) and decent-tasting, but heavy on the cheese and a little too greasy with a slick of garlic oil shimmering on top. Fries were amazing but no "pumpkin ketchup" in sight. Service was slow and often difficult to obtain, but friendly. We arrived in a party of 10 so 18% gratuity was automatically added to the bill. Overall, okay for a drink, food was a solid 3, and it's not a terrible watering hole if you're nearby.
(3)Lisa R.
This place is MY kind of place . . . lots of good beer, good food, good portions, nice people, and very casual. LOVE it! Their pizza rocks, as do their salads and sandwiches. Twice I've had their poached salmon salad sandwich, and it was a tasty as it was messy. Keep in mind that their menu changes pretty often, so don't get hooked on any one thing ~ it might not be there next time! Also, if they say they're all out of a particular beer, and it was the beer your heart was set on, say something. I lamented when they said they were all out of their L'Amour Du Jour, and then the waitress said they had a little bit left that I could have. I could have kissed her feet. If you have a group of beer lovers, you can get a TOWER of BEER! It's 100 ounces of pure goodness. You can't go wrong here. I got one of their shirts, and wore it to the Beer Advocate American Craft Beer Festival, and I met their head brewer, Will Meyers. He complimented me on my shirt, and I complimented him on his beer. I think I fell in love that day. :-)
(5)Robert A.
Sat down on their patio and immedietly enjoyed the service. After sampling Sam Adams brewery in Boston I decided to try their Pale. Fantastic! I highly recommend it if you are in the mood to wander.
(4)Rob C.
Last night while drinking with some coworkers we hit upon the truly excellent appeal of the 100oz beer towers at the Cambridge Brewing Company. Better than a pitcher, in addition to providing you with a lot of beer to drink, it gives you the opportunity to make it clear to everyone around that you're drinking a lot of beer. We destroyed four of them before slowing down. They do take some technique to figure out how to get a good pour of the different beers, though. The beers are all pretty tasty; not standouts, but all very solid beers that you can spend an evening with. The food is also really tasty; i don't know if i was just really hungry or what, but the bacon cheeseburger with porter barbecue seemed like the best thing ever at the time. My only wish was that i had more of the barbecue. The appetizers were okay to good; the nachos were substantial, but the assorted chicken wing type products were very 'meh'. It's crowded in the winter, but awesome to eat outside in nicer weather. The fire pit outside is kinda cool, too; i couldn't tell if they let you drink out there. We had a reservation so we got a big comfy table in the back. One minor quibble is that the bathroom (well, the mens room) is small and frequently seems to have a line. Which, you know, is a problem if you're drinking four towers of beer.
(4)Amanda Z.
I want to like this place more. I love the artful design of the logo and will probably buy a pint glass or two the next time I go. The beer is decent and definitely has potential. Our waitress was nice and tried to be helpful. It's just not the first place that I would offer up to a friend or family member if they were cruising around Cambridge for a day and wanted to know of some good places to eat. That being said, the food is decent. We tried the crab cakes, also good, but were a tad too expensive for the two that showed up on the plate. The burgers were messier than I would have expected for their cost (the bottom bun already soaked in the meat juices before it had hit our table). I also thought that waters all around would've been a given, but perhaps I just should've spoken up about it. All in all, not a bad place, but not something I'd write home about.
(3)Kelly N Z R.
CBC is clearly about the beer and they have no reason to focus much on the food. The extra star is for good brews. I've never been impressed by the vegetarian options. They certainly have options, but the entrees are often too sweet. They have fancy names, including key words like 'arugula' or 'aioli', but then there's not much to the meal beyond the name. I thought I'd give CBC one last chance at the Brewer's Dinner--$60 five-course meal including beer pairings. The beers were great (too bad my limit is 1/2 a glass), but again, as always, the food was uninspired. Or maybe it was inspired and just poorly implemented? The 'arugula' salad, mostly comprised of a spring greens mix, had exactly 2 baby arugula leaves in it. The pea soup tasted "like baby food," as S. pointed out. The soup was tasty but absent of any complex flavor. The 'spring vegetable pot pie' looked like and tasted as though it had been made of a frozen diced carrots-peas-corn mix. I'm fairly certain those are all summer vegetables, anyhow. The key lime pie was satisfying. The restrooms are atrocious-- every time I've visited the restaurant, I've found the toilet rooms understocked, messy, wet, and clearly unattended. The restrooms are shared with the next door restaurant, so I can imagine that no one has too much incentive to take responsibility for it. Furthermore, despite an 8:30 reservation, 4 of our party could not be seated until closer to 9. The servers repeatedly placed glasses, silverware, etc. on the wrong side. I much prefer my own cooking at home. Or any other restaurant.
(2)Marie C.
The food here has been greatly improved in the last few years..there was once a time when I'd come to CBC for their beer, and the food was an after thought..not so much now..the food is fresh, imaginative, and much of it is locally sourced. This place is loud and fun..I think it's also great for kids -- we've taken our kids here for brunch or an early dinner, and find it very kid friendly. The fish and chips are very good, and most of the revolving soups are good. I've also had tasty pasta and clams, burgers, and many of the specials, and think the food is tasty for a brew pub. The beer is outstanding...try the sampler to get an idea of what they have, then (if you have a group), order a yard and enjoy your favorite.. Great location in Kendall Square - T-accessible, and adjacent lot near the Kendall cinemas (we usually find free on-street parking in the area though). Great people watching in this part of town too!
(4)Angelos K.
I really hate it when a place has great food, great beer, is in a good location, but the manager does not understand that hospitality means catering to your customers. This place is a four star place with 2 taken off because of their 'rules' and attitude. Listen to this: If you are a party of 5 you cannot get seated or reserve a table unless the entire party is there. No exceptions. EVER. If there are four of you, it's OK, they'll seat you while you await the rest, if there are six, they'll take a reservation, but no luck if you are 5. I have been coming here for 20 years, since it first opened and was shocked by the attitude I experienced last night. Took the party next door to the blue room, where parties of 5 are welcome and tall tale pale ale is served. If the beer wasn't so good, I would vow to never return. Probably won't unless there are 4 or 6 of us :)
(2)Theis C.
This place is tragic. What could be cooler than a brewpub that makes its own beer on-site? Well, let me tell you. One that hasn't noticed that because of its good location and dearth of sufficient competition, it doesn't need to work hard or give good value and service to stay busy. If you go here with 2-4 other friends, you will probably have a nice time. You'll pay $2-3 more for each entree than is right, but what the heck, you have a tower of local beer in front of you, and the place is bumpin. Here's the thing. NEVER MAKE THE PARTY 6! Your whole world will go pear-shaped the moment you reach the dreaded automatic 18% gratuity. I think this place has a class for new servers explaining that they're gonna get tipped anyway if they ever see a table with six or more, so relax, smoke a joint, and if you bring the wrong food, that's ok, it's a big table, and I bet someone will like the food you bring. Heck, they should be thanking YOU for the privilege of eating (maybe). So yeah, I'm done coming here. PS, They have waiters, but I checked NO on "waiter service" because that's not actually something they feature.
(2)Kimmie M.
Great great great beers, especially the seasonal ones. Food was also very good and reasonable prices. Very cute, tucked away in a plaza! I'd go again.
(4)Caroline J.
I'm giving this place two stars because I didn't actually eat here so I can't comment on the food. Me and a friend had movie tickets to the Kendall Sq. theater on Friday night, so we decided to hang out, have dinner and a brew at the Cambridge Brewing Company. I called ahead and was told the wait was "10 minutes". Ok. When we got there (5 minutes later) the wait had increased to 15 - 20 minutes. Ok, fine. We were 2.5 hours away from the movie, we had time to wait and then some. However - we waited almost 50 minutes. No explanation, and everytime I asked about the status of getting seated, we kept getting a friendly "We're really sorry." I get that things are busy on Fridays, I used to work as a hostess, but they really misjudged the wait time. We ended up going to Tommy Doyles next door which did not have a wait. Perhaps I'll try Cambridge Brewing company again, but I will be sure to not have any plans for later in the evening in case the wait time is grossly underestimated.
(2)Shane K.
Great beer, decent food, horrible service. It really shouldn't take 15 mins to get our check. Our server decided to take a break and eat his dinner after we asked for the check. I was 30 seconds away from getting up and leaving before he graciously showed up and gave us the bill. Meh....
(2)Anne W.
This has got to be the worst bar I have ever been to for food. The pizza looks bad and doesn't taste too much better that my other friends wouldn't even try it. I heard the pulled pork isn't anything to write home about either. The bar is pretty busy during happy hour but it clears out by the end of the night. The microbrew beer is good though.. I tried two of them. But the food is lousy.. so lousy that I wouldn't come again especially if I was driving through town since there is a lack of free parking. And there is a line for a table? Puh-lease.. what for? Ick. **shudder**
(1)Cori M.
If you haven't been here in the past year, and have been disappointed in the past, let me implore you: come back. It's awesome. When my friend suggested this place for dinner, I was hesitant -- it was usually just a "let's go here before the movies" kind of place. I can't overstate how much the menu has improved. Whereas before I expected their trumped-up bar food, I now find a menu that is properly varied in it's offerings and locally-sourced in it's ingredients (but isn't all in your face and Cambridge-y about it). In addition to nachos, fries, pizzas and burgers, there is a beer and cheese pairing, a cranberry maple glazed salmon, an Asian duck confit salad, and beer-braised lamb shank. I had the Roasted half chicken, which was good, but I was jealous of my friend's roasted duck breast with pork belly, which was downright fabulous. I have always enjoyed the CBC's regular brews, but I was especially impressed with the specials we ordered. The sour beer was a totally new experience for me. I also had the Barleywine, which I loved. The sampler beer order was a perfect choice, and I highly recommend it. Additionally, the wait staff was very, very pleasant. We were there on a busy Saturday night. We were accidentally served the wrong appetizer. The waitress and manager both came over to immediately apologize, and gave us both the incorrect app and our correct app for free. When dinner arrived, she apologized for it's tardiness -- frankly, we hadn't noticed. When our bill came, several drinks and an entree were comped for our "trouble," though we hadn't felt troubled at all. The waitress was knowledgeable about the beers and about pairings. Overall, I had an excellent, excellent night.
(5)Kyle B.
Awesome, awesome beer selection here. Had a sour ale named "Higgs Boson", and it did not dissapoint. My wife and I tried two different seafood plates with wellfeet clams, and they were both top notch. The outdoor seating was a perfect setting for Cambridge.
(5)Diane W.
Simply awesome beers. Friendly servers. First brewery restaurant in the Boston area, opened the year I turned 21 - like we were meant to be together.... Go, you won't regret. (Avoid weekend nights if you don't like standing.)
(4)Beck N.
Have been here quite a few times & can say they meet my expectations consistently. The beer is tasty & fresh (my fav is the Amber)... & I like that it comes in your regular glasses or a tower (perfect for when we've gone here for birthday dinners). & I have to say that their menu has grown more tasty as the years go on. I suggest getting the boneless chicken tenders (& you may want to get some extra blue cheese if you're sharing). I also really enjoy the 1/2 chicken - it is a-mazing!
(4)Greta A.
I would give it 4 stars for the beer, and 3 for the food. The food is a fairly bland selection of pizzas and burgers and pasta with the sorts of ingredients that are trendy these days. It's well executed enough, but nothing special or unique, and not worth the price. The beers, however, are almost always quite good, and they also serve towers of some of them, which are good for groups, or when it's just been a really long day. Despite this, I went with three starts overall, since I just haven't been tempted to go back very often, despite it being convenient.
(3)Eric S.
Come for the excellent beer, but be selective in your food choices. I cannot say enough about the exquisite quality of beers offered at the Cambridge Brewing Company. They are consistently innovative, fresh, and delicious. Easily the best brewpub in the Boston area. Highly recommended brews are the pale ale, the amber ale (amazing), the bitter (seasonal), the Red God IPA (seasonal), and many, many others. The food, however, can be a bit hit-or-miss. Some of the offerings are solid (burgers, nachos), but the more elaborate options can be sub-par (the pizza, for example, has never been a good choice for our group). As of July 2008, the CBC has a new chef and an updated menu, so perhaps the menu quirks will change, but a recent visit suggests that they're still working out the kinks. Regardless, if you're in the mood for truly excellent, innovative beer, do not miss a visit to the CBC.
(4)Erin E.
I was coming back from the airport after an exhausting business trip wherein I had had little time or inclination to eat (super stressful). I was starved, and have been wanting to try this place after having seen a promising menu on-line. Dehydrated and expecting a long workday (today), I chose against imbibing, deciding instead to gorge myself on nachos Garcia, broccoli and mushroom pizza, a cubano sandwich, molten lava cake, and pale ale bread pudding (the bf ate exactly 2/3 of all this). The place was pretty empty and pretty, well, boring. It was rather devoid of character or anything resembling charm. The nachos were supposed to have veggie chili on them. I saw maybe 1.5 teaspoons of that; it was mostly sour cream. The pizza was mediocre, with approx. 1 tablespoon of toppings for an entire $12 pizza. I ordered this arugula asparagus salad with it for like $9 that was wilted and had exactly 2 measly asparagus spears. The cubano was pretty good. I love pretty much any bread pudding, but this pale ale bread pudding was drenched in this savory rather disgusting sauce which killed it for me. Nothing was presented with any sort of pride. The service was distracted, but very sweet. We ordered dessert from him and about a half hour later someone else brought it out just as he was about to hand us the bill (i.e. he forgot that we had ordered). Between the unreasonable prices, slow service, lack of ambiance, and dull food, I will not return and will not recommend it.
(1)Jenn R.
I cut back on my meat intake but when I am craving a burger I head here. I LOVE their cheeseburger . The beer selection is also fun, I'm a big fan of the pumpkin ale and usually always find something new and tasty to try for each season.
(4)Jamie G.
I am repeat customer here and will definitely keep coming back. Great beer (not my favorite hefeweizen but it's definitely delicious.... a little too wheaty, not as fruity). Tonight I had the beer-braised lamb with gnocchi and veggies and it was DELICIOUS! Good atmosphere, decent staff, definitely worth a visit!
(4)Derek C.
My 4 stars are based on atmosphere and beer alone since I didn't eat. Beer: I had 3 samples - Tale Pale Ale, YouEnjoyMyStout, and Easy Ryder. These beers were all very good and I was happy to find this brew pub with a week left in my Boston trip. Atmosphere: Sat out on the beautiful patio surrounded by red brick buildings on a 70 degree Sunday afternoon. That's right, doesn't get much better! If you are a beer fan and find yourself in Cambridge, it is worth the visit.
(4)Dan N.
This rating is based mostly on the great beers. Any place that has a brew called Gourd of the Ring is worth a visit. The best part is that they offer 2 dollar sampler glasses, however that is where the good news ends. The food can get rather pricey. The blacken chicken was a good choice at ten bucks but it all goes up after that. There are not really any value buys, this removing CMC from great pub contention. With that being said stop on buy for some great beers and great service, just take it easy on the food.
(4)Rick U.
I've recently started to revisit the CBC (as it's often abbreviated by those in the know) now that my office is closer to Kendall Square. When I first moved to Boston (early 1990s), I worked in a building one block from the CBC, and needless to say it became a favorite lunch and post-work hang out. I don't put the beers away like I used to, so I tend to favor the Tall Tale Pale Ale, but for office social events, the towers of Cambridge Amber and Hefe-Weizen help me get my buzz on. The menu is well-executed bar menu: burgers, fries, pizza, wings. Other reviewers have called the menu uneven, but that's not been my recent experience. The place can get loud and crowded but I like that in a bar. The CBC's been rocking since 1989. Let's keep it going!
(5)buckminster f.
you have to order the specials here. finally got it after the umpteenth visit here. the two of us shared the tri color beet salad, a small order of the lobster pasta, and the fish and chips for dinner. everything was quite tasty, but the first two were especially inspired. maybe there's a new chef in the kitchen? i don't remember the fish and chips being that good. and of course we enjoyed washing everything down with the house brews. we'll be back again soon.
(4)Gina Q.
Came here because the menu boasted local ingredients; the ambiance was lacking and the house brews weren't so great, but much of the menu did seem to be locally sourced and the steak sandwich I got was pretty good. The special was a chicken liver sandwich, which I give them props for, and the homemade veggie burger served on sourdough looked good as well.
(4)Daniel T.
I have been here four times in the last 9 months. Every time I was very pleased. The beer is skillfully crafted and sometimes outside the box. Among the beers I have had here are a bourbon barrel aged porter, bourbon barrel aged english ale, sour cherry beer, black peppercorn saisson, and many more. All are good. The food I have sampled ranges from beer braised lamb shank with gnocchi, strip steak, honey glazed duck breast, nachos, cheese plate, fried calamari, etc. The desserts are also good. I was pleased with the chocolate-porter cake, strawberry rubard tart with ice cream, and a beer ice cream sundae. The amber ale creme brulee was not set properly and really didn't have a good flavor. The service has ranged from competent to downright stellar.
(4)Dana L.
This was probably the first microbrewery that I've been to - we used to come here when I was in college. The beer was great, and you could take home a Growler if you wanted more later. The food was definitely just so-so. Recently I've moved back to Cambridge, and have had several opportunities to come here. Everything is just as I remembered it, down to the refrigerator filled with Growlers. Its a great place to come with friends and enjoy the beer. You can order it by the pitcher, or you can get one of the towers, which is sort of like a gravity-fed mini keg (if you want to relive your college days, get two and race your friends). On sunny days, the patio is fantastic. Unfortunately, the food is still so-so. The chicken tenders are chewy, which sort of defeats the purpose of chicken "tenders". The nachos are fairly pedestrian as well. I'll give the food a 2, but everything else deserves a 4. Overall it averages out to a 3, but you might want to consider eating dinner before or after you come here.
(3)Brad F.
First things first - i *LOVE* the Cambridge Brewing Company. I've been going there for oh about 6 years now. Awesome hand crafted beers, good food, and a great setting. This place feels about as comfortable as my living room. The menu - you can get anything from a good burger and buffalo tenders to a very fancy special. The CBC also seems to cater to my vegetarian friends, so that makes picking a location to meet up quite a bit easier. The beer - my god, the beer. There are 4 brews made year round, and they all have their merits. My personal favorite is the Cambridge Amber. The novice beer drinker may be turned off by the deep reddish brow color of the brew, but it's actually quite an easy beer to drink. I could drink this brew till the day i die and be happy. My 2nd favorite has to be the Charles River Porter. A nice porter, with a hint of chocolate - it won't disappoint. Next up is the Tall Tale Pale Ale, easily one of the best local Pale Ales. Perfect in the summer time. Last, we've got the Golden - and unfortunately i rarely order this brew, as it seems to be geared towards the less adventurous beer drinker. It's very light however packs quite a bit of taste for such a light beer.
(5)Lori M.
I was there just last Thursday night - a perfect Boston summer evening - and enjoyed a whole lot of food! The Asian Tofu burger with wasabi was excellent (though it had the consistency of raw meat, which freaked me out a tiny bit), the mango salad was excellent, and the cheese plate comes with (COMES WITH!!) three beer samples! (Set selection, whatever is on the blackboard). Still! We had fun trying a bunch of beers. My bro is a beer nerd - brews his own - he really loves it here too. I had some weird groovy hop-free beer. The menu said it had floral elements in it (jasmine, sweet orange, and lavender) and damn the description was spot on. It was called the L'amour du Jour and I am pretty sure it's a summer special. Interesting for sure. Some of the nicest staff too. Parking is crap as expected in Kendall but if you are drinking up, you should take the T anyhow.
(4)Ari S.
This place is the underrated performer of Kendall Square - no one would call it an all-star, but it always comes through. The food is excellent. Try the boneless buffalo tenders and you'll just keep stuffing your face with them until you go into a coma. The microbrews, made in-house, are generally spectacular. Try the Imperial Stout or whatever cherry brew they have when it comes around, you will not regret it. This place is ideal for a group of 4-6, because they have these "beer towers" which are pretty cheap and awesome for a small group determined to get absolutely ossified before going elsewhere. Oh, and they also sell "growlers," jugs of their two most popular beers. These are nice if you don't mind lugging them around, but I'd prefer if they sold some of the more specialized brews like this. Highly recommended, particularly if you live in the cultural wasteland of Kendall Square, because, let's face it, there aren't that many other places to go.
(4)Kisbee B.
If you enjoy beer, CBC is the place for you. This place has wide assortment of beers... something that almost everyone will enjoy. If you are a bud light only kind of person, I'd veer away from this place. Their food is medicore, but not bad by any means. I've tried the margherita pizza and their cheeseburger.. and both were fine. The outdoor seating is nice and it has a very chill atmosphere. They also sell "towers" of beer which is fun to get with a group of people. Its about a 15 -20 minute walk or so from the Kendall T.. so on your way back you feel like you are burning some of those calories!
(3)Lisa K.
The beer is great but as mentioned already, the food is inconsistent. If you are with a group of people that want to try the same type of beer- go for a tower- its great and fun and saves you a bit of money. I've had decent burgers and good mac and cheese but the salads are hit or miss and I've had some pretty lousy entrees here. The prices also are a bit high for what they give you. Stick with pub food and you'll be fine and it won't cost you.
(4)t h.
Good beer and grub... But not great beer and food like there prices would make you think
(3)L-Train A.
They have great beer. And mediocre to sometimes outright crap food. What you want to do is stick to the basics, like burgers and boneless buffalo wings. If you go for anything fancy, you will be hugely disappointed. Example: Last night we ordered the wings (quite good) and the brie appetizer (Booooooo): 1. Brie just a little above room temperature - definitely not ooey and gooey. You know how grilled brie has black lines on it from the grill? I felt like they had put theirs on fake, like with a magic marker, and then microwaved the brie for 10 seconds. 2. Crap fruit preserves of some kind on it. Looked like they had scooped it out of a jar. Cold and useless. 3. Completely undressed greens. 4. "Crostini" = old crappy toast. You know when you make toast and forget about it and it gets cold and brittle. That was their crostini. Service and speed of food coming out was great. At any rate, beer enthusiasts should go here and try lots of different beers and don't order anything on the menu that is the least bit fancy in any way and you will have a great time!
(3)Herbert K.
I have been patron of the CBC for a long, long time. In it's current state, yea, 4 stars. The house brewed beers are top notch, as always. The menu is interesting enough, with a respectable daily special selection. But they lose a star for having pricing that is just a tad higher than needed. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Also, I would've hoped that the bartender were a tad more of a beer geek. He was able to tell me that the Cerise Cassée was really sour, but when I asked how it might compare to a certain commercial example, he wasn't able to offer an opinion. Shrugs.
(4)David L.
I used to think John Harvard's was good. This is better. Their stock beer selection is pretty good but they usually have a bunch of other "seasonal" brews available. If you have 3 or more people, you can order a tower of beer which is essentially a massive graduated cylinder. Not all beers are available in this format since some of them are particularly strong. The food here is also very good. I like the Salt and Vinegar fries and the Clams with lunguine. Portions are a decent size and service has varied between slow and great the few times I've gone. The bathroom is shared with the neighboring establishment which can be tricky if you've had 1 too many.
(5)L D.
I like beer, a whole lot. That fact is no secret and is the only reason I ever go to CBC. The food is really terrible and overpriced. They're trying to be upscale in menu while forgetting the purpose of the restaurant... fill people's tummies so they don't get too wasted on delicious beer. The only menu item that I can stomach is the Cuban sandwich. Not great, tolerable. The beer, on the other hand, is delicious. I'm a huge fan of pumpkin beers and their doesn't disappoint. The stout I had last night was also superior to many available at the packie. Plus, you can pop in for a growler at the bargain price of $10 per 64oz jug. That's four full pints!! Heck, just get yourself a growler and cook dinner at home. My biggest pet peeve about CBC is the height of the bar. I feel like a 12 year old because the bar is just too tall for the chairs and I can't get comfortable. They should keep adult-sized booster seats on hand to make up the difference. One bonus point for under-the-bar coat hooks.
(3)Takaki K.
Great beer. Enough said.
(4)Wade L.
Being under 21, this review has to just ignore the beer. I'm sure a lot of it is great. Judging by the descriptions, a lot of it sounded right up my alley and for that they earn some points by default. Hopefully i'll return soon and give them a fuller review in that sense. I won't give them a low rating because maybe I didn't expect that much. Brewpubs are brewpubs and their food is generally similar. CBC is no more expensive than most others and the food is along those lines: hearty, varied enough and satifying. Most importantly, they had good fries and my pulled pork sandwich didn't taste like junk (New England has a problem with doing this often).
(3)Jason M.
Beer is wonderful. I am a big fan of the Charles River Porter. The food is average.
(4)Angela M.
I like coming here because it is very low key and the beer is great. Apparently there is a chocolate stout right now, that I can't wait to try! The food has gotten so much better than it was a few years ago, and apparently the staff has been working on improving the menu lately...it shows! I like the vibe that this place has, without any pressure of having to dress up in club clothes to go there. Tricia is a great waitress, and also bartends on the weekends. Go find her there and you will receive the best service in Cambridge!
(4)Ross G.
This is my third visit to Cambridge and my third visit to the Cambridge Brewing Company. I would normally look for a new brewpub on each trip, but the Pizza at CBC is killer - tonight I had the Pizza of the Day which was a white pizza with smoked bacon and a fried egg - it was awesome like other two I have had on previous visits. For the craft beer fan, the CBC has a great variety of beer styles (11 tonight if I counted right) both the Belgian IPA and the Cast ESB were very good. The service at the bar has been great on every visit as well. The only downside of CBC is location - located in an office area with a number of other food choices but parking is impossible except in the Cinema Garage which will cost you $10 - which I find excessive overhead on a meal for one! But I will probably keep coming back for the Pizza and Beer.... For those of you that are not Pizza fans, all the other food I have seen come out of the kitchen looks amazing as well.
(4)_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 7 Food 10 *Drinks* 7 Service 8 Atmosphere 7 Value Their usual brews are quality and their seasonal brews are often exciting.
(4)richard r.
Beer is 4+ stars and they have a nice outdoor patio. However, food is only fair and kind of expensive. In my experience service has been spotty. If you just go for the beer, you will be good.
(3)Rajiv R.
Whether you are attending MIT or working in the Kendall square area, you have certainly have heard of or visited the CBC. CBC is easily one of the best microbreweries I've been to and has a wide selection of flavorful beers including the Regatta Golden and the Tall Tale Pale ale. I was there a few weekends ago celebrating a reunion with my SDM class. It was great to meet some of my few classmates who reside in the Boston area. Above all, the food was great. The Mediterranean Plate was a great way to begin dinner. The BBQ Pulled Pork and CBC Burger were excellent main courses that followed. If you have not visited the brewery in a year, you'll realize that the old mural on its wall that featured Ted Kennedy et al. is gone. (I used to know someone who was on that mural. He wasn't a celebrity but was an awesome programmer.) The new mural has (slightly) newer politicians(Like John Kerry) hobnobbing with MIT students and locals(or their look-alikes).
