Miracle of Science Bar - Grill
321 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139
Miracle of Science Bar - Grill Menu
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Main
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Address :
321 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02139 - Phone (617) 868-2866
- Website https://www.miracleofscience.us
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 1:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner, Late Night
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Juke Box
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Drive-Thru : No
Caters : No
Categories
Burgers
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Andy T.
I'm with Erica S. - MOS is a fine bar and all, and the food is decent, but where is the science? Black "lab" countertops are not enough, and the "periodic table" menu is merely a step in the right direction. This place needs to serve drinks in beakers!
(3)S W.
It's a fun bar. And if you are a girl looking for a science geek husband, you may just meet him here. My engineer husband and his friends go gaga for the lab tables and the menu which is placed creatively in a periodic table. But despite these cute aesthetics, this bar is not gimmicky at all. Spring and summer here are the best because they open up the large windows so you can have summer breeze while enjoying your beer. It tends to not be too packed and is not loaded with undergrads and bachelorette parties. Just a chill crowd of late 20's to early 40's. Food is pretty good but limited selection. Really good green salad- really good hummus. Burgers are also tasty-- Overall, a fun neighborhood bar.
(4)Mike R.
Surprisingly good but not exceptional hummus, delicious straightforward burger. Good place to grab a quick, no thrills, casual dinner.
(3)Wendee M.
Once I finally used a commando style approach to secure a table...the food was good! I like the concept and atmosphere here. It seems to be a good place to meet up with friends..but I would rather go somewhere I did not have to stage a military mission to secure a table!
(2)Chere G.
I went here Friday nigt wit Roni and Cara as a dinner stop since we were heading to chheck out Lez Zep at the Middle East. Not bad, not great. It's cool. I wouldn't not go and I wouldn't necessilary consider this on my top 10 to go with friends. So I won't spend too much time on this one as I want my 200th review to come alot quicker than the 100th. So I shall bullet point. * Drinks are average - served in the old scool, dirty, basement pub type glasses your daddy would cringe at if he knew you went to. It was barely a full shot. * Don't go if you require the regimented dinner experience- greeted by hostess and seated. It's like this - when you are lucky a table will open up. Keep your eyes open and altough it's a bit sketchy you may have to stalk a table. Hopefully you can do this without an awkward momment. Or you will be lucky like Cara with a Dude and his girlfriend offering for us to sare with them. * Unless you can handle it - I don't suggest the Roni burger. It's as hot as hell - ok so I'm a wuss. I got it because ofcourse I was with my gurl Roni and well you know - gotta give your friend some love. It was a burger with Jalepenos in it + jalepeno cheese. Holy Fuck! * Minus one star for the waitress to tell me after I was 1/2 way through that blue cheese dressing is a nice addition. If you know tis, at least suggest it. * Altough the burgers are cooked well and served with greasy potatoe bits. I would ave preferred fries - minus anoter star. * No menus - check the wall. * It's small - go with patience. * Prices are OK - $15 I got a dinner and drink. I'm glad I went, but it will probably be a while before I venture back.
(3)Tracy H.
Went in on a Friday night for dinner and some drinks. Music was a little loud to have reasonable conversation, but the atmosphere was fun. We each had a blue cheese burger, which was pretty good, but not the best I've had. (That is reserved for a place in DC). The burger came with a side of roasted potatoes, which was a nice change from french fries. I'd visit again, but I'll keep looking for that perfect burger.
(4)Alyssa H.
I forgot how much I love this place. Saturday night I was supposed to meet some friends at Middlesex but when I got a block away I noticed a line. Horrified, I pulled my friend out of line and into the warmth of Micracle of Science. We were immediately greeted by a very friendly and funny bouncer, whe spent a few minutes poking fun at my friend's new passport (Has anyone seen those? hysterical) and despite being around 10:30 on a Saturday easily found seating. The waitress service is a little slow and the wine selection is pretty much non existent, as when asked what kind of red wine they had, I was told "red", but the food is always good. Great for an informal night of chatting with friends - sure beats the pretention, cover charge and line next door.
(4)Jamie S.
Popped in to Miracle of Science on a frigid Saturday night to formulate a plan of attack on the OBSCENELY long line at Middlesex next door. This place was not crowded without feeling empty -- just a great vibe overall. Service was solid, the atmosphere was perfect (love the periodic table menu) and the quesadillas we had were absolutely delicious. Check it out.
(4)Ty V.
While I really like the MOS, it seems to represent the new bar scene that's slowly making in-roads into Central Square. At one point in time this bar was sort of an anomaly (clean, trendy atmosphere), in that it was next to Caribbean Rhythm & Spice and almost across the street from the Cambridge Port Saloon. However now that Caribbean Rhythm & Spice has been replaced by the Middlesex and the Cambridge Port Saloon is gone, the MOS fits in perfectly. The MOS is a clean, somewhat non-descript, unoffensive place to go for great burgers and good drinks. Mellow crowd, most of whom appear to be hangin' with friends and having good conversations. The fact that the menu on the wall is written in the format of the Periodic Table, is a definite reminder that you're in 'MIT Country"... which is cool with me. Great place to meet-up with friends in Central Square, especially if its a diverse group who like hagin' in different Boston social scenes. So, if you're planning on night out in Central Square and you're looking for place where your friends from Cambridge, Back Bay, Allston, JP and the South End can ALL have good time...MOS is good place to go.
(4)Amaker L.
NoT bad for a lazy Sunday, drinks during the week with pals. I like that it's not a hokey corny actual science bar. Nerds are way smarter than that. It's near MIT the layout and furniture are technical and the menu looks like a periodic table and that's good enough for me. The food is generally well executed, The portion sizes are perfect and I won't even complain about the price. This place overall is my kind of establishment to relax in and I do not mind dropping cash here.
(4)Sylvia C.
Lame . Small . No beer selection . Lot's of buisness butts mixed in with hipsters that went out of style a year or two ago . (sigh) The staff are nice enough though , but i think they realise it's kinda lame there they all seem a little depressed.
(1)Josh R.
One extra star for both the Ronie Burger and the chicken sandwich with habanero mango salsa. They're both delish!
(3)Wontae S.
You can't visit MIT and leave without a visit to the Miracle of Science. It's got a intellectual, unassuming charm unlike the bars around the other school in Cambridge. Try the Jalapeno Burger from the periodic table menu and enjoy one of many micro-brewed beers on tap. Not somewhere that is good for large groups, but always a great place for a pre-drink before hitting up the nightlife. Also, bar is surprising busy during weekday afternoons.
(4)Adam G.
I really like the atmosphere of this cozy bar/grill. The tap selection is small but very good. The Ronnie Burger was amazing. The wait staff and management are very pleasant and approachable. Great experience!
(5)Michael C.
The moment we walked in, we knew we picked the right place. It was our first night in town and the first meal. The waitress was from our home stat of pa. and my favorite beer, from our home town, Victory Hop Devil was on tap. I left my safety out the door and got the Ronnie, jalapeno burger. Huge kick, but the beer cooled it off. yum yum. they also had skewers and hummus. simple menu, good beers, great time.
(5)Smitha S.
Great brunch place and very reasonably priced for the pocket pinchers like me. Great value for your money. I ordered the mexican egg sandwich with salsa and LOVED it. everyone else at our table liked their food. Think their french toast was weird tasting. So I'd stay away from that next time.
(4)Thomas G.
Portions small for the price- doesn't accept credit cards either, which is really annoying for a place like this. The chairs- or should I say cube like things- that you sit on make the whole experience very uncomfortable.
(1)Mykle L.
this place is a nice small bar & grill very unique menu on a chalk board hard to explain right now haha but drinks are cheap for boston and very chilled bartenders and waitresses.. food is great good portions ....
(4)Mabel C.
I like how this place is laid out like a chemistry lab with a periodic table for a menu. However, at the recommendation of a coworker, I tried the Roni burger and found it so-so. If this were in Harvard Square I'd probably frequent it more often (proximity factor), but since there are other burger places just as good in Harvard Square, I wouldn't go out of my way for this place.
(3)EssJay M.
Tasty burger (but not the best i've had) and home fries. Not sure it's worth the price. Good atmosphere.
(3)Lee H.
Fun environment. Nicely grilled burgers and meats, good sides. Hard to find tables at lunch. Recommended.
(4)Claire R.
Um, I love it :) I love the theme and the people, the food is great(phantom approved), and I love the big beer selection. It's my favorite place in Central to drink and get a burger. Even if I'm at the Middle East for a show or Zuzu for dancing, we'll go here for last call.
(5)John W.
What's not to love about having a drink served in a beaker? The bar sports a large drink menu yet the grill offers a small food selection. They do, however, have veggie options. The crowd is typically laid-back; whether you have a ph.D. or not, you should have a good time.
(4)Alden F.
I like the atmostphere and the they have a good selection of beers. The food is just average and the service is terrible. I've been here twice and both times we had multiple servers who just acted like they couldn't care less if or when we got served. Yeah, I know its a crowded bar, but it really wasn't that crowded either time I was there and the servers were just very unfriendly. Also extremely annoying and adding to the bad service is the fact that if you ask for a menu, they tell you "it's on the board" which happens to be a chalkboard cleverly designed like the table of contents but unfortunately not really readable when you are on the other side of the bar so you are forced to go stand awkwardly looking over peoples heads to try to figure out what you can order. Would it really be that difficult to print some paper menus? The food is only so-so on top of that...
(2)Jessica R.
This place acts as a kind of landmark for the stretch of Mass Ave between Central and MIT. Its facade juts out from the corner and you can catch a quick glimpse of young professionals eating their yuppy food in front of a big periodic table like menu. Always is busy.
(3)Rohit S.
I have been going to this place with friends on Monday nights for about a year and absolutely love it. The burgers are great and come with their own special potatoes that are great, no fries here! The turkey chili is one of the best chilis I have had. The spices are somewhat unique and it is actually more soupy than thick, but the flavors are amazing so if you like chili, you need to check this out.
(4)Arik C.
Great burgers! Love the food here, they really do it right. Not a huge selection but still good. Laid back crowd on weekends and never any attitude.
(4)Aleksandra S.
I can say it with one sentence: Solid, good bar in great location with good burgers. Probably my favourite in Cambridge.
(5)Mags L.
update: so i've been coming pretty regularly and it's never a disappointing visit. either by myself enjoying the hummus plate and some ipswich ale at the bar w/the cool bartenders, or yukking it up w/co-workers. good times, good times. every time i come here someone is eating a burger and i say to myself "self, that burger looks damn fine." so the other day, i actually periodic charted my way to a tasty burger and roasted (fried?) potatoes. 'twas a juicy burger. meal was enhanced by a refreshing ipswich ale. i've had better burgers, colder beers, and nicer waitresses, but there's something really relaxing about this place on a sunny sunday afternoon. i prefer it during these times when the place is less crowded and people are just there to spend their idle time and enjoy some pub grub. note: the hummus plate is not too shabby either. and the veggie burger is pretty fantastic too.
(4)Stephen K.
Noisy bar/grill on the south side of Central Square. They have burgers and sandwiches that aren't bad. Their jalapeno burger is very spicy, if you're into that sort of thing. They have an okay selection of beers, nothing special as far as I can remember. Couple weeks ago I had one of those, a car bomb and a double espresso from Toscanini (I don't know what I was thinking) and I almost had a heart attack right there.
(3)Michael K.
I have one complaint about Miracle of Science Bar & Grill, which I will save for the end of my review so that I might build an orderly and logical basis. The burgers are too small for how mother-effing delicious they are.
(4)Robby T.
3 stars but I love all three!!! Can that be possible?!??! I love the shape and size of the space. The periodic table menu is a nice touch, but I wish the food which said menu offered tasted better. Ordered a blue cheese burger, medium. Received a medium rare-to-rare burger w/ blue cheese dressing. Hmmm....I ate it though and enjoyed some of the average beers on tap.
(3)Chelsea P.
I went to Miracle around 8:30 on a Friday night. Of course, there was no seating to be had - my co-workers and I waited just about a half an hour fror a table. In the meantime, I enjoyed a nice, cold UFO draft, which impressed me, because it's not always easy to find. After we sat down, we ordered quesadillas, which were pretty good, though not outstanding. I wish I ordered a veggie kebab. The prices are fairly average for Central Square, with drinks being somewhat cheap. The service wasn't terrible, and we were able to watch the line for Middlesex out the window, and head over there at an opportune time. I wasn't wowed, but nothing in my experience would warrant a bad review. I think I'll try it again on a less busy night.
(3)Wendy B.
One of the best bars in Cambridge, in my book. Great beers on tap, health and delicious food, totally laid-back atmosphere. Only problem is that it's often cold, especially when the garage door window is open and especially near the door.
(4)Susan J.
I have a thing for nerds, so it makes sense that I would also like Miracle of Science. It's geek chic AND they have free wifi (not that I can picture typing on my laptop at a bar, even I'm not that big of a nerd). The prices are also reasonable, the portions are generous, and it's a great place for a Sunday night weekend recap with friends.
(4)Brad D.
one very intelligent establishment.
(5)Tarun D.
good food, drinks and cool peeps. couple of waitresses should learn the fact that a smile goes a long way when it's time for me to tip. a lot of cute girls go to this place on the weekends due to the popular, so called "club" next door. one thing i don't enjoy too much, but worth it, is the waiting for a table - this place is always packed when i go here except during lunch time. anywho, if you're looking for a good spot to chill, have a few potato bites and have a few good beers, this is a place to have a good time. cheers!
(4)Laura P.
Miracle of Science is a decent place for brunch. They've got your standard eggs, omelets, a breakfast wrap, french toast but they try to add a twist like chicken jalapeno sausage or a grilled banana (with the f toast). Prices are pretty good (around $7 for brunch items) but the portions reflect that. Others in our party order burgers, particularly the Ronny burger. Fun vibe. A convenient place to stop by after hitting the MIT Museum.
(4)Mike F.
contrary to popular belief, tourists don't really come here. this place is for locals (ie. students and professors). yes you have to wait for a table sometimes. yes the prices are a little high and the portions a little small. but i only have two words for you: ronie burger. without a doubt this is the single greatest hamburger in boston. better than any of that mr. bartley's crap. better than the allston village burger at the sunset. better, even, than o'sullivans. yes, you heard me right. this is the best burger in boston. and if you're not into hot stuff, just get a cheeseburger which is also quite good. also, on friday nights you can always getting into the mosbag, whereas that hipster crap nextdoor has an artificial line out the door.
(5)William M.
Mosbag: good burgers and good beer. From the people who brought you Cambridge 1. More of a bar/grill whereas c-bridge 1 is a restaurant-bar. I approve.
(4)shary m.
I like to think this is a secret little science hovel, with it's periodic chart menu and it's MIT patrons. Regardless of anything it is or could be, it's a comfortable place to grab a burger and drinks. The menu is simple and snacky and everything is solid. The grilled potatoes are always crispy and a great side dish to anything there with the spicy tomatoey sauce to dip them in.
(4)Matt L.
I am a big fan of small bars especially when they have food. The Miracle is small and it has food. It also has a decent Guinness pour. I like Guinness. I think it's really good for me like vegetables; or antibiotics when I am ill. I actually think the same of good food and good company. These things cure all ills. The Miracle cures all ills. It is a Miracle.
(4)Etta M.
this place reminds me of when i would get all nervous in seventh grade science lab because my crush, ben, was my lab partner. awwwww.. seriously though. i really like it here and i have a hard time ordering anything but the chicken sandwich because it is so damn good. best chicken sandwich in the boston area. seriously. i mean it. i think they have a decent collection of beer. i mostly get red stripe, dont know why, just do.
(5)peggy c.
I think I was with a MIT kid or something on some random Friday night.... and somehow we ended up at the Miracle of Science (or maybe it wasn't so random... the crowd seemed pretty MIT-esque). I can't speak for the food other than my inner nerd approves of the periodic table menu, but the beer selection was decent and it was a good place to veg and chat for a while.
(4)Ryan L.
I work 5 minutes walk from here and have frequented this place plenty of times. Due to it's small size it can get crowded at night and lunch time it stays pretty full even at 2PM. For the people who ranked on their food, what do you people eat, caviar and filet mignon every night? Get over it, it's bar food and for bar food, it's pretty damn solid. The menu is not as big as the Asgard's down the street but the few items it has, they do a stand up job on them and overall their food is waaaaaaay better than the Asgard's. The burgers at Miracle are bar none one of the best burgers you'll ever have and I've eaten almost every burger out there (standard fast food (BK, McDs, Wendy's), 99, Fuddruckers, Bukowskis, the west coast chains Fat Burger and In N Out). They're big but not oversized, tasty as all hell, and come with this potato chutney thing on the side which is different than the usual fries. I think part of why their burgers are so good is that they clean the grill after each burger so that you don't get a charcoal burned in taste. If you want a spicier burger get the Roni Burger ( I think it's an Rb on their Periodic table menu on the wall). It's not spicy per se but it has a slight kick to it. I had to knock a star off because yes, the volume of their speakers could be turned down a few octaves but it's almost worth the hearing loss for their burgers!
(4)Matt W.
The Miracle of Science is a great local Cambridge bar and grill that has a loyal following. During the week and weekend lunch time is very busy and you often can't find a seat after noon. The beer selection is average, with enough choices that you'll find something you like. The burgers are exceptional (try the one with jalepenos infused into it) as is the chicken quesadilla. My only complaint on the food is that I like their salsa so much that I always finish it before I finish my chips. The service is also very good. At night, the Miracle is a nice place to hang out with friends and colleagues (so long as you don't require a comfy seat in the small room).
(4)Sophia S.
I visited here on a recent visit to Cambridge on the recommendation of locals and loved the prawn skewers. Slightly spicy with a nice smokey grilled favor. I asked the bartender what was in the seasoning, too bad it's a secret...
(4)Evan G.
This place is awesome. The food is great. The waitresses are all really nice and attentive. They have some very good beers on tap. Its reasonably priced. Really the only thing holding this place back from 5 stars is the fact that it is in central square. If you go, try the rony burger or the chicken quesadilla, and finish it off with toscanini's ice cream.
(4)Ashley S.
Miracle of Science is tied with River Gods for everything I want (and get) in a neighborhood pub-restaurant: friendly wait staff, cheap drinks, unpretentious crowd, chill environment and yummy food. They have one of the best veggie burgers in Boston - served with breakfast-like potatoes and a delicious homemade ketchup. I keep meaning to try more of the menu, but the veggie burger is that good that I keep getting it again and again and again.
(4)Valerie L.
If I could give it 0 stars, I would have more of an appropriate review. Yesterday with my roommate I had a few drinks at Miracle of Science. We had to wait 20 minutes for a glass of wine and a beer that was sitting at the counter that was 8 ft away. Instead of delivering them, she would make other people drinks, but common service would make it where she would take the 30 seconds to deliver our drinks. The waitress didn't deliver them so my roommate finally took them himself and she gave him a bad look. I was very annoyed, for being rude to him, at so I said wow great customer service. Minutes later, she was complaining to the guy bartender and pointing and looking at us (rude) and she put both of our drinks on his tab without asking us (he had two beers before I arrived, so we did not arrive as a party as they claimed we did). I asked for change to pay my roommate back in cash and the bartender said roughly: In this bar you need to be not rude and polite otherwise we don't want you here. There is no more discussion about this. Thus, I STRONGLY recommend you not to support this bar. I usually really like local bars, but I never had such rude customer service in my life. Even in France, where people complain about customer service, I never had anything like this. I would suggest many of the other bars around Central Sq if you are in that area.
(1)Teju P.
Crazy about HUMMUS! The HUMMUS plate is excellent. Last time I shared with a friend but next time I will get my own. The place is laid back and vibrant at the same time. The menu is up on the board so if you go there for the first time take a note of it. Caters to vegetarians and meat eaters. The bar area is a low key place to watch a game.
(4)Jessica M.
Good food! Certainly some of the best home fries I have ever had. (Sigh, I just typed "home friends" - but is that so far off?) Our mojitos were $8, full of mint, and came in pint glasses. The periodic table menu was a plus for geeks like me! This place is not marked very well from the outside...in fact there is not a ton of atmosphere. But the food makes up for that. Although combining it with the staff who seems a little bored makes me give 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)Kristine M.
Yes, the burgers are great, but my favorite menu item is actually their hummus platter! Warm pita and yummmy hummus. A great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat. Creative atmosphere and my husband who is a major science nerd loves the science nerd aspect of it :-)
(5)Bryce S.
4 stars (and thanks to Yelper mike f.) for the Ronie Burger. Can you find bigger, thicker burgers elsewhere? Yes. But can you find freshly-diced jalapeno mixed into the meat? Damn, it packs some heat.
(4)Andrea D.
You know you are definitely near MIT when you are ordering off of a periodic table menu on the wall! I found it a little difficult to see the menu and it'd be nice if you actually got a menu in hand. The decor is science themed (of course..) and it's kinda a fun atmosphere. It can get pretty crowded at night and on weekends because it's a fairly small restaurant. They have a good selection of beers. The menu is fairly limited, but I had the quesadilla and it was pretty yummy! I'll probably stop by in the future.
(4)Richard S.
It gets sun in the afternoons which is a nice and underrated benefit in the winters. I've never liked the place when it's busy but I love it when it's not - like winter afternoons when the sun is out. The MOS occupies a sweet spot between collegiate-hip and neighborhood-bar-functional and the wi-fi is a big plus. It's been here a long time and I hope it never leaves.
(4)andrej s.
Great for a quick bite. Try the skewers. Burgers are good, too. If you're looking for basic, decent, simple bar food this is your place in the Central/MIT area. Don't expect a gourmet meal. True, the service is a bit slow, as several other reviewers noted. Hence the 4 stars. P.S. Melissa A, you're a lightweight ;) there was nothing wrong with your drink. The drinks are just fine, no better or worse than anywhere else.
(4)Patrick M.
This place is pretty good for drinks and food for small groups. It's definitely a good, chill hangout. They have an interesting periodic table menu, which is definitely cool. I can't remember exactly how it was set up but each element was a food item with a price being the atomic weight. The fries are a little pricy. A tasty burger is $8, fries are $4.
(4)Judi D.
This is my favorite breakfast place in Central. We scoff at the scruffy college kids spilling out of the Brookline Lunch as we stroll to the Miracle for saturday breakfast. I always get the same thing: the breakfast wrap with scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa, served with a side of tender fried potatoes. The service can be a bit spotty, so we usually sit at the bar. Also, be warned: breakfast ends at the uncivilized hour of 1 pm, so don't oversleep!
(4)Anonymous P.
Not sure why this place has such a buzz. Food is slightly better than average student food. Beer and spirit selection is mediocre. The good things are the price of the liquor (substantially cheaper than most places) and the intelligent conversation around the bar. I would come here for cheap drinks and maybe a snack.
(3)Josh O.
This place is just an all around fun bar. They have great food and a good selection of drinks for reasonable prices. I used to live a couple blocks away, and Miracle is pretty much always a goo choice for a fun night out.
(4)Bryanne R.
I'll admit: I'm a science geek. I was hoping for drinks out of labware...but all they had was a small periodic table of food items, lab benches for tables and stools to sit on. I thought it was going to be all out nerdy science. Damn. After I got over my dream of science being made cool in a bar, I realized it's a great little place. They have good drinks...a perfect place to sit and gab with friends...and their food is reaaaaaally good.
(4)Zoe W.
Go here for breakfast! Best deal you can get in the place. Lunch and dinner are kinda pricey. And their breakfast potatoes are to die for. At night, this is a relaxed, slightly hipsterish yuppie bar. Imagine lots of brick and burnt orange on the walls. I think the tables are made out of chalkboard? Well, the menu definitely is, at least. Very friendly servers, and the guys behind the grill were invariably good looking while cooking.
(4)Laura M.
This is a nifty little place. My roommate and I came on a Saturday night around 9:00 and it wasn't too crowded for us to get a table. Of course, it was the Saturday night immediately preceding New Year's Eve, on the first snowy day of the winter, so maybe people were hunkering down. Roomie says that it fits her bar criteria: easy to find your way to and from the T while drunk, not too loud to talk to people, serves Dark and Stormies. Damn if the Dark and Stormy I had wasn't tasty. With lots of little apps to snack on (hummus, quesadillas, chips and salsa, skewers) and a fun bartender who declared himself a "fucking glass ninja" while carrying an awe-inspiring tower of pint glasses around (almost touched the ceiling, I swear!), it meets my criteria as well. I'll be back soon, Miracle of Science!
(4)Andres M.
I like their skewers. Great value. Good place to meet wtih friends for a relaxed conversation.
(4)Kelly L.
This place is the best! One of the first places I visited on my move to Cambridge, and a standby ever since. Standby in a good way, as in, I'm happy to go there anytime. Hamburgers are great (the jalepeno one is hot!), skewers don't disappoint, and chicken cilantro lime salad is excellent (just have to make sure the chicken is fully cooked!). And it won't break the bank, even with drinks. Speaking of, the Margaritas aren't bad either.
(4)Sarah S.
This place was generally "eh" to me. Being located on Mass Ave is convenient, and its cool that they have Ipswich on tap. Our waiter was attentive, even though we had a big table. But some of the other waiters were pretty rude (which I hear is not uncommon here) and I thought it was annoying how the menu is written on the wall but....there aren't any paper versions. So...if you can't see the menu on the wall from where you sit, you have to get up and look, etc...its annoying. The food did come quickly, which was nice, but the eats weren't extraordinary.
(3)Christina and Jaime F.
Food wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but then again it's pretty hard to screw up a chix sandwich. The place was dead as I was there for a late lunch, but the service sucked. One would think that with only one or two tables they would be able at least to ask once if the food was ok or if we needed refills. I would have given three stars, but the service was horrible. If I hadn't been a server during my undergrad years, I would have left a penny.
(2)sandy c.
the best burgers ever. you may ask how a good burger is different from an excellent burger. go to miracle of science and find out. they also have that really good side of potatoes... the only downside is that this places gets to crowded quickly
(5)Elana B.
I love this place - great atmosphere, cool menu, fun drinks. It's small so it gets crowded, but once you're seated it's a lot of fun. Mojitos are huge and delicious!
(5)Patrick B.
Nice change of pace as they have a selection of really good kebabs rather than just your typical pub menu. They also have a decent selection of beers on tap. It can get a bit crowded at times, but if you can get a seat, its makes for a nice, light dinner & beer.
(4)So S.
It is what it is...a good place to grab some good burgers and sandwiches which is more tasty than your average pub type bar. I like the whole periodic table menu. Great for out-of towners who want to get the whole MIT/cambridge feel. Also FREE WIFI, although its abit hard to do during its crowded times
(3)Michel R.
Having been at MIT for 6 yrs, it's hard not to go to Miracle of Science (MOS) like we call it. it serves a decent burger, hummus and quesadillas. Great place to have lunch or a beer. The people there are fairly young (early 20s) and they have their menu on a periodic table :)
(3)Kathleen M.
Oh Miracle how I love that you embrace your nerdy side with your lab bench bar and tables and periodic table menu. Adjacent to MIT is the perfect place for this unpretentious watering hole that serves up a mighty tasty burger, and a few other delicious items, like skewers and quesadillas. They have a full bar with affordable beverages and serve food until 1 am. It's usually reasonable to find a table as well, but not much room to stand if you can't.
(4)Juan S.
The whole "Science" theme is a thin facade. If you ignore the periodic table menu, what do you have? Just your average bar. Not much else that science related going on. Miracle of Science even leaned more towards a sports bar, since they were showing Sports Center on the TV! Come on! I thought this was a science bar. Show some National Geographic channel! There are plenty of sports bars around Boston. I thought Miracle of Science would be different. For shame.
(2)Richard C.
At long last, a tasty burger. Okay, maybe it hasn't been that long, Wild Willy's was good enough, but it's been some time since we've actually had a burger that I can honestly say was delicious outside of my own kitchen. It's true Miracle of Science isn't spectacular, there's really two options (more if you factor in different cheeses) but it's a cheeseburger done right, in it's simplest form. Yet another restaurant in Cambridge (on Mass. Ave no less), Miracle of Science is an M.I.T. hangout and isn't shy about being nerdy, as the chalk-board menu is really a periodic table replaced with food items. The menu, while not being a "burger place" per se, is simple, if not pricey, in my opinion. The basic cheeseburger is $9.50 and comes with a hash brown type of side and a pickle. I come to expect fries with my burger or at least an indication otherwise ahead of time, but if that's what they have, then that's what they have. Luckily, the potatoes are very good, cooked well, with a good crust, and are served with a spicy tomato chutney that gives it just the right amount of heat. The burgers are grilled, which I normally don't prefer, but are thin enough they retain at least some juice, and are cooked a perfect medium-rare. The bun is nice, crispy and chewy and a perfect fit for the wide and flat patty. Usually I'm a huge snob for top of the line ingredients, beef specifically, and although I'm not convinced this beef is anything special, it's no frills, and it just tastes good, really good as a matter of fact. It's not drip down juicy, but I don't totally mind, there's no greasy mess and the bread sops up any potential liquid disaster. The cheese is fully melted (at long last!) but I do wish there was more, as one slice can hardly measure up to the girth of this burger. Overall I'm completely happy, easily one of the best burgers we've had so far. The floors are a bit dirty and the tables and wobbly, and I wish there was that extra oomph with the burgers especially at $9.50 plus tip, but it's very good and I'm very satisfied.
(4)molly f.
great place to grab a drink with friends if you want to catch up...the atmosphere is low key and you can usually find a seat. the food is pretty good and they have a wide variety of food so most people should be able to find something to munch on. the location is great and so is the vibe! a fav in central square for sure
(4)Anna P.
Ok, so what's the big deal about this place?? I get the whole..hey we're across from MIT so we'll do a periodic table of elements food menu on the wall...but that doesn't make for a good time! The food's reallynot the great and the place is too cramped!
(3)Robyn L.
I saw a mention of Miracle of Science in my Phantom Gourmet newsletter, and a friend heard that it's burgers were up for some best burger in Boston award. We were dying to try it out. Unfortunately, I didn't find its burgers to be anything that special. They were good, but rather thin and a bit too charred on the outside for my liking. I think I was just expecting something a little different. Also the place itself was quite dark. I usually don't mind dim-lit restaurants/bars, but I wasn't feeling it in this place. I did really like the roasted potatoes though -- a nice change from your typical fries.
(3)Sam S.
I LOVE the ronie burger here, and order it every time i go. the hummus and pita platter is also incredible. they have nice grub for the vegans and veggies as well. the atmo is nice and chill. i feel relaxed when i sit in this bar.
(4)C S.
The Miracle of Science is a great spot for lunch on a Saturday or Sunday. This is a no-frills kind of joint, so the food is simple and the decor is spartan. I always get the grilled chicken sandwich with roasted potatoes, but the hamburger is quite good, too. I like the fact that the menu posted on the wall is the periodic table! The food is good and reasonably priced, and the staff is always pleasant, so I look forward to eating here when I am near MIT.
(4)Dr J.
More like "Miracle of Ordinary Bar with Just a Periodic Table Menu to Pass for Science Theme" Bar & Grill. No, I don't actually want a science-themed bar but a little truth in advertising would be nice! Food is okay, overpriced, small. Not a great beer selection. Service is good, and space is pretty open and cool. But (pun intended) there was a big time "crack" dealer sitting at the bar when I was there, if you catch my drift.
(3)A G.
The jalapeno stuffed burger here was AMAZING!! The service was good and the atmosphere was laid back and cozy. Definitely going back.
(5)Gail L.
This place is great...not a large menu, but something for everyone here...even vegans. Good veggie burger, nice turkey chili, roll ups, skewers, grilled chicken sandwiches and a nice burger. Drinks are good too. Warm and sunny during the day, loud and crowded later.
(4)M. Deloris D.
We landed here one evening when Central Square was impossible to park in. I was exasperated with science after a long day at lab. Let's just call it 'any evening.' I was hungry, and underwhelmed by the decor in MoS. I was thinking there would be some miraculous flatware or beers served in beakers, cocktails in graduated cylinders, I wanted to see something truly miraculous and more scientific than those crap stools I sit on all day in lab or those epoxy/slate tables I spend all day spilling toxic substances on (let's face it, epoxy tables hide yucky things very well). The periodic table menu wasn't cutting it. I was so over MoS. I just wanted a cocktail, some food, and to make like the wind. I first asked for a cocktail menu, the server looked at me as if I'd blinded him with science. 'I'll take a sidecar,' I snapped. I waited, tapped my fingers, shot dirty looks, had an attitude, but as soon as my sidecar arrived, things started looking up. In a sweeter tone I asked for a Ronie Burger. When my burger arrived, I searched for the jalapenos. I wanted my spice. Turns out they were diced into the beef, which was cooked perfectly to medium rare. The home fries were so scrumdiddlyumptious that if my mother had been there, I might have jumped up to slap her (what's that sauce they bed the potatoes on?). Apparently, the miracle at MoS isn't really the science, it's the food (unless you're Alton Brown and food is science...I know...too much).
(4)Greg L.
Okay, every time I go I get the bleu cheese burger, so my experience isn't very varied. At the same time, its the best burger I've had in Boston. And a decent amount of beers to go with lunch. Its kind of annoyingly small, but whatever.
(5)Shannon S.
Russ S. and I arrived on Friday night Arm and Arm with Jamie A. and her boyfriend Tim in search of beers and scrumptious burgers. We arrived around 8pm to find there were a few bar stools open but no tables, alas, we nursed a few beers while looking around the bar waiting for a table. The bar undoubtedly is small, we thought we could beat the dinner Rush, but I believe many of the people were post work eating. The atmosphere was laid back, casual, and I felt extremely comfortable. I love the huge windows and view of Mass Ave, the giant periodic table menu on the wall, and the waitresses were super nice. We went ahead an ordered at the bar and when a table became available (about 30 minutes after arrival) we perched there. The burger was flat but large in diameter, hot, and damn, that burger came out fast. Loved the potatoes on the side and the brownie with Toscanni's ice cream was delicious, simple and drool worthy. The wait for a Friday wasn't unreasonable for such a small place, the place wasn't ungodly loud and I didn't feel claustrophobic at all. Totally a recommended spot for a quick, affordable burger before crawling down Mass Ave for the night :D
(4)Ruth P.
Good place to get a couple of drinks of a light dinner before heading next door to middlesex for some more drinks and a bit of dancing. The place is quirky - the menu is written on the wall kinda like a periodic table - and the selections are a bit limited but wicked wicked good. Miracle seems to get crowded on a Friday or Saturday night so get there early, or be prepared to wait a bit for a table. There generally seem to be a few seats available at the bar however, if you're down wit dat.
(4)ina c.
Limited menu but nice range of choices. Food quality is alright. Always pleasant waitresses and relaxed and fresh atmosphere.
(4)J B.
WOW, horrible experience here yesterday. I had been in to MOS multiple times, never thought it was anything special but thought it was OK/good. Yesterday killed it for me though, I will never go back. terrible horrible no good very bad service. so bad that i do not even want to write about it in detail, luckily my friend explained our experience to the T so I don't have to. I had CLEARLY (and very nicely) told the waitress that I could not eat the jalapeno sauce that came with the veggieburger and that I would like the burger w/o it. Somehow my burger came out with the jalapeno sauce on it and with extra jalapenos on the side. It was a health issue, and I made it clear I could not eat them, the bar was almost empty and quiet, I do not see how this misunderstanding happened.... but it did. I even apologized after having this waitress be completely rude to me and after having the 'chef' yell and argue with the waitress about my order, in front of everyone (8 people) seated in the restaurant. It was the most uncomfortable dining experience I have ever had and I will not be going back there... ever.
(1)Steve L.
The "Cs" Chicken Sandwich was excellent, juicy and moist. The Bartenders were unskilled and the waitress had a so-so night with us. I'd much prefer to relax at a different bar after work, but this place just might be your thing.
(3)Macall Z.
All I can say is RONNY BURGER! My boyfriend and I would go there almost once a week to satiate our craving. Ask for a little jalapeno aeoli on the side and you're golden!
(4)Lizzy G.
I am writing this review, in part, as a companion to the poor review I just gave to another Cambridge restaurant. In fact, the only reason I went to the other place is because I keep wanting to try something new, something that is as simple, fun and consistently good as the Miracle of Science. I've been eating here since they opened in the 80's. In all that time I don't think they've changed a thing about their menu or their decor. The concept is one most restaurants should follow: have a small menu, buy the best food you can and prepare it right, consistently. That's what MofS does every time. If you're going to pay 10 or 11 bucks for a burger, you kinda want to burger to taste better than you get at a chain restaurant, maybe even better than you get at home. As for me, I always get the skewers--either the chicken, which comes with a great peanut paste and bean salsa, or the veggie skewer, which comes with a great blue cheese dressing. You don't come to Miracle of Science if you want quiet. Part of the fun is the bustle and the great sound system. It's fun. And even though it has a bar-like atmosphere, I've been bringing my kid here since he was little. And Saturday night when he begged to go to Miracle of Science when I insisted we try something new, I wish I'd listened.
(5)a f.
this place is super.
(4)Amy D.
Miracle is one of my favorite neighborhood spots. The food is tasty and the selection of beers is pretty good. We spent a few hours there on St. Patrick's Day and were happy to score a table. There was only one waitress working around dinner time which made service a bit slow. She ended up forgetting to place our dinner order, which wasn't a big deal, but she gave us some free chips and salsa which was nice. The only downside to Miracle is that it tends to get crowded at night and getting a table is first come, first serve. I've been waiting and had people who came in much later try to steal a table that has just opened up, which leads to uncomfortable confrontations. I wish they'd get a better system but neither the bartender nor the servers seem to care.
(4)Juliette V.
I love the wall hanging menu of the periodic table. The chef is very good and the selection offers just the right amount of choices.
(4)Danny B.
Awesome! It would be a sin to give them anything less than 5 stars. I wish I lived in the area just so I could come here often. The menu is so creative and is presented on a Periodic Table drawn with chalk on the wall. Might be hard to read if you aren't sitting close to it, but it's still awesome. The burgers are great, the beer selection is sweet and the staff is super friendly. Definitely will recommend them to anyone I know coming to the area.
(5)Manfred S.
After 10 check-ins on more than 20 visits (per year) the score hasn't improved. My once favorite Burger is no more. It is always over-cooked. Still. Worse: The beer choices have declined. How did they find the first Jack's Abby I don't like? A Lager that had a coffee aftertaste.
(3)Tim S.
I like this place for drinks. I've never been for food. It has an awesome periodic table menu; order anything off of that menu and you cannot go wrong. Each time I've been I've had a beer that I've never tried before, and it's always been good. 4 stars for this and their music choices. They must be using a Pandora station titled, "1960s-1970s Hits You and Your Mom Would Appreciate." Kool and the Gang has a special place in my heart. My recommendation is to go here with a bunch of friends, get a pitcher and a table, and shoot the breeze. For what it's worth, I haven't had problems with the service at this place.
(4)Ryan B.
If you were to Google "miracle" one definition you would find is: "an amazing product or achievement, or an outstanding example of something." The definition fits in that the Miracle of Science Bar + Grill last night was an outstanding example, of poor customer service. When my partner and I came to meet our group of friends the bar was busy, but not exactly bursting at the seams either. Our group had the unfortunate fate of sitting at the table closest to the bar/food pick up for the servers. The servers were in particularly sour moods and literally pushed and shoved their way through the crowd. I can understand from their point of view why they'd became increasingly annoyed with patrons, I probably would if I were them too. However, from our perspective it's by no means our fault the bar's layout has an obvious choke point. We tried our best to stay out of the way and none of us deserved to be elbowed. Rather than resorting to violence it would have been more tactful if they calmly and politely reminded us that we were blocking the path. Customer service positions are not for everyone, you are not often thanked and very often under-appreciated. In this case there really was very little to appreciate. I happily point out exceptional service when I see it. In this case though, the "science" backing up a 2,3, or even 4-star review just wasn't there.
(1)Andria T.
Good food, horrible service. This place was just baffling to me. We met three friends here for drinks and dinner, and after sitting for about ten minutes with no acknowledgement, we weren't sure if it was waiter or counter service. Turns out it's waiter, but they're just not very attentive. First off, we ordered some pitchers of beer. Two people got Downeast cider, two people got IPA. When the server brought out the cider, it looks suspiciously like Allagash, so instead of bringing it back to the bar and doublechecking, she sniffed the pitcher right in front of us. Thankfully, it wasn't the cider, so we didn't have to drink something our server had stuck her nose in, but un-thankfully, she dropped off the correct pitcher, and then just vanished. After that, it was just one odd event after another: --They don't have a paper menu, so if you want to know what to order, you have to stare at a giant chalkboard behind a long table where people sit. So I felt like I was staring down this family while I was trying to figure out what my options were. --We asked for water three times, and finally got it after we were done eating. --A different server finally came over to take our food order after a member of our party had gotten up to try to find our vanished server. --Our pitchers were collected efficiently, but we weren't asked if we wanted another one, and as we hadn't gotten water yet, I wanted something to drink. --The table next to us sat down after, was served promptly and left while we were ignored. Finally, the best part of the night was when we needed to leave and my fiance asked for the check. He caught the eye of (one of) our server(s), and used the universal may we have the check motion. Her reaction (unfortunately I had my back to her) was so intensely angry that the two people who could see her visibly reacted. Apparently she just rolled her eyes and gave him a death glare, then stomped over and threw the bill on the table. There was no thanks for coming, no smile, no pleasantness of any kind, it was like she was offended we wanted to leave. When I come to a restaurant, and this isn't something that should even have to be stated, I do not want to stay there forever, I would like to leave when I'm finished eating and drinking. Why be mad when I want to pay for what I've consumed? Our pitchers--and water glasses, were empty, we'd eaten all out food, we had nothing left to do there and somewhere else to be! We weren't demanding or rude, we just wanted standard restaurant service, and it wasn't even that busy! I enjoyed my food, but I don't think I'll be back.
(2)Nastashia K.
As I've seen others mention, there isn't any real host who willingly comes over and asks you where you'd like to sit which could leave you awkwardly standing near the door wondering what's the deal. Past that, a friend and I decided to stop in here for some drinks and food. We sat at the bar and the bartender was fabulous. He was personable and made us feel we could approach him if we had questions or needed anything. I forgot his name but he had a hat on and almost both arms were sleeves. The food was great and the beer selection was perfect. Overall, I would go and enjoy this place again.
(4)Lisa R.
The servers seemed so unhappy. I'm not always happy at my job either, but at least fake it. The set up isn't great and my group unfortunately got the table in the corner right where the servers picked up the food/drinks, so we were always in the way. One time the waitress literally pushed us out of her way with a breast stroke motion with her arms. This is not a pool. Its a bar lady. We were literally tossed our check without the least bit of a smile or thank you (and I assure you we were not an annoying group of patrons.) It sounds like a fun concept but nothing was particularly miraculous about it. The menu is written like a periodic table, but there were definitely elements missing to my experience there.
(2)Danae K.
I love this bar! Nerdiest bar you can possibly find. The periodic table of elements is actually their food menu, in order of dessert, food, appetizers etc. Absolutely amazing. Cheap drinks, nice ambiance, convenient location. Transportation: red line between central and mit, buses and street parking (no drinking and driving though!)
(5)Tony J.
The food is not that good. It's ok. The service is also just ok. All in all, a very average restaurant with average food. Unfortunately, their beer list is pretty short, so it was difficult for me to find something that I would enjoy. Ultimately I couldn't drink anything on their beer list.
(2)Thiago Z.
It is a really good bar, where you can eat a good food and drink good beers with your friends!!
(4)Cmarie W.
This place needs a serious attitude adjustment. The service isn't just bad, it's weird. Nobody seems to know what's going on and they're all really slow at bringing simple things like water, ketchup, etc. it wasn't even busy when we went on Sunday at 11am. Moving on to the food: my 8 year old cousin could make a better burger than this place. The owner must have hired a "cook" without ever asking him the basics of a great burger: moisture, and cooked to the guests request. When you ask for a medium rare patty and a burnt piece of crusty shit gets out in front of you, do you eat it? Send it back? I just ... Didnt know what to do here. I'm just confused at the way this place is run and the goal they are aiming to achieve at this restaurant. There is certainly no miracle happening here so for a great meal with good service and a relaxed environment, go elsewhere.
(1)Sara M.
We went into Miracle of Science last Saturday for a couple of drinks and had a great time. The bartenders were friendly, and the food and drinks great. Not a big place, but intimate and fun. The menu is modeled after the periodic table of elements. The kitchen is open, which I like, however, I did watch some veggie burgers get flipped with the same spatula as the meat, not a problem for me, but may be for vegetarians.
(4)Jason A.
Food was great. We had a modest order: chicken salad, bowl of chili, and tortilla chips and guac. Looking around, the burgers and brunches looked really tasty too. If we lived here, we'd come back.
(5)Irwing S.
I had heard many good things about this place, so when I found myself in the area this past weekend I decided to check it out with my brother and his friend. I heard the burgers were excellent! Unfortunately, I never found out. From the second we stepped through the entrance I felt like we were an inconvenience to anyone working there. I am not sure if there was a hostess or not, but after waiting for a few minutes of no one coming over to say hello, we decided to walk towards one of the many empty tables there. As we are about to sit down, what I can only assume was either the hostess or a waitress stops the conversation she was having with her friends long enough to ask us, "do you want to sit at the bar or at a table". As we were at the table we said "table". We never heard from that hostess/waitress hybrid again. After waiting patiently for ten minutes a waiter stopped by long enough to say that he was sorry no one had served us yet. He took our drink order (two beers and a diet coke) and told us "the menu is on the wall, I will be back with a brunch menu". We didn't go in there for brunch as there were only 25 minutes until it was over (time was 1:35pm). Ten minutes later a third waitress drops off 3 beers at our table and leaves. Strange since we ordered two beers and a diet coke, but we figured we would wait until our waiter came by to let know. Well, wait we did. Fifteen minutes went by and our waiter finally returned to say "brunch is over" and we can't cook anything now. (Apparently they were having power issues). When I brought up that they mixed up my friends drink, he insisted that our friend ordered a beer. I am not sure what type of dick rhymes with "diet coke", but he stuck to his guns. Needless to say, we declined having lunch, paid for our beers and left. There was just a complete lack of anything resembling customer service on any of the waiters/waitresses we encountered. I am not sure if that is part of the charm of this place, or if we were part of some joke that we just weren't aware of. This was by far the worst customer service experience that I have ever dealt with at any establishment.
(1)Rena M.
I come here every now and then with my volleyball team, and we really like it! I love the cute periodic table menu. The burgers and skewers are really good- the beef skewer is my favorite, super tender and flavorful. The peanut sauce that comes with the chicken one is great too. This place can get crowded fast and isn't the best for big groups since it's tiny. Also, some of the chairs don't have backs and can be a little uncomfortable. Regardless though, I still love bringing people here because of the decent food and prices.
(4)Ghalib S.
Some of the best grilled chicken I've had. It's easy to mess up grilled chicken, but theirs was cooked properly. The dishes were unique and more flavorful than what you find at your typical burger joint so that was another positive.
(5)Samuel F.
The chalkboard menus have a periodic-table theme. But really, that theme infuses the whole place. Take the bar. Some bars are like gaudy showcases or sprawling archaeological digs. This one everything is on pristine display, all the bottles lined up in neat rows, evenly spaced. No long lists, just the essentials. A "shot and a beer" bar that fits the neighborhood. The last time I was there, their small selection of taps included beers from both Jack's Abbey and Night Shift, so no complaints on that front! They do a good weekend brunch, too.
(4)Nicole B.
*Brunch Review Only* Miracle of Science is a bar, I get that. It's also a cool space with a hipstery vibe and good endorsements on Yelp for brunch in the Central Square area. I went with a friend a few weeks ago and enjoyed a breakfast sandwich. Definitely a basic breakfast sandwich, with egg, veggies and avocado (yum) but not much flavor (some red pepper flakes would have been amazing). It was served with a small side of roasted potatoes, which were very good. The price could not be beat -- excellent deal for what you got. I wouldn't seek out Miracle of Science for brunch again, but in a pinch looking for something local, it got the job done. TV screens were playing the World Cup and lots of people were happy about that!
(3)Craig S.
Stopped in mid bar crawl and was pleasantly surprised. We were all pretty hungry as we had already hit 3 or 4 bars prior. Kendal square really impressed me as I considered Cambridge to be a city of tree huger crunchy moon bats ...and dickhead Harvard kids. This MIT biotech area was clean, modern and the food was really good across the board. Hibiscus infused beer and the milk stout were good liquid apps. Cool menu - I'm a sucker for spicy and there is a hell of a lot of spice here. I got the Cs (partiality out of narcissism as that's my initials) Chicken was well seasoned and moist on its own then add a jalapeno infused mustard & side of special ketchup --it really was amazing lunch - I am also a sucker for sauces . Even the side of home fries were sitting atop a different chunky ketchup/marinara sauce. The buns on all the burgers and sandwiches sealed the deal.. ..Oh and pitchers of allagash white I will be back
(5)Meg K.
It's tough to untangle nostalgia from reality, but on the side of reality, Miracle has to earn a solid 3. It's my neighborhood bar-- I want to defend it, but mehhh. Few beers on tap and no menu to look at, so you're SOL if you aren't seated right next to the bar. Super limited menu selection, and what they do offer isn't very good. In the five years I've lived here, they haven't changed out a single item. If they were spectacular classics, it would be a different story, but I'd like to see some effort to improve the positively mediocre food. The highlight is, of course, the periodic table menu and cozy vibe. Out-of-town guests will get a kick out of the MIT geeky bar thing, but locals should veer elsewhere.
(3)DJ Micaiah M.
Ok but not fantastic. I had the turkey chili and house salad. The chili was watery and needed cheese and the salad was just plain lettuce and I had to ask for more honey mustard dressing. Also, the seating is limited.
(3)Josh C.
Staff are very friendly, the theme is very dedicated. Layout is weird as the two bathrooms are on the opposite side of each other and if ones occupied you need to walk around the restaurant to check the other. Beer list is pretty diverse. Food is mediocre, and though the menu board on the Periodic table is cute, it's hard to read from almost any seat. I got the Chipotle Turkey Chili and I would not recommend it. It's mostly bell peppers and cooked cilantro.
(4)The Daily Soirée ..
Where do you go to eat after a full day at MIT for a Chemical Engineering Conference? The Miracle of Science Bar & Grill in Cambridge of course! As luck would have it, I remembered reading an article about the Miracle of Science a few years ago and so when we decided to grab dinner in Cambridge before heading back to our hotel in downtown Boston, I decided to try googling it. Luckily, not many places in Boston fit the description of periodic table restaurant so it was pretty easy to find. What the Miracle of Science may lack in size (it is only about 10 tables plus the bar) it definitely makes up for in charm. The one wall is devoted to the food menu, which as I mentioned before, is set up like the periodic table.On tap, you'll find craft brews from breweries throughout New England. Of course, it too sticks with the periodic table theme.I decided to go with the Wachusett Pale Ale to drink and the Chicken Sandwich to eat. The beer was good, but the Chicken Sandwich was definitely the surprise star of the evening. It came on a fantastic roll and was served with habanero mustard and a side of fried potatoes with a great spicy tomato sauce. It was definitely one of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever had. If you should ever find yourself in Cambridge, I highly recommend stopping in for a quick lunch or dinner!
(5)Holly W.
The cheeseburger is gross. Patties are not homemade, they are thin and McDonald's-like and even though I ordered a medium rare, it came to me burnt. Everything about this meal was cheap: the bread, meat, the ketchup containers, the produce, cheese, and service.
(1)Izzie F.
Had wanted to come here for several months and was very disappointed. This place has potential (location, good music, nice setup), but falls short - not a great beer selection, fries are just a cut up baked potato, and service was terrible. The waitresses seemed constantly annoyed with our party and refused to get us water. Won't be coming here again.
(2)Jason B.
Wow, I just had a craving for a breakfast wrap (no meat) w/ breakfast potatoes and a side of arugula. What's up, Miracle of Science? And it's been years since I've last had one. That's, apparently, how good they are. Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.
(4)Manish S.
Visited this place on a Sunday just before Labor Day. It wasn't crowded and was at a good location. They don't really have a menu as the menu is drawn on a big board using chalk as a periodic table. The place where we write atomic weight, they used it for the price. Food was good, not expensive, service was swift and they had all the kinds of alcohol we wished. Try to visit in smaller groups, preferably of 2-4 till maximum of 6. 4 stars. Nothing really eye catching, but a nice place to hang out on a weekend.
(4)Addie R.
I came here for Sunday brunch and it was pretty good. I wouldn't go back, considering all the other fabulous brunch options in Cambridge/Boston. The brunch menu is carefully chosen - limited options, but each is very different. I had the french toast with a fried banana, and chicken sausage patties on the side. My boyfriend had the brazilian steak with arugula salad. Both dishes were good, but not 'WOW'. The portions were definitely not big enough - I wasn't looking for a ton of food, I was just looking to feel satisfied and I certainly wasn't. Maybe this place is better as a bar? Not sure; I may go back for a bar night, just not for brunch.
(3)Irene C.
WAIT: Despite the seemingly small seating area, we didn't wait at all on Thursday at 7pm, and my friend and I were seated immediately. DECOR: The menu is displayed on the way in a Periodic Table format--hence the Science aspect of the restaurant name--which makes it difficult to read from across the room. A laminated copy to peruse, even one per table, would have alleviated a lot of our ordering distress since we had to get up and walk across the room to read the menu. FOOD: I had the chicken skewer, and my friend had the Ronie burger. Well-seasoned skewer, and the Ronie burger was also apparently quite spicy in a good way. I like that they have a variety of serving sizes so that people who are less hungry don't have to waste food or be pressured into eating more. SERVICE: Perfectly nice. No complaints. OVERALL: In my mind, it's basically a pub with a scientifically-inspired menu design. I wish they had played up the science aspect just a little more: shaped food, menu item names, anything! Instead, they lure in the nearly MIT crowd with promises of SCIENCE, only to give them a difficult to read menu. Would not necessarily recommend to a friend, but wouldn't dis-recommend it.
(3)Saad M.
Bar has a limited selection of beers on tap, and their "periodic table" is nothing more than a catchy gimmick for having a menu. Food is also mediocre, standard bar fare, nothing to write home about. Service and bartenders are great, and quite friendly. The restaurant layout is a bit tough to navigate with limited seating options. This is basically a regular bar in Cambridge that has a cool name. Nothing special worth writing home about unless you want to drink in this specific area. Also the Miracle of Science theme strictly applies to a periodic table, otherwise I wasn't sure why they named it this. You can do better with other establishments in the area
(2)Tom D.
Had one of the best burgers I've ever had there tonight. Try the Ronnie burger you won't be disappointed! Beers flow free, and JM is the best bartender they have!
(5)Cindy H.
Chill location. It was my first time here and I was excited to see what they'd do with the food and menu. I was kind of disappointed - it had so much potential to be scientifically awesome. Pretty standard bar food and beer on tap. Good company though.
(3)Danielle S.
Fun small restaurant and bar on the western edge of MIT. This restaurant doesn't have menus - instead you order off of a Periodic Table on the wall next to the bar. The food is 'standard' bar food, but it's well-prepared and tasty. The reason you come to Miracle of Science is for a fun, fair-priced meal or a round of drinks before heading off to larger pubs and clubs in Central Square. Particularly if you're from out of town and want an authentic, fun "MIT experience," this is a perfect, reasonably-priced option for you to try out.
(4)Catherine D.
The name of this bar/restaurant is incredibly misleading. When a place is called "Miracle of Science", I expect some creativity with the food and drinks... it should be science-y, or at the very least science-themed. For instance, they could have had something like a volcano that shot out ice cream or foamed dessert OR they could have had tater tots that looked like planets OR they could have had dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets OR they could have had excavation tools in lieu of utensils... Anything! Instead, all they had was a menu formatted to look like the periodic table. Seriously? A menu formatted to look like the periodic table?! That alone is not enough justification for naming the place "Miracle of Science". What a waste of an awesome restaurant name. Here are some names that would have been more appropriate: "Nothing to do with Science" or "Kebabs" or "Standard food and drinks" or "Tiny space" or "Moderately clean restrooms" or "At least your friends didn't pick Life Alive".
(2)Joe G.
Came here when I visited a friend in Cambridge. My friend recommended the beef skewers so I had to get that. The meal itself came with warm tortillas, beans and veggies. I asked for my beef to be medium. Now the skewers were excellent. Cooked to perfection as well as tasty and juicy. The garnishes were a nice compliment. The vibe inside is sort of a science bar where the menu is a periodic table on a wall chalkboard. Overall great atmosphere and food!
(4)Nisht G.
I love love love-d Miracle of Science. I can't wait to go back next time I'm in Boston! The vibe is very laid back yet hip. The huge nerd in me loved that their menu was laid out on a chalk board in the form of a periodic table of elements. I opted for the skewers- one veg and one shrimp. I was bit worried that I made the wrong choice. I was SO HAPPY with my choice. It was healthy and very satisfying. The vegetable skewer was legit - squash, eggplant, peppers, onions- all grilled to perfection. The shrimp skewer was zesty and delicious. Along with my skewers came an amazing blue cheese sauce, a slaw, mango and bean salad, and onions. To top things off were two warm flour tortillas. A little bit of everything all wrapped up together, yummmmm. The portion size was incredible. My friend was happy with his chicken sandwich as well. He especially liked the mango chipotle mustard that came with it. Also, the burger must be great because every single other person in the restaurant ordered it. I also recommend their iced coffee- it was refreshing and flavorful. The service was attentive and considerate at all times. 5 Stars!
(5)Allison C.
Disclaimer to geeks: this is NOT a nerdy bar & grill. Miracle of Science is NOT a themed restaurant by any means, but that is no reason to complain because it's a smart choice for a quick and yummy lunch. During the peak lunch hour, the place does fill up, mostly with young professionals. The wait is usually 10-15 minutes when it's really busy since it's a small, triangular-ish dining area. There weren't any tables available when I went at noon thirty, but I was able to catch three seats at the bar with my party right by the TV (playing SportsCenter). Once we sat, we were attended to immediately for drinks and food orders. SANDWICHES: We got the Cs (grilled chicken sandwich - $10) and the Vb (veggie burger - $8.25). Both are served on a fresh loaf roll with an excellent outside crust, none too hard but a nice crunch. Lettuce and sliced tomatoes come on the side, with a generous serving of well-seasoned potato dice. The Cs featured a really nicely grilled slice of chicken breast, and you're welcome to slather some of the housemade mango habanero mustard (or dijon, which is provided by the bottle with your catsup and whatnot) onto your sammich. It's a fair portion, so you'll feel good about your meal. The Vb featured a satisfying patty, none too dry which is the risk with many veggie burgers. It comes with an excellent jalapeño aioli, but please feel free to snag some of the Cs mustard to put on your burger. I like a lil' heat, but do note that the Vb uses pepperjack cheese, which has a mild kick. SALAD: We also got the Sc (grilled chicken salad - $9.50). Good mixture of greens instead of the typical romaine heads. Nothing too surprising but definitely delicious and fresh. There are various beers on tap, and it seems to be a full bar. I eyed that buffalo trace bourbon up on the cabinet. Maybe I'll stop by for a drink or casual dinner sometime.
(4)Hazael A.
Came here on sunday for brunch. I paid $8 for french toast, pretty standard right? But when the 2 slices of bread used for french toast are sliced thinner than wonder bread and has no cinnamon in the batter, never again. I'm used to challah, texas toast or brioche bread, i.e. a filling meal.they basically were cheap and sold the dream. It tasted like fried bread. -_- . Thank God for the maple syrup that made it easi r to digest. My friend had steak and eggs, where steak wasn't cooked well, it was sent back and still was not cooked all the way...it was basically raw, not even medium rare. The food as my friend who had steak and eggs put it looked bland and beige with no pop of color to make it appealing. I had eggs and potatoes as a side and I needed to add salt and pepper to it unfortunately. But yeah, I should have taken a clue, when the next table didn't even bother ordering a real meal, they ate a grilled grapefruit instead. But no brunch for me here ever again.
(1)Traveler K.
Brunch: There was a subtle, strange chlorine/vomit smell. Food was not that good. The french toast is really, really plain in the sense that it was two pieces of pretty plain bread and a fried half banana. Not worth it for $7. Atmosphere is not that pleasant for a weekend morning breakfast.
(2)Chris L.
Been here many, many, many times. Sometimes for the local sports team playing, sometimes just to have a beer and a bite with friends. The most memorable thing about the bar is the theme of the Periodic Table (elements) on the wall (seen in some of the photos). The bar staff changes quite a bit and are friendly (although unmemorable). Yes, there are televisions but again nothing memorable. It's a small space, probably no more than 30 people seated and maybe 50 comfortably. Beer list was okay (it was pretty diverse ... and then I saw Meadhall and Lord Hobo. Oh well.) Food is mediocre (was around $10 a burger). At least I didn't didn't get any food poisoning, right? They do have vegetarian options. I'll give it the "ehhhh .... average .... 3".
(3)Doug W.
While I can't say that I love it as much as I love Audobon, Miracle of Science is a great little spot, thanks to my favorite duo in the Boston/Cambridge restaurant and bar world, Matthew Curtis and Chris Lutes. While somewhat less refined than their other outposts, Miracle of Science still features many of the Curtis/Lutes trademarks- sleek minimalist design, a short, simple menu, prompt service, and delicious, affordable food. My chicken sandwich with habanero mango mustard had just the right amount of kick, the chicken and bun were both grilled just right, and the homefries on the side with spicy homemade ketchup made for a perfect compliment. Paired with a few Shipyard Ales, it made for a very satisfying lunch. If I'm ever in the mood for a pre-Middlesex meal, I will be sure to come back and try their burgers and skewers, both of which looked delicious.
(4)Julie G.