(3)Katie Y.
I'm not really a fan of beer (well, American beer to be precise), so I don't have anything to say about their ales. The fish and chips was great, though. I'd definitely go back to get some more! It was nice to sit outside on the patio in the summer, but the waiter sort of forgot about us after awhile.
(4)K P.
The food and beer were both excellent. What I like most about the food is that it is always balanced in both texture and flavor. Occasionally this leads to food that sounds wacky, like butternut squash ravioli with apples and croutons, but tastes delicious. I started off with the Winter Salad, which had a nice balance of crisp lettuce, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese with just the right amount of dressing. The cassoulet style duck was rich without being heavy, and in my opinion better than the same dish at Central Kitchen. My companion had the butternut squash ravioli and the addition of apples and croutons kept the dish from being soggy or boring like so many ravioli dishes are. They do tasting size portions of their beers, so we tried 6 different types and each ended up liking 5 of them. I'm pretty picky about beer, so it's not often that a restaurant has 5 different beers that I like! The atmosphere is casual and had a lot of families, from couples with young kids to college-age kids with parents and grandparents. I found this rather charming- nothing like the whole family getting around to drink a tower of CBC beer! There were also couples on dates and groups of 20-somethings. What keeps this place from 5 stars from me is the fact that the seats can be close together meaning a lot of server traffic jams and general chaos, and the bathrooms were weirdly institutional style and not very well maintained. But overall this is one of my favorite dinner places within walking distance of Central and Kendall.
(4)Karen R.
Great appetizer, lousy meal and service. Pork loin was dry, corn cakes were burnt and fish and chips were tasteless and fishless
(2)Shirley Y.
service has improved slightly but still below par. the server could have checked back more frequently, but i am excited that he provided us with our very own steak knife to divide the burger in half [but i guess you can argue that the burger could have been cut in the kitchen since we told him we were sharing in advance]. the food has definitely improved in quality. the heirloom tomato and watermelon salad was surprisingly delicious and light. the swiss burger was pretty tasty. the beer was great as it was before. all in all, i'm glad to see this place improve, and justify its nice outdoor venue.
(3)Van S.
What's not to love? Great beers and pretty good food. The sweet Italian sausage pizza is rockin' and the spinach and mushroom pizza ain't bad either. Fun to sit outside when the weather is nice, like last weekend.
(4)Heather H.
A favorite spot for Dinner and A Movie nights, CBC is located close to Kendall Theatre. Their beer menu usually includes about 4 standard year-round beers along with 2-3 seasonal. Their chef takes care to create specials with matching beers. I enjoy their standard menu, but anymore prefer to order from their specials menu; the specials menu tends to be about $5 more expensive than regular menu items, but well worth it in quality. The environment can be cold (ambiance-wise) during the afternoons- a friend remarked with surprise that it looked like a family joint inside- but cozy at night. Their patio is excellent when open. Christmas lights provide soft lighting and stovepipe heaters keep it warm when it gets chilly at night. Their occasional brewers dinners are well worth the nominal $50 for 5 courses and beers to match.
(5)Andrew C.
Food:1 Beer: 4 Average: 2.5 Can't enter a 2.5 so you have to round which gives you 3 stars. I can't figure out why some of these brewing places can't make food. The Boston Beer works has tasty food, can't the CBC and Watch City Brewing Company just copy whatever they serve... I like their beers, especially the pumpkin beer they put out in the fall. I have taken many growlers home or to parties but every time I walk out of that place after eating I swear I'll never eat there again. So stop by and drink the beer and tell them to upgrade the food. It could be a great place for dinner rather than just a good place for a drink.
(3)Katherine T.
So, I come from Oregon: Land of Many Microbreweries. And I've got to say, hats off to the CBC. They may not have as many beers as some of my old favorites back west, but they do have one of the best Amber Ales ever (second only to New Belgium Brewery's Fat Tire, only available west of the Mississippi). I also love love love their brewer's dinners, which are amazing!!! Five courses expertly paired with five beers, all for 50 bucks. It's awesome. Check out their website for the next one, and sign up early because they always sell out. PS--the tofu stir fry is really really ridiculously good tasting.
(4)victor E.
I acknowledge that this may be a biased review, I LOVE CBC. I'm there probably every week. Their beer is great and you will find something for everyone. If you like hoppy beers (like myself), the Tall Tale Pale Ale is a must. Their seasonal selection is always worth experimenting. I recommend the tasty CBC burger (with glazed onions) for a quick meal. They also have excellent pizza.
(5)Graham C.
If you come here, understand that you are coming for the outdoor seating and the nachos. If you're coming for the beer, do me a favor. Go to Downtown Wines and Spirits and buy one of their hundreds of awesome microbrews and drink that on your couch with your hand down your pants. The service here is glacial. They should keep flare guns on the table to signal the wait staff. Also, the food is meh. Not worth it. Seriously, only go if it's nice outside. And then only have the beer and nachos. Oh, and by the way, if you decide to get hammered here, a note to the wise. There are two doors when you leave the men's room, which you will undoubtedly visit. One leads to CBC and the other to Tommy Doyle's. Make sure you remember which one you came out of, or else you might be very confused.
(2)Melissa B.
Erica is where it's at. Whenever I go there, I hope to get her as my server. I was there the other night, but she was not. She stares at my yelp review wondering where I am, but when I go, she was not there. Erica, where are you? Call me sweetie!
(5)Kat T.
Up until a year ago, I've always preferred wine and martini drinks over beer. This place serves pretty good stuff. It's definitely a good after-work place specially in the Summer, when their patio seating is open.
(4)Jessica B.
I enjoy the festivals at Cambridge Brewing Company. All the food I've had from CBC has been excellent and most of the beers (including the specialty ones--pumpkin beers right now) were great! I would recommend CBC to all my friends!
(5)Patrick B.
Food quality seems to vary quite a bit from day to day, month to month, year to year. I've been there and have absolutely love the meal and on other days its looked and tasted like something from a microwave (could even be the same dish I loved on a prior visit). Not sure what's going on in the kitchen. The beer is a bit more predictable and always good to very good. In the last few years, they've gotten a bit more creative with the brews they offer which means there is usually something different to try on every visit. Outdoor seating is great in the summer as the square comes to life during lunchtime - though get here early for lunch if you want to be outdoors and in the shade.
(3)Emily S.
I think I've said it before but I will say it again: any place with good beer deserves my attention. CBC's beer is fresh and the prices are reasonable. The food is a little pricey but always delicious (try the potstickers). The beerunch is decent too. I had a Black Velvet there (porter and champagne)...think it's gross? It's actually not! Watch out for crowding. It can get PACKED!
(4)Betsy G.
My husband and I went to CBC in early November 2008, with the intention of enjoying a nice pumpkin-themed dinner, complimented by freshly brewed beer. My appetizer was the house salad, and my husband had the steamed mussels. The salad was good, but it came with the stalest piece of bread I have ever been served at any restaurant. The bread must have been sitting out since 6am. I was actually a bit offended that someone thought it was a good idea to put it on the plate. It wasn't in the salad description, and I definitely wouldn't have missed it. My husband got the steamed mussels and said they were OK. For our entrees, my husband ordered the CBC burger, and I ordered the pumpkin ravioli. According to my husband, the burger was great but not spectacular. He appreciated that they cooked it very rare. My pumpkin ravioli was good . . . but so overpriced that I have to give it a thumbs down. For $16, I got a total of 8 ravioli. And not the big ones either; these were a good 2" by 2". The knowledge that each tiny ravioli cost $2 really detracted from the meal. From a culinary standpoint however, they were delicious - well cooked, with a wonderful sauce. I'd gotten a small appetizer thinking that a $16 plate of ravioli was going to be a bit larger, so I was still hungry after finishing my entree. As a result, we ordered the nachos to finish off the meal. They were nothing spectacular. The chips were piled high, and the toppings (vegetarian chili, cheese, etc.) were good though meager. There were too many bare chips for me to recommend this dish. Finally, the beer - I can't remember exactly what we got, and it's no longer on the menu, but again - mediocre. All in all, I'd say that CBC is overpriced and nothing to write home about. We won't be returning.
(2)Emily S.
A friend of mine who happens to love this place invited us to try it with him the night before his wedding. To be honest, none of us really understood what he found so appealing about this place, because we found their beers mediocre and the food ranged from inedible to just all right. The boneless wings my friends split was rubbery and the sauce tasted off according to my boyfriend. I thought my CBC burger and salad tasted fine, although nothing I'd ever go out of my way to eat again, but my friend who ordered hers with fries found the side totally unappetizing.
(2)a w.
Their beer is actually quite good, which is why i've given this place two stars. However, the few times I've been here I've NEVER had a dish that i thought was good. And a couple of them I could barely choke down. I think it's partly that they don't have very knowledgeable cooks, so the execution is usually sub par. But it's also partly that whoever dreams up the menu doesn't *really* understand the average human palate, so some of the ideas are bad to begin with. I would suggest you don't stray far from the basics and stay away from anything that sounds remotely fancy.
(2)Jill I.
My husband and I went here last night to grab a beer and a few appetizers. We sat at the bar ... being that it was the first warm evening in three weeks and the patio had a twenty minute wait. There were seats ready and available for us inside, so we opted to eat there. Everything about the experience was "ok." The food was better than the service, but its not like the service was awwwful or anything -- it just wasn't great. Our calamari and local cheese and meat plate (both were good and nice sized portion-wise) took about 25 minutes to be delivered, and the guy sitting next to us had to have his burger comped it took so long (they offered, he didn't ask for the freebie). We also had a margherita pizza, which was the best part of the meal, in my opinion. The beer *was* delicious ... they offered a variety of in house brewed beers that just taste better than your everyday domestic brews. The CBC beer was a little more potent as well. We did have to ask the bartenders for everything -- for menus, to order, for refills, to clear our plates -- and they were not slammed busy, so that was kind of a let down, but they were friendly and welcoming when we did get their attention. There are other bars in spitting distance of CBC, and unless I am really, really craving a Hefeweizen and a pizza, we probably will be more inclined to try somewhere new rather than returning in the near future.
(3)Amie R.
Love it, love it, love it! The food is great - always some seasonal items featured. Try the Brewer's Dinners they host now and then, you won't regret it! I don't love ALL the beers they offer, but there is something for everyone. Unless you want a light beer. Do they have any???
(5)Flora B.
Just around the corner from Kendall Square Cinema. Open-airy interior. I bet it's great in the summertime -- beer garden outside, anyone? The beer was good -- I had BIÈRE DE MIEL. I enjoyed watching the bartender pour gigantic beers (with a spout on the bottom of the glass, what are these called?) behind the bar.
(4)JC M.
Now take my stars the wrong way,i love the CBC.Great,great beer! I have been coming here for years and have always been happy. The lack of stars are a result of our last visit. We sat. in the dining room for the 1st time,in yearsr! I have to say,i realized that is has never changed...ever! I just feel like the CBC has got to be turning a profit at this point,how about re-doing the place? The floor beside our table made a "creak-squeak" every time someone walked by-maybe it would have been charming another time,this time is was just aggrivating. The waiter was fine,not nearly friendly-but fine.Everyoe's allowed an "off" night-we'll chalk it up to a blue moon event. Now on to the food-good chowder,i imagine it's coming from a can-maybe not,but i think so. I had the "chicken pot pie"-this was the worst,by far! worst! I didn't manage to find any chicken! The veggies were all diced in the same exact fashion-canned? And they top it with 3 discs of crust....what we love most about chicken pot pie is the crust! This was a cop-out! It tasted more like Non-chicken,mush veg. creamy soup! Hubby had a burger that was surpisingly over cooked. Their burgers are usually right on! Heart broken we left,unsatisfied-except for the beers....maybe if we sit back in the bar the next time our good CBC mojo will return!
(3)Adrienne M.
I recently had a really bad experience here with some friends. I didn't have any beer, so I can't speak to that, but several of my friends really liked the Cambridge Amber. That was about the only positive. We had a party of 9, so I can understand the service being slow (although the fact that we had to ask 3 times just to get glasses for the whole table was weird) but the problems really started when we ordered food. One of my friends wanted the Southwestern Chicken burger, but they told her that they were out, and she asked if she could have the Southwestern Burger with a beef patty instead (since they indicated they were just out of chicken patties). It took quite awhile to communicate this to our waitress, who kept insisting to my friend that she should get the "blackened chicken sandwich" and they could even scrape the black stuff off...um, it was the "Southwestern" in "Southwestern Burger" that she wanted, not the chicken, thank you very much. You'd think the fact that she was trying to get the burger with a BEEF patty would make this clear, but no. The waitress was not the brightest bulb. When they brought out our food, they just brought my friend a plain burger. We told the guy who had brought out the food that this wasn't what she had ordered and he seemed very confused, brought out another women who we explained the situation to AGAIN, and finally our waitress emerged with a little cup of BBQ sauce. When my friend politely said "Is this all there is to the 'Southwestern Burger'?" the waitress rolled her eyes and replied "yes" in an exasperated tone. The saddest part of this story is that because of our large group size, we were forced to leave a mandatory 18% tip (probably the exact same reason that we got such crappy service). Still, I've dined in large groups in plenty of other establishments and I don't think I've ever had service this bad. We gave her the evil eye for the rest of the night, but I would rather have had our $25 of tip back. As for the rest of the food, it seemed to be hit or miss. I heard several people complain about how their burgers were cooked, although that may have been due to some confusion amongst my friends, two of whom accidentally switched burger orders. I had a "white pizza" without any white sauce, which was bland but not inedible. I have to say I don't think I'll be coming here again, at least not for food.
(1)Chris S.
This is the closest pub to my place. I'm a big fan of their Big Man Ale as well as the pale ale. I'm not really feelin' the Amber. They have a decent pub grub menu and respectable bar. The growlers are a bit pricey but worth it if you want microbrew freshness.
(4)Vito M.
Cambridge Brewing Company is a great place to grab a brew. Excellent variety in beverages and there's something on the beer menu for every palate. The food leave a lot to be desired, though. Haven't had an amazing meal there in a half dozen trips or so, but the drinks are consistently amazing. Very relaxed atmosphere which is most likely due to it's out of the way location. Also not the best place to go if you're trying to catch sports on the TV due to the lack of televisions and their poor placement. Grab a beer tower with a group of friends and enjoy some good company.
(3)Eric K.
I like this place - I love the giant mural on the wall - I love their carefully selected, aromatic smelling, delicious tasting skull crushing micro-brews. Dont come here expecting oysters and hoity toity crap - thats what hammersleys is for. This place is a great place for chatting to colleagues and friends alike. The food is somewhat disappointing, but if you love traditional fair, I would hearily recommend the veggie burger, the cubano sandwich the CBC burger or best of all the boneless buffalo wings... We come here for the beer, pure and simple. the beer is simply amazing. If they removed food from their menus - then this place would get 5 stars, (yes thats is weird logic, but I am writing this , ignore it if you want) . Yes their regular beers are a satisfying as they are different. But its when they get crafty and come up with new beers that the master brewers here really shine and display their craft very well. try the blunderbuss or the barleywine if you are revelling with old friends and you are there for the evening.. The regatta golden is light for hot days, the porter for the rain... For people who dont like beer - dont worry there is some cider and wines available. Overall - give this place alook if you are in the kendall area - you will have an enjoyable time... I forgot to add they do have a small beer garden to enjoy the outdoors on the nice days.
(4)Marin T.
The Boston area's best beers come from here (Audacity of Hops!), and leave it to a neighbor of MIT to serve craft beer in giant test tubes. The outdoor patio is one of my favorite al fresco dining spots, and they host great beer-geek events here throughout the year. Food is your usual burger-and-fries pub food menu and nothing special, but hey, you're here for the beer.
(4)Michael S.
Every time I go here I am floored by how good the food is. I had fried Brussel sprouts the other day with their hummus plate and an As You Wish beer. All three incredible. The Brussels sprouts were crispy and chewy and Iv'e never had better. They Hummus was served with the freshest Olives Ive ever had with a lemon zest that was perfect after me and the girl went on a little Charles river Kayak ride. The Beer, O man. As You Wish is the perfect summer beer, just a little tart, a little orange and lemon and a little spiced Belgian, Perfect. Had the burger before... delicious and I didnt feel sick after. The Salmon... The fucking pinnacle of salmon dishes. Did I mention the Saki Beer they had once? Been there 6 times now over the years... Always Exceptional.
(5)Keith A.
And well, well, well. This time I finally got to Cambridge Brewing Co. on a trip to Boston. In fact, to make up for my mistake last time I was in town, I made sure to go twice. I didn't eat any of the food here, so my review is based off the beer and service they had. I have to say, the beer selection is extremely good. CBC goes to show that you don't need a hundred million taps to make a good beer list. I focused on all of their own beers, but I absolutely loved the range in selections. I rarely come across sours in Chicago, and for them to have one of their own on tap, spot on CBC. CBC pretty had any style that a beer geek like me could want, and they have plenty of selections for more normal people too. That's when you know you're onto something. I never had a problem getting a beer here and the staff was always very helpful. If you asked, they'd always give their opinions and they didn't lead me wrong at all. I can't wait to come back out here and have more of their beers. We now get some CBC bombers in Chicago, but I'm not sure about the freshness on them. I'd also like to keep this as a place that warms my heart and stomach with good beer.
(4)L F.
I've been to CBC three times so far; twice with a larger group (~10 people) and once on a date. Every time I came I enjoyed myself, but I'm not in love with even thought I feel I should be. Pros: - local food, sustainable sources, love it!! - they make their own beer! - outdoor seating space is great in the summer - friendly waiters - food is solid "American" fare, some fish, some meat, some veggie options, French fries... most people will find something they will like. Cons: - service is so-so Food comments: - offer more veganizable food! For dinner, I can only really eat the veggie burger minus cheese and aioli. That leaves me with... a gardenburger-like patty that I can get for way cheap at the grocery store, which is just boring. The patty without cheese and aioli is also kinda bland tasting, so I usually have to dress it up with some mustard. - I liked all the beers I've tried so far (the porter and the hefeweizen) but wasn't too into the seasonal barleywine. That's probably just me, though ;) - Taza chocolate is around the corner... time to make some chocolate stout! (maybe they have some; it could be seasonal and I just didn't see it when I was there?) - what about a vegan dessert? Vegan cakes can be amazing, and we are in Cambridge, after all...! How about a chocolate beer cake? Just a suggestion...! In my book, there are lot's of pros and little cons... so why am I NOT LOVING this place? Maybe I'm too focused on the food rather than the beer, and from my perspective the menu could use some additions. Bottom line: I will go back here if someone else suggests it, but if the choice was up to me, there would be other places that rank higher on my list.
(3)Mike B.
While we were unable to wait around for a table, we purchased a bomber bottle to go. The "Sgt. Pepper" beer we got was amazing. It paired well with food (red meat), and was a very well executed brew. I'll look forward to returning and sampling their food and other brews next time through.
(4)Drew S.
Coming from a city that may not have been the first in the country to operate brew pubs (Boulder, CO) I still learned a thing or two about what's good and what's not in a brew pub. Things I look for - great staples (burgers, apps, snacks that complement the beer, etc., as well as service folks that want me to know about the great house beers.) My first impression of CBC is that they know how to make a good beer and that's about where they stop. Summary - go for a beer and then go somewhere else for food. For a slow day (we were one of three tables seated in the dining area) after the lunch rush (1:30pm), it took over 40 minutes to get our food on the table. 40 minutes for some burgers, tuna melts, and one boring order of fish and chips - are you kidding me? I had the fish and chips - blech. The service was fair, but uninspired. There was no "Have you been here before?" followed up with the "Let me tell you about our great beers...". Guess I'll have to explore the various flavors at another brew pub willing to take the time to educate me. Perhaps it was the "B"team. Perhaps it was the Monday blues. I don't know. But even the tastey beer isn't enough to get me back there again anytime soon...
(2)Jennifer K.
I LOVE brewery Pub... I LOVE Cambridge Brewing Company.. I love how I can order as many $2 mini glass on the beer menu... Some of them quite interesting especially Banryu Ichi 2012 a Sake/Beer Hybrid is really unique as I have yet taste anything similar to that. I also have some of their House blends: Cambridge Amber, Charles River Porter, Regatta Golden and Tall Tale Pale Ale. And of course there are quite a few pub food to go with all these Crafted beer.. I rather just drink beer.. but my friend just want to eat Buffalo Chicken Tenders ($9) .... why? (another predictable DC... ) I love the vibe here: Friendly and Down to Earth... I definitely will be back again next time when I am in town!!
(4)Kevin R.
I've been going here off and on for over 20 years. I have to say it's been a delight for some time. They've been at the forefront of innovative brewing. The food has always been very good, especially for a brewery. In the past couple years they've gone towards the locavore movement. That's been generally well executed Tonight was my first visit in several months and I'm starting to wonder if the place is now on the downside of their peak. I felt like they've slipped in three general areas. First, the food was not quite as good as usual. I got a special of deep fried Brussels sprouts. They were very good but over salted. The second appetizer was also over salted and tasted more like something one could have expected at a generic chain. Second, I don't know if I'd become spoiled by a couple exceptional years with their beers. But tonight just didn't seem to really have anything that I felt was epic and worthy of my high praise. Granted, they're still far better than the standard industrial brews. So let's not go there. But if you're expecting the exceptional well I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Lastly, I think the place is jumping from a beer haven to a hipster hangout. Maybe it's me, but I just don't get the new vibe in the place. Fedoras and faux 40s mobster fashion? Gimme a break. Hopefully this is just a passing fad like leisure suits and suspenders. I'll give the place four stars based on loyalty and good memories. But if tonight's experience is the start of a trend, then expect a revision to my position. And that would start with removing CBC from my recommended list.
(4)J. L.
A few of us came here for "beerunch"aka beer + brunch last Saturday morning. We had a great time with a great waiter. I had the Cambridge Amber which was good and then the Pumpkin Ale which was even better! The Pumpkin Ale was so delicious...wish it was around all year long! Plus, I love that they use local pumpkins! My boyfriend and his friend had the Pumpkin Ale too and enjoyed it. The two of them also did a sampling of the beers they had on tap. They liked that. We got the apple cider donuts...wow so warm, fresh & yummy! I had the french toast and my boyfriend had the Pumpkin Ale Spiced Bread Pudding Sandwich, we recommend both. I NEED to come back soon so I can have that Pumpkin Ale again before the season is over!
(5)Davy G.
Simple new American menu, with excellent beer to choose from. Lots of locally sourced dishes, and always plenty of fresh beer. These guys get packed on weekends, so I recommend getting a reservation if you have a large group. If you just want to watch the game, there is some space at the bar as well. Friendly staff, prompt service, music playing at a reasonable level - one of my favorite breweries to visit. About a fifteen minute walk from either Central Square or Kendall/MIT red line stop. If you're driving, then the validated parking in the lot out back is nice. Notable beers to try: Charles River Porter, Tall Tale Pale Ale, Great Pumpkin Ale.
(4)Jason M.
The first time we went to CBC set a very high bar for future CBC shenanigans. #MyEric and I pulled up some stools and settled in for some fine, fine day drinking. Minutes later, someone stumbles in and asks for a Bud Light. The bartender explains that CBC is a brewery and they only serve the beer they brew. The guy, a bit perturbed at the situation, then asks for a Miller or Coors. At this point the bartender suggests going next door for a beer there. The dude left. #MyEric and I then proceeded to try almost every beer they had on draft that day. It was a good day. Beer standouts - Sgt. Peppers - a farmhouse ale with peppercorn Heather Ale- a light, spring beer with heather Blunderbuss Barley Wine - barley wine, delicious sweet barley wine Nomi Sugi - a beautiful beer/saki hybrid served in the cutest drinking container ever Yeah, there are a lot of great, reasonably priced beer standouts. What doesn't standout is the food. It just doesn't live up to the quality of the beer. Go to CBC because you can't order a Bud Light there. Stay because the beer is tasty.
(4)Enna B.
Love the beer! Had the French onion soup, which was tasteless except for pepper spiciness - don't order unless you like peppery warm water. Also had the butternut squash and pear pizza (with prosciutto), which was fantastic! Very flavorful. The great pumpkin ale is definitely one of the best pumpkin ales I've had. The autumn harvest salad was delicious, even though the dressing was a little salty. Keep in mind it's loud on a weeknight (went on Monday around 6:30), but it is a nice atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, and never order the French onion soup again.
(4)John T.
Haven't been here for 4 yrs but was looking forward to their great CBC burger. Ugh. Small, overcooked on a stale roll. Fortunately the beer is still good but forget about the burgers
(2)Rachel W.
We've been here so many times, honestly I've lost count. Fantastic service. (When I was sick once with a sore throat, he made sure to keep refilling my hot water tea pot, very sweet) Beer of course is always top notch. I always find that food also really stands out, yeah it might be a little overpriced, but seriously? This is Cambridge, aren't we all used to it at this point? I really like that they make it a point to use all natural meats. Bathroom could use a makeover, but it's always clean. It can get a little loud, I think that's the only thing I'd really complain about. Also when it get's really busy, I feel like they're understaffed and it takes a lot longer to get normal things like refill on my water or get the bill. But it won't stop me from going back again and again. Also it's literally at my bus stop when I come home from work. Score!
(4)Veronica H.
Even if you don't like beer, there is a high chance you will enjoy visiting this place: 1. You can order a 9oz size of beer if you want to take it easy or sample a few different beers. 2. Outdoor seating, great place to bring a group of friends. 3. The wait staff is really helpful when you are trying to decide which beer/food to choose. Cambridge Ember and Regatta Golden are great, Baku-Cha has a rich flavor that you will want to savor.
(5)Roberto S.
Food: Poor. I've ordered a medium CBC burger. It was over-done and definitely dry, trying to eat with the burger bun was unbearable. So I ate the fries, which are decent. Another time I was here I ordered the roasted salmon from the dinner menu, and the salmon was dry, the rest of the dish was flavorful and nice, yet the main component of the dish was not done well. Brussels sprouts are definitely a tasty treat. Drinks were good, the variety of beers is great and prices are reasonable, which is CBC's main redemption point as expected judging from their name. I would recommend the Cambridge Amber and CBC Hefeweizen. Disclaimer: I am not that fond of pale-ale's :P Ambiance: Good. The environment is good, simply expect a bar-type of environment, that aims to be somewhat refined but doesn't do a great job at it. Service: Poor for parties of 4-6. Casually throwing coasters at the table and being disrespectful to one of the people in our table despite behaving properly is not something I would expect at any restaurant, let alone tip for it. Then demanding a tip of 18% as part of the bill, seems like rubbing salt on a wound. Out of the three visits to CBC, first two visits had decent service, nothing special but not rude. The last visit was terrible. All three times it was very hard to flag a waiter/waitress. To sum it up, after three visits, food was not impressive, ambiance was decent, service was terrible, therefore I am not planning to attend CBC again. I would recommend this place for people who want to drink beer and are not too hungry.
(2)amy b.