The episode of How I Met Your Mother in which Marshall embarks on a quest to find the hole-in-the-wall burger joint that had the best burger he's ever had only to try a bunch of different places & be pretty disappointed at all of them is similar to my story. My Boston burger mecca has always been Tim's Tavern (RIP), home of the best burgers in & around Boston. Since its closing, I've tried to find a place to replace it. So far, no one has been able to. Miracle of Science was recommended to me as a place that makes a burger that (potentially) rivals Tim's (RIP). So one Friday night, a friend & I decided to see for ourselves. Fabulous space, inside & out. Big windows that open to the street (it's on a corner, so two sides can be almost entirely open), a menu written in a periodic table on the wall (nerdy! yes!), nice lighting, great atmosphere (very open, & very loud). It was crowded when we got there, so grabbing beers & standing around to wait for a table was a little awkward (all the tables & the bar were occupied), but once we sniped a table (downside: you have to totally hover over a group that is getting up to leave if you want to get it, lest someone grab the table out from under your watch - hence the 100% appropriate term 'snipe'.) If you want to sit down anywhere, be prepared to wait. The place seems to cater more to the folks who want to have a few drinks, which would have been fabulous had we not been waiting to eat, too. Got a burger along with chicken & veggie kebabs. The burger, unfortunately - while good in its own right - could hold no candle to Tim's. But it was a satisfying "neighborhood burger," flavorful & cooked well. The kebabs were delicious. I wouldn't recommend this place for a legit dinner, but I think it's a great place to have a few drinks & maybe a small plate on a nice evening!
(3)Hisham K.
This place is okay, but that's about it. As some before me have said, the burger is not that miraculous, although serving it with a side of roasted potatoes is a fresh departure from the normal french fries routine. Otherwise it's a regular burger that's just okay and nothing to write home about. The hummus platter was decent, but that's about it. My real beef is with the chicken skewer (oh, a pun!). Not only are you paying $6 for ONE chicken skewer with peanut sauce, but the one Molly F. was served was undercooked, thus ensuing all sorts of second-guessing and desperate clawings at memories of how it tasted when she was chewing it. Did the pieces she ate taste cooked? How many did she eat? Will she be okay? Where's her car in case she gets salmonella and we need to rush her to MGH? We don't want that kind of mental abuse when we eat out, thanks. At least they didn't charge us for it. The two times I've been here, I've been waited on by two different girls who were both equally spacey. They were decent enough, checking in to make sure everything is okay, but something about them just made you feel like they were only half-listening to you. Notice the trend here? Everything was DECENT. And the chicken was undercooked. Sorry, but there are no miracles happening here. I won't be rushing back.
(3)Matt K.
This bar is 90% atmosphere and 10% everything else. As I am sure you have gleamed from the name of the bar, it's science themed. The menu is written in the form of a giant periodic table on a blackboard- very cool idea. The prices are reasonable and the wait staff was attentive but did not bug you. It is not a bar I'd go to every weekend, but its definitely a cool place to bring friends who are visiting from out of town. I'm going to go back again.
(4)Charlie L.
Food is great... particularly love the chicken salad... the cilantro dressing is a little taste of heaven. The veggie burger is great... regular burger is okay, and the chicken sandwich is totally fab! Small, intimate, sometimes crappy service, but all in all a solid place catering to the slighly geeky at heart.
(4)Damon D.
There's nothing -wrong- with Miracle of Science. It's a nice bar/pub, the food is "OK" and the beer selection is actually pretty good. But for all that, it's really just a crowded bar with slightly too-expensive menu items and not a lot of places to sit. The best part of this bar isn't actually the bar, it's the people. But you know what? Sometimes that's not good enough. I'd say: MoS is a solid go-to if you are just looking for a place to grab a beer and a burger when you are in a bar-like mood, but if you specifically want to have an "out" dinner, skip it. And if you specifically want to go to an awesome bar, skip it. If you are just looking for a safe, no - frills bet, then ok, MoS can fill the bill. I give it an extra star for the cool menu in periodic table of elements form. ;)
(3)Maggie D.
I can't get enough of Miracle. Every time I go (which is becoming pretty much weekly!), the place is hopping! Whether it be the weekend or a Tuesday night, you can always expect to find a diverse crowd at Miracle. Great prices on drinks & food-- and their kitchen stays open pretty late as well. That being said, their menu is quirky and fun-- it's the periodic table! The chicken skewers are FANTASTIC. Easily the best bar food I've ever had in the city. My friends have all tried the burgers, chicken sandwich, salads and other items on the menu-- all to rave reviews. A must-do in Central Square.
(5)Roni E.
I don't get the big hype on the MIracle of Science really. While the periodic table of their menu is a creative thought, I would really rather that you provide me with a menu that I can hold. Some people can't see the whole menu at certain angles. Lucky for you, I already came in here knowing I was planning on having the ronie (get it? - Roni E!) burger anyway, thanks to Tom E. Holy Hell this is HOT!!! Mind you I am one to normally be able to handle my spice, but this burger was made with jalapenos topped with pepper jack cheese, served with homefries and a pickle. Although I enjoyed the burger, I had to stop every so often to cool off my palate. The homefries are sauteed with onions and a salsa type sauce which was definitely different for me but consumed with content none the less. So the verdict - the food was great. The service --- not so much. My biggest issue I guess with this place is that it's a free for all when trying to grab a table. There's no order or a host that can control seating. So people kind of just hover over tables waiting to see who will finish next and then dash for tables as soon as someone puts on their jacket. So to the owners of Miracle of Science - I fully expect the next time I come in that you've made the following improvements: 1. Hire a Host. 2. Print out menus for customers who want to be able to hold something in their hands to read rather than trying to squint to read the board.
(3)Shari A.
Good burgers and beer on tap. Mediocre service. Automatically added 18% gratuity for a table of four. Overall, good enough, but the Middle East and plenty of other options nearby.
(3)J R.
Colin N.: "Are you girls going to the Middlesex?" Girls: "No" Colin N.: "I didn't think so... I could tell" We went to B-Side instead. Incase you cared. While I've got you here, please read on. I really like Miracle of Science. It's a very cool space with a simple ambiance. The slate bar top and counters bring you back to high school chemistry class. Think Bromine. Did you know Bromine is the only liquid nonmetallic element at room temperature? Another reason to like Miracle of Science is free Wi-Fi. I hear they share their connection with Middlesex Lounge too, it's called Miracle-Sex. It makes me want to Google.
(4)Pamela A.
I stumbled across this bar when I agreed to meet some friends at The Middlesex Lounge next door, that had a big ol line. I refused to wait in line when I lived in L.A. - the home of obnoxious lines outside bars, and certainly won't in Cambridge. The bar seemed ok, good crowd,but I couldn't decide if the periodic table menu on the wall was a bit much or if it was actually cool. Anyhow, I just chalked it up to it's proximity to MIT.
(4)Cara P.
Am I missing something? Ummm........like the part where they had anything to do with Science OR a Miracle? Besides the cheesy ass periodic menu and the fact it is near MIT, I didn't get it. I live near MIT. DO I call my house the Miracle of Science La Casa de Cara? I came here with Chere and we met Roni a drink or so in and we all pre-gamed Lez Zepp....... Chere and I walked in and stood there for a good five minutes by the door like an ass. There is no system to grab a table, so you literally have to grab. We got some drinks and I felt like instead of enjoying some good conversation, we couldn't concentrate because we were hawking everyone.....debating if they were leaving, moving or what the hell was going on. Luckily some dude asked me if we wanted to sit with him and his girl. They were cool, so hell yeah. Then we had the atomic burger from hell. Seriously, that one burger ruined my weekend and jacked up my bill, because they didn't give us water and I order more drinks than I normally would. Smart. On their part, not mine. I wasn't impressed.............The bartender was rude, the waitress was misleading, the crowds became vulture like (can't blame them) and the tables were sticky. At least our dinner lent for some very interesting conversation that may or may not have, revolved around a salt shaker and ketchup bottle.
(3)Gfiddy F.
Very chill bar.
(5)Nicole P.
$9 for a garden burger and roasted potatoes. A garden burger that comes four to a box a market basket for $3.
(1)Purvi R.
This is, in my opinion, Cambridge. Nerdy, cool, fun, laid-back, talkative, funny, and drinkable. Try the booths up by the periodic table for the best view of the place, and you can even peek out to the characters on Mass Ave. Try the veggie skewers, which you can see the chefs grilling on a grill behind the bar (!!). Try some brew and some good conversation. Try coming here with a friend. Try coming with 5. Try not coming back, I dare you.
(4)Julie R.
The Miracle of Science is a really cool spot for a quick bite or drink. Located on Mass Ave in between Kendall and Central Sq its kind of off the beaten path. If you notice the details you'll see there is a slight nerdy vibe to it. The menu is in the periodic table format on the wall, the stools are like the ones in Chem lab, the bar counter matches with a slate finish, there are science artifacts around the place and overall its just really neat. I've had the burgers and they are great. They serve them with these really good fried potatoes. Kind of like home fries. My new favorite is their kabobs! Mmm. They serve them hot off the grill with peanut satay and a wrap. The prices are so low. Burgers are in the $8 range and Kabobs in the $6 range. Drinks are very reasonable too. They don't have martini glasses so if you get one they put it in a normal glass. The staff is young but friendly and on top of things.
(4)buckminster f.
Not sure if the management reads reviews on yelp but I am imploring you to please put some new items on the menu. The bf happens to LOVE miracle burgers, and so we go quite often, especially since we are within a stone's throw, at MIT. But you can have the same burgers, quesadillas, hummus plate, grilled veggie/meats, boring salads for only so many years, and I am a PhD student who has been around a long time and has even more years ahead. I am sick to death of every single item on the menu, and so it's become a real drag to go there. What I'm asking is for a bit more variety, like crab cakes, devils on horseback, chicken pot pie, maybe a fish option- even if its casually dressed.
(3)Greg F.
They have a periodic table on the wall instead of a menu. For a science nerd, it doesn't get any better than that. The burgers here are fantastic! They're big and juicy, and the pepper jack cheese makes me happy. In lieu of fries, they serve you seasoned skillet potatoes and marinara sauce, and it's really tasty! If you've been a few times and you want to branch out here's a word of caution: do not try the salads. Let me say that again: DO NOT TRY THE SALADS!!! They have two: one is literally a huge bowl of lettuce, which, unless you're a rabbit, is not appetizing; the other sounds good, enticing your taste buds with promises of exotic lime goodness... but it is a false promise, and tastes like butt. What you should try are the quesadillas. I must say they were quite delicious. MoS is good for a group if you get there early (fills up quickly), its also good for a party of two! Whether you're coming for lunch, dinner, drinks, or a quick science lesson, the quick and friendly service matched with some tasty food and and a fun/nerdy MIT crowd proves for an excellent outing!
(5)Tullia F.
The miracle, apparently, is that with enough pepper everything tastes exactly the same. Pepper in the hamburger meat, pepper on the potato things you get instead of fries (homefries?...cajun style?), pepper mixed in with the salt in the salt shaker. Anemic service. Mediocre selection on tap. Go to River Gods instead.
(2)shannon c.
This place runs down the middle of the road for me. It's always too packed to find a seat, and not in a good way. They have a pretty good beer selection, which scores points for me, and in the summer they open up a huge window on the side that's kind of like a big garage door. I've only eaten there once and the food was so so. I had a burger and it was way too well done for my taste, but that could have been a mistake. I'll have to go back and update!
(3)Alena D.
Not a bad bar, but come here for the Ronni Burger. I'm not sure if I would say it's the best burger in Boston, but in my mind it is the most memorable. The bar itself is cute and small. The food is good and the atmosphere is nice. I've never really understood why it was called the miracle of science unless a proximity to MIT and a menu in the shape of a periodic table constitutes a scientific miracle but whatever. This, to me, is more of a stop before going out somewhere else, I wouldn't really consider it a destination, it's just not large enough and relaxed enough to be the place you end up for the night. Great place, definitely worth a stop and bite.
(4)Nick L.
Miracle was an old standby for me, just down the street from school. I've been back a few times recently. It's at its best on off-hours, like Tuesday at 12:30AM. At peak times it gets too crowded and noisy for a bar of this sort. I mean, crowded and noisy has its appeal, but that's not what this bar is trying to do or succeeds at, I think. It's got some fun, rubbed-off MIT personality, what with the periodic table menu and the steady stream of student customers. An honest to god overheard conversation last night, a guy talking to a girl: "I love linear algebra. Don't you? There's nothing sexier than a matrix." That, my friends, is how you snag the ladies. Not everyone there is a huge geek or talking about work, though. It's midway to Central enough that you get some sanity (hah!) from the townies. There are also a few of the people who wisely got tired of waiting in the nonsensical, artificial line outside Middlesex next door. A few comments in bullet point: Bad: I've gotten the, warmish, flattish bottom of the keg a few too many times. Good: The whiskey pours are generous. Bad: No french fries. I never thought that would be a problem until we were there one night and really wanted fries. Good: Their 'potato side' is better than any fries I could have hoped for. Bad: When it gets crowded and loud, service suffers. Good: When it's not busy, the staff are friendly, fun, and attentive. I could keep going back and forth on this place, but I think I'll recommend it at off-peak hours, and gently discourage people from going there when it's mobbed. Also, try the burgers.
(3)Tristan H.
I was the biggest fan of this place for the longest time - loved their burgers, loved the potatoes that come with 'em, loved the beer, loved the atmosphere, it was all good. Then on the day after I moved to Boston from California, we went here to celebrate, and that night I got sick. Very sick. I'm not going to blame it on the rare-almost-uncooked-burger I got that was still extremely tasty, because I was on a plane the night before and it could just as well have been a virus. Anyway, I'm not the kind of reviewer that holds a grudge for an anecdote, but let's just say I'm not ordering the burger here ever again, at least will order it well done (which is sad, because their medium-rare burger was one of the best I've had), and probably will stick to just beer here for a while. But anyway, this place is very cool and I still like it. I'd be wary of ordering rare beef, just in case. Hey, they do have a sign that says "Consuming rare or uncooked meats and poultry blah blah blah at your own risk." So, I accept responsibility, but you have been warned.
(3)Cesca B.
In honor of the impending V-Day, I wanted to review Miracle of Science. Though it's been about a year since I've lived in Boston, this was one of my favorite restaurants. I think this place gets overlooked since it's in a kind of random area of Cambridge, but from the periodic table menu on the wall to the quirky servers, this place is a must-try. The food is great (get the quesadilla) and reasonably priced. They have good vegetarian options if that's your thing. Seating is pretty limited so it gets packed at peak times. I came here senior year of college on Valentine's Day with an also-single girlfriend and the great food and great service were topped off with free Toscanini's ice cream compliments of the waiter who most likely felt sorry for us. But pity-dessert or not, it was heavenly (this was before my Tosci's boycott). Miracle is an awesome place and one of the few I really miss in the Boston area.
(4)Andrew M.
Tonight my little startup had an event here - it was a great place to whip out your laptops and use free wifi without seeming weird. Ambiance is not killer in any special way but a bit above average with a good bar. The service got mixed reviews.
(4)Charoline D.
So, maybe the first time I was here I underestimated it. Liz and I had walked in and walked out. But over the past month or so, my visits to miracle have been fantastic. Pop in for a quick drink before an event at Middlesex, meet up with friends for some Irish coffee, fannnntastic. This past weekend I came in to visit a friend who was working and munch on a burger. Fantastic burger, cooked perfectly medium rare....the bun getting sort of soaked with meat juice. While I realize how utterly disgusting that sounds, it means a lot to me since I like my beef barely cooked if I can do so without spending the rest of my evening hunched over the toilet or laid up in a hospital frothing from the mouth while my brain rots. It was a nice change of pace for it to be served with homefries rather than french fries. If you know me well, you'd know that I always give them away, unless they're covered in chili, cheese, or some other sort of condiment. Staff is friendly, attentive, and fun. I was really impressed with how hopping it got on NYE. Music was blasting out the door, people were dancing on chairs, and stomping about, shots were bought, phones were smashed. Amazing.
(5)Tessa C.
Great place to hang out and get a bite to eat with friends. Burgers are solid as well as their kebabs. Tasty and affordable. Nice laid back atmosphere. Menu is written out like a periodic table. When they first opened, they used to serve beer and drinks in pyrex flasks!
(5)Bobby F.
Service was both slow and bad, food was unimpressive, prices were over-inflated, my order was wrong, and they never replaced my water after taking my glass. Terrible!
(1)Hiroko S.
I love periodic table menu. My MIT friend told me that whenever he has guest like family, friends from out of the town, he takes them to this place. At the same time, their hamburger is juicy and very delicious. Potato's tomato sauce is good. My friend even ordered extra sauce. I think this periodic table menu makes very high sense nerdy atmosphere.
(4)James M.
Burgers are really good. The roni burger (w/ jalapenos) is hotter than hell but very tasty. Staff is friendly & efficient. Always a go to place when I am in Central square for lunch.
(4)Deepa C.
Poor Sasha and Tarah. Last Thursday, they were properly introduced to hungry, low blood sugar leveled Deepa in complete and utter bitch mode. Ok, so when i get hungry, I get mean. And snippy. And harried. And EVERYthing bothers me. ALL I wanted was a turkey burger. So even though we passed a million places to eat on the way to MosBaG, I bitchily vetoed them all. "I want a BURGER!" I bellowed as I followed Tarah as she made a good show of running away from me (in heels no less). We got there and were lucky enough to have kind Yelpers give up their seats for us at the bar so we could eat. No turkey burgers (curses!) but I was so hungry a chicken sandwich did the trick. I may or may not have eaten it in two-three bites. Not my best moment. The sandwich was good - well cooked, hot, with a great mango mustard. No fries, but home fries - which were also good. Even if I wasn't a hungry hungy hippo, I would have still liked it. I didn't try Sasha's burger, but I did nibble on Tarah's quesedilla, which was nice and spicy. Well done, griller man! As my stomach was digesting in overdrive, I glanced around. I can see why so many people like it here. Small, but not cramped. Lab tables with lab stools and a medium sized bar with tables lining the wall and windows, menu on the periodic table on the bar. I decided it's a good burger and beer place. The menu is not extensive, but covers the basics. If you wanted to just nibble, the skewers or splitting a quesedilla will do the trick, the sandwiches are more substantial. I also like that it is a little bit away from the T. You don't get the street traffic and the people seem to feel really comfortable there. Including me. I will be back. And nicer to my friends (sorry guys...)
(4)Andy M.
Menu that looks like a modified periodic table, check. Good food in a small triangular restaurant, check. Reliable go to burgers, check.
(4)Trish F.
As the 143rd reviewer.. I figured I'd throw in a love letter.. ahem ahem.. My dearest Miracle of Science, It's not hard to get to know you. I love how open you are.. just displaying your menu items on a chalkboard for the whole world to see. Except you know, when there's that last moment of sunlight and it's hard to see because of the glare. Your edges are somewhat jagged, but I know your type. You're just trying to keep out the children and the riffraff. I respect that. And even though I do not like your kebabs.. your burgers. Your burgers encourage men to write sonnets and women to forget about their Weight Watchers points. Fries? Puh.. what are they compared to your side order of potatoes.. Oh.. what you do with your potatoes is.. musical. Hmm.. that sounded awkward. But they're delicious. They really are. Your alcohol selection is superb and your bartenders, messengers from the liquor gods, are quite wonderful. The waiters too. Service is quick and the food comes out even quicker. You're one of the reasons why I miss living in Central Square.. oh why.. why did those burglars have to rob my apartment. Not only did they steal my laptop.. and my trust. But most of all? They stole my love away.. I was never the same... Sigh.. Miracle of Science.. don't look at me. I mean I know this is a review, but I can see your florescent doey eyes from here. Adieu. I'll be back soon... -Trish the Dish
(4)F N.
Miracle of Science my a.. Overpriced and under flavor...Four of us went to this place...two of us had burgers that were almost paper thin and flavorless. One of my friends had the chicken quesadilla which if it ran under the tap would have been more flavorful. We also had five beers which were ok. The whole meal came to be around be over $60.00 I guess the miracle is that they are able to charge so much money for food that has less taste than tap water.
(1)Mark L.
Miracle is great...flat out and simple. It's a bar that has surprisingly good food. Easily the best burgers in Boston, very meaty and nicely toasted buns. Also the chicken quesadilla and chicken skewers are ridiculously moist, even though they're made of white meat and grilled. Oh and definitely go for two skewers even if you're not hungry...the peanut chutney and the mint slaw are really worthwhile. I was reading the review from the previous guy who was complaining, no...DEMANDING...a host and printed menus. Does Pour House have hostesses? I mean come on...it's a quality, small, neighborhood bar...not L'Espalier. Oh and try a "Nuts and Berries." It's franjelico, chambord, amaretto and whole milk. Looks and tastes like Ovaltine, in a good way. The girly loves it.
(5)Vivienne Z.
Very casual, sort of bare-bones bar near the MIT campus. Not the sort of place I usually go, but I actually really liked it. I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend whom I was visiting in Boston because she thought the periodic table menu was really cute. And it was! The actual brunch, although nothing special, was very filling and CHEAP. Paired with the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, I would probably come here again if I were in the area.
(3)Amanda G.
Fine bar. Geeky crew which is kinda refreshing. Hipsterish feel, but more on the geeky side. VERY different from its neighbor, Middlesex. More of a casual meet up with friends. Plenty of tables for chatting, full bar, and food looks good although I couldn't tell u how it tastes. I did witness some guy make love to his burger so that musta been pretty damn good. Non pretentious feel and good start bar.
(3)Cee C.
Food is ok. The asian waitress with funny bangs is awful. Bad service.
(3)Julia F.
I have come here several times and it has always been really busy - but after years of looking for parking places in this city, I am just as good at jumping on a table. Each time we have seated ourselves in line with the periodic table/menu board. It is fairly unnerving to have people look at you while you eat - but, the food is good. The service is likewise. The last time we went I had a Ligaya sighting - but was overly intent on downing my mojito (almost strong enough) and cramming as much hummus into my mouth as I could without being gross. I don't think I would become a regular here - it's a little too much all at once, and it seems a little to disorganized for my taste. But I will go now and again and have a decent mixed drink and a change of pace.
(4)Sox G.
Ok, so I went back here yet again for another pub crawl (even though my previous review said I would NEVER go back). I am giving it one more star only because the food was pretty darn good and relatively reasonable; I had some type of beef skewer with mango chutney. The bloody Mary's were awesome. Kudos to the mimosas. I think the bartenders and wait staff need to smile more. I'm not sure what their problem is....still can't give it more than 3 stars because of that.
(3)Sean J.
I'll give it 3 stars because I only went in there to grab a shot and use the bathroom while waiting in line for the Middlesex. That being said, the doormen were totally cool with us going in and out while waiting in line and that's A-OK in my book.
(3)amanda b.
Miracle of Science was clean and well-lit, all those things you don't expect from a bar. I went on a Tuesday night, and the place was packed. There was barely even standing room. I have lots of admiration for the waitresses weaving through the crowd. Despite the crowd, we were still able to hear one another speak- a definite plus. The crowd was mixed, but looked like mostly students. Not a huge selection of beers on tap, but the ones that they had were good stuff. Honestly, as a nerd, I was a little disappointed by how limited the science theme was. Test tube racks are cheap- couldn't they at least get a few of those? Being a visitor from DC/Baltimore, I have to say the cheapness of the beer blew my mind. Seriously, I'm going to start importing it.
(3)Arturo P.
Great Bar Food, Good Drinks, Friendly Staff The Miracle is a fantastic place to get a beer and food. Probably the best overall in the Central/Kendall area I've found so far. A solid beer selection, great drinks (try their take on the Margarita for an interesting alternative to the standards). The food is fantastic, especially the burgers. A relatively small selection has allowed them to perfect each of them. The chemistry lab type decor is strangely comforting for a lab rat such as myself, though most will find it novel yet appropriate for the generally MIT heavy crowd. On weeknights, the Miracle tends to be a nice laid back place to get some drinks and food, with the loud bar atmosphere really peaking on Friday and Saturday nights. All in all, a great place to grab drinks or food, with friendly and attentive staff, with a fun and relaxed vibe to top it all off. Possibly my favorite bar in Cambridge, all things considered.
(5)Stephanie I.
Good place to grab a quick meal. Food is good, but I wasn't amazed by it. It's pretty typical - sandwiches & salads. It is cute how there is a periodic table menu though. Decently priced and you get enough food for what you pay.
(3)Jeanette P.
I came in from out of town, and gave this place a try for Sunday brunch because the wait was so long at cafe Luna. Anyway, the food was awful, my husband and I both got the omelet, mine was woefully overcooked and tasted of burnt eggs, and my husbands was undercooked and runny. The only thing that was cute was the periodic table menu.
(1)Danielle S.
I love Miracle of Science. I live about a 2 minute walk away, so I frequent this spot pretty regularly, mostly for breakfast/brunch. They have this grilled grapefruit with honey that is absolutely delicious, as well as regular breakfast fare such as omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and french toast. No matter what I order, I also get a side of the chicken jalapeno sausage. Yum. I'm a fan of the periodic table menu, though I can't really read anything on the board because I'm "focally challenged" (did I just make that up?). Mostly because I'm a sucker for anything that seems to cater to MIT students and people like me who enjoy all sorts of decorations. At night it's pretty crowded, mostly because the Middlesex overflow ends up there, so it's hard to get a seat/ get comfortable. However, it's generally a good crowd, and people are pretty friendly. Try the breakfast. It's pretty good.
(4)Tom E.
This place is becoming my Cheers. My 21st century Cheers. Just like how after a long day delivering mail Cliff would head to Cheers for a beer and some banter with the gang before heading to his real home, that's where I see me and MoSBaG going... Except in this day and age, when I pull up to bar and say hi to the gang, they aren't actually there with me - but online. And I'm logging in with the free wifi. Sad... maybe, but this is our modern life. And I still have a freshly poured beer in my hand. And even after 10.30pm, if I get out of my geeky science job that late, I can still rely on MoSBaG for a great burger or some tasty kebab sticks.
(5)Lys W.
I haven't yet tried the food at Miracle of Science, but I have drank there. I wasn't all that impressed with the space. It was pretty crowded and you couldn't stand at the bar without someone knocking you over. I ordered an Amaretto on the rocks, and he told me that it was six dollars. Ok fine. It is an expensive drink, but then he gives it to me in a large shot-glass with tons of ice. There was almost no alcohol in there. I doubt I will go back, because I feel like they up the price and give you less to drink.
(2)patrick w.
I go here sometimes with co-workers for lunch. The veggie burger is excellent and beer selection good. I like the relaxed space -- the light from all the windows gives it a nice vibe -- and have always found the serving staff excellent and attentive without being in your face. Only downside is that's it's slightly expensive (which would probably make this place a solid 3.5 stars); otherwise I would definitely go more often.
(4)Brian D.
~ the soooundddssss of scieeeennnnccceeeeee ~ ~ the soooundddssss of scieeeennnnccceeeeee ~ ah hazy memories of staggering along the Mass Ave bridge after one hell of a warm up drinking session at the MOS. i like MOS, it;s a convenient location with romantic views of the perpetual rebuild of Mass Ave through Central. the food looks good and will certainly be on the menu along with beer on my return trips. the staff is laid back and really nice (who is that crazy eyed asian girl with the pony tails??) and are very attentive to tables with even the smelliest and surliest of patrons. see you soon MOS.
(4)Yui K.
Any visit to Central will almost guarantee a visit to Miracle. partly because my friend works here, but morely because I just frickin' love the vibe. The black top tables remind me of my chemistry labs. Everytime I walk in my eyes divert directly to that triangle table in the middle. My mind runs and I picture myself having one too many beers, stumbling, and whacking my head right on the pointy part. ha ha? Anyways.. beers keep flowing, staff is laidback. Burgers jumbo, juicy. Steak&eggs. and very importantly.. their VEGGIE BURGERS are the BEST i've ever tasted in my entire existence. Probably has a lot to do with the sauce.. it's incredibly great.
(5)Daniel H.
Good burgers, great beer list, and big open windows make Miracle of Science a perfect choice for a lazy summer evening. The nerd-chic accoutrements just sweeten the deal.
(4)Sarah G.
Went here for food and a few more drinks after being at Phoenix Landing and it was a good choice. Food is okay, nothing fantastic, but that burger was just what I needed at the time. I expected more in the way of a science theme, but I liked the atmosphere and decor none the less. It was pretty crowded, but not so loud that we couldn't carry on a conversation that included all 7 of us at the table could hear and participate it. The menu took a few minutes to get adjusted to before I could actually look at it and figure out what I wanted, and it's annoying that it's ONLY on the wall - so if you're seated at that table around the corner like we were, you have to stand up again to look at it. Wait staff was very friendly and quick. I'd go back for drinks, certainly, but I think you can get a way better $8 burger somewhere else.
(4)Sheila S.
Left Hand Milk Stout on tap, good food, nice bartender, nuff said.
(4)Chris B.
Ups: good food at moderate prices, surprising beer selection (not very many, but some that you won't find at most other places) plus a full bar, cool atmosphere with the period table menu and decor, good wait staff. Oh, and that have a pretty good brunch too. Downs: it's a really small place so it gets crowded easily and you might have to wait a while for a table, the menu on the wall is kind of hard to see - I even had to bust out my glasses just to order, which was kind of embarrassing and also reminds me that I'm getting old. That's not really much in the downs department, so 4 stars!
(4)Erik O.
This is a fun bar, with great food. Always a good crowd. The menu is set up to resemble the periodic table of elements, so it fits in great with science motif.
(4)Hilary W.
Kind of a nerdy atmosphere but neat concept and drinks were CHEAP!
(3)Nicole P.
Speedy, tasty, and serves food late. I've been stopping at this place after scuba class on tues/thurs nights because although I eat dinner at 6 before class, by 11:30-12:00 I am hungry again dammit. The seleciton of food isn't huge but they have burgers (reg. and veggie), chicken skewers, chili and a few other things. I have been sitting at the bar to eat and the bartender is friendly and the service is lightening fast. Also I don't know if the MIT kids have gotten cuter but there are always some fine looking people in this place. There are people hanging there by themselves too which I think is awesome- they seemed completely comfortable reading a book, watching tv or just people watching- almost like it's part of campus. As an aside It's next to Middlesex which is a trendy lounge type place but I wouldn't go there if you're over 25. Not the best food I've ever had but Miracle is a great late night spot to grab food, especially during the week.
(4)Patrick H.
I love this place for their food and their atmosphere, despite the small size of the dining area. It can be tough to get a table at times, and it's usually a first come, first serve seating arrangement, but I've never had too much of a problem getting a seat for a few people. Breakfast is pretty darn good here, and I've had quite a few of the options, including the tasty breakfast burrito. I'm usually here for dinner though, where the menu is written on a blackboard in the style of the periodic table. I've tried nearly everything up there and you can't go wrong. The beers are reasonably priced, the drinks are good (I love the mojitos here), and the wait staff is friendly and pretty quick. As long as it's not packed, it's a good choice for a meal.
(5)Ryan H.
Lots of good food here, pretty vegetarian friendly. Good beer on tap and the bartenders make some tasty drinks. It gets 4 stars because it tends to be packed and when it is packed, its usually annoying MIT kids or douchebags who work at Novartis or something. Its best to hit it up for lunch during the week. But after about 4 or 5 in the afternoon, its packed. Also, I had breakfast there once and wasn't terribly impressed. Its just the same buns they use for their sandwiches during the night and they throw some egg and cheese on it. Honestly, Dunkin might make better breakfast sandwiches. But the bloody marys are good, so whatever.
(4)Howe L.
Very original theme and the skewers are pretty good. However, the service was blunt (borderline rude). Most disappointingly, they refused to serve us after our tab got pretty huge..
(3)Samantha G.
I have found that Miracle is best for low key outings. Dinner or a couple drinks with friends. The food selection is small but good. I had the veggie burger last time and it was yummy. They have a classic bar selection as well. Probably the best time to go is when it's warm out and the big windows are open. Definitely a reliable spot.
(3)Peter G.
The ambiance is very good and even when the bar is crowded (as it often is), it manages to not be too noisy and the people aren't jerks when you say those words no Bostonian likes to hear "Excuse me." For a bar this place has a beer choices that makes a white trash family reunion look like a Beer festival. The food is pedestrian and nothing on the menu really impresses or is unique. The burgers are a bit dry and the quesadillas are greasy and relatively flavorless. The buns and breads that much of the menu is served on are rather tasty and a bit better than you'd find elsewhere. I was really excited by the complete lack of French Fries on the menu. We could all do with a little less fried food in our diet. In its stead we are treated to wicked tasty rosemary roasted potatoes as a side. A breath of fresh air in a French Fried world. In the end I really can't get excited about this place. But it's not bad. Just not great. Well, except for the roasted potatoes. Mmm.
(3)Casey F.
Miracle of Science (MOS) is hands down my favorite bar. Maybe it's because I'm a former science geek, and I'm a sucker for their design: old lab benches as the bar and tables, and a menu in the format of a periodic table. Yeahhh, who's kidding who, I'm STILL a geek. The clientele is the "cool" MIT crowd, and wannabes like me. I have actually introduced a few MIT grad students to this place, and it soon became their favorite as well. It's not pretentious in that faux fashion way, which is refreshing. The service is decent. The beer selection average. Wine - don't even ask. Ambiance - awesome, but a little loud. The hummus plate - out of this WORLD. I didn't think hummus could be amazing - it IS beans, after all - but MOS must put crack in it or something. I love it. So, when you get a chance, amble on down to this pub or try its sister in Audobon Circle. You won't be sorry. UPDATE: I went here last night, and love it. The trick to their hummus is actually the pita bread - they spray it in oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and heat it up on the grill. YUM YUM YUM!
(5)Nicole M.
A little nerdy, but as my shirt says, I (heart) nerds. Service is great, I dig the periodic table of menu items, and they have a mean chicken sandwich. I think I need to get back there soon.
(3)Kate S.
Above average vibe. Good location. The chicken skewers were disappointing.
(3)Susy W.
This was such a cool place, and you can see that when you're fighting with people for a table. I came here for dinner and again for drinks and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was really into the chalkboard menu that was arranged like the periodic table of elements. The atmosphere is laid back so it's a great place to just have burgers (I got the Ronie which has jalapeno in the patty - yum) and drinks.
(4)Dave R.
I do not know how I have never been in here until recently. This place is good times nonstop double-plus fun action. Also, along with Bartley's and the Boston Burger Co in Davis Square, there's a good chance that Miracle of Science has the best burgers in the Boston area. Mine was boss, no doubt. It's less greasy than what you'd get at Bartley's, and when I'm in the mood for something that's delicious and won't immediately kill me, it's where I head.
(4)David H.
Great food. Honest to god. The burgers here were amazing, the price was right, and there's a full bar here. So why just 3 stars? Believe it or not, it's the atmosphere and location. It took me forever to find this place because the front sign is in 12 pt. Helvetica font! I circled around like ten times before I finally found it! And then you go inside... and the place is small as hell. The bar looks like a converted teacher's desk. Probably can't hold more than 4 people on it! And I don't dig the half-assed unfinished look at all. It's not the hardest thing in the world to go to an incomplete construction site, put in a couple tables in there, and call it a pub. Get some carpeting or carpentry done. Call Empire today, Miracle of Science! This place disappoints for that very reason! Come for lunch on a weekday so you won't have to deal with an abundance of MIT students. Great place to mingle with tomorrow's pioneers. Grab a beer, and boast that you're just as smart as any Cambridge scholar, despite the fact that all you have to show for yourself is a G.E.D.!
(3)Maria V.
Awww. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed after reading about this place on Yelp -- I was really hoping for a full-on geek fest. A periodic table-style menu and a pointy lab table were the only geeky reference, it's otherwise a fairly standard bar with an above-average food menu. Come on guys, you're nestled between Harvard and MIT, embrace the geek full-on, let's not be shy about it! :) If you happen to be in Central (or close to it) it's worth a pop in for a drink, but I don't think it merits a visit from further away. Next time I'm seeing a show down the street or grabbing an ice cream from Toscanini's (right around the corner!) I wouldn't mind a quick drink here.
(4)Stephen G.
I'll tell you what's a 'miracle of science'--however the hell they make everyone want to come to a place this LAME. It takes you like fifteen minutes just to get up to the bar, and then some MIT oaf catches your eye with the protractor in his pocket protector. Next thing I thought was, "Let me triangulate a route the fuck out of THIS joint."
(2)mickey l.
Jalapeno Burger Yes! Jesus Christo this place is muy bueno. I abso-frickin-lutely fell in love with Tremont IPA at the Miracle during the Blizzard of 06',----we were the only ones there man! The staff is nice, the view is good, the food can be ok or great depending on the cook-and this is coming from the waitress after I told her I noticed variation over the months. Cheers, back here any day.
(4)Lea G.
Casual eatery - low key dining. Food was ehh but the bartender was super nice. Place is kinda gimicky with the periodical chart menu. Stopped here just for a pint and a bite before heading over to Middlesex.
(3)kristin v.
I went to this bar in July when I was at Harvard for a conference. It was as hot as balls that night (I forgot how terrible East Coast summers are) and met up with some of my friends. They suggested we go to Miracle of Science. I thought the name sounded interesting so off we went. When we got there and the whole block had lost its power. There was a heater in the back of the bar (why?) and a lot of the beer was warm. But we sat down anyway and had a fabulous time. Later on in the night the lights came back on and I was just a little disappointed. Miracle of Science has a great ambiance, even in the middle of a black out.
(4)Rosie D.
This has become my go-to weekday breakfast meeting spot. You can eat for less than $10, the jalepeno chicken sausage is tasty, there are lots of onions in the potatoes, and the waitstaff is good on the coffee warm-ups. What more do you want from a breakfast place?
(4)Ryan M.
So back in high school, I actually HAD a periodic table on my wall. 7 feet by 10 feet, with the Lanthanide series firmly in place where it BELONGS, darn it! It took me all day with butcher paper and sharpies, and it rocked. I was really excited about Miracle of Science because I had heard that THEY TOO had periodic table on their wall! Needless to say, I was disappointed by the lack of Science at the Miracle of "Science" Bar & Grill. Their menu was difficult-to-read, somewhat limited (burgers and beer!), and in an awkward position on a busy day (no paper menus, just the faux-periodically-arranged one on the wall). Other than that, the food was good. Giant plate of fries, giant burger, my buddy got a giant plate of quesadilla that I thought was mediocre, yet satisfying (what can I say? I had to finish it for him.) Is it overpriced? Perhaps slightly, but nothing major. Pitcher of beer was cheap IIRC. Total bill was $40, tip included. Go here for satisfying food and a convenient location -- not science.
(3)harry n.
when i need my burger fix i go here not super cheap but always hits the spot im always encouraged when i see a small menu, bc i know they are going to do it all well, and this place does. ive had just about everything also, i smypathize with the staff who are taking some flack here during lunch and dinner its essentially a diner-type atmosphere chew and screw anyone waited tables will tell you, a $20 check doesnt buy you time to sit around and chew the fat. if youre looking to catch up with an old friend and drink water, this is not the right place. there are always people waiting for tables. you can do that at 3pm on a tuesday, not when its busy. if you need time, go to central kitchen or rendezvous, spend the money for the atmosphere and take your time. if youre going to eat at a BAR, hang around and drink beers. its etiquette, son see you soon, MOS
(4)Merida F.
My friend and I came in because I was in the area visiting and they heard this place was awesome. It was confusing at first about the seating and eventually we sat at a table(apparently its seat yourself-though there no sign, so don't look for one). Waitress was not friendly nor attentive, but did not seem to rush us out which is a plus. Food was decently priced and very good. I went with a burger(all American classic option when you don't know what else to get) and it was cooked to my specifications. The Menu is on a periodic table on the back wall and this is apparently the only menu in the place. My friend and I had difficulty seeing what exactly b2 stood for since we were not seated right next to the menu and the waitress did not help us out either. All in all a good time and seems like a cool atmosphere-especially if you are hanging out at the bar.
(3)Anne F.
The food is on the good side of mediocre, but the service is very very ordinary. We got a big side of 'tude with our meal. Meal was ok, nicely seasoned, but pricey for what it was.
(2)_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 8 Food 7 Service 10 Atmosphere 7 Value
(4)Amanda U.
Eh, fine. Nothing to rave about. The beer selection is pretty sub-par, especially given the awesome beer list across the street (really? getting beat by Asgard? that says something. Especially for some place that markets themselves as a bar). their drinks are pretty small and variable in quality-- and that's if you can get to the bar at dinner-time. The service could definitely be improved. I understand it can be PACKED and stuffed and crowded, but a smile wouldn't hurt. The burgers are..... okay. FourBurger is better. Salad and chicken sandwich are pretty good. Their potatoes & tomato salsa are pretty rockin' though. Pretty good brunch, I definitely have to admit. All in all, it's not a place I'll actively avoid, but definitely not a place to seek out (unless waiting to hit up Middlesex).
(3)Thuy Tien L.
Geeky decor, but not so much that it makes you want to turn your novelty periodic table t-shirt inside-out. I have no idea how the bar is (will be able to find out by the end of this year!), but it's a popular drinking spot for MIT students who want a break from the firehose. I can, however, comment on the grill. I've eaten here a couple of times, and the basic American-style food is way more than basic--each item has a little something extra that makes you want to stop and ponder the meaning of the universe. Brunch/breakfast is served daily and consists of things like pancakes, muffins, eggs, sausages, but try a grilled banana with some of that and your eyes will roll back with pleasure. My favorite thing at Miracle is the Roni burger. It's got jalapenos mixed in with the meat and dripping with juice. Don't add anything, it's perfect the way it's brought out. I'd also take my time eating it because those jalapenos will catch up to you sooner than you think. It's pretty small and pretty crowded at night, so getting a table (which you usually have to do yourself) can be tricky. Don't come in massive groups unless you just want to stand around and have a beer.
(4)Abdullah A.
A nice bar in my neighborhood. The first time in my life I see a bar bouncer reading Plato's Republic while checking IDs. Only in Cambridge. Fabulous beef skewers. The salad is wonderful, but a bit too garlicky. Can't go wrong with any of the drafts. Great place to grab a drinks with a friend if you're around the neighborhood. I had a slightly off experience with the bartender once who was quite rude. But generally been a pleasant experience.
(3)Damon I.
With a name like Miracle of Science, I really expect palate pleasing pabulum from the future and a melange of exotic, hoppy intoxicants. Instead, what I receive is rather blah dishes and a beer selection stuck in line with any other Boston bar. The skewers and burgers are supposedly where it's at. As a no-beef-itarian, I'm left with little choice. Toughened, charred chicken served with a bevy of sides that look tastier than they really are fail to elate my lunch hour. Cheers to the cozy space, the periodic table wall menu, the high school lab stools, and the friendly familiar staff. At night, the atmosphere can be quite convivial. The hipster ipod music stream keeps it fun too. With a little bit more science, the formula could be found for greater miracles.
(3)Matthew G.
One of the better burgers I've ever had. And it was infused with some jalepenos (sorry, I can't figure out how to write the squiggly line on my new mac)...and it was SPICY. It gave me hiccups. But it was so good that I didn't mind. I like this place. I ate brunch here some time ago when I first moved to Boston and loved the coffee. But I had no idea that it was a "bar and grill." They saved paper (go environment) by putting the menu up as a periodic table on the wall (so MIT). The only issue is that if you're sitting on the other end of the restaurant, you can't see the menu. Therefore I left my burger choice up to the very friendly waitress. She was spot on with the "fill-in-the-blank" burger. I can't remember the damn name. But just ask for the spicy thing that gives you hiccups. The wine was good - I liked the glasses - short glass as opposed to traditional wine glasses. But if it's the Miracle of Science, shouldn't we be drinking out of test tubes or beakers? Oh wait - that's Cancun. Until next time, my friends...
(4)Tristan B.
If you want really good bar food, this is the place to hit. Don't worry too much about the theme, it's not really that dorky. Okay so you have to order off the periodic table of elements take off, yes, but come on, it's not that bad. Okay beer selection and some decent mixed drinks. Plus, the bar stools are those old school science lab stools. It's like high-school all over again, except they need some dork to carve NIRVANA into them to make it completely high-school-y. I had to speak up with the staff with getting some forks and knives, but they made that up by buying the next round on the house! Thanks! It's not a local watering hole, but I'll have no worries about going back here and making it a suggestion should the mood for bar food hit me.
(4)Sherrie G.
So, I've never actually 'eaten' here due to always coming in with a crowd and the place being extremely packed. (or just coming for the drinks) They don't have a proper hostess either so you kind of just stand around until a table frees up which you must immediately dive for. Once you do get a seat, it gets much better. The drinks are fantastic. I had a fabulously stiff mojito and a delicious Hendrick's and tonic with a slice of cucumber. I have tried their homefries and am impressed. I'm anxious to actually sit down and have a meal here sometime. The layout is very clever. I enjoyed the periodic table of menu and the MIT stools for seating. The bartenders are very friendly too. Definitely check out on a sunday for plentiful seating. lol
(4)Tracee D.
My favorite things about Miracle are: (in no particular order) periodic table menu whatever they place on the grilled chicken home fries red smooth ketchup goo triangular shape chemistry tables 1 lonely 13' TV. lot's o' lot's o window panes the fact that they open at around 7am for coffee? the proprietors are marketing 'genii' ...irony squared. Go there and please remember to tip like a champ. (the burgers are very good but I do not believe them to be the best) just sayin' *update= the 13" tv has been replaced by a (now standard) flat screen tv, I am indifferent. *also! the bartender named Pencil is always very nice to us. Especially when 'we' accidentally drink too much and demand he play R&B hip hop songs that nobody else likes. He is so nice to 'us' -that for one minute I almost thought 'we' should give him a Christmas Gift...almost. *latest update- I have been there for brunch many a time but this time I realized that this is one of my favorite brunch menu's around. The font rules, the portions are smaller (as to not ruin your day) and the choices are exactly what you require for b-r-u- to the- n-c-h
(4)Meaghan S.
I went here for the first time on a Sunday afternoon. So maybe not the best time to judge. HOWEVER - the service was surly and inattentive, the drinks were weak, and there was a perpetual draft so I was freezing. I found the place generally uncomfortable to sit in and the atmosphere was not my style. I couldn't leave fast enough (if only the waitress hadn't ignored us for about 1/2 hour). With so many more cozy places in Central and beyond I will not be venturing back here. No way. Also -- my friend asked for a "Mystery Beer" and they brought him a Budweiser... WTF? ---- EDIT (8/28/07): Upgraded from one to three stars. My first experience was indeed bad. Perhaps that's what I get for drinking early on a Sunday afternoon. I went back here at a much more reasonable hour, 7:00ish on a Thursday for some pre-dinner drinks and was not disappointed in either the drinks or the service. Nothing was particularly outstanding but it wasn't horrible either. I'll probably go back at some point if for no other reason than to try their hamburgers which I've heard are fantastic.
(3)Kristina D.
Very well decorated and the menu is cute (a periodic table up on a blackboard). Excellent burgers, especially the one with jalapenos! It's the best burger I've had in Boston or Cambridge so far. Update (9/28/07): I had the Ronie burger (the jalapeno one) this time instead of just trying part of my boyfriend's--by the end of it, my mouth was dancing! Again, the ratio of burger to bread allowed for maximum chompability. The bread was the perfect consistency--lightly toasted on the outside and good texture on the inside (not at all mushy). The potatoes were also much better than last time.
(4)Scott G.
Best Burger I have EVER had in a restaurant, EVER! Cooked to perfection. I like my burgers plain so it wasn't dressed up with any flavors other than the grill. I will definitely be back.
(4)Heather M.
Really really great chicken quesadilla (excellent salsa) and really really great skewers. Sadly I've never tried anything else, b/c I can't seem to get over either of the above. And - Yes, I'm a dork but, I love that the menu is in the form of the periodic table.
(4)Dave B.
I'm not at all impressed. This must be one of those places that's popular just because it's popular, a bunch of idiots sitting around pretending they like the place because all their friends say they like it, too. Forcing customers to fight for tables instead of seating them FCFS is inexcusable. The menu on the wall isn't hip, it's annoying because it makes you feel like a fool while you're standing there trying to read it, and there are people sitting in front of parts of it so you can't even see the entire menu. The music is so loud I couldn't hear the waitress and after she brought our food we had to wait five minutes for her to bring our place settings and condiments. I ordered a blue cheese burger and I got a burger with blue cheese salad dressing on it instead of real blue cheese. Salad dressing! I'd like to repeat that: I ORDERED A BLUE CHEESE BURGER AND GOT BLUE CHEESE SALAD DRESSING. I'm not sure why they bother asking how you want your burger cooked, because everyone at the table got the same thing: blackened on the outside and rare on the inside. I guess that's how the cook likes it. MIT kids may know science and engineering but they don't seem to know anything about decent food because I can't see any reason this place should be so popular. Even the beer selection was lousy.
(2)Arnie F.
Bad service and atmosphere - poorly cooked food. Hamburger was ordered medium rare and came back well done...even my potatoes were burnt. I have no idea how this place gets so much business
(1)David G.
For my one hundredth review here I was hoping to write something positive about a local business. In fact, I loathe the idea of handing out a two star review, but the experience at this place was a horror. Walked in on a sunny afternoon with a positive attitude and looking forward to trying a spot that's been talked about a lot. What I got was the worst service and attitude from an entire staff I've gotten in...well...I can't remember when it's been this bad. Walked in and stood for 10 minutes by the bar looking for anyone resembling a staff member or someone behind the bar to acknowledge me. No such luck. So when I spotted a table opening I decided to just seat myself and assumed it's a "seat yourself" kind of place. Sat down at the table and waited and waited and waited....20 minutes later I'm just sitting there watching the waitresses shuffle back and forth (each giving me a quick glance) as they walk by towards the kitchen. They look absolutely miserable-like two people who hate their job and life. Some people walk in from the street and sit down near me and the waitress walks right by me and asks them what they want. I'm thinking- do you not serve "my kind" in here or something. I finally stare at one of the waitresses and wave my hand. Her response: "Do you want something?" in a tone that suggests I've pissed her off for speaking to her. I reply "I just want to order some food". She just says "yeah.." and stares at me. "Uh, OK could I get a cheeseburger and..." and she starts walking off! I haven't finished the order and she starts walking off! I stop her and try and order the next thing and she starts walking off again! At this point I'm thinking I'm on hidden camera because no one acts like this towards a customer. Do you not want me to order?? I complete the order. From here it went like this: -Food came. Ordered burger well-done, burger came medium rare. Whatever. I'm not even interested in my food at this point. -Waitstaff for the duration of my meal never once asked if I needed anything or came near me. -Before I finished one of them came over and left a receipt on the table and walked off. No eye contact, no thanks. Just: here's the bill-pay it and leave. I don't know if I'd say I was singled out entirely, because they looked like they hated everyone in the place who was lucky enough to place an order with these two. Scratch that, the girl with the tattoo looked depressed and the Asian girl in green tights hates people-there's a difference. All I know is that the burger was undercooked and not very good (bun/size was fine, but meat was tasteless) and this place acts like it doesn't want anyone's business. I'm a super objective person who always gives the benefit of the doubt, but this place was just awful. The salad was just fine and if they had actually cooked the burger and treated me like less than a dog it might have done a lot better than two stars (and if ever a one star review is deserved it was this place). May I suggest a new line of work for the girl in green tights, and some Paxil for the girl with a tattoo on her arm. You'll have to pay me to come back to this place.
(2)Mackey J.
This is a pretty chill spot to stop in and have a beer. THey have a good selection and some snacks ready to go. plus you get to see the true dorkiness of MIT in action here. Good place to people watch.
(3)barbaric y.
This place has got some personality, although amping up the nerdiness factor certainly wouldn't cramp their style any. Miracle has a reputation for being the local "geek bar"- an appellation which seems a little laughable given that I have yet to spot anyone who looks truly social awkward at this bar. Then again, I have yet to try more extreme tactics, such as publically declaring an impromptu Dungeons & Dragons match (/add to list of things to do). No, the establishment itself tends to be populated with the polo shirt-sporting, talkative MIT/Harvard crowd- more of the easygoing frat type than the calculator-clutching nerd. There are a few science-y touches that have been planted here and there around the space, such as the famous lab/bar stools, and the periodic table of elements menu. The bartenders usually seem more grumpy/unresponsive than nerdy, but they do get the job done. Foodwise, these guys are surprisingly really, really good; sit close enough to the far end of the bar on the right hand side and you will catch a glimpse of how hard they work to get those plates out in a timely fashion. However spartan the menu seems in some respects, it's only made the cooks better, faster, and more efficient at what they do. I've had the hummus platter, the chicken salad and the veggie burger at Miracle, none of which were disappointing. The burger came with a side of crispy roasted potatoes which ended up being even better than the burger. The chicken salad is served with a pesto sauce on top- a nice break from the typical balsamic vinaigrette or default caesar. It should be noted that the hummus platter is substantial and could either serve as a meal unto itself or as an appetizer split between two people. Between tasty domestic beers and even tastier food, this place earns enough points in my book to offset the (current) lack of nerd culture at this bar.
(4)Mihir P.
There is nothing miraculous about this place. My friend and I went there to get a bite to eat. Whoa...the staff here seems just....hmmm...VERY unhappy. Zero personality with a clove of rudeness. The doorman, waitresses and bartender must all be from the same therapy sessions. We really got the feeling that they didn't want us there. The food selection is meager but is tasty. The burgers come with home potatoes and were really crispy. The burger was moist. I'd only go back there to get take-out since I wouldn't want to tip those 'holes.
(2)Joe T.
Third option on a fun filled Friday of waiting in lines... M.O.S. had no line, chill spot just to hang and have a beer w/ friends. Great food smell in the air there, has me wanting to go back for lunch or dinner sometime.
(3)Barney B.
Miracle has always been consistent, and last night was no exception. the burgers are tasty, the beer selection decent, the skewers are good as well. My only complaint is that the decor, and often the temperature, is quite cold. But I love all the windows and the fact that I could cozy up to the bar for a few pints and a spice-tastic Ronie burger and see monsoon out of three corners of the restaurant. If you are looking for a cheap bite to eat and a casual setting, this wins over its neighboring options of Asgard, Tavern and even Middle East imho
(4)L D.
Bullet points! - delicious burgers. I always order mine with blue cheese and it's always perfect. Except for that one time my burger arrived at the table about a minute after ordering and was squirting cow blood all over the plate. That one got sent back. Otherwise, always perfect and cooked to order. - breakfast potatoes. For dinner? Sure! Last night I smugly told another patron 'the miracle doesn't have fries' like I was in the know and down on fries. Whatevs, the potatoes come with a spicy tomato thing that's super good (and I hate tomatoes). - brunch. Very good. But who fucks up brunch? I will say, get there early. They stop serving brunch at 1pm. Lame but forgivable. - breakfast. Good but very limited. Don't go in there thinking 'hey, I think I'll have pancakes and bacon and maybe some fruit and then Canadian bacon for desert' cause they might not have what you want and then you'll be sad and disappointed. And that blows. Don't get your hopes up. - drinks. I only drink beer here and can't complain. The selection is small but thoughtful. Brooklyn and Harpoon on tap. Sierra Nevada in the bottle. Oh wait, I had a margarita here once because I heard hey had a good mix. It is. Try one. - service. Spotty, at best. I've been here a gazillion times and the bartenders sometimes recognize me but never ask my name. Am I not cool enough?Waitstaff are also spotty but I mostly sit at the bar. - music. Also spotty. Bartenders play straight from their own iPods. One is really fond of Jane's Addiction which is awesome for me but not so much with everyone else. - bathrooms. Unisexing! Recently remodeled (painted anyway). - science. Yes. Science nerd that I am, the periodic table menu rocks my socks. Don't ask for a paper menu; that makes you look like a total newb.
(4)Catherine K.
Yummy, cheap breakfast/brunch! Recommend the breakfast burrito. I've never had it but I've heard the burger is a must.
(5)Aditi R.
Venturing over to Cambridge is a rarity for me. It takes entirely too long (yes 20 minutes and switching over trains does warrant me saying too long) and usually I am content with everything over this side of the Charles to go to the other side. But then again, I've never lived on the other side. There are some bars/restaurants which are very unique to Cambridge and cannot be replicated. Case in point: Miracle of Science. When my friend told me to meet him at this place I was absolutely confused and thought it was a museum or exhibit. 9pm and an exhibit? Is he out of his mind? No No...This is one of a kind bar/restaurant close to MIT's campus...some would say it's an extension. The place is quite small, but that serves its appeal of a small geeky bar with a menu in the form of a periodic table (geeks rejoice!). It's up on a chalkboard and my mantra is any place that has its menu up on a chalkboard has GOT to be good. There's a reason behind this...it takes time and care to put it up on the chalkboard everyday and requires maintenance. The staff has to be nice and have to have pride in the place. And this place clearly does. The beer on tap is not your usual fair and is very well priced. I didn't have the food, but when a friend did, it looked amazing. The crowd is a mix of people and that's something I always appreciate. You can find people of all ages having all kinds of conversations and one can't honestly ask for more when going out for a good time with friends. I will happily take the long journey over for this place. It's quirky, fun, and unique!
(4)Harsh V.
One of the most unique bars around Central Square. The clientele is mostly nerdy MIT kids but that adds to the charm. How I wish I still lived just around the corner.
(4)Neva C.
I've only had drinks here so I can't comment on the food. The overall ambiance is nice - wood tables, the periodic chalkboard with beer, big bay windows, seems open without feeling empty. I had beer (the IPA), it was delicious. Companion had a mojito, it was not very good, too sweet and not enough rum. The mojito was expensive, the beer less so. It's not going to be my go-to place or anything, but it's nice enough to stop by every once in a while and grab a beer.
(3)David O.
I went to Miracle of Science because I heard the burger was the best in town but there were definitely some things that turned me off about my experience. First off, the server was miserable and not helpful in the least. Also, the options for food are very limited, including how you want your burger. Want BBQ sauce? Nope. Want swiss cheese? Negative. French Fries? Try potatoes that taste more like undercooked breakfast home fries. The burger was fine which is why I give this place 2 stars, but I am not going to rush back any time soon. I'll stick with RF O'Sullivans anyday.
(2)Emily M.
This is an update mostly in response to Mark G.'s review, which I found scientifically hilarious, but I happen to belong to the MIT nerd science club that orders from VWR so I don't think I was his target audience. I was wondering how this place had only 3.5 stars, so I looked for the low-ballers. There has been a recurring complaint about the lack of science at this place. Surely if you're in science you've taken a chemistry class. The lab stools and tables are identical to the ones I still work on daily, which begs the question, why are you into that - maybe it makes me feel less guilty about not being IN lab :( The menu is in the shape of a relatively poor periodic table, but it's the best damn periodic table menu I've seen. They've got some scientific artifacts on the top shelves including a tribute to Einstein and there's a lamp that looks like a klingon ship from star trek if you're into that. I guess I'm just wondering, aside from drinking beer in lab, where everyone is going for more science-oriented drinking? You go to this place for one of two reasons, you like the atmosphere or you like the food. For most, there's no reason not to like both. Get a burger (Ronnie if you like spicy food), the hummus plate, the turkey chili or a quesadilla. As we are entering summer (Massachusetts summer at least) I'd recommend a margarita, but it's not your typical margarita. I also like their breakfast food. They have delicious grilled bananas! They only serve breakfast till 11 am during the week and 1 pm on weekends (don't worry they can start serving alcohol at 9 am, well, not on Sunday).
(5)Shuo S.
Miracle of Science seems to be the place all the tourists go to when they visit MIT. The food's really pricey, the portions are small, and seating is first-come, first-serve. That basically means if you're going for lunch or dinner, you'll be waiting for a while and shoving other people out of the way to get your table. The quality of the food is not bad. They cook a mean beef and shrimp kabob, but at 8 bucks for 2 small sticks, you'll need two orders to be anywhere near satisfied. Granted, all the non-asian places to eat (more or less) in the University Park area are really pricey (see Asgaard, Rendezvous), so the prices aren't out of the ordinary. If you're looking for a place to eat and mingle near MIT, try going somewhere for food and then heading to Middlesex to chill. Miracle of Science is an unexciting bar with decent but expensive food.
(3)Ethan A.
My BF loves the restaurants run by these guys, so I figured it had to be good. Everything is a little quirky, and I liked a lot of the unique touches. Came for brunch Sunday morning, which seemed like a popular spot. Food and drinks were great, and served fast and friendly. The location was probably my favorite part, since it was near everything but not close enough to draw in annoying clientele.
(4)Jenna H.
Busy place, went on a Friday after work last month for a friends bday. We did end up getting a table, but we were really packed in. I was able to get parking without too much trouble. The beer selection was good, and I liked the table of elements menu - thought it was a nice touch. I had the burger... oh my - delish!!! Great temp, bun was soft and chewy, loved it! Would have given the place 5 stars but service was spotty and not overly friendly.
(4)Renee G.
The whole Periodic Table-as-menu idea is cute, but when several tables are not within view of said Periodic Table and there are no paper menus to be had, that's just annoying. I had to get up and stand in the middle of the restaurant to make my decision. My chicken sandwich was fine, but not especially memorable. The dude got the signature burger, with the jalapenos mixed in with the meat - the bite I tried was okay but nothing to write home about. I did like the potatoes served on the side. I could probably have used some more of those potatoes, to soak up all the vodka sodas and various shots I proceeded to drink. The space is cool, but super crowded. By the time our large group of friends arrived, there was absolutely no way were were going to be able to congregate around the table, and we had to move to the bar area. No big deal - it was a Saturday night after all - but the place does get pretty packed. The clientele was an interesting mix of students and young professionals. Much to my amusement, one member of a tableful of college girls decided to send the dude a drink, mere moments after the waitress had chided us for "canoodling", then proceeded to go out of her way to ignore him, middle school style, for the remainder of the evening. It was strange and hilarious. And our waitress was otherwise very accomodating, especially when we had to chase her down to be sure she was bringing us Patron and not Cuervo.
(2)Jay M.
Alot of thought went into the desing of this place and the ideas behind it. decent beer selection at best. the prode and joy in my eyes is their food menu. not only the food on it but how its written...Bravo!
(3)Jamie A.
To sum it up: two delicious mojitos and a speedily made chicken sandwich! I had always wanted to visit the MOS, so when our friends suggested it as a double-dinner-date locale, I was all for it. When we arrived around 8.30 or so, all the tables were taken, so we lurked at the bar with some drinks and snatched one up as soon as it opened. Once we were seated, we promptly ordered...and our food was so speedily delivered! 3 burgers & my grilled chicken sandwich--- all tasty (from what everyone said!). We split some dessert as well, which was a big brownie with Toscanini's ice cream--- mmmmmm! I'd definitely recommend trying out this place, as it's certainly cute. I love the decor and the crowd was calm, making for a great atmosphere. Plus, their mojitos are DELISH. A bit on the not-so-sweet side, it was just my style!
(4)Adam W.
Been here several times now, always a consistent bet to take friends too. High quality but simple sandwiches, skewers, etc and good beer selection. Service can be kind of weird as it seems the servers seem to share tables? Other than that, no qualms.
(4)Stephanie W.
Note to self and others: Brunch is better than dinner here.
(3)Arestia R.
I can't speak for how the food tastes, but I can speak for the fact that I spotted on their periodic table of food wall menu that a veggie burger is $9 and a cheeseburger is $9.50. I know these are hard times, but surely you must be joking. I've never seen such outlandish prices in a bar for a burger. A cute little concept with lab bar stools and science table tops. MIT students and Cambridge hipsters come here alike, but it didn't strike me as a place to meet new friends. Such a shame; I had such high hopes, but I didn't think it was as special as I wanted it to be.
(3)Lauren K.
A great place to get a bite to eat and a drink. It's original atmosphere makes it great for catching up with friends, grabbing a bite or watching a game in something other than a typical sports bar. The periodic table menu that is sketched on the board is a nice touch and also a great way to sell food. Unless you keep your head glued to the floor, you can help by but read the descriptions for cheeseburgers, quesadillas and chicken skewers. The food is a little overpriced, but it's worth the few extra dollars for the atmosphere and high quality.
(4)Jesse R.
Great, great burgers! Came here for dinner and drinks with some MIT friends recently. Nice little gastro pub type place by the folks that brought you Audobon and Cambridge 1 (two other fave Boston spots of mine). The burgers are really tasty. I had mine with blue cheese and they really lay it on which is how I like it. The home-fried potatoes are also very yummy, and probably a slightly healthier alternative to standard french fries. Lots of great local beers on tap. My only bone to pick is that it can be crowded, and this crowd doesn't like to leave even after they paid the bill. These intellectual types are poring over their research papers while you stand and stare..so be prepared to wait, or come early!
(4)Erin R.
i got here after arriving to boston and getting torrentially rained on. so i looked like a drowned rat. nice space, gross bathroom, good nerd vibe with the periodic table menu. at any rate, the drinks were good, and no one yelled at us when we managed to spill not one, but two glasses. they also managed to indulge our need for maraschino cherries as chasers for jameson shots. i wish i had eaten something, but oh well. next time - if there is one.
(3)Julie A.
I really like this place for lunch but can't take it any other time. They offer a cool MIT atmosphere and laid back service. The menu is really small, and rarely changes, but it does offer one vegetarian meal and some other burgers, bar food etc. All good. soup's good too. Beer and food are cheap. The service is just attentive enough so they do a good gob, but let you chill while you eat and hang with friends. During the day everyone is nice. It annoys me later in the night due to the type of crowd and of how packed it gets with these people.
(3)Lyndsey C.
Food is nothing special but good enough and fresh. Not a fan of the waitress I have had twice now... She has been pretty terrible with checking in and keeping glasses full. But other waiters have been good. Menu isn't very expansive but there is a bit of variety as far as food choices,
(3)Emily M.
I really like this place. I came here once on a date and have been back many times since. Great bar, easy to find something on the menu to munch on, and the look is very bright and cheerful. If you're looking for somewhere easy to get a burger or quesadilla and beers with friends, this is a good choice!
(5)Antoni A.
They served us a drink at 12.55am. At 1.00am, they busted the music up to kick us out. Quite a bad experience.
(1)Anne M.
Great spot. Fun menu, great beer selection, solid food. I ordered a limbo IPA and chicken sandwich. Husband ordered Roni burger. Both very spicy but tasty. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Would definitely return.
(4)Darcy G.
We had our first meetup here tonight and for the most part, it was awesome. The waiter was the sweetest, we loved him. We ordered some cocktails and the waiter joked about us being the only ones in the place not ordering beer. It was awesome and a place I'd absolutely return to...had the manager not opened his big mouth with us standing right next to him on our way out complaining that if that many people (8) are sitting at a table for that long that he wants them spending more money. We were there an hour and a half and spent $128. We ordered burgers, appetizers and several drinks. Come on. We would've returned too, regularly. Individually. We also left additional tip beyond the included gratuity because we appreciated our waiter being so awesome. Sooooo, thanks manager for treating us like we did something wrong. You won't be bothered by us again. :(
(2)marc l.
The food was OK. The bill was $14.60 and I paid with cash. When they returned my change, it was only $5. I asked what about the 40 cents and the waitress said that they round up. Huh??? You round up??? What is that about??? While its only 40 cents, its still my money and you have no right to take it upon yourself to do this. They cant even say that it's their policy since they have no written menu.
(1)Wasim Q.
This review is for their Sunday brunch: Bottom line: not worth it. Food- nothing you couldn't do at home yourself, even if you just follow the Bisquick box. Sourdough french toast was an interesting concept, but execution is weak. It's just some toast and a charred grilled banana on a plate. They put no effort into making it something worthy to be served at a restaurant. The omelettes are similarly plain-- exactly what you would get if you just stayed at home and threw some eggs in a plan and slid it on to a plate. Service-- weak (way understaffed for a packed restaurant). Waiters are hard to get a hold of and forgot one of our orders. Still looking for a good brunch place in Boston and continue to be disappointed.
(2)David A.
Weak drinks, rude staff, and they altered the tip I provided (as proved in my credit card statement).
(1)Cliff H.
Poor service. Tasty drafts. Hipster mecca. If you've ever dreamed of going on a spring break with a bunch of Sally Jesse Rafael and Buddy Holly sportsters Miracle's your home away from home. Props to the Einstein who dreamed up putting the menu on the wall in a periodic table, unless you happen to be across the room and sans Supermanesque 20-80 vision. Then you're just up the creek when the waiter inevitably tells you there's no hand-out menus, read the wall, stupid. I guess that's why everyone's wearing those thick glasses, you cannot see the menu w/out them! Food meh. Crowd loud. Keep this one for knocking pints and thick glasses over good food or friendly service.
(2)Anthony V.
This place could be cool. The vibe and location are great. The food is meh. The servers can be really terrible. They might not let you have a table because you're not getting food right away, nevermind that you might just start with a beer first. The waitress even argued with me that she was sure we ordered two of something when later another server apologized that it was his mistake. (Yep, you were sooooo sure!). And my friend even had MIT's ombudsman write a complaint letter about racial insults from the staff. And I remain, the vibe of the place and guests are great. I hope you have a problemless visit; it'll be great.
(2)Chris M.
My gf and I decided to check this place out for a quick lunch bite one afternoon. The place is small and features a large periodic table menu in chalk on the wall. Once we sat down, a waitress asked for our drink orders, which we gave. I had an ice tea, which she brought back room temp with no ice. Ok.....It then took another 10 minutes for the waitress to finally come back to take our lunch orders. My gf got a cheese quesadilla that was pretty simplistic. I had a chicken skewer with peanut patay, which came on a dish half the size of the meal. Food was good, but the price was ok and the service was garbage. I don't really know a reason why I'd come back.
(2)Celia Z.
After a complete failure to convince my meat-loving friends to go to Life Alive, we finally settled on Miracle of Science Bar and Grill. After a Princeton friend once confided in me that she should have gone to Harvard just so she could try Miracle of Science, this was always on my to-go list. With the dining halls closed during spring break, this was my chance. Yep, it's your typical bar and grill...except that the menu is on the wall in the form of a periodic table. But typical bar and grilles all have a specific magnitude of deliciousness and quality. This one ranks high in that threshold. The delicious grease, crispy potatoes, creamy hummus, fresh vegetables, charred pita bread, the slightly grilled bun with the blackened chicken. No alternative healthy recipes. Not specifically organic. Back to traditional. All buttered up and slathered right in front of you. All so yummy. Oh how I love it.
(4)Louie M.
If you can ignore the PhD students complaining about their lives like they are the only ones that have ever done an experiment and failed, this isn't a bad bar. Cosy with only a touch of hipster attitude. Very friendly staff, and a good menu. Only a few beers on draft but not a bad selection. Salsa was impressively good, I hope it was homemade.
(4)Dian X.
Meh. As a nerd I was hoping for a geeky hang out. The periodic table was definitely cool and help deliver a unique atmosphere. Overall, it didn't seem like that great of a bar or that great of a food place. A huge minus minus for not having any menu besides the table on the wall. As a result, the waiter rattled off what was on tap. The options were good but I expected some more?I didn't want to make him say the bottles too which I couldn't see from where we were sitting. They said we might have to give up our table if we weren't ordering dinner. The dinner menu itself looked pretty limiting.
(2)Erik A.
I had high hopes for this place, I ride past it everyday on my commute and it is generally always busy an had a cool look about it. We got a table right away, this was a Tuesday night (bar seats were packed, though). My date and I asked for a printed menu since the only one was written in a variety of faintly colour coded chalk symbols across the room (My vision is about 20/30 corrected and he recently had LASIK, neither of us could really make out the board), the waitress suggested we walk over or look it up on their website via our phones, not the most convenient nor impressive to be staring at our phones on our first date. Strike two, the 2nd waiter to take our drinks did not know the seasonal beers they had (there were only two apparently) and when I ended up asking for a beer which was on their menu (and also lit up on a neon in their window), he informed me they have not had that beer since he started ages ago... Ugh! Food: it's a burger place, I liked the burger and the potatoes it came with, but getting the attention of our server when we needed things or had questions was not easy. Overall, I would NOT suggest this place to my friends, it's nice to look at from outside, but do not go in, plenty other places to check out in central sq that have the beers that they advertise and menus that are legible for those with less than perfect vision in a dim lit room.
(2)Erica I.
Awesome hummus plate, great beer selection, cool menu, you can't really go wrong!! There's a rumor that they used to serve the drinks in beakers, which is one of the coolest ideas ever to a science need like me! The waitstaff is almost too attentive, but I'd prefer this end of the spectrum vs. Being ignored the whole time!!
(4)Daniel S.
Their jalapeños burger is simply delicious!
(4)Brandon S.
Unique Place. We walked in on a Friday afternoon assuming this would be an uppity place but it was great. Took a few minutes for them to clear a bar space then the bartender explained all of the beers and how to order. I got the chicken sandwich and had a Lost Nation Gose. Not sure I would go out of my way to go back but it was neat to experience once.
(4)Ellie W.
Say what, now? The menu is on a Periodic Table of Elements? I hated science, but I love this. I may have been a B student in Chemistry, but I'm an A+ student in eating. Seated at a table shaped like a Modern Art piece in a chemistry lab, l I had 2x the chicken skewers with peanut satay and it was more than enough to make a delicious, filling lunch. The vibe is casual but quirky, and dare I say, very Cambridge-y, in its best lovable nerd way. I can almost envision MIT students here correcting the fact that "veggie burgers are mistakenly in the spot where Oxygen (O), with an atomic number of 8, should be". I'd recommend this place for a casual lunch, a small bite to eat (there are plenty of small apps to choose from), or an afternoon drink. With burgers, skewers, and chips, it's your standard grill food, with a little twist (the peanut satay is so good it might be worth a 1x epi pen usage for those allergic to peanuts). There's nothing like feeling like you're in a fake Chemistry class with no homework aside from 'chew your food so you don't choke on it'. My kind of class.
(4)Brooke L.
Really disappointed in this place. I went in with a few friends, and the service was truly atrocious. Odd, because I remember really pleasant bartenders and waitstaff during past visits. Anyway, our waitress would ask if we needed anything, we'd order, then another waitress would come ask the same thing one minute later - zero communication between them. When we asked for napkins, our first (main) waitress forgot to bring them, but conveniently remembered to walk by glaring at us and asking if we needed anything every two minutes towards the end of our visit. Mind you, we'd ordered a burger and at least seven drinks, so we weren't exactly sitting around for free. The wine came in small, almost shot-sized glasses - a huge rip off - and the burger was fine, but nothing special. Certainly not worth almost $12, nor the painful service we had to endure. The final straw was that one of my friends and I paid with cards, and both of our cards were mysteriously overcharged (a theme at this venue, as I understand from other Yelp reviews). When I called to complain to a manager, she told me to wait until the charge posted. When it posted, it mysteriously posted to the correct amount, even though the pending amount showed up as more than the total INCLUDING tip. I've never had that happen before, and I found it very fishy. I'm definitely never going back.
(2)Vickey T.
Nice bar and atmosphere - they're able to open their giant windows so it's really nice during the summer evenings when a breeze is moving through the place. Good service!
(4)Scott P.
Great service and drinks. Burgers were large and juicy cooked to purrfection. Lively loud menu on blackboard. Many good choices veggie or meat
(4)Ann C.
Enjoyed the food and drink thoroughly. I'm subtracting two stars because I really despised the male bartender we had (late 30s?). Every word dripped with annoyance and disgust every literally time he spoke to us (all we did was say "hi" and politely order)...but he was more than happy to turn on the charm when some neighborhood bros strolled in. It was the strangest verbal exchange I've ever had with a bartender in my past 11 years living in Boston.
(3)Leanne C.
And then, I drop in here just days later, because I found out an old friend I hadn't seen in almost ten years bar tends for brunch! I didn't eat, but dang, their Bloody Marys and brunch bar patrons are awesome. Way better people to hang out drinking at 2pm than eating at 8pm. Joking about random things, meeting a fellow aerospace engineer, and making snarky commentary on the Olympics. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So drink here, but don't eat here. And they still need to get some Bill Nye.
(3)Sean C.
Miracle in Cambridge, MA. I felt like I was drinking inside a horseshoe or horseshoe-magnet -- the more buzzed you are the likely off-kilter you're gonna feel, like wall gravity is pulling you. Minor bites, draft beer. Read 'em up the periodic table listed on the wall. At nighttime, watch out for the cold front. #bigchill
(3)Nyssa P.
My boyfriend and I came here after going to the MIT Museum in an attempt to keep the science-y theme of our day going, but to be honest I kinda wish we hadn't. The idea of the menu being a periodic table is a fun gimmic, but it loses its whimsy fast when you have to stand in the middle of the bar staring up at the wall. Is it that hard to print out paper menus? It was really awkward, especially since it took me a long time to decide what I wanted from this (frankly underwhelming) menu. And this was when the place was close to empty! I can't imagine how awful that is when it's packed and you just want to sit down and eat. Our waitress was attentive, efficient, and fairly pleasant, but the draft selection was TINY and, in keeping with this weird theme of theirs, no drinks menu was provided. I ordered the turkey chili and an Allagash White. The chili was fine but nothing exceptional and for that size portion drastically over priced. My boyfriend ordered a burger which arrived with the wrong kind of cheese, and while he claimed to have enjoyed it, I had a bite and hated it. The place didn't give an impression of great cleanliness, on top of which our table top was awful to the touch. It might once have had some sort of chalk board coating to keep with the places supposed science theme, but if so it had long since degraded. A gross texture to the fingers, and bits kept rubbing off on my sleeves. Yuck. Also a small point of discontent: whoever controlled the music kept switching songs 30 seconds into them which had a strangely jarring effect on the flow of conversation and was pretty annoying to constantly register in the background. It's a fine enough place, but I'd say it might be better for when you're a few drinks in already, don't feel like leaving, and can overlook the prices as well as the limited selection. Not coming back.
(2)Rachel N.
I would say the high point of our brunch was the jet-black Illy coffee served, whilst the low point was steak described by my friend as "shoe leather". Woof. We went for the grilled grapefruit, which was fine but not knock-your-socks off (it was more carcinogen-tastic than succulent and honeyed) -- other than that, standard brunch fare was offered -- omelettes, a breakie wrap, sourdough toast with nana -- everything was fairly serviceable, though the portions were small. In fact, I did get a second lunch while doing my grocery shopping at WFM abt 20 minutes later (dear grilled tofu, marry me). Nothing to blow the diner away at MoS, though the roasty potatoes that came w/ my omelette were tasty. Brunch will run abt $15/pp (coffee + entree) and service is friendly and pretty fast. Overall, no need for a repeat performance here, given that my gayborhood has delish brunch for dayyyyz. Vibe: Central Sq dingy, lightly hipstered waitstaff. Oh wait, earlier statement abt the high point redacted -- the real apex of the experience was the couple at the table across from us who took out a tie-dye BEANIE BABY and played with it while they were eating. To be clear, there were no children in sight. Just a man and a woman with no obvious intellectual disabilities. SO MANY QUESTIONS.
(3)Liz B.
Friends and I came hoping for a geeky science themed bar...but were sorely disappointed. Great concept but no follow through...simply having a periodic table on your wall seems like a lazy attempt at best. Drinks were alright, good selection...but very small glasses. We didn't try the food. We asked the waitress what was "science-ish" about the bar....and she pointed to her left and said "MIT is over there..." :::shrug:::
(2)Chelsea D.
I'd like to say I created a yelp account just to write this review. We went out in central sq. for my best friends birthday with 10 ppl, and tried this bar not ever being here before bc it did not have a line. We entered their open front door, which there was no one at checking ID's. Upon sitting down a man with shoulder length dark hair and dark rim glasses came up to us in a very aggressive way saying everyone that came in needed to show ID... Not a problem as our group spanned the ages of 25-38. As we were getting out our IDs he then got even more aggressive and loud saying we all need to go back outside the bar and form a line to show our IDs. None of this would have been an issue if he had not been yelling in girls faces and acting like a complete asshole while doing it. He continued to yell at us, and even started pushing girls in our group, while we did as he asked and left the bar. If I could give this place a zero I would, there is no reason to employ someone who first off would leave the door of a bar in dead center of a college town with underaged drinkers unattended, but then be ridiculously disrespectful to paying customers for something that was 100% his fault. None of the 10 of us will be returning to this bar and we will all be telling all of our friends in the area about the massive disrespect we treated with on a celebratory night.
(1)Philly S.
Great skewers, too much €-@4@&4$3 Michael Jackson on the playlist. Ahhhhrrgggh ... killing my life over here! White girls going Miley Cyrus. I think they must have one of those Middlesex DJs bartending.
(4)Robert S.
I have been here over the years - including back in the 1990s. Lately I have become a burger connaisseur and have had great ones from Ted's Montana Grill in GA, Shake Shack in DC, Flat Patties in Harvard Square, and Yo Burger in GA. All of those are 10s on a scale of 1 to 10, and they range in price from about $6 to $12. I have not tried Tasty Burger yet, but I hear it is great. For reference, I would consider Five Guys a 7 or 8 out of 10 and a McDonalds premium Angus burger a 5-6 out of 10 and a McDonalds double cheeseburger a 4-5 out of 10. The Miracle of Science burger was overly compressed and burned. I asked for it medium, and the outside was charred black. My wife asked for hers medium-well, and it was charged even more. This was at 11am with no one else in there (though it was crowded by the time we left). Also it was $11 or $12. I would give it 3 out of 10 - yes, worse than not only a premium angus McDonald's burger, but also worse than even a dollar-menu item - simply because it was ruined. That all being said - if you ask for it to not be charred in advance, then due to the beef flavor and how much it was compressed I would give it a 6 out of 10 - about equal to, say, a 99 Restaurant or Friendy's burger - except much more expensive.
(1)Emily S.
Went there for brunch on a Sunday in February. Didn't have to wait for a table--and Cafe Luna down the street had a 3 hour wait! Food was delicious, wait staff attentive and knowledgeable, and you can't beat the quirky atmosphere. I had an omelette with their house potatoes on the side and bottomless coffee. Very flavorful and perfectly portioned. Would definitely recommend and go again!
(5)Ashley B.
It's probably important to note that I was a) on my way to drunk and b) absolutely starving when we ate here so, yeah, everything was delicious to my brain at the time. It was a Saturday and we were here for PAX, when 70,000 extra people descend onto Boston, so, we were assuming there'd be nowhere to eat. Yet, I called and they said there was no wait. I didn't realize this place is sort of like a cafe in feel, and you just seat yourself. When we showed up it was all full, but something cleared up in just a few minutes. I was surprised though because the staff acted really surprised we were there even though we called to check their availability. We got service pretty quickly. The menu is all on the wall, so you have to get up and kind of stand in front of a bunch of people eating to see the menu. There's also no beer list on the wall, let alone alcohol prices, which is a little weird. I was really pleased that they have some CO beer on the menu, but I tried to branch out and tried a local IPA instead. For food we got various burgers. I was annoyed that the burgers are so big; in fact, when I asked how big the patties were the waiter said "I've never been asked that before" and had no idea, which is weird to me. Is that some Western US thing that we sort of brag about the weight of the burger patties? Anyway, I didn't get a burger because I dislike how huge the patties can be, and got a chicken patty instead. Food came out pretty quickly. My husband ordered his burger medium and said it was good but that it was on the rare side of medium. I liked my chicken burger, which had a habenero spread and no cheese (I prefer burgers and such without cheese). They came with what I would call a homefry potato, but I'm sure has some East coast term I know nothing about. Obviously the menu is pretty limited because there is no kitchen here; everything is done on a flat top that's in the main room of the restaurant. But, it was pretty inexpensive, it's an easy enough location, and the selection of food and drinks is pretty solid. Not sure I'd come running back but if someone brought it up I'd happily return.
(4)Brian M.
I liked this place. Came with my girlfriend (we're from NJ) and it was very chill. Service was good, atmosphere was great and I liked my food. I'm pretty sure I liked a bite of her food as well...and the menu we used to order it all. It's on the wall lol If you needed glasses to read, bring 'em. If---when---I make it back to Boston, this will be on the list of places to go again.
(4)Mohamed A.
After going out of the MIT museum (which surprisingly turned out to be interesting) my friend and I found our selves in the middle of a storm. We were both hungry and looking for shelter. So my friend told me that there is a place nearby that serves a good burger. This is actually a continuation of a draft I left and obviously forgot about for around 4 years. I actually remember the burger being quite tasty. Made me start love having jalapeños in my burgers. They actually mix their patties with the stuff! What's cool about the place is that it's a true geeks place. You see it from the "chemical composition chart" menu and obviously from the people around you. Nonetheless they are quite nice people to be around. I'm not sure if my rating is spot on (since it was saved as three stars with the draft) but considering that it's memorable I'm going to give it a 4.
(4)Noa O.
I like
(4)Alisa K.
Brunch: Liked: Lots of condiments at the table - didn't have to ask for them. Pure Vermont maple syrup, 2 types of Tabasco, ketchup, salt/pepper. The periodic table menu is neat. Food comes out fast. Cheap food. Cool ambience - chem lab meets urban loft. Banana french toast was good but not amazing. Home fries were similar. Disliked: Omelette was bland. Small menu- their only sweet breakfast entree was the French toast. Was still hungry at the end. Understaffed. Waitress didn't write down my order and messed it up twice. No greeter - wasn't sure where to go when I walked in. Bathroom faucet water pressure is excessive- I almost caused a flood washing my hands. Brunch summary: Worth trying out once maybe, not sure I'd go back for brunch.
(2)Shan H.
Get the vegi burger!
(3)Corey L.
Good nerd bar. The food is pretty good, made even better as it's listed in periodic table-style. Good selection of beers. I like the place. Also, it's near Middlesex, so a good place to grab some food and drinks before a night of dancing. Bam!
(4)Danie R.
Only place in the area that will allow international IDs (not just passports). After my friend's Italian passport was stolen because she had to carry it everywhere to get a drink, we came here. They would take the Italian drivers license. Their draught selection isn't great, but their food is really good. I love their veggie burger! The biggest plus is that they allow international and out of state IDs!!
(4)Chris W.
There is only one thing you really need to know about this place: Order the kabob plate with 1 beef & 1 chicken Enjoy
(4)Andrew K.
As any of the spots from the same proprietors: Middlesex Lounge, Tory Row, Cambridge 1, Miracle of Science, and Audubon Circle, this place is pretty good. In fact, it's one of the best bars in Central Square on any day of the week. I love their unstained wood walls and slate tabletops, and the whole science theme. The place is called Bar *and Grill*, but please don't expect much from the food. It's really basic and really only works after plenty of drinks.
(4)Alex B.
Very cool atmosphere, I can't deny them of that. Overall my experience was "it's not bad". I would certainly go again, if only just to shake things up from the norm. Service is a little wack, our waiter never came over so we ordered from what appeared to be the hostess. Drink selection was middle of the road for what you would expect in a hip Cambridge restaurant. It had some staple beers, but nothing super exciting. I sat by the door and couldn't read the "menu" because I was too far away. A giant Periodic table menu certainly adds to the ambiance, but if you aren't close you're in the dark. I blindly assumed they had cheeseburgers, and right I was. You get roasted potatoes instead of fries, and in this case they were AWESOME. The burger was average, I would rather something from 5 guys, but again the atmosphere inside made up for the average burger. My final remarks, great place to meet up with friends on a week night and grab some reasonably priced food.
(3)Jessica B.
Well, that was fun. Four star service and three star food. I went to Miracle of Science Bar + Grill with a group of friends from my alumni association. After the venue had been selected, I heard that it was crowded and would not work out for a larger group pf people. And our group is hard. Since some people don't RSVP because they are inconsiderate wankers, I mean because they go with the moment, I had no idea if our group would be six or a dozen. As we waited in the entrance way, a host with the patience of a saint found a table for a group of eight, I mean ten, two people just got here. Oh, and by the way, the menu is on a chalk board on the wall so you may want to gaze at that before you sit down. Someone told me to do that but I forgot. I ordered an amber or brown ale, neither of which they had. I ended up with a medium ale that was OK. Being on a health kick, I got the chicken salad. It was a small piece of chicken breast on lettuce. That was it. It wasn't meal-sized. It was fun-sized! If you consider starving to death fun... Then I got a chicken skewer. It was good chicken breast, weird peanut sauce the consistency of mashed potatoes, and a tortilla that was dripping with grease. Somewhat unacceptable. While I was still eating, we started to get the "time for your large, table-hogging party to leave" glare. We finished up pretty soon after that. 18% tip was added to the bill and I threw in an extra 10 because I know we are an unwieldy gang to serve. Honestly, I don't quite see the appeal. I'm more of a swank martini lounge girl if I'm going to go out to a bar. That place is just squeaky clean. Everything was OK, and I'm giving a higher rating for graciously handing a large group in a venue that was not built for such gatherings.
(4)Erica Z.
I really like the atmosphere of this bar. I love the open air in the summer & the periodic menu wall. Beer is good, and not too expensive, but the service is eh. I find it more difficult than it should be to order a drink here, even when it's not too busy. Also wish there was a hard copy of the menu because sometimes you're just not sitting in a good spot to read the wall. Overall, a good place to grab a beer with friends.
(3)Lady Fang Y.
Service was shitty. Atmosphere was shitty. Took forever to even take our drink order. There was no place near the bar, but in order to sit at a table, we HAD to order food. Yeah, fine, I get it, but I just wanted to sit and talk with my friend over beer. Not much of a food selection. Of course, no beer menu. The food was lackluster, nothing to write home about and not that great of an experience since we were forced to order something. I won't be returning, and neither will my friends. It was annoying and ruined my night.
(1)Kacie M.
If I hadn't been promised miracles, science, and yes, miracles OF science, I might have a higher opinion of this bar. But as others have pointed out, the only science-y thing in there was the menu made to look like the periodic table. I want to drink out of beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks! I want nerdy things on the walls! I want science! It was overall an okay bar. Nothing special about the drinks or food and the service was fine. I wouldn't make an effort to come back but I wouldn't avoid it either. If it had a different name I wouldn't be so disappointed, but if you call yourself Miracle of Science, you really should at least try to deliver on the science.
(3)Amy B.
I would give the Miracle of Science a higher rating as a bar than as a grill. It's a small, laid back space decorated with industrial touches. It feels almost like a bar was set up in a (clean) mechanic's garage. There's a huge window on tracks that can be opened in nice weather to lend an outdoor feel to the bar, and everything inside is gray. The beer selection is pretty good here. I enjoyed Left Hand Milk Stout, which is not that hard to find but is definitely not a sure thing on tap. I didn't try any non-beer beverages. As others have mentioned, the menu is chalked on the wall in a cute periodic table format. It's a great way to enhance the theme of the restaurant, but hard to see. There's also seating directly in front of the menu, which makes it hard to see parts of the menu depending on where you're sitting. Also (nerd confession), I was a little disappointed that the menu didn't follow the actual periodic table but is just set up in table form with two letter abbreviations for each item. I know, I hate me too. We ordered chips and salsa for the table, and I ordered a chicken quesadilla with a side of guacamole for my meal. The chips came out quickly but the waitress brought guacamole instead of salsa. She then did not come back until our meals were ready, so we couldn't ask for the salsa. We ate the guac, but some people at our table had really wanted the salsa. When our food arrived, I had a second side of guac with my quesadilla. The food was just ok. The quesadilla was really basic--cheese and chicken in a tortilla--and would have been bland without the sides of guacamole and salsa. My husband got a chicken sandwich which he liked, but again, it was very basic. Others in our group enjoyed the skewers, which come with a plate of sides and some pita bread to make wraps. In good news, we were not charged for the extra un-ordered side of guac. My husband and I ended up paying about $50 for our meals, 2 beers each, a share of the chips and salsa, tax, and tip. We went on a weeknight, and the crowd was pretty lively. This is definitely a popular drinking spot. It seemed like mostly grad students in their 20s and 30s. It also seemed like the sort of place where people become regulars and begin to know the staff and other patrons (or maybe there were just some popular people in that night!). I would definitely come back here for some beers and hanging out. I'd just probably make sure I ate somewhere else first.
(3)Ella B.
Riding our bikes down Mass Ave. we decided to stop at Miracle of Science after reading about it on yelp. As many of the other yelpers have already mentioned, the menu is in a form of a periodic table - cute, innovative, but a little hard to read since it's written in chalk. It seems that the main fare are burgers, but they have other choices: kabobs/skewers of beef, chicken, veggies or shrimp. Quesadillas, and chicken sandwiches. Since they didn't have a turkey burger, I went with an old fashioned American burger -- not sure if it's free range or organic -- the menu doesn't mention that and so the minus one star. Burgers are served with home fries w/ a tomato chutney that is pretty good. Full bar and decent beer choices -- overall, a decent meal and in the nicer weather, the windows open up. I would probably stop back in. Another bonus, not only do they serve Toscanini's ice cream, it is AROUND the corner from Toscanini's! Two burgers, two beers, total bill $38 w/tip.
(3)Leigh L.
Definitely an awesome place to eat. Went last night with some friends because we were going to a show at TT The Bears (three minute walk away). I got the Ronie Burger and a couple drinks. The burger was delicious! It has jalapenos in the actual burger patty and then pepperjack cheese! If you love hot and spicy food, this is the burger for you!! The drinks were really good (gin and tonic) and the salsa that came with the chips was good too but they only give you a little bit of sour cream which was a bummer. The place doesn't have a lot of seating and we squished five people into a very clear four person table and were almost always in the way of the waiters going to the kitchen and people going to the bathroom. That's the only reason it gets 4 stars. The menu is on the wall and it's the periodic table! They do not hand out menus so you need to look at the wall. Overall an awesome place and definitely a place everyone should try!
(4)Saba N.
I love this place!!! Best veggie burger I have ever had - hands down. It's so flavorful and yummy - and the roasted potatoes on the side are unbelievable. 5 stars for the food alone. The vibe of this place is awesome, it's small though so I'm not sure I'd try to venture in on a Thursday or Friday night. Diners, beware. It's also kind of odd that they put the menu on the wall - I had my back to it and therefore had a tough time. Little menus (even it was just a piece of paper) would probably go a long way. The service was ok - it was kind of odd. Two waiters were tag teaming but they were so uncoordinated - as soon as one took my drink order, another came by and asked the same thing. I hate it when that happens. All in all, I will definitely be back. The burger was out of this world. I plan on taking a lot of my friends - what a gem!
(4)Shawn R.
Great neighborhood spot near MIT. Its been at this location for nearly 2 decades and serves simple but excellent sandwiches. I had a burger and beer (Fisherman Brew) it was recommended by the bartender and in the end I had two. Its just a short walk from the Le Meridian hotel and worth a stop if your looking to relax and surround yourself with MIT nerds and good food.
(4)Nicole W.
I went just for the burger, and it was pretty darn good! The bun was definitely the best part--I think it's my new favorite burger bun! It was both flakey and chewy, in just the right amounts. The meat lacked flavor, but then again I had the Craigie burger last week. The only other complaint I have here is that I wish they served it with fries instead of breakfast potatoes. For about $11 I would definitely go back though! Next time I'm going to have to try the thing with bleu cheese.
(3)Krystal L.
Went to Boston. (Or as you cats and kittens call it Baaaaaaaaaston) for the first time and this is where my friends took me for our first outing. The best idea my Grad student friends have ever had-- screw 18th century female poetry (sorry Jeff). It was the morning so I ordered eggs and they ordered beer. God I love Boston. I live in DC so we down play the daytime drinking. So when in Rome...drink beer. The Good: the breakfast potatoes, beer, the cool sciency reference, beer
(5)Melissa M.
They adjusted the charge! I am happy now!
(5)Jessie C.
Yay! Still diggin' this place. Food was fantastic - ordered the turkey chipotle chili and a steak skewer. I do have to say the service was great! I was a little iffy at first - it was pretty busy for Wednesday night but once we got seated, the waitresses were lovely. We mentioned in passing that it was one of friends birthday and they brought over a brownie with a candle which was very thoughtful. Nice job MOS, nice job. :-)
(4)Shannon S.
Table for 7? Sure thing, you can take that right triangle table right there smack in the middle of the place. We ordered a basket of chips with salsa and guacamole while waiting for our whole party to arrive. Good guac and pretty standard salsa. The waitress forgot my drink (a Shipyard) but hey, I guess 6 out of 7 ain't bad. I ordered a cheeseburger. It was a-ok. The potatoes (kinda like home fries) served atop of a tomato chutney were delish. Bottom line. I left full. Would I go back for drinks? Sure. Dinner? Prob. not.
(3)Christina M.
Watch out for the nerd herd! Okay, honestly, with the exception of the cool periodic table menu, this place didn't seem very science-y to me. I came with a whole bunch of co-workers from the Museum of Science to celebrate a friend's birthday pub crawl, and we were the most science nerd things going on in the bar. If you were wondering why the place was crawling with people dressed in geeky clothes, taped up glasses, and amazingly awesome t-shirts (i.e.: Pluto 1930-2006, Revolve in Peace), now you know why! The food itself was pretty solid. I ordered a cheeseburger which was moist and flavorful, and the soft roll was perfect. I also did like their potatoes, which tasted like home fries to me, but I'll take regular french fries any day (or better yet, sweet potato fries!). The other patrons at the bar were really nice too, and chatted us up about our collection of misfits. So why just the 3 stars? Well, a friend and I arrived a little later than the rest of the party and put in our food orders late. We were going to squeeze into a table with our group, but the waitress had a major attitude problem and refused to bring our food to that table because it hadn't been cleared yet. She also refused to serve us food unless we were seated at a table, but the place was really full. Ummm, double edge sword here? Eventually, we had to sit at another table in order to eat, but we were really far from our group and the whole experience was tainted. I could have dealt without the power tripping, nasty waitress, who should have been thoughtful enough to lighten up and let us sit with our group. After all, we were in a bar for goodness sake, not grade school!
(3)Ben D.
Pretty great bar. I love the menu on the wall (designed as a periodic table!). The tables are all made out of science lab material, brought me back to my high school bio days. Actually ended up at this bar getting ice cream with some friends. It was freaking delicious, totally going back for rum and ice cream :-D
(4)DJ N.
Oh man, how I wish they allowed us to give half stars... I give this place 3.5 stars :-) Love this cozy little bar on MIT's campus. The drinks are strong and very reasonably priced. The food choices are limited, but good. I love how the food choices are displayed as a periodic table on a chalk board vs. paper menus. My personal favorite is the grilled chicken salad. The dressing is yummy, but sometimes I like to get a few drops of the habanero salsa on the side. If you can handle a very spicy sauce, then try this. If not, then stay away....your stomach will pay for it the next day. Overall, it's a cool place with a fun vibe. I love the casualness of it. Yay Miracle of Science :-)
(3)Olivia S.
Definitely interesting per the decor and menu but wasn't anything to rave about. The best part was environment...locals having a beer and a chat with the bartender made you feel at home. The food was good but small portion, which isn't a terrible thing. We had the beef skewers and shrimp skewers which had good flavor and presentation. I'd definitely stop back in for a beer next time I'm in town
(3)Kim W.
After fully indulging ourselves in an official "Nerd Day," ie a trip to the Museum of Science, Harvard, and MIT, this was a great place to come eat! Yes, it IS gimmicky...the menu is on a "periodic table" on the wall, but the food is surprisingly good! Between the two of us, we tried the guacamole, the Ronie burger, and the grilled chicken salad. The Ronie burger definitely has a kick to it, and the salad dressing was excellent. Oh, I had a mojito also that left me feeling prettttty good.... The reason I am deducting a star is that if I remember correctly, the A/C was either lacking or highly ineffective. Which, if you've ever been to Boston on a hot humid summer day, you know is not a good thing.
(4)Rachel L.
This review is long overdue. There is no better combo than their veggie burger and a cold draft beer. I found this place in college (very small - almost underground atmosphere). I was tentative because of the nerd-factor of Miracle of Science. At the time, being an MIT student, I tried to avoid all-things nerdy in my free time (nerd overload, you can understand!). However, despite the periodic table menu, this bar was anything but nerdy. The place is actually pretty cool - and their food is to die for. If you are looking for a good veggie burger, this place tops the charts. Right down to the bun, this veggie burger is amazing. It also comes with really yummy homefries/potatoes with a spicy sauce. I usually pair it with the Allagash White Ale. Perfection! If I had one point of criticism, I would say that it can get very cramped. Tight quarters can be a bit uncomfortable - especially when you are practically in the conversation of the table next to you. Although, I have never had a long wait, so I guess it's not that bad. Kudos MoSB!
(5)Dan P.
Went here before a show at the Middle East last weekend, and I wasn't that impressed. The place is a bit small, and was extremely packed. Food was ok, nothing to great though, I def wouldn't write home about it. Had a burger and fries. Burger was killed on the grill, and the fries weren't that good either. We had guacamole to begin with, and I wish we had just stopped at that.
(2)Marti S.
Miracle of Science is a great place to get a relaxing drink and meal with friends. Emphasis on the relaxing. I really enjoyed my chicken sandwich - I thought the mango mustard was delicious! (I think it was mango mustard. Brain's a little fuzzy today.) The sandwich came with seasoned potatoes and a spicy chili sauce - a great side. The decor is very ... well, it's nice, but I'm going to go out on a limb and guess it's owned by the same people who own Cambridge 1 and Audobon? It has the same feel. Comfortable but sleek. I'm giving it four stars because I wasn't thrilled with our server. She seemed kind of out of it. An example: she gave us our bill but then forgot to come back around to get it for like ten minutes or so. She even came to the table once to clear a glass and didn't grab the check and cards. I'm sure it's just because she didn't see it, but I would think it would be on her radar. Not a huge deal, but you know, when you're ready to go, you're ready to go... I would certainly return!
(4)Rachel C.
Best burger of my life? Maybe, definitely the biggest. Had a great lunch here with some colleagues a few weeks back. We ordered burgers and chicken skewers and sat at the bar. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was fabulous and the portions were huge. I will be going back fo sho.
(4)Emily W.
This is my favorite bar to visit in Boston. The staff made me feel at home and very welcome here, especially Joel and Nate. I enjoyed the staff, drinks, and music. I will definitely visit this bar when I visit Boston again in the future.
(5)Debra B.
We were "warned" there might be a line and we might have to wait. Good thing we didn't have to on a Sunday morning at 9:30 or 10 about 3 weeks ago. If I would have had to wait in line for that food I would have been highly disappointed if not possibly dangerous. I ate it but I didn't understand why I was having to pay for it. Cooked groceries. My cat cooks this well.
(2)Marta C.
Lovely place to get a drink with friends. Very laid back and relaxing. We went a little after 10 pm on a Friday night. Our original plan was to go to Asgard across the street, but it we made a last minute change, when we discovered it was packed. Miracle of Science had more seating and seemed generally quieter. We were seated easily, our server was friendly and helpful, and the beer selection was great. The atmosphere is really laid back and conducive to conversation - you don't have to yell to be heard, which I appreciate. We didn't have food, but I did notice that the menu is only on the board - you don't get one at your table. If I had wanted to eat, I think it might have been annoying to have to stand walk over to the board to see my choices. On the other hand, the menu is modeled after the Periodic Table which is very Cambridge and very charming. I would definitely return.
(4)Grace H.
Despite the cute menu on the wall designed as a periodic table, the food here was pretty average. We got a beef skewer and a veggie skewer, which came with bean salad, a mint slaw, and apricot chutney. I wasn't a huge fan of the chutney, which was thick and sticky like a jam and kind of a weird pairing with the beef.
(2)Shaina P.
Seriously though ... when wouldn't you go to the Miracle of Science?
(5)Steve S.
Avoid the food, burger was undercooked and overpriced. The ole potatoes over marinara was an interesting side to the plate..
(3)Deanna D.
Drink review only: Myself & a small group of girls that stopped into MOS to get a few cocktails before heading to Havana Club. The staff was not very friendly--they almost seemed annoyed to be there. The crowd was cool--laid back vibe with an eclectic crowd. The draft beer menu is pretty limited and full of similar beers. The drinks were OK not very tasty, strong, or cheap-- so nothing special. I don't get the Miracle of Science concept--it just a menu that looks like the periodic table but other than theres nothing sciency about the place. The burgers seem to the big deal here so I may be back to try it but I won't be rushing back.
(2)Rebekka T.
This is a casual place so don't expect a maitred' holding your hand through the menu and leading you to a table. Yeah, it's on the wall. Go read it. No one is laughing at you. Pick something. Eat it. It will be delicious. I recommend everything.
(5)Kelly W.
This place was great! Went for late lunch and I had the grilled chicken sandwich, friends had burgers. I have a dairy intolerance and they were patient and happily answered my questions and checked ingredients (everything grilled without cheese was fine but there was butter in the rolls). Server was quick to help us, and the food was all delicious. It was mid-70s so they had the garage-like door open and fresh air coming in. Perfect for lunch after the MIT Museum. Decor was cool too.
(5)Aaron N.
I freaking love burgers and Miracle of Science knows how to make a good freaking burger. This place is a small bar and grill spot that is actually pretty cool. The menu is drawn on a wall in the shape of a period table and each food item is an element (very MIT'ish, but a cool idea). I got the Ronnie Burger which actually had jalapenos and other spices baked inside of the burger! There was also a spicy pepper jack cheese on top, which topped off the delicious burger perfectly. All burgers are also served with with roasted potato slices and a sweet sauce that was just flat out great. Overall, this was a great place and if I'm ever in MA again, I'll definitely be back to check out the other periodic elements. Good work Miracle. Boom!
(4)Jessica S.
Beer: yum Burger: yum yum Home Fries: yum yum yum Seriously worth the walk, the uber creative menu and the burger with home fries totally hit the spot. Screw the ketchup when you have tomato chutney as your option! Server was wicked knowledgeable about beer, and their liquor selection was top notch with options you can't find just anywhere. For an added kick, be sure to sit on the hypotenuse side.
(4)Tucker H.
Definitely an above average burger; thick, juicy, and a medium rare is actually served medium rare. I was a little skeptical about having home fries with my burger, but they were really good! My pepperjack cheeseburger was delicious, and companions all polished off their burgers, so it's probably safe to assume that the Ronie Burger is also pretty good. The location isn't exactly convenient to the T, it's a good 10 minute walk from the nearest station, but it's worth it for a burger this good.
(4)Kathleen Y.
Unleashing the inner nerd. The menu was pretty cool since it looked like the periodic table. I thought that was pretty nifty! Food was okay. I feel like its a standard burger place, nothing super special. Maybe if they had water in beakers instead of cups it would have been more awesome.
(3)Jon S.
Tried this place out on a hot Saturday afternoon and left less than impressed. First, it took forever to be served and receive water (place doesn't appear to be air-conditioned). I also heard the burger was good but to be truthful, the ciabatta bun was the best part. Plus my burger was overdone and a little dry. Also tried the chicken skewers. Those were pretty good especially with the accompanying salad with mint. Overall, not a big fan.
(2)Jenelle J.
This place has cornered the right ambiance for those of us fondly reminiscing on the good old o-chem days with lab stools and periodic tables. Ah yes the simple times. Honestly though that's the best part of this place. Otherwise, the food is pretty much standard bar fare (burgers, meat skewers) for a little more than the usual bar prices. So it's tough to actually go back given the prices, and the fact that it's out of the way for me.
(3)Tyler A.
I loved this place, only been once, but my first impression was a good one! It's cozy, comfortable, service is good, and the food is REALLY good, at least what I had, burger and salad. The menu on the wall in the spirit of the Periodic Table is a nice touch, but hard to read while cranking your neck from the bar...no biggie. Drinks were of decent alcohol content, and overall it felt clean, hip, and relaxed. I will definitely be going here again!
(5)Shendi X.
Like its neighbor, and my professional love, MIT, this place is sleek, without sacrificing the nerdy - probably my favorite bar in the area....!
(4)Kristen G.
Cute place, very Cambridge college-ish. I went with a few girlfriends before seeing a band play at the Middle East. Service was good. We got guac and chips to start, holy cilantro batman! I may be in the minority here, but I literally hate cilantro, it ruins every meal it touches. We were trying not to gorge ourselves on burgers but based on the other reviews, it seems like that is what this place is famous for. We got the steak kabob with rice and again loaded with cilantro, thank goodness for the plain tortilla chips!
(2)Abigail R.
Miracle does things right. They have a simple menu, but they execute every thing really, really well. Like, I somehow find myself raving ecstatically as I eat something like a veggie burger or a grilled chicken sandwich. But seriously, that chicken sandwich: grilled perfectly and served with a delicious and unusual habanero mango mustard and a side of absolutely delicious seasoned potatoes. The special thing about Miracle's food though is that they pay attention to the supporting players too. The burger bun is wonderfully fresh and chewy with a beautiful, delicate crust, and if you substitute mixed greens for the potatoes EVEN THEY are delicious, tossed with a fantastic honey mustard dressing. Good beer selection, decent cocktails (probably not the place for wine) and a casual but well-designed atmosphere. They've been here for over two decades, and I can see why.
(5)Brittany M.
I'm not really sure why this place has so many stars, they must have good beer or something. My boyfriend and I got take out. I got a veggie burger, and he got a cheeseburger. Pretty standard, tough to screw up. But they did. Mine was basically flavorless, one of the most bland burgers I've had with nothing but spicy mayo helping it out. Even the spice was somehow flavorless though. My boyfriend said his burger was okay but the meat was bland and had no real meat-taste. The potatoes were average, although it's REALLY fucking hard to fuck up potatoes. They basically just roasted them with salt and black pepper. All in all I'd say Tasty Burger in Fenway (for something fast-foody/diner-esque-- +1 for awesome fries and onion rings), Four Burger in Central Square (for a gourmet-style burger that doesn't leave you feeling heavy and gross) and even Flat Patties in Harvard Square (run-of-the-mill, standard burger) are better options. One star for display though, we picked the food up in little white to-go boxes that had the sandwiches open face inside with roast potatoes in between. Maybe other menu options are better, but I would say don't waste your time! (At least on the food!) Hope I could be of some help!
(2)Erik Q.
If you want a quick, healthy, inexpensive lunch with a cool atmosphere this is your spot. Love the Lime Chicken, Chicken Sandwich with the mustard and chutney sauces. Hint: The veggie burger is just a pimped out Garden Burger. Get there early as seating is limited.
(5)Ian C.
I love this place. It's conveniently located near MIT, and is one of the few places open late that you would want to actually go to. The food is excellent... their burgers and skewers are delicious. At night it gets a bit lively, but that's part of the fun. It's also great for a quick (45 minute) meal before evening classes.
(5)Gal N.
Their beer selection is alright, nothing more. The ambiance is nice. The place is very small, and if you're unlucky you will end up standing in the middle of a crowded room while people constantly push past you. I've been there a few times, and generally had a good time. However, last night I went back with a few friends. We were there until fairly late. At about 12:55am one of my friends went to the bar, and got a drink. He was never told the place would be closing five minutes later, and there was no "last call" announcement. At 1am, the lights come on and the music is turned way up, to the point where it's uncomfortable to stay and finish our drinks. A friend goes up to the bar and asks to turn it down, but is told that "that's how the owner wants it". At about 1:05, one of the waiters comes over and asks us to wrap things up. At 1:10 he comes again, this time saying we need to leave. Just rude... for no apparent reason. A bad end to what was a nice evening.
(2)Stephen C.
When you get seated don't wait around for them to give you a menu. The menu is the periodic table with each (faintly color coded) element as a menu item. The chicken sandwich and the ronnie burger are my favorites. Their beer selection is pretty good, but pretty limited (only about 5 or 6 different drafts)
(4)Cherie C.
If 2 stars means "meh" (according to Yelp), then this place rates 2.5 stars. I just don't get the hype. I've been back for more food. It was serviceable but not notable. We watched the chef make my burger--looked like a frozen beef patty. There's really nothing wrong with using frozen burgers, but MoS seems to present itself as something more, so I expected more. As Jeffrey H said, it's just average. Heck, I can get a cheaper, more delicious burger down the road at Fourburger--and I can have a beer with it there, too. It just won't be served in such a stylish setting as MoS. I won't avoid MoS, but I'd never crave their food or make a special point to go again.
(3)Jason B.
I am a huge fan of the periodic table. I would love to have an entire restaurant themed after Amadeo Avogadro. The food at miracle of science is solid and unique, interesting food, well-cooked. The service here sucks all sorts of things. The two servers we had were extremely bored-looking and rude. The bartender was super friendly, and poured a decent cape coddah. The whole first-come-first-serve-seat-yourself thing is a little bleh. This is the very definition of a mixed-review locale.
(3)Brad S.
I like it fine as a place for drinks, but it is quite small. The last two times I've been, I've ordered a burger medium rare. Both times it came extra well done. By the time someone came to ask how it was, 20 minutes had passed. If I'm going to pay $12 for a burger, I want them to cook it how I order it and ask to make sure it's cooked properly after one bite, not after 20 minutes. Never going back.
(2)Jeffrey K.
Central Square on the (whichever) Red Line! This place is my go-to place when I want an amazing burger and a pint. I keep telling myself "get something other than the Ronnie Burger" when I go, but I can never bring myself to it. It's just such a beautifully cooked piece of meat. If that weren't enough, their home fries are perfectly seasoned, and come with a refreshing tomato chutney. I love the chutney so much I always ask for extra since they give you (IMHO) no where near enough. The atmosphere is great too: funky granite (?) tables, exposed kitchen, awesome periodic-table-menu, and the background music is exactly my taste/ really good (I've heard everything from Beastie Boys to Jamiroquai there, and the often just toss on an album). The added bonus (or to-my-detriment) the place is an easy walk from MIT. Warning: it's so good, the place is often quite full.
(5)Meghan M.
MoS is one of my favorite places to meet friends in Cambridge for lunch and a beer. It's not traditional pub fare (fried things, big plates, etc.) as you may expect from a place like this. I love that their menu is simple (skewers of meat, shrimp or veggies...one, two or three; cheeseburger; hummus plate, salad, etc.) and everything I've had here has been really, really tasty. I cannot say that I ever (EVER) order a cheeseburger when I go out to eat but I order them here often. The homemade ketchup that comes with the potatoes is really good. The service is decent but sometimes it's a pain to get a table during the week after 11:55am. I will be paying you yet another visit tomorrow, MoS, for a Brooklyn and a burger!
(4)Christina D.
Meh. If I had to pick one word to describe this place it would be impractical. Although the menu is very cool (periodic table) it is only available on the wall creating an awkward situation because you must stand among everyone eating to read it. It also means you are standing right where the wait staff comes in and out so you must constantly move our of the way. Service - Also awkward. The waitress came to our table and asked if we wanted drinks. The waitress took my friend's order and then went to go get her drink before asking what the rest of us wanted. (how odd!) They also don't check to see if you need refills of anything, so if you need more water, too bad for you. We also had two waiters trying to take our order..which was hilarious.. don't they assign tables ahead of time? Service aside, the food is nothing to brag about. I ordered the chicken skewer with peanut satay. What they didn't mention is that their version of peanut satay is a glob of peanut-butter with some pepper added in. (no exaggeration here, honestly). The salad was drenched in dressing and everything else was bland. the guac was in sore need of some lime and salt. $11 for a hamburger is also a bit much. All in all, the place wasn't terrible, it just isn't anything to write home about. The periodic table initially pulled me in, but I must say that I was disappointed. There are definitely more interesting places in Cambridge to go.
(2)Kimberly H.
I agree with some of the other comments on here. Good beer, good food, poor service. We came in last weekend on our way to run some errands and wanted to grab a quick bite. We split the chips & guac, chicken quesadilla and a grilled chicken salad (the cilantro-lime dressing is good enough to bottle!). We got the guac first and it was fresh and tasty. There is no heat to it at all, so other spicy food fans beware. It definitely needs a little more seasoning and hit of lemon or lime juice as well, but that can all be fixed at the table right? Maybe not. I asked our server for some lemon and she walked away ... 10 minutes later she still hadn't been back so I walked up to the bar and asked the bartender for some lemon, she motions to our server and without even an "oh sorry I forgot", uses her bare hand to fish out some lemon and throw it into a cup for me. Now, I am realistic and I know there is not going to be a gloved hand or even tongs for every garnish, but lady I just saw you take trash out of the dirty restroom, pick food up off the floor, bus tables, and handle cash without washing your hands. GROSS! The last time we were here we had a party of four and were asked by our server to move, in the middle of our meal, for a girl who had walked in saying she was going to have five people meeting her. Rule of thumb, you never ask a party to move, especially after they have been served their meal. But I do understand the need to maximize seating in their small space, so we did, no problem. Everything would have been peachy if we hadn't finished our entire meal and left and the girl was still sitting at the table alone. I really hope that server at least got her phone number for going out of his way for one person at the expense of our entire table. Aside from the whole hygiene and professionalism of some of the service staff, the food is consistently good and fairly priced. Maybe I will try the bar top or to-go food next time. I really want to like this place, please train your staff Miracle of Science!
(3)Daniel B.
Best. Breakfast. (Maybe ever.) But not foolproof, as my wife will attest. She got the omelet. Bad call. However, I am choosing not to count that against them. If you don't like meat. Or smoke. Than you can stop reading now. But everything was grilled. On fire. With smoke. And that made everything more delicious. From the toast. To the chicken sausage (which are done up as patties - and have a nice hit of jalapeno heat). To the the steak - obviously (on the steak and eggs). And even the grapefruit, served hot and drizzled with honey. Maybe it just suited my mood at that instant. But smoke and eggs and meat and coffee at noon on a Sunday was just what I needed to nourish my body and soul. I had a deep hunger, and left fulfilled indeed.
(5)Nadia A.
This place is horrific. Terrible service and third-rate food. The only thing that makes the atmosphere fun is the liveliness of the college students there. My waitress was rude and in a bad mood. Maybe she is sick of serving brainiac MIT students, or maybe she wasn't help as a baby. Either way, I'm not responsible. It's a Miracle of I ever come back.
(1)Jason H.
The short: just don't go here, at least for the food. The long: As usual, no alcohol is reviewed here, so look for someone else's opinion. The good parts about this place are that it's easy atmosphere and it's quiet enough to have a reasonable level conversation, but it's loud enough not to feel like people are listening to you. And that's about where it ends. You can sum up the rest of the experience like this: it's Boston, it's near a nerdy campus. What does that mean? It means that there's no expectation, no standards, and no incentive for them to do anything well. I came here on a first date because it was a pleasant hangout with a buddy one time before. Previously I had just ordered a side of potatoes and was disappointed at how little the portion was and how little flavor there was for $4. But the burger and the kabob they had looked good so I was willing to try it again. Looks are deceiving. I asked for my burger Medium... it was pretty much rare, almost raw. But I'll give them the benefit of doubt for that part, no big deal. The big deal was that for $10 my burger was puny. And again.... the potatoes they offer with it were worthless. (I'll say that after I "ate dinner" here I went to Cinderella's for pizza). But on top of the small servings... there was no FLAVOR. The cheese was ambigous, despite it supposed to be jalapeno. I felt like the jalapeno nachos you get at the nacho cart at the ball game are better. And to add crap to crap, the waitstaff was fairly pushy. We were just about the most recent group of folks in there, and after we finished the "food" we wanted to talk a bit. The staff came around like 3 times in 10 minutes and said "can I get you anything else?" We said "no we'd like to talk." So they came and put the bill in front of us. Well, if you're going to be a dick, I'll be a bigger dick. So we just sat there and ignored them. There were maybe 5 people waiting for a seat, and there were 4 seats at the bar. And like I said, other people had gotten there before us so we shouldn't have to be the first ones to leave. It's not my fault nobody wants to sit at your shitty ass bar and eat your shitty ass food. I don't want to sit at the bar, and I was here first and I will pay for my meal. Anyway, this place was overpriced and offered NOTHING in the way of a good dining experience. Just like most of Boston, it seems like.....
(2)May N.
Chill, laid-back atmosphere perfect for a lazy afternoon lunch or dinner. I came with 5 others just after the Sunday lunch rush. A waiter came up to us and said the big table was about to free up, but we could grab drinks at the bar while waiting. We sat at the right angle high table and ordered off the periodic table menu of burgers and satays. The waiters even have nerdy shorthand to take orders. The mimosas are served in regular pint glasses and decently priced considering how much you're getting to get pleasantly buzzed during the day. My Ronie burger was stuffed with jalapenos and spicy! The fries are really pan-fried potato wedges so they might be healthier for you than regular french fries. Service was ok. Our server was nice and helpful. I definitely could've used a water refill early into my jalapeno burger. Nice views of Mass Ave where you can people watch and observe men unicycling down the street.
(4)Courtney H.
I love the atmosphere here--it really appeals to my geeky side. The food is pretty good and the menu is just so awesome. Great place for a beer!
(4)Stephanie L.
I came here for a brunch on a cold Sunday morning, so can't speak much to the nightlife nor dinner menu. However, the atmosphere was nice, and the food was for the most part good. Nothing really blew me away. As far as sticking to the them, I did notice the regular menu written in period table format on the wall, which seems to be the key feature of the restaurant. I'll give it to them, that was very cool! Food was even grouped by themed into the columns, and for the most part increased in price as you traveled from the top of the column to the bottom. (With the exception of the skewers, whats up with that guys?) I ordered the sourdough french toast with grilled banana. I was a bit disappointed that those two items were completely separate from one another on my plate, and it was only half of a grilled banana, which could be rationed over only about 3-4 bites of my french toast. So I basically had an order of sourdough french toast. It was good, but nothing special. My boyfriend had the breakfast wrap. Again good, but nothing amazing. The side of potatoes was phenomenal though. We were both a bit hungry, and the guys at the next table had the egg sandwich, which was packed with toppings and looked amazing. We ordered a 3rd meal, one of those to split, and it was quite fantastic. I'd skip the french toast and order that first if I went back! Other items to note, the waitress had originally charged me extra for the grilled banana on the bill (extra $2.50) before I pointed out it was listed as coming with the dish on the menu. She explained it was her first brunch and apologized and corrected it quickly. Also, the coffee maker was broken and no coffee was available when we arrived at about 10 am on a Sunday! I find that unacceptable. Go buy a cheap 12 cup maker down the street or buy/ resell a to go crate of it from dunkin' donuts. Don't deny your morning customers coffee! Oh, and the table in the middle of the room seems customized designed and is absolutely awesome! Where can I get one??
(3)Lisa C.
I'd probably give the miracle of science a 3.5, but I'll round up since I had a good experience. The beer was delicious and was average price and the selection wasn't bad. I liked the atmosphere of the place and loved that it was well-inhabited on a Tuesday night. We got chips and guac to start which was good because both the chips and guac were fresh. We all ordered burgers for dinner which were pretty burgers. Not too big and cooked exactly to medium and medium rare as we ordered. They came on delicious rolls instead of typical hamburger buns and were served with roasted potatoes that were well seasoned. We also got the dessert brownie that was warm and delicious. Service was good and overall experience was pretty good, too. I definitely want to come back here, but would come early to make sure we get a table.
(4)Ethan S.
Great food for a bar. Worth going there just for something to eat. Nice cozy atmosphere, not terribly hard to hold a conversation. Cute theme, with periodic chart-esque menu. Nicely located for MIT crowd. Mostly people comment positively on the food...
(3)Ted W.
This place didn't really do it for me. We ordered the spicy burger medium rare and it came out medium well. I didn't particularly care for the seasoning either. The server wasn't very pleasant and the beer wasn't cold enough. All the tools are in place for it to be truly great but it didn't quite get there for me.
(3)Dessa R.
Miracle of Science, I don't understand why people love you so. Yeah, you're cute in your own way. Your periodic table menu is cool, kinda different. But when it comes down to it, your menu is limited and your food is just adequate. You're small and crowded, and since I don't like beer, you just don't have that much to offer me. The MIT folks may think you're fly, but I don't roll with that crowd. I'm sorry, Miracle of Science, but I won't go out with you. ~Dessa
(3)Angeline P.
I like this bar. It's a decent beer selection with a huge periodic table with all of their offerings on a chalkboard. It was crowded on a Saturday night, and I was definitely always in the way, having to move around and accommodate people passing, and giving up seats for people ordering food. Like most bars that serve food, if you're just ordering drinks, you shouldn't expect to get a seat. But I like the atmosphere, and I had a good time here. I wouldn't mind coming back.
(4)Huan z.
Agree with Doris and Roni that we need a menu. It's hard to read their handwriting on that black wall. I don't eat red meat but my friend who came with me think their Jalapeño Berger is the best in town. My chicken wrap was decent. Not so delicious but not bad at all. Talked to the owner of the barbershop shop which is next door. He is Greek. He goes to eat there a lot. I guess it get some fans around.
(3)Alana H.