Went here with a huge group because I was organizing a high school reunion and it was the only place on Open Table that let me make a resv for 20 people. The service was horrific. We never were able to get a waiter without aggressively flagging one down for anything including our initial food/drinks and then later for refills. We also had some late arrivals and asked to keep seats open at the end of our table, but then they seated people there. So our late arrivals got to basically sit in our laps. Most of us ordered dinner/aps as well and several rounds of beers, and so it wasn't a cheap tab. The experience culminated when our waitress tried to steal about $ 100 from us (and the restaurant) by pocketing all of the cash we gave in addition to credit cards for the bill. We happened to notice that the balance for the cards was really high and asked her to retally the money (she had only entered in $20 cash when $120 was given to her). Spoke to management the following day to complain since it was such an egregious and clearly intentional mistake. In summary, the beer is good, the food is mediocre (my burger was overcooked), the decor is blah, the ambience is loud, and the service is terrible. Pay close attention to your bill if you are in a group.
(1)Paige C.
what is this beer place? hidden somewhere in cambridge listen for bluegrass. This place is worth going out of your way for (well, on a weekday night or off hours). Their food is fantastic AND they try to source locally as much as possible. The bar is big. In the summer there is outdoor seating. They brew everything here, and the beer and food menus are constantly changing. Everything is reasonably priced for the area, and it can get VERY busy here. It's sometimes not worth the crowds (hence, why I've never been to the blue grass brunch). So, there's that risk, you arrive only to never be seated. I haven't always had the best most friendly service here either... Splurge and get that 12% abv barleywine!
(4)Jason B.
"The beer is decent, the food is meh." I feel bad dropping that turd in the punchbowl, but there's really not much more to say. Their beer is good. They appear to have outsourced their kitchen to an Applebee's, though. That's the level of quality you're getting. Hey, free WiFi, though.
(3)Chris D.
Good brews and make sure to order the pretzels.
(4)Mark T.
I like to get food with my beer here. The beer alone is sometimes interesting They have a lot of unique brews. Some are good. Rarely have I found one that makes me want more. The triple threat is really good: very smooth and pretty strong. I think they best way to describe their beer is to say they try too hard. Their pizza is amazing with their beer. Their beer has given me headaches a few times. Maybe I shouldn't be such a princess?
(4)Ryan K.
If you're looking for a great burger and great beer come here! This place never let's me down and the atmosphere is really cool. One of my favorite places in Cambridge to grab a burger and a beer. I'll be back with friends soon.
(5)Carolyn F.
Watch out for the peach pits. The beer I had was pretty good (Regatta Golden) and we ordered the Broiled Peaches. They were great until my friend and I both ended up biting down on peach pits. Great idea for an app but terrible execution!
(2)Jessica S.
First time at CBC and I was much impressed. We tried a flight of 5 seasonal brews - all were quite good! We also split a mushroom veggie burger with garlic aioli. The burger was house made and had a solid mushroom flavor, lots of garlic! Also, THE FRIES!!! were delicious. Outdoor seating and great service was just an added bonus. I would love to go back and try more of their beer and food!
(4)Christina P.
We just had some nacho's and a few samples of beer, but we loved the craft beer and the nachos were great! My absolute favorite drink, out of all the sampling I did in the Boston area, was the Kriek du Cambridge! It's a high ABV cherry lambic and I was SO sad they didn't have any of it bottled! Good service and an extensive menu... I'll go back and give them a try again!
(4)Jenny B.
Stopped here for lunch, and had a sweet potato veggie burger and a beer. The veggie burger was pretty good, but tasted overly cumin-y (lots of people don't realize that vegan food can be vegan and NOT be spiced with cumin). The beer was just OK. I also didn't appreciate the brewery smell that hung in the place--it also felt a little damp. Ugh. Yes, I get that they brew the beer in the restaurant--but so do lots of other places, and they manage to get rid of that smell in the dining area.
(3)Kitty D.
They used to be our favorite gourmet pub, but the last two times we went there this summer, the food wasn't that great, the portions got small (3 teeny tiny pieces of fish in fish and chips, very little coleslaw, which did not taste good anyway), and the service was bad. We hardly saw our server, both times. Waited with empty beer glasses quite a while...
(3)Melisa C.
I came here with 4 others on a Saturday evening around 5 pm. We ordered small samples of different beers to taste. I ended up going with the plum beer, which was interesting! We split the calamari and native corn, bacon & lobster hushpuppies. Both were fine, nothing too special. For dinner I had the spicy lamb meatballs, which were also okay. 2 people split the seafood pasta, and 2 others had the lobster pizza. Everyone else enjoyed their dishes, and both pizza-eaters had 2 slices each to bring home as leftovers. There was also an advertisement for a clam bake at their outdoor seating, but reservations are required. Otherwise, our waiter was friendly and helpful, but besides the service I'm not sure if I would come back for the food itself.
(3)Joanna F.
The food is ok, but I love the atmosphere and the beer. The Pumpkin Beer festival here around Halloween is such a good time and they have every pumpkin beer you could think of. Again, the food at that event was fine, but nothing special. I will definitely be back time and again for the beer.
(4)Khusbu P.
Beautiful day for a beer from the Cambridge Brewing Co. Charles river stout was absolutely delicious. The outdoor seating was excellent but don't sit in the sun for too long your beer will get warm ;)
(4)Brad S.
Good beer. Decent food. Wait staff was undermanned and all 4 were splitting duties between indoors and patio which made for slow beer delivery. Drove me crazy when apps and salads came out at the same time....i couldnt eat fast enough and i am military...we eat fast. Entree came out as we were still trying to stuff mussels in our face. Server was good but overtasked
(3)Lauren P.
I can't say enough good things about CBC. Their beer is great. I love their sours when available. Lush Life is fantastic. I will be sad the day this is not on their beer list. Probably serves the best nachos I've had at a restaurant. They take the time to layer their ingredients which makes all the difference. Everything here is reasonably priced and good. The atmosphere is great. The servers are very friendly.
(5)David B.
A gastropub. Nice room. Noisy and crowded. Which is ok for a festive beer garden vibe. But there must be a loose floorboard or something, because everytime someone walked by, it felt like they were bumping my chair. Didn't hit it off with our waiter. He hesitated to bring out a sample of one of their more challenging beers, a Belgian IPA. I did order it; good but a little too dry. I also had the Dark Night which was a little flabby, weak and watery with spices in sediment, not well integrated. My daughter's Hiver was nice but overly yeasty. The waiter was also not friendly, didn't check on us, didn't sell dishes enthusiastically, and took things away before we were done with them. Food generally good, except the pumpkin ravioli had inedible roasted garlic cloves. (I suffered for that all night.). Porter Fondue delish with strong beer notes. Salad that came with the burgers nice.
(3)Boudu B.
I stopped in for lunch before seeing a movie at the Kendal on a weekday. Just after the lunch rush, and I don't think anyone was in a rush to serve or offer to sell me food for some reason. I would love to go back when it's busy and they want to sell me things because I have heard good things about this place.
(3)Carl G.
Excellent beers brewed here! There are some really interesting ones on the list as well (sake/beer hybrid?!) They seem to do a great job of not resting on their past success. Food was good too. Nothing really fantastic, but you could tell some thought went into the menu and they used good quality, local ingredients.
(4)Cheryl N.
Stopped by busy Cambridge Brewing on a chilly windy Friday afternoon; were seated quickly in the cheerful front facing room - try for this area, and enjoy gazing at the wonderful stained glass artwork of beer glasses. I really enjoyed my DownEast draft cider with the house-made, delightfully oven-warm pretzels with a mustard dip. The pretzels were super, the dip was not as mustard/spicy as I usually prefer. For brief respite on a chilly day, Cambridge Brewing was a fine choice.
(4)Benitoni A.
Decent restaurant/bar. Food was a bit bland and the cheeseburger tasted like it was a frozen patty rather than hand made fresh. I would go back for drinks but probably would not eat there again. Service was just OK.
(3)Nitya D.
Great in-house brewed beers. You can get 3' beer towers if you've got enough people (they are responsible here at CBC, they like to ensure they don't fully destroy anyone's liver). If you sit inside you can actually see the tanks that the beer is made in. Although, warning, it does smell kind of "yeasty" inside sometimes. There is plenty of outdoor seating as well, which is great. The food leaves a lot to be desired. But hey, it's called Cambridge Brewing Company, not Cambridge Food Company.
(3)Sharon O.
Happy hour after work with a group of about fifteen people. If you can all agree on a beer (or at least in groups of 5-6), check out the towers for saving some cash. We got two towers- pretty fun graduated cylinder with a spout. Patio was full. Sat us in the way back of the inside of the restaurant. That's life. Service was good and happy hour beer food (nachos and fries) were good quality, above what I'd expect. Price point was about average- but we enjoyed the cost savings of the towers.
(3)Emily S.
I wanted to love CBC. But I didn't. Somehow I lived in Cambridge for 3.5 years without ending up here. I finally visited and was pretty disappointed. I've have CBC beers from the bottle and at various tastings, I expected more from the keg. First of all, this place is LOUD. So loud, I could not have even a shouting conversation with the group I was with. The food was okay - lots of vegetarian options which is nice to see (but predictable in Cambridge). I ordered a cask-conditioned Audacity of Hops. Apparently, I was the last to order this beer because the keg kicked. What was strange was that the waitress still brought me the glass of foam and flat beer and said it was "on the house" because it kicked. Thanks... but no thanks. I ordered a regular Audacity of Hops, it was just okay. Nothing remarkable. I tasted the Regatta Golden, which was also just okay. The waitress never came by and asked me if I wanted another beer - and then brought the check. So that concluded my trip to CBC. Perhaps one day I will try again, skip the food and loudness and just go for a tasting.
(3)C D.
I am surprised this place doesn't already have 5 stars. We have been here a number of times. The food is reliably tasty and fast. The beer is always good. The waitstaff have always been friendly and knowledgable. Today was our first time going to the beerunch and it was phenomenal! We both ordered the buttermilk jalapeños egg biscuit with cheese and an order of the apple cider donut holes. Everything was delicious! It was so much food we couldn't finish it and brought some home. 'We were already talking about the next time we could come back for brunch before we had even paid the bill.
(5)Dean H.
I didn't really even have high expectations for my meal, but I was still hoping for more than I got. It has a nice atmosphere, and it was a nice evening so we ate outside. I had the mushroom, spinach pizza. It was Luke warm, with overly chewy mushrooms. I also had an Autumn salad which was sort of "ho hum". Not bad but lacking something. I was surprised at how few beers they had to offer for a brewing company. The server was attentive, but at times even over-attentive. So, all-in-all I was not impressed an will not rush back.
(2)Dave F.
I wanted CBC to be amazing--and if I were just judging the beer, it would be. The beer brewed on site is delicious. A glass of YouEnjoyMyStout is a must for anyone serious about craft beer, especially stout lovers. It's on par with some of the best barrel aged stouts in the country, and can only be had on tap. The other seasonal offerings, such as the Belgian Double IPA, are real treats. We ordered fries to munch on, which did the job just fine. The brew part of CBC is fantastic. The pub, however, could use a little work. The atmosphere inside on a Saturday afternoon was a bit dead, and the bar was so sticky it left the impression that it hadn't been cleaned in a day. The music was also played at a very low volume, which gave the bar a public library vibe. That amazing glass of YouEnjoyMyStout and fine Belgian Double IPA was enough for me to overlook these flaws, which would doom a bar with lesser offerings. We're looking forward to returning on a warmer day to try out the beer garden, which looks to be a perfect setting for enjoying CBC's great beer.
(4)Caroline H.
Service? Yes. We had a big group of about 30 people and the waiters were great about helping to divide drink tabs up and get the right meals to the right people. Beer? Definitely. The $2 per mini glass in a flight is a great system. Our waiter was knowledgeable about which beers should be drank in which order and helpful in picking out cohesive flights. Food? Not so much. I had the scallops and I have to say, I was kinda disappointed. The citrus fruit in there was really bitter and combined with the spinach, it was just really acidy and overwhelmed the scallops (which were cooked pretty well). However, the poutine appetizer was tasty! I'd definitely go again, but might stick more to pub food and won't go crazy with fancy meals.
(3)Chris F.
Pretty good beer but nothing spectacular. Surprising for one of the oldest craft breweries in the country. Food is nothing to write home about. Hard to believe that one of the worst clam chowders I've ever had was in Cambridge! So few tiny pieces of clams and way too much celery and potatoes. Cool space and good service. Offer flights, pitchers, and beer towers, plus relatively cheap growlers and bombers to go is a plus.
(3)Steven G.
Nice casual atmosphere and good food. I liked it.
(4)Elena M.
Great beer, fast service, cosy place, gigant Nachos. I spent there a great evening!
(4)J. Michael M.
Good beer. Good bar food. Lowkey lunch atmosphere.
(4)Robert K.
The tall tall pale ale was great. I want to come back and sample the other offerings. But the seasonal Belgian was literally the worst beer I've ever had, bottle or draft. My four friends and I made the mistake of ordering a pitcher and we couldn't finish it, even with little else to drink that night. The description should have warned: "Great flavor, but then the aftertaste is like eating a cigarette." So don't expect your random selection to be any good. Get a recommendation instead.
(2)Chuck T.
This place rocks. Awesome awesome drinks. I keep a little notepad and take notes on the beers I try. I love that they let you sample the beers or order small glasses of a few selections to find the one that suits you. GREAT stuff. Food is about a 3.5-4... but the drinks make up for it. Brunch is excellent as well. Aside from the drinks... TRY THE DESSERT. They usually feature ONE item on the menu because it's that good. The chocolate flour-less cake is one of the best desserts I've ever had, period. Enjoy!
(5)Sara M.
Had a great time here for beers and snacks. Great space, friendly servers, very clean. Also welcoming of my boyfriend's monthly cycling meet up. Would love to go back and stay for dinner
(4)Matthew H.
I've never had a bad meal or a bad beer here. My most recent trip was for a hangover brunch with a few friends, and the food was very well prepared. I had a breakfast burrito, but I had a really tough time deciding because the rest of the menu looked so good. You have to love a place where you can buy beer to bring home.
(4)John H.
This is a food and service only review, no beer. I stopped in CBC before a movie on a Saturday afternoon and was very disappointed. It took way to long for our server to arrive even though the place was not busy. Drink orders were taken and a very simple ginger ale, Sierra mist and diet cake somehow got screwed up. Next the very brief brunch menu is full of very non-pub grub type food which would be ok if they could pull it off but they can't. Our three meals arrived and were just ok. I had pulled pork which came with a slice of cheese on it, very odd IMO. The other meals were simple brunch items but were just so so. I hope CBC has good beer because the brunch is lousy.
(1)William R.
Stopped in here during a 24 hour layover in Boston Anthony Bourdain style, and while the beer was good (I always get myself a stout, which they did not have, but their porter did the trick), however the food left much to be desired. Tucked near MIT, this place is built like a typical brewery. Large ceilings, wood everywhere. The vibe was real chill and people were big into beer who were sitting next to me. The food is why this gets 3*. I had myself a smoked salmon scramble but good Lord, it was almost entirely cheese and bread! I picked at it and ate the eggs and salmon in there which were quality, but it would have been a full fledged heart attack had i even attempted to take down the bread. Net-net, good place but not one you should go out of your way to attend.
(3)Doogie H.
Had a work lunch here for 22 people. Service was ok but food was aweful! I called ahead of time to make a reservation as we wanted to all sit together. The place did the best it could but we ended up in the back room and they were cleaning the beer drums the whole time so it smelled musty. Not for a work event. (limiTed options in walking distance and not $20 a plate for lunch). Good for a casual beer and boring food.
(3)Sean D.
I went there for the first time recently. I was familiar with their bottled beers already (b/t/w their Great Pumpkin Ale and Sgt. Pepper Saison are amazing!!!!), but I digress. Our parking karma was in our favor and we got a spot right out front, while I suspect that won't be the norm, but only the rare occasion. The place is nestled (jammed) into the corner of a u-shaped plaza with other restaurants and such. If you don't see it at first, keep looking - it's tucked away behind another's sign. We got there too early for dinner much to my lament, but there was still plenty to choose from on the lunch menu. The menu consists of casual, pub-friendly food with an added flair such as homemade pickles or BBQ sauce, but nothing fancy (not that you would be expecting pheasant-under-glass from a pub). Aside from the tastiness of the food, they put an effort into using local-grown produce and meat for which I applaud their efforts. Now we'll abruptly segue into my initial fascination with this place - the brewery. While the brewery's bottled products are well known and loved (by me), their cousins, only found on tap, are a more illusive entity. All of my selections were beyond amazing (Om, Nom de Plum, Higgs Boson and Cerise Cassée), I hesitate to point out my favorite to assure its available when next I visit. Okay, you've twisted my arm, I'll tell... it's the Cerise Cassée - a sour ale that's been made by combining a one or two year old batch of ale with another that has been maturing for nine years, both of which have been laced with three hundred pounds of cherries for that extra sour zip. Just a tip: order the beer sampler to get a taste of these. I didn't see it on the menu, but my waiter suggested it... after the fact!!! On the topic of service, I found our server, David, to be excellent. He was knowledgable about both the food and their brews, which I would assume to be true of all the staff by what I overheard from waiters at other tables. Aside from that he was very attentive to our needs, was also personable and good spirited. In all, a wonderful time for anyone who appreciates good beer or local-grown, casual dining or both.
(5)Molly S.
Great beer, all crafted for the restaurant itself and many of it onsight. I got the burger with half fries, half salad (Love that they offer that) and it was delicious! I asked for it medium-rare and it came medium I would say but it was still yummy. Their fall Pumpkin beer is good although I've had better. The atmosphere is fun and it's a great place to grab dinner before heading to the movies at Kendall Square cinema. Price is about what you'd expect for the food, not too pricey. The menu is normal American fare although I've always felt that their desert options leave much to be desired. I like this place a lot and the beer tasting is always a good idea if that is your type of thing! Enjoy. :)
(4)Jason H.
My favorite Brew Pub in MA. Top notch craft beers- they make some of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot. You can't go wrong with the Charles River Porter, but their seasonal offerings are exceptional. Food is fresh, tasty and the menu has improved dramatically in my opinion over time, where as before, it was lacking. There's not a limitless selection to choose from, but what they offer is pretty damn good now, I think. Atmosphere is lively, I really like being on the patio- which is pretty nice. You never know who you'll be sitting next to as the clientele is all over the place; could be a family, pack of hipsters or a couple. CBC also hosts an awesome Pumpkin Festival around Halloween.
(5)Apolinaras S.
CBC is probably one of extremely few reasonably priced restaurants/bars in the area. Kendall restauranteurs seem to think all people want is atrociously priced tiny burgers that have more pretense than flavor. Well... CBC is not that place. I tend go to CBC on regular basis for business meetings and to also grab a nice beer with a friend or two. I love their house beers and tend to stick with them. Most food is good too. I recommend charcuterie plate, most of their pizzas, and burgers (but be very specific and vocal about the level of done-ness). I like their staff too. Good folks.
(4)Eric F.
Pre-dinner beer tasting? Okay! CBC turned out to be a most convenient stop before moving onto The Blue Room...right next door. For a moment I thought it was the wrong place since it looked much more like a restaurant than a brewery at first glance, but the signs confirmed it and we were seated right away. Our waitress was an absolute sweetheart and knew the beers well as I went through and ordered a flight of the entire lineup. Which brings me to the 3 stars... Sad to say, the beers across the board were sub-par with the exception of the Valley Girl IPA. The Amber had less flavor than any of Anheuser-Busch's offerings and the YouEnjoyMyStout was easily the worst beer I've had in years (sourness in an Imperial Stout...blech). Still, CBC is a nice spot to hang out with a group and I'll def be back to try the food - saw a number of dishes being served around me and they looked very tasty =D
(3)Dan P.
Went here for my birthday this year, as I had heard good things, plus I'm a fan of a few of their beers. Tried the short rib poutine which was delicious, and a roast that was awesome. I know a lot of the reviews on here say the food hasn't been great in the past, but it that was the case, I think things have turned around. Must try beers are the Great Pumpkin Ale!, and they're Heather Ale, which might be my favorite
(4)Meridith H.
This is a great place tucked away in a corner of Cambridge. They really grabbed me by including skate fin on the menu; I'd never seen it before and didn't know what it was, so ordered it to find out. It was tasty AND educational. And a little too salty (but still good despite that). The atmosphere and service are great, too. The things that keep this place from being awesome are: *Most of the beers on the list are heavy on hops or malt (which is really limiting if you don't enjoy IPAs or malty flavors). *The brew tanks are in the dining area, which, frankly, makes the area smell unappetizing. I know those tanks are clean, but there is, and will always be, a smell associated with brew tanks that doesn't mix well with food.
(3)Kate K.
Great American Beer Festival, Denver CO, September 29, 2011. 450 brewers and over 2,000 beers. Yep, that's right - over 2,000 beers from all over the country. Hope you Massachusetts folks appreciate your brewers cause people were lined 5 deep to try CBC's beers at GABF for the 4 hours I volunteered. And now I know why. Raves about all five samplers but flat out grins about Arquebus and Banryu Ichi - sake infused beer. Also constant requests for Able IPA and Mind Left Body. Past years enthusiasts at GABF wanted the Great Pumpkin Ale and Sgt. Pepper. Will and Megan - top notch people and brewers. Took the time to visit with other brewers and enthusiasts while pouring, judging and generally going full bore to allow the volunteers to sample some of the other brewskis. GABF and CBC - good times and great beer!
(5)Liliana C.
The first time we came here, we thought it was a fluke. The second time we came here, then having tried five different beers, we can safely say this place is overrated. None of them stood out in any way, except perhaps in their mediocrity. Not much flavor, and lacking in that crispness of a good, fresh beer made on premises. As East Cambridge residents, we're totally disappointed that our neighborhood brewery isn't better. Head down the street to Lord Hobo for some better beers.
(2)Josephine L.
I'm the wrong clientele for this place. I'll drink beer if there's nothing else available, but it would never ever be my first choice. So I can't vouch for the selection or quality, but I'm told by more passionate friends that CBC's is good. The food is slightly-elevated, almost-gourmet pub fare with items like flatbread pizzas and pot roast and beer-battered chicken. I had the margherita, which was hot and gooey and delicious. I also tried the duck confit pizza and was not as impressed with that (plus it was kind of cold). The buffalo chicken tenders weren't as spicy as I would have liked, but they had a nice little crunch to them. Service was good overall and the waiters are all cute in an indie hipster kind of way. There's a lot of space, so you can easily come in on an off night with a ton of people and be seated right away.
(3)Jo H.
Good service, great beer, tasty food. I am live writing this review. Just had the subtle Tall Tale Pale Ale and the AMAZINGLY AWESOME Breakfast burrito. The hush puppies are sweeter rather than savory and are fried with this sultry honey powdered sugar crust. Only disappointment - Ragatta Golden. Sorta tastes like Keystone. But I grew up on keystone so iz all good. Will's Not Here - good amber and super hoppy Heather Ale - surprisingly savory but delicious!
(5)Jessica S.
Good food, good beers, crappy service. The bartender was seriously annoyed to be asked for drinks. Even though it was a Sunday afternoon and he was far from busy. He honestly huffed and puffed and rolled his eyes every time any of us asked for something. And left us with empty glasses for a while as he ate and played with his phone. The micropub thing is cool, but whats the point if you're made to feel bad for ordering beers?! The guy doesn't even have to make cocktails. I don't know if we'll bother coming back.
(3)Dawn E.
This was a meal the fueled debauchery of genuine *epic* proportions. Whatever you've heard about this night, it's probably true. Let's just say the Outcome was better than expected, and then some. So, for that, I'm grateful. Without these calories I'd have most certainly been carried away by EMTs in a pool of my own sweat and tears. So we sit down and wait a good clip for the wait, who doesn't even take the time to notice us and just says "hello gentlemen." Um. Listen. Hi. BOOBS here. Yeah. I call him on it and he says he was only paying attention to the fellow I was with. Fine. I get it. I went with a cask brew IPA and the pickled brined fried chicken and waffle. The chicken did not disappoint. It was quite exceptional although there were two small pieces of it and, for the price point, *that* was disappointing. I mean, I know it's not a bucket of extra crispy (which you could get for less), but, you know, mayeb 3 pieces of chicken would have been nice. Especially given the calories I needed for the afore mentioned debauchery that was about to ensue. I also had a taste of the burger and some fries, both good. And my beer was great, not exceptional (I'm a craft beer snob so ignore this part), but still great. I think maybe we saw our waiter one more time throughout our meal and we had to ask someone else to give us silverware. I'll probably be back though, because it was good debauchery fuel.
(3)Nick H.
I want to like CBC. A good sized brewery pub with outdoor seating that is across the street from my office. They produce some excellent beers and when my work group has a lunch, I get to eat a free meal.... so whats the problem? The FOOD! 1) The menu is a disaster. It's a mix of intimidating / discouraging items and standard pub grub. The menu boasts locally sourced, sustainable, fresh food.. Go pound sand CBC, I know what fresh food tastes like, and you don't serve it. 2) Bland and boring flavors. A dog wouldn't even wag its tail if it was served a meal here. It doesn't seem like the kitchen staff ever tastes anything before sending it out. One time I ordered a seafood paella special, just to be different from everyone else.... Clams / squid / and fish were overcooked and not fresh at all. Rice was mush, broth was rancid. A far cry from real paella. Everyone laughed at me and made fun of my food because it looked gross and literally stunk up the table. I didn't want to come off like a douche in front of my bosses, so I didn't send it back. Anxiously awaited diarrhea for the next few hours. 3) The prices suck fully erected cock. $11 for a burger that is just plain... meh? $11 should buy me a burger that makes me hard. 4) Atmosphere does come off a bit unclean and dank in the back of the restaurant. A bit stinky inside too. They get 2 stars for a few reasons. Music is good here, they tend to play some cool jams. The beer can be absolutely fantastic if you make the right choices. Service is usually pretty quick and friendly. There are a handful of stellar pubs and restaurants nearby (emmas / area 4 / think tank / friendly toast). I suggest you step up your game CBC!
(2)B B.
Went for drinks and apps. I strongly recommend the Cure. A Delicious brew with a profound grapefruit note but excellently balanced. I could drink it all summer long. The food was decent but nothing spectacular. Had a great time with Ryan the bartender. Will be back.
(4)Chris D.
Let's get a few things straight right off the bat: you're not going to the CBC for the food. The food is acceptable - I usually stick to simple things like the burger. My wife has tried more adventurous dishes to varying success - a while back she had a great pear and gorgonzola pizza, but recently had scallops on salad with dressing she said tasted like dish detergent (yuck!). But I digress. You're coming to the CBC because you love beer, all different kinds of beer. Now I admit I think most of their standard beers are pretty average, but they always have a number of special beers and hit many of them out of the park. If you want to taste a good beer that 20 billion other people have rated 99 on some website, you can go to any number of Cambridge establishments. But if you want some tasty local beer you are just not going to do better than the CBC. Last but not least, they're one of the better patio options in the area if you're looking for outdoor dining.