My co-workers took me here on my first day of work. While I really loved the idea that the menu is made to look like a periodic table, it was kind of hard to read at the table we were at (and I wear contact lenses). I guess I could have gotten up and looked at up closer but it was lunch and I worried that I would have been in the way of someone else reading it. I ordered the Chicken Quesadilla and our table got an order of chips and guacamole. The guac was tasty and I used it to eat my quesadilla. The quesadilla was huge and definitely more than enough for lunch. I would have liked for there to be more chicken as most of it was tortilla. It gets pretty busy at lunchtime, but it was a fitting place for my first day working at MIT.
(3)Kristine A.
Well this place really doesn't have much of a vegetarian option when it comes to food so look elsewhere if that's what you're in the mood for. If drinking is your thing then yes this is a place for that.
(3)Jess L.
Cool place. I had the best cheeseburger I've had since my time in Cambridge. Very juicy with a little spice. The potatoes on the side were also good. My dad had a good veggie burger (he said). I was a little surprised that for a place that I knew was known for its burgers, that it didn't have more of a selection. There are about 5 types of burgers. The periodic table menu *is* cute. But I kind of wish they gave out paper menus, too. Not everyone is far sighted! Shipyard - $4.50/pint. Nice. I liked the exposed brick and the seating overall. I was sitting by the drafty door, though, which sucked. It was kind of loud inside, but it definitely has a quirky, student-y feel.
(3)Jacquelyn M.
Honestly one of the best burgers I've had maybe ever! The menu is hard to see depending on where you sit, or how much you've had to drink. I love the ambiance and the open windows in the summer.
(4)Kelsey C.
I hate to give this place 1 star but I just have to. The service is the worst I have had in Boston. They share tables, which is fine, so you really get a chance to interact with a couple servers. They were all very short. No refills, they screwed us our order, treated up poorly, and then a couple days after we looked at out bank statement we realized that they added on to our tip. Our bill was $23-we left a $3 tip and the must have either turned it into a 5 or written on the customer copy slip as the bank statement was a $28. Also-the menu is a periodic table and there is a photo of AE behind the bar-other than that-nothing science about it. Will not go back.
(1)Peench P.
100 stars, yes, I am on a roll today! I am very faithful to this place,I want to marry it, I love it, this is my bar to go to and always saves the day, even when you try to go to elsewhere for lunch on NYE and failed, well, miracle is always there for you. I don't think I've ordered anything other than the ronie burger, I love when food burns my mouth and my gorgeous lips, if you can't stand spicy food, don't order it and then complain about it, por favor ok? The staff is the best, they know what you like, they're friendly - except that pretty Asian face that wonders around there- they're fast and they will entertain you if they have to. Yes, it can get crowded at times, but would you go to a place that no one goes to? that's normally a sign that the place stinks, no? don't listen to Jeffrey H. he is gay and he doesn't know a thing. I don't remember him complaining about places being crowded when he's at the gay clurrrrrb. Oh and once in a blue moon, if your friend says she will never go to a red sox game, 5 minutes later you'll end up getting tickets for free from some out of towner, I guarantee it. I'm thinking about a writing the chronicles of narnia at miralce, just wait for it.
(5)Jean Y.
We were ignored far too long just trying to get a drink. Not even eye contact and the place was not that busy. So we walked a block to the Irish pub, where they know something about hospitality and service.
(1)Sarah F.
Roast potatoes almost like a breakfast food . Not a great beer selection though.
(3)Michelle L.
This place is solid, but I don't love it. They have a full bar, but I'm never dazzled by the cocktails. The food it good, but you'll reek of garlic so I don't recommend kicking of the night here. Still, I come here from time-to-time to catch up with a friend. If you are looking for a nice place in Central Square to meet up and grab a quick bite over drinks, consider Miracle of Science.
(3)Jessica B.
The most amazing burger in the world. And the salad dressing is soooo good (I don't like the potatoes that normally come with the burger, the sauce is gross.) Good beer, good burgers, good good. Actually, all the food I've had here is good. I don't even mind waiting for a table, even the weird shaped table that isn't conducive to any group of people and seems to be a hallmark of this restaurant group (see also: Audubon). But. Y'all need a wind baffle on the door. It's cold! Also, I'm a 20%+ tipper, but not when you add gratuity. A table of four is not a gratuity added table! Yes, server-lady, you might have lucked out with an awesome tip if we hadn't noticed. Instead, your lack of trust (for, I repeat, a table of four) means you get exactly the tip you asked for. I know I sound bitchy, and I know servers don't get much pay and rely on tips. I know because, dude, I was a server at one point too. But sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot. (If the gratuity added thing is policy, I'm sorry, server.)
(3)Mario R.
I went in for drinks last night with two friends. We sat at the high table in the middle of the bar. It was early in the night and the place was maybe half full. The waitress immediately came over and asked us if we would move to another (smaller) table because the table sat six and we were only three. We told her we'd rather stay here, to which she replied "Well, you might have company". I'm not sure if she was trying to scare us. We don't mind company. We enjoy people, which is why we were at a bar. She then asked for our drink orders. I asked her what seasonal beers were available. She said "Oh, we don't have any..... We have Harpoon". So, I looked behind me at the beer selection to decide what I wanted. To my surprise, there were three seasonal beers. I told the waitress "you have Shipyard Pumpkin, that's a seasonal beer." She responded "Oh, ok.....". There was an awkward silence. "I'd like to order one" I said. She seemed confused. "Oh...". It was weird.
(1)Jon H.
I really like this place- its got a great feel to it, love the chalkboard element menu, good selection of beers, and good burgers. Sometimes it can get tough to get a table here, and you've got to start costco style hovering in order to steal a table. The service is really nice and friendly, and they do a good job serving up awesome food. Everytime I go there I get the blue-cheese burger. Just a good time with friends, hang-out bar. Not a sports bar or anyplace to pick up anyone .
(4)Slugs A.
Been meaning to write this update for awhile now. Ended up there a few months ago before a friend's band played a gig across the street and the food was still as good as I remembered from a year ago. Had the chicken sandwich again. That spicy mayo they use is still pretty killer. Gotta love those home fries as well.
(4)Nick M.
If Edger Allen Poe, Winslow Homer, John Adams, Leonard Bernstein, and Barbara Walters were alive today, they would all be hanging out at the Miracle of Science. By far the coolest bar in Cambridge! And yes I said Barbara Walters... I mean come on, that's an alien in there. At the Miracle of Science you'll find geeks, freaks, and the plainly unique. You might say that the name fits the atmosphere of clients. It looks like a deli but it's a bar. It was tables here and there, and seating around the bar. Part of its charm is that everyone is courteous, from the bouncer to the bartenders. Oddly enough you feel completely relaxed, (I wonder if they're pumping something into the air!?!) everyone is smiling and having a good time. The music was like a blast from the past, old school stuff that made you want to get up and dance (ok fine I did but others joined me). I wish I could have tried something from their menu (which looks great and affordable), but I was still really full from dinner. This is a must go to, so go already!
(4)Jennifer O.
I like this place but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here. I've been here twice. The first time the server was borderline rude. The place was empty there were three of us and we had tons of bags from shopping and he wouldn't let us push two tables together to make a table for 4- he wanted us to sit at a table for 2 with all of our stuff. Luckily a hightop table became available and we sat there. The second time was better- it was a Sunday night and the place was pretty empty. We sat ourselves and the server was friendly. The menu being on the board is a pain. Unless you are sitting right in front of it you have to get up and go read the menu, a complaint that I've noticed is reiterated in many of these reviews. The food is good the music and the music is usually fantastic.
(3)Heather C.
I absolutely love the skewers here!!! Order two and they come with two huge tortillas, mint slaw, black beans, and different sauce for each type of meat. The shrimp comes with a pineapple salsa, chicken with satay sauce, and beef with an apricot chutney. I'm not a huge fan of the satay so I always substitute the pineapple salsa with the chicken. Sooo amazing. They're really good about it and don't give me any problems about substituting. I'm a science nerd at heart so the lab bench seating and periodic table menu speak to my soul. I didn't give five stars because it really hard to get a table because it's so small. But bonus points for the cute blond bartender :).
(4)Coco P.
I've been here 3 times now and gotten the veggie burger each time. It is delicious! You can find plenty to eat here whether you are a vegetarian (like me) or a carnivore. I hear the regular burgers are yummy too. I've only been for lunch but I'm sure it is just as good for dinner too, give it a try!
(5)Jeff M.
Four stars for the quick and delicious lunch. Service could be more friendly. I recommend coming here for anyone working in Central. Get to Miracle of Science before noon though
(4)Steph D.
I am going to admit I am offically a HUGE fan based soley on two things. 1. Brooklyn Lager 2. One awesome night Miracle of Science, you're close to the hotel where my friend from Australia was staying... so we came to you. You had open arms. You had no idea that neither of us had eaten very much. You had no idea that we'd been roaming around in the bitter cold trying to find someone who would take an Australian Driver's License. You had no idea that my friend and I hadn't seen each other in so many years that it was still good but slightly awkward conversation. Still, you took us in. You brought us one of my FAVORITE beers. You had the periodic table menu which made for comic conversation. You had a table for us, but were full enough for us to think, "Wow. This place is hoppin'." And you helped us along in our progression from "So... How are you?" to (beer one) American/Australian politics to the (beer three) admissions of the fact that while we each love our significant others having a big bed all to ourselves is awesome to the (beer fivish) final raunchy stories of dodgy strip joints and joys of public bathroom shags (of which neither of us, sadly, had ever partaken). Thanks Miracle of Science for breaking the ice. Brilliant night!
(5)Andrea L.
They carry Harpoon Cider. Delicious. Too bad it's not on draft though. Tbh, they could go further with the nerd theme. I think it'd be a lot more fun. Otherwise the clientele really make the bar feel pretty staid and conservative. Beer in beakers anyone? That said, good food. I really enjoyed my burger. Seriously tasty. Their potatoes are kind of like hashbrowns. God, so delicious. Uh, price-wise, the burger's also the best deal ... I don't know what they're trying to do with the skewer section of their menu, it's not like they're a yakitori place. I wish their menu was more like their sister restuarant's, Tory Row. Seriously though, the lack of nerdy glee makes me kind of sad. At night, it gets pretty loud, and the lighting is a little dim which makes their periodic table menu a little hard to read. And the crowd... seriously this close to MIT, this much potential for crazy youth, and this crowd ... so freaking old. and full of suits. Meh. maybe it was just that one night. Overall, a pretty decent place to go out and grab some food & booze.
(3)Jon G.
Overly crowded, bad crowd management. The strange shape makes standing around particularly uncomfortable, with servers pushing past you constantly. We waited half an hour for a table only to have the servers give it to another group that had gotten there after us. Will not be returning. Don't waste your time here, there are plenty of better bars in the area.
(1)Barbara N.
Decent burgers...decent beer. Good time with friends. Nothing that memorable or mind-blowing.
(3)Jeff D.
Very interesting building, it looks like it used to be a garage of some sort. I had the Ronie Burger (which has jalapenos mixed in with the meat) and it was very good. I particularly liked the roasted potatoes that came with it instead of fries. Beers were $4.00, which is pretty decent for Cambridge. Service was a little lax and we generally had to flag our waiter down for drinks, but once we did they always came promptly. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Jennifer N.
Oh, Miracle of Science, why can't you get your act together? There's so much I love about you - your small menu playfully written on the chalkboard in that lovely (and MIT friendly) Periodic Table motif. I love that you keep it simple, that you specialize in a few dishes (grilled chicken, burgers), and truth be told, you do what you do well. I love your chicken skewer with peanut sauce, and I love that you serve it with those tangy onions. But the problem I run into every time I eat at your restaurant is the service -- first, I notice that I have never seen the same waitperson twice which suggests to me that you have a turnover problem. Second, I notice that your waitstaff always acts burdened by waitering. Take today for example -- my husband and I walked in at 2:15 for a late lunch. The restaurant was basically empty, and we quickly ordered two entrees. At 2:55, our two sandwiches hadn't arrived; rather than approaching us to say "sorry for the delay, your food is coming," the waitress just avoided us. At 3:10 when the food finally arrived, she quickly said "thanks for waiting," and then walked away. Other highlights included filling only one water glass when two were empty. I know Miracle of Science isn't a fancy restaurant, but it seems to me that hiring waiters who have some basic social skills will serve your restaurant well in the long run.
(2)H. G.
I don't know what the big fuss is about their burger. The bread is nice, kind of like the crusty Italian loaf you'd get at a decent sub shop, but the rest of the ingredients are just kind of mediocre. It's not so much that there is anything wrong with the burger, just that there's not anything great about it. I did like the side of home fries. I'd still order the burger any day over the shrimp skewers. A classic case of trying to be healthy and regretting it immensely and immediately.
(2)Rebeccah M.
This was a funky little place! We only stopped in for drinks, so I can't speak for their food. Their menu is an awesome periodic table though- major props for that! The atmosphere was chill, but then again it was 3 in the afternoon- not exactly rush hour. I would definitely go back if in the area.
(4)Maria B.
This place is really great. I had a veggie burger and it was beyond delicious, I'm craving one right now. They serve them with fried potatoes that are also fantastic. Decor goes along with the theme of the place which I'm sure you can guess by the title. I was marveling at the stools that are exactly like the stools in high school Chem..
(4)Cece K.
Great spot to grab a quick lunch or dinner. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with habanero mango mustard. It was great. Also served with really good seasoned potatoes instead of fries. Food and service was quick, but quality was definitely not compromised. Meals ranged from about $9-$15. Would definitely go back.
(4)N J.
The mojitos were minty and sweet. Good burgers and skewers. We went early while the sun was still out so it wasn't too busy. The second time around, the bar had a too-serious-for-Halloween sort of crowd. Walking in dressed as the Golden Girls was probably not a good idea.
(4)Earl L.
I am always amazed at the connection between a restaurant's identity--its food, atmosphere, people--and its name. When chosen carefully, the name adds an air of elegance to the overall impression of a restaurant. For example, WD~50 derives its name from the initials of its executive chef Wylie Dufresne and the street which it is located on, 50 Clinton Street. At the same time, the name plays on the popular lubricant WD-40, which prevents those pesky doors from squeaking. On the other hand, some names just do not make sense. For example, during my recent trip to Boston, I visited a restaurant called Miracle of Science. There was nothing science-related about my experience there. No fancy molecular gastronomy techniques. No onion ring volcanoes. Just plain, grilled food. Sure, one could argue that science involves all aspects of cooking--because it does, but the founders of Miracle of Science could have done better in choosing a name that shares synergy with the restaurant's overall identity. To be fair, the restaurant serves good food that neither amazes nor underwhelms, and its menu is periodic table-themed, but that is as far as the intellect goes at Miracle of Science. I ordered a Ronie burger and my friend Handson ordered the chicken sandwich. While I did not get to taste the chicken sandwich, Handson said that the chicken sandwich was great. The Ronie burger was good. It was not too salty, not too oily, and had subtle tinge of spiciness added throughout. The buns were definitely a highlight of the burger; they were soft and light on the inside but carried a paper-thin, crisp shell on the outside. Vegetables such as lettuce and tomato in the burger were fresh, and the meat was not dry. Instead of fries, the grilled sandwich plates come with potato chunks which are surprisingly tasty. They are burnt till a nice, dark shell coats a large portion of the outside, so the entire pieces of potato crumbled well in my mouth. Nutritionally speaking, I would not recommend Miracle of Science if you are on a diet. The oil overpowers any health benefits of fresh vegetables, and the buns are not made of whole-wheat flour. If you like this, read more of my food writing at toastable.com !
(3)Nikki B.
I really think that if you live in or around Boston you have to hit up Miracle of Science at least once. I freaking adore the enormous Periodic Table menu they have- conveniently located on a chalkboard wall! The atmosphere is really casual, the service is good, the crowd is laid back, the drink selection (and price) is reasonable and the food is solid. There's no reason to NOT eat here, at least once!
(4)Dee P.
No written menus or drink lists. What about those of us with less-than-perfect vision? Oh well, if you can't see, make a friend read the meager menu to you. No french fries for the burgers. A tiny stick of chicken costs about $10 (god help you if you want a real meal!). Nothing tastes BAD but it's ridiculously overpriced and the atmosphere is not at all worth it. Three doors down is Middlesex-- I think it's even owned by the same people-- where you can get a much better meal for half the price.
(2)Grace S.
I used to come here all the time. Love the Jalepeno burger and the Chili. Portions are pretty sizeable and there is always someone at the bar drinking at all hours of the day. I've only been here for brunch/lunch so not sure what the dinner scene is like. I'm guessing a lot more rowdy.
(3)Claudia H.
I am a girl and being so, I suffer from the delusion that I am one for healthy eating. Sometimes, I order (very tasty) 3-bean chili and only watch while my ogre of a husband ends his twenties snarfing burgers with seeming disregard for the consequences. But on the rare occasion, I take a bite of said burger and am so moved by the combination of well-seasoned, juicy beef in a perfectly crisped Kaiser roll that I am momentarily cured of my delusion and so out-snarf the boy that he needs to either order a second burger or make-due with whatever legume concoction I initially picked out. Perhaps you could call that a miracle? While the Miracle of Science does have an interesting looking menu (laid out on the periodic table), why would you ever order anything but one of those amazing hamburgers with its delicious chunky side of home-fries? They also have what seems to be a great selection of beers (I think they are much more well known for this than for their food), but I cannot comment as I'm no beer lover. In the warm weather the big windows in the restaurant open up and you can sit facing out onto the summer street scene enjoying a leisurely drink or a meal with friends. It's one of the most relaxing places I've found in Boston :-)
(4)Aaron G.
People love this place. Everyone that I work with wants to come here for lunch, but I've been disappointed every time by the food quality at this price point. The beer selection is usually good, though. I think that MoS is a good place to come if you have one small table's worth of people, aren't going to eat more than an app or two, and don't expect too much in the way of service or panache. As other reviewers have stated, the food quality does fluctuate wildly.
(2)Danielle H.
Yes, the periodic table menu is very cool, and it has a happening nighttime bar scene. But this review will be about their brunch, because it is our go-to place for a reliable and delicious meal. There is always ample seating, which is nice on a Sunday morning when you're super hungry and trying to nurse a hangover. We've tried pretty much every item on the brunch menu but the favorites are the Brazilian steak & eggs and Sourdough French Toast. A side order of the jalapeno chicken sausage is also a must! Also there is usually plenty of parking on Mass Ave which is a plus.
(4)H T.
-.. .- - .- -... .-.. . / --. . . -.- ... / .- -. -.. / .-.. .- - . / -. .. --. .... - / -.-. .-. -.-- .--. - --- -....- -. . .-. -.. ... / -.-. .- -. / -... . / ..-. --- ..- -. -.. / .... . .-. . .-.-.- / / ..-. .-. . . / .-- .. ..-. .. .-.-.- So what MI
(4)Brittney S.
Went for birthday festivities with some of my husband's classmates. I was starving, had a cheeseburger. Ordered medium, got well done inside and charcoal outside. The burnt taste distracted from the rest of the otherwise delicious burger. The side potatoes were a-w-e-s-o-m-e. Ambiance was fun, it was overall a good night.
(3)Eric M.
This bar sort of tries. They have a periodic table for a menu (but the food is expensive), some chalk board tables (they will give you chalk upon request) and an MIT based location. But they could play up the science thing way more... three fellow biologists and I came up with 10 to 15 science things they could try, equations on the wall, portraits of scientists, pi as a continuous border along the top of the wall, test tube shots, or beers in a beaker, gastronomy based food... and so on. The staff also sort of tries, most don't know a lot about beer, bring it slowly, ask if you need another intermittently... and so on. An OK place to meet people as everyone knows where it is, but always a mediocre place once you get there.
(2)Sara H.
Alright, settle down fellow geeks and nerds. This isn't a theme bar. Honestly, when was the last time you patronized a theme bar? This is an establishment that offers food and drinks. Are we clear on that? Good. Personally I love this place. I generally come for the brunch which, while limited, never fails to please. I've been around during nighttime hours and it's been a-ok as well. I had ONE instance when service was a bit slow, but considering how many times I've been, it's pretty inconsequential. I highly recommend Miracle of Science for a good sit down, chill out, kind of bar. If you can't get a table/bar space right away, wait it out...or don't. Up to you. I still think of this place as one of my favorite Central Square go-to destinations.
(4)Lakshmi R.
This is a really nice bar/eatery. Good drink selection, surprisingly well priced considering the location...and a periodic table on the wall with elements such as Hb (Hamburger) and Cb (Cheeseburger). Service can be slow and it does get busy, but this is definitely a great place to relax.
(4)Sara R.
The only thing remotely nerdy about Miracle of Science, besides the name is the Periodic Table they use for the menu. It doesn't take a geek to read the menu, and nothing on there is in any way scientific. It's a very small pub, with mediocre pub food.
(3)Mark W.
This place is lacking in the cleanliness department. Raw meat handled with cooked! Back door wide open flies yum
(1)John S.
I'm treading familiar ground, to be sure, but I still must say a little something about the Miracle of Science. I've been in there for drinks a couple of times, but never for food. That changed this weekend, when a friend of mine stopped by for lunch. I opted for a well-dressed grilled chicken salad and a beef teriyaki skewer. Both were delicious and priced well for what they were. The beef came with a tortilla and sauteed onions, while the salad had a lime vinegarette that was tangy and delicious. The service was good, as evidenced by my perpetually full water glass, and the location is great - just east of Central Square. Definitely worth a stop.
(4)Jim S.
Really liked this place. The periodic table menu was really qute, especially if you like science. Really good menu and food. Liked the atmosphere and didn't feel rushed.
(4)Angela J.
Rather unpleasant experience visiting the Miracle of Science for many reasons. First off, the reason my best friend and I visited was because, like many other patrons, she's 1. A science geek and 2. It was her birthday. It was just us, so a beer and a burger at a seemingly cool joint sounded like a good idea. Yeah, no. First off, the menu. Yeah, the periodic table is a cute idea. What's not so cute is sitting on the opposite side, so you have to squint or get up and stand over someone's table (which is awkward). And then when I inquired about a drink menu, "Nope." was the response. They should really invest in both a drink and food menu. MoS should invest in a host as well because when we walked in, we weren't sure if we were supposed to grab a a seat or wait. I made eye contact with both the bartender and this random woman who actually happened to be the waitress. I don't care if the owner wants to keep the place casual and homey, but there should still be a way for new customers to identify staff. They should also have more than one waitress in the evenings. Now, onto food. We both had the Ronnie Burger, and while I applaud MoS for actually having a spicy burger (We have very high spice tolerences and are often disappointes by spicy menus from other restaurants), that was all it had going for it. All heat and no seasoning does not a good burger make. I have never had the displeasure of biting into a burger so bland, and I eat fast food. The pepper jack cheese might as well never even existed because I couldn't taste it. Not even my adding salt, pepper, ketchup, and extra jalepeno sauce could have saved that bland mess. The best part of the burger was the cibatta bread, which says a lot. The home fries were pretty good after a sprinkling of salt, but that tomato chutney? Gross. Personally, I do not like sweet and salty mixed together, especially sweet sauces and jams. Jams and sauces really belong on the side of the plate because they can either ruin the experience for the diner or do the opposite. My best friend thought it was alright tasting, but she, too, would have preferred the meal without it. Back to staff: Our waitress was useless and I only tipped her because I know servers have shit wages. Looking back, I should have listened to my friend and not given her a dime. She barely paid attention to us. We watched her laugh and drink with other patrons and even participate in a birthday shot with some guy who was celebrating his birthday. Would have been nice for my friend to have gotten that same treatment. When I asked about what ciders they had, she just said one brand and didn't offer anything else. And later on when my friend wanted to ask about drinks, we couldn't flag her down. By this point we're both over MoS, give us our check, and let's go home. Tl;dr: Food sucked, service sucked, and this place is not worthy of it's name. Neither of us will voluntarily return.
(1)Bill C.
I'm a fan of this place. Cute idea, with the whole periodic table and lab table theme. But this place has some solid food and a decent beer selections. What really sets MOS apart from other spots in Central is their brunch. Though I've never been thoroughly impressed by their steak and eggs, and the breakfast burrito my girlfriend ordered had a few beans that were undercooked, you can't beat entree, coffee, and fresh OJ for $13. For both of us. That's crackhouse prices right there, and it will keep me coming back. Don't get me wrong, there are major highlights on the menu. Anytime I'm in there for lunch or dinner, I'll get the Roni burger. And their homefries, which come with both breakfast and dinner foods, are amazing.
(3)Jeremy K.
The Miracle of Science is a very unique place. They have a great, full bar and their menu is something like I've never seen; it is written in a chemistry table of elements. Very original and I digg that, really. Their food is pretty good and the prices are good as well. Their coffee is very good and so is their selection of breakfast foods. Their staff is also very nice and they serve quickly. The atmosphere there is very laid back and that's also another cool thing although the size of the place makes it very difficult to get a table sometimes and it does tend to also get pretty loud in there when its packed.... They are clean though, very clean. Great place! Go check it out for yourself.
(4)Michelle C.
I must admit, I am addicted to the Miracle of Science atmosphere. It's a great place to start off the night with good (sometimes out-of-context) music and cheap (GOOD!) beers. I love the whole industrial-feeling setup and the snazzy outfits the servers are wearing on occasion. It's also a nice proximity if you feel like going to other Central bars after ... if that's your style. It's not mine, so I drink a beer, eat a properly cooked mid-rare burger and take the 1 Bus back to Hynes. Because I'm too old and not washed up enough to spend Saturdays in CS.
(5)Josephine L.
Chemistry was the only science I was ever good at (moles! inorganic nomenclature! equations!) so Miracle's periodic table of food totally tickles the science geek within. Their potatoes+tomatoes dish is unbelievably delicious and the burgers are decent. Beer selection is good, I'm told, though I don't really drink beer, but I got a Black Russian that was a tad too watery for me. So no go on the cocktails. But yes to the nerdiness.
(4)alejandro p.
From the outside this seems like a cool place. I like the vibe, the design, the fact that it's a bar and cafe/eatery. (Cafe disclaimer--they use Illy coffee. But have free refills.) Servers on my visit were chill, and welcoming too. But the food was just ok. My sourdough French toast with a grilled banana came with HALF a grilled banana and two THIN slices of ok bread. My dining companion had a breakfast wrap/burrito which was tasty, but tiny as well. I think both of us were disappointed in the place more than either of us wanted to be since it was such a cool place. For the price you're much better off going to Flour across the street and a few blocks down the road.
(2)Susan D.
I'm on a Cambridge kick lately, so I had to make my nerdy way to this hip bar. We grabbed a seat at the bar and in no time the place is packed and seats are scarce. The bartenders are on top of their game almost like there isn't anything better to do than to refill your drink, swipe your card, grab an order with such each aplomb. cool easy vibe plus a nice mix of young adults and middle age people. Plus the long line for Middlesex lounge outside gives this place an even cooler hipster vibe!
(3)Rachel K.
Walking along Mass Ave, I came across this unique looking bar/grill and decided to pop in, and yes, I am glad that i did. There is a very friendly, Irish pub type vibe to this little venue, which immediately drew me in. It's not overly crowded, and everyone here seems to know everyone else (Think: Cheers gone Harvard/MIT). The waiters seem to be pretty friendly, although not too talkative but apparently that's what much of the crowd from Cambridge is like. My favorite part about Miracle of Science is their menu, which is posted on a giant blackboard in the form of the Periodic Table of Elements. For example, they serve things like C1 (Chicken Skewer with peanut satay), Vb (The Veggie Burger served with pepperjack cheese and jalepeno aioli) and Tc (Turkey Chipotle Chili). Today, I ordered the S1 (Shrimp skewer with pineapple salsa) and was very pleased with my decision! The shrimp had the perfect blend of spice, which balanced out the sweet pineapple salsa wonderfully. It was served with a tortilla and onions on the side, simple yet fit the purpose. All in all, I'd definitely recommend this place to hang out with friends for a few drinks or just dare to come alone (like me!) It seems like the bar definitely gets hoppin' come nighttime so it could be a great place to check out on the weekend nights as well! Enjoy, and check out my blog at healthblurbs.blogspot.com for more ideas on eating and living a healthy lifestyle!
(4)Bob S.
Cool atmosphere, but is always crazy busy and as a weird seating arrangement. The food is usually very good, but I have had a couple of overcooked burgers. When they cook the burgers right though, they are awesome. The skewers are bomb and so is the chicken salad with lime and cilantro. Fairly quick service and an all around good place to eat.
(4)Estaban M.
I go back here every time I am in town for the last ten years since I lived down the street. It is still one of my favorite bars anywhere. It has dive bar relaxed atmosphere and value mixed with the design and menu of a trendy gentrified establishment. The miracle is a central square treasure. Nate Brown eats babies.
(5)Katie G.
I am a nerd. I admit it. I went to MIT; it's part of the job description. Every MIT kid has been here and almost every MIT kid loves it. If you're going on a Thursday-Saturday evening, you will have to wait forever to get in. However, during the week early evening, no problem. The menu is definitely the best part of the atmosphere of this place. Yay periodic table of foodiments! Not sure what I'm talking about? Take a look at the back wall- it's a periodic table! Food and drinks are casual- your regular bar fare. It's cheap, so don't complain! I've been out of Cambridge a couple of years, but I gotta get back to this place! Burgers and skewers are good. Can't complain. Good drink selection. It gets very crowded and people will definitely be vying for your seat as they see you finishing your meal. Beware!
(4)Julianne S.
Love the concept - the menu is a periodic table - the tables are geometric shapes. However, there is something missing. It wasn't very busy on a Friday, and it just didn't grab my attention. The food was ok, but its not really a restaurant, its more of a "Mike missed dinner so he'll eat a sandwich while we grab drinks" kinda place.
(3)S W.
This is really a 4.5 star review. This place kept me sane and fed during senior year recruiting. Lets start with the basics: DRINKS: 1) they offer Pimms (in a pint glass) with a slice of cucumber or lemon/lime for $6, with sprite or gingerale. I admit that this fact alone biases most of my review, but I am not ashamed because this offering is a damned good and delicious deal. I've yet to drink at another place that can even begin to compete with this in Boston, New York, Copenhagen, or Seattle. 2) AMPLE SELECTION of WHISKEY, VODKA, RUM, and TEQUILA spanning all price ranges. You'll be hard pressed to find another bar in Central Square that can rvial this selection, save for maybe (MAYBE) the Asgard? But, then again, it's the Asgard! Also, 4 or 5 beers on tap and at least 10 additional types in bottles. FOOD: Great Burgers (Chicken and Beef). Probably not the best in Boston, but these definitely won't disappoint. Hearty serving size, great bread for the bun and I've always had reasonably "fresh" greenery and tomatoes on my burgers. They also offer quesadillas, kebabs, and some desserts (brownies, I think?). The wait that accompanies an order for food is usually pretty reasonable (15 to 20 minutes if theres a huge influx of orders). ATMOSPHERE/ENVIRONMENT: nerd chic decor. Depending on time of day, the crowd oscillates from MIT employees, staff and students to hip young urban professionals in need of a drink and some food after a long day. The space is on par with other larger bars in Central Square but take note that this place fills up fast on weekend evenings. Also, the layout is not the most condusive to efficient seating. If its busy, you'll most likely be stuck sharing a table or standing room only (Hence the 4.5 star rating).
(5)Oggie B.
Fun concept with the lab chairs and the periodic table menu, befitting their nerdy environs, and the food is quite basic, simple and tasty, but the fact that they refuse to take your name for a table, telling you to your face that you need to instead hover over seated diners and compete with others for a table once it opens up, is absolutely ridiculous. Last Friday night, I witnessed a fight almost break out between two parties over a table! ...to eat burgers! C'mon--I know that MOS is hot sh*t, but put a little effort into to and make the dining experience for us, your customers, a bit more relaxing. So take my goddamn name next time I walk into the door and give me an approximate wait time, like every other restaurant in this town. Otherwise, I won't come near this place between Thurs and Sat. After about an hour of randomly scoping out tables hoping to be closer to it than someone else in hopes that I can snag it first when it finally opened up, I gave up and went across the street to the Asgard. It was a less satisfying meal from a culinary standpoint, but I was treated like they actually cared about my business--God bless the Irish!
(2)Elaine M.
This place is fantastic! Maybe I'm a nerd, but I love the science theme -- the chalkboard menu that is modeled after the style of the periodic table is a clever touch! Very fitting, considering it's in the locale of MIT. The burgers are indeed excellent -- definitely in the running for top Boston area burger in my book! The others in my party shared the same sentiments as well. I was quite surprised, considering I don't usually expect much from bar food. The fact that several of the staff took it upon themselves to help my group find seats on a crowded Friday night was impressive.
(5)Derek A.
Went there because we had spent the day at the Museum of Science and thought it would be a fitting place for dinner. Unfortunately, the whole experience was OK. Not bad, but certainly not great. The burgers weren't bad, but certainly weren't anything special. A little greasy, actually. The homefries-style potatoes were a little under-seasoned I thought and left me unimpressed, especially with the weird spicy red stuff underneath. Most disappointing though was how the theme was so weakly executed. One review I read elsewhere talked about drinks and condiments served in beakers and test tubes with a menu that looks like the table of elements. We got bottles of ketchup, regular pint glasses and a hard-to-read chalkboard. Not a bad place to eat and a good value, but not the cool theme that we were hoping for.
(3)Bret C.
Totally unique. And it has almost nothing to do with science. You walk in at Miracle of Science and there's no hostess. You just sit wherever you want and check out the periodic table of....FOOD? How cool is that?! No menus distributed. Very limited menu - I wish they had a few more things - but what they do is very good. Several entrees come with roasted potatoes rather than fries. They are awesome. Prices are all reasonable and food arrives fasssst! Easy to do a quick lunch, even midweek. MoS is good for a drink and/or food and overall a cool place to hang out. It's casual. Perfect restaurant for this area.
(4)Ina C.
We stopped by for breakfast at 9am on a Sunday and was pleased to see that it was open. The place definitely has a unique look - tables that remind of you science class in high school and the famous periodic table menu on the wall - but it was COLD! I was wearing three layers of clothes, but I still had to keep my down jacket on to maintain homeostasis. A guy who looked like he'd had a hard night brought us some breakfast menus and drinks. We were pleased with the prices (everything is under $10!), but that pleasure was zapped when we realized we'd been waiting 15 minutes to place our order. Maybe it's because there's literally one cook with one stove. I can't imagine how slow the service could be if this place was more full. Our sourdough French toast, omelet and breakfast wrap came out pretty quickly after that (there were only two other groups there). Food was yummy. The French toast came with a grilled half-banana which was divine! The omelet was tasty, though one of the requested toppings was missing, and the breakfast wrap was hearty and delicious, especially with that meaty chicken sausage. The bill for the three of us came out to less than $20, which was great. The experience overall - including the service and the temperature of the place! - wasn't so hot. I don't regret going because 1) we had the time to kill and 2) not too much money to waste, 3) we left with happy bellies and taste buds. Three stars.
(3)Jess W.
My goodness, it seems like I'm the only person that isn't a giant fan of the periodic table menu. I love kitsch, don't get me wrong, but having it only posted on the wall (where about half of the tables have to do some necrobatics [neck acrobatics, not corpse floor exercises] in order to read it) seems unnecessary. Totally wasn't just me, too, I saw plenty of other people craning around. It's not THAT uncool to have some menus around for us slow deciders. That said, I've eaten here twice and both the veggie burger and hummus plate were tasty enough. Uh, miraculous?
(4)Michael P.
Been here plenty of times drunk, but this is the first time I've tried their food! I wasn't all that hungry so I ordered 1 Beef skewer ($6.50) cooked medium rare. It came with 4 pieces of beef on a skewer served on top of a warm tortilla, apricot chutney, and lettuce/onion garnish. The apricot chutney was delightfully sweet and when paired with the savory beef, tasted pretty darn well! Who would've thunk? Price is definitely steep for what it is, so I won't be getting it again, but I have been left with new inspiration for preparing/cooking beef =) My friend ordered the chicken sandwich ($9) with spicy habaneros mango mustard with potato sides. The mustard reminded me more of a spicy curry/coriander paste for some reason. It's a pretty good sandwich, but pricey as well. I'd rather go to Bartley's in Harvard square for a real burger. Ambiance/vibe? Reaffirmed my opinions. Miracle of Science is def a place to hit up for a drink, not so much of a place to enjoy a sit-down meal. Bottoms up!
(3)Joshua L.
Food deserves three or four, but service is downright terrible. Was there on a Sunday afternoon, not busy at all. Three people. Asked if we could push two tables together. "No, only one table per group." Okay, we'll squeeze around this two-person table. Menus dropped, orders taken, drinks brought. Beers were good, soda flat. Mentioned the flat sodas to our server. She said, "I can SEE the bubbles in it." Yeah okay, it was sugar water. "Have a taste if you'd like, it's completely flat." She rolls her eyes. "I don't know how to adjust it, so that's what you're gonna get if I bring it back." The rest of the meal was similar. Every time we asked for something, even to order an extra dish, we were met with a sneer and a sigh. Good food, nice small place with a good feel, completely ruined by bad service.
(1)Rob C.
I was a little bit ambivalent about Miracle of Science until someone at a table next to me, whipped out a laptop and started screwing around on something with her friends. It's not that that's an unusual thing, necessarily, more that it seemed a perfectly reasonable thing to do, in a bar, no less, rather than the mark of a stressed-out student or hyperproductive businessperson. So for all the lip service to nerdery with the decor (the lab tables are pretty sweet, but the stools are authentically sucky), that impressed me more. The wait staff is also very friendly, and perhaps more importantly also seemed like they'd hang out there if they didn't work there. i guess that what i'm trying to say, is that they seem to have tried hard to achieve a kind of geek chic, but succeeded anyway. Oh, and the beer's reasonably priced, the Guinness a mediocre pour.
(4)Kim K.
Awesome neighborhood place with a great vibe, good menu, and decent bottled beers. Sometimes it gets a bit crowded on the weekends, but for weeknights you can't beat the ronnie burger and chips and salsa. We also really like the skewers - they dress them with a tasty peanut satay and pickled onions. Pickled anything is delicious, and they certainly do this right. As a plus, you can walk over to Tosco's for ice cream afterward if your favorite flavor isn't on the MOS menu.
(4)Vina A.
Great beers on tap that pair nicely with a near perfect burger for a mid afternoon meal and chat with an old friend in a cozy clean and friendly bar. Yum yum.
(4)Mags R.
I'm giving this place 3 stars, but is really like 2 1/2, I left w/ mixed feelings... Like The "periodic table menu" was impressive, but that's all? That's what gives the place it's name... IDk I think in order to live up to the "Miracle of Science" I need to at least see the bartenders in googles, Open cooking so I can see some flames... maybe is the kid in me... Now, to the food... portions were sooooooo small! Come on! I can't complain about my burger, but my friend got like 2 shrimps on a stick and some sad side salad... come on! Taste was damn good! I would def try it again as it was affordable and drinks were on point... but are they living up to their name... no. To my opinion.
(3)Neil Z.
It's a simple, cruel fact: the closer you get to MIT, the less there is to eat, drink, or do. The Miracle stands out as the first outpost of civilization north of campus on Mass Ave. It's tiny and crowded; forget about getting a table after 8 on a weekend. If it's noisy it's just from all the people; the TV and music are reined in. The laboratory theme doesn't extend past the stools and the menu. I think they only have four taps, but they usually have Victory Hopdevil so I can't complain. The cocktails are workmanlike and standard, but that's pretty high praise when you consider the sugary, watered-down swill you get at a lot of local bars. The food's pretty good. The only place you're going to find a burger and home fries for less than $9 in Cambridge is Wendy's, and you'll find way fewer drug addicts at the MIracle. The size of the place would knock off a star or two in a neighborhood with more options, but after a long weekday toiling in an MIT lab, the Miracle is a great place for a nightcap or three on the way home.
(4)Kimble M.
What kind of a geek doesn't love a good parody of the periodic table? Or feel comfortable perched on a lab stool in front of a standard lab counter? Miracle is a fun, geeky little bar, just far enough from MIT to count as "getting off campus", but close enough that you won't freeze to death getting there. The drinks are boozy enough, the food quite addictive, and the crowd generally a pretty good mix of students who would never be seen dancing at Middlesex next door. It can get pretty crowded on a Saturday night, so getting there early and camping out a table as friends come and go isn't a bad move. If only the business students would leave the geek bar to the geeks, we'd have a 5-star winner.
(4)Anne W.
This place was packed when I went in the middle of the week... but I remember it was the last time I went. I do feel like this is a college bar... when I say college.. I would say MIT. And so the people are not really eye candy. The place is probably named after science because the bar is made out of those science lab bench tables. I didn't really like my drink there although it was REALLY strong. I got an old fashioned which is supposed to be strong.. but she just put only Maker's Mark and no splash of soda. They also have some beers... all in bottles and only three or four on tap. Didn't try the food... so can't make a comment on that. I don't know if it's a must go place but it is close to the students... so if you're a student, you should go!
(2)Jeffrey H.
I don't see the miracle here... I was really excited to try out Miracle after all I read on yelp and from friends - but in the end I was left disappointed. The burger I ordered was nothing more than average - although it was kinda fun to order off of a periodic table since I can master food, but not chemistry. The beer was good - but it's kinda hard to mess that up. The service was decent - she got the job done. The atmosphere was kind of loud and it was really crowded - I felt like I had to crawl over people just to get into my chair or head to the bathroom...which is dangerous for a person like me who would rather risk kidney failure than bump into a stranger with a full bladder...I'm like an old, leaky lady ;( Three stars for a good bar and decent food - I'd go again with good company - but I can say that for a lot of places.
(3)Julia M.
Another one of the quintessential bar spots in Cambridge near MIT. It screams "nerdy" with its periodic table theme menu. Its totally worth checking out simply to say you've been there. But besides the check-the-box factor for Bostontonians, there's not much else to say. My friend Tom would probably not go there because he's not a nerd. Heaven for hipsters.
(3)Derek B.
Unique and Interesting place for drinks & burgers. If you're gonna clog your arteries, you might as well do it with the Ronie Burger. And, to really get the most out of your heart attack, throw in an order of the delicious fries. This place is definitely a favorite among the MIT & Harvard crowd, perhaps due to the nerdy themes, it redefines hi-tech chic. Food came out pretty fast, but that was probably helped by the fact the menu does not have too many items to select from.
(4)Logan J.
i wanted this place to be more fun than it was. i had heard that it was a really cool place and that the menu was designed like the periodic table. the menu was designed like the periodic table, but other than that, it didnt seem like anything special to me. the drinks and food are both really average here and not a place that i usually suggest if people want to go to a bar in the central area.
(3)Ravi P.
This place is alright for its great location and pretty convenient for MITers who don't want to venture much farther into Central Square. Still, much of the food is hugely overpriced (except for the great great burger and the brunch offerings which are both worth the cost) but very delicious. My big complaint though is that at peak hours, it's small, cramped, and noisy. This is a terrific place to go if you have a large group of people that can just dominate an area of the bar, and also a great place to go for brunch - but don't come here with one or two friends at 11pm at night. It might be overwhelming. Still, I think Miracle has kind of a cool, edgy feel to it with a garage door as a window; a subwoofer that is suspended by chains from the ceiling; and a periodic table for a menu. When it's not super packed, it's actually kind of nice and relaxing, so I recommend coming here for an afternoon burger and drink or for Sunday brunch. But as a late night bar, not the best place in Cambridge.
(3)reese w.
I like Miracle, and not just because my friend works there. It's all cool here, but sometimes it gets super crowded and I feel like killing everyone in the immediate vicinity. I guess it's better during brunch or breakfast during the weekends. They don't serve alcoholic drinks until 8am, but I guess that's okay since I don't get up early anyway. Wait, what am I talking about. I live in California. I just come visit Boston every so often now that we moved away. BOO... I hate having moved away! Anyway, give the short asian chick a big tip because she rocks it. She totally does. In fact, she rocks it so hard, you're jealous even though you don't even know her!!
(4)Jake L.
Loved the B_2 (beef skewers) and Mb (burgers with jalapeño).
(5)Lauren G.
If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. I'm kind of hesitant to let you all in on this, because sometimes I consider Miracle of Science to be my little secret, but this place is just the best. The food is simple, but good (I usually go with the grilled chicken sandwich, and the home fries are really flavorful), but I don't really go here for the food. It's hard for me to articulate why I love this place so much ... it could be the other people in the restaurant - casual, low key, seems like they all have a good time ... it could be the beer selection - which is pretty good for such a small place ... or it could be the periodic table as menu - perfect for a science nerd like me. Whatever it is, this place shouldn't stay under the radar for too much longer.
(5)Greg L.
I am not really sure what the hype is over this place, maybe its because of the location and good atmosphere. The food, service, and prices are a different story. Me and my party were able to find a table in the back corner where we could not see the menu (which is a pretty cool twist to see it laid out on a huge chalkboard). The only problem is when I asked our waitress to see some menus, she told me "look at the chalkboard" and walked away. I understand the concept with the menu, but if you can not see it, then you should have a few menus to give to the outside tables. All of us were inconvenienced and had to get up walk to the menu, sit back down, wait for our waitress, then order. The food was nothing special. I ordered the beef skewers which were cooked to my liking. They give you these enormous tortillas so you can add some sweet chutney, beans, cilantro, and onions. It was a bit messy since the plate was very small and I had no room to build a solid burrito. No complaints with my meal but it was not worth $12. My fiance's meal was very disappointing. She ordered a veggie burger and she got a frozen Boka burger. I really dislike places that do not take the time to make a good veggie burger. Vegetarians: Beware. I will go back to socialize and have some drinks, but I will not eat here again. In my opinion this pub food is overpriced.
(2)Sarah D.
Edit 12/21/2009--------------------------- I went back here on a Monday night recently and it wasn't too crowded. The bartenders were nice and the service was pretty quick. I tried the much-ballyhooed cheeseburger and i thought it was pretty good but not best burger ever as some have claimed. Definitely a decent burger though, and i was a big fan of the homefries on the side. My date had some kind of chicken sandwich that came with an awesome habanero mustard sauce. This place is definitely better when it's not as crowded, you get a great view of the foot-traffic along mass ave and you can sit and enjoy a decent (and inexpensive) meal. Also, i feel i should note that while i was waiting for my date an older gentleman approached me and informed me that Miracle of Science is the best bar in the world. I don't think i'd go that far, but i will definitely be back some monday in the future. ---- I have been here a couple times and had a decent time. Fairly standard beer selection. I haven't tried the food. Every time i've been here it's been on a friday night, so the place has been way too crowded. It's a pretty small room, and they don't seem to worry about exceeding capacity. That turns me off, i like a place to be busy, but honestly you can't move in here sometimes. That's true of a lot of places on the weekends, but that's also why i avoid a lot of places on the weekends. A lot of people love this place, and I haven't tried the food, so I am willing to admit that this is an incomplete review. I'd like to try to get in here for lunch some afternoon to see what the place is liked when folk aren't packed in like sardines. If i had time to get to know and love the place when there's room to breathe I might just change my tune.
(4)Matthias T.
These are the best hamburgers I have ever had in my life. The Roni Burger (which has hot peppers in the burger meat, and a slice of melted pepper jack on top), might be the best signature burger on the planet. I've had a lot of burgers in my life, but none that made me leap out of my seat, bellowing with joy that God should put me and this burger here on the planet at the same time and in such deliriously awesomely close proximity to one another while I am still yet able to chew my own food. These burgers didn't do that, but they came the closest. But... that's about all they do really well here. It's a fun place to meet your buds for drinks, but it fills up quickly too. The staff is generally friendly and easy on the eye, though I've occasionally been waited on by someone who made it clear that s/he was NOT interested in playing friendsy for a better tip. As has been pointed out, the menu selection is limited, and you have to be able to read it from a wall where it's written in chalk. For this reason, maybe not the best place to go for a first date, since it can be a little challenging and irritating to work out what's on the menu. Or who knows, maybe you can make it your weird quirky little litmus test. No, really, though, you should try it. Hot greasy meat, and lovely, perfect buns: what's not to love. And yes, that is what she said.
(4)Meghan A.
I went to Miracle after work with my friend who goes there often. Apparently they have great burgers, but I order a chicken sandwich so I have no idea. The sandwich was really good though, and the side of potatoes was awesome. Good beer selection, and a good mojito. Best part? The menu. The menu isn't large at all, but the way it's written is kind of awesome. It's on a huge chalk board and it's written in a Periodic Table of Elements-style. Serious props for that. I'm not a science person at all, but that was really creative. It wasn't really the most exciting place I've ever been to, but I liked it a lot. It's nice to go there with a good group of friends for some bar food and a beverage. I plan on going back pretty soon for a chicken sandwich and potatoes. What little food they have is really yummy.
(3)Gerardo F.
Not a bad place overall. The food and atmosphere are pretty good, but the service tends to be a little slow and bland. The place is kind of small, so it gets really crowded at times.
(3)Krassi G.
Good chill environment with just enough ingredients to make it work really well on a lazy day...
(5)yana v.
I'm not sure what's so miraculous or scientific about this place. It's just a bar with a very limited food selection. Went there with a couple of friends on Saturday. We were totally in the mood for burgers and maybe due to that or to the fact that we were all REALLY hungry, whose burgers didn't seem to bad. Yet reflecting back on the experience, I somehow don't think those patties are fresh made (they looked like the frozen ones you buy in the supper market). And yes the waitress did get confused when one of us asked for a salad and instead that person got the burger with only the salad and no fries/ potatoes. "oh I'm sorry I'll get you some fries"...as our dinner plates are taken away the fries arrive at the table. Over all I can't say that the experience was a bad one, but don't expect any miracle of any kind when you go here. In terms of drinks and the crowd, you get a mixture of people. Some yuppies, some MIT students, some 50 something homeless looking drunks stumbling in from the street taking seats at people table (well more like falling into those seats).. thankfully the staff is attentive enough not to subject their other patrons to such a spectacle for too long. Overall I'd stop by there for a drink again if I'm in the neighborhood, but don't think I'll be coming back for the food.
(3)Shireen T.
Great spot - fun ambiance and the chicken salad is yummy (with a very generous portion of chicken).
(4)Bryan R.
I dig this place. A little cramped inside but nice to grab a few pitchers of good beer and some fresh hot sandwiches in the winter.
(4)Rebecca K.
I'm a grad student. A science grad student. So, when I heard there was a bar that was science themed bar near MIT, I was super stoked. That being said, I was a little disappointed by this place. It was not nearly as dorky as I was thinking (read: hoping) it was going to be. Sure, the menu is in the form a periodic table, but that's really where the science thing ends. Oh well... Aside from the undorkiness, I suppose it was a decent place. Was here on a Saturday at the beginning of the evening to grab a beer before heading to a show across the street. The beer selection was decent, if not fabulous. And the drinks were reasonably priced. However, there wasn't a drink menu or even a written down list of the beers on tap that they could give us, which did make ordering difficult. The crowd seemed alright, too. So, yes, another bar in Central. Not really sure if I'll ever make a point of coming back here. It was nothing outstandingly special. Although, the food did look tasty, so maybe it'd be worth it to try out a burger...
(3)Erin M.
Good, not great. My friend and I walked in on Friday night and were not sure how the table process worked as there were some people scattered around standing and all tables were full. When one became free, we hesitated to grab it in case someone else was waiting but then took it. Eventually a waitress/hostess greeted us but became quickly frustrated with us when we did not immediately want something alcoholic to drink because we wanted to decide on what to eat. Sorry? My sight is terrible so it was hard to read the periodic table menu. It was charming though, just hard to read. We each settled on burgers. They came out fairly quickly and were served with roasted potatoes, which were delicious. The burger that I had was decent but nothing to write home about. The wait staff did not really attend to us much, assuming that we were not going to drink there, but on the plus side my friend and I were able to catch up and enjoy our evening without constantly being interrupted. Overall, Miracle of Science seems like a good place to chill out with a friend or two if you're looking for a leisurely night and to get a few drinks. To just get dinner and have a real meal, I'd probably hit up somewhere else.
(3)Felecia C.
I enjoy this bar. I also enjoy labwork, so yes, maybe I'm a little dorky for going to a science-themed bar just for the sake of saying I went. I also went with my sciencey coworkers. Go ahead, I'll wait for you to stop smirking. We arrived early-ish on a Saturday night and managed to snag a table. Our waitress was helpful and attentive but did get a bit disheveled when the crowd started pouring in around 9-10. I think I anticipated the decor to be more tacky, but whoever did the interior design hit just the right level of geeky flair. The music is random but fun. Our intention was to leave early and hit up Middlesex, but by the time we decided to head out, the line there was already almost at the MOS front door, so that was a no go. No matter, I think Miracle of Science is one of the more fun/laidback bars in Central Square. EDIT: I've been back here at least 3 times since I posted this review, and I am starting to love this bar. We went to Middlesex and couldn't deal with the crowds, so we hopped into MOS and took the strongest shot ever made by a superfriendly and cute bartender. With all that pretention next door, thank goodness (and dorks) for MOS.
(4)Ann W.
The veggie burger is my favorite. Yum yum.
(4)Melissa W.
I love MOS! The Good: The decor is different, with lab-style table tops, wine glasses referencing beakers, and a periodic table for a menu. They (thank god) refrain from going too geeky with it. The food is way better than regular pub fare - in fact the grilled chicken salad with cilantro dressing is outta this world. If you like peanut sauce, they do an awesome skewer with a peanuty side. It comes with tortillas and black bean salad. The Ronie burger is very tasty - it has jalepenos mixed into the patty. And the fact that they have Brooklyn Lager on tap is another plus in my book. The people who chill there are generally 20-somethings, laid-back, and friendly. Except for the guys with the ties who stand at the bar and talk over your shoulder. Back off! The Not So Good: 1) ALWAYS crowded in the evenings. It starts out as a happy hour locale, and then subtly transitions into a night spot by dimming the lights and cranking the music at 7. Good luck getting a seat. 2) Too many people and too few servers means not-so-hot service, regardless of the fact that the wait staff generally do their best. 3) Too many Ronie burgers and Brooklyn Lagers gives Mel a bellyache. You have been warned.
(4)Sarah L.
I had some decent hummus at Miracle of Science but I will forever and always be super pissed at them beCAUSE of the ridiculous story of my 21st birthday. I went to Miracle of Science on the day before my 21st birthday, so I was 20 when I walked in. At 1210AM, ie ten minutes after I had turned 21, I went to the bar to order my very first legal drink. The bartender wouldn't serve me! Are you kidding me! "It goes by business day" he said. No fucking way! Even the other people at the bar, who weren't part of my birthday party, thought that was total shit. Compare this to John Harvard's where I went on the actual night of my 21st (about 20 hours later), where they didn't card me, and then when they found out it was my birthday gave me AND everyone in my party our drinks for free. Effin miracle of science!
(2)Nicholas S.
As some others have stated, Miracle of Science has a pretty hefty atmosphere tax on it. The food is okay and the beer selection is decent, but it's a little pricey for what you're actually getting.
(3)Captain H.
We often hit up the Miracle of Science when we are in that part of town. I love that the menu looks like a Periodic Table of Elements. It's not as nerdy as I would expect from a place named "Miracle of Science" that's right next to MIT. The burgers was nice and juicy and I am especially partial to the one with blue cheese. Brunch was also delicious and reasonable priced. The wait service has always been pretty good, although sometimes you won't see your waitress for a while, but it's a small place so it's easy to flag her down. It gets pretty loud and crowded at night and it can be hard to find a table, but that kind of adds to the atmosphere. They have a pretty good bar selection.
(4)Doris K.
I thought that this place would be more science-like! Except for the menu being on a chalkboard with some resemblance of a periodic table and the bar counter looking like the lab in college, there is nothing scientific about this place. I was expecting beakers for glasses and the solar system to be the decorations. We stopped by last night thinking that no one would be there on a Monday night. Boy were we wrong. The place was jam packed with what looked like graduate MIT students, and the seating is very limited. Warning: There aren't any typical menus. Me: Do you have a drink menu? Bartender: Yeah it's on the wall. (Points to the wall of liquor.) Me: Ok.... David: Can we get some food menus? Bartender: Yeah it's on the wall behind you. (Points to large chalkboard.) It's actually very hard to read, especially when you already have contacts/glasses and your vision isn't great. Their menu is also very limited: burgers, quesadillas, soup, kebabs, and hummus. I think that pretty much sums it up. The burgers come with a little side of home fries (sauteed potatoes). The turkey chipotle chili was surprisingly VERY GOOD. I know the bartender got kind of ticked at me. I forgot that we had both ordered burgers with pepper-jack cheese on them, and so when I see David's burger I assumed it was mine. The bartender's response - "Just trust me okay!". I'm sorry! I can't help it! I'm a hands on kind of girl, and I was hungry! This place was pricey according to my standards. $8 - $8.75 burgers, $6.50 turkey chili, $4 potato side (that better be one BIG potato). The drinks were typical $4 beer and $6 gin. Overall we did have a good time but don't hold your breath on me coming back.
(3)Aaron B.
Food is decent - I love the periodic table of food menu on the chalkboard. Nice corner location, but very small inside. Easily fills up, and small space makes maneuvering difficult once it does. The scene is diverse MIT-types. Watch out for the point of the triangular table in the center of the room.
(3)Hans R.
The beef skewers are good and can be constructed into an actual wrap. The only menu is on the wall in periodic table form, very clever. Burger is good size and tasty. Good beer selection. Recommend pitcher of Brooklyn lager or bottle of harpoon. It gets crowded by the window so snag the table under to menu if you don't mind people looking over your head. In the summer they open the large window in the back and it really opens the place up. A nice balance between real cheap college grub and expensive executive cuisine.
(3)Rob D.
I used to live down the block from this place - and if you can avoid impaling yourself on the pointy bar tables, you're in for a nice bar-iffic time...uh, even if its in the morning. See, they're open for breakfast. And, its really good breakfast. And they will serve you drinks with your eggs...and they have free wi-fi... do you have any idea how many startup companies started there? Mine did. So did the Middlesex bar next door that everyone raves about.
(4)Jon T.
Stellar burgers and music. Ask for Annie park.
(5)sam h.
It's our usual. Great burgers, good salads, welcome pints. Decent desserts when someone's in the mood. I'd be happier if they turned down the volume on the music and lost the all-sports widescreen TV. Still, the service is sweet and to the point, the interior cool, the location perfect. Miracle must have shown up in some European guide books. This year about half the customers are tourists.
(4)Melissa A.
I started off a Mass Ave/Central Sq bar crawl at this place. I got something odd that I never drink... like a gin gimlet. And whenever you order things like that, I guess the bartender remembers it. Jesus Christ, was this drink tart! He came over to me and did this eyebrow raised thing "So... how's your gimlet?" "Fine," I say. I slowly sipped on my drink and then my friends decide to leave. Now, I have to pound it back. We head over to the next bar--Middle East--which I'm just thankful we were at a table so I could put my head down. I order a beer and take a sip and place my head on the table (a no-no in bars). I wrap my arms around two friends and stumble outside and plop on a bench and hurl. Passersby look down at the vomit by my feet. I indignantly look back at them as if to say "That vomit was already here when I sat down!" Assholes. So I formulate this opinion that I was drugged at MOS and that I can't "hang" cause I made it to bar #2 on a supposed "bar crawl." But no, it has nothing to do with the disgusting Burger King meal or the several cans of Sparks that I drank before I went out. I'll probably go back cause it's sort of like a novelty bar. Like T.G.I. Friday's. But with less shit on the walls. I wish there were more science-y things on the walls like diagrams and plaster-cast molds. And I'll probably eat BK and drink a ton of Sparks again though. I'm sort of an idiot.
(5)Alixandria F.
LOVE this place. Great vibe and a cool eclectic mix of people. Its always part of my pre-show tradition when I go to concerts at the mid east or tts. The food is awesome, just what you want to grab with a couple drinks, nothing fancy, but just damn good
(5)Dana B.
Miracle of Science is a pretty cute place to grab a beer and a burger with some friends and just hang out. Unfortunately, it's always crowded and tough to find a table. Personally, I think its crappy that you can't get bacon on your burger there.
(3)Erica S.
Uggghhhhh.... if you're gonna be all sciency and miracley and whatever, I want my beer in a goddamn beaker. Sheesh.
(3)Lindsay D.
Walking into Miracle of Science was reminiscent of walking into Chem lab on the first day of school... except there were alcoholic beverages involved. The decor at this place is great; just the right amount of cheesy theme items (periodic table menu, cheap lab stools and lab tables to go with it, etc.) without being TGI Fridays. The food here is decently priced and the waitstaff is extremely attentive. I was never without a drink even when the bar was full to capacity. Best part about MOS? The soundtrack is ridiculous - last time I was there Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits were being pumped into a room full of young professionals and MIT students. There's nothing quite like drinking your work week away to My Cherie Amor.
(4)Gabriel B.
Convenient location, basic cheeseburger/chili type place, quick service...not sure if this would be the first place I'd recommend going.
(3)Yiling W.
Beef skewers were good, so was the hummus dish, and beer selection is decent. This place has a good vibe, even though I was sitting right next to the door (i.e. draft every time it's opened) and people were coming in --it seemed- all the time we were sitting there. Neat menu display too. I heard later their burgers are good, but only got a whiff of one when we were leaving (smelled good, that's for sure..).
(3)Junshien L.
Sigh... Once again, I'm wishing I can give THREE AND A HALF STARS. The food itself is slightly above average, but there's really nothing exceptional about this place, except maybe the nerdy restaurant name and the menu written on the wall like a periodic table. Decent food, done right. Fyi, I've been there twice for lunch. The first time I had a grilled chicken salad, and it was well... a grilled chicken salad. The next time I had chicken burger with mango something sauce. It was a good burger. =)
(4)Anthony L.
I love this place primarily because I know many of the staff. They are slammed at many times of the day, but really sling the hash. You've heard of the science theme (which is lightly played), so let's focus on the food. The burgers are good solid fare, any time of day. Consider going for the cheeseburger with blue cheese and NO catsup (or just a little dollop to dip in). Also, the Turkey Chili is great -- the best secret to it, however, is to ask for grilled pita chips rather than the workaday Tostitos that otherwise will appear in it. Want something lighter? The chicken salad with cilantro dressing is a good choice. If you play Horde in World of Warcraft, sit at the bar and trade tips; many of the bartenders are gonzo for that game. Worst recent news item: the prices took a leap upward. Still a good place for your inner geek.