(4)Reg T.
I'm a tourist and visited this place as part of an after-party for a conference. It's a great venue which reminded me very much of some of the similar establishments in my home town of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We were able to sample some of the beers here, and each one was excellent. What really impressed (and amused) me was that they had sacks of Canadian barley stacked against the walls. The vast majority of Canadian barley and hops is exported around the world to make beer, so it was like having a little taste of home during my trip. If you're a tourist in the area, you should definitely check this place out.
(5)Eric R.
I really love this place for both lunch, and after work drinks. The food is solid, and they occasionally have really great lunch specials. Not in the vein of "giant burger for a dollar" but in the vein of "shrimp scampi so good it has no business coming from a brewpub's kitchen" The variety of beers is the reason most go, and I have yet to have a single bad one. I tried too... I'll go in, and order the highest alcohol content beer just to see if it sucks. Hasn't yet. I highly suggest the cask, whatever type of beer is in it, it's awesome. Natural carbonation leaves a much smoother and less bubbly beer, and since it's a little warmer then the chilled kegs, you can actually get the different tastes of the different ingredients. I love this place dearly, and everyone in it. I will say one thing though... on the days they are actively brewing, it smells like the inside of a gym sock at the end of a season where it wasn't washed once. It only takes a few minutes for your nose to adjust to it, but it can be really off putting at first. A small price to pay for the most delicious beers I've found in a long, long time.
(5)T. B.
The main attraction at CBC is the beer. The standard selection of (in house brewed) beers is solid - the Tall Tale Pale Ale is probably the best of the lineup - and many of the frequently rotating specialty brews are great. Five stars for the beer. The food is pretty strong for a brewpub, plenty good to have a nice meal, but you won't be plotzing. Highly recommended for people who like beer.
(4)Matthew W.
Pretty good beer, solid pub food with a few upscale surprises.
(4)Alex O.
Went here on a Thursday with 6 friends and they were very accommodating. Service was attentive and patient and able to make good recommendations. The menu has a wide enough array for everyone. The ambiance is as expected for a brewing company, which was what we had in mind. They also had no problem splitting a bill 6 ways.
(4)Julie B.
It's not too often that I bookmark a place and coincidentally end up there a week later. One can only imagine my squeals of excitement when after google mapping the Kendall Square Cinema I realized that Cambridge Brewing Company was right next door. I quickly alerted my wonderful friend (Sara E.) that we'd be heading there immediately after the Yelp event at the theater. Nursing quite the hangover from the night before, it only seemed reasonable that I should start drinking again the next day by 11 AM...pure logic right? After downing a few Narragansetts -- courtesy of Yelp (yay!) -- we headed over to CBC ready to get our food and drink on. I was definitely lured in by the menu touting the use of local ingredients. I try to be an avid supporter of local businesses, and what's a better way than to eat some locally grown food and drink some locally brewed beer?! The place was fairly empty by the time we got there and we picked two seats right in front of the taps. Travis, the bartender, was really great. He was happy to answer all of our annoying questions, was attentive and not at all overbearing, and was ingeniously manning the radio with some old Weezer and Dashboard Confessional. After sampling just about all the beers (some of the little glasses the samples were served in were ADORABLE), I went with a 9 oz pour of the Regatta Golden. This beer was delicious and tasted great along with my BBQ burger. This burger was bomb. Cooked perfectly, topped with bacon and cheddar cheese and served with some crispy artery-clogging fries. I finished just about every bite. For "dessert" I ordered the Project Venus Seasonal. I'm a sucker for supporting female ventures, so as soon as I heard this was the product of possibly the first all female brewer collaboration, I knew I was getting myself a glass. This beer was wonderfully sweet and with a pretty high ABV, I was feeling pretttty tipsy. I also made sure to try the experimental sake/beer hybrid before we left. It was really unique and tasted great but I can't imagine having more than a few sips of it! Overall it was a really great lunch and I'm so happy I got to try this place out. Will definitely be returning for some beer-runch in the near future!
(5)Justin K.
I can't speak for the food because I just came for an after dinner drink but it is the perfect place to have a beer outside with a group of friends. It was the ideal atmosphere to chat under the stars in their courtyard and sip a cold one. My only complaint was that they didn't serve cocktails.
(4)Calvin T.
Came here for a little college friend reunion, which was a party of about 20 people. Seeing friends was nice and all, but the best part about having that many people was the fact that we ordered 3 towers of beer. The ones that stood out was the Great Pumpkin ale and the Punjabi Pumpkin. The first was well rounded and the second was uniquely spiced. Food was okay, but I think people come here for their brews. All I can remember was that they had good nachos. Hope that helps.
(3)Lauren B.
If I was writing this review solely about the beer or while drinking one of their beers, the review would have more stars. But unfortunately for the CBC, the food sets the tone of this review. Specifically a certain salad. I went here back in October for lunch with a few people. Being as girly/stupid/neurotic as possible; I ordered a salad. I don't know what it was called, but it was one of those leafy, blue cheese, nuts, apple, crasin, popular type of things. Normally, I totally dig this and its really hard to mess up. But.........this sucked. It sucked AND I was 3 pints deep. THAT right there says something. It's really my own fault for ordering a salad at a beer/burger/greasy food type of place. But.......really? How did you mess that up. It lacked flavor and barely had anything but greens. I was really sad and the beer only intensified my emotions. Can you say BEER TEARS? The three stars are for the beer. We had some sort of pumpkin beer and it was really good. I bet this is a fun place when your not eating salad, but unfortunately I was. I will most likely not return. So many brew houses, so little time!
(3)Anushri M.
So, I must admit, I went to this establishment for food and not to get tons of drinks. As their name suggests, they should probably not be judged on their food, but I am still writing. This is the quintessential bar food menu with a New England theme. The food is neither healthy nor super hearty nor great. The prices are very reasonable and the alcohol is good, which is why you go. Their desserts were weird -- but not weird in a good way. For example, I found I am not a fan of beer ice cream (huge shocker there). The ambiance is not so romantic. It's not well light, but not dark in a romantic way -- it's dreary. This is not the type of place you take a date unless somehow you happened to be trapped at the Marriott a few blocks down the road. The layout makes it feel very suburban and not intimate or cozy. So, I guess you go there when your parents from the midwest are in town and don't want to leave their comfort zone. The one thing that was nice was the service seemed to be a group of genuinely nice people. Maybe they should work at a nicer restaurant.
(2)Miguel M.
There are only 3 socially acceptable scenarios on why you would ever slap someone: 1. They are terminally allergic to bees and a bee just landed on their cheek. 2. A person wearing a snuggie riding a segway bumps into you. 3. Someone suggests you get drinks at Cambridge Brewing Company. With so many places to drink in near Central square, you do not want to be stuck here. My friends wished me to go to hell for bringing them here and most of them are nihilist... they believe in nothing!! The good part is that this place is rather quiet and laid back and has a low frat boy to regular person ratio. However, the beer is what is most important. Their Regatta golden is no better than Miller High Life. The Cambridge Amber didn't have distinct kick. T'was a plain ol' amber. I was excited when I heard that they brewed their own seasonal Pumpkin beer, but it was way too hoppy and bitter. I did not taste any pumpkin. Someone needs to tell them that a pumpkin beer should probably have some pumpkin in it. Just because it looks orange doesn't make it a pumpkin ale. I've had orange Kool-Aid that tasted more like pumpkin than this. Only saving grace: Charles River Porter and the Heather ale (another seasonal). The Heather ale had a pleasing scent and a delectable taste (like the first kiss on the very first day of fall... mmmmmm). 2 good beers out of 5 = 2 stars.
(2)Cheryl H.
I've been to this place probably 10 times because it's close to where I work and every time I leave feeling "eh." The beer really saves the day. As for the food, I've had some decent pub food here, but it's really hit or miss. However, it's the service that really kills me. Sometimes it's just really...really...really slow (even when the place isn't busy!) while other times I've had waiters who were just rude - this last bit has happened a few times when we had a large group. I just read another review that says that they revised the menu with better results food-wise, so I'll be sure to update next time I end up here.
(3)Sara E.
CBC, tucked away in Kendall Sq. is a local gem. I stopped in here with a friend (Julie B. !!) after attending a Boston Underground Film Festival screening hosted by Yelp. My friend had heard great things about CBC, I had heard pretty much nothing - so came in with an open mind. We got there at 1-ish on a Saturday and the place was pretty empty - I didn't mind, more space for me! (Sidenote: is no one in Cambridge awake at this hour? All of Kendall Sq. was a virtual ghost town). I'm a sucker for unique craft beers so this place is right up my alley. The bartender, Travis, was awesome. He was ridiculously knowledgeable about all the beers on tap, and happily dealt with us when we asked to try a bunch of them. After settling on Able Pale Ale (super hoppy, a bit bitter, and completely delicious) I ordered the soup/salad/sandwich combo which was enjoyable and too much to finish. As we ate the bar filled up a bit and the crowd CBC attracted was super approachable and we struck up a convo with a couple other ladies at the bar. Overall, I have no complaints about this place - had a great time!
(5)Danielle B.
Cider beer is the best I've ever had!!! The food is great, and for 'pub' food it's amazing! The Quattro fromagio with egg and truffle oil is to die for! Yes you heard me right, a fried egg is sunny side up on your pizza! Decadent! Fries are perfect! Just love this place!!!
(5)Sean B.
CBC is a solid choice for any lunch -goer in the Kendall MIT area looking to kick back a bit on a Friday afternoon. They have a quality selection of beers, with a few fail-safes including their Pale Ale and Cambridge Amber. Arrive a bit before lunch time, and you'll certainly be seated quickly, and if it's during the summer, you can score a seat outside on the patio. I'm admitedly not a picky eater, so I enjoy the food, but the portions are plentiful, and they offer a nice variety of plates. Once in a while the waiters might cross up your side of fries with a salad or vice versa, but if the biggest thing you have to fuss about in your life is someone giving you a plate of fries instead of a salad, then maybe you should go here and remind yourself it could be worse: sportsgrid.com/media/pho… The price is totally affordable, especially if you're with a group and order pitchers or towers of beer. Still, a pint is about $5. Entrees tend to be in the $9-12 range, which is great for what you get. I try to make it here at least once a month, and usually don't think twice if my co-workers ask me if I'm interested in going here for lunch.
(4)Ladyjane S.
This could so easily be a 4-star place. But everything about it is so hit-or-miss. The food, the beer, the service...well, actually the service is consistently miss. I used to come here a lot but haven't returned for awhile until recently. I had their pumpkin ale at Cambridge Common not long ago, which was delicious, and I figured it would be worth another shot to come back to CBC last weekend. So, about 10-15 minutes after we arrive, we finally get a waiter to come by. Oh, also this was at about 2pm on a Saturday, so there were only about 4 tables filled outside. So we order the pumpkin ale and after about 10-15 more minutes we finally get it. yay! But, it doesn't taste the same as it did at CC. In fact, it tasted kind of watery. :( So while we were contemplating ordering a different beer and perhaps something to snack on, we finished our beers and ended up waiting...and waiting........and waiting.......................... Until we finally decided that actually we didn't want another beer or food and we might as well leave and check out Lord Hobo down the street. So, yeah. That's usually how it goes. Sometimes the beer is great and sometimes it's just...meh. Sometimes food is great (had a Jamaican fish stew once that was amazing) but it's usually blah. If you don't care about service, or if you just want to sit at the bar, you'll probably enjoy this place. But considering it has one of the best outside dining spots in the area, they should really try harder. Because they could be awesome.
(2)Seth B.
I went here about a month ago, but getting to this now. First off, not a bad little place. It has a bunch of outdoor seating, which is always nice. This is a brewpub of sorts, so they brew their own beer and have decent food. I tried a couple different drinks, all of which I enjoyed. For food I got the salmon. I rarely get fish at a restaurant. I'm not sure why, just one of my things. But I went ahead and got this one. A bit unimpressed. I really liked the bed of ratatouille it was on. That saved the dish. The fish itself was a little overcooked. I was there with two siblings. Their lazy mans lobster and steak frites were both really good. Good for a quick beer. Not in a rush to try their food again.
(3)Joanna C.
I can't fault the server for inattentive service since she was the only server on duty last night at the CBC. She definitely tried her best, and was friendly, but she was running around like a chicken without her head... and I was hungry and tired and cranky after driving back from NY last night. The boy and I stopped by here for some beer and bar food at around 9PM on Sunday night. They had a few tables filled, and we requested a table by the t.v. so that we can watch the Sox vs. Yanks game. Nice - no problem. My burger came out really good (cooked perfectly with melted cheese, bbq sauce, and bacon on a toasted bun), and the boy's blackened chicken came out looking pretty blackened. We both polished off our plates in no time. The beer was also pretty good - I took the server's suggestion for the Petit Mort Tripel, which tasted a bit like Chimay. My only complaint was that the first glass had a fly swimming around in it, and she had to get me a new one when we saw her again. She checked in on us pretty infrequently (she was pretty busy dealing with everything by herself), and I was just super tired and just wanted to go home, and we waited at least ten minutes for the check, when I finally just gave up and put money on the table and left. I hope it was enough ($40 for 2 sandwiches and 2 beers?), but I just could not stay for any longer.
(3)Di B.
Great nachos (huge size)! The patio/beer garden is a perfect place for after work drinks. I'm excited to try more of their brews (which are all fairly priced)!
(4)Catherine S.
I love beer, so naturally, I really loved this place. I had a pizza that was to die for, and of course, the beer selection is super unique. I believe I had the regatta golden, and it was awesome. My boyfriend had the sour and liked it (sour beer isn't your typical beer, just a warning. Not for everyone). We also brought home the Big Man IPA which was great too. If you're not sure what to get, ask your waiter; ours was very nice and helpful with recommendations, so even if you're a novice, you'll enjoy it here. The restaurant itself is great too; nice, clean, and with a great ambience to drink some brews!
(4)Lani I.
Good beer. My husband and I shared nachos for an appetizer and could barely put a dent in it because there were so many. My black bean burger was dry, but overall everything was pretty good.
(4)Lynn H.
Awesome beer selection? Check Sweet patio seating? Check The best french toast in town? CHECK I'm not even a big fan of french toast but CBC's french toast might have changed my life. I came this close to kidnapping the man in the kitchen responsible for doling out that sweet+savory+ohsobuttery party in my mouth. The rest of brunch was also delicious. The lox was served on perfectly pillow-y yet dense homemade English muffins, and the freshly made doughnuts were da bomb diggidy. The menu changes seasonally and it always features local produce, meat and cheese. CBC is definitely a spot worth checking out over and over again, especially on Sundays. Chef Jon knows how to work it at Beerrrunch!
(5)Andie M.
I've been here twice. I love their beer and I love their appetizers. The buffalo chicken tenders are particularly good. The best I've found in the Boston area so far! They have a really nice outdoor courtyard too. It's always busy here because it is a great place to come after working in the lab all day!
(5)Silas S.
I've been coming here for lunch and after work drinks for a couple years now and I've always been impressed with what they try with their beers. The styles are often varied and to be honest I have had some beers here that "I am not a fan of" but that comes with the territory when you aren't afraid to push the envelope with beer and as a result they do come up with beers that are on occasion truly fantastic. They also have their normal selection of beers as well as growlers for sale at the door. As far as the food is concerned its pretty good but at times not so great. Their menu changes from time to time and they have some daily specials. So stop into CBC and see whats on tap. Get adventurous and you may be pleasantly surprised,
(4)Joanna M.
#NAME?
(4)Vanilla P.
The waiter never flinched when my daughter dropped her food on the ground. He didn't bat an eye when I jokingly asked to split a "tower" with my hubby. We were seated within 10 seconds of entering the restaurant...the essential part of dining with a small child. The food was good to great, and the baby loved her french fries (I'm a bad mom, whatever, I know). Refills were fast, the check quick, and the overall mood chipper. CBC has a customer for life due to their kid-friendly service and solid food.
(5)Josh E.
My favorite bar in the Boston area and one of the best breweries in New England. Been coming here regularly for about 5 years. Their Tripel Threat, OM, Black Magic, Benevolence and Sgt. Pepper are some of my favorite beers, period. They have a great patio thats ample in size and secluded from the street. Food is pretty good, definitely better than standard pub fare. Gotta give them credit for focusing on local ingredients before it became the trend. Any serious beer geek needs to pay this place a visit as its the only great brewpub in Boston.
(5)BJ C.
I've never had an experience less than incredible at this place. Every beer I've tried has been amazing, especially the Red Barn Espresso Stout. I've tried a few things, and settled on the BBQ burger, which is possibly the best burger I've had anywhere in the city. The decor is great, I love seeing the barley and malt sacks on the side, and sharing the dining room with the brewing area. The staff is always pleasant and they know their shit, and they seem to be from all walks of life. I like a restaurant that hires on character instead of aesthetic. Tattoos are as common as crew-cuts, and everyone seems like they love the place. I also appreciate that they use as much local food as they can (including MoonBrine pickles from JP!), and they give their spent grain from brewing to local farms for their chickens! Could be my favorite place for a burger and a beer.
(5)Chi N.
So you're a girl and you're a virgin. Or chances are, since you're on Yelp, you're no longer a virgin, but let's go back in time anyway. It's prom night, or freshmen year, or if you're the Jonas Brothers, it's 2026. And you're on a date with a handsome young fellow, or if you're the Jonas Brothers, a handsome old man, and you decide tonight's the night. Enough is enough, it's time to join the packs of society and give it up once in for all. So you drink a bottle of tequila or two, put on some cheap perfume, and spread those legs like you're Joan Rivers. And he gets you in the back of his Jeep, parked at the romantic parking lot of Burger King. After a few minutes of awkwardness, he's in.. and after another few minutes of awkwardness, done, faster than a Michael Phelps lap. And you lay there, half naked, disappointed. And really, that's what coming to CBC is like. Except for the half-naked part, perhaps. Just like sex, you'll come back again and again. And each time, the beers prove to be just a slight bit better than average and the food, just a tad notch worse than so. And this is all too bad because CBC has so much promise -- good locally brewed beer with locally sourced food. Unfortunately, just like your first night at it, it leaves you wondering what the fascination is all about.
(3)Alexandra S.
CBC now serves fish with ID! What that means is you can trace your fish back to where and when it was caught. Who know fish could have ID?
(5)Shaina P.
Every time I head in to CBC, I like it better and better. Fine. It's growing on me. Great for happy hour. Great for weekend lunch on the patio. Not so great for tasty food across the board... Go for the daily specials to try something unique. Popular for beer towers. And they have those big growler jugs for $10+ a two buck deposit. Not bad... Typically known as CBC. Overall: go for the beer tower in the strongest ale they offer. In the spring, I like their Belgian beer. Damn...what's it called?? However, taste it before ordering. Some Belgians of theirs aren't so great. ATMOSPHERE Down-home, lodge-like, or something... You sort of feel like you're at a brewery. Interesting, right? Well, it's got a wooden bar and stools and tables and things. Nothing fancy. Good for big groups. Smells of toasted barley and fermenting yeast. BEER Inconsistent (as in season and style. Some IPA are better than others). I love beer and microbrews especially. There are a few beers that I think are great. Their standard brews are great, but their special brews have their ups and downs (i.e. Belgian-style beers don't taste anything like some of the Belgian beers you might get at, say, Bukoswki's in Inman. I can't even give CBC credit for trying...). Their ambers and lagers and those dark ones are tasty. Also, I have been a big fan of the Barley wine. Why can't you get THAT in a tall beer tower?? Good choices: 1. Red God, spring-summer, super strong hop flavor, but it's surprisingly smooth and 8.5% abv. 2. Amber Ale, all the time, is dark but smooth, light on the hops, enjoyed by many. 3. Tall Tale Pale Ale, all the time, is pale, but flavorful. FOOD I like the pork chop. That's about it. I've tried other dishes: the fish and chips is dry, the asian spring rolls are sort of tasteless and totally pre-made... They seem to have a lot of specials, so I recommend giving those a shot. In a nutshell, their menu is constantly changing as of late and I love that.
(4)Christopher S.
I was pretty impressed by the CBC. They have an impressive selection of homemade craft brews of various types. I enjoyed all the beers I tasted. The food was also pretty good. In particular, I thought the pizzas and the burgers were best, but the duck entree was also really good. Overall, it's an ideal marriage of beer and food.
(5)Jeremy S.
CBC isn't perfect, but it puts on a strong show. The seasonal brews are exotic, the burgers are great, and the local food selection can be impressively delicious. I'm never blown away when I leave, but I always exit feeling content and satisfied. For local beer aficionados, it is definitely the best place to be in the Boston area. It has cheaper (and better) beer than Boston Beer Works, and its beer list always includes a funky collection of barley wine, intense stouts and porters, and a hoppy selection of IPAs. If nothing else, come here for the novelty of sitting outside whilst topping off your pint from a giant beer tower with its very own tap.
(4)Alicia B.
Dan, the GM, rocks. When I contacted him about hosting a craft beer meetup ( meetup.com/craftbeercrew ) for about 30 people, he was happy to oblige. More so, he was communicative, helpful in selecting cost-effective grub options and friendly when finalizing the deets of our event. I can't thank him enough. When we arrived the day of, the staff was - for the most part - friendly. As a collective, we felt the bartender was the least friendly, but that's okay, because our group was taken care of by Amanda and Liz. Quickly, when I arrived, I ordered 3 of their delish beer towers, filled with amber ale. I also ordered pizza, asking for the slices to be thinner to accommodate hungry beer lovers. They happily obliged. I was surprised to see how slow this place was on a Sunday afternoon/evening, but that's okay; it gave us the perfect opportunity to socialize without feeling like being in the way. Thanks, Dan and CBC for being so gracious! We had a fabulous time and will most definitely be back!
(5)Dave M.
Great beer and great food. The service was amazing- the server was very attentive and polite and very knowledgeable about various beers.
(4)EC S.
First and foremost, the beer is good, some of the better stuff I've been able to find about town so far. I'm recently transplanted from Austin which, believe it or not, boasts some pretty amazing brewpubs and beer bars. Right now at CBC I'm going for the Porter and the Pale Ale. And the Regatta Golden is a good Kolsch I think. I really like that I can go to CBC alone on a Friday night, sit at the bar and feel comfortable. Sure, there's the occasional slightly drunk old man who wants to start a conversation, but that's just what you get at a beer bar. Free wifi is also nice. I sometimes like to do schoolwork here on weekend afternoons. One warning: you're better off doing metered street parking than parking in the Kendall One garage. CBC only validates after 5pm and even then their validation just isn't very good. Taking the T/walking would be the best option.
(4)Randy W.
I went here shortly after moving to Boston. I must say I am not a beer fan, but LOVED their pumpkin beer. They offer large portions and the food was Delicious. I especially recommend eating here (the burgers and pizza are incredible). Highly recommended for tourists and locals alike.
(5)Julianne S.
We go here often before heading over to the Kendall Cinema. Beer is tasty and the food is delicious, much better than normal "pub fare".
(5)H S.
Yes and yes! Amazing beer menu and very tasty food. I had the flower child IPA and some of the golden regatta (I think that's what it's called?). Also had the swiss burger which was good. Our service was efficient and did a great job at serving our 20 person party. The only kind of down side was that our reservation had an expiration time so that they could fit a new big party in, but CBC is in a good enough location that you can always move to a new bar after. Restrooms were confusing! I definitely walked into the bar next door by accident, which I'm sure is a common mistake here.
(4)Barney B.
So the guy sitting next to me at the bar is talking about being here on business, and this isn't the first time this week he has eaten here. he likes the food, he likes the beer, he likes the service. he will return home with good memories (and to his hotel with a decent buzz) and so, during a commercial break (from the Celtics game, not from this guy - I don't think he had commercial breaks - but that would be cool, wouldn't it?? anyways, back to the review...) - yeah, during the break, I look around - I observe the vibe, the building, and the way that the staff interacts with each other and the customers... and I realize this is EXACTLY the kind of place I would totally eat at when I am on business - and eat there often. and yes, I know that for some, what happens on the road isn't the same as what happens when you are at home - but that's not really the case for me - i think I have the same expectations regardless of what state I am in. and yet, somehow, after living a mile away for 3+ years, I just never used to consider coming here. not sure why. maybe the whole implosion of the microbrew pub thing soured the idea? maybe because one is so rarely in Kendall unless rushing to a flick? who knows. All I do know is that for $25 I got a great chicken sandwich, 3 tasty beers, and an overall great experience. the decent sized outdoor seating area up front just adds to the pluses for the place too. suffice it to say, I dig. and when I dig, I return
(4)Cherie C.
Had a really nice afternoon here, drinking beer and eating lunch on the patio under an awning. Perfect setting for relaxing and trying some of their brews. Food was fine. The crab cake sandwich was just fine. Everything was perfectly adequate--neither bad nor remarkable, but reliable.
(3)Sarah D.
Okay, the bathroom thing still grosses me out and I'm still not real keen on the layout of the place, but 2 stars is definitely too low. The menu is full of local meats and produce, and the waitstaff is knowledgeable and friendly. I had a great meal their the other night, and the beers are still excellent.
(3)Ben J.
I went here with some friends last summer and had a bad experience with the service. I got a satisfying reply to the e-mail I sent to the manager of Cambridge Brewing that makes me think that they had an off night. So, I was willing to give them another shot. I went back this past weekend with some out of town friends who love microbrews. We had a great time and all the problems from my first review seem to have been fixed. I think they did a good job and the managers were sincere in their email that they knew what they had to do to improve. I would go back.
(4)Michael S.
Beer Snob here. Best Brewery (including brew pubs) In Mass. Enough Said.
(5)John K.
One of my favorite places in Boston. Great microbrews and they usually have one or two "guest" microbrews. What's even better? They serve beer in this "tower" that's un-freaking-believable. They will only serve it to you if you have a party of 3 or more. I think I could tackle it by myself, but I would probably have to be carted off to the hospital afterwards. I'm definitely a fan of their Tall Tale Pale Ale and their Cambridge Amber.
(4)Chris P.
My wife and I went to the CBC this weekend to grab a quick bite before a movie, and I was most pleasantly surprised. I have a long history with the CBC - I worked in Kendall Square for many years, and for a heck of a long time it was one of the only decent sit down lunch places in the area. In my opinion the food had always been OK and the beer quite good, but I'm happy to say they've changed their tune. We split a very nice 'autumn salad' as an appetizer, it was very fresh, well prepared and nicely seasoned and dressed. I chose the 'New England Short Ribs' - which were a nice big slab of falling apart tender roasted beef over a bed of horseradish mashed potatoes. Yummy! My wife ordered the sweet potato ravioli and enjoyed it as well. We both ordered the delicious Pumpkin Porter which is a seasonal treat. It's dark, spicy and complex with a great nose and a nice complex flavor and a nice finish. We wished we had more time, we'd have gone for a pitcher! Great beer and now, really good food - we'll definitely be back!
(4)Dan C.
I've been around the yelp block once or twice. I've compared places to Nazi extermination camps, gateways to Hell, and as attempts on your life where self defense has been warranted. All of those places pale in comparison to the festering demon excrement that CBC calls it's "Great Pumpkin" Moroccan Mussels (which, btw, does not actually contain pumpkin). The mussels smelled like Pferdescheiße--I'm not speaking metaphorically; I am not likening them to Pferdescheiße in an attempt to invoke some universal hyperbole. No. I'm from a small town in Michigan and have spent my fair share of time around horses and horse excrement, this smelled like horse excrement. The smell was palpable (now that's a hyperbole), even people around me were looking to see if there was a baby around who may have dropped a load in his diaper. As soon as this affront to food passed out of the kitchen the mood of the room changed--happy couples now stared at each other with disdain, friends began to argue, young children began smoking and doing hard drugs. When the waitress put the plate down I swear I caught an apologetic look, as if to say, "I shall pray for your soul for the rest of my, and my bloodline's, days." Lots of things smell bad but taste awesome, this can't be that bad...can it? Bite one. Oh. My. God. It tasted just like it smelled, if not worse. I'm at a loss of how to describe it--yeah, it has even managed to bring me to a loss for words to describe how completely, utterly vile this dish was. I'd make a Hitler or Satan reference, but it was much, much, oh so much worse. CBC has managed to claim the worst dish of my life award, I didn't even realize food this bad existed. Had a horse been around I probably would have tossed its salad just to get the taste out of my mouth.
(1)Andy H.
Stopped in on a snowy day while waiting for a flight out of Logan. Great friendly bartender to talk to about Curling, the sport that was on the TV at the time. Had the CBC burger which was cooked splendidly, delicious crispy fries, and I am not so sure about the specialty pickle...which had a funny spicy taste to it. Had the Big Man Pale Ale I think... whatever the winter seasonal pale ale was, and it was good and strong and tasty, had just enough to keep me warm. I'd go back for sure.
(4)Nick M.
I've been a long time fan of Cambridge Brewing Company (or CBC for those that have been there before). They have an excellent rotating beer selection as well as some long time favorites (Tall Tale Pale Ale is one of the best Pale Ale's I've ever had). I'm also a huge fan of the Spring Training IPA, Triple Threat, and the Pumpkin Ale They have outside seating, which is great on a day where the weather is cooperating. The servers are attentive and offer suggestions (if you want them) and also check-in at appropriate times (not too much, not too little). They do Beer Towers (for 3 people or more), which has a tap so you can pour your own beer* *The taps tend to pour very fast. If you get a tower, be sure to tilt the glass and pour very slowly We tend to eat here whenever we come as well. I've had the pizza, CBC Burger (Excellent with the Stout BBQ sauce), Buffalo fingers, Mediterranean Plate, and several other dishes as well This is a great place to go if you are a beer lover; I've never had anything but beer here (I know they have wine, but I've never seen liquor), so I can't attest to any of the wines that are offered. Bar seating can be tricky after work; best bet for the bar is early on a Saturday/Sunday or late at night after the Happy Hour crowd has left The music is decent here too -- usually there's an iPod hooked up to the sound system. There's also an eclectic mix of characters that visit this establishment - from the MIT professors and students to professionals and musicians. If you haven't been already, I highly recommend scoping this place out
(4)Teresa T.
When it comes to the CBC, the beer is what drives me back. Solid and priced reasonably. The food is mediocre though I like to pair my beer with a burger and start off with the nachos. Nachos are piles high and the burger is made well - juicy meat though not to the point where everything comes falling out of the burger. The CBC is a staple for a low key atmosphere to throw some back with friends. Service is nice.
(3)Dan L.
Outdoor seating in March! We popped in last night and took a spot at the bar while we waited for our outside table. They have some really good beers here - I tried the Oakquinox which is a strong oak cask lager - great beer, but very strong. My wife tried the Red Barn Espresso Stout which of course I tried and it was delicious. I also tried the Sprint Training IPA which was nothing short of excellent. Bar Service was attentive despite the crowd. We got seated and ordered dinner - I had a Pizza of the day - a white pizza with Artichokes and olives. My wife had the pulled pork sandwich and a friend had the margarita pizza. We all really enjoyed the food and outdoor atmosphere. Prices were very reasonable. The service took one star away. Our waiter was not attentive and we had 3 or 4 situations were everyone in our party was looking at each other wondering where he went. I will be back for both the beer and great food.
(4)Torin C.
Great beer, great service and great atmosphere. Personally it is my hangout of choice.
(5)Ben K.
I don't know why I had it in my head that going to the CBC was going to be a disappointing experience. Maybe I was conflating it in my head with Cambridge Commons (which is always enjoyable, but rarely great), or maybe it was memories of overdrinking on the patio, but whatever the etiology, I was wrong. You have my apologies, Cambridge Brewing Company. I came with a date, which was the right thing to do. I've always loved the tucked-away courtyard area in Kendall that the CBC anchors, and next time I'll try to time my meal better to catch a movie at the ever-delightful Kendall Square Cinema. If the weather's nice, it's worth taking a wandering route, rather than beelining straight from the T. The CBC is a brewery, so you've of course come for the beer. If not, perhaps this isn't the place for you. I had the surprisingly good Sgt. Pepper's -- very light, with a spice kick that pairs well with food -- and the CBC burger, which was juicy and flavorful, and came with pretty killer fries. Better than the I-guess-you-need-something-to-go-with-your-drink fare I thought I'd get. They have classier (and pricier) options on the menu, but I doubt I'll ever meander into their territory. The star here is the beer, and beer is a humble drink. Also surprising (uncanny, even, but shying clear of unnerving) was the speed of service. Waiters were ever-helpful, and we both got our meals in the amount of time I'd usually expect for a drink. If I had higher expectations, maybe I would have been let down -- this place is certainly far from perfect -- but with little in mind, the CBC certainly came through with panache to spare.
(5)Monica R.
Can't go wrong with a group of friends on the patio with a TOWER of beer! Awesome..... And please order the Charles River Porter!! I didn't give it five stars because I wish the menu would change a little more -- or that they had a few more dishes to chose from.
(4)A P.
The ambiance of the restaurant itself was pleasant, but avoid it around 6 pm, when probably every MIT grad student and employee from Kendall Square was there getting a beer, so it was pretty crowded, noisy, and rushed. I don't hold that against them, though, since most brew-pubs are zany at 6 pm Friday. Their burgers come with caramelized onions, which are amazing, their fries are delicious, and their pizzas are surprisingly good. They also are the origin of my most favorite beer, the CBC Pumpkin Ale, though oddly, if you order it in-house, they do not rim your glass with cinnamon and sugar. The Sunsets both carry it, and they both rim your glass. They had an outdoor fireplace, which I didn't use, but I really liked it because it made the whole area smell like Vermont, or camping. (Especially once people started ordering some odoriferous fish dish, it smelled like a bonfire on the beach.) They share a bathroom with the Tommy Doyle's next door, so I assume they are part of the same company. (Yeah, I saw through your multi-decorated-doors into a bathroom vestibule. The MIT smartness was rubbing off on me.) The bathroom was unimpressive to not-so-clean, but I have no complaints. This is definitely a staple in my dining out rotation, though I do think they could turn down their music. It's irritating to go to a sit-down dinner only to have to shout. Oh, and there's a mural of a bunch of famous people (scientists?) hanging out at CBC. Stewie Griffin's chilling out next to Bill Gates.Try to identify the famous faces.
(4)Michael W.
Had the BBQ Burger and CBC Porter. It was like a hug from Jesus. Went in Wed. for a meal before " Food Inc." at the Kendell. Not only was is delicious, but the service was great. I'm very picky about how I want my burgers made and seldom get it one without errors. This was as dictated, and the BACON! I don't know where that came from or how prepared but...brilliant!. I ordered at the bar, so the bartender (Trish?) also needed to cover the other customers while taking my detailed order. Can't wait to go back when it's sunny and avail myself of the patio. And I need to sample more fare before I can give it a 5th star.
(4)Maria B.
hey-o this place is great. I love beer, so uh, check. Second of all, it's in a great locale (1 Kendall). The service is always pretty great, the beers are all absolutely delicious. The fry basket and potato skins are fantastic (mm beer, fries & potato skins- what a balanced meal!) There is outdoor and indoor seating, inside a really nice decor/vibe. Overall, kudos to CBC.
(4)Kim P.
I had been to Cambridge Brewing Company a couple of times over the summer. It had okay service, decent-to-pretty good food, very good beer, and a nice outdoor patio. The patio, beer, and room for groups were pretty much the biggest draws. Therefore, it was definitely a second choice for dinner last night when it was (1) freaking freezing (no patio), (2) I didn't want to drink much, and (3) I was out with my boyfriend and we only needed a table for two. But alas, it was a freezing Saturday night and Emma's had closed early (their heat broke), so we hustled off to CBC, which we knew was close. Oh. My. God. It was like that scene in "She's All That" when Rachel Leigh Cook comes down the stairs before the big dance and she looks all hot and Freddie Prinze Jr. can't believe his eyes. Just yesterday, I was still thinking of CBC as the nerdy art school girl with paint splatters. However, last night, she emerged as a princess, and changed my image of her forever. I think that the Cardigans' "Kiss Me" might have been playing in the background as we ate, but one can never be sure. We decided to go out on a limb and order some fancier things than the traditional wings-and-nachos that we normally order here. We started with the duck sausage appetizer (with lentils, chutney, grilled bread, mustard) and a pitcher of pumpkin beer, and they were both absolutely delicious. We then split the AMAZING PUMPKIN RAVIOLI and a DELICIOUS ricotta-pesto-red pepper-sausage pizza before finishing with chocolate cake (very good, but nothing to wax on about) for dessert. The total came to about 60 bucks. I'm giving four stars to Cambridge Brewing Company for the following reasons: very good beer, good for groups, kind service, extremely reasonable prices (I would even say under-priced), a nice range of options for when members of your party want completely different things, and unexpectedly delicious food if you stray off the beaten wings-nachos-burger path. The fifth star is for completely blowing away my expectations like no other, and for that PUMPKIN RAVIOLI.
(5)Raz G.
Let me start by saying the bartender was awesome. Big man IPA is a fab pale, I did taste the Cerise Cassee n it's kind of sour but You Enjoy My Stout is the fav at 11%.. Overall a fab place.
(4)Geoff P.
Nice place to get a burger and a beer. The prices won't kill your wallet. The IPA was refreshing. The Porter wasn't as dark as I like but it was OK. I wasn't a big fan of the golden lager. It was weird having to go outside to a different building to pee.
(3)Kristina D.
This review only pertains to the current seasonal offerings at CBC. 2 stars for Scotch ale (9.2%) 2 stars for Blunderbuss barleywine (11%) 1 star for Scotch ale IN A TOWER for your frisbee team (note: this is not a punitive rating; it is merely meant to achieve the full five stars).
(5)The Dude L.
Cambridge Brewing Company is simply the best brewery in the Boston/Cambridge area. They're at the cutting edge of brewing, producing beers that other area brewers don't have the nads to mess around with. Of course this means that not all their beers are for everyone, but if you're even a bit adventurous in your love of beer, this is the place to spend some time at. Among my favorite styles here are their barleywines, stouts, pumpkin beers and their Big Man Ale. The food has never wowed me, but I would totally recommend their Sunday brunch. One of the best in town.
(4)seth w.
What we had was really good. Calamari was ok... tender, could have used a little bit more hot peppers, they added onion rings which takes a bit away from the amount of calamari and I don't think it added to the dish. CBC burger - my girlfriend avoids eating generic factory meats. So she was pleasantly surprised that they source Brandt all-natural beef products. She took advantage and ate one of her first burgers in a long time. It was really well cooked and delicious. Roasted chicken - really moist and flavorful, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables including peas and lentils Beer - Amber was really good, Seasonal Belgian was mmm ok Overall, I plan to come back again soon.
(4)Justin I.
Spring training IPA is so good. The food is great too! They have some really big celebrations and parties all throughout the year. This was the third time going and every time is just as good as the last. Good service, especially if you sit at the bar. During the summer and fall it's nice to sit outside and hang out with friends. This place is awesome and I think everyone should go at least once.
(5)Morgan F.
Its a warm summer night/afternoon and all you want to do is DRINK BEER OUTSIDE! Done! Head to the huge patio of CBC. Its a popular spot, so there might be a wait, but be bold, just ask and they will let you grab a beer from the bar and sip it on the stairs outside as you wait! Beer-wise, I love that they brew the stuff RIGHT THERE, like when you go inside you can see all the stuff behind the bar! Talk about local! I tired two of the seasonal beers, a hefeweizen and a belgien, just what I needed to break the summer heat! Once seated, check out the menu, lots of healthy food, and a surprising amount of veggie options! I ordered the Asian Tofu Burger with wasabi sauce and a friend got the veggie pizza yum! I will be back and with a group of friends so I can get one of those beer bong things (think a huge skinny pitcher of beer with a tap on it for only $25)! That and their Beerunch with a "beer" Bloody Mary sounds awesome!
(4)angela c.
I just recently joined the "Dirty Thirty Club," and went out to dinner with two of my girlfriends who I haven't hung out with in a while to celebrate. It was decided that we'd go to the Cambridge Brewing Company. I had been there only one other time, and liked the atmosphere, so thought, why not? Why not, indeed. Had I known that there was an untapped world of cute/hotness there, I would be there all the time. Or more of the time, anyway. Seriously. Upon arriving, we had to wait for a little while before a table opened up. One of my friends spent some time talking to one of the female servers, who, upon review, I would probably make out with because she was (A) cute, and (B) really funny. (She also, weirdly enough, reminded me of a female version of the guy I went with to my high school senior prom.) Let's not forget to take into consideration the fact that I'm straight. We were eventually seated, and our server was... SO. FREAKING. CUTE. He sort of reminded me of Adam Levine (the lead singer of Maroon 5), but in a hotter, real, he-can-wear-a-faux-hawk-and-make-it-look-super-Âhot, he-would-never-be-caught-dead-singing-falsetto kind of way. He was sort of quiet to begin with, but generally a pretty good server. Toward the end of the meal, my friends revealed to him that it was my birthday, so he opened up a little, told us a funny work story, and then offered to buy me dessert in lieu of a drink, since I was driving. Dinner, drinks, good conversation, and free dessert? Done. On our way out, our server tried to give money back to my girlfriends because they left him a really generous tip, but they just laughed it off. I thanked him again, and he wished me a happy birthday in a quiet voice that briefly made me think of dimly lit rooms and hot make out sessions. Oh, and the food was good, too. ;)
(4)Josiah S.
Cambridge Brewing Company is the best place in town for craft brews, bar none. They combine friendly, relaxed service with excellent, creative food and phenomenal beers. Generally speaking their rotating specials are better than their standard line-up, but this is not surprising: those are the fun ones to come up with, after all. Their sweeter, boozier Belgian-style beers are particularly scrumptious, but they have been doing a great job of getting me to branch out into other genres. The Red God IPA is particularly worthwhile, for example, and the release of their seasonal barleywine has long been an annual event for me. Also, they occasionally do Brewer's Dinners that are particularly noteworthy: they will serve locally grown vegetables and humanely raised meats in creative preparations and match these with a stock of limited-run beers. When you see that one of these is happening, you should definitely take advantage of it.
(5)Dan T.
If you make your own quality beer, and you allow it to inspire your food, it's tough to go wrong. Also, they support locals, and that matters to me. Not only with their own menu, but on a public scale, strengthening the beer community with connections and experience. I'm impressed w/how they conduct themselves. No matter the season, this is a great place to stop after work to get a satisfying drink and a bite. Summer brews in outdoor seating are fantastic for people watching and soaking up the environment, but the indoors seems to be laid out to transform to the feel of the season...along with their beer and food menus.
(4)Katie V.
I had a good experience here on a Monday night-- it was pretty "dead" as other Yelpers have mentioned, but that was fine by me. I sat at the bar with a friend and drank some of the Cambridge Amber, which was like a better tasting Sierra Nevada. The food we ordered was good and a great value -- mussels appetizer was entree-sized and the $10 "personal" pizza special was gigantic. Pizza was great -- a white pie with tomatoes, spinach and (spicy!) chorizo on top. The mussels were plump, but the sauce they came in, while creative and autumn-themed, was not entirely harmonious with seafood. The mussels were served in a pumpkin-esque broth, with potatoes, garlic, squash and garbanzo beans mixed in. Sounds better than it tasted. It wasn't bad, just a little bizarre and the flavors didn't exactly meld together they way I was hoping they would. I'm not in Kendall Sq. often, but I'd come here again if I was....
(4)Orian I.
straight up? I love beer, I love my boy cause he loves beer and he is most deff. a beer expert.I had a great time and it's a chill spot with good service. They have a nice selection and even though it was later the place was still hoping. it's a nice chill spot for sippin suds and chatting.
(4)Maureen S.
Went here with a group of roughly 15 people. The food was fine, the beer was fine, but the service was terrible. There were hardly any other people in the restaurant and they still acted like we were too much handle (and we were anything but). Bottom line is if everywhere else is packed, it would probably be fine to grab a beer and a burger here, but I won't be back.
(2)Jake D.
I was excited to come here because I love visiting local breweries. Upon arrival, I was not impressed. The entrance was narrow, the service was awkward. Our waiter seemed stressed and distracted, but maybe he was having a bad day. My seasonal beer on cask was awesome, but the margherita pizza was overpriced for bland bread, a bit of cheese and 3 small pieces of basil leaves. There wasn't any fresh tomatoes and the basil was only on 2 slices. I had a better time talking to our neighbors than enjoying the food. I'd say only come here for the beer and move onto the place across the street for food. I wish I had a flight of beers to give a better review. I did like that CBC offered your own beer tower per table.
(3)Kristine A.
I came here w/ my co-worker since I have come before & thought it was decent. What a mistake. I ordered this veggie muffaletta which was huge & kinda crappy. I couldn't pick it up, couldn't cut it w/ a knife & basically destroyed it trying to eat it. It was annoying when I found out it was pre-made so I couldn't delete an item from this sandwich so I basically picked it out. My co-worker wasn't impressed by her quesadilla either. Aside from that, I am glad my waiter even bothered asking if I wanted salad or fries w/ it so when it came out already w/ fries & he asked me if that was ok that he forgot-um really? What the hell is that about anyway? I won't be going back since it's just not worth it since their menu has totally gone downhill.
(1)Joanna C.
I stopped by the CBC for pre-movie meal last weekend. I started off with a Tall Tale Pale Ale at the bar and my dining companion had a Charles River porter that I liked but he wasn't so keen on. I had the butternut squash soup appetizer (goat cheese, apple chips, chives) and a beet and goat cheese frisee (watercress, arugula, balsamic and E.V.O.O, pistachios, honey) for my meal. The soup was only so-so, the highlight being the creamy goat cheese. The salad had a lot going on in it which I tend to enjoy. My only complaint is that I found a couple of spots with too much pepper on it. I admit, I'm pepper sensitive so take that complaint with a grain of salt. (HAH!) My dining companion had the BBQ burger. The fries were really yummy. He tried to order the blond beer but the waitress told him that she wasn't aware of any blond. She eventually brought the menu and he picked out the Regatta Golden which definitely has blond in the description. Maybe she was new but otherwise she should have known. I think I'll just take the idea for the salad and make it myself instead of returning.
(2)Barbara W.
First time here and love the beer selection. Bruins vs. Canucks game 3 Stanley Cup final game is on and a small but mighty crowd here. Our lovely bartender even succumbed to our pressure to put the sound on the game and cool tunes at intermission. Looks like a good patio in the summer. Looking forward to the Pumpkin Ale!
(4)Glenn R.
What started as a very nice, but fairly straightforward meal last night turned into one of those really special, and unexpected, dining experiences. I ordered the lamb shank. The waiter obligingly substituted white asparagus for the Brussels sprouts. The shank itself was good size and perfectly prepared. However, the marrow in the bone was inaccessible: the opening was too narrow for the dinner knife at the table. It seemed a shame to waste it. When I mentioned this to our server - somewhat in jest - he commiserated and said he'd see what he could do. He took my plate away and returned ten minutes later. On a rectangular serving platter was the shank bone, the marrow in a tasting spoon, toasted (under the broiler) thin slices of bread, a small composed arugula salad, and a tiny pile of pink Himalayan salt. The presentation brought smiles to the three of us at the table and we quickly devoured our little bonus dish (there's only so much marrow in a lamb shank bone). It really was an unexpected surprise!
(5)Wendy G.
The beer was yum (Pumpkin). The food was eh. Either my knife need to be sharpened, or my pork chop was terribly over cooked. Probably a little of both. And the waitress peed on the seat! When I was coming into the bathroom, my waitress was leaving the bathroom. I went into the stall she had been in because it was open, and there was piss all over the seat. That's disgusting!
(2)Dana B.
Eegads. Where do I being? Nothing is really coming to mind, because nothing really stood out to me. The CBC is as bland as they come. A large, loud, open room with large murals. The night that we went was not that busy, but the staff seemed to be running around like crazy. Location: Right in One Kendall Square an area bustling with plenty of other places to eat in varying monetary scale. Food: I ordered a BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger and it was gross. Not cooked well done like I had asked, but arrived very pink. The bacon was a joke. It was fairly expensive for what it was. As were my other friends meals. They range in price from $10-$20 and none of them are worth it. Chain restauants have better quality meals. I do like that they try to buy local, but if they are buying local, the food should be cheaper! Beer: The beer is what gets this place two starts instead of one. It was quite tasty. In fact, we were all pleased with their beers and we each had something different. They should probably just concentrate on beer. Service: Took forever. Our waitress forgot some of our drink orders even AFTER she brought another friend her beer. We had to ask her. So, the one enjoyable part of the meal took about 25 minutes to get. Money is tight and I was not happy at all when I left.
(2)Justin M.
This place was close to my hotel and received good reviews so I thought I'd try it out. I wasn't disappointed. I ate at the bar where the friendly bartender tool care of me. A Too Tall Pale Ale and a bomb piece of salmon later I was full and happy. I'll be back again since I need to try the rest of their beers!
(4)Cecilia H.
My husband and I visited the Cambridge Brewing Company last night and it was a warm and bustling place even though it was a cold, wet, weeknight. Although the restaurant is a bit pricey, the appetizers alone are stupendous! Our server was really easygoing but attentive and the environment was clean and comfortable. We decided to try the Om beer and the Pumpkin Ale which turned out to be everything we hoped for. The Om was our favorite though it was strong but went down smooth. If you're into beer, this is probably a great place to go to.
(4)Jeff M.
Everything about this place was perfectly good, but nothing was particularly outstanding. There's a good beer list, and the three pints I had were good, but not striking. The food was plenty good, and hit the spot after I spent all day hiking around Boston & Cambridge. If I'm ever it the MIT area again and finding myself in need of food /drink, I'll happily come back here, but I don't think I'd make a special trip. Also, can I just say, as a tourist, that the "One Kendall Square" address is @#$%ing impossible to find? I know Cambridge types are smart, but throw us tourists a bone, gorram it!
(3)Jym B.
The beer is TOP NOTCH. The food is excellent. The service is attentive without being hovering. They're friendly and VERY knowledgeable. The atmosphere is first rate. It's clean, welcoming and subtly states "stay, enjoy yourself and have a good time". If I could own/run/promote a brewpub it would be CBC with a brick oven for pizza :)
(5)Beth E.
In concept, I like this place. A good selection of beer, and food that focuses on trying to stay local. All good in my mind. But, there's just something that doesn't quite click with me. After my first visit, I was left thinking the beer was good, and the food was pretty good too, but there was something about the atmosphere that left me kind of cold. It was winter, mind you, but there was something about the seating that made it feel more like a cafeteria than a restaurant to me. Fast forward to more than a year later, and I return. Again, good beer selection, and the food was pretty tasty. It was summer this time, and while the outdoor seating seems nice, we snagged a table inside to avoid the tremendous wait. Things were going well until a roach started crawling across our table. We tried to flick it away a couple times but it kept coming back. We captured it under a glass and warned our server as we left, so as to not frighten her with its scurrying. After my last experience, it'll probably be a while before I make it back. I feel CBC has a lot of potential, but just hasn't lived up to it yet.
(3)Holson Y.
Great People Great Cheeseburger Great Beer Great Atmosphere Great Location 5 Greats, 5 Stars
(5)brian c.
Cambridge Brewing Company is in the Kendall Square Complex. The inside is nice. You can see all of the brewing equipment and they have booths in the back as well. The servers are friendly and very knowledgable on the beers that they serve. The food is reasonably priced and tasty. I recommend the burger and the pulled pork sandwich. The beers are fantastic. They have 4 house beers and rotating taps of sesonal brews. The Darkest Night and Charles River Porter are both awesome. I will easily come back again. Great place!
(5)Chloe B.
Holy shit, but Cambridge Brewing Company blew my expectations right out of the Charles. I was totally shocked by how tasty and well-conceived the food was at this glorified brewpub. I had the Club Sandwich pizza and my dining companion at the Fish and Chips -- both were super tasty, although the coleslaw left something to be desired. Seriously, why would anyone in their right mind head to Tommy Doyle's right next door? As for the beer, I have two words for you: WEEKAPAUG GRUIT. This beer is barely a beer, it's more of a mead/wine/thing and it is out of this fucking world. Brewed with herbs like sweet gale, yarrow, and rosemary, sipping this gruit is pretty much like drinking the best witch's brew ever. It's also a total trip back to the middle ages, minus the weirdos who like to pretend they're still LIVING in the middle ages. Mmmm, gruit. My mouth waters just thinking of its malty, herbal awesomeness.
(4)Scott B.
I've been to CBC a few times now. The staff has always been awesome... the service supreme... and the food mediocre. The beer is really good though, especially in the fall. The Pumpkin Beer is quite possibly the best beer I've ever consumed! Outdoor seating in the summer is key, and giant beer tubes for parties of 4 or more make this place a MUST GO for anyone new to the area. They also have jugs of beer to go... but make sure you order it before 11:30, because they won't sell it to you after that.
(4)Kat O.
I FINALLY made it to CBC after moving to Cambridge from Allston (ew) about 4 months ago. Woooorrrrrtttthhhhhhh the wait. The energy was perfect - boisterous but not obnoxious (both great words, by the way). The bartender and waitstaff were all friendly and amicable and our food and drink was soo satisfying. TRY THE PUMPKIN BREW! No really, I'm normally not a fan of pumpkin beers (Shipyard Pumpkinhead? Tastes like pumpkin pie soda...) but this one was so subtle with the perfect tiny little spicy taste and decent alcohol content. Our food was fantastic too - our table ordered a couple of the eggplant sandwiches, a pate appetizer plate and a caesar salad with a scallop appetizer. Basically, this place epitomizes why I was pumped to leave Allston for Cambridge - plenty of space to go out and be merry, but no drunken dirty sloppy people fuggin' things up. Adding it to my list of faves!
(5)Tracee D.