(4)Diane I.
perhaps my favorite place that's close to mit. i always bring out of town guests here. its just the right place to get a glimpse of cambridge. although the vegetable skewers are not delicious. i always seem to forget how rancid the blue cheese dressing while i'm there and order them anyways. ugh. best to stick with the veggie burgers.
(4)Chris R.
Like the decor and vibe. Waitstaff are hard to flag down, could be friendlier. Service really needs to improve and keep up. We like their regular cheeseburger, and prefer it over their popular spicy one. Like the homestyle fries(hash) too. Good prices, good beer.
(4)Nathan L.
In the heart of MIT campus, and trying to blend right in (giant menu in the design of the periodic table on the wall). Good burgers and solid beer selection. Can get a bit crowded on weekends with not much place to stand, but a pleasant vibe and a good place to people-watch.
(3)Lindsay W.
The food and drinks are not worth it. All they had for white wine was a blah blend. I got the shrimp skewer with pineapple salsa and it was horrible. The shrimps were really little (only came with three) and the salsa was non-existent (literally, I had a hard time finding it on the plate). The weird thing was, it was served on a tortilla...so after I ate the shrimp, I had this tortilla to eat...I felt a little awkward just eating a plane tortilla but since this is what I ordered for dinner I had to eat it. Safe to say I will never eat here again...
(1)d f.
Bottom line: below-average value Great atmosphere, average service, good food, but small portions (low value), average to above-average prices. Great place to eat before going to Middlesex to party (beat the Middlesex line by heading over before 9:45pm). Better food value than Middlesex. Beers are $5 (average price), but this place seems like it should be $4 due to kick-back atmosphere. Food portions are too small...if you are hungry, you need to order 2 or more entrees.
(3)Rick W.
I love everything about this place - for brunch, especially - except for their completely weird insistence on stopping weekend breakfast foods at 1PM sharp. And don't try getting them to bend the rules, either. The cooks are like paradixically obsessed with not making breakfast past 1 PM. This used to cause us to trudge on over to the B-Side, who sensibly served brunch till 4 PM - but with their closing, the early breakfast cessation is even more sad.
(4)Nicole k.
This is a fantastic place to meet up with friends for some drinkies. The place is tiny and right on Mass ave. so it's easy to find. The food is okay and the drink prices are thrifty. Service isn't always the friendliest, but eh, it's not the "20%" tip kinda place, so no worries.
(4)JR W.
helpful yet laid back staff. the bartender was pretty funny and rec'd the jalapeno burger. got the basic cheeseburger which was still delicious. they have a menu set up as a periodic table - don't worry, not all the elements were present. they cooked the burger to order, had a tasty red sauce, but the roasted potatoes were really fabulous (if you don't mind it being a little charred). super fast too!
(4)Matt M.
I'm on business travel, and this place was recommended by yelp, so i went. Great Ronie Burger! Jalapenos in the meat = brilliant! Will have to try that at home. Decent beer selection as well. I sat at the bar and the bar staff was friendly and pretty quick to serve. Plan on coming again; would definitely recommend!
(4)Mark W.
I hope that wasn't the best burger in Boston I just had. I've been meaning to try their renowned burger for a few years now. And it didn't even come with french fries; but home fries on a chili sauce? Weird, even though they were good. The soda was flat; they only have grey poupon. Two small italian tomato slices and some lettuce (no onions/pickle chips) The bun was okay. The pickle was nice. The service was okay, but I too thought it was weird when I asked for a menu and they pointed to the wall - oh well trying to be a little different I suppose.
(2)ali m.
I agree with Alden F's review about the food, but I'm going to bump up the rating for the atmosphere and beer selection. It's not amazing, but its a solid place to meet a friend for a drink or two to catch up. I've never had a problem with the waitstaff, but no paper menu is a little daunting for someone who hasn't been there before/needs glasses/has glasses but never wears them. :)
(4)Manny F.
Good spot but busy as heck on weekdays. We enjoyed a few brews here and then did the unthinkable, got 1 round of tequila shots and had fun. Then went back to look at the bill and saw the shots were $8.50. Overall, the place had a lot of college type folks and a great environment for pub culture on a cold night. I'm glad to be back home on the west coast - warm, sunny SoCal. I will be baaaaaaack!
(4)Jennifer D.
I heard that this bar is really popular, and I still don't really know why. I met up with a friend here and we had a tv to watch the Celtics play, but that's about it. The bar is small, and there were a few beers on tap. Other than the nerdy periodic table menu, I wasn't too impressed. Maybe I just need to come here on a more lively night?
(3)Al A.
Slow service. Okay burgers (nothing that special). Disorganised table seating procedures (ie grab what you can and there's no organised queue).
(2)Pallavi J.
YES I love this place!! I love the architecture, love the drinks and love the view of the weird street with a garage. The drinks are very well mixed and I totally dig the periodic table on the wall. I do wish it was slightly bigger, but it doesn't get any less love from me because of that.
(5)Amanda B.
This place is what it is... it's nothing special. The one time I ate here it was for brunch and the food was not that great. We want to hit it up during a night out to see how the bar scene is; maybe it's better for that sort of thing.
(2)Dragony F.
A brunch curveball thrown by Toscanini's Big Table for being closed that particular Sunday VS. the unexpected pinch hitter that is the Miracle of Science Who steps in the breakfast/lunch box to successfully bat away my initial disappointment? The MOS and Gus (the owner at Toscanini's) for graciously suggesting other local brunch places. MOS Brunch = four pieces of french toast made with sourdough bread, kind of flat and lacked the usual fluffiness associated with french toast made with challah bread but they were still tasty, especially when complemented with powdered sugar, real (100% maple!) syrup and a grilled banana on the side Combined with fresh OJ and a bottomless cup of passable coffee, the MOS performed admirably off the bench. Like all good utility players, MOS plays other positions as well so for lunch, get the Ronie burger; full of jalapenos and tasty goodness, along with delicious grilled potatoes instead of the usual fries; wash it down with a pint or two of Blue Moon
(4)ina c.
Limited menu but nice range of choices. Food quality is alright. Always pleasant waitresses and relaxed and fresh atmosphere.
(4)J B.
WOW, horrible experience here yesterday. I had been in to MOS multiple times, never thought it was anything special but thought it was OK/good. Yesterday killed it for me though, I will never go back. terrible horrible no good very bad service. so bad that i do not even want to write about it in detail, luckily my friend explained our experience to the T so I don't have to. I had CLEARLY (and very nicely) told the waitress that I could not eat the jalapeno sauce that came with the veggieburger and that I would like the burger w/o it. Somehow my burger came out with the jalapeno sauce on it and with extra jalapenos on the side. It was a health issue, and I made it clear I could not eat them, the bar was almost empty and quiet, I do not see how this misunderstanding happened.... but it did. I even apologized after having this waitress be completely rude to me and after having the 'chef' yell and argue with the waitress about my order, in front of everyone (8 people) seated in the restaurant. It was the most uncomfortable dining experience I have ever had and I will not be going back there... ever.
(1)Steve L.
The "Cs" Chicken Sandwich was excellent, juicy and moist. The Bartenders were unskilled and the waitress had a so-so night with us. I'd much prefer to relax at a different bar after work, but this place just might be your thing.
(3)Macall Z.
All I can say is RONNY BURGER! My boyfriend and I would go there almost once a week to satiate our craving. Ask for a little jalapeno aeoli on the side and you're golden!
(4)So S.
It is what it is...a good place to grab some good burgers and sandwiches which is more tasty than your average pub type bar. I like the whole periodic table menu. Great for out-of towners who want to get the whole MIT/cambridge feel. Also FREE WIFI, although its abit hard to do during its crowded times
(3)Michel R.
Having been at MIT for 6 yrs, it's hard not to go to Miracle of Science (MOS) like we call it. it serves a decent burger, hummus and quesadillas. Great place to have lunch or a beer. The people there are fairly young (early 20s) and they have their menu on a periodic table :)
(3)Kathleen M.
Oh Miracle how I love that you embrace your nerdy side with your lab bench bar and tables and periodic table menu. Adjacent to MIT is the perfect place for this unpretentious watering hole that serves up a mighty tasty burger, and a few other delicious items, like skewers and quesadillas. They have a full bar with affordable beverages and serve food until 1 am. It's usually reasonable to find a table as well, but not much room to stand if you can't.
(4)Juan S.
The whole "Science" theme is a thin facade. If you ignore the periodic table menu, what do you have? Just your average bar. Not much else that science related going on. Miracle of Science even leaned more towards a sports bar, since they were showing Sports Center on the TV! Come on! I thought this was a science bar. Show some National Geographic channel! There are plenty of sports bars around Boston. I thought Miracle of Science would be different. For shame.
(2)Sam S.
I LOVE the ronie burger here, and order it every time i go. the hummus and pita platter is also incredible. they have nice grub for the vegans and veggies as well. the atmo is nice and chill. i feel relaxed when i sit in this bar.
(4)C S.
The Miracle of Science is a great spot for lunch on a Saturday or Sunday. This is a no-frills kind of joint, so the food is simple and the decor is spartan. I always get the grilled chicken sandwich with roasted potatoes, but the hamburger is quite good, too. I like the fact that the menu posted on the wall is the periodic table! The food is good and reasonably priced, and the staff is always pleasant, so I look forward to eating here when I am near MIT.
(4)Dr J.
More like "Miracle of Ordinary Bar with Just a Periodic Table Menu to Pass for Science Theme" Bar & Grill. No, I don't actually want a science-themed bar but a little truth in advertising would be nice! Food is okay, overpriced, small. Not a great beer selection. Service is good, and space is pretty open and cool. But (pun intended) there was a big time "crack" dealer sitting at the bar when I was there, if you catch my drift.
(3)Richard C.
At long last, a tasty burger. Okay, maybe it hasn't been that long, Wild Willy's was good enough, but it's been some time since we've actually had a burger that I can honestly say was delicious outside of my own kitchen. It's true Miracle of Science isn't spectacular, there's really two options (more if you factor in different cheeses) but it's a cheeseburger done right, in it's simplest form. Yet another restaurant in Cambridge (on Mass. Ave no less), Miracle of Science is an M.I.T. hangout and isn't shy about being nerdy, as the chalk-board menu is really a periodic table replaced with food items. The menu, while not being a "burger place" per se, is simple, if not pricey, in my opinion. The basic cheeseburger is $9.50 and comes with a hash brown type of side and a pickle. I come to expect fries with my burger or at least an indication otherwise ahead of time, but if that's what they have, then that's what they have. Luckily, the potatoes are very good, cooked well, with a good crust, and are served with a spicy tomato chutney that gives it just the right amount of heat. The burgers are grilled, which I normally don't prefer, but are thin enough they retain at least some juice, and are cooked a perfect medium-rare. The bun is nice, crispy and chewy and a perfect fit for the wide and flat patty. Usually I'm a huge snob for top of the line ingredients, beef specifically, and although I'm not convinced this beef is anything special, it's no frills, and it just tastes good, really good as a matter of fact. It's not drip down juicy, but I don't totally mind, there's no greasy mess and the bread sops up any potential liquid disaster. The cheese is fully melted (at long last!) but I do wish there was more, as one slice can hardly measure up to the girth of this burger. Overall I'm completely happy, easily one of the best burgers we've had so far. The floors are a bit dirty and the tables and wobbly, and I wish there was that extra oomph with the burgers especially at $9.50 plus tip, but it's very good and I'm very satisfied.
(4)molly f.
great place to grab a drink with friends if you want to catch up...the atmosphere is low key and you can usually find a seat. the food is pretty good and they have a wide variety of food so most people should be able to find something to munch on. the location is great and so is the vibe! a fav in central square for sure
(4)Anna P.
Ok, so what's the big deal about this place?? I get the whole..hey we're across from MIT so we'll do a periodic table of elements food menu on the wall...but that doesn't make for a good time! The food's reallynot the great and the place is too cramped!
(3)Robyn L.
I saw a mention of Miracle of Science in my Phantom Gourmet newsletter, and a friend heard that it's burgers were up for some best burger in Boston award. We were dying to try it out. Unfortunately, I didn't find its burgers to be anything that special. They were good, but rather thin and a bit too charred on the outside for my liking. I think I was just expecting something a little different. Also the place itself was quite dark. I usually don't mind dim-lit restaurants/bars, but I wasn't feeling it in this place. I did really like the roasted potatoes though -- a nice change from your typical fries.
(3)Lizzy G.
I am writing this review, in part, as a companion to the poor review I just gave to another Cambridge restaurant. In fact, the only reason I went to the other place is because I keep wanting to try something new, something that is as simple, fun and consistently good as the Miracle of Science. I've been eating here since they opened in the 80's. In all that time I don't think they've changed a thing about their menu or their decor. The concept is one most restaurants should follow: have a small menu, buy the best food you can and prepare it right, consistently. That's what MofS does every time. If you're going to pay 10 or 11 bucks for a burger, you kinda want to burger to taste better than you get at a chain restaurant, maybe even better than you get at home. As for me, I always get the skewers--either the chicken, which comes with a great peanut paste and bean salsa, or the veggie skewer, which comes with a great blue cheese dressing. You don't come to Miracle of Science if you want quiet. Part of the fun is the bustle and the great sound system. It's fun. And even though it has a bar-like atmosphere, I've been bringing my kid here since he was little. And Saturday night when he begged to go to Miracle of Science when I insisted we try something new, I wish I'd listened.
(5)a f.
this place is super.
(4)Amy D.
Miracle is one of my favorite neighborhood spots. The food is tasty and the selection of beers is pretty good. We spent a few hours there on St. Patrick's Day and were happy to score a table. There was only one waitress working around dinner time which made service a bit slow. She ended up forgetting to place our dinner order, which wasn't a big deal, but she gave us some free chips and salsa which was nice. The only downside to Miracle is that it tends to get crowded at night and getting a table is first come, first serve. I've been waiting and had people who came in much later try to steal a table that has just opened up, which leads to uncomfortable confrontations. I wish they'd get a better system but neither the bartender nor the servers seem to care.
(4)Juliette V.
I love the wall hanging menu of the periodic table. The chef is very good and the selection offers just the right amount of choices.
(4)A G.
The jalapeno stuffed burger here was AMAZING!! The service was good and the atmosphere was laid back and cozy. Definitely going back.
(5)Gail L.
This place is great...not a large menu, but something for everyone here...even vegans. Good veggie burger, nice turkey chili, roll ups, skewers, grilled chicken sandwiches and a nice burger. Drinks are good too. Warm and sunny during the day, loud and crowded later.
(4)M. Deloris D.
We landed here one evening when Central Square was impossible to park in. I was exasperated with science after a long day at lab. Let's just call it 'any evening.' I was hungry, and underwhelmed by the decor in MoS. I was thinking there would be some miraculous flatware or beers served in beakers, cocktails in graduated cylinders, I wanted to see something truly miraculous and more scientific than those crap stools I sit on all day in lab or those epoxy/slate tables I spend all day spilling toxic substances on (let's face it, epoxy tables hide yucky things very well). The periodic table menu wasn't cutting it. I was so over MoS. I just wanted a cocktail, some food, and to make like the wind. I first asked for a cocktail menu, the server looked at me as if I'd blinded him with science. 'I'll take a sidecar,' I snapped. I waited, tapped my fingers, shot dirty looks, had an attitude, but as soon as my sidecar arrived, things started looking up. In a sweeter tone I asked for a Ronie Burger. When my burger arrived, I searched for the jalapenos. I wanted my spice. Turns out they were diced into the beef, which was cooked perfectly to medium rare. The home fries were so scrumdiddlyumptious that if my mother had been there, I might have jumped up to slap her (what's that sauce they bed the potatoes on?). Apparently, the miracle at MoS isn't really the science, it's the food (unless you're Alton Brown and food is science...I know...too much).
(4)Greg L.
Okay, every time I go I get the bleu cheese burger, so my experience isn't very varied. At the same time, its the best burger I've had in Boston. And a decent amount of beers to go with lunch. Its kind of annoyingly small, but whatever.
(5)Shannon S.
Russ S. and I arrived on Friday night Arm and Arm with Jamie A. and her boyfriend Tim in search of beers and scrumptious burgers. We arrived around 8pm to find there were a few bar stools open but no tables, alas, we nursed a few beers while looking around the bar waiting for a table. The bar undoubtedly is small, we thought we could beat the dinner Rush, but I believe many of the people were post work eating. The atmosphere was laid back, casual, and I felt extremely comfortable. I love the huge windows and view of Mass Ave, the giant periodic table menu on the wall, and the waitresses were super nice. We went ahead an ordered at the bar and when a table became available (about 30 minutes after arrival) we perched there. The burger was flat but large in diameter, hot, and damn, that burger came out fast. Loved the potatoes on the side and the brownie with Toscanni's ice cream was delicious, simple and drool worthy. The wait for a Friday wasn't unreasonable for such a small place, the place wasn't ungodly loud and I didn't feel claustrophobic at all. Totally a recommended spot for a quick, affordable burger before crawling down Mass Ave for the night :D
(4)Ruth P.
Good place to get a couple of drinks of a light dinner before heading next door to middlesex for some more drinks and a bit of dancing. The place is quirky - the menu is written on the wall kinda like a periodic table - and the selections are a bit limited but wicked wicked good. Miracle seems to get crowded on a Friday or Saturday night so get there early, or be prepared to wait a bit for a table. There generally seem to be a few seats available at the bar however, if you're down wit dat.
(4)Chris B.
Ups: good food at moderate prices, surprising beer selection (not very many, but some that you won't find at most other places) plus a full bar, cool atmosphere with the period table menu and decor, good wait staff. Oh, and that have a pretty good brunch too. Downs: it's a really small place so it gets crowded easily and you might have to wait a while for a table, the menu on the wall is kind of hard to see - I even had to bust out my glasses just to order, which was kind of embarrassing and also reminds me that I'm getting old. That's not really much in the downs department, so 4 stars!
(4)Erik O.
This is a fun bar, with great food. Always a good crowd. The menu is set up to resemble the periodic table of elements, so it fits in great with science motif.
(4)Hilary W.
Kind of a nerdy atmosphere but neat concept and drinks were CHEAP!
(3)Nicole P.
Speedy, tasty, and serves food late. I've been stopping at this place after scuba class on tues/thurs nights because although I eat dinner at 6 before class, by 11:30-12:00 I am hungry again dammit. The seleciton of food isn't huge but they have burgers (reg. and veggie), chicken skewers, chili and a few other things. I have been sitting at the bar to eat and the bartender is friendly and the service is lightening fast. Also I don't know if the MIT kids have gotten cuter but there are always some fine looking people in this place. There are people hanging there by themselves too which I think is awesome- they seemed completely comfortable reading a book, watching tv or just people watching- almost like it's part of campus. As an aside It's next to Middlesex which is a trendy lounge type place but I wouldn't go there if you're over 25. Not the best food I've ever had but Miracle is a great late night spot to grab food, especially during the week.
(4)Patrick H.
I love this place for their food and their atmosphere, despite the small size of the dining area. It can be tough to get a table at times, and it's usually a first come, first serve seating arrangement, but I've never had too much of a problem getting a seat for a few people. Breakfast is pretty darn good here, and I've had quite a few of the options, including the tasty breakfast burrito. I'm usually here for dinner though, where the menu is written on a blackboard in the style of the periodic table. I've tried nearly everything up there and you can't go wrong. The beers are reasonably priced, the drinks are good (I love the mojitos here), and the wait staff is friendly and pretty quick. As long as it's not packed, it's a good choice for a meal.
(5)Ryan H.
Lots of good food here, pretty vegetarian friendly. Good beer on tap and the bartenders make some tasty drinks. It gets 4 stars because it tends to be packed and when it is packed, its usually annoying MIT kids or douchebags who work at Novartis or something. Its best to hit it up for lunch during the week. But after about 4 or 5 in the afternoon, its packed. Also, I had breakfast there once and wasn't terribly impressed. Its just the same buns they use for their sandwiches during the night and they throw some egg and cheese on it. Honestly, Dunkin might make better breakfast sandwiches. But the bloody marys are good, so whatever.
(4)Howe L.
Very original theme and the skewers are pretty good. However, the service was blunt (borderline rude). Most disappointingly, they refused to serve us after our tab got pretty huge..
(3)Peter G.
The ambiance is very good and even when the bar is crowded (as it often is), it manages to not be too noisy and the people aren't jerks when you say those words no Bostonian likes to hear "Excuse me." For a bar this place has a beer choices that makes a white trash family reunion look like a Beer festival. The food is pedestrian and nothing on the menu really impresses or is unique. The burgers are a bit dry and the quesadillas are greasy and relatively flavorless. The buns and breads that much of the menu is served on are rather tasty and a bit better than you'd find elsewhere. I was really excited by the complete lack of French Fries on the menu. We could all do with a little less fried food in our diet. In its stead we are treated to wicked tasty rosemary roasted potatoes as a side. A breath of fresh air in a French Fried world. In the end I really can't get excited about this place. But it's not bad. Just not great. Well, except for the roasted potatoes. Mmm.
(3)Casey F.
Miracle of Science (MOS) is hands down my favorite bar. Maybe it's because I'm a former science geek, and I'm a sucker for their design: old lab benches as the bar and tables, and a menu in the format of a periodic table. Yeahhh, who's kidding who, I'm STILL a geek. The clientele is the "cool" MIT crowd, and wannabes like me. I have actually introduced a few MIT grad students to this place, and it soon became their favorite as well. It's not pretentious in that faux fashion way, which is refreshing. The service is decent. The beer selection average. Wine - don't even ask. Ambiance - awesome, but a little loud. The hummus plate - out of this WORLD. I didn't think hummus could be amazing - it IS beans, after all - but MOS must put crack in it or something. I love it. So, when you get a chance, amble on down to this pub or try its sister in Audobon Circle. You won't be sorry. UPDATE: I went here last night, and love it. The trick to their hummus is actually the pita bread - they spray it in oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and heat it up on the grill. YUM YUM YUM!
(5)Nicole M.
A little nerdy, but as my shirt says, I (heart) nerds. Service is great, I dig the periodic table of menu items, and they have a mean chicken sandwich. I think I need to get back there soon.
(3)Kate S.
Above average vibe. Good location. The chicken skewers were disappointing.
(3)Susy W.
This was such a cool place, and you can see that when you're fighting with people for a table. I came here for dinner and again for drinks and enjoyed it thoroughly. I was really into the chalkboard menu that was arranged like the periodic table of elements. The atmosphere is laid back so it's a great place to just have burgers (I got the Ronie which has jalapeno in the patty - yum) and drinks.
(4)Dave R.
I do not know how I have never been in here until recently. This place is good times nonstop double-plus fun action. Also, along with Bartley's and the Boston Burger Co in Davis Square, there's a good chance that Miracle of Science has the best burgers in the Boston area. Mine was boss, no doubt. It's less greasy than what you'd get at Bartley's, and when I'm in the mood for something that's delicious and won't immediately kill me, it's where I head.
(4)Samantha G.
I have found that Miracle is best for low key outings. Dinner or a couple drinks with friends. The food selection is small but good. I had the veggie burger last time and it was yummy. They have a classic bar selection as well. Probably the best time to go is when it's warm out and the big windows are open. Definitely a reliable spot.
(3)David H.
Great food. Honest to god. The burgers here were amazing, the price was right, and there's a full bar here. So why just 3 stars? Believe it or not, it's the atmosphere and location. It took me forever to find this place because the front sign is in 12 pt. Helvetica font! I circled around like ten times before I finally found it! And then you go inside... and the place is small as hell. The bar looks like a converted teacher's desk. Probably can't hold more than 4 people on it! And I don't dig the half-assed unfinished look at all. It's not the hardest thing in the world to go to an incomplete construction site, put in a couple tables in there, and call it a pub. Get some carpeting or carpentry done. Call Empire today, Miracle of Science! This place disappoints for that very reason! Come for lunch on a weekday so you won't have to deal with an abundance of MIT students. Great place to mingle with tomorrow's pioneers. Grab a beer, and boast that you're just as smart as any Cambridge scholar, despite the fact that all you have to show for yourself is a G.E.D.!
(3)Maria V.
Awww. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed after reading about this place on Yelp -- I was really hoping for a full-on geek fest. A periodic table-style menu and a pointy lab table were the only geeky reference, it's otherwise a fairly standard bar with an above-average food menu. Come on guys, you're nestled between Harvard and MIT, embrace the geek full-on, let's not be shy about it! :) If you happen to be in Central (or close to it) it's worth a pop in for a drink, but I don't think it merits a visit from further away. Next time I'm seeing a show down the street or grabbing an ice cream from Toscanini's (right around the corner!) I wouldn't mind a quick drink here.
(4)Stephen G.
I'll tell you what's a 'miracle of science'--however the hell they make everyone want to come to a place this LAME. It takes you like fifteen minutes just to get up to the bar, and then some MIT oaf catches your eye with the protractor in his pocket protector. Next thing I thought was, "Let me triangulate a route the fuck out of THIS joint."
(2)mickey l.
Jalapeno Burger Yes! Jesus Christo this place is muy bueno. I abso-frickin-lutely fell in love with Tremont IPA at the Miracle during the Blizzard of 06',----we were the only ones there man! The staff is nice, the view is good, the food can be ok or great depending on the cook-and this is coming from the waitress after I told her I noticed variation over the months. Cheers, back here any day.
(4)Lea G.
Casual eatery - low key dining. Food was ehh but the bartender was super nice. Place is kinda gimicky with the periodical chart menu. Stopped here just for a pint and a bite before heading over to Middlesex.
(3)kristin v.
I went to this bar in July when I was at Harvard for a conference. It was as hot as balls that night (I forgot how terrible East Coast summers are) and met up with some of my friends. They suggested we go to Miracle of Science. I thought the name sounded interesting so off we went. When we got there and the whole block had lost its power. There was a heater in the back of the bar (why?) and a lot of the beer was warm. But we sat down anyway and had a fabulous time. Later on in the night the lights came back on and I was just a little disappointed. Miracle of Science has a great ambiance, even in the middle of a black out.
(4)Rosie D.
This has become my go-to weekday breakfast meeting spot. You can eat for less than $10, the jalepeno chicken sausage is tasty, there are lots of onions in the potatoes, and the waitstaff is good on the coffee warm-ups. What more do you want from a breakfast place?
(4)Ryan M.
So back in high school, I actually HAD a periodic table on my wall. 7 feet by 10 feet, with the Lanthanide series firmly in place where it BELONGS, darn it! It took me all day with butcher paper and sharpies, and it rocked. I was really excited about Miracle of Science because I had heard that THEY TOO had periodic table on their wall! Needless to say, I was disappointed by the lack of Science at the Miracle of "Science" Bar & Grill. Their menu was difficult-to-read, somewhat limited (burgers and beer!), and in an awkward position on a busy day (no paper menus, just the faux-periodically-arranged one on the wall). Other than that, the food was good. Giant plate of fries, giant burger, my buddy got a giant plate of quesadilla that I thought was mediocre, yet satisfying (what can I say? I had to finish it for him.) Is it overpriced? Perhaps slightly, but nothing major. Pitcher of beer was cheap IIRC. Total bill was $40, tip included. Go here for satisfying food and a convenient location -- not science.
(3)Heather M.
Really really great chicken quesadilla (excellent salsa) and really really great skewers. Sadly I've never tried anything else, b/c I can't seem to get over either of the above. And - Yes, I'm a dork but, I love that the menu is in the form of the periodic table.
(4)harry n.
when i need my burger fix i go here not super cheap but always hits the spot im always encouraged when i see a small menu, bc i know they are going to do it all well, and this place does. ive had just about everything also, i smypathize with the staff who are taking some flack here during lunch and dinner its essentially a diner-type atmosphere chew and screw anyone waited tables will tell you, a $20 check doesnt buy you time to sit around and chew the fat. if youre looking to catch up with an old friend and drink water, this is not the right place. there are always people waiting for tables. you can do that at 3pm on a tuesday, not when its busy. if you need time, go to central kitchen or rendezvous, spend the money for the atmosphere and take your time. if youre going to eat at a BAR, hang around and drink beers. its etiquette, son see you soon, MOS
(4)Merida F.
My friend and I came in because I was in the area visiting and they heard this place was awesome. It was confusing at first about the seating and eventually we sat at a table(apparently its seat yourself-though there no sign, so don't look for one). Waitress was not friendly nor attentive, but did not seem to rush us out which is a plus. Food was decently priced and very good. I went with a burger(all American classic option when you don't know what else to get) and it was cooked to my specifications. The Menu is on a periodic table on the back wall and this is apparently the only menu in the place. My friend and I had difficulty seeing what exactly b2 stood for since we were not seated right next to the menu and the waitress did not help us out either. All in all a good time and seems like a cool atmosphere-especially if you are hanging out at the bar.
(3)Anne F.
The food is on the good side of mediocre, but the service is very very ordinary. We got a big side of 'tude with our meal. Meal was ok, nicely seasoned, but pricey for what it was.
(2)_ _.
Scale of 1-10 (multiple visits): 8 Food 7 Service 10 Atmosphere 7 Value
(4)Amanda U.
Eh, fine. Nothing to rave about. The beer selection is pretty sub-par, especially given the awesome beer list across the street (really? getting beat by Asgard? that says something. Especially for some place that markets themselves as a bar). their drinks are pretty small and variable in quality-- and that's if you can get to the bar at dinner-time. The service could definitely be improved. I understand it can be PACKED and stuffed and crowded, but a smile wouldn't hurt. The burgers are..... okay. FourBurger is better. Salad and chicken sandwich are pretty good. Their potatoes & tomato salsa are pretty rockin' though. Pretty good brunch, I definitely have to admit. All in all, it's not a place I'll actively avoid, but definitely not a place to seek out (unless waiting to hit up Middlesex).
(3)Thuy Tien L.
Geeky decor, but not so much that it makes you want to turn your novelty periodic table t-shirt inside-out. I have no idea how the bar is (will be able to find out by the end of this year!), but it's a popular drinking spot for MIT students who want a break from the firehose. I can, however, comment on the grill. I've eaten here a couple of times, and the basic American-style food is way more than basic--each item has a little something extra that makes you want to stop and ponder the meaning of the universe. Brunch/breakfast is served daily and consists of things like pancakes, muffins, eggs, sausages, but try a grilled banana with some of that and your eyes will roll back with pleasure. My favorite thing at Miracle is the Roni burger. It's got jalapenos mixed in with the meat and dripping with juice. Don't add anything, it's perfect the way it's brought out. I'd also take my time eating it because those jalapenos will catch up to you sooner than you think. It's pretty small and pretty crowded at night, so getting a table (which you usually have to do yourself) can be tricky. Don't come in massive groups unless you just want to stand around and have a beer.
(4)Abdullah A.
A nice bar in my neighborhood. The first time in my life I see a bar bouncer reading Plato's Republic while checking IDs. Only in Cambridge. Fabulous beef skewers. The salad is wonderful, but a bit too garlicky. Can't go wrong with any of the drafts. Great place to grab a drinks with a friend if you're around the neighborhood. I had a slightly off experience with the bartender once who was quite rude. But generally been a pleasant experience.
(3)Damon I.
With a name like Miracle of Science, I really expect palate pleasing pabulum from the future and a melange of exotic, hoppy intoxicants. Instead, what I receive is rather blah dishes and a beer selection stuck in line with any other Boston bar. The skewers and burgers are supposedly where it's at. As a no-beef-itarian, I'm left with little choice. Toughened, charred chicken served with a bevy of sides that look tastier than they really are fail to elate my lunch hour. Cheers to the cozy space, the periodic table wall menu, the high school lab stools, and the friendly familiar staff. At night, the atmosphere can be quite convivial. The hipster ipod music stream keeps it fun too. With a little bit more science, the formula could be found for greater miracles.
(3)Matthew G.
One of the better burgers I've ever had. And it was infused with some jalepenos (sorry, I can't figure out how to write the squiggly line on my new mac)...and it was SPICY. It gave me hiccups. But it was so good that I didn't mind. I like this place. I ate brunch here some time ago when I first moved to Boston and loved the coffee. But I had no idea that it was a "bar and grill." They saved paper (go environment) by putting the menu up as a periodic table on the wall (so MIT). The only issue is that if you're sitting on the other end of the restaurant, you can't see the menu. Therefore I left my burger choice up to the very friendly waitress. She was spot on with the "fill-in-the-blank" burger. I can't remember the damn name. But just ask for the spicy thing that gives you hiccups. The wine was good - I liked the glasses - short glass as opposed to traditional wine glasses. But if it's the Miracle of Science, shouldn't we be drinking out of test tubes or beakers? Oh wait - that's Cancun. Until next time, my friends...
(4)Tristan B.
If you want really good bar food, this is the place to hit. Don't worry too much about the theme, it's not really that dorky. Okay so you have to order off the periodic table of elements take off, yes, but come on, it's not that bad. Okay beer selection and some decent mixed drinks. Plus, the bar stools are those old school science lab stools. It's like high-school all over again, except they need some dork to carve NIRVANA into them to make it completely high-school-y. I had to speak up with the staff with getting some forks and knives, but they made that up by buying the next round on the house! Thanks! It's not a local watering hole, but I'll have no worries about going back here and making it a suggestion should the mood for bar food hit me.
(4)Sherrie G.
So, I've never actually 'eaten' here due to always coming in with a crowd and the place being extremely packed. (or just coming for the drinks) They don't have a proper hostess either so you kind of just stand around until a table frees up which you must immediately dive for. Once you do get a seat, it gets much better. The drinks are fantastic. I had a fabulously stiff mojito and a delicious Hendrick's and tonic with a slice of cucumber. I have tried their homefries and am impressed. I'm anxious to actually sit down and have a meal here sometime. The layout is very clever. I enjoyed the periodic table of menu and the MIT stools for seating. The bartenders are very friendly too. Definitely check out on a sunday for plentiful seating. lol
(4)Tracee D.
My favorite things about Miracle are: (in no particular order) periodic table menu whatever they place on the grilled chicken home fries red smooth ketchup goo triangular shape chemistry tables 1 lonely 13' TV. lot's o' lot's o window panes the fact that they open at around 7am for coffee? the proprietors are marketing 'genii' ...irony squared. Go there and please remember to tip like a champ. (the burgers are very good but I do not believe them to be the best) just sayin' *update= the 13" tv has been replaced by a (now standard) flat screen tv, I am indifferent. *also! the bartender named Pencil is always very nice to us. Especially when 'we' accidentally drink too much and demand he play R&B hip hop songs that nobody else likes. He is so nice to 'us' -that for one minute I almost thought 'we' should give him a Christmas Gift...almost. *latest update- I have been there for brunch many a time but this time I realized that this is one of my favorite brunch menu's around. The font rules, the portions are smaller (as to not ruin your day) and the choices are exactly what you require for b-r-u- to the- n-c-h
(4)Tom E.
This place is becoming my Cheers. My 21st century Cheers. Just like how after a long day delivering mail Cliff would head to Cheers for a beer and some banter with the gang before heading to his real home, that's where I see me and MoSBaG going... Except in this day and age, when I pull up to bar and say hi to the gang, they aren't actually there with me - but online. And I'm logging in with the free wifi. Sad... maybe, but this is our modern life. And I still have a freshly poured beer in my hand. And even after 10.30pm, if I get out of my geeky science job that late, I can still rely on MoSBaG for a great burger or some tasty kebab sticks.
(5)Meaghan S.
I went here for the first time on a Sunday afternoon. So maybe not the best time to judge. HOWEVER - the service was surly and inattentive, the drinks were weak, and there was a perpetual draft so I was freezing. I found the place generally uncomfortable to sit in and the atmosphere was not my style. I couldn't leave fast enough (if only the waitress hadn't ignored us for about 1/2 hour). With so many more cozy places in Central and beyond I will not be venturing back here. No way. Also -- my friend asked for a "Mystery Beer" and they brought him a Budweiser... WTF? ---- EDIT (8/28/07): Upgraded from one to three stars. My first experience was indeed bad. Perhaps that's what I get for drinking early on a Sunday afternoon. I went back here at a much more reasonable hour, 7:00ish on a Thursday for some pre-dinner drinks and was not disappointed in either the drinks or the service. Nothing was particularly outstanding but it wasn't horrible either. I'll probably go back at some point if for no other reason than to try their hamburgers which I've heard are fantastic.
(3)Kristina D.
Very well decorated and the menu is cute (a periodic table up on a blackboard). Excellent burgers, especially the one with jalapenos! It's the best burger I've had in Boston or Cambridge so far. Update (9/28/07): I had the Ronie burger (the jalapeno one) this time instead of just trying part of my boyfriend's--by the end of it, my mouth was dancing! Again, the ratio of burger to bread allowed for maximum chompability. The bread was the perfect consistency--lightly toasted on the outside and good texture on the inside (not at all mushy). The potatoes were also much better than last time.
(4)Scott G.
Best Burger I have EVER had in a restaurant, EVER! Cooked to perfection. I like my burgers plain so it wasn't dressed up with any flavors other than the grill. I will definitely be back.
(4)Lys W.
I haven't yet tried the food at Miracle of Science, but I have drank there. I wasn't all that impressed with the space. It was pretty crowded and you couldn't stand at the bar without someone knocking you over. I ordered an Amaretto on the rocks, and he told me that it was six dollars. Ok fine. It is an expensive drink, but then he gives it to me in a large shot-glass with tons of ice. There was almost no alcohol in there. I doubt I will go back, because I feel like they up the price and give you less to drink.
(2)patrick w.
I go here sometimes with co-workers for lunch. The veggie burger is excellent and beer selection good. I like the relaxed space -- the light from all the windows gives it a nice vibe -- and have always found the serving staff excellent and attentive without being in your face. Only downside is that's it's slightly expensive (which would probably make this place a solid 3.5 stars); otherwise I would definitely go more often.
(4)David G.
For my one hundredth review here I was hoping to write something positive about a local business. In fact, I loathe the idea of handing out a two star review, but the experience at this place was a horror. Walked in on a sunny afternoon with a positive attitude and looking forward to trying a spot that's been talked about a lot. What I got was the worst service and attitude from an entire staff I've gotten in...well...I can't remember when it's been this bad. Walked in and stood for 10 minutes by the bar looking for anyone resembling a staff member or someone behind the bar to acknowledge me. No such luck. So when I spotted a table opening I decided to just seat myself and assumed it's a "seat yourself" kind of place. Sat down at the table and waited and waited and waited....20 minutes later I'm just sitting there watching the waitresses shuffle back and forth (each giving me a quick glance) as they walk by towards the kitchen. They look absolutely miserable-like two people who hate their job and life. Some people walk in from the street and sit down near me and the waitress walks right by me and asks them what they want. I'm thinking- do you not serve "my kind" in here or something. I finally stare at one of the waitresses and wave my hand. Her response: "Do you want something?" in a tone that suggests I've pissed her off for speaking to her. I reply "I just want to order some food". She just says "yeah.." and stares at me. "Uh, OK could I get a cheeseburger and..." and she starts walking off! I haven't finished the order and she starts walking off! I stop her and try and order the next thing and she starts walking off again! At this point I'm thinking I'm on hidden camera because no one acts like this towards a customer. Do you not want me to order?? I complete the order. From here it went like this: -Food came. Ordered burger well-done, burger came medium rare. Whatever. I'm not even interested in my food at this point. -Waitstaff for the duration of my meal never once asked if I needed anything or came near me. -Before I finished one of them came over and left a receipt on the table and walked off. No eye contact, no thanks. Just: here's the bill-pay it and leave. I don't know if I'd say I was singled out entirely, because they looked like they hated everyone in the place who was lucky enough to place an order with these two. Scratch that, the girl with the tattoo looked depressed and the Asian girl in green tights hates people-there's a difference. All I know is that the burger was undercooked and not very good (bun/size was fine, but meat was tasteless) and this place acts like it doesn't want anyone's business. I'm a super objective person who always gives the benefit of the doubt, but this place was just awful. The salad was just fine and if they had actually cooked the burger and treated me like less than a dog it might have done a lot better than two stars (and if ever a one star review is deserved it was this place). May I suggest a new line of work for the girl in green tights, and some Paxil for the girl with a tattoo on her arm. You'll have to pay me to come back to this place.
(2)Mackey J.
This is a pretty chill spot to stop in and have a beer. THey have a good selection and some snacks ready to go. plus you get to see the true dorkiness of MIT in action here. Good place to people watch.
(3)barbaric y.
This place has got some personality, although amping up the nerdiness factor certainly wouldn't cramp their style any. Miracle has a reputation for being the local "geek bar"- an appellation which seems a little laughable given that I have yet to spot anyone who looks truly social awkward at this bar. Then again, I have yet to try more extreme tactics, such as publically declaring an impromptu Dungeons & Dragons match (/add to list of things to do). No, the establishment itself tends to be populated with the polo shirt-sporting, talkative MIT/Harvard crowd- more of the easygoing frat type than the calculator-clutching nerd. There are a few science-y touches that have been planted here and there around the space, such as the famous lab/bar stools, and the periodic table of elements menu. The bartenders usually seem more grumpy/unresponsive than nerdy, but they do get the job done. Foodwise, these guys are surprisingly really, really good; sit close enough to the far end of the bar on the right hand side and you will catch a glimpse of how hard they work to get those plates out in a timely fashion. However spartan the menu seems in some respects, it's only made the cooks better, faster, and more efficient at what they do. I've had the hummus platter, the chicken salad and the veggie burger at Miracle, none of which were disappointing. The burger came with a side of crispy roasted potatoes which ended up being even better than the burger. The chicken salad is served with a pesto sauce on top- a nice break from the typical balsamic vinaigrette or default caesar. It should be noted that the hummus platter is substantial and could either serve as a meal unto itself or as an appetizer split between two people. Between tasty domestic beers and even tastier food, this place earns enough points in my book to offset the (current) lack of nerd culture at this bar.
(4)Mihir P.
There is nothing miraculous about this place. My friend and I went there to get a bite to eat. Whoa...the staff here seems just....hmmm...VERY unhappy. Zero personality with a clove of rudeness. The doorman, waitresses and bartender must all be from the same therapy sessions. We really got the feeling that they didn't want us there. The food selection is meager but is tasty. The burgers come with home potatoes and were really crispy. The burger was moist. I'd only go back there to get take-out since I wouldn't want to tip those 'holes.
(2)Joe T.
Third option on a fun filled Friday of waiting in lines... M.O.S. had no line, chill spot just to hang and have a beer w/ friends. Great food smell in the air there, has me wanting to go back for lunch or dinner sometime.
(3)Barney B.
Miracle has always been consistent, and last night was no exception. the burgers are tasty, the beer selection decent, the skewers are good as well. My only complaint is that the decor, and often the temperature, is quite cold. But I love all the windows and the fact that I could cozy up to the bar for a few pints and a spice-tastic Ronie burger and see monsoon out of three corners of the restaurant. If you are looking for a cheap bite to eat and a casual setting, this wins over its neighboring options of Asgard, Tavern and even Middle East imho
(4)Dave B.
I'm not at all impressed. This must be one of those places that's popular just because it's popular, a bunch of idiots sitting around pretending they like the place because all their friends say they like it, too. Forcing customers to fight for tables instead of seating them FCFS is inexcusable. The menu on the wall isn't hip, it's annoying because it makes you feel like a fool while you're standing there trying to read it, and there are people sitting in front of parts of it so you can't even see the entire menu. The music is so loud I couldn't hear the waitress and after she brought our food we had to wait five minutes for her to bring our place settings and condiments. I ordered a blue cheese burger and I got a burger with blue cheese salad dressing on it instead of real blue cheese. Salad dressing! I'd like to repeat that: I ORDERED A BLUE CHEESE BURGER AND GOT BLUE CHEESE SALAD DRESSING. I'm not sure why they bother asking how you want your burger cooked, because everyone at the table got the same thing: blackened on the outside and rare on the inside. I guess that's how the cook likes it. MIT kids may know science and engineering but they don't seem to know anything about decent food because I can't see any reason this place should be so popular. Even the beer selection was lousy.
(2)Arnie F.
Bad service and atmosphere - poorly cooked food. Hamburger was ordered medium rare and came back well done...even my potatoes were burnt. I have no idea how this place gets so much business
(1)L D.
Bullet points! - delicious burgers. I always order mine with blue cheese and it's always perfect. Except for that one time my burger arrived at the table about a minute after ordering and was squirting cow blood all over the plate. That one got sent back. Otherwise, always perfect and cooked to order. - breakfast potatoes. For dinner? Sure! Last night I smugly told another patron 'the miracle doesn't have fries' like I was in the know and down on fries. Whatevs, the potatoes come with a spicy tomato thing that's super good (and I hate tomatoes). - brunch. Very good. But who fucks up brunch? I will say, get there early. They stop serving brunch at 1pm. Lame but forgivable. - breakfast. Good but very limited. Don't go in there thinking 'hey, I think I'll have pancakes and bacon and maybe some fruit and then Canadian bacon for desert' cause they might not have what you want and then you'll be sad and disappointed. And that blows. Don't get your hopes up. - drinks. I only drink beer here and can't complain. The selection is small but thoughtful. Brooklyn and Harpoon on tap. Sierra Nevada in the bottle. Oh wait, I had a margarita here once because I heard hey had a good mix. It is. Try one. - service. Spotty, at best. I've been here a gazillion times and the bartenders sometimes recognize me but never ask my name. Am I not cool enough?Waitstaff are also spotty but I mostly sit at the bar. - music. Also spotty. Bartenders play straight from their own iPods. One is really fond of Jane's Addiction which is awesome for me but not so much with everyone else. - bathrooms. Unisexing! Recently remodeled (painted anyway). - science. Yes. Science nerd that I am, the periodic table menu rocks my socks. Don't ask for a paper menu; that makes you look like a total newb.
(4)amanda b.
Miracle of Science was clean and well-lit, all those things you don't expect from a bar. I went on a Tuesday night, and the place was packed. There was barely even standing room. I have lots of admiration for the waitresses weaving through the crowd. Despite the crowd, we were still able to hear one another speak- a definite plus. The crowd was mixed, but looked like mostly students. Not a huge selection of beers on tap, but the ones that they had were good stuff. Honestly, as a nerd, I was a little disappointed by how limited the science theme was. Test tube racks are cheap- couldn't they at least get a few of those? Being a visitor from DC/Baltimore, I have to say the cheapness of the beer blew my mind. Seriously, I'm going to start importing it.
(3)Arturo P.
Great Bar Food, Good Drinks, Friendly Staff The Miracle is a fantastic place to get a beer and food. Probably the best overall in the Central/Kendall area I've found so far. A solid beer selection, great drinks (try their take on the Margarita for an interesting alternative to the standards). The food is fantastic, especially the burgers. A relatively small selection has allowed them to perfect each of them. The chemistry lab type decor is strangely comforting for a lab rat such as myself, though most will find it novel yet appropriate for the generally MIT heavy crowd. On weeknights, the Miracle tends to be a nice laid back place to get some drinks and food, with the loud bar atmosphere really peaking on Friday and Saturday nights. All in all, a great place to grab drinks or food, with friendly and attentive staff, with a fun and relaxed vibe to top it all off. Possibly my favorite bar in Cambridge, all things considered.
(5)Stephanie I.
Good place to grab a quick meal. Food is good, but I wasn't amazed by it. It's pretty typical - sandwiches & salads. It is cute how there is a periodic table menu though. Decently priced and you get enough food for what you pay.
(3)Jeanette P.
I came in from out of town, and gave this place a try for Sunday brunch because the wait was so long at cafe Luna. Anyway, the food was awful, my husband and I both got the omelet, mine was woefully overcooked and tasted of burnt eggs, and my husbands was undercooked and runny. The only thing that was cute was the periodic table menu.
(1)Danielle S.
I love Miracle of Science. I live about a 2 minute walk away, so I frequent this spot pretty regularly, mostly for breakfast/brunch. They have this grilled grapefruit with honey that is absolutely delicious, as well as regular breakfast fare such as omelets, breakfast sandwiches, and french toast. No matter what I order, I also get a side of the chicken jalapeno sausage. Yum. I'm a fan of the periodic table menu, though I can't really read anything on the board because I'm "focally challenged" (did I just make that up?). Mostly because I'm a sucker for anything that seems to cater to MIT students and people like me who enjoy all sorts of decorations. At night it's pretty crowded, mostly because the Middlesex overflow ends up there, so it's hard to get a seat/ get comfortable. However, it's generally a good crowd, and people are pretty friendly. Try the breakfast. It's pretty good.
(4)Brian D.
~ the soooundddssss of scieeeennnnccceeeeee ~ ~ the soooundddssss of scieeeennnnccceeeeee ~ ah hazy memories of staggering along the Mass Ave bridge after one hell of a warm up drinking session at the MOS. i like MOS, it;s a convenient location with romantic views of the perpetual rebuild of Mass Ave through Central. the food looks good and will certainly be on the menu along with beer on my return trips. the staff is laid back and really nice (who is that crazy eyed asian girl with the pony tails??) and are very attentive to tables with even the smelliest and surliest of patrons. see you soon MOS.
(4)Yui K.
Any visit to Central will almost guarantee a visit to Miracle. partly because my friend works here, but morely because I just frickin' love the vibe. The black top tables remind me of my chemistry labs. Everytime I walk in my eyes divert directly to that triangle table in the middle. My mind runs and I picture myself having one too many beers, stumbling, and whacking my head right on the pointy part. ha ha? Anyways.. beers keep flowing, staff is laidback. Burgers jumbo, juicy. Steak&eggs. and very importantly.. their VEGGIE BURGERS are the BEST i've ever tasted in my entire existence. Probably has a lot to do with the sauce.. it's incredibly great.
(5)Jay M.
Alot of thought went into the desing of this place and the ideas behind it. decent beer selection at best. the prode and joy in my eyes is their food menu. not only the food on it but how its written...Bravo!
(3)Jamie A.
To sum it up: two delicious mojitos and a speedily made chicken sandwich! I had always wanted to visit the MOS, so when our friends suggested it as a double-dinner-date locale, I was all for it. When we arrived around 8.30 or so, all the tables were taken, so we lurked at the bar with some drinks and snatched one up as soon as it opened. Once we were seated, we promptly ordered...and our food was so speedily delivered! 3 burgers & my grilled chicken sandwich--- all tasty (from what everyone said!). We split some dessert as well, which was a big brownie with Toscanini's ice cream--- mmmmmm! I'd definitely recommend trying out this place, as it's certainly cute. I love the decor and the crowd was calm, making for a great atmosphere. Plus, their mojitos are DELISH. A bit on the not-so-sweet side, it was just my style!
(4)Adam W.
Been here several times now, always a consistent bet to take friends too. High quality but simple sandwiches, skewers, etc and good beer selection. Service can be kind of weird as it seems the servers seem to share tables? Other than that, no qualms.
(4)Stephanie W.
Note to self and others: Brunch is better than dinner here.
(3)Arestia R.
I can't speak for how the food tastes, but I can speak for the fact that I spotted on their periodic table of food wall menu that a veggie burger is $9 and a cheeseburger is $9.50. I know these are hard times, but surely you must be joking. I've never seen such outlandish prices in a bar for a burger. A cute little concept with lab bar stools and science table tops. MIT students and Cambridge hipsters come here alike, but it didn't strike me as a place to meet new friends. Such a shame; I had such high hopes, but I didn't think it was as special as I wanted it to be.
(3)Lauren K.
A great place to get a bite to eat and a drink. It's original atmosphere makes it great for catching up with friends, grabbing a bite or watching a game in something other than a typical sports bar. The periodic table menu that is sketched on the board is a nice touch and also a great way to sell food. Unless you keep your head glued to the floor, you can help by but read the descriptions for cheeseburgers, quesadillas and chicken skewers. The food is a little overpriced, but it's worth the few extra dollars for the atmosphere and high quality.
(4)Jesse R.
Great, great burgers! Came here for dinner and drinks with some MIT friends recently. Nice little gastro pub type place by the folks that brought you Audobon and Cambridge 1 (two other fave Boston spots of mine). The burgers are really tasty. I had mine with blue cheese and they really lay it on which is how I like it. The home-fried potatoes are also very yummy, and probably a slightly healthier alternative to standard french fries. Lots of great local beers on tap. My only bone to pick is that it can be crowded, and this crowd doesn't like to leave even after they paid the bill. These intellectual types are poring over their research papers while you stand and stare..so be prepared to wait, or come early!
(4)Erin R.
i got here after arriving to boston and getting torrentially rained on. so i looked like a drowned rat. nice space, gross bathroom, good nerd vibe with the periodic table menu. at any rate, the drinks were good, and no one yelled at us when we managed to spill not one, but two glasses. they also managed to indulge our need for maraschino cherries as chasers for jameson shots. i wish i had eaten something, but oh well. next time - if there is one.
(3)Julie A.
I really like this place for lunch but can't take it any other time. They offer a cool MIT atmosphere and laid back service. The menu is really small, and rarely changes, but it does offer one vegetarian meal and some other burgers, bar food etc. All good. soup's good too. Beer and food are cheap. The service is just attentive enough so they do a good gob, but let you chill while you eat and hang with friends. During the day everyone is nice. It annoys me later in the night due to the type of crowd and of how packed it gets with these people.
(3)Felecia C.
I enjoy this bar. I also enjoy labwork, so yes, maybe I'm a little dorky for going to a science-themed bar just for the sake of saying I went. I also went with my sciencey coworkers. Go ahead, I'll wait for you to stop smirking. We arrived early-ish on a Saturday night and managed to snag a table. Our waitress was helpful and attentive but did get a bit disheveled when the crowd started pouring in around 9-10. I think I anticipated the decor to be more tacky, but whoever did the interior design hit just the right level of geeky flair. The music is random but fun. Our intention was to leave early and hit up Middlesex, but by the time we decided to head out, the line there was already almost at the MOS front door, so that was a no go. No matter, I think Miracle of Science is one of the more fun/laidback bars in Central Square. EDIT: I've been back here at least 3 times since I posted this review, and I am starting to love this bar. We went to Middlesex and couldn't deal with the crowds, so we hopped into MOS and took the strongest shot ever made by a superfriendly and cute bartender. With all that pretention next door, thank goodness (and dorks) for MOS.
(4)Ann W.
The veggie burger is my favorite. Yum yum.
(4)Elaine M.
This place is fantastic! Maybe I'm a nerd, but I love the science theme -- the chalkboard menu that is modeled after the style of the periodic table is a clever touch! Very fitting, considering it's in the locale of MIT. The burgers are indeed excellent -- definitely in the running for top Boston area burger in my book! The others in my party shared the same sentiments as well. I was quite surprised, considering I don't usually expect much from bar food. The fact that several of the staff took it upon themselves to help my group find seats on a crowded Friday night was impressive.
(5)Melissa W.
I love MOS! The Good: The decor is different, with lab-style table tops, wine glasses referencing beakers, and a periodic table for a menu. They (thank god) refrain from going too geeky with it. The food is way better than regular pub fare - in fact the grilled chicken salad with cilantro dressing is outta this world. If you like peanut sauce, they do an awesome skewer with a peanuty side. It comes with tortillas and black bean salad. The Ronie burger is very tasty - it has jalepenos mixed into the patty. And the fact that they have Brooklyn Lager on tap is another plus in my book. The people who chill there are generally 20-somethings, laid-back, and friendly. Except for the guys with the ties who stand at the bar and talk over your shoulder. Back off! The Not So Good: 1) ALWAYS crowded in the evenings. It starts out as a happy hour locale, and then subtly transitions into a night spot by dimming the lights and cranking the music at 7. Good luck getting a seat. 2) Too many people and too few servers means not-so-hot service, regardless of the fact that the wait staff generally do their best. 3) Too many Ronie burgers and Brooklyn Lagers gives Mel a bellyache. You have been warned.
(4)Sarah L.
I had some decent hummus at Miracle of Science but I will forever and always be super pissed at them beCAUSE of the ridiculous story of my 21st birthday. I went to Miracle of Science on the day before my 21st birthday, so I was 20 when I walked in. At 1210AM, ie ten minutes after I had turned 21, I went to the bar to order my very first legal drink. The bartender wouldn't serve me! Are you kidding me! "It goes by business day" he said. No fucking way! Even the other people at the bar, who weren't part of my birthday party, thought that was total shit. Compare this to John Harvard's where I went on the actual night of my 21st (about 20 hours later), where they didn't card me, and then when they found out it was my birthday gave me AND everyone in my party our drinks for free. Effin miracle of science!
(2)Nicholas S.
As some others have stated, Miracle of Science has a pretty hefty atmosphere tax on it. The food is okay and the beer selection is decent, but it's a little pricey for what you're actually getting.
(3)Captain H.
We often hit up the Miracle of Science when we are in that part of town. I love that the menu looks like a Periodic Table of Elements. It's not as nerdy as I would expect from a place named "Miracle of Science" that's right next to MIT. The burgers was nice and juicy and I am especially partial to the one with blue cheese. Brunch was also delicious and reasonable priced. The wait service has always been pretty good, although sometimes you won't see your waitress for a while, but it's a small place so it's easy to flag her down. It gets pretty loud and crowded at night and it can be hard to find a table, but that kind of adds to the atmosphere. They have a pretty good bar selection.
(4)Doris K.
I thought that this place would be more science-like! Except for the menu being on a chalkboard with some resemblance of a periodic table and the bar counter looking like the lab in college, there is nothing scientific about this place. I was expecting beakers for glasses and the solar system to be the decorations. We stopped by last night thinking that no one would be there on a Monday night. Boy were we wrong. The place was jam packed with what looked like graduate MIT students, and the seating is very limited. Warning: There aren't any typical menus. Me: Do you have a drink menu? Bartender: Yeah it's on the wall. (Points to the wall of liquor.) Me: Ok.... David: Can we get some food menus? Bartender: Yeah it's on the wall behind you. (Points to large chalkboard.) It's actually very hard to read, especially when you already have contacts/glasses and your vision isn't great. Their menu is also very limited: burgers, quesadillas, soup, kebabs, and hummus. I think that pretty much sums it up. The burgers come with a little side of home fries (sauteed potatoes). The turkey chipotle chili was surprisingly VERY GOOD. I know the bartender got kind of ticked at me. I forgot that we had both ordered burgers with pepper-jack cheese on them, and so when I see David's burger I assumed it was mine. The bartender's response - "Just trust me okay!". I'm sorry! I can't help it! I'm a hands on kind of girl, and I was hungry! This place was pricey according to my standards. $8 - $8.75 burgers, $6.50 turkey chili, $4 potato side (that better be one BIG potato). The drinks were typical $4 beer and $6 gin. Overall we did have a good time but don't hold your breath on me coming back.
(3)Aaron B.
Food is decent - I love the periodic table of food menu on the chalkboard. Nice corner location, but very small inside. Easily fills up, and small space makes maneuvering difficult once it does. The scene is diverse MIT-types. Watch out for the point of the triangular table in the center of the room.
(3)Hans R.
The beef skewers are good and can be constructed into an actual wrap. The only menu is on the wall in periodic table form, very clever. Burger is good size and tasty. Good beer selection. Recommend pitcher of Brooklyn lager or bottle of harpoon. It gets crowded by the window so snag the table under to menu if you don't mind people looking over your head. In the summer they open the large window in the back and it really opens the place up. A nice balance between real cheap college grub and expensive executive cuisine.
(3)Rob D.
I used to live down the block from this place - and if you can avoid impaling yourself on the pointy bar tables, you're in for a nice bar-iffic time...uh, even if its in the morning. See, they're open for breakfast. And, its really good breakfast. And they will serve you drinks with your eggs...and they have free wi-fi... do you have any idea how many startup companies started there? Mine did. So did the Middlesex bar next door that everyone raves about.
(4)Jon T.
Stellar burgers and music. Ask for Annie park.
(5)sam h.
It's our usual. Great burgers, good salads, welcome pints. Decent desserts when someone's in the mood. I'd be happier if they turned down the volume on the music and lost the all-sports widescreen TV. Still, the service is sweet and to the point, the interior cool, the location perfect. Miracle must have shown up in some European guide books. This year about half the customers are tourists.
(4)Melissa A.
I started off a Mass Ave/Central Sq bar crawl at this place. I got something odd that I never drink... like a gin gimlet. And whenever you order things like that, I guess the bartender remembers it. Jesus Christ, was this drink tart! He came over to me and did this eyebrow raised thing "So... how's your gimlet?" "Fine," I say. I slowly sipped on my drink and then my friends decide to leave. Now, I have to pound it back. We head over to the next bar--Middle East--which I'm just thankful we were at a table so I could put my head down. I order a beer and take a sip and place my head on the table (a no-no in bars). I wrap my arms around two friends and stumble outside and plop on a bench and hurl. Passersby look down at the vomit by my feet. I indignantly look back at them as if to say "That vomit was already here when I sat down!" Assholes. So I formulate this opinion that I was drugged at MOS and that I can't "hang" cause I made it to bar #2 on a supposed "bar crawl." But no, it has nothing to do with the disgusting Burger King meal or the several cans of Sparks that I drank before I went out. I'll probably go back cause it's sort of like a novelty bar. Like T.G.I. Friday's. But with less shit on the walls. I wish there were more science-y things on the walls like diagrams and plaster-cast molds. And I'll probably eat BK and drink a ton of Sparks again though. I'm sort of an idiot.
(5)Alixandria F.
LOVE this place. Great vibe and a cool eclectic mix of people. Its always part of my pre-show tradition when I go to concerts at the mid east or tts. The food is awesome, just what you want to grab with a couple drinks, nothing fancy, but just damn good
(5)Dana B.
Miracle of Science is a pretty cute place to grab a beer and a burger with some friends and just hang out. Unfortunately, it's always crowded and tough to find a table. Personally, I think its crappy that you can't get bacon on your burger there.
(3)Erica S.
Uggghhhhh.... if you're gonna be all sciency and miracley and whatever, I want my beer in a goddamn beaker. Sheesh.
(3)Lindsay D.
Walking into Miracle of Science was reminiscent of walking into Chem lab on the first day of school... except there were alcoholic beverages involved. The decor at this place is great; just the right amount of cheesy theme items (periodic table menu, cheap lab stools and lab tables to go with it, etc.) without being TGI Fridays. The food here is decently priced and the waitstaff is extremely attentive. I was never without a drink even when the bar was full to capacity. Best part about MOS? The soundtrack is ridiculous - last time I was there Stevie Wonder's Greatest Hits were being pumped into a room full of young professionals and MIT students. There's nothing quite like drinking your work week away to My Cherie Amor.