My 3 stars will mysteriously evaporate come fall and winter when the patio disappears. I like the cheese plate they offer and the bottled cider they sell. The cider is nice and dry not as sweet as the usual offerings. I worked in Brewing companies in Western Mass all thru college (Amherst Brewing Co & Northampton Brewing Co) so I know my hops and Barley recipe's. The beer here is decent. I like me a patio. So it works. The menu is ok. The staff is cordial.
(3)Andrea S.
I'm fairly neutral on the topic. Working in Kendall leaves us limited places to drink after work. So often we head here. When it's warm out, the outdoor tables are the best thing about this place. The food is ok, the beer is decent, the service is a little sad. Nothing decidedly awesome or horrid has ever taken place here when I've been here. I've never had a burning desire to go, but I've never not gone out because we were heading to CBC.
(3)Ian S.
This is a review for the food, not the beer. I've eaten there twice, once I got the BBQ Burger(BBQ sauce, cheddar, bacon) and the other time their cuban sandwich. Both managed to be remarkably flavorless and bland. How one makes a flavorless BBQ-bacon-cheese burger I don't know, but they managed. The cuban had much better bread, but the pork wasn't good, was too thin, there was way too much cheese, and the cheese wasn't that great. I got the Cuban because the waitress recommended it and the burgers, so if I've had two of CBC's best, I'm very sad. That being said, their beer is very strong. I haven't had any beers there that weren't good, and some have been exceptional. But the food is average enough that I have to rate them on that, since that dominated my experience.
(2)Barbara G.
Place was great. Great beer and food. Local brewery in Cambridge. The brunch menu is awesome. Make sure you look at the whole menu before you decide. I ordered and then my friend ordered her food, and I was like where was that on the menu. I was left with my great choice, but deep down I wanted to steal her plate!
(4)Joey M.
I didn't get a chance to try the food here, just stopped by for a few beers. The beer was pretty good, i really liked the Charles River Porter a good malty caramel taste but not overwhelming or too heavy. The Tall Tale Pale Ale was disappointing in my opinion, not enough hops and a bit too on the fruity side. The pumpkin spice beer was similar in color and taste with a touch more spices to it. A pretty solid beer but all in all nothing to write home about. On beer quality alone I would rate this a 4 star establishment but both me and the person who I came with didn't like the atmosphere. I understand that its not a bar in the usual sense but more of a resteraunt but it felt kinda boring. It felt almost like a college cafeteria, severly lacking in character. CBC would probably be a good place to go out for a meal and a few beers with a group, but overall it left me wanting more.
(3)Megan A.
If you're there in the fall, try their pumpkin beer. I've never tasted anything like it at any other restaurant or brew pub. It actually tastes very good because it's a very slight flavor of pumpkin. Our waitress said that they even use real, fresh pumpkins to make it, not some flavoring. Every dish of food we had was quite good. Not gourmet, but very good. The waitress was friendly but not very attentive. She passed our table several times every time we seemed to need something and we had to try a bit to get her attention. It's a good place to go hang out with friends and there's plenty of outdoor seating.
(4)Dave M.
Excellent beer, great food, and perfect atmosphere. Whether you want lunch, dinner, or just something to snack on while having some drinks, CBC has become my top choice in the area. Try The Wallet (dinner time only)!
(5)Purvi R.
Fun place! HUGE outdoor patio, great for groups, both with the large picnic type tables and the draft beer at your table. (what are they called, those big portable tap things that have like 8 beers in them?) A little out of the way if you are walking around and want to just hit up a bar, but there are a lot of dive-y places around that you can entertain yourself for a while.
(3)Ellen C.
This is actually a 3.5 star review. A group of 16 very hungry people descended on the CBC last night (Monday) around 9pm for dinner and beer. They accommodated us easily -- shoved a bunch of tables together no problem. The patio outside was packed, but inside was empty except for our group. Our waitress was great -- she was personable, brought us several pitchers of water for the table, and took our orders without much of a wait. Decor is blah -- the brewing equipment in the back of the restaurant is cool, but the dining area left zero impression. The tables were square, the chairs were wooden, beyond that I couldn't tell you what the place looks like. The food was on the slightly pricey side (apps around $6-8, sandwiches $10-12, pizzas $10-15, entrees $20-28) but not unreasonable. My poached salmon salad sandwich was huge and tasty enough, but not mind blowing. Similar sentiments from around the table. The beer though, the beer is great. Date guy had the triple, which was complex (let me be pretentious for a minute), had a nice aftertaste, and was surprisingly light for something with 9% alcohol. Wide selection -- beer is the reason to come here. That and the outdoor patio. Good post-work spot, I bet.
(3)Jamie F.
I really don't understand the hype. I went with a group of five friends on a weeknight when the restaurant was ~40% full, but both the hostess and server gave us a very hard time about being in a group. It really seemed that both of them didn't want any business. Vadhat, our waiter, was very very slow (when he didn't even seem busy), rude, and surly. He really seemed to resent being a waiter. He avoided eye contact and scowled at us, and several people would ask for water for the table, and 20 minutes later he would return with a single glass. The beer was mediocre, although I was just coming from Germany, so I suppose I shouldn't have expected much. The food was very disappointing. The menu sounds interesting, and the organic/local/fair-trade/seasonal/etc adjectives appealed to my liberal guilt, but everything was just bland, uninspired, and overpriced.
(1)Sarah D.
I have gone here for lunch a couple times and it just doesn't do it for me. The service is extremely slow, the food is so so & the tables are on top of one another. I work right next door so it's convenient but I don't think I will return anytime soon.
(2)Anthony R.
CBC is great! I love going there in the summer - nothing quite like sitting out on the patio on a lazy weekend afternoon getting buzzed off a tower of delicious beer with a couple of friends. I mean, until you get hungry and order a $9 plate of nachos that's really small and you fight over every last bite for. Outside of the $9 nachos, the food is tasty, although I've always gotten just sandwiches (love the Cuban sandwich they serve) and pizzas, which are also very tasty. They're also great for groups - the tables inside can accommodate a lot of people and outside of the summer it's usually not that packed. Currently, now that it's frigid outside, their great pumpkin ale is great, even if the patio isn't.
(4)Jennifer M.
Food's all right, beer's all right, wine's all right, service is all right, bathrooms are fairly sanitary by city standards, the price isn't too bad. The only two things that stand out from utter mediocrity: The fireplace/stove thing they put outside in the winter (to warm the dirty smokers). The beer towers.
(3)Allison P.
We love a good brewery. We really love a good brewery with good food and good atmosphere. Their porter is drinkable but nothing special. I got the CBC burger, mostly because it had grilled onions. The problem was that there was hardly any onions and the bun was dense and dry. The side salad was also dry and boring. To top it off my food was hardly warm. My BFs fish and chips were great.... Thus the 2 stars. We appreciated their patio on a nice summer evening but the service was nothing but the bare necessities. We inhaled their salt and vinegar fries but I think that was probably because we were famished and didn't care what we were eating.
(2)Basile B.
Very attentive staff. Great beer.
(4)Nicholas K.
I've been here a few times now. This place is pretty good if all you're doing is drinking, and all you're drinking is beer. The place itself is pretty nice, there are huge vats of beer in back, which adds to the feel of the place. I had the Mediterranean Plate, most recently. This was my only experience with food at the CBC, and I shall not repeat it. The plate was bland and small for the price. The falafel on the plate was too mushy and cold, and the tabouleh was tasteless. The hummus was the one redeeming factor from the plate and even that was simply passable. The beer, however, is very good. I don't think I've tried one there that I didn't like. I've had the sour ale, the tall pale ale, and a few of the pumpkin brews, and each one has been quite good. Come for beer and don't be tempted by the food.
(3)Lisa R.
Living very close to the Kendall Square complex, we are big fans of CBC and visit a few times a month. The atmosphere is great--clean, cozy, comfortable, and not pretentious. The menu is seasonal, so with the exception of staples, there are lots of things changing season-to-season (in addition, of course, to a rotating selection of beers). Service is no-frills, but good. Really can't complain--and have been here many, many times. For appetizers, the hush puppies (seasonal this fall) are pretty delish, but am not a fan of the ricotta/pear brushetta (would be so much better with a goat cheese). Buffalo bites are very hot, so not for those who prefer something more mild!! The wallet sandwich is super delicious, and the fish and chips are a standard favorite. We've also had some excellent specials, the shining star of which was a four cheese pizza with fried egg. Don't forget a whoppie pie for dessert--make that a "big ass whoopie pie!" (Try to catch a pumpkin one on special some nights!) Even the growlers have become a big hit for bringing CBC home on holidays and to parties.
(5)Joel M.
Great beer at a good price, but the two times I've eaten here I've been less than impressed considering the cost. I wish they would expand the bar area, as it's always packed but there's normally open tables save for Friday and Saturdays. It's close enough that I'll definitely keep coming back, and it's certainly my favorite spot for a beer in Kendall square.
(4)Jeremiah G.
I've hit up the CBC many-a-time following softball games and I'm always amazed at their ability to seat an entire softball team, usually within a few minutes. So they definitely earn major props for that. Although when I've gone there in small parties, I've often had much longer waits. However, I assume it varies on a night-by-night basis. In addition to the usually prompt seating (when escorted by a hoard of bat-wielding librarians, anyway), CBC also offers some really great food. I've tried a bunch of things on the menu and I feel that I have yet to go wrong with any of my choices. The pulled-pork sandwich is one of the best I've had in the Boston area, the pizzas are great and their burgers are incredible. Although, let's be honest here the main reason I love CBC can be summed up in two words: tower race. CBC serves all of their homemade brews in a 100 oz tower. Often times the tower serves as a large groups answer to ordering multiple pitchers. Other times the tower serves as a means of competition and liver-debilitation.
(4)Trish F.
So I was so mad when I came here last week.. I had two beers. For those that know me, they know I'm not supposed to be drinking because of my vocal chord issues. One beer is pushing it.. two beers is bad news bears. To top it off.. the beers were just.. ok. Maybe it's because I haven't had a drink in awhile, but the Regatta Golden and the Tall Tale Pale Ale were just so so to me. I will however taste them again when I'm drinking on the regular and update my review. The things I do for you guys. My friend and I were ravenous, so we ordered the nachos to start and then I ordered the fish stew. There were scallops, mussels, and other sea creatures involved in this situation. I also realized after awhile.. that the dish was HOT. I must have missed something on the menu, but that's probably why I downed the beer so quickly (besides being in a bad mood.. haha.. ). It seemed kind of strange that the rice was just chillin' at the bottom of the stew, but it tasted pretty good. Not gonna lie, I'll probably never get it again because I'm a mild child. One semi-bothersome food thing was that as my friend and I were leaving, we realized there were specials! Sad.. I love ordering specials.. but the waiter didn't mention them and we were in an area where we didn't see the board. Our waiter was really great though. He was very attentive and knew when to stay away because I was in middle of some story-telling-super-pissed-off-at-X-Y-Z moments. The food delivery was cutting it close though. Our entrees came out while we were still working on our appetizer, but that didn't bother us piggies. Although the huge portions did crowd the table. Oh.. and there were also some very good looking fellas here. haha.. But that's neither here nor there. 3.5 stars rounded up.
(4)Sean J.
The food here is pretty delicious. It's tasty and not overly filling, just the right amount. The service (or lack thereof) leaves something to be desired though, and they don't have air conditioning so it gets really hot inside the restaurant.
(4)Kristine M.
How sad it was to go to a brewery while pregnant, especially when my dining companions were extraordinarily excited about their beers. I guess I'll have to return with an appetite for beer after I pop the bambino out. CBC has a really nice patio, perfect for a warm evening. The waitress screwed up my order (brought a Mediterranean platter instead of mussels) but they let us keep the Mediterranean platter free of charge. It was a tasty little platter with good hummus. The mussels were also tasty, and it was a generous portion. I also got french fries which were garlicky and rosemary-y, and tasty! I love that a lot of their ingredients are local, too. Definitely worth stopping by there. And I can't wait until I can enjoy a beer again...and I'll be going to CBC, for sure :-)
(4)Jamie A.
Mmmmm. Delicious brews, healthy dining options, friendly servers. We've been here many a time and just love it. Since it's right around the corner from where my boy works, it's a great spot to meet up for dinner. Try their seasonal brews for SURE. The hefe is also delish. The smoked salmon salad is scrumptious, as well as the seared tuna. It might have a bit too much wasabi sauce, and I love the stuff, but other than that, it's very good. I will admit that I miss sitting out on the patio in the summer, but the inside is cozy as well. It's a great place to stop before heading over to the Kendall Cinema, which is right around the corner.
(4)Steve H.
Okay, so I visited Cambridge Brewing Company on a Tuesday Night in the summer, not too busy. The Server was great, and attentive.. good job to her. We sat outside, it was really nice outside, their patio is kinda tucked away. not much to see, other than older buildings. The food was good, I had the buffalo chicken finger, they were boneless and get a 2 out of 10 on the spicy meter, they were good, served with blue cheese and celery. I also ordered the Salt and Vinegar Fries, if you like Salt and Vinegar Potato chips, you'll love these fries, they were very unique as far as taste goes, the food was presented in a nice and quick manner. We didn't try any of the beer, but they do brew beer on site. Overall, I would recommend this place. The only reason I gave the place 4 stars is primarily on the Host Staff, which ties into service
(5)Silvia A.
Loved it! Beer was excellent, especially the hefeweizen. Food was really good too. We got the entree with the blue fish with an amazing side of cucumber Thai salad. We also got a pizza. Any Italian reading this will cringe but this pizza with pesto, PEACHES, Serrano prosciutto and cloumage was actually good. The food for the kids was excellent and abundant We will be back.
(5)Amy B.
Cambridge Brewing Company has two seasonal beers that I particularly love: The Sargent Pepper in the spring, and the Great Pumpkin in the fall. If either of these beers are on the menu, my order is a no-brainer. If those beers are not on the menu, fun options include ordering a sampler or a beer tower--two different serving size extremes. In terms of food, I think it's just ok at CBC. There are two appetizer items I love, the salt and vinegar fries and the nachos. Both are hard to stop eating. The other food items are fine, but none of them stand out as exceptional. CBC has a really nice patio in warm weather months.
(4)Ashley C.
My first mistake was going here for brunch. The line for the brunch at the Friendly Toast was way too long so my roommate and I decided to go here instead. Food: Obviously, I had slim pickings for breakfast/brunch items on their menu, considering this is a brewery restaurant. Ended up getting their belgian waffle, which had nothing special to it. As I was eating, I felt like it was such a waste of money. I would've definitely enjoyed eating Leggo My Eggo waffles on my couch and watching Netflix more. Again, in fairness, I should've this is a brewery restaurant and their specialty isn't breakfast foods but still... if they're gonna have it as an option on the menu, the food should at least be decent. Service: Place was empty so they were able to sit us down instantly. Our server came by to check up on us a couple of times and filled our water glasses when asked. Wouldn't come here for brunch.... but maybe I'll try it for a dinner.
(2)Shaji K.
Went here on a Friday night with an overzealous appetite and an eye on the samples of all the beers I haven't had. Ordered the nachos to start ($9) and the peach pizza ($13). The nachos are gigantic; layers of nachos, cheese, salsa, jalapenos and the like. Very tasty and an instant regret on ordering the pizza as well. Speaking of, very interesting combination on the homemade cheese and slices of peach. Too bad I couldn't finish all of it. Sampled a few beers and liked the "Flower Child" the best - a balanced bitter that's not too strong to pair with the food. Nice place to grab food/drink, though I could only do a sampler of 3 at a time (despite what previous pictures have shown). Will definitely be back when in the area.
(5)Emily L.
We recently enjoyed a long-overdue visit to my brother and sister-in-law in their new Boston home, and they wisely steered us to CBC for dinner. First of all, Boston summer nights are so perfect it's almost not fair -- cool and breezy, perfect weather for outside dining. The outdoor seating was beautiful, strung with fairy lights. The beer selection was impressive, although I have to say everything I tried was a little too bitter for me. I'll be glad when the hop-it-up fad is over in this country! We started with an order of nachos, which were toweringly impressive. I wish there had been a meat chili option -- more power to vegetarians, but the whole point of chili is the meat, so veggie chili is a little anticlimactic. Still, the seasoning was excellent, and between the cheese and sour cream, I almost didn't miss it. Extra points for the super-spicy fresh jalapenos. Everyone at the table loved their entrees, but my BLT was the best, if I do say so myself: a generous pita wrap spread with creamy, mild cloumage cheese, littered with fresh greens and ripe tomatoes, and crowned with a huge tangle of crispy bacon. Clearly they understand the point of a BLT! In place of mayonnaise I had asked for a side of their jalapeno aioli, which was the perfect complement. I actually couldn't finish it, so we shared bites around the table. Everyone was astounded. Another bonus: they allow you to order salad instead of fries for no additional charge, so I didn't feel too terrible about my food choices! We were too stuffed for dessert, but my husband's margherita pizza was so huge he took half of it home -- and ate it for breakfast the next morning. NOT my thing, but he loved it -- cold as well as fresh from the oven. We will definitely return here the next time we're in town!
(4)Steve K.
I haven't been to this area in decades. It's now become a hip little gentrified spot. There's a cluster of restaurants here, one of them being the "CBC", or Cambridge Brewing Company. - It's a casual but nice restaurant. I had some of their American Lager, which was excellent. I had their steak (filet) for dinner, and it was also really good. - We also had their roasted brussel sprouts, which was nicely done. My friends also had some mussels, which aren't my thing, but they loved them. - It wasn't all that busy, and we went during prime dinner time - 7 PM on a Saturday. I was surprised it wasn't packed. - They also have outdoor seating, for those few days when the New England weather actually cooperates. - I liked the food and I'd go back if asked.
(4)Alexandra M.
I came here as part of a Harpoon 100 Barrel Series. It was a colobration between CBC and Harpoon, so that was pretty cool. However, we spent $50 for a beer at harpoon, a beer at CBC, a bottle to take home and food. Then there were not enough seats at CBC and it was cramped because they had the outdoor area open. It's not that bad until you start thinking, 'I paid $50 for this...' The beers + transpo was probably $30, so where's the rest? Complaints done, the beer was great! You could tell that the harpoon and CBC beers were slightly different. I liked the CBC one more! Their fried mac n cheese was great, although I don't understand the shape....I liked it more without the homemade ketchup, but my roommate liked it better with. Sushi was terrible. Pizza was okay--too bready for both of us but the toppings were good. I'd come back for the beer and mac n cheese and if I have more to report I'll update.
(3)Jeff D.
Great local brewery that has been putting out great and innovative beers for over 25 years. In fact we were there for the 26th anniversary party and I really enjoyed the funky mix of stuff they'd put on tap, including my first ever sour stout. My wife came along with a friend of mine despite saying she'd never had a CBC beer that she liked. I looked through the list and got her at Topaz IPA which she loved. Just took the right beer! Great spot and we can't wait to spend another summer night there.
(4)Mallory C.
We had stayed in Kendall Square for a fundraising event, and after seeing there was an hour wait for the Friendly Toast, we turned the corner and ended up at CBC! I must say, it is one of the best brunches we have had in the Boston area. My mom and I had the "Benedict of the day," which was Avocado and Bacon with Sriracha hollandaise (I dare you to say a word I don't like!) and the boy had the hangover wrap (I can't remember what my dad had) First of all- they have BEER-UNCH on Saturday, so YAY!!! And the food and service were absolutely amazing. We all cleaned our plates. The beer was also out of this world, and I intend on looking for CBC brews to enjoy at home as well. There is an accessible bathroom on the first floor, and all things considered, we will definitely be back here for brunch, lunch or dinner. Even though it's a little out of the way, I consider it a worthy venture! YUM CBC.
(5)Rachelle B.
Tried here for the first time on a gorgeous, warm May Monday for lunch as regular Boston tourists. We mistakenly thought it was open at 11am, so arrived just then to be told it doesn't open until 11:30, so walked around a few blocks to kill time, then were right back at 11:30 to be the first customers of the day. We took a 2-seater table outside on the patio in the sun, but then they opened the big awning to provide shade for the tables as it was actually getting too warm in the sun. Never thought I'd say that in May, but true! Anyway, the outside is mainly four-seaters, with some six-seaters, with the whole seating section wrapping around the corner of the restaurant in a cozy courtyard style between brick office buildings. Standard black metallic tables. Some flower beds. When you go indoors, there's a large front dining section of tables and booths of brown, with a large celebrity mural painting on one wall, high ceilings, overall casual atmosphere. By the time we left around 1:00, the patio and this dining section were totally full and it was a bit loud with all the conversations going on, to the point I don't know if music was playing or not. There's a third back dining room but nobody was in it, so guess they seat people at the front first and then work their way back. Friendly service. Staff definitely kept busy with the lunch crowd. I tried the Local Organic Vegetarian Black Bean Burger (Slow Tractor Farm Black Beans, Pepper Jack Cheese, Roasted Garlic & Jalapeno Mayo. $11) which was very good. The only downfall I guess would be that it was a plain white bun and guess there isn't an option for whole wheat or any other variety. The patty was thick and soft with some whole beans visible. Good fries. Very filling. My partner had the Cubano (Honey Chipotle Roast Pork Loin, Swiss, Hop Mustard. $10) which looked a tad on the small side to me, but I think that's just because places are making food items larger all the time, so this was actually closer to a proper portion size, and fine for the price. He enjoyed. The fries were good. I am not a huge beer lover but liked the Tall Tale pale ale. Ordered the 9oz to be safe in case I didn't like it, but the bartender poured a pint out of habit, so I got the next size up for the price of the small. :) Followed it with a glass of pinot grigio though because all beer I find too filling and gassy with meals, especially in the sun, and I needed to maintain my energy for other afternoon outings. The only thing we really found odd was that they don't accept debit/Interac? Is this normal in Boston? Or the US? In Canada, we all use debit for 99% of our purchases and they have the portable hand machines, so you rarely even have to go to a cash register on your way out. We were lucky to have a back-up credit card. Definitely would go back and I'd like to try the spinach risotto or mushroom pizza.
(3)Chelsey C.
The beer is good and the patio area is not too congested which I appreciate but the food is like frozen T.G.I. Friday's frozen appetizers.
(3)Maggy E.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Excellent staff. Nice chatty patrons who are into their brews. Fantastic brunch, the rest of their menu looks great as well. Huge, good for groups. Attractive decor, lots of outdoor seating. Dog friendly ( bringfido.com ). Fellas (and ladies), perfect place to bring your SO if they aren't into beer. Amazing beer selection for you, and excellent everything else for them.
(5)Elica F.
I found a spider in my salad, I uploaded the photo. I could throw up :(((((( They changed my food and yet they charged me for that!!!!
(1)Laura S.
Pretty average bar, average beer, good atmosphere, pretty good service. I have been to CBC several times. They have pretty decent brunch and pretty decent salads. I enjoy sitting at the bar, especially for a mid day, weekday salad. Around happy hour this place really picks up. I have always enjoyed the music selection at the bar and the cheerful and pleasant attitude of the bartenders. I find the food to be inconsistent though.....and the beer to be just drinkable, nothing to write home about. I will, however patron here plenty in the future. Pleasant, not rave worthy.
(3)Rebecca P.
My friends and I were in town for Extreme Beer Fest and figured we should check out some other breweries in the area during our visit. I had never been to Cambridge before, so I was pumped to check the brewery out. We each got different samplers so we could try as many of their beers as possible. My favorites were the Red God, Machinery of the Night and Mahatma Blahndi. Sampler pours are 5 oz. for the regular beers and 3 oz. for the stronger beers or specialty ones. You can get a sampler of 3 or 5 beers at a time. We opted for beer only as we had already eaten but the food coming out of the kitchen looked quite delicious. Our server, Britt, was AMAZING. She knew a ton about the beer and was able to guide our decision making. She even took the time to write down suggestions on other breweries to check out on our visit. Definitely top notch service!
(4)Jess M.
I've been here 3-4 times and never remember being super excited about the food. Today I ordered the fish and chips and before it came I kept thinking I should have just ordered a burger because it may be horrible. To my surprise, the fish and chips were the best I've had in a very long time. CBC's fish and chips is even (a ton) better than Summer Shack's. Didn't see that coming. The fish (pollack) was incredibly tender and the breading was light and perfect. The fries were also fantastic. Their version of a cole slaw looked like chewed up cole slaw with no mayonaise. I'm going to overlook that because the fish and chips were sooo good. One downside was that my nephew ordered a kid's burger and it was super overdone with burnt edges. We asked for another one and it was only slightly better. The poor kid had to cut the edges off to get to the less hard part of the burger. Their adult size burgers aren't like that, so I'm guessing they cook all of the kids' burgers well done and often overdo it.
(4)Beck K.
My review is not about the food or drinks at Cambridge Brewing Company. I work nearby and can say that it is not bad at all. Service is also pretty friendly. However, I don't appreciate that the seating on the patio is only possible when ordering food. I discourage such practices for restaurants aiming to keep their clients. Yesterday, we were walking from a movie and simply wanted a few drinks. I saw that there were some empty spots on the patio, but were told that we must order food to be seated there.
(2)Hannah P.
I went here over a year ago and it was so blahhh and pedestrian that it wasn't worth a review. It's like a slightly elevated fast-food place but with far worse "staff"--gotta work to be staff right ;). I went here for 'Lambs and Can's event which had a fricken awesome menu full of lamb burgers, homemade sausage with tomato chutney on a pretzel bun (!!), lamb kebab and leg of lamb. We arrived and the staff directly running the event were awesome. Friendly, well informed about the menu and beer selections. ETC. We ordered a bunch of things to try and a beer each (only two available at the event) and then realized all the outdoor seating was filled. A lot of people were not even eating at the event or eating at all!!! Rather, they were hanging out taking up space while people tried to figure out how to eat what they had ordered and picked up. We went inside because there is no where to eat in this area outside of the resto and we had beer which narrowed the options. The host inside told us "only food from inside"--are you kidding me? We were told the bar or bar tops were an option. Shocked by the attitude, stupidity of how poorly organized the event was seating-wise and crappy staff, we went to the bar. The bartender barked that it was only bar tops that was available for the event. Seriously dude, remember that patrons pay your salary! We ate at the bar top and scooted right out of there. What a scrappy place full of mediocre food and poor service. Outside vendors should re-evaluate working with this place if they want to maintain their business and reputation.
(1)Wendy K.
I really liked the mimosa and they were helpful giving me hints about the t . I liked the atmosphere. My hubby liked his beer Charles river porter, brewed there! My friend did not like her non alcoholic beer. The bathrooms were nice!
(4)Erin B.
I had a wonderful experience here overall. We took a bit of a trek through Kendall Square from the movie theater to find a place close enough to grab a beer before our movie. One of us had a slight injury to the foot so we didn't want to walk much! We stumbled upon CBC and thought it would be a great option to sample some local brews. I wasn't enamored with any of the beers, but they were unique, fresh and the establishment clearly takes pride in its offerings. I have narrow taste in beers, typically staying away from IPAs and heavier beers like stouts and porters, so I understand when rotating menus may not have the particular things that I like. The bartender was friendly, but not overbearing. We ended up coming back after our movie to grab an appetizer and another round of beers. The calamari was excellent! I especially loved the peppers and artichokes mixed in, and the dipping sauce. Also, the large mural on the left wall as you walk in is a great conversation piece. We had a great time figuring out who everyone was and determining who had been added recently (Miley Cyrus with her wagging tongue?) vs. who is a long-term resident of the wall.