(4)Gabriel B.
Convenient location, basic cheeseburger/chili type place, quick service...not sure if this would be the first place I'd recommend going.
(3)Yiling W.
Beef skewers were good, so was the hummus dish, and beer selection is decent. This place has a good vibe, even though I was sitting right next to the door (i.e. draft every time it's opened) and people were coming in --it seemed- all the time we were sitting there. Neat menu display too. I heard later their burgers are good, but only got a whiff of one when we were leaving (smelled good, that's for sure..).
(3)Junshien L.
Sigh... Once again, I'm wishing I can give THREE AND A HALF STARS. The food itself is slightly above average, but there's really nothing exceptional about this place, except maybe the nerdy restaurant name and the menu written on the wall like a periodic table. Decent food, done right. Fyi, I've been there twice for lunch. The first time I had a grilled chicken salad, and it was well... a grilled chicken salad. The next time I had chicken burger with mango something sauce. It was a good burger. =)
(4)Anthony L.
I love this place primarily because I know many of the staff. They are slammed at many times of the day, but really sling the hash. You've heard of the science theme (which is lightly played), so let's focus on the food. The burgers are good solid fare, any time of day. Consider going for the cheeseburger with blue cheese and NO catsup (or just a little dollop to dip in). Also, the Turkey Chili is great -- the best secret to it, however, is to ask for grilled pita chips rather than the workaday Tostitos that otherwise will appear in it. Want something lighter? The chicken salad with cilantro dressing is a good choice. If you play Horde in World of Warcraft, sit at the bar and trade tips; many of the bartenders are gonzo for that game. Worst recent news item: the prices took a leap upward. Still a good place for your inner geek.
(4)Diane I.
perhaps my favorite place that's close to mit. i always bring out of town guests here. its just the right place to get a glimpse of cambridge. although the vegetable skewers are not delicious. i always seem to forget how rancid the blue cheese dressing while i'm there and order them anyways. ugh. best to stick with the veggie burgers.
(4)Chris R.
Like the decor and vibe. Waitstaff are hard to flag down, could be friendlier. Service really needs to improve and keep up. We like their regular cheeseburger, and prefer it over their popular spicy one. Like the homestyle fries(hash) too. Good prices, good beer.
(4)Nathan L.
In the heart of MIT campus, and trying to blend right in (giant menu in the design of the periodic table on the wall). Good burgers and solid beer selection. Can get a bit crowded on weekends with not much place to stand, but a pleasant vibe and a good place to people-watch.
(3)Lindsay W.
The food and drinks are not worth it. All they had for white wine was a blah blend. I got the shrimp skewer with pineapple salsa and it was horrible. The shrimps were really little (only came with three) and the salsa was non-existent (literally, I had a hard time finding it on the plate). The weird thing was, it was served on a tortilla...so after I ate the shrimp, I had this tortilla to eat...I felt a little awkward just eating a plane tortilla but since this is what I ordered for dinner I had to eat it. Safe to say I will never eat here again...
(1)d f.
Bottom line: below-average value Great atmosphere, average service, good food, but small portions (low value), average to above-average prices. Great place to eat before going to Middlesex to party (beat the Middlesex line by heading over before 9:45pm). Better food value than Middlesex. Beers are $5 (average price), but this place seems like it should be $4 due to kick-back atmosphere. Food portions are too small...if you are hungry, you need to order 2 or more entrees.
(3)Rick W.
I love everything about this place - for brunch, especially - except for their completely weird insistence on stopping weekend breakfast foods at 1PM sharp. And don't try getting them to bend the rules, either. The cooks are like paradixically obsessed with not making breakfast past 1 PM. This used to cause us to trudge on over to the B-Side, who sensibly served brunch till 4 PM - but with their closing, the early breakfast cessation is even more sad.
(4)Nicole k.
This is a fantastic place to meet up with friends for some drinkies. The place is tiny and right on Mass ave. so it's easy to find. The food is okay and the drink prices are thrifty. Service isn't always the friendliest, but eh, it's not the "20%" tip kinda place, so no worries.
(4)JR W.
helpful yet laid back staff. the bartender was pretty funny and rec'd the jalapeno burger. got the basic cheeseburger which was still delicious. they have a menu set up as a periodic table - don't worry, not all the elements were present. they cooked the burger to order, had a tasty red sauce, but the roasted potatoes were really fabulous (if you don't mind it being a little charred). super fast too!
(4)Matt M.
I'm on business travel, and this place was recommended by yelp, so i went. Great Ronie Burger! Jalapenos in the meat = brilliant! Will have to try that at home. Decent beer selection as well. I sat at the bar and the bar staff was friendly and pretty quick to serve. Plan on coming again; would definitely recommend!
(4)Mark W.
I hope that wasn't the best burger in Boston I just had. I've been meaning to try their renowned burger for a few years now. And it didn't even come with french fries; but home fries on a chili sauce? Weird, even though they were good. The soda was flat; they only have grey poupon. Two small italian tomato slices and some lettuce (no onions/pickle chips) The bun was okay. The pickle was nice. The service was okay, but I too thought it was weird when I asked for a menu and they pointed to the wall - oh well trying to be a little different I suppose.
(2)ali m.
I agree with Alden F's review about the food, but I'm going to bump up the rating for the atmosphere and beer selection. It's not amazing, but its a solid place to meet a friend for a drink or two to catch up. I've never had a problem with the waitstaff, but no paper menu is a little daunting for someone who hasn't been there before/needs glasses/has glasses but never wears them. :)
(4)Manny F.
Good spot but busy as heck on weekdays. We enjoyed a few brews here and then did the unthinkable, got 1 round of tequila shots and had fun. Then went back to look at the bill and saw the shots were $8.50. Overall, the place had a lot of college type folks and a great environment for pub culture on a cold night. I'm glad to be back home on the west coast - warm, sunny SoCal. I will be baaaaaaack!
(4)Jennifer D.
I heard that this bar is really popular, and I still don't really know why. I met up with a friend here and we had a tv to watch the Celtics play, but that's about it. The bar is small, and there were a few beers on tap. Other than the nerdy periodic table menu, I wasn't too impressed. Maybe I just need to come here on a more lively night?
(3)Al A.
Slow service. Okay burgers (nothing that special). Disorganised table seating procedures (ie grab what you can and there's no organised queue).
(2)Pallavi J.
YES I love this place!! I love the architecture, love the drinks and love the view of the weird street with a garage. The drinks are very well mixed and I totally dig the periodic table on the wall. I do wish it was slightly bigger, but it doesn't get any less love from me because of that.
(5)Amanda B.
This place is what it is... it's nothing special. The one time I ate here it was for brunch and the food was not that great. We want to hit it up during a night out to see how the bar scene is; maybe it's better for that sort of thing.
(2)Dragony F.
A brunch curveball thrown by Toscanini's Big Table for being closed that particular Sunday VS. the unexpected pinch hitter that is the Miracle of Science Who steps in the breakfast/lunch box to successfully bat away my initial disappointment? The MOS and Gus (the owner at Toscanini's) for graciously suggesting other local brunch places. MOS Brunch = four pieces of french toast made with sourdough bread, kind of flat and lacked the usual fluffiness associated with french toast made with challah bread but they were still tasty, especially when complemented with powdered sugar, real (100% maple!) syrup and a grilled banana on the side Combined with fresh OJ and a bottomless cup of passable coffee, the MOS performed admirably off the bench. Like all good utility players, MOS plays other positions as well so for lunch, get the Ronie burger; full of jalapenos and tasty goodness, along with delicious grilled potatoes instead of the usual fries; wash it down with a pint or two of Blue Moon
(4)Andy T.
I'm with Erica S. - MOS is a fine bar and all, and the food is decent, but where is the science? Black "lab" countertops are not enough, and the "periodic table" menu is merely a step in the right direction. This place needs to serve drinks in beakers!
(3)Catherine K.
Yummy, cheap breakfast/brunch! Recommend the breakfast burrito. I've never had it but I've heard the burger is a must.
(5)Aditi R.
Venturing over to Cambridge is a rarity for me. It takes entirely too long (yes 20 minutes and switching over trains does warrant me saying too long) and usually I am content with everything over this side of the Charles to go to the other side. But then again, I've never lived on the other side. There are some bars/restaurants which are very unique to Cambridge and cannot be replicated. Case in point: Miracle of Science. When my friend told me to meet him at this place I was absolutely confused and thought it was a museum or exhibit. 9pm and an exhibit? Is he out of his mind? No No...This is one of a kind bar/restaurant close to MIT's campus...some would say it's an extension. The place is quite small, but that serves its appeal of a small geeky bar with a menu in the form of a periodic table (geeks rejoice!). It's up on a chalkboard and my mantra is any place that has its menu up on a chalkboard has GOT to be good. There's a reason behind this...it takes time and care to put it up on the chalkboard everyday and requires maintenance. The staff has to be nice and have to have pride in the place. And this place clearly does. The beer on tap is not your usual fair and is very well priced. I didn't have the food, but when a friend did, it looked amazing. The crowd is a mix of people and that's something I always appreciate. You can find people of all ages having all kinds of conversations and one can't honestly ask for more when going out for a good time with friends. I will happily take the long journey over for this place. It's quirky, fun, and unique!
(4)Harsh V.
One of the most unique bars around Central Square. The clientele is mostly nerdy MIT kids but that adds to the charm. How I wish I still lived just around the corner.
(4)Neva C.
I've only had drinks here so I can't comment on the food. The overall ambiance is nice - wood tables, the periodic chalkboard with beer, big bay windows, seems open without feeling empty. I had beer (the IPA), it was delicious. Companion had a mojito, it was not very good, too sweet and not enough rum. The mojito was expensive, the beer less so. It's not going to be my go-to place or anything, but it's nice enough to stop by every once in a while and grab a beer.
(3)David O.
I went to Miracle of Science because I heard the burger was the best in town but there were definitely some things that turned me off about my experience. First off, the server was miserable and not helpful in the least. Also, the options for food are very limited, including how you want your burger. Want BBQ sauce? Nope. Want swiss cheese? Negative. French Fries? Try potatoes that taste more like undercooked breakfast home fries. The burger was fine which is why I give this place 2 stars, but I am not going to rush back any time soon. I'll stick with RF O'Sullivans anyday.
(2)Emily M.
This is an update mostly in response to Mark G.'s review, which I found scientifically hilarious, but I happen to belong to the MIT nerd science club that orders from VWR so I don't think I was his target audience. I was wondering how this place had only 3.5 stars, so I looked for the low-ballers. There has been a recurring complaint about the lack of science at this place. Surely if you're in science you've taken a chemistry class. The lab stools and tables are identical to the ones I still work on daily, which begs the question, why are you into that - maybe it makes me feel less guilty about not being IN lab :( The menu is in the shape of a relatively poor periodic table, but it's the best damn periodic table menu I've seen. They've got some scientific artifacts on the top shelves including a tribute to Einstein and there's a lamp that looks like a klingon ship from star trek if you're into that. I guess I'm just wondering, aside from drinking beer in lab, where everyone is going for more science-oriented drinking? You go to this place for one of two reasons, you like the atmosphere or you like the food. For most, there's no reason not to like both. Get a burger (Ronnie if you like spicy food), the hummus plate, the turkey chili or a quesadilla. As we are entering summer (Massachusetts summer at least) I'd recommend a margarita, but it's not your typical margarita. I also like their breakfast food. They have delicious grilled bananas! They only serve breakfast till 11 am during the week and 1 pm on weekends (don't worry they can start serving alcohol at 9 am, well, not on Sunday).
(5)Shuo S.
Miracle of Science seems to be the place all the tourists go to when they visit MIT. The food's really pricey, the portions are small, and seating is first-come, first-serve. That basically means if you're going for lunch or dinner, you'll be waiting for a while and shoving other people out of the way to get your table. The quality of the food is not bad. They cook a mean beef and shrimp kabob, but at 8 bucks for 2 small sticks, you'll need two orders to be anywhere near satisfied. Granted, all the non-asian places to eat (more or less) in the University Park area are really pricey (see Asgaard, Rendezvous), so the prices aren't out of the ordinary. If you're looking for a place to eat and mingle near MIT, try going somewhere for food and then heading to Middlesex to chill. Miracle of Science is an unexciting bar with decent but expensive food.
(3)Ethan A.
My BF loves the restaurants run by these guys, so I figured it had to be good. Everything is a little quirky, and I liked a lot of the unique touches. Came for brunch Sunday morning, which seemed like a popular spot. Food and drinks were great, and served fast and friendly. The location was probably my favorite part, since it was near everything but not close enough to draw in annoying clientele.
(4)Jenna H.
Busy place, went on a Friday after work last month for a friends bday. We did end up getting a table, but we were really packed in. I was able to get parking without too much trouble. The beer selection was good, and I liked the table of elements menu - thought it was a nice touch. I had the burger... oh my - delish!!! Great temp, bun was soft and chewy, loved it! Would have given the place 5 stars but service was spotty and not overly friendly.
(4)Renee G.
The whole Periodic Table-as-menu idea is cute, but when several tables are not within view of said Periodic Table and there are no paper menus to be had, that's just annoying. I had to get up and stand in the middle of the restaurant to make my decision. My chicken sandwich was fine, but not especially memorable. The dude got the signature burger, with the jalapenos mixed in with the meat - the bite I tried was okay but nothing to write home about. I did like the potatoes served on the side. I could probably have used some more of those potatoes, to soak up all the vodka sodas and various shots I proceeded to drink. The space is cool, but super crowded. By the time our large group of friends arrived, there was absolutely no way were were going to be able to congregate around the table, and we had to move to the bar area. No big deal - it was a Saturday night after all - but the place does get pretty packed. The clientele was an interesting mix of students and young professionals. Much to my amusement, one member of a tableful of college girls decided to send the dude a drink, mere moments after the waitress had chided us for "canoodling", then proceeded to go out of her way to ignore him, middle school style, for the remainder of the evening. It was strange and hilarious. And our waitress was otherwise very accomodating, especially when we had to chase her down to be sure she was bringing us Patron and not Cuervo.
(2)S W.
It's a fun bar. And if you are a girl looking for a science geek husband, you may just meet him here. My engineer husband and his friends go gaga for the lab tables and the menu which is placed creatively in a periodic table. But despite these cute aesthetics, this bar is not gimmicky at all. Spring and summer here are the best because they open up the large windows so you can have summer breeze while enjoying your beer. It tends to not be too packed and is not loaded with undergrads and bachelorette parties. Just a chill crowd of late 20's to early 40's. Food is pretty good but limited selection. Really good green salad- really good hummus. Burgers are also tasty-- Overall, a fun neighborhood bar.
(4)Mike R.
Surprisingly good but not exceptional hummus, delicious straightforward burger. Good place to grab a quick, no thrills, casual dinner.
(3)Wendee M.
Once I finally used a commando style approach to secure a table...the food was good! I like the concept and atmosphere here. It seems to be a good place to meet up with friends..but I would rather go somewhere I did not have to stage a military mission to secure a table!
(2)Michael C.
The moment we walked in, we knew we picked the right place. It was our first night in town and the first meal. The waitress was from our home stat of pa. and my favorite beer, from our home town, Victory Hop Devil was on tap. I left my safety out the door and got the Ronnie, jalapeno burger. Huge kick, but the beer cooled it off. yum yum. they also had skewers and hummus. simple menu, good beers, great time.
(5)Chere G.
I went here Friday nigt wit Roni and Cara as a dinner stop since we were heading to chheck out Lez Zep at the Middle East. Not bad, not great. It's cool. I wouldn't not go and I wouldn't necessilary consider this on my top 10 to go with friends. So I won't spend too much time on this one as I want my 200th review to come alot quicker than the 100th. So I shall bullet point. * Drinks are average - served in the old scool, dirty, basement pub type glasses your daddy would cringe at if he knew you went to. It was barely a full shot. * Don't go if you require the regimented dinner experience- greeted by hostess and seated. It's like this - when you are lucky a table will open up. Keep your eyes open and altough it's a bit sketchy you may have to stalk a table. Hopefully you can do this without an awkward momment. Or you will be lucky like Cara with a Dude and his girlfriend offering for us to sare with them. * Unless you can handle it - I don't suggest the Roni burger. It's as hot as hell - ok so I'm a wuss. I got it because ofcourse I was with my gurl Roni and well you know - gotta give your friend some love. It was a burger with Jalepenos in it + jalepeno cheese. Holy Fuck! * Minus one star for the waitress to tell me after I was 1/2 way through that blue cheese dressing is a nice addition. If you know tis, at least suggest it. * Altough the burgers are cooked well and served with greasy potatoe bits. I would ave preferred fries - minus anoter star. * No menus - check the wall. * It's small - go with patience. * Prices are OK - $15 I got a dinner and drink. I'm glad I went, but it will probably be a while before I venture back.
(3)Tracy H.
Went in on a Friday night for dinner and some drinks. Music was a little loud to have reasonable conversation, but the atmosphere was fun. We each had a blue cheese burger, which was pretty good, but not the best I've had. (That is reserved for a place in DC). The burger came with a side of roasted potatoes, which was a nice change from french fries. I'd visit again, but I'll keep looking for that perfect burger.
(4)Alyssa H.
I forgot how much I love this place. Saturday night I was supposed to meet some friends at Middlesex but when I got a block away I noticed a line. Horrified, I pulled my friend out of line and into the warmth of Micracle of Science. We were immediately greeted by a very friendly and funny bouncer, whe spent a few minutes poking fun at my friend's new passport (Has anyone seen those? hysterical) and despite being around 10:30 on a Saturday easily found seating. The waitress service is a little slow and the wine selection is pretty much non existent, as when asked what kind of red wine they had, I was told "red", but the food is always good. Great for an informal night of chatting with friends - sure beats the pretention, cover charge and line next door.
(4)Jamie S.
Popped in to Miracle of Science on a frigid Saturday night to formulate a plan of attack on the OBSCENELY long line at Middlesex next door. This place was not crowded without feeling empty -- just a great vibe overall. Service was solid, the atmosphere was perfect (love the periodic table menu) and the quesadillas we had were absolutely delicious. Check it out.
(4)Ty V.
While I really like the MOS, it seems to represent the new bar scene that's slowly making in-roads into Central Square. At one point in time this bar was sort of an anomaly (clean, trendy atmosphere), in that it was next to Caribbean Rhythm & Spice and almost across the street from the Cambridge Port Saloon. However now that Caribbean Rhythm & Spice has been replaced by the Middlesex and the Cambridge Port Saloon is gone, the MOS fits in perfectly. The MOS is a clean, somewhat non-descript, unoffensive place to go for great burgers and good drinks. Mellow crowd, most of whom appear to be hangin' with friends and having good conversations. The fact that the menu on the wall is written in the format of the Periodic Table, is a definite reminder that you're in 'MIT Country"... which is cool with me. Great place to meet-up with friends in Central Square, especially if its a diverse group who like hagin' in different Boston social scenes. So, if you're planning on night out in Central Square and you're looking for place where your friends from Cambridge, Back Bay, Allston, JP and the South End can ALL have good time...MOS is good place to go.
(4)Amaker L.
NoT bad for a lazy Sunday, drinks during the week with pals. I like that it's not a hokey corny actual science bar. Nerds are way smarter than that. It's near MIT the layout and furniture are technical and the menu looks like a periodic table and that's good enough for me. The food is generally well executed, The portion sizes are perfect and I won't even complain about the price. This place overall is my kind of establishment to relax in and I do not mind dropping cash here.
(4)Sylvia C.
Lame . Small . No beer selection . Lot's of buisness butts mixed in with hipsters that went out of style a year or two ago . (sigh) The staff are nice enough though , but i think they realise it's kinda lame there they all seem a little depressed.
(1)Josh R.
One extra star for both the Ronie Burger and the chicken sandwich with habanero mango salsa. They're both delish!
(3)Wontae S.
You can't visit MIT and leave without a visit to the Miracle of Science. It's got a intellectual, unassuming charm unlike the bars around the other school in Cambridge. Try the Jalapeno Burger from the periodic table menu and enjoy one of many micro-brewed beers on tap. Not somewhere that is good for large groups, but always a great place for a pre-drink before hitting up the nightlife. Also, bar is surprising busy during weekday afternoons.
(4)Adam G.
I really like the atmosphere of this cozy bar/grill. The tap selection is small but very good. The Ronnie Burger was amazing. The wait staff and management are very pleasant and approachable. Great experience!
(5)Smitha S.
Great brunch place and very reasonably priced for the pocket pinchers like me. Great value for your money. I ordered the mexican egg sandwich with salsa and LOVED it. everyone else at our table liked their food. Think their french toast was weird tasting. So I'd stay away from that next time.
(4)Thomas G.
Portions small for the price- doesn't accept credit cards either, which is really annoying for a place like this. The chairs- or should I say cube like things- that you sit on make the whole experience very uncomfortable.
(1)Mykle L.
this place is a nice small bar & grill very unique menu on a chalk board hard to explain right now haha but drinks are cheap for boston and very chilled bartenders and waitresses.. food is great good portions ....
(4)Mabel C.
I like how this place is laid out like a chemistry lab with a periodic table for a menu. However, at the recommendation of a coworker, I tried the Roni burger and found it so-so. If this were in Harvard Square I'd probably frequent it more often (proximity factor), but since there are other burger places just as good in Harvard Square, I wouldn't go out of my way for this place.
(3)EssJay M.
Tasty burger (but not the best i've had) and home fries. Not sure it's worth the price. Good atmosphere.
(3)Lee H.
Fun environment. Nicely grilled burgers and meats, good sides. Hard to find tables at lunch. Recommended.
(4)Claire R.
Um, I love it :) I love the theme and the people, the food is great(phantom approved), and I love the big beer selection. It's my favorite place in Central to drink and get a burger. Even if I'm at the Middle East for a show or Zuzu for dancing, we'll go here for last call.
(5)John W.
What's not to love about having a drink served in a beaker? The bar sports a large drink menu yet the grill offers a small food selection. They do, however, have veggie options. The crowd is typically laid-back; whether you have a ph.D. or not, you should have a good time.
(4)Alden F.
I like the atmostphere and the they have a good selection of beers. The food is just average and the service is terrible. I've been here twice and both times we had multiple servers who just acted like they couldn't care less if or when we got served. Yeah, I know its a crowded bar, but it really wasn't that crowded either time I was there and the servers were just very unfriendly. Also extremely annoying and adding to the bad service is the fact that if you ask for a menu, they tell you "it's on the board" which happens to be a chalkboard cleverly designed like the table of contents but unfortunately not really readable when you are on the other side of the bar so you are forced to go stand awkwardly looking over peoples heads to try to figure out what you can order. Would it really be that difficult to print some paper menus? The food is only so-so on top of that...
(2)Jessica R.
This place acts as a kind of landmark for the stretch of Mass Ave between Central and MIT. Its facade juts out from the corner and you can catch a quick glimpse of young professionals eating their yuppy food in front of a big periodic table like menu. Always is busy.
(3)Rohit S.
I have been going to this place with friends on Monday nights for about a year and absolutely love it. The burgers are great and come with their own special potatoes that are great, no fries here! The turkey chili is one of the best chilis I have had. The spices are somewhat unique and it is actually more soupy than thick, but the flavors are amazing so if you like chili, you need to check this out.
(4)Arik C.
Great burgers! Love the food here, they really do it right. Not a huge selection but still good. Laid back crowd on weekends and never any attitude.
(4)Aleksandra S.
I can say it with one sentence: Solid, good bar in great location with good burgers. Probably my favourite in Cambridge.
(5)Mags L.
update: so i've been coming pretty regularly and it's never a disappointing visit. either by myself enjoying the hummus plate and some ipswich ale at the bar w/the cool bartenders, or yukking it up w/co-workers. good times, good times. every time i come here someone is eating a burger and i say to myself "self, that burger looks damn fine." so the other day, i actually periodic charted my way to a tasty burger and roasted (fried?) potatoes. 'twas a juicy burger. meal was enhanced by a refreshing ipswich ale. i've had better burgers, colder beers, and nicer waitresses, but there's something really relaxing about this place on a sunny sunday afternoon. i prefer it during these times when the place is less crowded and people are just there to spend their idle time and enjoy some pub grub. note: the hummus plate is not too shabby either. and the veggie burger is pretty fantastic too.
(4)Stephen K.
Noisy bar/grill on the south side of Central Square. They have burgers and sandwiches that aren't bad. Their jalapeno burger is very spicy, if you're into that sort of thing. They have an okay selection of beers, nothing special as far as I can remember. Couple weeks ago I had one of those, a car bomb and a double espresso from Toscanini (I don't know what I was thinking) and I almost had a heart attack right there.
(3)Michael K.
I have one complaint about Miracle of Science Bar & Grill, which I will save for the end of my review so that I might build an orderly and logical basis. The burgers are too small for how mother-effing delicious they are.
(4)Robby T.
3 stars but I love all three!!! Can that be possible?!??! I love the shape and size of the space. The periodic table menu is a nice touch, but I wish the food which said menu offered tasted better. Ordered a blue cheese burger, medium. Received a medium rare-to-rare burger w/ blue cheese dressing. Hmmm....I ate it though and enjoyed some of the average beers on tap.
(3)Chelsea P.
I went to Miracle around 8:30 on a Friday night. Of course, there was no seating to be had - my co-workers and I waited just about a half an hour fror a table. In the meantime, I enjoyed a nice, cold UFO draft, which impressed me, because it's not always easy to find. After we sat down, we ordered quesadillas, which were pretty good, though not outstanding. I wish I ordered a veggie kebab. The prices are fairly average for Central Square, with drinks being somewhat cheap. The service wasn't terrible, and we were able to watch the line for Middlesex out the window, and head over there at an opportune time. I wasn't wowed, but nothing in my experience would warrant a bad review. I think I'll try it again on a less busy night.
(3)Wendy B.
One of the best bars in Cambridge, in my book. Great beers on tap, health and delicious food, totally laid-back atmosphere. Only problem is that it's often cold, especially when the garage door window is open and especially near the door.
(4)Susan J.
I have a thing for nerds, so it makes sense that I would also like Miracle of Science. It's geek chic AND they have free wifi (not that I can picture typing on my laptop at a bar, even I'm not that big of a nerd). The prices are also reasonable, the portions are generous, and it's a great place for a Sunday night weekend recap with friends.
(4)Brad D.
one very intelligent establishment.
(5)Tarun D.
good food, drinks and cool peeps. couple of waitresses should learn the fact that a smile goes a long way when it's time for me to tip. a lot of cute girls go to this place on the weekends due to the popular, so called "club" next door. one thing i don't enjoy too much, but worth it, is the waiting for a table - this place is always packed when i go here except during lunch time. anywho, if you're looking for a good spot to chill, have a few potato bites and have a few good beers, this is a place to have a good time. cheers!
(4)Laura P.
Miracle of Science is a decent place for brunch. They've got your standard eggs, omelets, a breakfast wrap, french toast but they try to add a twist like chicken jalapeno sausage or a grilled banana (with the f toast). Prices are pretty good (around $7 for brunch items) but the portions reflect that. Others in our party order burgers, particularly the Ronny burger. Fun vibe. A convenient place to stop by after hitting the MIT Museum.
(4)Richard S.
It gets sun in the afternoons which is a nice and underrated benefit in the winters. I've never liked the place when it's busy but I love it when it's not - like winter afternoons when the sun is out. The MOS occupies a sweet spot between collegiate-hip and neighborhood-bar-functional and the wi-fi is a big plus. It's been here a long time and I hope it never leaves.
(4)Mike F.
contrary to popular belief, tourists don't really come here. this place is for locals (ie. students and professors). yes you have to wait for a table sometimes. yes the prices are a little high and the portions a little small. but i only have two words for you: ronie burger. without a doubt this is the single greatest hamburger in boston. better than any of that mr. bartley's crap. better than the allston village burger at the sunset. better, even, than o'sullivans. yes, you heard me right. this is the best burger in boston. and if you're not into hot stuff, just get a cheeseburger which is also quite good. also, on friday nights you can always getting into the mosbag, whereas that hipster crap nextdoor has an artificial line out the door.
(5)William M.
Mosbag: good burgers and good beer. From the people who brought you Cambridge 1. More of a bar/grill whereas c-bridge 1 is a restaurant-bar. I approve.
(4)shary m.
I like to think this is a secret little science hovel, with it's periodic chart menu and it's MIT patrons. Regardless of anything it is or could be, it's a comfortable place to grab a burger and drinks. The menu is simple and snacky and everything is solid. The grilled potatoes are always crispy and a great side dish to anything there with the spicy tomatoey sauce to dip them in.
(4)Matt L.
I am a big fan of small bars especially when they have food. The Miracle is small and it has food. It also has a decent Guinness pour. I like Guinness. I think it's really good for me like vegetables; or antibiotics when I am ill. I actually think the same of good food and good company. These things cure all ills. The Miracle cures all ills. It is a Miracle.
(4)Etta M.
this place reminds me of when i would get all nervous in seventh grade science lab because my crush, ben, was my lab partner. awwwww.. seriously though. i really like it here and i have a hard time ordering anything but the chicken sandwich because it is so damn good. best chicken sandwich in the boston area. seriously. i mean it. i think they have a decent collection of beer. i mostly get red stripe, dont know why, just do.
(5)peggy c.
I think I was with a MIT kid or something on some random Friday night.... and somehow we ended up at the Miracle of Science (or maybe it wasn't so random... the crowd seemed pretty MIT-esque). I can't speak for the food other than my inner nerd approves of the periodic table menu, but the beer selection was decent and it was a good place to veg and chat for a while.
(4)Ryan L.
I work 5 minutes walk from here and have frequented this place plenty of times. Due to it's small size it can get crowded at night and lunch time it stays pretty full even at 2PM. For the people who ranked on their food, what do you people eat, caviar and filet mignon every night? Get over it, it's bar food and for bar food, it's pretty damn solid. The menu is not as big as the Asgard's down the street but the few items it has, they do a stand up job on them and overall their food is waaaaaaay better than the Asgard's. The burgers at Miracle are bar none one of the best burgers you'll ever have and I've eaten almost every burger out there (standard fast food (BK, McDs, Wendy's), 99, Fuddruckers, Bukowskis, the west coast chains Fat Burger and In N Out). They're big but not oversized, tasty as all hell, and come with this potato chutney thing on the side which is different than the usual fries. I think part of why their burgers are so good is that they clean the grill after each burger so that you don't get a charcoal burned in taste. If you want a spicier burger get the Roni Burger ( I think it's an Rb on their Periodic table menu on the wall). It's not spicy per se but it has a slight kick to it. I had to knock a star off because yes, the volume of their speakers could be turned down a few octaves but it's almost worth the hearing loss for their burgers!
(4)Matt W.
The Miracle of Science is a great local Cambridge bar and grill that has a loyal following. During the week and weekend lunch time is very busy and you often can't find a seat after noon. The beer selection is average, with enough choices that you'll find something you like. The burgers are exceptional (try the one with jalepenos infused into it) as is the chicken quesadilla. My only complaint on the food is that I like their salsa so much that I always finish it before I finish my chips. The service is also very good. At night, the Miracle is a nice place to hang out with friends and colleagues (so long as you don't require a comfy seat in the small room).
(4)Sophia S.
I visited here on a recent visit to Cambridge on the recommendation of locals and loved the prawn skewers. Slightly spicy with a nice smokey grilled favor. I asked the bartender what was in the seasoning, too bad it's a secret...
(4)Evan G.
This place is awesome. The food is great. The waitresses are all really nice and attentive. They have some very good beers on tap. Its reasonably priced. Really the only thing holding this place back from 5 stars is the fact that it is in central square. If you go, try the rony burger or the chicken quesadilla, and finish it off with toscanini's ice cream.
(4)Ashley S.
Miracle of Science is tied with River Gods for everything I want (and get) in a neighborhood pub-restaurant: friendly wait staff, cheap drinks, unpretentious crowd, chill environment and yummy food. They have one of the best veggie burgers in Boston - served with breakfast-like potatoes and a delicious homemade ketchup. I keep meaning to try more of the menu, but the veggie burger is that good that I keep getting it again and again and again.
(4)Valerie L.
If I could give it 0 stars, I would have more of an appropriate review. Yesterday with my roommate I had a few drinks at Miracle of Science. We had to wait 20 minutes for a glass of wine and a beer that was sitting at the counter that was 8 ft away. Instead of delivering them, she would make other people drinks, but common service would make it where she would take the 30 seconds to deliver our drinks. The waitress didn't deliver them so my roommate finally took them himself and she gave him a bad look. I was very annoyed, for being rude to him, at so I said wow great customer service. Minutes later, she was complaining to the guy bartender and pointing and looking at us (rude) and she put both of our drinks on his tab without asking us (he had two beers before I arrived, so we did not arrive as a party as they claimed we did). I asked for change to pay my roommate back in cash and the bartender said roughly: In this bar you need to be not rude and polite otherwise we don't want you here. There is no more discussion about this. Thus, I STRONGLY recommend you not to support this bar. I usually really like local bars, but I never had such rude customer service in my life. Even in France, where people complain about customer service, I never had anything like this. I would suggest many of the other bars around Central Sq if you are in that area.
(1)Teju P.
Crazy about HUMMUS! The HUMMUS plate is excellent. Last time I shared with a friend but next time I will get my own. The place is laid back and vibrant at the same time. The menu is up on the board so if you go there for the first time take a note of it. Caters to vegetarians and meat eaters. The bar area is a low key place to watch a game.
(4)Jessica M.
Good food! Certainly some of the best home fries I have ever had. (Sigh, I just typed "home friends" - but is that so far off?) Our mojitos were $8, full of mint, and came in pint glasses. The periodic table menu was a plus for geeks like me! This place is not marked very well from the outside...in fact there is not a ton of atmosphere. But the food makes up for that. Although combining it with the staff who seems a little bored makes me give 4 stars instead of 5.
(4)Kristine M.
Yes, the burgers are great, but my favorite menu item is actually their hummus platter! Warm pita and yummmy hummus. A great place to grab a beer and a bite to eat. Creative atmosphere and my husband who is a major science nerd loves the science nerd aspect of it :-)
(5)Bryce S.
4 stars (and thanks to Yelper mike f.) for the Ronie Burger. Can you find bigger, thicker burgers elsewhere? Yes. But can you find freshly-diced jalapeno mixed into the meat? Damn, it packs some heat.
(4)Andrea D.
You know you are definitely near MIT when you are ordering off of a periodic table menu on the wall! I found it a little difficult to see the menu and it'd be nice if you actually got a menu in hand. The decor is science themed (of course..) and it's kinda a fun atmosphere. It can get pretty crowded at night and on weekends because it's a fairly small restaurant. They have a good selection of beers. The menu is fairly limited, but I had the quesadilla and it was pretty yummy! I'll probably stop by in the future.
(4)andrej s.
Great for a quick bite. Try the skewers. Burgers are good, too. If you're looking for basic, decent, simple bar food this is your place in the Central/MIT area. Don't expect a gourmet meal. True, the service is a bit slow, as several other reviewers noted. Hence the 4 stars. P.S. Melissa A, you're a lightweight ;) there was nothing wrong with your drink. The drinks are just fine, no better or worse than anywhere else.
(4)Patrick M.
This place is pretty good for drinks and food for small groups. It's definitely a good, chill hangout. They have an interesting periodic table menu, which is definitely cool. I can't remember exactly how it was set up but each element was a food item with a price being the atomic weight. The fries are a little pricy. A tasty burger is $8, fries are $4.
(4)Judi D.
This is my favorite breakfast place in Central. We scoff at the scruffy college kids spilling out of the Brookline Lunch as we stroll to the Miracle for saturday breakfast. I always get the same thing: the breakfast wrap with scrambled eggs, chicken sausage, black beans, shredded cheese, and salsa, served with a side of tender fried potatoes. The service can be a bit spotty, so we usually sit at the bar. Also, be warned: breakfast ends at the uncivilized hour of 1 pm, so don't oversleep!
(4)Anonymous P.
Not sure why this place has such a buzz. Food is slightly better than average student food. Beer and spirit selection is mediocre. The good things are the price of the liquor (substantially cheaper than most places) and the intelligent conversation around the bar. I would come here for cheap drinks and maybe a snack.
(3)Josh O.
This place is just an all around fun bar. They have great food and a good selection of drinks for reasonable prices. I used to live a couple blocks away, and Miracle is pretty much always a goo choice for a fun night out.
(4)Bryanne R.
I'll admit: I'm a science geek. I was hoping for drinks out of labware...but all they had was a small periodic table of food items, lab benches for tables and stools to sit on. I thought it was going to be all out nerdy science. Damn. After I got over my dream of science being made cool in a bar, I realized it's a great little place. They have good drinks...a perfect place to sit and gab with friends...and their food is reaaaaaally good.
(4)Zoe W.
Go here for breakfast! Best deal you can get in the place. Lunch and dinner are kinda pricey. And their breakfast potatoes are to die for. At night, this is a relaxed, slightly hipsterish yuppie bar. Imagine lots of brick and burnt orange on the walls. I think the tables are made out of chalkboard? Well, the menu definitely is, at least. Very friendly servers, and the guys behind the grill were invariably good looking while cooking.
(4)Laura M.
This is a nifty little place. My roommate and I came on a Saturday night around 9:00 and it wasn't too crowded for us to get a table. Of course, it was the Saturday night immediately preceding New Year's Eve, on the first snowy day of the winter, so maybe people were hunkering down. Roomie says that it fits her bar criteria: easy to find your way to and from the T while drunk, not too loud to talk to people, serves Dark and Stormies. Damn if the Dark and Stormy I had wasn't tasty. With lots of little apps to snack on (hummus, quesadillas, chips and salsa, skewers) and a fun bartender who declared himself a "fucking glass ninja" while carrying an awe-inspiring tower of pint glasses around (almost touched the ceiling, I swear!), it meets my criteria as well. I'll be back soon, Miracle of Science!
(4)Andres M.
I like their skewers. Great value. Good place to meet wtih friends for a relaxed conversation.
(4)Kelly L.
This place is the best! One of the first places I visited on my move to Cambridge, and a standby ever since. Standby in a good way, as in, I'm happy to go there anytime. Hamburgers are great (the jalepeno one is hot!), skewers don't disappoint, and chicken cilantro lime salad is excellent (just have to make sure the chicken is fully cooked!). And it won't break the bank, even with drinks. Speaking of, the Margaritas aren't bad either.
(4)Sarah S.
This place was generally "eh" to me. Being located on Mass Ave is convenient, and its cool that they have Ipswich on tap. Our waiter was attentive, even though we had a big table. But some of the other waiters were pretty rude (which I hear is not uncommon here) and I thought it was annoying how the menu is written on the wall but....there aren't any paper versions. So...if you can't see the menu on the wall from where you sit, you have to get up and look, etc...its annoying. The food did come quickly, which was nice, but the eats weren't extraordinary.
(3)Christina and Jaime F.
Food wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but then again it's pretty hard to screw up a chix sandwich. The place was dead as I was there for a late lunch, but the service sucked. One would think that with only one or two tables they would be able at least to ask once if the food was ok or if we needed refills. I would have given three stars, but the service was horrible. If I hadn't been a server during my undergrad years, I would have left a penny.
(2)sandy c.
the best burgers ever. you may ask how a good burger is different from an excellent burger. go to miracle of science and find out. they also have that really good side of potatoes... the only downside is that this places gets to crowded quickly
(5)Elana B.
I love this place - great atmosphere, cool menu, fun drinks. It's small so it gets crowded, but once you're seated it's a lot of fun. Mojitos are huge and delicious!
(5)Patrick B.
Nice change of pace as they have a selection of really good kebabs rather than just your typical pub menu. They also have a decent selection of beers on tap. It can get a bit crowded at times, but if you can get a seat, its makes for a nice, light dinner & beer.
(4)Tim S.
I like this place for drinks. I've never been for food. It has an awesome periodic table menu; order anything off of that menu and you cannot go wrong. Each time I've been I've had a beer that I've never tried before, and it's always been good. 4 stars for this and their music choices. They must be using a Pandora station titled, "1960s-1970s Hits You and Your Mom Would Appreciate." Kool and the Gang has a special place in my heart. My recommendation is to go here with a bunch of friends, get a pitcher and a table, and shoot the breeze. For what it's worth, I haven't had problems with the service at this place.
(4)Danny B.
Awesome! It would be a sin to give them anything less than 5 stars. I wish I lived in the area just so I could come here often. The menu is so creative and is presented on a Periodic Table drawn with chalk on the wall. Might be hard to read if you aren't sitting close to it, but it's still awesome. The burgers are great, the beer selection is sweet and the staff is super friendly. Definitely will recommend them to anyone I know coming to the area.
(5)Manfred S.
After 10 check-ins on more than 20 visits (per year) the score hasn't improved. My once favorite Burger is no more. It is always over-cooked. Still. Worse: The beer choices have declined. How did they find the first Jack's Abby I don't like? A Lager that had a coffee aftertaste.
(3)Andria T.
Good food, horrible service. This place was just baffling to me. We met three friends here for drinks and dinner, and after sitting for about ten minutes with no acknowledgement, we weren't sure if it was waiter or counter service. Turns out it's waiter, but they're just not very attentive. First off, we ordered some pitchers of beer. Two people got Downeast cider, two people got IPA. When the server brought out the cider, it looks suspiciously like Allagash, so instead of bringing it back to the bar and doublechecking, she sniffed the pitcher right in front of us. Thankfully, it wasn't the cider, so we didn't have to drink something our server had stuck her nose in, but un-thankfully, she dropped off the correct pitcher, and then just vanished. After that, it was just one odd event after another: --They don't have a paper menu, so if you want to know what to order, you have to stare at a giant chalkboard behind a long table where people sit. So I felt like I was staring down this family while I was trying to figure out what my options were. --We asked for water three times, and finally got it after we were done eating. --A different server finally came over to take our food order after a member of our party had gotten up to try to find our vanished server. --Our pitchers were collected efficiently, but we weren't asked if we wanted another one, and as we hadn't gotten water yet, I wanted something to drink. --The table next to us sat down after, was served promptly and left while we were ignored. Finally, the best part of the night was when we needed to leave and my fiance asked for the check. He caught the eye of (one of) our server(s), and used the universal may we have the check motion. Her reaction (unfortunately I had my back to her) was so intensely angry that the two people who could see her visibly reacted. Apparently she just rolled her eyes and gave him a death glare, then stomped over and threw the bill on the table. There was no thanks for coming, no smile, no pleasantness of any kind, it was like she was offended we wanted to leave. When I come to a restaurant, and this isn't something that should even have to be stated, I do not want to stay there forever, I would like to leave when I'm finished eating and drinking. Why be mad when I want to pay for what I've consumed? Our pitchers--and water glasses, were empty, we'd eaten all out food, we had nothing left to do there and somewhere else to be! We weren't demanding or rude, we just wanted standard restaurant service, and it wasn't even that busy! I enjoyed my food, but I don't think I'll be back.
(2)Nastashia K.
As I've seen others mention, there isn't any real host who willingly comes over and asks you where you'd like to sit which could leave you awkwardly standing near the door wondering what's the deal. Past that, a friend and I decided to stop in here for some drinks and food. We sat at the bar and the bartender was fabulous. He was personable and made us feel we could approach him if we had questions or needed anything. I forgot his name but he had a hat on and almost both arms were sleeves. The food was great and the beer selection was perfect. Overall, I would go and enjoy this place again.
(4)Ryan B.
If you were to Google "miracle" one definition you would find is: "an amazing product or achievement, or an outstanding example of something." The definition fits in that the Miracle of Science Bar + Grill last night was an outstanding example, of poor customer service. When my partner and I came to meet our group of friends the bar was busy, but not exactly bursting at the seams either. Our group had the unfortunate fate of sitting at the table closest to the bar/food pick up for the servers. The servers were in particularly sour moods and literally pushed and shoved their way through the crowd. I can understand from their point of view why they'd became increasingly annoyed with patrons, I probably would if I were them too. However, from our perspective it's by no means our fault the bar's layout has an obvious choke point. We tried our best to stay out of the way and none of us deserved to be elbowed. Rather than resorting to violence it would have been more tactful if they calmly and politely reminded us that we were blocking the path. Customer service positions are not for everyone, you are not often thanked and very often under-appreciated. In this case there really was very little to appreciate. I happily point out exceptional service when I see it. In this case though, the "science" backing up a 2,3, or even 4-star review just wasn't there.
(1)Lisa R.
The servers seemed so unhappy. I'm not always happy at my job either, but at least fake it. The set up isn't great and my group unfortunately got the table in the corner right where the servers picked up the food/drinks, so we were always in the way. One time the waitress literally pushed us out of her way with a breast stroke motion with her arms. This is not a pool. Its a bar lady. We were literally tossed our check without the least bit of a smile or thank you (and I assure you we were not an annoying group of patrons.) It sounds like a fun concept but nothing was particularly miraculous about it. The menu is written like a periodic table, but there were definitely elements missing to my experience there.
(2)Danae K.
I love this bar! Nerdiest bar you can possibly find. The periodic table of elements is actually their food menu, in order of dessert, food, appetizers etc. Absolutely amazing. Cheap drinks, nice ambiance, convenient location. Transportation: red line between central and mit, buses and street parking (no drinking and driving though!)
(5)Tony J.
The food is not that good. It's ok. The service is also just ok. All in all, a very average restaurant with average food. Unfortunately, their beer list is pretty short, so it was difficult for me to find something that I would enjoy. Ultimately I couldn't drink anything on their beer list.
(2)Thiago Z.
It is a really good bar, where you can eat a good food and drink good beers with your friends!!
(4)Cmarie W.
This place needs a serious attitude adjustment. The service isn't just bad, it's weird. Nobody seems to know what's going on and they're all really slow at bringing simple things like water, ketchup, etc. it wasn't even busy when we went on Sunday at 11am. Moving on to the food: my 8 year old cousin could make a better burger than this place. The owner must have hired a "cook" without ever asking him the basics of a great burger: moisture, and cooked to the guests request. When you ask for a medium rare patty and a burnt piece of crusty shit gets out in front of you, do you eat it? Send it back? I just ... Didnt know what to do here. I'm just confused at the way this place is run and the goal they are aiming to achieve at this restaurant. There is certainly no miracle happening here so for a great meal with good service and a relaxed environment, go elsewhere.
(1)Sara M.
We went into Miracle of Science last Saturday for a couple of drinks and had a great time. The bartenders were friendly, and the food and drinks great. Not a big place, but intimate and fun. The menu is modeled after the periodic table of elements. The kitchen is open, which I like, however, I did watch some veggie burgers get flipped with the same spatula as the meat, not a problem for me, but may be for vegetarians.
(4)Jason A.
Food was great. We had a modest order: chicken salad, bowl of chili, and tortilla chips and guac. Looking around, the burgers and brunches looked really tasty too. If we lived here, we'd come back.
(5)Nicole B.
*Brunch Review Only* Miracle of Science is a bar, I get that. It's also a cool space with a hipstery vibe and good endorsements on Yelp for brunch in the Central Square area. I went with a friend a few weeks ago and enjoyed a breakfast sandwich. Definitely a basic breakfast sandwich, with egg, veggies and avocado (yum) but not much flavor (some red pepper flakes would have been amazing). It was served with a small side of roasted potatoes, which were very good. The price could not be beat -- excellent deal for what you got. I wouldn't seek out Miracle of Science for brunch again, but in a pinch looking for something local, it got the job done. TV screens were playing the World Cup and lots of people were happy about that!
(3)Craig S.
Stopped in mid bar crawl and was pleasantly surprised. We were all pretty hungry as we had already hit 3 or 4 bars prior. Kendal square really impressed me as I considered Cambridge to be a city of tree huger crunchy moon bats ...and dickhead Harvard kids. This MIT biotech area was clean, modern and the food was really good across the board. Hibiscus infused beer and the milk stout were good liquid apps. Cool menu - I'm a sucker for spicy and there is a hell of a lot of spice here. I got the Cs (partiality out of narcissism as that's my initials) Chicken was well seasoned and moist on its own then add a jalapeno infused mustard & side of special ketchup --it really was amazing lunch - I am also a sucker for sauces . Even the side of home fries were sitting atop a different chunky ketchup/marinara sauce. The buns on all the burgers and sandwiches sealed the deal.. ..Oh and pitchers of allagash white I will be back
(5)Irwing S.
I had heard many good things about this place, so when I found myself in the area this past weekend I decided to check it out with my brother and his friend. I heard the burgers were excellent! Unfortunately, I never found out. From the second we stepped through the entrance I felt like we were an inconvenience to anyone working there. I am not sure if there was a hostess or not, but after waiting for a few minutes of no one coming over to say hello, we decided to walk towards one of the many empty tables there. As we are about to sit down, what I can only assume was either the hostess or a waitress stops the conversation she was having with her friends long enough to ask us, "do you want to sit at the bar or at a table". As we were at the table we said "table". We never heard from that hostess/waitress hybrid again. After waiting patiently for ten minutes a waiter stopped by long enough to say that he was sorry no one had served us yet. He took our drink order (two beers and a diet coke) and told us "the menu is on the wall, I will be back with a brunch menu". We didn't go in there for brunch as there were only 25 minutes until it was over (time was 1:35pm). Ten minutes later a third waitress drops off 3 beers at our table and leaves. Strange since we ordered two beers and a diet coke, but we figured we would wait until our waiter came by to let know. Well, wait we did. Fifteen minutes went by and our waiter finally returned to say "brunch is over" and we can't cook anything now. (Apparently they were having power issues). When I brought up that they mixed up my friends drink, he insisted that our friend ordered a beer. I am not sure what type of dick rhymes with "diet coke", but he stuck to his guns. Needless to say, we declined having lunch, paid for our beers and left. There was just a complete lack of anything resembling customer service on any of the waiters/waitresses we encountered. I am not sure if that is part of the charm of this place, or if we were part of some joke that we just weren't aware of. This was by far the worst customer service experience that I have ever dealt with at any establishment.
(1)Rena M.
I come here every now and then with my volleyball team, and we really like it! I love the cute periodic table menu. The burgers and skewers are really good- the beef skewer is my favorite, super tender and flavorful. The peanut sauce that comes with the chicken one is great too. This place can get crowded fast and isn't the best for big groups since it's tiny. Also, some of the chairs don't have backs and can be a little uncomfortable. Regardless though, I still love bringing people here because of the decent food and prices.
(4)Ghalib S.
Some of the best grilled chicken I've had. It's easy to mess up grilled chicken, but theirs was cooked properly. The dishes were unique and more flavorful than what you find at your typical burger joint so that was another positive.
(5)Samuel F.
The chalkboard menus have a periodic-table theme. But really, that theme infuses the whole place. Take the bar. Some bars are like gaudy showcases or sprawling archaeological digs. This one everything is on pristine display, all the bottles lined up in neat rows, evenly spaced. No long lists, just the essentials. A "shot and a beer" bar that fits the neighborhood. The last time I was there, their small selection of taps included beers from both Jack's Abbey and Night Shift, so no complaints on that front! They do a good weekend brunch, too.
(4)Meg K.
It's tough to untangle nostalgia from reality, but on the side of reality, Miracle has to earn a solid 3. It's my neighborhood bar-- I want to defend it, but mehhh. Few beers on tap and no menu to look at, so you're SOL if you aren't seated right next to the bar. Super limited menu selection, and what they do offer isn't very good. In the five years I've lived here, they haven't changed out a single item. If they were spectacular classics, it would be a different story, but I'd like to see some effort to improve the positively mediocre food. The highlight is, of course, the periodic table menu and cozy vibe. Out-of-town guests will get a kick out of the MIT geeky bar thing, but locals should veer elsewhere.
(3)DJ Micaiah M.
Ok but not fantastic. I had the turkey chili and house salad. The chili was watery and needed cheese and the salad was just plain lettuce and I had to ask for more honey mustard dressing. Also, the seating is limited.
(3)Josh C.
Staff are very friendly, the theme is very dedicated. Layout is weird as the two bathrooms are on the opposite side of each other and if ones occupied you need to walk around the restaurant to check the other. Beer list is pretty diverse. Food is mediocre, and though the menu board on the Periodic table is cute, it's hard to read from almost any seat. I got the Chipotle Turkey Chili and I would not recommend it. It's mostly bell peppers and cooked cilantro.
(4)The Daily Soirée ..
Where do you go to eat after a full day at MIT for a Chemical Engineering Conference? The Miracle of Science Bar & Grill in Cambridge of course! As luck would have it, I remembered reading an article about the Miracle of Science a few years ago and so when we decided to grab dinner in Cambridge before heading back to our hotel in downtown Boston, I decided to try googling it. Luckily, not many places in Boston fit the description of periodic table restaurant so it was pretty easy to find. What the Miracle of Science may lack in size (it is only about 10 tables plus the bar) it definitely makes up for in charm. The one wall is devoted to the food menu, which as I mentioned before, is set up like the periodic table.On tap, you'll find craft brews from breweries throughout New England. Of course, it too sticks with the periodic table theme.I decided to go with the Wachusett Pale Ale to drink and the Chicken Sandwich to eat. The beer was good, but the Chicken Sandwich was definitely the surprise star of the evening. It came on a fantastic roll and was served with habanero mustard and a side of fried potatoes with a great spicy tomato sauce. It was definitely one of the best chicken sandwiches I have ever had. If you should ever find yourself in Cambridge, I highly recommend stopping in for a quick lunch or dinner!
(5)Holly W.
The cheeseburger is gross. Patties are not homemade, they are thin and McDonald's-like and even though I ordered a medium rare, it came to me burnt. Everything about this meal was cheap: the bread, meat, the ketchup containers, the produce, cheese, and service.
(1)Izzie F.
Had wanted to come here for several months and was very disappointed. This place has potential (location, good music, nice setup), but falls short - not a great beer selection, fries are just a cut up baked potato, and service was terrible. The waitresses seemed constantly annoyed with our party and refused to get us water. Won't be coming here again.
(2)Jason B.
Wow, I just had a craving for a breakfast wrap (no meat) w/ breakfast potatoes and a side of arugula. What's up, Miracle of Science? And it's been years since I've last had one. That's, apparently, how good they are. Your review helps others learn about great local businesses. Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees.
(4)Manish S.
Visited this place on a Sunday just before Labor Day. It wasn't crowded and was at a good location. They don't really have a menu as the menu is drawn on a big board using chalk as a periodic table. The place where we write atomic weight, they used it for the price. Food was good, not expensive, service was swift and they had all the kinds of alcohol we wished. Try to visit in smaller groups, preferably of 2-4 till maximum of 6. 4 stars. Nothing really eye catching, but a nice place to hang out on a weekend.
(4)Addie R.
I came here for Sunday brunch and it was pretty good. I wouldn't go back, considering all the other fabulous brunch options in Cambridge/Boston. The brunch menu is carefully chosen - limited options, but each is very different. I had the french toast with a fried banana, and chicken sausage patties on the side. My boyfriend had the brazilian steak with arugula salad. Both dishes were good, but not 'WOW'. The portions were definitely not big enough - I wasn't looking for a ton of food, I was just looking to feel satisfied and I certainly wasn't. Maybe this place is better as a bar? Not sure; I may go back for a bar night, just not for brunch.
(3)Irene C.
WAIT: Despite the seemingly small seating area, we didn't wait at all on Thursday at 7pm, and my friend and I were seated immediately. DECOR: The menu is displayed on the way in a Periodic Table format--hence the Science aspect of the restaurant name--which makes it difficult to read from across the room. A laminated copy to peruse, even one per table, would have alleviated a lot of our ordering distress since we had to get up and walk across the room to read the menu. FOOD: I had the chicken skewer, and my friend had the Ronie burger. Well-seasoned skewer, and the Ronie burger was also apparently quite spicy in a good way. I like that they have a variety of serving sizes so that people who are less hungry don't have to waste food or be pressured into eating more. SERVICE: Perfectly nice. No complaints. OVERALL: In my mind, it's basically a pub with a scientifically-inspired menu design. I wish they had played up the science aspect just a little more: shaped food, menu item names, anything! Instead, they lure in the nearly MIT crowd with promises of SCIENCE, only to give them a difficult to read menu. Would not necessarily recommend to a friend, but wouldn't dis-recommend it.
(3)Saad M.
Bar has a limited selection of beers on tap, and their "periodic table" is nothing more than a catchy gimmick for having a menu. Food is also mediocre, standard bar fare, nothing to write home about. Service and bartenders are great, and quite friendly. The restaurant layout is a bit tough to navigate with limited seating options. This is basically a regular bar in Cambridge that has a cool name. Nothing special worth writing home about unless you want to drink in this specific area. Also the Miracle of Science theme strictly applies to a periodic table, otherwise I wasn't sure why they named it this. You can do better with other establishments in the area
(2)Tom D.
Had one of the best burgers I've ever had there tonight. Try the Ronnie burger you won't be disappointed! Beers flow free, and JM is the best bartender they have!
(5)Cindy H.
Chill location. It was my first time here and I was excited to see what they'd do with the food and menu. I was kind of disappointed - it had so much potential to be scientifically awesome. Pretty standard bar food and beer on tap. Good company though.
(3)Danielle S.
Fun small restaurant and bar on the western edge of MIT. This restaurant doesn't have menus - instead you order off of a Periodic Table on the wall next to the bar. The food is 'standard' bar food, but it's well-prepared and tasty. The reason you come to Miracle of Science is for a fun, fair-priced meal or a round of drinks before heading off to larger pubs and clubs in Central Square. Particularly if you're from out of town and want an authentic, fun "MIT experience," this is a perfect, reasonably-priced option for you to try out.
(4)Catherine D.
The name of this bar/restaurant is incredibly misleading. When a place is called "Miracle of Science", I expect some creativity with the food and drinks... it should be science-y, or at the very least science-themed. For instance, they could have had something like a volcano that shot out ice cream or foamed dessert OR they could have had tater tots that looked like planets OR they could have had dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets OR they could have had excavation tools in lieu of utensils... Anything! Instead, all they had was a menu formatted to look like the periodic table. Seriously? A menu formatted to look like the periodic table?! That alone is not enough justification for naming the place "Miracle of Science". What a waste of an awesome restaurant name. Here are some names that would have been more appropriate: "Nothing to do with Science" or "Kebabs" or "Standard food and drinks" or "Tiny space" or "Moderately clean restrooms" or "At least your friends didn't pick Life Alive".
(2)Joe G.
Came here when I visited a friend in Cambridge. My friend recommended the beef skewers so I had to get that. The meal itself came with warm tortillas, beans and veggies. I asked for my beef to be medium. Now the skewers were excellent. Cooked to perfection as well as tasty and juicy. The garnishes were a nice compliment. The vibe inside is sort of a science bar where the menu is a periodic table on a wall chalkboard. Overall great atmosphere and food!
(4)Nisht G.
I love love love-d Miracle of Science. I can't wait to go back next time I'm in Boston! The vibe is very laid back yet hip. The huge nerd in me loved that their menu was laid out on a chalk board in the form of a periodic table of elements. I opted for the skewers- one veg and one shrimp. I was bit worried that I made the wrong choice. I was SO HAPPY with my choice. It was healthy and very satisfying. The vegetable skewer was legit - squash, eggplant, peppers, onions- all grilled to perfection. The shrimp skewer was zesty and delicious. Along with my skewers came an amazing blue cheese sauce, a slaw, mango and bean salad, and onions. To top things off were two warm flour tortillas. A little bit of everything all wrapped up together, yummmmm. The portion size was incredible. My friend was happy with his chicken sandwich as well. He especially liked the mango chipotle mustard that came with it. Also, the burger must be great because every single other person in the restaurant ordered it. I also recommend their iced coffee- it was refreshing and flavorful. The service was attentive and considerate at all times. 5 Stars!
(5)Allison C.
Disclaimer to geeks: this is NOT a nerdy bar & grill. Miracle of Science is NOT a themed restaurant by any means, but that is no reason to complain because it's a smart choice for a quick and yummy lunch. During the peak lunch hour, the place does fill up, mostly with young professionals. The wait is usually 10-15 minutes when it's really busy since it's a small, triangular-ish dining area. There weren't any tables available when I went at noon thirty, but I was able to catch three seats at the bar with my party right by the TV (playing SportsCenter). Once we sat, we were attended to immediately for drinks and food orders. SANDWICHES: We got the Cs (grilled chicken sandwich - $10) and the Vb (veggie burger - $8.25). Both are served on a fresh loaf roll with an excellent outside crust, none too hard but a nice crunch. Lettuce and sliced tomatoes come on the side, with a generous serving of well-seasoned potato dice. The Cs featured a really nicely grilled slice of chicken breast, and you're welcome to slather some of the housemade mango habanero mustard (or dijon, which is provided by the bottle with your catsup and whatnot) onto your sammich. It's a fair portion, so you'll feel good about your meal. The Vb featured a satisfying patty, none too dry which is the risk with many veggie burgers. It comes with an excellent jalapeño aioli, but please feel free to snag some of the Cs mustard to put on your burger. I like a lil' heat, but do note that the Vb uses pepperjack cheese, which has a mild kick. SALAD: We also got the Sc (grilled chicken salad - $9.50). Good mixture of greens instead of the typical romaine heads. Nothing too surprising but definitely delicious and fresh. There are various beers on tap, and it seems to be a full bar. I eyed that buffalo trace bourbon up on the cabinet. Maybe I'll stop by for a drink or casual dinner sometime.
(4)Hazael A.
Came here on sunday for brunch. I paid $8 for french toast, pretty standard right? But when the 2 slices of bread used for french toast are sliced thinner than wonder bread and has no cinnamon in the batter, never again. I'm used to challah, texas toast or brioche bread, i.e. a filling meal.they basically were cheap and sold the dream. It tasted like fried bread. -_- . Thank God for the maple syrup that made it easi r to digest. My friend had steak and eggs, where steak wasn't cooked well, it was sent back and still was not cooked all the way...it was basically raw, not even medium rare. The food as my friend who had steak and eggs put it looked bland and beige with no pop of color to make it appealing. I had eggs and potatoes as a side and I needed to add salt and pepper to it unfortunately. But yeah, I should have taken a clue, when the next table didn't even bother ordering a real meal, they ate a grilled grapefruit instead. But no brunch for me here ever again.
(1)Traveler K.
Brunch: There was a subtle, strange chlorine/vomit smell. Food was not that good. The french toast is really, really plain in the sense that it was two pieces of pretty plain bread and a fried half banana. Not worth it for $7. Atmosphere is not that pleasant for a weekend morning breakfast.
(2)Chris L.
Been here many, many, many times. Sometimes for the local sports team playing, sometimes just to have a beer and a bite with friends. The most memorable thing about the bar is the theme of the Periodic Table (elements) on the wall (seen in some of the photos). The bar staff changes quite a bit and are friendly (although unmemorable). Yes, there are televisions but again nothing memorable. It's a small space, probably no more than 30 people seated and maybe 50 comfortably. Beer list was okay (it was pretty diverse ... and then I saw Meadhall and Lord Hobo. Oh well.) Food is mediocre (was around $10 a burger). At least I didn't didn't get any food poisoning, right? They do have vegetarian options. I'll give it the "ehhhh .... average .... 3".
(3)Lyndsey C.
Food is nothing special but good enough and fresh. Not a fan of the waitress I have had twice now... She has been pretty terrible with checking in and keeping glasses full. But other waiters have been good. Menu isn't very expansive but there is a bit of variety as far as food choices,
(3)Emily M.
I really like this place. I came here once on a date and have been back many times since. Great bar, easy to find something on the menu to munch on, and the look is very bright and cheerful. If you're looking for somewhere easy to get a burger or quesadilla and beers with friends, this is a good choice!
(5)Antoni A.
They served us a drink at 12.55am. At 1.00am, they busted the music up to kick us out. Quite a bad experience.
(1)Anne M.
Great spot. Fun menu, great beer selection, solid food. I ordered a limbo IPA and chicken sandwich. Husband ordered Roni burger. Both very spicy but tasty. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Would definitely return.
(4)Darcy G.
We had our first meetup here tonight and for the most part, it was awesome. The waiter was the sweetest, we loved him. We ordered some cocktails and the waiter joked about us being the only ones in the place not ordering beer. It was awesome and a place I'd absolutely return to...had the manager not opened his big mouth with us standing right next to him on our way out complaining that if that many people (8) are sitting at a table for that long that he wants them spending more money. We were there an hour and a half and spent $128. We ordered burgers, appetizers and several drinks. Come on. We would've returned too, regularly. Individually. We also left additional tip beyond the included gratuity because we appreciated our waiter being so awesome. Sooooo, thanks manager for treating us like we did something wrong. You won't be bothered by us again. :(
(2)marc l.
The food was OK. The bill was $14.60 and I paid with cash. When they returned my change, it was only $5. I asked what about the 40 cents and the waitress said that they round up. Huh??? You round up??? What is that about??? While its only 40 cents, its still my money and you have no right to take it upon yourself to do this. They cant even say that it's their policy since they have no written menu.
(1)Wasim Q.
This review is for their Sunday brunch: Bottom line: not worth it. Food- nothing you couldn't do at home yourself, even if you just follow the Bisquick box. Sourdough french toast was an interesting concept, but execution is weak. It's just some toast and a charred grilled banana on a plate. They put no effort into making it something worthy to be served at a restaurant. The omelettes are similarly plain-- exactly what you would get if you just stayed at home and threw some eggs in a plan and slid it on to a plate. Service-- weak (way understaffed for a packed restaurant). Waiters are hard to get a hold of and forgot one of our orders. Still looking for a good brunch place in Boston and continue to be disappointed.
(2)David A.
Weak drinks, rude staff, and they altered the tip I provided (as proved in my credit card statement).
(1)Cliff H.
Poor service. Tasty drafts. Hipster mecca. If you've ever dreamed of going on a spring break with a bunch of Sally Jesse Rafael and Buddy Holly sportsters Miracle's your home away from home. Props to the Einstein who dreamed up putting the menu on the wall in a periodic table, unless you happen to be across the room and sans Supermanesque 20-80 vision. Then you're just up the creek when the waiter inevitably tells you there's no hand-out menus, read the wall, stupid. I guess that's why everyone's wearing those thick glasses, you cannot see the menu w/out them! Food meh. Crowd loud. Keep this one for knocking pints and thick glasses over good food or friendly service.
(2)Anthony V.
This place could be cool. The vibe and location are great. The food is meh. The servers can be really terrible. They might not let you have a table because you're not getting food right away, nevermind that you might just start with a beer first. The waitress even argued with me that she was sure we ordered two of something when later another server apologized that it was his mistake. (Yep, you were sooooo sure!). And my friend even had MIT's ombudsman write a complaint letter about racial insults from the staff. And I remain, the vibe of the place and guests are great. I hope you have a problemless visit; it'll be great.
(2)Chris M.
My gf and I decided to check this place out for a quick lunch bite one afternoon. The place is small and features a large periodic table menu in chalk on the wall. Once we sat down, a waitress asked for our drink orders, which we gave. I had an ice tea, which she brought back room temp with no ice. Ok.....It then took another 10 minutes for the waitress to finally come back to take our lunch orders. My gf got a cheese quesadilla that was pretty simplistic. I had a chicken skewer with peanut patay, which came on a dish half the size of the meal. Food was good, but the price was ok and the service was garbage. I don't really know a reason why I'd come back.
(2)Celia Z.
After a complete failure to convince my meat-loving friends to go to Life Alive, we finally settled on Miracle of Science Bar and Grill. After a Princeton friend once confided in me that she should have gone to Harvard just so she could try Miracle of Science, this was always on my to-go list. With the dining halls closed during spring break, this was my chance. Yep, it's your typical bar and grill...except that the menu is on the wall in the form of a periodic table. But typical bar and grilles all have a specific magnitude of deliciousness and quality. This one ranks high in that threshold. The delicious grease, crispy potatoes, creamy hummus, fresh vegetables, charred pita bread, the slightly grilled bun with the blackened chicken. No alternative healthy recipes. Not specifically organic. Back to traditional. All buttered up and slathered right in front of you. All so yummy. Oh how I love it.
(4)Leanne C.
And then, I drop in here just days later, because I found out an old friend I hadn't seen in almost ten years bar tends for brunch! I didn't eat, but dang, their Bloody Marys and brunch bar patrons are awesome. Way better people to hang out drinking at 2pm than eating at 8pm. Joking about random things, meeting a fellow aerospace engineer, and making snarky commentary on the Olympics. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. So drink here, but don't eat here. And they still need to get some Bill Nye.
(3)Sean C.
Miracle in Cambridge, MA. I felt like I was drinking inside a horseshoe or horseshoe-magnet -- the more buzzed you are the likely off-kilter you're gonna feel, like wall gravity is pulling you. Minor bites, draft beer. Read 'em up the periodic table listed on the wall. At nighttime, watch out for the cold front. #bigchill
(3)Melissa M.
They adjusted the charge! I am happy now!
(5)Erik A.
I had high hopes for this place, I ride past it everyday on my commute and it is generally always busy an had a cool look about it. We got a table right away, this was a Tuesday night (bar seats were packed, though). My date and I asked for a printed menu since the only one was written in a variety of faintly colour coded chalk symbols across the room (My vision is about 20/30 corrected and he recently had LASIK, neither of us could really make out the board), the waitress suggested we walk over or look it up on their website via our phones, not the most convenient nor impressive to be staring at our phones on our first date. Strike two, the 2nd waiter to take our drinks did not know the seasonal beers they had (there were only two apparently) and when I ended up asking for a beer which was on their menu (and also lit up on a neon in their window), he informed me they have not had that beer since he started ages ago... Ugh! Food: it's a burger place, I liked the burger and the potatoes it came with, but getting the attention of our server when we needed things or had questions was not easy. Overall, I would NOT suggest this place to my friends, it's nice to look at from outside, but do not go in, plenty other places to check out in central sq that have the beers that they advertise and menus that are legible for those with less than perfect vision in a dim lit room.
(2)Erica I.
Awesome hummus plate, great beer selection, cool menu, you can't really go wrong!! There's a rumor that they used to serve the drinks in beakers, which is one of the coolest ideas ever to a science need like me! The waitstaff is almost too attentive, but I'd prefer this end of the spectrum vs. Being ignored the whole time!!
(4)Daniel S.
Their jalapeños burger is simply delicious!
(4)Brandon S.
Unique Place. We walked in on a Friday afternoon assuming this would be an uppity place but it was great. Took a few minutes for them to clear a bar space then the bartender explained all of the beers and how to order. I got the chicken sandwich and had a Lost Nation Gose. Not sure I would go out of my way to go back but it was neat to experience once.
(4)Ellie W.
Say what, now? The menu is on a Periodic Table of Elements? I hated science, but I love this. I may have been a B student in Chemistry, but I'm an A+ student in eating. Seated at a table shaped like a Modern Art piece in a chemistry lab, l I had 2x the chicken skewers with peanut satay and it was more than enough to make a delicious, filling lunch. The vibe is casual but quirky, and dare I say, very Cambridge-y, in its best lovable nerd way. I can almost envision MIT students here correcting the fact that "veggie burgers are mistakenly in the spot where Oxygen (O), with an atomic number of 8, should be". I'd recommend this place for a casual lunch, a small bite to eat (there are plenty of small apps to choose from), or an afternoon drink. With burgers, skewers, and chips, it's your standard grill food, with a little twist (the peanut satay is so good it might be worth a 1x epi pen usage for those allergic to peanuts). There's nothing like feeling like you're in a fake Chemistry class with no homework aside from 'chew your food so you don't choke on it'. My kind of class.
(4)Brooke L.
Really disappointed in this place. I went in with a few friends, and the service was truly atrocious. Odd, because I remember really pleasant bartenders and waitstaff during past visits. Anyway, our waitress would ask if we needed anything, we'd order, then another waitress would come ask the same thing one minute later - zero communication between them. When we asked for napkins, our first (main) waitress forgot to bring them, but conveniently remembered to walk by glaring at us and asking if we needed anything every two minutes towards the end of our visit. Mind you, we'd ordered a burger and at least seven drinks, so we weren't exactly sitting around for free. The wine came in small, almost shot-sized glasses - a huge rip off - and the burger was fine, but nothing special. Certainly not worth almost $12, nor the painful service we had to endure. The final straw was that one of my friends and I paid with cards, and both of our cards were mysteriously overcharged (a theme at this venue, as I understand from other Yelp reviews). When I called to complain to a manager, she told me to wait until the charge posted. When it posted, it mysteriously posted to the correct amount, even though the pending amount showed up as more than the total INCLUDING tip. I've never had that happen before, and I found it very fishy. I'm definitely never going back.
(2)Vickey T.
Nice bar and atmosphere - they're able to open their giant windows so it's really nice during the summer evenings when a breeze is moving through the place. Good service!
(4)Scott P.
Great service and drinks. Burgers were large and juicy cooked to purrfection. Lively loud menu on blackboard. Many good choices veggie or meat
(4)Ann C.
Enjoyed the food and drink thoroughly. I'm subtracting two stars because I really despised the male bartender we had (late 30s?). Every word dripped with annoyance and disgust every literally time he spoke to us (all we did was say "hi" and politely order)...but he was more than happy to turn on the charm when some neighborhood bros strolled in. It was the strangest verbal exchange I've ever had with a bartender in my past 11 years living in Boston.
(3)Louie M.
If you can ignore the PhD students complaining about their lives like they are the only ones that have ever done an experiment and failed, this isn't a bad bar. Cosy with only a touch of hipster attitude. Very friendly staff, and a good menu. Only a few beers on draft but not a bad selection. Salsa was impressively good, I hope it was homemade.
(4)Dian X.
Meh. As a nerd I was hoping for a geeky hang out. The periodic table was definitely cool and help deliver a unique atmosphere. Overall, it didn't seem like that great of a bar or that great of a food place. A huge minus minus for not having any menu besides the table on the wall. As a result, the waiter rattled off what was on tap. The options were good but I expected some more?I didn't want to make him say the bottles too which I couldn't see from where we were sitting. They said we might have to give up our table if we weren't ordering dinner. The dinner menu itself looked pretty limiting.
(2)Nyssa P.
My boyfriend and I came here after going to the MIT Museum in an attempt to keep the science-y theme of our day going, but to be honest I kinda wish we hadn't. The idea of the menu being a periodic table is a fun gimmic, but it loses its whimsy fast when you have to stand in the middle of the bar staring up at the wall. Is it that hard to print out paper menus? It was really awkward, especially since it took me a long time to decide what I wanted from this (frankly underwhelming) menu. And this was when the place was close to empty! I can't imagine how awful that is when it's packed and you just want to sit down and eat. Our waitress was attentive, efficient, and fairly pleasant, but the draft selection was TINY and, in keeping with this weird theme of theirs, no drinks menu was provided. I ordered the turkey chili and an Allagash White. The chili was fine but nothing exceptional and for that size portion drastically over priced. My boyfriend ordered a burger which arrived with the wrong kind of cheese, and while he claimed to have enjoyed it, I had a bite and hated it. The place didn't give an impression of great cleanliness, on top of which our table top was awful to the touch. It might once have had some sort of chalk board coating to keep with the places supposed science theme, but if so it had long since degraded. A gross texture to the fingers, and bits kept rubbing off on my sleeves. Yuck. Also a small point of discontent: whoever controlled the music kept switching songs 30 seconds into them which had a strangely jarring effect on the flow of conversation and was pretty annoying to constantly register in the background. It's a fine enough place, but I'd say it might be better for when you're a few drinks in already, don't feel like leaving, and can overlook the prices as well as the limited selection. Not coming back.
(2)Rachel N.
I would say the high point of our brunch was the jet-black Illy coffee served, whilst the low point was steak described by my friend as "shoe leather". Woof. We went for the grilled grapefruit, which was fine but not knock-your-socks off (it was more carcinogen-tastic than succulent and honeyed) -- other than that, standard brunch fare was offered -- omelettes, a breakie wrap, sourdough toast with nana -- everything was fairly serviceable, though the portions were small. In fact, I did get a second lunch while doing my grocery shopping at WFM abt 20 minutes later (dear grilled tofu, marry me). Nothing to blow the diner away at MoS, though the roasty potatoes that came w/ my omelette were tasty. Brunch will run abt $15/pp (coffee + entree) and service is friendly and pretty fast. Overall, no need for a repeat performance here, given that my gayborhood has delish brunch for dayyyyz. Vibe: Central Sq dingy, lightly hipstered waitstaff. Oh wait, earlier statement abt the high point redacted -- the real apex of the experience was the couple at the table across from us who took out a tie-dye BEANIE BABY and played with it while they were eating. To be clear, there were no children in sight. Just a man and a woman with no obvious intellectual disabilities. SO MANY QUESTIONS.
(3)Liz B.
Friends and I came hoping for a geeky science themed bar...but were sorely disappointed. Great concept but no follow through...simply having a periodic table on your wall seems like a lazy attempt at best. Drinks were alright, good selection...but very small glasses. We didn't try the food. We asked the waitress what was "science-ish" about the bar....and she pointed to her left and said "MIT is over there..." :::shrug:::
(2)Chelsea D.
I'd like to say I created a yelp account just to write this review. We went out in central sq. for my best friends birthday with 10 ppl, and tried this bar not ever being here before bc it did not have a line. We entered their open front door, which there was no one at checking ID's. Upon sitting down a man with shoulder length dark hair and dark rim glasses came up to us in a very aggressive way saying everyone that came in needed to show ID... Not a problem as our group spanned the ages of 25-38. As we were getting out our IDs he then got even more aggressive and loud saying we all need to go back outside the bar and form a line to show our IDs. None of this would have been an issue if he had not been yelling in girls faces and acting like a complete asshole while doing it. He continued to yell at us, and even started pushing girls in our group, while we did as he asked and left the bar. If I could give this place a zero I would, there is no reason to employ someone who first off would leave the door of a bar in dead center of a college town with underaged drinkers unattended, but then be ridiculously disrespectful to paying customers for something that was 100% his fault. None of the 10 of us will be returning to this bar and we will all be telling all of our friends in the area about the massive disrespect we treated with on a celebratory night.
(1)Philly S.
Great skewers, too much €-@4@&4$3 Michael Jackson on the playlist. Ahhhhrrgggh ... killing my life over here! White girls going Miley Cyrus. I think they must have one of those Middlesex DJs bartending.
(4)Robert S.
I have been here over the years - including back in the 1990s. Lately I have become a burger connaisseur and have had great ones from Ted's Montana Grill in GA, Shake Shack in DC, Flat Patties in Harvard Square, and Yo Burger in GA. All of those are 10s on a scale of 1 to 10, and they range in price from about $6 to $12. I have not tried Tasty Burger yet, but I hear it is great. For reference, I would consider Five Guys a 7 or 8 out of 10 and a McDonalds premium Angus burger a 5-6 out of 10 and a McDonalds double cheeseburger a 4-5 out of 10. The Miracle of Science burger was overly compressed and burned. I asked for it medium, and the outside was charred black. My wife asked for hers medium-well, and it was charged even more. This was at 11am with no one else in there (though it was crowded by the time we left). Also it was $11 or $12. I would give it 3 out of 10 - yes, worse than not only a premium angus McDonald's burger, but also worse than even a dollar-menu item - simply because it was ruined. That all being said - if you ask for it to not be charred in advance, then due to the beef flavor and how much it was compressed I would give it a 6 out of 10 - about equal to, say, a 99 Restaurant or Friendy's burger - except much more expensive.
(1)Emily S.
Went there for brunch on a Sunday in February. Didn't have to wait for a table--and Cafe Luna down the street had a 3 hour wait! Food was delicious, wait staff attentive and knowledgeable, and you can't beat the quirky atmosphere. I had an omelette with their house potatoes on the side and bottomless coffee. Very flavorful and perfectly portioned. Would definitely recommend and go again!
(5)Ashley B.
It's probably important to note that I was a) on my way to drunk and b) absolutely starving when we ate here so, yeah, everything was delicious to my brain at the time. It was a Saturday and we were here for PAX, when 70,000 extra people descend onto Boston, so, we were assuming there'd be nowhere to eat. Yet, I called and they said there was no wait. I didn't realize this place is sort of like a cafe in feel, and you just seat yourself. When we showed up it was all full, but something cleared up in just a few minutes. I was surprised though because the staff acted really surprised we were there even though we called to check their availability. We got service pretty quickly. The menu is all on the wall, so you have to get up and kind of stand in front of a bunch of people eating to see the menu. There's also no beer list on the wall, let alone alcohol prices, which is a little weird. I was really pleased that they have some CO beer on the menu, but I tried to branch out and tried a local IPA instead. For food we got various burgers. I was annoyed that the burgers are so big; in fact, when I asked how big the patties were the waiter said "I've never been asked that before" and had no idea, which is weird to me. Is that some Western US thing that we sort of brag about the weight of the burger patties? Anyway, I didn't get a burger because I dislike how huge the patties can be, and got a chicken patty instead. Food came out pretty quickly. My husband ordered his burger medium and said it was good but that it was on the rare side of medium. I liked my chicken burger, which had a habenero spread and no cheese (I prefer burgers and such without cheese). They came with what I would call a homefry potato, but I'm sure has some East coast term I know nothing about. Obviously the menu is pretty limited because there is no kitchen here; everything is done on a flat top that's in the main room of the restaurant. But, it was pretty inexpensive, it's an easy enough location, and the selection of food and drinks is pretty solid. Not sure I'd come running back but if someone brought it up I'd happily return.
(4)Brian M.
I liked this place. Came with my girlfriend (we're from NJ) and it was very chill. Service was good, atmosphere was great and I liked my food. I'm pretty sure I liked a bite of her food as well...and the menu we used to order it all. It's on the wall lol If you needed glasses to read, bring 'em. If---when---I make it back to Boston, this will be on the list of places to go again.
(4)Mohamed A.
After going out of the MIT museum (which surprisingly turned out to be interesting) my friend and I found our selves in the middle of a storm. We were both hungry and looking for shelter. So my friend told me that there is a place nearby that serves a good burger. This is actually a continuation of a draft I left and obviously forgot about for around 4 years. I actually remember the burger being quite tasty. Made me start love having jalapeños in my burgers. They actually mix their patties with the stuff! What's cool about the place is that it's a true geeks place. You see it from the "chemical composition chart" menu and obviously from the people around you. Nonetheless they are quite nice people to be around. I'm not sure if my rating is spot on (since it was saved as three stars with the draft) but considering that it's memorable I'm going to give it a 4.
(4)Noa O.
I like
(4)Alisa K.
Brunch: Liked: Lots of condiments at the table - didn't have to ask for them. Pure Vermont maple syrup, 2 types of Tabasco, ketchup, salt/pepper. The periodic table menu is neat. Food comes out fast. Cheap food. Cool ambience - chem lab meets urban loft. Banana french toast was good but not amazing. Home fries were similar. Disliked: Omelette was bland. Small menu- their only sweet breakfast entree was the French toast. Was still hungry at the end. Understaffed. Waitress didn't write down my order and messed it up twice. No greeter - wasn't sure where to go when I walked in. Bathroom faucet water pressure is excessive- I almost caused a flood washing my hands. Brunch summary: Worth trying out once maybe, not sure I'd go back for brunch.
(2)Shan H.
Get the vegi burger!
(3)Corey L.
Good nerd bar. The food is pretty good, made even better as it's listed in periodic table-style. Good selection of beers. I like the place. Also, it's near Middlesex, so a good place to grab some food and drinks before a night of dancing. Bam!
(4)Danie R.
Only place in the area that will allow international IDs (not just passports). After my friend's Italian passport was stolen because she had to carry it everywhere to get a drink, we came here. They would take the Italian drivers license. Their draught selection isn't great, but their food is really good. I love their veggie burger! The biggest plus is that they allow international and out of state IDs!!
(4)Chris W.
There is only one thing you really need to know about this place: Order the kabob plate with 1 beef & 1 chicken Enjoy
(4)Shawn R.
Great neighborhood spot near MIT. Its been at this location for nearly 2 decades and serves simple but excellent sandwiches. I had a burger and beer (Fisherman Brew) it was recommended by the bartender and in the end I had two. Its just a short walk from the Le Meridian hotel and worth a stop if your looking to relax and surround yourself with MIT nerds and good food.
(4)Nicole W.
I went just for the burger, and it was pretty darn good! The bun was definitely the best part--I think it's my new favorite burger bun! It was both flakey and chewy, in just the right amounts. The meat lacked flavor, but then again I had the Craigie burger last week. The only other complaint I have here is that I wish they served it with fries instead of breakfast potatoes. For about $11 I would definitely go back though! Next time I'm going to have to try the thing with bleu cheese.
(3)Krystal L.
Went to Boston. (Or as you cats and kittens call it Baaaaaaaaaston) for the first time and this is where my friends took me for our first outing. The best idea my Grad student friends have ever had-- screw 18th century female poetry (sorry Jeff). It was the morning so I ordered eggs and they ordered beer. God I love Boston. I live in DC so we down play the daytime drinking. So when in Rome...drink beer. The Good: the breakfast potatoes, beer, the cool sciency reference, beer
(5)Jessie C.
Yay! Still diggin' this place. Food was fantastic - ordered the turkey chipotle chili and a steak skewer. I do have to say the service was great! I was a little iffy at first - it was pretty busy for Wednesday night but once we got seated, the waitresses were lovely. We mentioned in passing that it was one of friends birthday and they brought over a brownie with a candle which was very thoughtful. Nice job MOS, nice job. :-)
(4)Shannon S.
Table for 7? Sure thing, you can take that right triangle table right there smack in the middle of the place. We ordered a basket of chips with salsa and guacamole while waiting for our whole party to arrive. Good guac and pretty standard salsa. The waitress forgot my drink (a Shipyard) but hey, I guess 6 out of 7 ain't bad. I ordered a cheeseburger. It was a-ok. The potatoes (kinda like home fries) served atop of a tomato chutney were delish. Bottom line. I left full. Would I go back for drinks? Sure. Dinner? Prob. not.
(3)Christina M.
Watch out for the nerd herd! Okay, honestly, with the exception of the cool periodic table menu, this place didn't seem very science-y to me. I came with a whole bunch of co-workers from the Museum of Science to celebrate a friend's birthday pub crawl, and we were the most science nerd things going on in the bar. If you were wondering why the place was crawling with people dressed in geeky clothes, taped up glasses, and amazingly awesome t-shirts (i.e.: Pluto 1930-2006, Revolve in Peace), now you know why! The food itself was pretty solid. I ordered a cheeseburger which was moist and flavorful, and the soft roll was perfect. I also did like their potatoes, which tasted like home fries to me, but I'll take regular french fries any day (or better yet, sweet potato fries!). The other patrons at the bar were really nice too, and chatted us up about our collection of misfits. So why just the 3 stars? Well, a friend and I arrived a little later than the rest of the party and put in our food orders late. We were going to squeeze into a table with our group, but the waitress had a major attitude problem and refused to bring our food to that table because it hadn't been cleared yet. She also refused to serve us food unless we were seated at a table, but the place was really full. Ummm, double edge sword here? Eventually, we had to sit at another table in order to eat, but we were really far from our group and the whole experience was tainted. I could have dealt without the power tripping, nasty waitress, who should have been thoughtful enough to lighten up and let us sit with our group. After all, we were in a bar for goodness sake, not grade school!
(3)Ben D.
Pretty great bar. I love the menu on the wall (designed as a periodic table!). The tables are all made out of science lab material, brought me back to my high school bio days. Actually ended up at this bar getting ice cream with some friends. It was freaking delicious, totally going back for rum and ice cream :-D
(4)DJ N.
Oh man, how I wish they allowed us to give half stars... I give this place 3.5 stars :-) Love this cozy little bar on MIT's campus. The drinks are strong and very reasonably priced. The food choices are limited, but good. I love how the food choices are displayed as a periodic table on a chalk board vs. paper menus. My personal favorite is the grilled chicken salad. The dressing is yummy, but sometimes I like to get a few drops of the habanero salsa on the side. If you can handle a very spicy sauce, then try this. If not, then stay away....your stomach will pay for it the next day. Overall, it's a cool place with a fun vibe. I love the casualness of it. Yay Miracle of Science :-)
(3)Olivia S.
Definitely interesting per the decor and menu but wasn't anything to rave about. The best part was environment...locals having a beer and a chat with the bartender made you feel at home. The food was good but small portion, which isn't a terrible thing. We had the beef skewers and shrimp skewers which had good flavor and presentation. I'd definitely stop back in for a beer next time I'm in town
(3)Kim W.
After fully indulging ourselves in an official "Nerd Day," ie a trip to the Museum of Science, Harvard, and MIT, this was a great place to come eat! Yes, it IS gimmicky...the menu is on a "periodic table" on the wall, but the food is surprisingly good! Between the two of us, we tried the guacamole, the Ronie burger, and the grilled chicken salad. The Ronie burger definitely has a kick to it, and the salad dressing was excellent. Oh, I had a mojito also that left me feeling prettttty good.... The reason I am deducting a star is that if I remember correctly, the A/C was either lacking or highly ineffective. Which, if you've ever been to Boston on a hot humid summer day, you know is not a good thing.
(4)Rachel L.
This review is long overdue. There is no better combo than their veggie burger and a cold draft beer. I found this place in college (very small - almost underground atmosphere). I was tentative because of the nerd-factor of Miracle of Science. At the time, being an MIT student, I tried to avoid all-things nerdy in my free time (nerd overload, you can understand!). However, despite the periodic table menu, this bar was anything but nerdy. The place is actually pretty cool - and their food is to die for. If you are looking for a good veggie burger, this place tops the charts. Right down to the bun, this veggie burger is amazing. It also comes with really yummy homefries/potatoes with a spicy sauce. I usually pair it with the Allagash White Ale. Perfection! If I had one point of criticism, I would say that it can get very cramped. Tight quarters can be a bit uncomfortable - especially when you are practically in the conversation of the table next to you. Although, I have never had a long wait, so I guess it's not that bad. Kudos MoSB!
(5)Dan P.
Went here before a show at the Middle East last weekend, and I wasn't that impressed. The place is a bit small, and was extremely packed. Food was ok, nothing to great though, I def wouldn't write home about it. Had a burger and fries. Burger was killed on the grill, and the fries weren't that good either. We had guacamole to begin with, and I wish we had just stopped at that.
(2)Marti S.
Miracle of Science is a great place to get a relaxing drink and meal with friends. Emphasis on the relaxing. I really enjoyed my chicken sandwich - I thought the mango mustard was delicious! (I think it was mango mustard. Brain's a little fuzzy today.) The sandwich came with seasoned potatoes and a spicy chili sauce - a great side. The decor is very ... well, it's nice, but I'm going to go out on a limb and guess it's owned by the same people who own Cambridge 1 and Audobon? It has the same feel. Comfortable but sleek. I'm giving it four stars because I wasn't thrilled with our server. She seemed kind of out of it. An example: she gave us our bill but then forgot to come back around to get it for like ten minutes or so. She even came to the table once to clear a glass and didn't grab the check and cards. I'm sure it's just because she didn't see it, but I would think it would be on her radar. Not a huge deal, but you know, when you're ready to go, you're ready to go... I would certainly return!
(4)Rachel C.
Best burger of my life? Maybe, definitely the biggest. Had a great lunch here with some colleagues a few weeks back. We ordered burgers and chicken skewers and sat at the bar. The service was attentive and friendly. The food was fabulous and the portions were huge. I will be going back fo sho.
(4)Emily W.
This is my favorite bar to visit in Boston. The staff made me feel at home and very welcome here, especially Joel and Nate. I enjoyed the staff, drinks, and music. I will definitely visit this bar when I visit Boston again in the future.
(5)Debra B.
We were "warned" there might be a line and we might have to wait. Good thing we didn't have to on a Sunday morning at 9:30 or 10 about 3 weeks ago. If I would have had to wait in line for that food I would have been highly disappointed if not possibly dangerous. I ate it but I didn't understand why I was having to pay for it. Cooked groceries. My cat cooks this well.
(2)Marta C.
Lovely place to get a drink with friends. Very laid back and relaxing. We went a little after 10 pm on a Friday night. Our original plan was to go to Asgard across the street, but it we made a last minute change, when we discovered it was packed. Miracle of Science had more seating and seemed generally quieter. We were seated easily, our server was friendly and helpful, and the beer selection was great. The atmosphere is really laid back and conducive to conversation - you don't have to yell to be heard, which I appreciate. We didn't have food, but I did notice that the menu is only on the board - you don't get one at your table. If I had wanted to eat, I think it might have been annoying to have to stand walk over to the board to see my choices. On the other hand, the menu is modeled after the Periodic Table which is very Cambridge and very charming. I would definitely return.
(4)Grace H.
Despite the cute menu on the wall designed as a periodic table, the food here was pretty average. We got a beef skewer and a veggie skewer, which came with bean salad, a mint slaw, and apricot chutney. I wasn't a huge fan of the chutney, which was thick and sticky like a jam and kind of a weird pairing with the beef.
(2)Shaina P.
Seriously though ... when wouldn't you go to the Miracle of Science?
(5)Steve S.
Avoid the food, burger was undercooked and overpriced. The ole potatoes over marinara was an interesting side to the plate..
(3)Deanna D.
Drink review only: Myself & a small group of girls that stopped into MOS to get a few cocktails before heading to Havana Club. The staff was not very friendly--they almost seemed annoyed to be there. The crowd was cool--laid back vibe with an eclectic crowd. The draft beer menu is pretty limited and full of similar beers. The drinks were OK not very tasty, strong, or cheap-- so nothing special. I don't get the Miracle of Science concept--it just a menu that looks like the periodic table but other than theres nothing sciency about the place. The burgers seem to the big deal here so I may be back to try it but I won't be rushing back.
(2)Rebekka T.
This is a casual place so don't expect a maitred' holding your hand through the menu and leading you to a table. Yeah, it's on the wall. Go read it. No one is laughing at you. Pick something. Eat it. It will be delicious. I recommend everything.
(5)Kelly W.
This place was great! Went for late lunch and I had the grilled chicken sandwich, friends had burgers. I have a dairy intolerance and they were patient and happily answered my questions and checked ingredients (everything grilled without cheese was fine but there was butter in the rolls). Server was quick to help us, and the food was all delicious. It was mid-70s so they had the garage-like door open and fresh air coming in. Perfect for lunch after the MIT Museum. Decor was cool too.
(5)Aaron N.
I freaking love burgers and Miracle of Science knows how to make a good freaking burger. This place is a small bar and grill spot that is actually pretty cool. The menu is drawn on a wall in the shape of a period table and each food item is an element (very MIT'ish, but a cool idea). I got the Ronnie Burger which actually had jalapenos and other spices baked inside of the burger! There was also a spicy pepper jack cheese on top, which topped off the delicious burger perfectly. All burgers are also served with with roasted potato slices and a sweet sauce that was just flat out great. Overall, this was a great place and if I'm ever in MA again, I'll definitely be back to check out the other periodic elements. Good work Miracle. Boom!
(4)Jessica S.
Beer: yum Burger: yum yum Home Fries: yum yum yum Seriously worth the walk, the uber creative menu and the burger with home fries totally hit the spot. Screw the ketchup when you have tomato chutney as your option! Server was wicked knowledgeable about beer, and their liquor selection was top notch with options you can't find just anywhere. For an added kick, be sure to sit on the hypotenuse side.
(4)Tucker H.
Definitely an above average burger; thick, juicy, and a medium rare is actually served medium rare. I was a little skeptical about having home fries with my burger, but they were really good! My pepperjack cheeseburger was delicious, and companions all polished off their burgers, so it's probably safe to assume that the Ronie Burger is also pretty good. The location isn't exactly convenient to the T, it's a good 10 minute walk from the nearest station, but it's worth it for a burger this good.
(4)Kathleen Y.
Unleashing the inner nerd. The menu was pretty cool since it looked like the periodic table. I thought that was pretty nifty! Food was okay. I feel like its a standard burger place, nothing super special. Maybe if they had water in beakers instead of cups it would have been more awesome.
(3)Jon S.
Tried this place out on a hot Saturday afternoon and left less than impressed. First, it took forever to be served and receive water (place doesn't appear to be air-conditioned). I also heard the burger was good but to be truthful, the ciabatta bun was the best part. Plus my burger was overdone and a little dry. Also tried the chicken skewers. Those were pretty good especially with the accompanying salad with mint. Overall, not a big fan.
(2)Jenelle J.
This place has cornered the right ambiance for those of us fondly reminiscing on the good old o-chem days with lab stools and periodic tables. Ah yes the simple times. Honestly though that's the best part of this place. Otherwise, the food is pretty much standard bar fare (burgers, meat skewers) for a little more than the usual bar prices. So it's tough to actually go back given the prices, and the fact that it's out of the way for me.
(3)Tyler A.
I loved this place, only been once, but my first impression was a good one! It's cozy, comfortable, service is good, and the food is REALLY good, at least what I had, burger and salad. The menu on the wall in the spirit of the Periodic Table is a nice touch, but hard to read while cranking your neck from the bar...no biggie. Drinks were of decent alcohol content, and overall it felt clean, hip, and relaxed. I will definitely be going here again!
(5)Shendi X.
Like its neighbor, and my professional love, MIT, this place is sleek, without sacrificing the nerdy - probably my favorite bar in the area....!
(4)Jacquelyn M.
Honestly one of the best burgers I've had maybe ever! The menu is hard to see depending on where you sit, or how much you've had to drink. I love the ambiance and the open windows in the summer.
(4)Abigail R.
Miracle does things right. They have a simple menu, but they execute every thing really, really well. Like, I somehow find myself raving ecstatically as I eat something like a veggie burger or a grilled chicken sandwich. But seriously, that chicken sandwich: grilled perfectly and served with a delicious and unusual habanero mango mustard and a side of absolutely delicious seasoned potatoes. The special thing about Miracle's food though is that they pay attention to the supporting players too. The burger bun is wonderfully fresh and chewy with a beautiful, delicate crust, and if you substitute mixed greens for the potatoes EVEN THEY are delicious, tossed with a fantastic honey mustard dressing. Good beer selection, decent cocktails (probably not the place for wine) and a casual but well-designed atmosphere. They've been here for over two decades, and I can see why.
(5)Brittany M.
I'm not really sure why this place has so many stars, they must have good beer or something. My boyfriend and I got take out. I got a veggie burger, and he got a cheeseburger. Pretty standard, tough to screw up. But they did. Mine was basically flavorless, one of the most bland burgers I've had with nothing but spicy mayo helping it out. Even the spice was somehow flavorless though. My boyfriend said his burger was okay but the meat was bland and had no real meat-taste. The potatoes were average, although it's REALLY fucking hard to fuck up potatoes. They basically just roasted them with salt and black pepper. All in all I'd say Tasty Burger in Fenway (for something fast-foody/diner-esque-- +1 for awesome fries and onion rings), Four Burger in Central Square (for a gourmet-style burger that doesn't leave you feeling heavy and gross) and even Flat Patties in Harvard Square (run-of-the-mill, standard burger) are better options. One star for display though, we picked the food up in little white to-go boxes that had the sandwiches open face inside with roast potatoes in between. Maybe other menu options are better, but I would say don't waste your time! (At least on the food!) Hope I could be of some help!
(2)Erik Q.
If you want a quick, healthy, inexpensive lunch with a cool atmosphere this is your spot. Love the Lime Chicken, Chicken Sandwich with the mustard and chutney sauces. Hint: The veggie burger is just a pimped out Garden Burger. Get there early as seating is limited.
(5)Ian C.
I love this place. It's conveniently located near MIT, and is one of the few places open late that you would want to actually go to. The food is excellent... their burgers and skewers are delicious. At night it gets a bit lively, but that's part of the fun. It's also great for a quick (45 minute) meal before evening classes.
(5)Gal N.
Their beer selection is alright, nothing more. The ambiance is nice. The place is very small, and if you're unlucky you will end up standing in the middle of a crowded room while people constantly push past you. I've been there a few times, and generally had a good time. However, last night I went back with a few friends. We were there until fairly late. At about 12:55am one of my friends went to the bar, and got a drink. He was never told the place would be closing five minutes later, and there was no "last call" announcement. At 1am, the lights come on and the music is turned way up, to the point where it's uncomfortable to stay and finish our drinks. A friend goes up to the bar and asks to turn it down, but is told that "that's how the owner wants it". At about 1:05, one of the waiters comes over and asks us to wrap things up. At 1:10 he comes again, this time saying we need to leave. Just rude... for no apparent reason. A bad end to what was a nice evening.
(2)Stephen C.
When you get seated don't wait around for them to give you a menu. The menu is the periodic table with each (faintly color coded) element as a menu item. The chicken sandwich and the ronnie burger are my favorites. Their beer selection is pretty good, but pretty limited (only about 5 or 6 different drafts)
(4)Cherie C.
If 2 stars means "meh" (according to Yelp), then this place rates 2.5 stars. I just don't get the hype. I've been back for more food. It was serviceable but not notable. We watched the chef make my burger--looked like a frozen beef patty. There's really nothing wrong with using frozen burgers, but MoS seems to present itself as something more, so I expected more. As Jeffrey H said, it's just average. Heck, I can get a cheaper, more delicious burger down the road at Fourburger--and I can have a beer with it there, too. It just won't be served in such a stylish setting as MoS. I won't avoid MoS, but I'd never crave their food or make a special point to go again.
(3)Jason B.
I am a huge fan of the periodic table. I would love to have an entire restaurant themed after Amadeo Avogadro. The food at miracle of science is solid and unique, interesting food, well-cooked. The service here sucks all sorts of things. The two servers we had were extremely bored-looking and rude. The bartender was super friendly, and poured a decent cape coddah. The whole first-come-first-serve-seat-yourself thing is a little bleh. This is the very definition of a mixed-review locale.
(3)Brad S.
I like it fine as a place for drinks, but it is quite small. The last two times I've been, I've ordered a burger medium rare. Both times it came extra well done. By the time someone came to ask how it was, 20 minutes had passed. If I'm going to pay $12 for a burger, I want them to cook it how I order it and ask to make sure it's cooked properly after one bite, not after 20 minutes. Never going back.
(2)Jeffrey K.
Central Square on the (whichever) Red Line! This place is my go-to place when I want an amazing burger and a pint. I keep telling myself "get something other than the Ronnie Burger" when I go, but I can never bring myself to it. It's just such a beautifully cooked piece of meat. If that weren't enough, their home fries are perfectly seasoned, and come with a refreshing tomato chutney. I love the chutney so much I always ask for extra since they give you (IMHO) no where near enough. The atmosphere is great too: funky granite (?) tables, exposed kitchen, awesome periodic-table-menu, and the background music is exactly my taste/ really good (I've heard everything from Beastie Boys to Jamiroquai there, and the often just toss on an album). The added bonus (or to-my-detriment) the place is an easy walk from MIT. Warning: it's so good, the place is often quite full.
(5)Meghan M.
MoS is one of my favorite places to meet friends in Cambridge for lunch and a beer. It's not traditional pub fare (fried things, big plates, etc.) as you may expect from a place like this. I love that their menu is simple (skewers of meat, shrimp or veggies...one, two or three; cheeseburger; hummus plate, salad, etc.) and everything I've had here has been really, really tasty. I cannot say that I ever (EVER) order a cheeseburger when I go out to eat but I order them here often. The homemade ketchup that comes with the potatoes is really good. The service is decent but sometimes it's a pain to get a table during the week after 11:55am. I will be paying you yet another visit tomorrow, MoS, for a Brooklyn and a burger!
(4)Christina D.
Meh. If I had to pick one word to describe this place it would be impractical. Although the menu is very cool (periodic table) it is only available on the wall creating an awkward situation because you must stand among everyone eating to read it. It also means you are standing right where the wait staff comes in and out so you must constantly move our of the way. Service - Also awkward. The waitress came to our table and asked if we wanted drinks. The waitress took my friend's order and then went to go get her drink before asking what the rest of us wanted. (how odd!) They also don't check to see if you need refills of anything, so if you need more water, too bad for you. We also had two waiters trying to take our order..which was hilarious.. don't they assign tables ahead of time? Service aside, the food is nothing to brag about. I ordered the chicken skewer with peanut satay. What they didn't mention is that their version of peanut satay is a glob of peanut-butter with some pepper added in. (no exaggeration here, honestly). The salad was drenched in dressing and everything else was bland. the guac was in sore need of some lime and salt. $11 for a hamburger is also a bit much. All in all, the place wasn't terrible, it just isn't anything to write home about. The periodic table initially pulled me in, but I must say that I was disappointed. There are definitely more interesting places in Cambridge to go.
(2)Kimberly H.
I agree with some of the other comments on here. Good beer, good food, poor service. We came in last weekend on our way to run some errands and wanted to grab a quick bite. We split the chips & guac, chicken quesadilla and a grilled chicken salad (the cilantro-lime dressing is good enough to bottle!). We got the guac first and it was fresh and tasty. There is no heat to it at all, so other spicy food fans beware. It definitely needs a little more seasoning and hit of lemon or lime juice as well, but that can all be fixed at the table right? Maybe not. I asked our server for some lemon and she walked away ... 10 minutes later she still hadn't been back so I walked up to the bar and asked the bartender for some lemon, she motions to our server and without even an "oh sorry I forgot", uses her bare hand to fish out some lemon and throw it into a cup for me. Now, I am realistic and I know there is not going to be a gloved hand or even tongs for every garnish, but lady I just saw you take trash out of the dirty restroom, pick food up off the floor, bus tables, and handle cash without washing your hands. GROSS! The last time we were here we had a party of four and were asked by our server to move, in the middle of our meal, for a girl who had walked in saying she was going to have five people meeting her. Rule of thumb, you never ask a party to move, especially after they have been served their meal. But I do understand the need to maximize seating in their small space, so we did, no problem. Everything would have been peachy if we hadn't finished our entire meal and left and the girl was still sitting at the table alone. I really hope that server at least got her phone number for going out of his way for one person at the expense of our entire table. Aside from the whole hygiene and professionalism of some of the service staff, the food is consistently good and fairly priced. Maybe I will try the bar top or to-go food next time. I really want to like this place, please train your staff Miracle of Science!
(3)Daniel B.
Best. Breakfast. (Maybe ever.) But not foolproof, as my wife will attest. She got the omelet. Bad call. However, I am choosing not to count that against them. If you don't like meat. Or smoke. Than you can stop reading now. But everything was grilled. On fire. With smoke. And that made everything more delicious. From the toast. To the chicken sausage (which are done up as patties - and have a nice hit of jalapeno heat). To the the steak - obviously (on the steak and eggs). And even the grapefruit, served hot and drizzled with honey. Maybe it just suited my mood at that instant. But smoke and eggs and meat and coffee at noon on a Sunday was just what I needed to nourish my body and soul. I had a deep hunger, and left fulfilled indeed.
(5)Andrew K.
As any of the spots from the same proprietors: Middlesex Lounge, Tory Row, Cambridge 1, Miracle of Science, and Audubon Circle, this place is pretty good. In fact, it's one of the best bars in Central Square on any day of the week. I love their unstained wood walls and slate tabletops, and the whole science theme. The place is called Bar *and Grill*, but please don't expect much from the food. It's really basic and really only works after plenty of drinks.
(4)Jason H.
The short: just don't go here, at least for the food. The long: As usual, no alcohol is reviewed here, so look for someone else's opinion. The good parts about this place are that it's easy atmosphere and it's quiet enough to have a reasonable level conversation, but it's loud enough not to feel like people are listening to you. And that's about where it ends. You can sum up the rest of the experience like this: it's Boston, it's near a nerdy campus. What does that mean? It means that there's no expectation, no standards, and no incentive for them to do anything well. I came here on a first date because it was a pleasant hangout with a buddy one time before. Previously I had just ordered a side of potatoes and was disappointed at how little the portion was and how little flavor there was for $4. But the burger and the kabob they had looked good so I was willing to try it again. Looks are deceiving. I asked for my burger Medium... it was pretty much rare, almost raw. But I'll give them the benefit of doubt for that part, no big deal. The big deal was that for $10 my burger was puny. And again.... the potatoes they offer with it were worthless. (I'll say that after I "ate dinner" here I went to Cinderella's for pizza). But on top of the small servings... there was no FLAVOR. The cheese was ambigous, despite it supposed to be jalapeno. I felt like the jalapeno nachos you get at the nacho cart at the ball game are better. And to add crap to crap, the waitstaff was fairly pushy. We were just about the most recent group of folks in there, and after we finished the "food" we wanted to talk a bit. The staff came around like 3 times in 10 minutes and said "can I get you anything else?" We said "no we'd like to talk." So they came and put the bill in front of us. Well, if you're going to be a dick, I'll be a bigger dick. So we just sat there and ignored them. There were maybe 5 people waiting for a seat, and there were 4 seats at the bar. And like I said, other people had gotten there before us so we shouldn't have to be the first ones to leave. It's not my fault nobody wants to sit at your shitty ass bar and eat your shitty ass food. I don't want to sit at the bar, and I was here first and I will pay for my meal. Anyway, this place was overpriced and offered NOTHING in the way of a good dining experience. Just like most of Boston, it seems like.....
(2)May N.
Chill, laid-back atmosphere perfect for a lazy afternoon lunch or dinner. I came with 5 others just after the Sunday lunch rush. A waiter came up to us and said the big table was about to free up, but we could grab drinks at the bar while waiting. We sat at the right angle high table and ordered off the periodic table menu of burgers and satays. The waiters even have nerdy shorthand to take orders. The mimosas are served in regular pint glasses and decently priced considering how much you're getting to get pleasantly buzzed during the day. My Ronie burger was stuffed with jalapenos and spicy! The fries are really pan-fried potato wedges so they might be healthier for you than regular french fries. Service was ok. Our server was nice and helpful. I definitely could've used a water refill early into my jalapeno burger. Nice views of Mass Ave where you can people watch and observe men unicycling down the street.
(4)Courtney H.
I love the atmosphere here--it really appeals to my geeky side. The food is pretty good and the menu is just so awesome. Great place for a beer!
(4)Stephanie L.
I came here for a brunch on a cold Sunday morning, so can't speak much to the nightlife nor dinner menu. However, the atmosphere was nice, and the food was for the most part good. Nothing really blew me away. As far as sticking to the them, I did notice the regular menu written in period table format on the wall, which seems to be the key feature of the restaurant. I'll give it to them, that was very cool! Food was even grouped by themed into the columns, and for the most part increased in price as you traveled from the top of the column to the bottom. (With the exception of the skewers, whats up with that guys?) I ordered the sourdough french toast with grilled banana. I was a bit disappointed that those two items were completely separate from one another on my plate, and it was only half of a grilled banana, which could be rationed over only about 3-4 bites of my french toast. So I basically had an order of sourdough french toast. It was good, but nothing special. My boyfriend had the breakfast wrap. Again good, but nothing amazing. The side of potatoes was phenomenal though. We were both a bit hungry, and the guys at the next table had the egg sandwich, which was packed with toppings and looked amazing. We ordered a 3rd meal, one of those to split, and it was quite fantastic. I'd skip the french toast and order that first if I went back! Other items to note, the waitress had originally charged me extra for the grilled banana on the bill (extra $2.50) before I pointed out it was listed as coming with the dish on the menu. She explained it was her first brunch and apologized and corrected it quickly. Also, the coffee maker was broken and no coffee was available when we arrived at about 10 am on a Sunday! I find that unacceptable. Go buy a cheap 12 cup maker down the street or buy/ resell a to go crate of it from dunkin' donuts. Don't deny your morning customers coffee! Oh, and the table in the middle of the room seems customized designed and is absolutely awesome! Where can I get one??
(3)Kelsey C.
I hate to give this place 1 star but I just have to. The service is the worst I have had in Boston. They share tables, which is fine, so you really get a chance to interact with a couple servers. They were all very short. No refills, they screwed us our order, treated up poorly, and then a couple days after we looked at out bank statement we realized that they added on to our tip. Our bill was $23-we left a $3 tip and the must have either turned it into a 5 or written on the customer copy slip as the bank statement was a $28. Also-the menu is a periodic table and there is a photo of AE behind the bar-other than that-nothing science about it. Will not go back.
(1)Jon G.
Overly crowded, bad crowd management. The strange shape makes standing around particularly uncomfortable, with servers pushing past you constantly. We waited half an hour for a table only to have the servers give it to another group that had gotten there after us. Will not be returning. Don't waste your time here, there are plenty of better bars in the area.
(1)Jessica B.
Well, that was fun. Four star service and three star food. I went to Miracle of Science Bar + Grill with a group of friends from my alumni association. After the venue had been selected, I heard that it was crowded and would not work out for a larger group pf people. And our group is hard. Since some people don't RSVP because they are inconsiderate wankers, I mean because they go with the moment, I had no idea if our group would be six or a dozen. As we waited in the entrance way, a host with the patience of a saint found a table for a group of eight, I mean ten, two people just got here. Oh, and by the way, the menu is on a chalk board on the wall so you may want to gaze at that before you sit down. Someone told me to do that but I forgot. I ordered an amber or brown ale, neither of which they had. I ended up with a medium ale that was OK. Being on a health kick, I got the chicken salad. It was a small piece of chicken breast on lettuce. That was it. It wasn't meal-sized. It was fun-sized! If you consider starving to death fun... Then I got a chicken skewer. It was good chicken breast, weird peanut sauce the consistency of mashed potatoes, and a tortilla that was dripping with grease. Somewhat unacceptable. While I was still eating, we started to get the "time for your large, table-hogging party to leave" glare. We finished up pretty soon after that. 18% tip was added to the bill and I threw in an extra 10 because I know we are an unwieldy gang to serve. Honestly, I don't quite see the appeal. I'm more of a swank martini lounge girl if I'm going to go out to a bar. That place is just squeaky clean. Everything was OK, and I'm giving a higher rating for graciously handing a large group in a venue that was not built for such gatherings.
(4)Erica Z.
I really like the atmosphere of this bar. I love the open air in the summer & the periodic menu wall. Beer is good, and not too expensive, but the service is eh. I find it more difficult than it should be to order a drink here, even when it's not too busy. Also wish there was a hard copy of the menu because sometimes you're just not sitting in a good spot to read the wall. Overall, a good place to grab a beer with friends.
(3)Lady Fang Y.
Service was shitty. Atmosphere was shitty. Took forever to even take our drink order. There was no place near the bar, but in order to sit at a table, we HAD to order food. Yeah, fine, I get it, but I just wanted to sit and talk with my friend over beer. Not much of a food selection. Of course, no beer menu. The food was lackluster, nothing to write home about and not that great of an experience since we were forced to order something. I won't be returning, and neither will my friends. It was annoying and ruined my night.
(1)Kacie M.
If I hadn't been promised miracles, science, and yes, miracles OF science, I might have a higher opinion of this bar. But as others have pointed out, the only science-y thing in there was the menu made to look like the periodic table. I want to drink out of beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks! I want nerdy things on the walls! I want science! It was overall an okay bar. Nothing special about the drinks or food and the service was fine. I wouldn't make an effort to come back but I wouldn't avoid it either. If it had a different name I wouldn't be so disappointed, but if you call yourself Miracle of Science, you really should at least try to deliver on the science.
(3)Amy B.
I would give the Miracle of Science a higher rating as a bar than as a grill. It's a small, laid back space decorated with industrial touches. It feels almost like a bar was set up in a (clean) mechanic's garage. There's a huge window on tracks that can be opened in nice weather to lend an outdoor feel to the bar, and everything inside is gray. The beer selection is pretty good here. I enjoyed Left Hand Milk Stout, which is not that hard to find but is definitely not a sure thing on tap. I didn't try any non-beer beverages. As others have mentioned, the menu is chalked on the wall in a cute periodic table format. It's a great way to enhance the theme of the restaurant, but hard to see. There's also seating directly in front of the menu, which makes it hard to see parts of the menu depending on where you're sitting. Also (nerd confession), I was a little disappointed that the menu didn't follow the actual periodic table but is just set up in table form with two letter abbreviations for each item. I know, I hate me too. We ordered chips and salsa for the table, and I ordered a chicken quesadilla with a side of guacamole for my meal. The chips came out quickly but the waitress brought guacamole instead of salsa. She then did not come back until our meals were ready, so we couldn't ask for the salsa. We ate the guac, but some people at our table had really wanted the salsa. When our food arrived, I had a second side of guac with my quesadilla. The food was just ok. The quesadilla was really basic--cheese and chicken in a tortilla--and would have been bland without the sides of guacamole and salsa. My husband got a chicken sandwich which he liked, but again, it was very basic. Others in our group enjoyed the skewers, which come with a plate of sides and some pita bread to make wraps. In good news, we were not charged for the extra un-ordered side of guac. My husband and I ended up paying about $50 for our meals, 2 beers each, a share of the chips and salsa, tax, and tip. We went on a weeknight, and the crowd was pretty lively. This is definitely a popular drinking spot. It seemed like mostly grad students in their 20s and 30s. It also seemed like the sort of place where people become regulars and begin to know the staff and other patrons (or maybe there were just some popular people in that night!). I would definitely come back here for some beers and hanging out. I'd just probably make sure I ate somewhere else first.
(3)Ella B.
Riding our bikes down Mass Ave. we decided to stop at Miracle of Science after reading about it on yelp. As many of the other yelpers have already mentioned, the menu is in a form of a periodic table - cute, innovative, but a little hard to read since it's written in chalk. It seems that the main fare are burgers, but they have other choices: kabobs/skewers of beef, chicken, veggies or shrimp. Quesadillas, and chicken sandwiches. Since they didn't have a turkey burger, I went with an old fashioned American burger -- not sure if it's free range or organic -- the menu doesn't mention that and so the minus one star. Burgers are served with home fries w/ a tomato chutney that is pretty good. Full bar and decent beer choices -- overall, a decent meal and in the nicer weather, the windows open up. I would probably stop back in. Another bonus, not only do they serve Toscanini's ice cream, it is AROUND the corner from Toscanini's! Two burgers, two beers, total bill $38 w/tip.
(3)Alex B.
Very cool atmosphere, I can't deny them of that. Overall my experience was "it's not bad". I would certainly go again, if only just to shake things up from the norm. Service is a little wack, our waiter never came over so we ordered from what appeared to be the hostess. Drink selection was middle of the road for what you would expect in a hip Cambridge restaurant. It had some staple beers, but nothing super exciting. I sat by the door and couldn't read the "menu" because I was too far away. A giant Periodic table menu certainly adds to the ambiance, but if you aren't close you're in the dark. I blindly assumed they had cheeseburgers, and right I was. You get roasted potatoes instead of fries, and in this case they were AWESOME. The burger was average, I would rather something from 5 guys, but again the atmosphere inside made up for the average burger. My final remarks, great place to meet up with friends on a week night and grab some reasonably priced food.
(3)Leigh L.
Definitely an awesome place to eat. Went last night with some friends because we were going to a show at TT The Bears (three minute walk away). I got the Ronie Burger and a couple drinks. The burger was delicious! It has jalapenos in the actual burger patty and then pepperjack cheese! If you love hot and spicy food, this is the burger for you!! The drinks were really good (gin and tonic) and the salsa that came with the chips was good too but they only give you a little bit of sour cream which was a bummer. The place doesn't have a lot of seating and we squished five people into a very clear four person table and were almost always in the way of the waiters going to the kitchen and people going to the bathroom. That's the only reason it gets 4 stars. The menu is on the wall and it's the periodic table! They do not hand out menus so you need to look at the wall. Overall an awesome place and definitely a place everyone should try!
(4)Saba N.
I love this place!!! Best veggie burger I have ever had - hands down. It's so flavorful and yummy - and the roasted potatoes on the side are unbelievable. 5 stars for the food alone. The vibe of this place is awesome, it's small though so I'm not sure I'd try to venture in on a Thursday or Friday night. Diners, beware. It's also kind of odd that they put the menu on the wall - I had my back to it and therefore had a tough time. Little menus (even it was just a piece of paper) would probably go a long way. The service was ok - it was kind of odd. Two waiters were tag teaming but they were so uncoordinated - as soon as one took my drink order, another came by and asked the same thing. I hate it when that happens. All in all, I will definitely be back. The burger was out of this world. I plan on taking a lot of my friends - what a gem!
(4)Jess L.
Cool place. I had the best cheeseburger I've had since my time in Cambridge. Very juicy with a little spice. The potatoes on the side were also good. My dad had a good veggie burger (he said). I was a little surprised that for a place that I knew was known for its burgers, that it didn't have more of a selection. There are about 5 types of burgers. The periodic table menu *is* cute. But I kind of wish they gave out paper menus, too. Not everyone is far sighted! Shipyard - $4.50/pint. Nice. I liked the exposed brick and the seating overall. I was sitting by the drafty door, though, which sucked. It was kind of loud inside, but it definitely has a quirky, student-y feel.
(3)Peench P.
100 stars, yes, I am on a roll today! I am very faithful to this place,I want to marry it, I love it, this is my bar to go to and always saves the day, even when you try to go to elsewhere for lunch on NYE and failed, well, miracle is always there for you. I don't think I've ordered anything other than the ronie burger, I love when food burns my mouth and my gorgeous lips, if you can't stand spicy food, don't order it and then complain about it, por favor ok? The staff is the best, they know what you like, they're friendly - except that pretty Asian face that wonders around there- they're fast and they will entertain you if they have to. Yes, it can get crowded at times, but would you go to a place that no one goes to? that's normally a sign that the place stinks, no? don't listen to Jeffrey H. he is gay and he doesn't know a thing. I don't remember him complaining about places being crowded when he's at the gay clurrrrrb. Oh and once in a blue moon, if your friend says she will never go to a red sox game, 5 minutes later you'll end up getting tickets for free from some out of towner, I guarantee it. I'm thinking about a writing the chronicles of narnia at miralce, just wait for it.
(5)Jean Y.
We were ignored far too long just trying to get a drink. Not even eye contact and the place was not that busy. So we walked a block to the Irish pub, where they know something about hospitality and service.
(1)Sarah F.
Roast potatoes almost like a breakfast food . Not a great beer selection though.
(3)Michelle L.
This place is solid, but I don't love it. They have a full bar, but I'm never dazzled by the cocktails. The food it good, but you'll reek of garlic so I don't recommend kicking of the night here. Still, I come here from time-to-time to catch up with a friend. If you are looking for a nice place in Central Square to meet up and grab a quick bite over drinks, consider Miracle of Science.
(3)Jessica B.
The most amazing burger in the world. And the salad dressing is soooo good (I don't like the potatoes that normally come with the burger, the sauce is gross.) Good beer, good burgers, good good. Actually, all the food I've had here is good. I don't even mind waiting for a table, even the weird shaped table that isn't conducive to any group of people and seems to be a hallmark of this restaurant group (see also: Audubon). But. Y'all need a wind baffle on the door. It's cold! Also, I'm a 20%+ tipper, but not when you add gratuity. A table of four is not a gratuity added table! Yes, server-lady, you might have lucked out with an awesome tip if we hadn't noticed. Instead, your lack of trust (for, I repeat, a table of four) means you get exactly the tip you asked for. I know I sound bitchy, and I know servers don't get much pay and rely on tips. I know because, dude, I was a server at one point too. But sometimes you shoot yourself in the foot. (If the gratuity added thing is policy, I'm sorry, server.)
(3)Mario R.
I went in for drinks last night with two friends. We sat at the high table in the middle of the bar. It was early in the night and the place was maybe half full. The waitress immediately came over and asked us if we would move to another (smaller) table because the table sat six and we were only three. We told her we'd rather stay here, to which she replied "Well, you might have company". I'm not sure if she was trying to scare us. We don't mind company. We enjoy people, which is why we were at a bar. She then asked for our drink orders. I asked her what seasonal beers were available. She said "Oh, we don't have any..... We have Harpoon". So, I looked behind me at the beer selection to decide what I wanted. To my surprise, there were three seasonal beers. I told the waitress "you have Shipyard Pumpkin, that's a seasonal beer." She responded "Oh, ok.....". There was an awkward silence. "I'd like to order one" I said. She seemed confused. "Oh...". It was weird.
(1)Jon H.
I really like this place- its got a great feel to it, love the chalkboard element menu, good selection of beers, and good burgers. Sometimes it can get tough to get a table here, and you've got to start costco style hovering in order to steal a table. The service is really nice and friendly, and they do a good job serving up awesome food. Everytime I go there I get the blue-cheese burger. Just a good time with friends, hang-out bar. Not a sports bar or anyplace to pick up anyone .