(4)Carlos C.
I'm not a beer drinker so maybe this wasn't a smart choice for me. I had the fish and chips which were average, I was expecting more from a Boston area restaurant.
(3)Megan E.
Great Beer,and Vegan Food? Yes 5 stars. Oh and a waitress that understands what Vegan means. There were a few options, but I ended up going with the burrito as it seemed to have the most protien to get me through a day of drinking. The portions were really great for the prices, and I stole some yummy fries too. The beer was really great, I went for a few samples and enjoyed all three beers. I fell in love with the Youenjoymystout, I also really liked the Sgt. Pepper, and the Equinox IPA was good too. I stole a few sips of the Big Boy IPA and liked that better then mine, but not as good as the stout. YUMMY! It's really crowded, the tables are super close together and in the winter with big coats and bags I feel like I knocked a few things over. I wish there was more space. Other than that I enjoyed my experience. My waitress was quick, and friendly. Our food and drinks came out quickly. I'd absolutely go back if I was in the area.
(5)Chris M.
There is a lot to like about Cambridge Brewing. The location, the food, and naturally, the beer. Boston has red brick buildings aplenty, which might not be a big deal to East Coasters, but coming from the Pacific Northwest they are a novelty and a treat. I love them. The layout of Cambridge is perfect, with a courtyard and spacious, high-ceiling interior. I am not sure how old the building is, but it looks pretty venerable. Still, the outside seating on a summer day must be among the best in Boston. I tried the Spring Training IPA, and their rendition of poutine, with tots instead of fries. Good, but fries are still better. I also had one other beer, which as of the time of this writing I've forgotten. But does it matter?
(4)William F.
CBC is a decent, if not very exciting brewery. It has a great patio, but they rarely let you use it unless you are willing to order food, even if the patio is mostly empty. This is a big problem because their food is mediocre pub food that comes with Cambridge price points. The inside is typical brewpub and its not really that great of a place to have a beer. If you can snag an outdoor spot, CBC is a nice place to have a drink.
(3)Scott L.
Good beer. Very nice staff. I had the CBC Hefeweizen, which is like Shock Top or Blue Moon, and my wife had the Tall Tale Pale Ale. Both beers were smooth and tasty. We came on Saturday, so they were featuring their brunch menu. It was OK. Calamari tasted cooked from frozen, and the Caesar Salads were average. I expected more of a craft brewery menu that complemented their draft choices. Loved the beer, won't recommend it for a meal.
(3)Anton P.
Meh. Beer was rather flat and flavorless, food wasn't good. I got chili soup that was lacking flavor and salt and wasn't very hot. Fries were soggy. Service is very slow. Took over 15 minutes for someone to pick up my credit card. Not coming back here again.
(1)David C.
Consider this a review for anyone who is dragged to CBC despite their disdain for beer (it all tastes like I imagine urine would--maybe it's one of those weird allergies, like when people can't stomach cilantro?). Now, I am obviously the wrong market for a brewery (which for some reason can't serve liquor--would someone please explain the rationale for that law?), but CBC actually has a pretty delicious-sounding food menu. I say "delicious-sounding," because all the food that I tried sounded delicious on paper only to fall flat on the plate. For an appetizer, I had a half-sized portion of the pumpkin ravioli. The filling was phenomenal, but the pasta was in desperate need of a sauce to coat it. I think there may have been the tiniest hint of a cream sauce, but it tasted as if I was eating pasta tossed from a pot of boiling water into a colander and onto my plate. I thought the ribeye special, priced at $23, sounded like a good deal, but it turned out to be a pretty lackluster steak. Served with brussels sprouts and romanesco (both of which failed to leave an impression of any kind), the steak was well-cooked, but underseasoned. The foie gras butter on top (which was the real selling point for me), was the only thing that added another dimension to the dish, but even that underwhelmed. Dessert was even worse, as I tried a beer creme brulee which tasted like a sour egg custard, topped with a limp, acrid sugar crust. Our server was funny and attentive, and pretty much the only thing keeping my experience from being a total disappointment.
(2)Andrea L.
I'm not the biggest fan of brew pubs. I used to be - when I drank a lot of beer, and when my boyfriend got paid in "brewery bucks and I drank and ate free. But I haven't been to many in Portland, and here I go visiting one I've been to before yet again. It's kinda like every brewery I've ever been to. Which is generally my complaint about breweries and often brewery food. A little crowded at some spots. The outside area is really nice - that's really the time and way to go. Beers were pretty good - I tried a few, and food was decent - but nothing awesome. A nice friendly crowd, decent location. Just wish it offered more.
(3)Anthony J.
I'd probably give 3.5 stars if that was an option, but I'm going to bump up to 4 because I really did enjoy my experience at Cambridge Brewing Co. I met a friend for brunch here and we were seated very quickly. Service throughout the meal was great, even as the brunch crowd got larger. I got the sunrise burger with tater tots and was pretty happy with that choice. Food didn't blow my mind, but it was certainly a delicious brunch that I would come back for! As someone pretty into craft beers and trying breweries all over in my travels, I was a fan of the beers here. I had two different ones, a stout and a saison, and enjoyed both. I hope to come back and try out their rotating brunch benedict options. With it's laid back vibe and cool location, I'd recommend a trip to CBC if you get a chance.
(4)Alie C.
The beers: phenomenal. The food: decent. We tried the Sgt. Pepper Farmhouse Ale (nicely spiced for a cold, rainy day) and Spock's Brain IPA (floral but not too bitter and a relatively low ABV of 6.5%; perfect for lunch). The beers were great and the pricing was just fine. The food was less amazing; I had the CBC burger and my husband had the pulled pork sandwich. His fries came way overcooked and dried out; must have been the bottom of the basket. My salad had nice fresh greens, but they were drowned in a heavy, sugary vinaigrette. He enjoyed his sandwich a great deal, and mine was good too - nice and pink (medium rare) and the ale-braised onions were a nice touch. It's a nice place to stop for lunch, but go for the beer!
(3)Mansi N.
Had dinner here during a recent trip to Boston. Great place to have dinner with friends. The food was just ok for me. My husband enjoyed the poutine tots. My black bean burger was a little too thick and I was not impressed with the quality of bread. I did really like the sweet potato fries. My friends seemed to enjoy their food so perhaps my meal was the exception. Not sure I'd return here but seems like a fun place to go for happy hour and in a neat part of the city.
(3)Beka O.
Cambridge brewing company is great for larger parties because it has a lot of space and a diverse menu that can satisfy the most picky of palates. They have a great selection of beers and their food is pretty good. Get the nachos! Reservation times seem like a pretty fluid concept here given that they have so many large parties so just beware that you might have to wait in the bar area for a while before your table is ready.
(4)Nisha P.
Came here with a HUGE group of classmates. We had made a reservation for 16 and had way more than 16 show up. The servers were quick to accommodate and serve everyone. I was very impressed. Food was ok - the mussels were good, but naturally not too filling. I also got the hushpuppies which were quite decent. I still wasn't very full, so I had some of my friend's pizza. Overall a good experience.
(3)Nan C.
Went here for brunch on Saturday as we didn't feel like waiting for a table at our usual spots. So glad we did! Got seated right away, everything was absolutely delicious and the service excellent!
(5)Nicholas F.
Decidedly mediocre and expensive for what it is. I've been here twice, last time I had a burger, which was okay. We were interested in ordering the fish tacos but they were at a "market price" of $22, which is insane. The place makes a big deal about their beer but it is nothing to write home about. I'd go back because I live down the street and they have tables outside, but this is just some random pub with aspirational airs.
(2)Andrea B.
Having just finished our very stressful BollyX instructor exams at Cambridge Athletic Club this past Sunday, Nandanie S. and I found ourselves to be very much in need of: 1. Some yummy food. 2. A good beer. Or two. Or three. We were already in Kendall Square...Where could we go and get both of those things? Cambridge Brewing Company ended up being our choice. We showed up in the early evening hours on a Sunday, so the place was pretty empty. We opted to sit indoors despite it being a nice day outside, with plenty of outdoor seating available. Air conditioning was much needed after a long day of working out! CBC has a nice selection of craft beers to choose from, and our server was very helpful and knowledgeable when it came to deciding what to order. She was also very patient with our requests to try samples of four different beers before we settled on the CBC Hefeweizen, a slightly fruity wheat beer that was very refreshing indeed. We got an order of the nachos to munch on while sipping on our beers. Nine bucks gets you a mountain (not an exaggeration, see the photo) of tortilla chips, vegetarian chili, salsa, sour cream, and green onions. There were a handful of very, very spicy jalapenos in there, too. As always, I wish there was more sour cream, but the veggie chili was ridiculously tasty. We downed the entire thing pretty quickly and found that we were already quite full. Overall, I wasn't blown away, but CBC is definitely a decent choice if you're looking to grab a drink and an app or two. I just started taking BollyX classes on Friday evenings at the Cambridge Athletic Club, so I may be back for post workout drinks sooner rather than later!
(3)Matthew B.
Solid choice, reliable eats. The beer is hit or miss based on the season and your taste buds. I find they aim toward hoppy more than I enjoy. The porter is reliably good. We ate there last time I dropped in and I had a tasty burger and fries.
(4)Ryan B.
Came here after dinner and a movie with the wifey recently. I ordered "The Cure" white pale ale, which was de-LICIOUS, and she ordered the Sour Saison. I was not a fan of the saison. To my palate it tasted like it was brewed with sour patch kids, but the cure made my taste buds dance. We will return soon to try their pub food and to fill up our growler. Grrr.
(4)Bing H.
Ambiance: *Huge space inside and good size outdoor seating. *Great stop during a rainy day, but the rain definitely contributed to the low rating :/ *Very smart staff with a lot of beer knowledge. Food: *Banana HefeWeizen Donuts ($6) were delicious! Can't go wrong. *Beers were really good.
(3)Dancy P.
Good starters and some good beers. Wish the nachos came with meat. My drinking companion was awesome, has great hair and looks really young for his age.
(4)Jason B.
The CBC is great for an after- or before-movie beer and snack. This is a good place to meet up with friends from the area, if you are back in town.
(4)Sydney K.
My mom reserved a space for a brunch for a special occasion. It was great to have the space and be separate from the other dining areas. The staff helped me select some pitchers of beer (great IPA, wish I could remember the exact one). I ordered a burger (I clearly was not in the brunch mindset) and it was delicious. I wish I had more to offer, but it was an all around good experience. Despite the big group atmosphere, the staff still checked in on us and ensured that our food and drinks were all set!
(4)Keith B.
Man - I popped in to CBC after walking from the Meadhall (as it was the closest brewery from where I was working). Thursday afternoon, around 4:30pm, I walk in to the bar and ordered two flights of beer. Holy shit - I don't think I had a beer I didn't enjoy. I'm not saying these were all "best beers ever" - but their smoked porter was nowhere near as "overly powered" with that smoky flavor, and the Cambridge Amber - whereas it was malty, it was one of the better Ambers I've had (and I don't like Ambers). I took a chance and ordered the brussel spouts - which were crispy and delicious, and a perfect pairing after two flights of beer ;-) I'll be back on my next Boston trip!
(4)Marc C.
Fantastical place to grab a beer after worrk and meet local professionals. They also serviec growlers and Canned Beer for what they brew, Er, GENIUS! Only bad points are: this is NPOT the best place to grab a B's or Red Sox game. I saw TWO Tvs on the walls playing TV shows on a Bruins playoff night. Hurmph. IM A FAN.
(4)Brian M.
Came here after brunch at friendly toast to grab a few beers with the group. Overall, great beer list and there plenty to choose from. We didn't get any food but looking at the menu there were a lot of choices I have wanted to order. Good atmosphere with outdoor seating for when the weather is nice.
(4)Jenna E.
Met up here with some work people while we were all in Boston. This definitely felt more like a nicer restaurant than a brewing company. They had a fantastic beer and wine selection. My coworkers ordered some food as well (I had already eaten) and when it came out it smelled and looked amazing and according to them, it tasted even better. The server was very attentive without hovering and was quick to give spot on suggestions. A little pricier than maybe some other places I've been, but worth it. Parking - find the garage that's nearby, otherwise it's street parking and that is a beast.
(4)Lindsay M.
Came here on a Saturday night, there was a 40 minute wait to sit outside but no wait for inside seating so we opted to sit inside. I ordered the CBC Hefeweizen and my boyfriend ordered the sergeant pepper. We both really enjoyed our beers! We weren't expecting to be blown away by the food, but were pleasantly surprised by the homemade French fries and homemade pickles. The burgers that we had were typical bar burgers but weren't awful by any means. We'll probably be back to try different beers when it's not as busy.
(4)Shane B.
Great beers and food. Definitely worth the a try.
(3)Samantha L.
One of my favorite places to eat lunch. It's a busy Saturday afternoon but the food is great. For drinks, I ordered a Downeast Cider since I'm not much of a beer drinker. Two people in our party ordered Vegetarian French Onion Soup, which came in a mug and was light and on the bland side. Our party ordered Autumn Salad, Roasted Pear & Beet Salad, and Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp. We really enjoyed the Autumn Salad which consists of Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, sunflower seed, Vermont cheddar, Apple cider vinaigrette and the Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp which consists of corn tortilla strips, diced roasted red pepper, and anchovy and gave this salad a Mexican flare. There was nothing spectacular about the Roasted Pear & Beet Salad, Our party also ordered the CBC Burger which came with glazed onions and cheese and Swiss Burger. We were surprised that the buns weren't toasted and the beef patties weren't very juicy but it still tasted delicious. I have yet to try their Apple Cider Donuts and BBQ Burger!
(4)Savannah G.
I love CBC- I made a reservation for 8 on a Friday, and the manager/host/server were all wonderful. They sat us, despite only 6 of us were present, promptly. The server was super knowledge about the menu and suggested brews for each plate that was ordered - it's was such a great experience! I can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Drew D.
Waitress had a bad tude and perky rack. The service was the worst ive ever seen ive been to better service at a funeral
(1)Carrie S.
I always have fun here! The food is good -- much better than most bars / beer places. I especially like their pizzas. When it's nice out the patio is a wonderful place to sit but I wish they took reservations for the patio. The beer is actually really good! If you go with a big group, it's worth getting a beer tower just because it looks cool.
(4)Lisa R.
Great beer! I had a saison. Yum. Can't wait to go back and try more and also try some food!
(4)Dave Y.
If you're not drinking beer. Don't come. The meat of the burgers were tasty, but everything else was overcooked, dry buns. Soggy fries. Tasteless side salad. Once our server wasn't getting tipped off of booze from our table he lost interest in serving us. Don't worry, he checked how we were doing after we were done eating.
(1)Michael T.
Very interesting place.... The food was decent, the service was above average, only drawback is they don't serve any liquor at all. I dint know how to describe this place really, we came here for another stamp on our passport and it's a very unique place, the decor, the patrons, just had a really interesting vibe to it.
(3)Ardi E.
Man oh man, don't get me started! Place smells like a frat house, not the same smell as a brewery. Stale beer smells different from fresh beer. Waiter kind of grouchy. (OK, I brought a baby to a brewery at 9:30PM, so one star for me too.) But the food, let me tell you! Ordered the fish n chips and it looked exactly as it should, but appearances can be deceiving. Undercooked unsalted frozen fries textured like old flip-flops. Ate eight, one was good, was not willing to continue with those odds, gave up on the fries. Coleslaw was the single biggest insult I've ever seen hurled at the dead spirit of poor old Mr. Cole (the slaw's eponymous inventor). It was sad, flavorless, watery. No salt, no mayo or emulsion of salty cabbage juices. Just diced cabbage flavored like a hotel bathtub. I was delighted the fish did not make me wretch, so I ate it heartily. Until it suddenly made me want to wretch. Apparently, you can't make a dinner of just fried fish. Wife has a pizza, it was like an angel of heaven appeared. Then I had a few more bites and realized a stray cats excrement would appear to momentarily taste better too in the context of that meal. The beer was fine, I had a pilsner. But the place smelling like it did, it made anything palatable about that beer really hard to, uh, palate. I had one. Baby or no baby, I would normally have had four.
(1)Sarah A.
For someone who doesn't know beer very well getting dinner with a friend who knows a lot about beer, this was the perfect place. Our waiter did a great job helping me figure out what I would like and what my friend would appreciate. Both recommendations-- I tried the Baku Cha and the Om-- were fantastic! The food was equally delicious. My friend and I split the peach and serrano ham pizza and the BBQ burger. The pizza was phenomenal-- peaches were perfectly grilled, and the pesto and shallots were a great addition. The BBQ burger was decent but not great. We were both hoping for a lot of bbq sauce, and it was a bit lacking for that, but still perfectly cooked and a great flavor (it's worth it to get anything for the fries.) It's definitely worth it to make the (short) trek out to Cambridge
(5)Kim K.
Decent food, nothing special at all. Service is quick and the location in Kendall is pretty cool. The only reason we went here was because we knew it would be a quick/cheap place to get lunch before going to the movies next door at the Kendall Cinema.
(3)Mike D.
This place..I really can't say enough about it. I love everything about the CBC! The food is always incredible, the service is friendly and fast, the atmosphere is an awesome blend of classy, modern and rustic, and guys...let's talk beer. The beer is absolutely amazing! The menu is always changing to include new seasonal brews, and the brew masters and staff are always ready to talk beer with their guests. This place is a hidden gem, one of my favorite spots for sure! Thumbs way up!
(5)Melissa A.
During (another) major snow storm in Cambridge, this place was open and catered to our party of 14. The BLT is so classic and delicious and I paired it with a special they had that day- curried sweet potato soup which was the perfect amount of spicy and sweet. It was legit- my taste buds thanked me.
(5)Erika S.
This was recommended to me by a friend as a great place for beer and food. Everyone in our group thought the beers were good, but not amazing. We felt the same about the food- pizza and burgers were definitely acceptable, but not the most amazing we've had. However. One of us got chicken with bleu cheese mashed potatoes and thought this was really good. Very good service and good atmosphere.
(3)Joel P.
Cambridge Brewing is in a great location, just enough of a walk away from Kendall but still easy to find. Their brews are all very tasty, my favorite being the Regatta Golden. However, the sandwich I had, their summer spice-dusted beef, left a lot to be desired. Clunky and very dry, it was an underwhelming sandwich. When the fries, which are darn good, beat out a sandwich in a meal, we have a problem. Its good, probably deserves 3.5/5, but that sandwich was just such a let down. Staff is nice and attentive as well.
(3)Praise D.
I was looking forward to trying CBC as I've been working in the Cambridge area for a while now and haven't gotten the chance until today. Unfortunately I don't have many good things to say... I ordered the Chili dusted grass fed beef sub with hopes that my beef craving would be satisfied. In one word ...disappointed. Yeah, maybe I should've just done the smart thing and got a burger...who knew?! The mediocre sub roll was soggy and the mango salsa now that I think about it wasn't the best pairing with this sandwich anyhow. I don't even think the truffle aioli made it onto the sandwich because I certainly couldn't tell. Did I mention that the "chili dusted ness" was not apparent until a burp maybe a few hours later.. I wanted to like you CBC I really did. I went with co-workers at lunch this time so beer was not on our radar but if I go back I will definitely get drinks. The lamb meatballs and golden raisin bread dish was my second choice. A few of my coworkers ended up getting it and apparently I didn't miss out on anything. They said the meatballs and sauce were unimpressive and the bread was the best thing on the dish. I'm no restaurant basher so I will visit again and can hopefully chock this up as a fluke.
(1)Robert H.
Met here on the patio with a colleague after work, and had a great experience. CBC brews their own beer, and the two I tried were unique and tasty brews. I also had a pizza w/ Vermont cured pepperoni and sweet onions. The pizza exceeded my expectations and was perfect for dinner. I would come back to this place easily - great al fresco dining in Boston.
(5)Abby T.
Great service, great food: cooked how we ordered it, great plate display, not a long wait and delicious, very clean and beautiful outdoor seating. Delicious beer: I had The Machinery of Night. I would defiantly come again! Also great size options especially for those who want to try different beers or only have a small size.
(5)Cristina R.
"Beerunch." This meal's name alone just sounds of success. We actually didn't plan on coming here at all, but when The Friendly Toast's wait was upwards of an hour, we decided to ditch it. A friend had seen a sign outside of CBC announcing that they served brunch until 4. So here we were. Our group of 7 was immediately seated. Take that, Friendly Toast! The atmosphere is definitely more pub-like than most places I frequent for brunch, and there was a slightly strange odor in the air (cleaning products, maybe?), but we were all impressed by the variety of brunch fare. Oh and of course the beer. They had some seasonal offerings like apple cider donuts, and apparently there's always a special "eggs benny." I go for today's apple sausage eggs benny ($11) which is whole wheat toast topped with savory sausage, a poached egg, and apple cider hollandaise with a side of potatoes and peppers. A great dish! The sausage and cider sauce proved to be a great twist on the classic. My friend ordered the eggs in purgatory ($10) which is 3 poached eggs in a "spicy" tomato broth with crostini. Considering the devilish name, I expected the dish to be pretty dang hot, but it was mild. The flavor was nice though, and the soup-like tomato concoction still had a warming effect. My sweet-minded friend loved her french toast, which was thick, chewy, and tasted like fall. I wish they had more warm drink options (only coffee and tea) since I love me some strong stuff in a mug. Okay, The Friendly Toast, you get a point for your beverage options. But if you're feeling a beer and brunch combo, "beerunch" has become your new B(eer)FF.
(4)David D.
Great experience with a party of 4 for Beer-unch... Comfortable, pub-like decor. Seated immediately with reservation. Server was friendly, prompt, and knowledgeable about food and beer. Brunch food was solid -- good portions and very tasty. Kudos for the pickled squash ! What drew me was the beer, though... Build-your-own sample flights available -- 5 oz pours for $2 each; 8-10 site-brewed offerings on tap when we were there, including a rotating cask-conditioned ale. Growlers / growler fills also available at reasonable prices. I sampled a range of beers from light to dark, including a hay-based gruit (no-hops) appropriately tagged "Hay is for Horses". All the beers I tried were nicely done. There's a range of styles from the fairly traditional to the off-beat (e.g., our hop-less equine friend).
(4)Daniel H.
All of there beer was great and decently priced corn bacon hush puppies were delicious bartender was very accomadating and well prepared to handle a crowd
(5)Chris M.
Woo! The best thing this place has going for it, aside from friendly staff... is the patio. There is not a better place to be on a sunny warm day. Sitting out on the patio surrounded by brick, sunlight, and beer is just awesome. This place is a microbrew, if you like microbrews go here. It's just that simple. The food is good, I usually get a burger. Patrons don't flock here for the food, they flock here for the beer. Bring some friends, get a tower of beer and enjoy. If you don't have friends just shoot me a message and i'll duck out of work and stop by!
(4)Jessica B.
I was invited to a birthday party at Cambridge Brewing Company today. The group was 9 adults and 2 babies. When I arrived, our group was seated inside. Because they would not seat us outside until all of our group had arrived. Because if I was a restaurant manager, I'd want to treat a larger party as crap as possible, you know? It looked nice outside, but I wouldn't know. First order of business. They don't split checks for groups. How convenient. When asked again, they agreed to split off our check for three of us sitting next to each other. What benevolence. They were out of their porter because, of course they were. Their amber was fair. I had the Mezza Plate which was Spicy Carrot & Chickpea Fritters, Beet Tzatziki, Sweet Herb Tabbouleh, Pita. It was OK. Beet Tzatziki was just runny tzatziki that tasted a bit of beet. The Tabbouleh was totally bland. The Fritters just tasted like fried dough. When the waitress brought my check back she asked if I wanted change. This is a bit of a pet peeve of mine ESPECIALLY WHEN I PAID WITH A CREDIT CARD. Yeah babe, go on a shopping spree.
(2)Alicia J.
Cambridge Brewing Company is a place I'll never tire of. Their beer, brewed on site, is always delicious - they have plenty of year-round and seasonal options at any given time. The food is also delicious. Pricing is moderate on food ($10-20 for meals, generally) and a great deal for the quality on beer. CBC is also worth checking out for their seasonal events! Their big parties will feature limited releases and guest taps. Just get a ticket early, because their events generally sell out.
(5)Bruce J.
Have been to this place a few times with friends. While the beer is good, the food is average at best. Considering the location, there are plenty of better options if you want a good dinner.
(3)Miles W.
I was on a whirlwind tour of Boston and its surroundings days after the marathon bombing in 2013. Not only was I impressed with the city and its people as a whole in the face of such a tragedy, Cambridge Brewing was one of the most welcoming venues I spent time in. The food was excellent, especially after a long day of walking the Freedom Trail, but I was most interested in their craft beer selection. My timing was perfect as they had an amazing barrel aged beer that I came back the next day to taste again.
(5)Joseph G.
I just had my wedding here on Saturday. It was amazing. The entire staff, especially the General Manager and the Owner, Phil, were exceedingly kind and responsive in the planning process and on the day of. Also they didn't try to gauge us because we were having a wedding. I loosely quote the owner in saying "That's how much our entrees cost, why would we charge you more just because you are having a wedding?" which is nice knowing how some caterers look at Weddings with dollar bills signs in their eyes. We had exclusive use of the whole place for a Saturday afternoon. Ceremony on the patio and reception inside, with a little bit of dancing on the patio at the end. Most wedding my wife and I have been to had either good food or good beer or neither. It was wonderful to be able to have both great food and great beer at our wedding (or Downeast Cider for her since she is gluten free.) Thanks to CBC!! Also I have been going to CBC for years prior to this and always loved it. This particular experience is just clearly the one worth writing about.
(5)Mat R.
Excellent food; and their CBC Hefewizen is about as close I have come to a real München Hefeweizen in North America. If you are coming to watch sports they only have one TV and its up on the wall to the right of the bar; make sure you show up early if that is what you are after.
(4)Frank N.
Boozy pub brunch--agree with others that CBC beats the Friendly Toast in terms of accessibility. Tried the Dubbel Nickels, a nice Belgian-style brown ale--great for a lazy Sunday morning, who needs coffee when you have a Dubbels? We ate the hash, 2 eggs with the sweet potato chestnut muffin and spinach artichoke frittata. The simple sweet potato muffin was the hit of the morning, were hoping for more, but alas sold out. Finished off our morning with the Local Notion pale ale.
(4)Nicole B.
Go for the beer not the food. I ordered the Sgt. Pepper beer which I enjoyed. The veggie burger was also decent and mainly consisted of portobello mushrooms. I had to give three stars instead of a higher rating due to service and the dessert. Although the staff was friendly it took a while for our orders to be taken. The "whoopie pie" dessert was gigantic, but lacked moisture in the sandwich. This made the dessert hard to swallow! I would only go back to chill out in the open courtyard and sip some of the various beers.
(3)Joe S.
stopped by for a quick lunch when in the area... great food (had the turkey club that was on special although can't recall the exact name) and good service A+
(5)Tom M.
We went for lunch. Beer, wine was great. My friend had the Chicken & Dumplings, said she liked it. We shared the Butternut Hummus, which was phenomenal. I had the Mushroom Veggie Burger, which I found dry & under-seasoned.
(3)nick d.
I work right next to the CBC, and its always a solid choice for after work beer or lunch/dinner meetings. It's a great spot to have lunch outside on the patio (well, there is construction going on right now at One Kendall but that will be done soon hopefully). The beer is really good. Getting a tower of one of their house brews is always a good time (not if you're drinking by yourself though, then it's too good of a time). I would have given them 4 stars, but they recently switched up the menu and dropped my favorite meals like the falafel wrap. Hmm. I might revisit this review once I've had a chance to try out some of the new ones. UPDATE: Matty and I stopped by for a brew the other night and gorged ourselves on starters. The mussels are amazing, so is the Mediterranean plate. I am upping my rating!
(4)Matt S.
Good but nothing special. I used Yelp on my iPhone to get to the restaurant and it was a bit difficult to find in the complex. The burger was mediocre and the beer was decent (I did like the 100oz "tower" for $25) but I probably wouldn't return on my own.
(3)Natasha A.
The food is not as great as at Boston Beer Works but is good enough. It has standard pub grub such as burgers, salads etc. They also have a special menu on most days with twists on classics such as a churizo quesedilla. The beer selection is not very large but very well crafted. $5 bucks for their heather beer is definitely worth trying. Overall, it is a decent place to go for a happy hour with your coworkers in Kendall square.
(3)Buddy M.
CBC is a fine-enough place to go for lunch/dinner. I get the sense that it is a very average place in terms of food/service/atmosphere. The thing is, after at least 10 visits, I've never been wowed by a beer here even once. Some of their brews are competent to be sure, but they're just not up to the level of other craft brews that you'd find on tap in the area.
(3)Stacie R.
Though the ambiance doesn't match the refinement of the food, I had a hard time looking up from my dish to notice. The beer, of course, is good. You know it is something fabulous when I can't stop eating in order to imbibe. I was attracted by the promise of local food, and I was not disappointed. I started with a pumpkin a fabulous pumpkin soup and had the salmon cake which was balanced on top of cubed squash and baby Brussels sprouts with a parsnip puree. The food was so good, I wish I worked for the Phantom Gourmet so I could try everything on the menu!!!
(5)J E.
We had an hour to eat before our movie at the Kendall and decided to pop into this place. I'm not a beer drinker so I just had a margherita pizza and my partner had a pulled pork sandwich. It was delicious! I also like that they source locally. i was bummed we had to eat fast to make our movie but I definitely want to come back here.
(4)Denise P.
Hi All Beer Lovers. I really enjoy a fresh brewed beer. My favorite is actually Barley Wine and some of the German Beers. Never a bad tasting beer at Cambridge Brewery! Price is $$ (sometimes $$$). Dee
(4)Shannon S.
Wow. Now that was interesting. I was looking forward to knocking back some beers in a relaxing brewery where I could enjoy some American fare and a tasty brew.Instead, I found out that it was possible to make Chicken taste like Fish, Make a Spring Roll Unappetizing and turn a Naturally raised beef taco into A Taco Salad. All these unfortunate incidences happened when I visited the CBC with 5 of my friends on Saturday night in Kendall. When Russ and I came in we were weirded out because a flock of what appeared like young Ben Stillers came in holding portfolios and wearing name tags. There had to be 40 of them and they were sat right near us -- the whole gaggle of them. We ordered Nachos and Spring rolls to kick off our meal (since we were waiting for friends to join us after there movie) The Spring Roll was so hank that I actually excused myself from the table and spit it out after taking too big of a bite. In addition, the nachos were pretty soggy. When our friends joined us, we were ready to get our beer on. We ordered a giant totem poll of delicious, mouthwatering Golden Ale, but much to our bereavement our liquid refreshment would only come out of the spout with a 8-inch head on it. Not even Peter North can say that about himself. So, we mentioned this to our waiter (who was nice) but MIA the ENTIRE night, and he said -- "OH YEAH, it does that. Those are infamous for giving a lot of head." Well, buddy, why didn't you tell us that? Let's keep the head where it should be, in porn, and let me have a beer that tastes like beer and not sea foam. We waited quite awhile for our food, which I was somewhat understanding about since the Model UN was getting clobbered with burgers, but when our food came out -- my naturally raised beef taco was not a taco at all, but a taco salad. Now, I love taco salad, but this wasn't the only incident at our table where we felt like we didn't get what we thought were getting. Get a copywriter, CBC and do a little legwork on the descriptions, they totally need an update. Not to mention that the beef was cold and dry, the taco was annihilated with lettuce and it was served in a giant bowl. Taco means taco. A bunch of lettuce sprinkled with beef and cheese with a few tortillas ain't a taco. Anyway, all of this would be okay I guess, if the beer were flowing like a mighty river, but in the 2 excruciating hours that I was there, I think I was looked at once by our waiter and after much begging, receive my second beer of the night from another waitress. And of course, at the end of our meal we were charged 18% for service and overcharged by $40. CBC, you can eat a D, but I'll still knock back your amazing pumpkin beer when the season is ripe.
(1)Danielle F.
I have a beer loving boyfriend and Lhasa Apso with separation anxiety so I was psyched to find out that they welcome dogs on the patio! The patio is relaxed and filled with pretty plants. It wasn't too crowded and there were other people there with dogs too. We tried the ESB, the Saisonarre, their Triple and Flower Child IPA. ESB is just not my taste but my boyfriend thought it was a really great brew. The only beer that we agreed under-delivered was their Saison. It was good but just seemed like it was missing something. The IPA was delicious! We were there for brunch and had some awesome hush puppies drizzled in honey, mmmm.... I had their eggs benny that were tasty but the home fries it came with were really greasy. My boyfriends frittata was good, and gave me plate envy. The server was really friendly and even brought our dog a bowl of water. I'm glad that we found this place!
(3)Chrissy H.
I'll go easy on 'em since I knew what I was getting myself into when I sat down. I mean, it's a brewery. I wasn't expecting a gourmet meal. Just something to fill the belly before I trekked over to the theater. I must say that I love the big silver beer making thing in the dining room, but I don't like the fact that they also use that area for side work like storing dirty glasses in crates and what not. I don't feel the diners should have to see the dirty dishes. But hey, maybe it's just me. We started out with the empanadas which I didn't particularly like. kind of flavorless if you ask me. John got the Romano pizza which was cheesy with potatoes and about 2 pieces of pancetta. Didn't look at all appetizing to me, but he said it was alright. Would've been good with more pancetta. I got the naturally raised beef taco salad thingy. I have to say, I was happy with it. The beef was flavored nicely. John enjoyed mine more than he enjoyed his. I had really wanted some Mexican food and it was better than making a run for the border at the Galleria. Our waitress was really nice and kept the cups full and made sure we were happy. My biggest complaint would have to be the bathrooms. I know they're shared with the place next door, but for real... there's no excuse for a gross bathroom. The doors to the stall were all bent and barely closed. There was toilet paper and paper towels all over the floor. I appeal to all women out there! Why can't you make sure the toilet paper gets into the toilet???? And why throw the paper towels on the floor when the barrel is not full and its right next to you??? Drunk or not, littering is never cool. Indoors or out. It might do the CBC employees some good to go in and check on the state of the bathroom every now and again.
(2)Nate H.
I'm a fan of CBC. I go here on a regular basis and always have a good time. It has a good laid back vibe with a friendly staff and usually the service is prompt. Obviously the selling point would be the beer. They have a rotating selection of special beers along with a few standards. I recommend the pale ale and porter. The food at CBC is also good. I'm a fan of the nachos and I really enjoy their pizza. Its a good place to go meet with friends for dinner and a few pints. A comfortable environment that never gets too loud with a nice outdoor seating area for the summer months.
(4)Ben L.
Just stopped here for a beer as I've run into them at local beer festivals but never really spent time in the area. I had a collaboration between CBC, Victory and Stone and it was delicious. For a second round we had dry-hopped porter served off the cask, which was outstanding. I will definitely be heading back.
(5)Ranjit V.
The craft beers are alright. They're not all they're cracked up to be. The food is unnecessarily fancy. No matter how much you dress up mozzarella sticks, they're still just mozzarella sticks.
(3)Chuck C.
Almost as good as my home CBC (Carolina Brewing Company)! Great beer, and a bartender willing to pop over to the Saints-Redskins game during commercials on the Patriots game :-).
(4)Erica S.
Once again: Mmmmm.... beer. Their brews are right on, and the seasonals always make for a good time. I had some Barleywine last night-- delicious, and extremely potent stuff! Plus, reading their beer descriptions is like reading a highly descriptive novel. There is a long paragraph dedicated to each brew, clearly written by an English major drop-out turned beer ethusiast. I enjoy sipping my beer while simultaneously reading its description, then try to pick out the flavors I've been promised. Yes, my amber ale DID have chocolatey undertones, with a hint of malted caramel, thank you very much! I suppose I should dedicate a line or two to food. CBC food= yum! Veggie friendly, vegan friendly, cheese and meat lovin' fool friendly. I recommend the wasabi tofu burger. This place puts a smile on my face and love in my heart. Can't wait for it to be summer again so I can sit on the patio and drown the day away in pitchers of beer.
(5)Max P.
I guess it might be worth coming here if you only plan to drink. The decor is pretty blah. The portions are painfully small: I had the Portuguese Stew entree. It was at least $12 and there was barely a quarter of an inch of stew in the bowl. The burger and fries at the next table looked OK.
(2)Anna P.
I think my expectations for CBC were set a little too high. After hearing about this spot for years from my friends (all of whom seem to have worked for a tech company in Kendall Square at some point in their lives), I expected a palace - no - a temple to beer. I found the beer to be quite tasty - but my hamburger, which i ordered as "medium," came back charred and overcooked. Sorry guys, there is no beer that goes with burned up burger. Oh well, the company at my table, the eclectic mix of patrons, and the convenience to the Kendall movie theater made up for the burger of doom.
(3)jade g.
The pub food here is okay, nothing special. I've had the pizzas and nachos. The real deal here is the craft brewed beer, which they rotate on a regular base. You can pick up their standards like the CBC Amber and some of the specialty beers in growlers, and try their small batch offerings on tap. All the beers I've had I've been great! Also, it's generally not too crowded so it's a nice place to chill...
(4)Christopher M.
The Cambridge Brewing Company has ok beers, a flat, family-oriented ambiance, and medium-grade food. I was greatly looking forward to trying a new craft brew in Boston when I came to CBC, but after one IPA and one ESB, I left unimpressed. The IPA had a watery aftertaste and the ESB was just bitter, without any of the spicey/wheaty nuances a good ESB can have. The ambiance is lacking charm. It is simply a place to park your booty with simple chairs and tables that look fresh from your kitchen. My filet mignon was ok, but tended toward awful once I realized the meat beyond the immediate outer layer was raw enough to get up and walk away. I wanted to like this place, and it would be worthy of four stars if they improved the interior and food quality, but for now, it's a 3 - not horrible enough for me to castigate, but not worth revisiting.
(3)Alena D.
I'd give it five stars if it wasn't so crowded. The tables are packed in so tight, you might end up sighting on your neighbors lap. On to the positives: Everything else. The food is delicious, I'd recommend the cuban sandwich, or any of the pizzas, or the calamari, or the vegetarian burger substitutes. The beer is brewed in house and always interesting and complex. The last beer I tried was the D'Amor, and it was incredible. Rosehips, and lavender in a slightly sweet and bitter lager. Delicious. Great place for a group of people. Kind of loud and crowded, so not a date spot or a place for spilling secrets. Bring a group and chill out for a while, grab a yard of some unique micro-brewed beer.
(4)Liz S.
Aren't waiters supposed to, well...wait on you? Ours didn't. He was the most confused and awkward waiter i'd ever had. He came over to our table, and without saying hello or asking how we were, stared at us blankly. To break the awkward silence, I said, "umm hi?" He nodded and mumbled something about starting with something. I told him that we were ready to order. He again, stared at me blankly. I ordered the CBC Burger, and he seemed extremely confused as to what I was talking about. I repeated it, and this time he scribbled something down on his pad. We received our appetizer of fried calamari, delivered by another waiter. As we were nearing the end of eating it, we found a long fried hair. Delightful. We did not see our waiter after our entrees were delivered, he did not check in to see how things were. I then caught him for a second to ask for some honey mustard. He, again, seemed confused by the question. I repeated my request, and he went to get it. He delivered it by basically sliding it across the table in my general direction while walking past. By this point, we were disgusted and wanted to leave, but could not find our "waiter". My boyfriend finally flagged him down and gave the check symbol. He seemed to understand that, and basically threw the check at us, without making eye contact or saying anything. We paid, and walked out quickly past him, again, without him saying anything to us. Horrible service aside, the food was also terrible. The calamari with the fried hair in it( two hairs, actually), was probably the best part. My burger was dry and almost tasteless, and the roll was stale. The fries were overly fried and oily. My boyfriend ordered the fish and chips, and he felt that for 15 bucks, he should've gotten more than one tiny piece of fish and some fries. Awful. Just all around awful.
(1)Meg C.
I'm not really sure why I'm bothering to review CBC, because basically I agree with everyone here who says it's just ok. The beer is fine I guess, but nothing special. The food is overpriced and just so-so. The buffalo chicken app was good and super spicy. I got fish and chips thinking..it's a pub, they'll have good fish and chips. It came out as one big hunk of fish in a thick, chewy batter that separated from the fish itself. Not impressive. One of my friends for the $20 steak and it was fatty and bland. I've also had the CBC burger, pretty underwhelming. The service was ok, though our waiter took a long time to bring us the check. I'm not sure if he was busy or trying to give us some space. The one thing CBC has going for it is that it's a pretty big place, so they often have tables available when Friendly Toast is full. But take my advice and wait for Friendly Toast. You'll pay less for better food.
(3)Alison C.
I like CBC, and I enjoy their beers -- I usually go for the seasonal or one of the other specials. The food's not spectacular, but it's good enough, and there's usually something for everyone. Some of the dishes are definitely overpriced, though. I think I actually prefer their brunch food over their lunch/dinner fare, but I'll have to test that theory a couple more times before I do that. Service can definitely be hit or miss. Last time I was there with a large group, the waiter was friendly, but neglectful. And it was hard to say why, because while the patio was full, the inside was empty, and we didn't see him running around with too many other tables. Other times, with a smaller group on a night when the place was packed, I've had great service there. Who knows. One thing to note is that they are very strict about not seating you until your whole party arrives (I have had negative interactions with them on this point in the past -- some people were running late due to problems on the Red Line, and they tried to physically take one of our 2 tables away). So either try to get most of your group to be punctual, or just resign yourselves to slowly cramming more and more people around a small table.
(4)sam h.
Yikes! This was bad. Only half a dozen other tables with customers, we waited half an hour for baaad bar "food." A tasteless tuna wrap, creepy ravioli in a hot thousand-island sauce, greasy blackened chicken sandwich with rotten lettuce. Fries not worth writing home about, drinks mixed up by the nice waitress. So what? Craft brews without any real distinction. Sorry, just not acceptable.
(1)Daniel C.
I always end up defending this place to my friends, who tend to be pretty critical of CBC, especially of the food. The beer here is really fresh and consistently good and would earn a five-star rating alone, but other aspects are less admirable. So the service here kinda sucks. I mean it's not bad, but the servers don't really know anything, and there just aren't enough of them. It takes several minutes to flag someone down, and then to actually get that next beer takes another ten minutes or so. Also someone needs to have a stern word with whoever designs the menu here. The burgers and fries and pizza are all reliably good, but they need to stick to what they know. This is NOT the place to order Diver Scallops with Carmelized Cauliflower, Asparagus, and Candied Kumquats (which is on the menu). Stick to what you do best! Some blame can be laid on the consumer in this case, since you really shouldn't expect that to be any good. Also, they have no liquor. I understand why they choose not to serve it, but I can't ever bring my non-beer-drinking friends here. A modest bar would be totally appropriate.
(3)Jtree B. C.
A couple friends and I sat on the outside porch and enjoyed the summer rain. Nice atmosphere. The beers here were pretty good- I particularly liked the porter. The reason for the three star rating: $16 for fish tacos that did not impress. Three tacos were enough to fill me up; however there was nothing to them besides fried fish, a little cabbage and a wrap. They were pretty bland. I have had much better fish tacos at half that price. In fact the entire menu seemed really overpriced- welcome to Cambridge!
(3)Kat R.
I want to say this place is "meh" (2 star), but they got an extra star for their french fries. Kick ass fries! Also love the little beer sampler thingy. Pretty cool way to try out like 5-6 different beers, but still be able to drive home. Burgers are good, but I like well-done, so it takes quite a while. Had a really bad experience once (if you burn a tuna melt on one side... but flip it over on my plate... I WILL still know that it's burnt. HELLLOOO! Oh... and I can see that hair on my plate when you bring me out a new one), but it was quite some time ago, so I'll let that slide. Bathrooms are shared w/ Tommy Doyles and are pretty gross... and they've been that way for at least a few years. Also, since it's a brewery there's a bit of a funky smell to the place, but it's tolerable. Eating outside is also a plus.
(3)Michael M.
This week we decided to explore one of our favorite watering holes across the river in Cambridge, the Cambridge Brewing Company. Public transit in Boston doesn't exactly make it easy to get to this gem from my home in Brighton, so we aren't exactly regulars there, but we are familiar enough, and the journey was worth it. In summation, with their beer menu split between the simple and the sublime, and some interesting beer alternatives like wild fermented wines, as well as a respectable food menu and very sociable, open atmosphere, CBC is a great option for diverse groups in the Kendall/Central square areas of Cambridge. I'd go so far as to say it's the best option for excellent beer in Cambridge/Somerville, if not for the fact that I crave variety more than anything and CBC only serves it's own beer. It does sit shoulder to shoulder with Bukowski's for this honor, however. For the Full Review: trappistpunks.blogspot.c…
(4)Justin G.
Wow, I have to write a review for this place to somewhat alleviate the presence of all the bad reviews. But you should know the food here is secondary -- while it's certainly not bad, and some things are better than others, it's not why you come here. I'll get the cheese plate (three nice flavorful hunks each paired with it's own beer) and drink away. The beer here is top-notch, best in the Boston area hands-down (sorry Boston Beer Works -- you do have the better burger). Anyone on this page who says the beer is bad has never brewed beer before and/or is not someone you should trust for beer advice. The beers here are crisp, easy on the malt and heavy on the flavor, and the seasonals are creative. I go here about once a month on average and there's always something new on the menu, and they always have something high in ABV for those days I need some extra happy. If there's a barleywine, go for it -- they know how to do 'em. And yes, plenty of outdoor seating for outdoor pleasure while enjoying the sips. This is why I dislike Yelp -- there are a lot of people on here who don't know what they're talking about when it comes to quality, or base their opinion on a very small sample (how many of these reviewers have been here once? - had ONE beer and then wrote a review? - way too many I'm sure), yet their opinion has equal weight. SHEEP! In this case, if you're a beer fan, you'll know what to do here ...
(5)Sara G.
Quick service, good beer, and great prices. I got an appetizer-the habanero and chorizo Mac n cheese-and it was delicious. Enough food for a meal and only $8 to boot. A great spot.
(4)Matt K.
Its a great place to do some serious beer drinking with your beer-geek friends, but I'd highly caution against going for dinner. It has some of the best beer you can find in Boston/Cambridge but the food is overpriced and leaves much to be desired.
(4)Mike H.
Fantastic beer! Great beer events, parties, and dinners! Creative, friendly, and warm. Delicious food! I am also impressed they make an effort to serve grain-fed beef and local ingredients. Plus, they send their grains to local farms I believe. So cool. The brewer is constantly pushing boundaries, coming up with new beers, and is very accessible. I am always very excited to visit CBC. Why only 4 stars? I really want to give it 5. It should get 5. But, several times I've been there I've had mediocre service, where they took a LONG time and were not all that friendly. Not sure if the delay in service was simply due to being so busy, but at least come by and check in or let us know how our food's doing. Otherwise, I love this place!
(4)Mike D.
I love the concept, but the execution is always disappointing. It's taken me a long time to write a review for CBC because of my love for the concept, but having given them several chances I've come to realize that I just need to cut it out. The concept: A wide variety of locally brewed beer on tap and a menu that's comfy but sticks its neck out a bit more than your average pub. The execution: Several of the beers are just dull, and the good ones aren't always consistent--the Vienna Gold was one of the best beers I ever had the first time I tasted it; next year it just wasn't the same. I've had some good food there and I've had plenty of not so good food there--and overpaid for it in both cases.
(2)Terry S.
I give 5 of these stars to the CBC just because I like beer more than you and I know better and perhaps I will only concede if you agree with me and admit that you (yourself) likes beer as much as I do and we can see each other as equals. If not... then don't go to the CBC. The food there is pretty much basic and generally I am not a fan (though, I do dig their boneless buff wings) for its slightly overpriced for not top-notch dishes. BUT... here is the rub... the place is called Cambridge Brewing Company, and with that, they make a delicious beer. Ohh.. and outside seating is a definite win.
(5)Kristin G.
This place grows on me. The first time I went I was pretty underwhelmed by the food, but each subsequent time I've visited I've been more and more impressed. The beer selection is great. I find that this place can be randomly empty on nights you would think that it would be crowded and randomly packed on weeknights. Bizarre. The outdoor patio is nice during the spring/summer- a great place to sit outside and enjoy your lunch and a good beer.
(4)Renee G.
Rumor has it that I got cut off at Cambridge Brewing Company. I don't recall this occurring, and I'm fairly sure I wasn't *that* drunk, but the whole end portion of the night is a bit hazy, so I suppose it could have indeed happened. I blame it partially on the beer towers, and partially on my enabling coworkers. In any case, I won't hold it against the CBC, because where after-work hot spots in Kendall Square are concerned, it sure beats Characters. The hefeweizen is really good. It's possible that I drank an entire tower of it on my own. I also thought the honey ginger beer was rather delicious. I didn't do a whole lot of eating in the time that I was there, but I did nibble on some vegetarian nachos and buffalo wings and they seemed to be a notch above regular bar fare. Later in the night, I stole a few bites of a coworker's burger and thought it was overcooked and not that good, but he could have ordered it well done for all I know so I'll let that one slide for now. (Now that I'm doing the math of exactly how much I drank and how much I didn't eat, the whole cutting-me-off thing seems more and more likely. Party on.) I was, however, not especially impressed with the service. We started the night on the patio, but when more coworkers began to arrive, the hostess very bitchily informed us that we were going to have to move inside. Ask, lady, don't TELL. We wouldn't have minded if you'd just said please. The waiter inside wasn't bad, though, and he was definitely very patient considering we had people coming and going and being loud and annoying for the better part of six hours.
(3)Olivia C.
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch. I discovered that after scoring a sober work lunch with the non-profit peers at the Brewery. Home-made beer, beer, everywhere, they are even making the stuff in giant vats directly behind me, but not a drop to drink ... Just put your business card in the fish bowl in restaurants when you go out to eat and you will win--the free financial talk promo lunch sans alcohol at a certain date and time and a reason to pay attention to mass emails at the office. And after all this my co-workers didn't want to splurge for a pint.. Ok?! Diet coke at the brewery it is!! This young Charleston Ameriprise robot chick had her 10 minute spiel about long term investments, Roth IRAs, and money market accounts. We gave her fake names and fake phone numbers. We were all equally ignorant about investments and hungry for fried food. Oh yeah. I am writing a food review. The fall salad was off the coat-hook. Endive, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin, pumpkin dressing. Too much pumpkin. No way! Refreshing! Have it with their famous pumpkin beer, which I would have done if I was at a normal lunch at the brewery. I also ordered spicy shrimp but actually never got it! Ha! The waitress ignored us when she found out we were free lunchers.. I didn't push the issue. I had a lovely time coming all the way from Boston for a "free lunch." I may report back on the Cambridge Brewing Co. beer at some distant future.
(4)Arjun K.
This place has awesome beer and the foods not too shabby either. Its not the best place if you only have 2 or 3 people but I think it would be a great place for larger groups. Our server was also great. she was helpful and she recommended a couple of really tasty beers that basically made the night. Also, if you're planning on seeing a movie, you can get general admission tickets there for $6.50.
(4)Maggie S.
We went to the Cambridge Brewing Company last week and had a pretty mediocre experience. We definitely want to go back and try them out again, but not for a while. They had a great draught beer list and the service was great but it was the food that left more to be desired. It was a tuesday night and this restaurant was packed! We were hoping to sit at the bar but it was completely full and so we took a table in the dining room. Our server seemed experienced and payed close attention to detail but our drinks did take about 15 minutes to arrive after we ordered them. They were undergoing one of the first nights on their new spring menu and I ordered the lamb shank which the server admitted he had not tried but told me that he had served it that night and that everyone who ordered it loved it. My husband ordered a seafood and linguini dish. His pasta was so salty and my lamb shank came out with no sauce and completely dry. It was luke warm with a tomato paste type drizzle on top. It was served on top of an ice cold couscous with what looked like boiled chopped asparagus and other mixed vegetables. When I ordered the lamb shank I was most excited about the asparagus and thought it would have been pan seared with seasonings or roasted in the oven. The luke warm lamb shank and ice cold couscous was awful! This was the first time I have ever sent a dish back to the kitchen because I could not endure the meal. Our server took good care of us and made sure that the dishes were taken off of our bill. I would like to give these guys another chance! They use local ingredients in their food and promote a great business. Maybe next time they will have perfected their menu.
(3)Joanna A.
I might be biased because i live down the street, but i love this place. We come here alot. I don't like beer but they have good wines too. I LOVE the burger with sauteed mushrooms and gorgonzola. Also, i would say that their pizza, made with the same malt barley that they make their beers with is as good as Emma's, across the street. Other than those 2 entrees, I've only had the quiche for Beerunch, and that was just ok (and cold). I love the atmosphere, the prices are good and my husband loves the beer. Its a great place to meet friends and drink, especially in the summer.
(4)Doris K.
CBC wasn't a bad place but I would prefer John Harvard's over this place. They do have a large assortment of beers and they have these really cool towers of beer which is nice for large groups from $20-28 depending on which beer you choose. I liked their stout, heifweizen, and amber but I didn't like their golden. Stay away from the honey ginger beer...it is disgusting! As for the food my fish and chips were dry and tasteless. I felt like the forgot about my fish in the kitchen and just decided to leave it in the deep fryer for fun. The sirloin burger was cooked correctly but again was lacking in flavor. I understand that CBC is not suppose to be known for it's food but they could have done a much better job.
(3)