(4)Nick M.
If Edger Allen Poe, Winslow Homer, John Adams, Leonard Bernstein, and Barbara Walters were alive today, they would all be hanging out at the Miracle of Science. By far the coolest bar in Cambridge! And yes I said Barbara Walters... I mean come on, that's an alien in there. At the Miracle of Science you'll find geeks, freaks, and the plainly unique. You might say that the name fits the atmosphere of clients. It looks like a deli but it's a bar. It was tables here and there, and seating around the bar. Part of its charm is that everyone is courteous, from the bouncer to the bartenders. Oddly enough you feel completely relaxed, (I wonder if they're pumping something into the air!?!) everyone is smiling and having a good time. The music was like a blast from the past, old school stuff that made you want to get up and dance (ok fine I did but others joined me). I wish I could have tried something from their menu (which looks great and affordable), but I was still really full from dinner. This is a must go to, so go already!
(4)Jennifer O.
I like this place but I wouldn't go out of my way to go here. I've been here twice. The first time the server was borderline rude. The place was empty there were three of us and we had tons of bags from shopping and he wouldn't let us push two tables together to make a table for 4- he wanted us to sit at a table for 2 with all of our stuff. Luckily a hightop table became available and we sat there. The second time was better- it was a Sunday night and the place was pretty empty. We sat ourselves and the server was friendly. The menu being on the board is a pain. Unless you are sitting right in front of it you have to get up and go read the menu, a complaint that I've noticed is reiterated in many of these reviews. The food is good the music and the music is usually fantastic.
(3)Heather C.
I absolutely love the skewers here!!! Order two and they come with two huge tortillas, mint slaw, black beans, and different sauce for each type of meat. The shrimp comes with a pineapple salsa, chicken with satay sauce, and beef with an apricot chutney. I'm not a huge fan of the satay so I always substitute the pineapple salsa with the chicken. Sooo amazing. They're really good about it and don't give me any problems about substituting. I'm a science nerd at heart so the lab bench seating and periodic table menu speak to my soul. I didn't give five stars because it really hard to get a table because it's so small. But bonus points for the cute blond bartender :).
(4)Steph D.
I am going to admit I am offically a HUGE fan based soley on two things. 1. Brooklyn Lager 2. One awesome night Miracle of Science, you're close to the hotel where my friend from Australia was staying... so we came to you. You had open arms. You had no idea that neither of us had eaten very much. You had no idea that we'd been roaming around in the bitter cold trying to find someone who would take an Australian Driver's License. You had no idea that my friend and I hadn't seen each other in so many years that it was still good but slightly awkward conversation. Still, you took us in. You brought us one of my FAVORITE beers. You had the periodic table menu which made for comic conversation. You had a table for us, but were full enough for us to think, "Wow. This place is hoppin'." And you helped us along in our progression from "So... How are you?" to (beer one) American/Australian politics to the (beer three) admissions of the fact that while we each love our significant others having a big bed all to ourselves is awesome to the (beer fivish) final raunchy stories of dodgy strip joints and joys of public bathroom shags (of which neither of us, sadly, had ever partaken). Thanks Miracle of Science for breaking the ice. Brilliant night!
(5)Andrea L.
They carry Harpoon Cider. Delicious. Too bad it's not on draft though. Tbh, they could go further with the nerd theme. I think it'd be a lot more fun. Otherwise the clientele really make the bar feel pretty staid and conservative. Beer in beakers anyone? That said, good food. I really enjoyed my burger. Seriously tasty. Their potatoes are kind of like hashbrowns. God, so delicious. Uh, price-wise, the burger's also the best deal ... I don't know what they're trying to do with the skewer section of their menu, it's not like they're a yakitori place. I wish their menu was more like their sister restuarant's, Tory Row. Seriously though, the lack of nerdy glee makes me kind of sad. At night, it gets pretty loud, and the lighting is a little dim which makes their periodic table menu a little hard to read. And the crowd... seriously this close to MIT, this much potential for crazy youth, and this crowd ... so freaking old. and full of suits. Meh. maybe it was just that one night. Overall, a pretty decent place to go out and grab some food & booze.
(3)Jennifer N.
Oh, Miracle of Science, why can't you get your act together? There's so much I love about you - your small menu playfully written on the chalkboard in that lovely (and MIT friendly) Periodic Table motif. I love that you keep it simple, that you specialize in a few dishes (grilled chicken, burgers), and truth be told, you do what you do well. I love your chicken skewer with peanut sauce, and I love that you serve it with those tangy onions. But the problem I run into every time I eat at your restaurant is the service -- first, I notice that I have never seen the same waitperson twice which suggests to me that you have a turnover problem. Second, I notice that your waitstaff always acts burdened by waitering. Take today for example -- my husband and I walked in at 2:15 for a late lunch. The restaurant was basically empty, and we quickly ordered two entrees. At 2:55, our two sandwiches hadn't arrived; rather than approaching us to say "sorry for the delay, your food is coming," the waitress just avoided us. At 3:10 when the food finally arrived, she quickly said "thanks for waiting," and then walked away. Other highlights included filling only one water glass when two were empty. I know Miracle of Science isn't a fancy restaurant, but it seems to me that hiring waiters who have some basic social skills will serve your restaurant well in the long run.
(2)H. G.
I don't know what the big fuss is about their burger. The bread is nice, kind of like the crusty Italian loaf you'd get at a decent sub shop, but the rest of the ingredients are just kind of mediocre. It's not so much that there is anything wrong with the burger, just that there's not anything great about it. I did like the side of home fries. I'd still order the burger any day over the shrimp skewers. A classic case of trying to be healthy and regretting it immensely and immediately.
(2)Rebeccah M.
This was a funky little place! We only stopped in for drinks, so I can't speak for their food. Their menu is an awesome periodic table though- major props for that! The atmosphere was chill, but then again it was 3 in the afternoon- not exactly rush hour. I would definitely go back if in the area.
(4)Coco P.
I've been here 3 times now and gotten the veggie burger each time. It is delicious! You can find plenty to eat here whether you are a vegetarian (like me) or a carnivore. I hear the regular burgers are yummy too. I've only been for lunch but I'm sure it is just as good for dinner too, give it a try!
(5)Jeff M.
Four stars for the quick and delicious lunch. Service could be more friendly. I recommend coming here for anyone working in Central. Get to Miracle of Science before noon though
(4)Earl L.
I am always amazed at the connection between a restaurant's identity--its food, atmosphere, people--and its name. When chosen carefully, the name adds an air of elegance to the overall impression of a restaurant. For example, WD~50 derives its name from the initials of its executive chef Wylie Dufresne and the street which it is located on, 50 Clinton Street. At the same time, the name plays on the popular lubricant WD-40, which prevents those pesky doors from squeaking. On the other hand, some names just do not make sense. For example, during my recent trip to Boston, I visited a restaurant called Miracle of Science. There was nothing science-related about my experience there. No fancy molecular gastronomy techniques. No onion ring volcanoes. Just plain, grilled food. Sure, one could argue that science involves all aspects of cooking--because it does, but the founders of Miracle of Science could have done better in choosing a name that shares synergy with the restaurant's overall identity. To be fair, the restaurant serves good food that neither amazes nor underwhelms, and its menu is periodic table-themed, but that is as far as the intellect goes at Miracle of Science. I ordered a Ronie burger and my friend Handson ordered the chicken sandwich. While I did not get to taste the chicken sandwich, Handson said that the chicken sandwich was great. The Ronie burger was good. It was not too salty, not too oily, and had subtle tinge of spiciness added throughout. The buns were definitely a highlight of the burger; they were soft and light on the inside but carried a paper-thin, crisp shell on the outside. Vegetables such as lettuce and tomato in the burger were fresh, and the meat was not dry. Instead of fries, the grilled sandwich plates come with potato chunks which are surprisingly tasty. They are burnt till a nice, dark shell coats a large portion of the outside, so the entire pieces of potato crumbled well in my mouth. Nutritionally speaking, I would not recommend Miracle of Science if you are on a diet. The oil overpowers any health benefits of fresh vegetables, and the buns are not made of whole-wheat flour. If you like this, read more of my food writing at toastable.com !
(3)Nikki B.
I really think that if you live in or around Boston you have to hit up Miracle of Science at least once. I freaking adore the enormous Periodic Table menu they have- conveniently located on a chalkboard wall! The atmosphere is really casual, the service is good, the crowd is laid back, the drink selection (and price) is reasonable and the food is solid. There's no reason to NOT eat here, at least once!
(4)Dee P.
No written menus or drink lists. What about those of us with less-than-perfect vision? Oh well, if you can't see, make a friend read the meager menu to you. No french fries for the burgers. A tiny stick of chicken costs about $10 (god help you if you want a real meal!). Nothing tastes BAD but it's ridiculously overpriced and the atmosphere is not at all worth it. Three doors down is Middlesex-- I think it's even owned by the same people-- where you can get a much better meal for half the price.
(2)Grace S.
I used to come here all the time. Love the Jalepeno burger and the Chili. Portions are pretty sizeable and there is always someone at the bar drinking at all hours of the day. I've only been here for brunch/lunch so not sure what the dinner scene is like. I'm guessing a lot more rowdy.
(3)Claudia H.
I am a girl and being so, I suffer from the delusion that I am one for healthy eating. Sometimes, I order (very tasty) 3-bean chili and only watch while my ogre of a husband ends his twenties snarfing burgers with seeming disregard for the consequences. But on the rare occasion, I take a bite of said burger and am so moved by the combination of well-seasoned, juicy beef in a perfectly crisped Kaiser roll that I am momentarily cured of my delusion and so out-snarf the boy that he needs to either order a second burger or make-due with whatever legume concoction I initially picked out. Perhaps you could call that a miracle? While the Miracle of Science does have an interesting looking menu (laid out on the periodic table), why would you ever order anything but one of those amazing hamburgers with its delicious chunky side of home-fries? They also have what seems to be a great selection of beers (I think they are much more well known for this than for their food), but I cannot comment as I'm no beer lover. In the warm weather the big windows in the restaurant open up and you can sit facing out onto the summer street scene enjoying a leisurely drink or a meal with friends. It's one of the most relaxing places I've found in Boston :-)
(4)Aaron G.
People love this place. Everyone that I work with wants to come here for lunch, but I've been disappointed every time by the food quality at this price point. The beer selection is usually good, though. I think that MoS is a good place to come if you have one small table's worth of people, aren't going to eat more than an app or two, and don't expect too much in the way of service or panache. As other reviewers have stated, the food quality does fluctuate wildly.
(2)Danielle H.
Yes, the periodic table menu is very cool, and it has a happening nighttime bar scene. But this review will be about their brunch, because it is our go-to place for a reliable and delicious meal. There is always ample seating, which is nice on a Sunday morning when you're super hungry and trying to nurse a hangover. We've tried pretty much every item on the brunch menu but the favorites are the Brazilian steak & eggs and Sourdough French Toast. A side order of the jalapeno chicken sausage is also a must! Also there is usually plenty of parking on Mass Ave which is a plus.
(4)H T.
-.. .- - .- -... .-.. . / --. . . -.- ... / .- -. -.. / .-.. .- - . / -. .. --. .... - / -.-. .-. -.-- .--. - --- -....- -. . .-. -.. ... / -.-. .- -. / -... . / ..-. --- ..- -. -.. / .... . .-. . .-.-.- / / ..-. .-. . . / .-- .. ..-. .. .-.-.- So what MI
(4)Brittney S.
Went for birthday festivities with some of my husband's classmates. I was starving, had a cheeseburger. Ordered medium, got well done inside and charcoal outside. The burnt taste distracted from the rest of the otherwise delicious burger. The side potatoes were a-w-e-s-o-m-e. Ambiance was fun, it was overall a good night.
(3)Eric M.
This bar sort of tries. They have a periodic table for a menu (but the food is expensive), some chalk board tables (they will give you chalk upon request) and an MIT based location. But they could play up the science thing way more... three fellow biologists and I came up with 10 to 15 science things they could try, equations on the wall, portraits of scientists, pi as a continuous border along the top of the wall, test tube shots, or beers in a beaker, gastronomy based food... and so on. The staff also sort of tries, most don't know a lot about beer, bring it slowly, ask if you need another intermittently... and so on. An OK place to meet people as everyone knows where it is, but always a mediocre place once you get there.
(2)Sara H.
Alright, settle down fellow geeks and nerds. This isn't a theme bar. Honestly, when was the last time you patronized a theme bar? This is an establishment that offers food and drinks. Are we clear on that? Good. Personally I love this place. I generally come for the brunch which, while limited, never fails to please. I've been around during nighttime hours and it's been a-ok as well. I had ONE instance when service was a bit slow, but considering how many times I've been, it's pretty inconsequential. I highly recommend Miracle of Science for a good sit down, chill out, kind of bar. If you can't get a table/bar space right away, wait it out...or don't. Up to you. I still think of this place as one of my favorite Central Square go-to destinations.
(4)Lakshmi R.
This is a really nice bar/eatery. Good drink selection, surprisingly well priced considering the location...and a periodic table on the wall with elements such as Hb (Hamburger) and Cb (Cheeseburger). Service can be slow and it does get busy, but this is definitely a great place to relax.
(4)Sara R.
The only thing remotely nerdy about Miracle of Science, besides the name is the Periodic Table they use for the menu. It doesn't take a geek to read the menu, and nothing on there is in any way scientific. It's a very small pub, with mediocre pub food.
(3)Mark W.
This place is lacking in the cleanliness department. Raw meat handled with cooked! Back door wide open flies yum
(1)John S.
I'm treading familiar ground, to be sure, but I still must say a little something about the Miracle of Science. I've been in there for drinks a couple of times, but never for food. That changed this weekend, when a friend of mine stopped by for lunch. I opted for a well-dressed grilled chicken salad and a beef teriyaki skewer. Both were delicious and priced well for what they were. The beef came with a tortilla and sauteed onions, while the salad had a lime vinegarette that was tangy and delicious. The service was good, as evidenced by my perpetually full water glass, and the location is great - just east of Central Square. Definitely worth a stop.
(4)Jim S.
Really liked this place. The periodic table menu was really qute, especially if you like science. Really good menu and food. Liked the atmosphere and didn't feel rushed.
(4)Angela J.
Rather unpleasant experience visiting the Miracle of Science for many reasons. First off, the reason my best friend and I visited was because, like many other patrons, she's 1. A science geek and 2. It was her birthday. It was just us, so a beer and a burger at a seemingly cool joint sounded like a good idea. Yeah, no. First off, the menu. Yeah, the periodic table is a cute idea. What's not so cute is sitting on the opposite side, so you have to squint or get up and stand over someone's table (which is awkward). And then when I inquired about a drink menu, "Nope." was the response. They should really invest in both a drink and food menu. MoS should invest in a host as well because when we walked in, we weren't sure if we were supposed to grab a a seat or wait. I made eye contact with both the bartender and this random woman who actually happened to be the waitress. I don't care if the owner wants to keep the place casual and homey, but there should still be a way for new customers to identify staff. They should also have more than one waitress in the evenings. Now, onto food. We both had the Ronnie Burger, and while I applaud MoS for actually having a spicy burger (We have very high spice tolerences and are often disappointes by spicy menus from other restaurants), that was all it had going for it. All heat and no seasoning does not a good burger make. I have never had the displeasure of biting into a burger so bland, and I eat fast food. The pepper jack cheese might as well never even existed because I couldn't taste it. Not even my adding salt, pepper, ketchup, and extra jalepeno sauce could have saved that bland mess. The best part of the burger was the cibatta bread, which says a lot. The home fries were pretty good after a sprinkling of salt, but that tomato chutney? Gross. Personally, I do not like sweet and salty mixed together, especially sweet sauces and jams. Jams and sauces really belong on the side of the plate because they can either ruin the experience for the diner or do the opposite. My best friend thought it was alright tasting, but she, too, would have preferred the meal without it. Back to staff: Our waitress was useless and I only tipped her because I know servers have shit wages. Looking back, I should have listened to my friend and not given her a dime. She barely paid attention to us. We watched her laugh and drink with other patrons and even participate in a birthday shot with some guy who was celebrating his birthday. Would have been nice for my friend to have gotten that same treatment. When I asked about what ciders they had, she just said one brand and didn't offer anything else. And later on when my friend wanted to ask about drinks, we couldn't flag her down. By this point we're both over MoS, give us our check, and let's go home. Tl;dr: Food sucked, service sucked, and this place is not worthy of it's name. Neither of us will voluntarily return.
(1)Bill C.
I'm a fan of this place. Cute idea, with the whole periodic table and lab table theme. But this place has some solid food and a decent beer selections. What really sets MOS apart from other spots in Central is their brunch. Though I've never been thoroughly impressed by their steak and eggs, and the breakfast burrito my girlfriend ordered had a few beans that were undercooked, you can't beat entree, coffee, and fresh OJ for $13. For both of us. That's crackhouse prices right there, and it will keep me coming back. Don't get me wrong, there are major highlights on the menu. Anytime I'm in there for lunch or dinner, I'll get the Roni burger. And their homefries, which come with both breakfast and dinner foods, are amazing.
(3)Jeremy K.
The Miracle of Science is a very unique place. They have a great, full bar and their menu is something like I've never seen; it is written in a chemistry table of elements. Very original and I digg that, really. Their food is pretty good and the prices are good as well. Their coffee is very good and so is their selection of breakfast foods. Their staff is also very nice and they serve quickly. The atmosphere there is very laid back and that's also another cool thing although the size of the place makes it very difficult to get a table sometimes and it does tend to also get pretty loud in there when its packed.... They are clean though, very clean. Great place! Go check it out for yourself.
(4)Michelle C.
I must admit, I am addicted to the Miracle of Science atmosphere. It's a great place to start off the night with good (sometimes out-of-context) music and cheap (GOOD!) beers. I love the whole industrial-feeling setup and the snazzy outfits the servers are wearing on occasion. It's also a nice proximity if you feel like going to other Central bars after ... if that's your style. It's not mine, so I drink a beer, eat a properly cooked mid-rare burger and take the 1 Bus back to Hynes. Because I'm too old and not washed up enough to spend Saturdays in CS.
(5)Josephine L.
Chemistry was the only science I was ever good at (moles! inorganic nomenclature! equations!) so Miracle's periodic table of food totally tickles the science geek within. Their potatoes+tomatoes dish is unbelievably delicious and the burgers are decent. Beer selection is good, I'm told, though I don't really drink beer, but I got a Black Russian that was a tad too watery for me. So no go on the cocktails. But yes to the nerdiness.
(4)alejandro p.
From the outside this seems like a cool place. I like the vibe, the design, the fact that it's a bar and cafe/eatery. (Cafe disclaimer--they use Illy coffee. But have free refills.) Servers on my visit were chill, and welcoming too. But the food was just ok. My sourdough French toast with a grilled banana came with HALF a grilled banana and two THIN slices of ok bread. My dining companion had a breakfast wrap/burrito which was tasty, but tiny as well. I think both of us were disappointed in the place more than either of us wanted to be since it was such a cool place. For the price you're much better off going to Flour across the street and a few blocks down the road.
(2)Susan D.
I'm on a Cambridge kick lately, so I had to make my nerdy way to this hip bar. We grabbed a seat at the bar and in no time the place is packed and seats are scarce. The bartenders are on top of their game almost like there isn't anything better to do than to refill your drink, swipe your card, grab an order with such each aplomb. cool easy vibe plus a nice mix of young adults and middle age people. Plus the long line for Middlesex lounge outside gives this place an even cooler hipster vibe!
(3)Rachel K.
Walking along Mass Ave, I came across this unique looking bar/grill and decided to pop in, and yes, I am glad that i did. There is a very friendly, Irish pub type vibe to this little venue, which immediately drew me in. It's not overly crowded, and everyone here seems to know everyone else (Think: Cheers gone Harvard/MIT). The waiters seem to be pretty friendly, although not too talkative but apparently that's what much of the crowd from Cambridge is like. My favorite part about Miracle of Science is their menu, which is posted on a giant blackboard in the form of the Periodic Table of Elements. For example, they serve things like C1 (Chicken Skewer with peanut satay), Vb (The Veggie Burger served with pepperjack cheese and jalepeno aioli) and Tc (Turkey Chipotle Chili). Today, I ordered the S1 (Shrimp skewer with pineapple salsa) and was very pleased with my decision! The shrimp had the perfect blend of spice, which balanced out the sweet pineapple salsa wonderfully. It was served with a tortilla and onions on the side, simple yet fit the purpose. All in all, I'd definitely recommend this place to hang out with friends for a few drinks or just dare to come alone (like me!) It seems like the bar definitely gets hoppin' come nighttime so it could be a great place to check out on the weekend nights as well! Enjoy, and check out my blog at healthblurbs.blogspot.com for more ideas on eating and living a healthy lifestyle!
(4)Bob S.
Cool atmosphere, but is always crazy busy and as a weird seating arrangement. The food is usually very good, but I have had a couple of overcooked burgers. When they cook the burgers right though, they are awesome. The skewers are bomb and so is the chicken salad with lime and cilantro. Fairly quick service and an all around good place to eat.
(4)Estaban M.
I go back here every time I am in town for the last ten years since I lived down the street. It is still one of my favorite bars anywhere. It has dive bar relaxed atmosphere and value mixed with the design and menu of a trendy gentrified establishment. The miracle is a central square treasure. Nate Brown eats babies.
(5)Katie G.
I am a nerd. I admit it. I went to MIT; it's part of the job description. Every MIT kid has been here and almost every MIT kid loves it. If you're going on a Thursday-Saturday evening, you will have to wait forever to get in. However, during the week early evening, no problem. The menu is definitely the best part of the atmosphere of this place. Yay periodic table of foodiments! Not sure what I'm talking about? Take a look at the back wall- it's a periodic table! Food and drinks are casual- your regular bar fare. It's cheap, so don't complain! I've been out of Cambridge a couple of years, but I gotta get back to this place! Burgers and skewers are good. Can't complain. Good drink selection. It gets very crowded and people will definitely be vying for your seat as they see you finishing your meal. Beware!
(4)Julianne S.
Love the concept - the menu is a periodic table - the tables are geometric shapes. However, there is something missing. It wasn't very busy on a Friday, and it just didn't grab my attention. The food was ok, but its not really a restaurant, its more of a "Mike missed dinner so he'll eat a sandwich while we grab drinks" kinda place.
(3)Lisa C.
I'd probably give the miracle of science a 3.5, but I'll round up since I had a good experience. The beer was delicious and was average price and the selection wasn't bad. I liked the atmosphere of the place and loved that it was well-inhabited on a Tuesday night. We got chips and guac to start which was good because both the chips and guac were fresh. We all ordered burgers for dinner which were pretty burgers. Not too big and cooked exactly to medium and medium rare as we ordered. They came on delicious rolls instead of typical hamburger buns and were served with roasted potatoes that were well seasoned. We also got the dessert brownie that was warm and delicious. Service was good and overall experience was pretty good, too. I definitely want to come back here, but would come early to make sure we get a table.
(4)Ethan S.
Great food for a bar. Worth going there just for something to eat. Nice cozy atmosphere, not terribly hard to hold a conversation. Cute theme, with periodic chart-esque menu. Nicely located for MIT crowd. Mostly people comment positively on the food...
(3)Ted W.
This place didn't really do it for me. We ordered the spicy burger medium rare and it came out medium well. I didn't particularly care for the seasoning either. The server wasn't very pleasant and the beer wasn't cold enough. All the tools are in place for it to be truly great but it didn't quite get there for me.
(3)Kristen G.
Cute place, very Cambridge college-ish. I went with a few girlfriends before seeing a band play at the Middle East. Service was good. We got guac and chips to start, holy cilantro batman! I may be in the minority here, but I literally hate cilantro, it ruins every meal it touches. We were trying not to gorge ourselves on burgers but based on the other reviews, it seems like that is what this place is famous for. We got the steak kabob with rice and again loaded with cilantro, thank goodness for the plain tortilla chips!
(2)Nadia A.
This place is horrific. Terrible service and third-rate food. The only thing that makes the atmosphere fun is the liveliness of the college students there. My waitress was rude and in a bad mood. Maybe she is sick of serving brainiac MIT students, or maybe she wasn't help as a baby. Either way, I'm not responsible. It's a Miracle of I ever come back.
(1)Dessa R.
Miracle of Science, I don't understand why people love you so. Yeah, you're cute in your own way. Your periodic table menu is cool, kinda different. But when it comes down to it, your menu is limited and your food is just adequate. You're small and crowded, and since I don't like beer, you just don't have that much to offer me. The MIT folks may think you're fly, but I don't roll with that crowd. I'm sorry, Miracle of Science, but I won't go out with you. ~Dessa
(3)Angeline P.
I like this bar. It's a decent beer selection with a huge periodic table with all of their offerings on a chalkboard. It was crowded on a Saturday night, and I was definitely always in the way, having to move around and accommodate people passing, and giving up seats for people ordering food. Like most bars that serve food, if you're just ordering drinks, you shouldn't expect to get a seat. But I like the atmosphere, and I had a good time here. I wouldn't mind coming back.
(4)Huan z.
Agree with Doris and Roni that we need a menu. It's hard to read their handwriting on that black wall. I don't eat red meat but my friend who came with me think their Jalapeño Berger is the best in town. My chicken wrap was decent. Not so delicious but not bad at all. Talked to the owner of the barbershop shop which is next door. He is Greek. He goes to eat there a lot. I guess it get some fans around.
(3)Alana H.
My co-workers took me here on my first day of work. While I really loved the idea that the menu is made to look like a periodic table, it was kind of hard to read at the table we were at (and I wear contact lenses). I guess I could have gotten up and looked at up closer but it was lunch and I worried that I would have been in the way of someone else reading it. I ordered the Chicken Quesadilla and our table got an order of chips and guacamole. The guac was tasty and I used it to eat my quesadilla. The quesadilla was huge and definitely more than enough for lunch. I would have liked for there to be more chicken as most of it was tortilla. It gets pretty busy at lunchtime, but it was a fitting place for my first day working at MIT.
(3)Kristine A.
Well this place really doesn't have much of a vegetarian option when it comes to food so look elsewhere if that's what you're in the mood for. If drinking is your thing then yes this is a place for that.
(3)Maria B.
This place is really great. I had a veggie burger and it was beyond delicious, I'm craving one right now. They serve them with fried potatoes that are also fantastic. Decor goes along with the theme of the place which I'm sure you can guess by the title. I was marveling at the stools that are exactly like the stools in high school Chem..
(4)Michael P.
Been here plenty of times drunk, but this is the first time I've tried their food! I wasn't all that hungry so I ordered 1 Beef skewer ($6.50) cooked medium rare. It came with 4 pieces of beef on a skewer served on top of a warm tortilla, apricot chutney, and lettuce/onion garnish. The apricot chutney was delightfully sweet and when paired with the savory beef, tasted pretty darn well! Who would've thunk? Price is definitely steep for what it is, so I won't be getting it again, but I have been left with new inspiration for preparing/cooking beef =) My friend ordered the chicken sandwich ($9) with spicy habaneros mango mustard with potato sides. The mustard reminded me more of a spicy curry/coriander paste for some reason. It's a pretty good sandwich, but pricey as well. I'd rather go to Bartley's in Harvard square for a real burger. Ambiance/vibe? Reaffirmed my opinions. Miracle of Science is def a place to hit up for a drink, not so much of a place to enjoy a sit-down meal. Bottoms up!
(3)S W.
This is really a 4.5 star review. This place kept me sane and fed during senior year recruiting. Lets start with the basics: DRINKS: 1) they offer Pimms (in a pint glass) with a slice of cucumber or lemon/lime for $6, with sprite or gingerale. I admit that this fact alone biases most of my review, but I am not ashamed because this offering is a damned good and delicious deal. I've yet to drink at another place that can even begin to compete with this in Boston, New York, Copenhagen, or Seattle. 2) AMPLE SELECTION of WHISKEY, VODKA, RUM, and TEQUILA spanning all price ranges. You'll be hard pressed to find another bar in Central Square that can rvial this selection, save for maybe (MAYBE) the Asgard? But, then again, it's the Asgard! Also, 4 or 5 beers on tap and at least 10 additional types in bottles. FOOD: Great Burgers (Chicken and Beef). Probably not the best in Boston, but these definitely won't disappoint. Hearty serving size, great bread for the bun and I've always had reasonably "fresh" greenery and tomatoes on my burgers. They also offer quesadillas, kebabs, and some desserts (brownies, I think?). The wait that accompanies an order for food is usually pretty reasonable (15 to 20 minutes if theres a huge influx of orders). ATMOSPHERE/ENVIRONMENT: nerd chic decor. Depending on time of day, the crowd oscillates from MIT employees, staff and students to hip young urban professionals in need of a drink and some food after a long day. The space is on par with other larger bars in Central Square but take note that this place fills up fast on weekend evenings. Also, the layout is not the most condusive to efficient seating. If its busy, you'll most likely be stuck sharing a table or standing room only (Hence the 4.5 star rating).
(5)Oggie B.
Fun concept with the lab chairs and the periodic table menu, befitting their nerdy environs, and the food is quite basic, simple and tasty, but the fact that they refuse to take your name for a table, telling you to your face that you need to instead hover over seated diners and compete with others for a table once it opens up, is absolutely ridiculous. Last Friday night, I witnessed a fight almost break out between two parties over a table! ...to eat burgers! C'mon--I know that MOS is hot sh*t, but put a little effort into to and make the dining experience for us, your customers, a bit more relaxing. So take my goddamn name next time I walk into the door and give me an approximate wait time, like every other restaurant in this town. Otherwise, I won't come near this place between Thurs and Sat. After about an hour of randomly scoping out tables hoping to be closer to it than someone else in hopes that I can snag it first when it finally opened up, I gave up and went across the street to the Asgard. It was a less satisfying meal from a culinary standpoint, but I was treated like they actually cared about my business--God bless the Irish!
(2)Barbara N.
Decent burgers...decent beer. Good time with friends. Nothing that memorable or mind-blowing.
(3)Jeff D.
Very interesting building, it looks like it used to be a garage of some sort. I had the Ronie Burger (which has jalapenos mixed in with the meat) and it was very good. I particularly liked the roasted potatoes that came with it instead of fries. Beers were $4.00, which is pretty decent for Cambridge. Service was a little lax and we generally had to flag our waiter down for drinks, but once we did they always came promptly. I'll definitely be back.
(4)Derek A.
Went there because we had spent the day at the Museum of Science and thought it would be a fitting place for dinner. Unfortunately, the whole experience was OK. Not bad, but certainly not great. The burgers weren't bad, but certainly weren't anything special. A little greasy, actually. The homefries-style potatoes were a little under-seasoned I thought and left me unimpressed, especially with the weird spicy red stuff underneath. Most disappointing though was how the theme was so weakly executed. One review I read elsewhere talked about drinks and condiments served in beakers and test tubes with a menu that looks like the table of elements. We got bottles of ketchup, regular pint glasses and a hard-to-read chalkboard. Not a bad place to eat and a good value, but not the cool theme that we were hoping for.
(3)Bret C.
Totally unique. And it has almost nothing to do with science. You walk in at Miracle of Science and there's no hostess. You just sit wherever you want and check out the periodic table of....FOOD? How cool is that?! No menus distributed. Very limited menu - I wish they had a few more things - but what they do is very good. Several entrees come with roasted potatoes rather than fries. They are awesome. Prices are all reasonable and food arrives fasssst! Easy to do a quick lunch, even midweek. MoS is good for a drink and/or food and overall a cool place to hang out. It's casual. Perfect restaurant for this area.
(4)Ina C.
We stopped by for breakfast at 9am on a Sunday and was pleased to see that it was open. The place definitely has a unique look - tables that remind of you science class in high school and the famous periodic table menu on the wall - but it was COLD! I was wearing three layers of clothes, but I still had to keep my down jacket on to maintain homeostasis. A guy who looked like he'd had a hard night brought us some breakfast menus and drinks. We were pleased with the prices (everything is under $10!), but that pleasure was zapped when we realized we'd been waiting 15 minutes to place our order. Maybe it's because there's literally one cook with one stove. I can't imagine how slow the service could be if this place was more full. Our sourdough French toast, omelet and breakfast wrap came out pretty quickly after that (there were only two other groups there). Food was yummy. The French toast came with a grilled half-banana which was divine! The omelet was tasty, though one of the requested toppings was missing, and the breakfast wrap was hearty and delicious, especially with that meaty chicken sausage. The bill for the three of us came out to less than $20, which was great. The experience overall - including the service and the temperature of the place! - wasn't so hot. I don't regret going because 1) we had the time to kill and 2) not too much money to waste, 3) we left with happy bellies and taste buds. Three stars.
(3)Jess W.
My goodness, it seems like I'm the only person that isn't a giant fan of the periodic table menu. I love kitsch, don't get me wrong, but having it only posted on the wall (where about half of the tables have to do some necrobatics [neck acrobatics, not corpse floor exercises] in order to read it) seems unnecessary. Totally wasn't just me, too, I saw plenty of other people craning around. It's not THAT uncool to have some menus around for us slow deciders. That said, I've eaten here twice and both the veggie burger and hummus plate were tasty enough. Uh, miraculous?
(4)Joshua L.
Food deserves three or four, but service is downright terrible. Was there on a Sunday afternoon, not busy at all. Three people. Asked if we could push two tables together. "No, only one table per group." Okay, we'll squeeze around this two-person table. Menus dropped, orders taken, drinks brought. Beers were good, soda flat. Mentioned the flat sodas to our server. She said, "I can SEE the bubbles in it." Yeah okay, it was sugar water. "Have a taste if you'd like, it's completely flat." She rolls her eyes. "I don't know how to adjust it, so that's what you're gonna get if I bring it back." The rest of the meal was similar. Every time we asked for something, even to order an extra dish, we were met with a sneer and a sigh. Good food, nice small place with a good feel, completely ruined by bad service.
(1)Rob C.
I was a little bit ambivalent about Miracle of Science until someone at a table next to me, whipped out a laptop and started screwing around on something with her friends. It's not that that's an unusual thing, necessarily, more that it seemed a perfectly reasonable thing to do, in a bar, no less, rather than the mark of a stressed-out student or hyperproductive businessperson. So for all the lip service to nerdery with the decor (the lab tables are pretty sweet, but the stools are authentically sucky), that impressed me more. The wait staff is also very friendly, and perhaps more importantly also seemed like they'd hang out there if they didn't work there. i guess that what i'm trying to say, is that they seem to have tried hard to achieve a kind of geek chic, but succeeded anyway. Oh, and the beer's reasonably priced, the Guinness a mediocre pour.
(4)Kim K.
Awesome neighborhood place with a great vibe, good menu, and decent bottled beers. Sometimes it gets a bit crowded on the weekends, but for weeknights you can't beat the ronnie burger and chips and salsa. We also really like the skewers - they dress them with a tasty peanut satay and pickled onions. Pickled anything is delicious, and they certainly do this right. As a plus, you can walk over to Tosco's for ice cream afterward if your favorite flavor isn't on the MOS menu.
(4)Vina A.
Great beers on tap that pair nicely with a near perfect burger for a mid afternoon meal and chat with an old friend in a cozy clean and friendly bar. Yum yum.
(4)Cece K.
Great spot to grab a quick lunch or dinner. I had the grilled chicken sandwich with habanero mango mustard. It was great. Also served with really good seasoned potatoes instead of fries. Food and service was quick, but quality was definitely not compromised. Meals ranged from about $9-$15. Would definitely go back.
(4)N J.
The mojitos were minty and sweet. Good burgers and skewers. We went early while the sun was still out so it wasn't too busy. The second time around, the bar had a too-serious-for-Halloween sort of crowd. Walking in dressed as the Golden Girls was probably not a good idea.
(4)Mags R.
I'm giving this place 3 stars, but is really like 2 1/2, I left w/ mixed feelings... Like The "periodic table menu" was impressive, but that's all? That's what gives the place it's name... IDk I think in order to live up to the "Miracle of Science" I need to at least see the bartenders in googles, Open cooking so I can see some flames... maybe is the kid in me... Now, to the food... portions were sooooooo small! Come on! I can't complain about my burger, but my friend got like 2 shrimps on a stick and some sad side salad... come on! Taste was damn good! I would def try it again as it was affordable and drinks were on point... but are they living up to their name... no. To my opinion.
(3)Neil Z.
It's a simple, cruel fact: the closer you get to MIT, the less there is to eat, drink, or do. The Miracle stands out as the first outpost of civilization north of campus on Mass Ave. It's tiny and crowded; forget about getting a table after 8 on a weekend. If it's noisy it's just from all the people; the TV and music are reined in. The laboratory theme doesn't extend past the stools and the menu. I think they only have four taps, but they usually have Victory Hopdevil so I can't complain. The cocktails are workmanlike and standard, but that's pretty high praise when you consider the sugary, watered-down swill you get at a lot of local bars. The food's pretty good. The only place you're going to find a burger and home fries for less than $9 in Cambridge is Wendy's, and you'll find way fewer drug addicts at the MIracle. The size of the place would knock off a star or two in a neighborhood with more options, but after a long weekday toiling in an MIT lab, the Miracle is a great place for a nightcap or three on the way home.
(4)Kimble M.
What kind of a geek doesn't love a good parody of the periodic table? Or feel comfortable perched on a lab stool in front of a standard lab counter? Miracle is a fun, geeky little bar, just far enough from MIT to count as "getting off campus", but close enough that you won't freeze to death getting there. The drinks are boozy enough, the food quite addictive, and the crowd generally a pretty good mix of students who would never be seen dancing at Middlesex next door. It can get pretty crowded on a Saturday night, so getting there early and camping out a table as friends come and go isn't a bad move. If only the business students would leave the geek bar to the geeks, we'd have a 5-star winner.
(4)Anne W.
This place was packed when I went in the middle of the week... but I remember it was the last time I went. I do feel like this is a college bar... when I say college.. I would say MIT. And so the people are not really eye candy. The place is probably named after science because the bar is made out of those science lab bench tables. I didn't really like my drink there although it was REALLY strong. I got an old fashioned which is supposed to be strong.. but she just put only Maker's Mark and no splash of soda. They also have some beers... all in bottles and only three or four on tap. Didn't try the food... so can't make a comment on that. I don't know if it's a must go place but it is close to the students... so if you're a student, you should go!
(2)Jeffrey H.
I don't see the miracle here... I was really excited to try out Miracle after all I read on yelp and from friends - but in the end I was left disappointed. The burger I ordered was nothing more than average - although it was kinda fun to order off of a periodic table since I can master food, but not chemistry. The beer was good - but it's kinda hard to mess that up. The service was decent - she got the job done. The atmosphere was kind of loud and it was really crowded - I felt like I had to crawl over people just to get into my chair or head to the bathroom...which is dangerous for a person like me who would rather risk kidney failure than bump into a stranger with a full bladder...I'm like an old, leaky lady ;( Three stars for a good bar and decent food - I'd go again with good company - but I can say that for a lot of places.
(3)Julia M.
Another one of the quintessential bar spots in Cambridge near MIT. It screams "nerdy" with its periodic table theme menu. Its totally worth checking out simply to say you've been there. But besides the check-the-box factor for Bostontonians, there's not much else to say. My friend Tom would probably not go there because he's not a nerd. Heaven for hipsters.
(3)Derek B.
Unique and Interesting place for drinks & burgers. If you're gonna clog your arteries, you might as well do it with the Ronie Burger. And, to really get the most out of your heart attack, throw in an order of the delicious fries. This place is definitely a favorite among the MIT & Harvard crowd, perhaps due to the nerdy themes, it redefines hi-tech chic. Food came out pretty fast, but that was probably helped by the fact the menu does not have too many items to select from.
(4)Logan J.
i wanted this place to be more fun than it was. i had heard that it was a really cool place and that the menu was designed like the periodic table. the menu was designed like the periodic table, but other than that, it didnt seem like anything special to me. the drinks and food are both really average here and not a place that i usually suggest if people want to go to a bar in the central area.
(3)Ravi P.
This place is alright for its great location and pretty convenient for MITers who don't want to venture much farther into Central Square. Still, much of the food is hugely overpriced (except for the great great burger and the brunch offerings which are both worth the cost) but very delicious. My big complaint though is that at peak hours, it's small, cramped, and noisy. This is a terrific place to go if you have a large group of people that can just dominate an area of the bar, and also a great place to go for brunch - but don't come here with one or two friends at 11pm at night. It might be overwhelming. Still, I think Miracle has kind of a cool, edgy feel to it with a garage door as a window; a subwoofer that is suspended by chains from the ceiling; and a periodic table for a menu. When it's not super packed, it's actually kind of nice and relaxing, so I recommend coming here for an afternoon burger and drink or for Sunday brunch. But as a late night bar, not the best place in Cambridge.
(3)Slugs A.
Been meaning to write this update for awhile now. Ended up there a few months ago before a friend's band played a gig across the street and the food was still as good as I remembered from a year ago. Had the chicken sandwich again. That spicy mayo they use is still pretty killer. Gotta love those home fries as well.
(4)reese w.
I like Miracle, and not just because my friend works there. It's all cool here, but sometimes it gets super crowded and I feel like killing everyone in the immediate vicinity. I guess it's better during brunch or breakfast during the weekends. They don't serve alcoholic drinks until 8am, but I guess that's okay since I don't get up early anyway. Wait, what am I talking about. I live in California. I just come visit Boston every so often now that we moved away. BOO... I hate having moved away! Anyway, give the short asian chick a big tip because she rocks it. She totally does. In fact, she rocks it so hard, you're jealous even though you don't even know her!!
(4)Jake L.
Loved the B_2 (beef skewers) and Mb (burgers with jalapeño).
(5)Lauren G.
If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. I'm kind of hesitant to let you all in on this, because sometimes I consider Miracle of Science to be my little secret, but this place is just the best. The food is simple, but good (I usually go with the grilled chicken sandwich, and the home fries are really flavorful), but I don't really go here for the food. It's hard for me to articulate why I love this place so much ... it could be the other people in the restaurant - casual, low key, seems like they all have a good time ... it could be the beer selection - which is pretty good for such a small place ... or it could be the periodic table as menu - perfect for a science nerd like me. Whatever it is, this place shouldn't stay under the radar for too much longer.
(5)Greg L.
I am not really sure what the hype is over this place, maybe its because of the location and good atmosphere. The food, service, and prices are a different story. Me and my party were able to find a table in the back corner where we could not see the menu (which is a pretty cool twist to see it laid out on a huge chalkboard). The only problem is when I asked our waitress to see some menus, she told me "look at the chalkboard" and walked away. I understand the concept with the menu, but if you can not see it, then you should have a few menus to give to the outside tables. All of us were inconvenienced and had to get up walk to the menu, sit back down, wait for our waitress, then order. The food was nothing special. I ordered the beef skewers which were cooked to my liking. They give you these enormous tortillas so you can add some sweet chutney, beans, cilantro, and onions. It was a bit messy since the plate was very small and I had no room to build a solid burrito. No complaints with my meal but it was not worth $12. My fiance's meal was very disappointing. She ordered a veggie burger and she got a frozen Boka burger. I really dislike places that do not take the time to make a good veggie burger. Vegetarians: Beware. I will go back to socialize and have some drinks, but I will not eat here again. In my opinion this pub food is overpriced.
(2)Sarah D.
Edit 12/21/2009--------------------------- I went back here on a Monday night recently and it wasn't too crowded. The bartenders were nice and the service was pretty quick. I tried the much-ballyhooed cheeseburger and i thought it was pretty good but not best burger ever as some have claimed. Definitely a decent burger though, and i was a big fan of the homefries on the side. My date had some kind of chicken sandwich that came with an awesome habanero mustard sauce. This place is definitely better when it's not as crowded, you get a great view of the foot-traffic along mass ave and you can sit and enjoy a decent (and inexpensive) meal. Also, i feel i should note that while i was waiting for my date an older gentleman approached me and informed me that Miracle of Science is the best bar in the world. I don't think i'd go that far, but i will definitely be back some monday in the future. ---- I have been here a couple times and had a decent time. Fairly standard beer selection. I haven't tried the food. Every time i've been here it's been on a friday night, so the place has been way too crowded. It's a pretty small room, and they don't seem to worry about exceeding capacity. That turns me off, i like a place to be busy, but honestly you can't move in here sometimes. That's true of a lot of places on the weekends, but that's also why i avoid a lot of places on the weekends. A lot of people love this place, and I haven't tried the food, so I am willing to admit that this is an incomplete review. I'd like to try to get in here for lunch some afternoon to see what the place is liked when folk aren't packed in like sardines. If i had time to get to know and love the place when there's room to breathe I might just change my tune.
(4)Matthias T.
These are the best hamburgers I have ever had in my life. The Roni Burger (which has hot peppers in the burger meat, and a slice of melted pepper jack on top), might be the best signature burger on the planet. I've had a lot of burgers in my life, but none that made me leap out of my seat, bellowing with joy that God should put me and this burger here on the planet at the same time and in such deliriously awesomely close proximity to one another while I am still yet able to chew my own food. These burgers didn't do that, but they came the closest. But... that's about all they do really well here. It's a fun place to meet your buds for drinks, but it fills up quickly too. The staff is generally friendly and easy on the eye, though I've occasionally been waited on by someone who made it clear that s/he was NOT interested in playing friendsy for a better tip. As has been pointed out, the menu selection is limited, and you have to be able to read it from a wall where it's written in chalk. For this reason, maybe not the best place to go for a first date, since it can be a little challenging and irritating to work out what's on the menu. Or who knows, maybe you can make it your weird quirky little litmus test. No, really, though, you should try it. Hot greasy meat, and lovely, perfect buns: what's not to love. And yes, that is what she said.
(4)Meghan A.
I went to Miracle after work with my friend who goes there often. Apparently they have great burgers, but I order a chicken sandwich so I have no idea. The sandwich was really good though, and the side of potatoes was awesome. Good beer selection, and a good mojito. Best part? The menu. The menu isn't large at all, but the way it's written is kind of awesome. It's on a huge chalk board and it's written in a Periodic Table of Elements-style. Serious props for that. I'm not a science person at all, but that was really creative. It wasn't really the most exciting place I've ever been to, but I liked it a lot. It's nice to go there with a good group of friends for some bar food and a beverage. I plan on going back pretty soon for a chicken sandwich and potatoes. What little food they have is really yummy.
(3)Gerardo F.
Not a bad place overall. The food and atmosphere are pretty good, but the service tends to be a little slow and bland. The place is kind of small, so it gets really crowded at times.
(3)Krassi G.
Good chill environment with just enough ingredients to make it work really well on a lazy day...
(5)yana v.
I'm not sure what's so miraculous or scientific about this place. It's just a bar with a very limited food selection. Went there with a couple of friends on Saturday. We were totally in the mood for burgers and maybe due to that or to the fact that we were all REALLY hungry, whose burgers didn't seem to bad. Yet reflecting back on the experience, I somehow don't think those patties are fresh made (they looked like the frozen ones you buy in the supper market). And yes the waitress did get confused when one of us asked for a salad and instead that person got the burger with only the salad and no fries/ potatoes. "oh I'm sorry I'll get you some fries"...as our dinner plates are taken away the fries arrive at the table. Over all I can't say that the experience was a bad one, but don't expect any miracle of any kind when you go here. In terms of drinks and the crowd, you get a mixture of people. Some yuppies, some MIT students, some 50 something homeless looking drunks stumbling in from the street taking seats at people table (well more like falling into those seats).. thankfully the staff is attentive enough not to subject their other patrons to such a spectacle for too long. Overall I'd stop by there for a drink again if I'm in the neighborhood, but don't think I'll be coming back for the food.
(3)Shireen T.
Great spot - fun ambiance and the chicken salad is yummy (with a very generous portion of chicken).
(4)Bryan R.
I dig this place. A little cramped inside but nice to grab a few pitchers of good beer and some fresh hot sandwiches in the winter.
(4)Rebecca K.
I'm a grad student. A science grad student. So, when I heard there was a bar that was science themed bar near MIT, I was super stoked. That being said, I was a little disappointed by this place. It was not nearly as dorky as I was thinking (read: hoping) it was going to be. Sure, the menu is in the form a periodic table, but that's really where the science thing ends. Oh well... Aside from the undorkiness, I suppose it was a decent place. Was here on a Saturday at the beginning of the evening to grab a beer before heading to a show across the street. The beer selection was decent, if not fabulous. And the drinks were reasonably priced. However, there wasn't a drink menu or even a written down list of the beers on tap that they could give us, which did make ordering difficult. The crowd seemed alright, too. So, yes, another bar in Central. Not really sure if I'll ever make a point of coming back here. It was nothing outstandingly special. Although, the food did look tasty, so maybe it'd be worth it to try out a burger...
(3)Erin M.
Good, not great. My friend and I walked in on Friday night and were not sure how the table process worked as there were some people scattered around standing and all tables were full. When one became free, we hesitated to grab it in case someone else was waiting but then took it. Eventually a waitress/hostess greeted us but became quickly frustrated with us when we did not immediately want something alcoholic to drink because we wanted to decide on what to eat. Sorry? My sight is terrible so it was hard to read the periodic table menu. It was charming though, just hard to read. We each settled on burgers. They came out fairly quickly and were served with roasted potatoes, which were delicious. The burger that I had was decent but nothing to write home about. The wait staff did not really attend to us much, assuming that we were not going to drink there, but on the plus side my friend and I were able to catch up and enjoy our evening without constantly being interrupted. Overall, Miracle of Science seems like a good place to chill out with a friend or two if you're looking for a leisurely night and to get a few drinks. To just get dinner and have a real meal, I'd probably hit up somewhere else.
(3)Doug W.
While I can't say that I love it as much as I love Audobon, Miracle of Science is a great little spot, thanks to my favorite duo in the Boston/Cambridge restaurant and bar world, Matthew Curtis and Chris Lutes. While somewhat less refined than their other outposts, Miracle of Science still features many of the Curtis/Lutes trademarks- sleek minimalist design, a short, simple menu, prompt service, and delicious, affordable food. My chicken sandwich with habanero mango mustard had just the right amount of kick, the chicken and bun were both grilled just right, and the homefries on the side with spicy homemade ketchup made for a perfect compliment. Paired with a few Shipyard Ales, it made for a very satisfying lunch. If I'm ever in the mood for a pre-Middlesex meal, I will be sure to come back and try their burgers and skewers, both of which looked delicious.
(4)Julie G.
The episode of How I Met Your Mother in which Marshall embarks on a quest to find the hole-in-the-wall burger joint that had the best burger he's ever had only to try a bunch of different places & be pretty disappointed at all of them is similar to my story. My Boston burger mecca has always been Tim's Tavern (RIP), home of the best burgers in & around Boston. Since its closing, I've tried to find a place to replace it. So far, no one has been able to. Miracle of Science was recommended to me as a place that makes a burger that (potentially) rivals Tim's (RIP). So one Friday night, a friend & I decided to see for ourselves. Fabulous space, inside & out. Big windows that open to the street (it's on a corner, so two sides can be almost entirely open), a menu written in a periodic table on the wall (nerdy! yes!), nice lighting, great atmosphere (very open, & very loud). It was crowded when we got there, so grabbing beers & standing around to wait for a table was a little awkward (all the tables & the bar were occupied), but once we sniped a table (downside: you have to totally hover over a group that is getting up to leave if you want to get it, lest someone grab the table out from under your watch - hence the 100% appropriate term 'snipe'.) If you want to sit down anywhere, be prepared to wait. The place seems to cater more to the folks who want to have a few drinks, which would have been fabulous had we not been waiting to eat, too. Got a burger along with chicken & veggie kebabs. The burger, unfortunately - while good in its own right - could hold no candle to Tim's. But it was a satisfying "neighborhood burger," flavorful & cooked well. The kebabs were delicious. I wouldn't recommend this place for a legit dinner, but I think it's a great place to have a few drinks & maybe a small plate on a nice evening!
(3)Hisham K.
This place is okay, but that's about it. As some before me have said, the burger is not that miraculous, although serving it with a side of roasted potatoes is a fresh departure from the normal french fries routine. Otherwise it's a regular burger that's just okay and nothing to write home about. The hummus platter was decent, but that's about it. My real beef is with the chicken skewer (oh, a pun!). Not only are you paying $6 for ONE chicken skewer with peanut sauce, but the one Molly F. was served was undercooked, thus ensuing all sorts of second-guessing and desperate clawings at memories of how it tasted when she was chewing it. Did the pieces she ate taste cooked? How many did she eat? Will she be okay? Where's her car in case she gets salmonella and we need to rush her to MGH? We don't want that kind of mental abuse when we eat out, thanks. At least they didn't charge us for it. The two times I've been here, I've been waited on by two different girls who were both equally spacey. They were decent enough, checking in to make sure everything is okay, but something about them just made you feel like they were only half-listening to you. Notice the trend here? Everything was DECENT. And the chicken was undercooked. Sorry, but there are no miracles happening here. I won't be rushing back.
(3)Matt K.
This bar is 90% atmosphere and 10% everything else. As I am sure you have gleamed from the name of the bar, it's science themed. The menu is written in the form of a giant periodic table on a blackboard- very cool idea. The prices are reasonable and the wait staff was attentive but did not bug you. It is not a bar I'd go to every weekend, but its definitely a cool place to bring friends who are visiting from out of town. I'm going to go back again.
(4)Charlie L.
Food is great... particularly love the chicken salad... the cilantro dressing is a little taste of heaven. The veggie burger is great... regular burger is okay, and the chicken sandwich is totally fab! Small, intimate, sometimes crappy service, but all in all a solid place catering to the slighly geeky at heart.
(4)Damon D.
There's nothing -wrong- with Miracle of Science. It's a nice bar/pub, the food is "OK" and the beer selection is actually pretty good. But for all that, it's really just a crowded bar with slightly too-expensive menu items and not a lot of places to sit. The best part of this bar isn't actually the bar, it's the people. But you know what? Sometimes that's not good enough. I'd say: MoS is a solid go-to if you are just looking for a place to grab a beer and a burger when you are in a bar-like mood, but if you specifically want to have an "out" dinner, skip it. And if you specifically want to go to an awesome bar, skip it. If you are just looking for a safe, no - frills bet, then ok, MoS can fill the bill. I give it an extra star for the cool menu in periodic table of elements form. ;)
(3)Maggie D.
I can't get enough of Miracle. Every time I go (which is becoming pretty much weekly!), the place is hopping! Whether it be the weekend or a Tuesday night, you can always expect to find a diverse crowd at Miracle. Great prices on drinks & food-- and their kitchen stays open pretty late as well. That being said, their menu is quirky and fun-- it's the periodic table! The chicken skewers are FANTASTIC. Easily the best bar food I've ever had in the city. My friends have all tried the burgers, chicken sandwich, salads and other items on the menu-- all to rave reviews. A must-do in Central Square.
(5)Roni E.
I don't get the big hype on the MIracle of Science really. While the periodic table of their menu is a creative thought, I would really rather that you provide me with a menu that I can hold. Some people can't see the whole menu at certain angles. Lucky for you, I already came in here knowing I was planning on having the ronie (get it? - Roni E!) burger anyway, thanks to Tom E. Holy Hell this is HOT!!! Mind you I am one to normally be able to handle my spice, but this burger was made with jalapenos topped with pepper jack cheese, served with homefries and a pickle. Although I enjoyed the burger, I had to stop every so often to cool off my palate. The homefries are sauteed with onions and a salsa type sauce which was definitely different for me but consumed with content none the less. So the verdict - the food was great. The service --- not so much. My biggest issue I guess with this place is that it's a free for all when trying to grab a table. There's no order or a host that can control seating. So people kind of just hover over tables waiting to see who will finish next and then dash for tables as soon as someone puts on their jacket. So to the owners of Miracle of Science - I fully expect the next time I come in that you've made the following improvements: 1. Hire a Host. 2. Print out menus for customers who want to be able to hold something in their hands to read rather than trying to squint to read the board.
(3)Shari A.
Good burgers and beer on tap. Mediocre service. Automatically added 18% gratuity for a table of four. Overall, good enough, but the Middle East and plenty of other options nearby.
(3)Cara P.
Am I missing something? Ummm........like the part where they had anything to do with Science OR a Miracle? Besides the cheesy ass periodic menu and the fact it is near MIT, I didn't get it. I live near MIT. DO I call my house the Miracle of Science La Casa de Cara? I came here with Chere and we met Roni a drink or so in and we all pre-gamed Lez Zepp....... Chere and I walked in and stood there for a good five minutes by the door like an ass. There is no system to grab a table, so you literally have to grab. We got some drinks and I felt like instead of enjoying some good conversation, we couldn't concentrate because we were hawking everyone.....debating if they were leaving, moving or what the hell was going on. Luckily some dude asked me if we wanted to sit with him and his girl. They were cool, so hell yeah. Then we had the atomic burger from hell. Seriously, that one burger ruined my weekend and jacked up my bill, because they didn't give us water and I order more drinks than I normally would. Smart. On their part, not mine. I wasn't impressed.............The bartender was rude, the waitress was misleading, the crowds became vulture like (can't blame them) and the tables were sticky. At least our dinner lent for some very interesting conversation that may or may not have, revolved around a salt shaker and ketchup bottle.
(3)Gfiddy F.
Very chill bar.
(5)Nicole P.
$9 for a garden burger and roasted potatoes. A garden burger that comes four to a box a market basket for $3.
(1)Purvi R.
This is, in my opinion, Cambridge. Nerdy, cool, fun, laid-back, talkative, funny, and drinkable. Try the booths up by the periodic table for the best view of the place, and you can even peek out to the characters on Mass Ave. Try the veggie skewers, which you can see the chefs grilling on a grill behind the bar (!!). Try some brew and some good conversation. Try coming here with a friend. Try coming with 5. Try not coming back, I dare you.
(4)Julie R.
The Miracle of Science is a really cool spot for a quick bite or drink. Located on Mass Ave in between Kendall and Central Sq its kind of off the beaten path. If you notice the details you'll see there is a slight nerdy vibe to it. The menu is in the periodic table format on the wall, the stools are like the ones in Chem lab, the bar counter matches with a slate finish, there are science artifacts around the place and overall its just really neat. I've had the burgers and they are great. They serve them with these really good fried potatoes. Kind of like home fries. My new favorite is their kabobs! Mmm. They serve them hot off the grill with peanut satay and a wrap. The prices are so low. Burgers are in the $8 range and Kabobs in the $6 range. Drinks are very reasonable too. They don't have martini glasses so if you get one they put it in a normal glass. The staff is young but friendly and on top of things.
(4)buckminster f.
Not sure if the management reads reviews on yelp but I am imploring you to please put some new items on the menu. The bf happens to LOVE miracle burgers, and so we go quite often, especially since we are within a stone's throw, at MIT. But you can have the same burgers, quesadillas, hummus plate, grilled veggie/meats, boring salads for only so many years, and I am a PhD student who has been around a long time and has even more years ahead. I am sick to death of every single item on the menu, and so it's become a real drag to go there. What I'm asking is for a bit more variety, like crab cakes, devils on horseback, chicken pot pie, maybe a fish option- even if its casually dressed.
(3)Greg F.
They have a periodic table on the wall instead of a menu. For a science nerd, it doesn't get any better than that. The burgers here are fantastic! They're big and juicy, and the pepper jack cheese makes me happy. In lieu of fries, they serve you seasoned skillet potatoes and marinara sauce, and it's really tasty! If you've been a few times and you want to branch out here's a word of caution: do not try the salads. Let me say that again: DO NOT TRY THE SALADS!!! They have two: one is literally a huge bowl of lettuce, which, unless you're a rabbit, is not appetizing; the other sounds good, enticing your taste buds with promises of exotic lime goodness... but it is a false promise, and tastes like butt. What you should try are the quesadillas. I must say they were quite delicious. MoS is good for a group if you get there early (fills up quickly), its also good for a party of two! Whether you're coming for lunch, dinner, drinks, or a quick science lesson, the quick and friendly service matched with some tasty food and and a fun/nerdy MIT crowd proves for an excellent outing!
(5)Tullia F.
The miracle, apparently, is that with enough pepper everything tastes exactly the same. Pepper in the hamburger meat, pepper on the potato things you get instead of fries (homefries?...cajun style?), pepper mixed in with the salt in the salt shaker. Anemic service. Mediocre selection on tap. Go to River Gods instead.
(2)shannon c.
This place runs down the middle of the road for me. It's always too packed to find a seat, and not in a good way. They have a pretty good beer selection, which scores points for me, and in the summer they open up a huge window on the side that's kind of like a big garage door. I've only eaten there once and the food was so so. I had a burger and it was way too well done for my taste, but that could have been a mistake. I'll have to go back and update!
(3)Alena D.
Not a bad bar, but come here for the Ronni Burger. I'm not sure if I would say it's the best burger in Boston, but in my mind it is the most memorable. The bar itself is cute and small. The food is good and the atmosphere is nice. I've never really understood why it was called the miracle of science unless a proximity to MIT and a menu in the shape of a periodic table constitutes a scientific miracle but whatever. This, to me, is more of a stop before going out somewhere else, I wouldn't really consider it a destination, it's just not large enough and relaxed enough to be the place you end up for the night. Great place, definitely worth a stop and bite.
(4)Nick L.
Miracle was an old standby for me, just down the street from school. I've been back a few times recently. It's at its best on off-hours, like Tuesday at 12:30AM. At peak times it gets too crowded and noisy for a bar of this sort. I mean, crowded and noisy has its appeal, but that's not what this bar is trying to do or succeeds at, I think. It's got some fun, rubbed-off MIT personality, what with the periodic table menu and the steady stream of student customers. An honest to god overheard conversation last night, a guy talking to a girl: "I love linear algebra. Don't you? There's nothing sexier than a matrix." That, my friends, is how you snag the ladies. Not everyone there is a huge geek or talking about work, though. It's midway to Central enough that you get some sanity (hah!) from the townies. There are also a few of the people who wisely got tired of waiting in the nonsensical, artificial line outside Middlesex next door. A few comments in bullet point: Bad: I've gotten the, warmish, flattish bottom of the keg a few too many times. Good: The whiskey pours are generous. Bad: No french fries. I never thought that would be a problem until we were there one night and really wanted fries. Good: Their 'potato side' is better than any fries I could have hoped for. Bad: When it gets crowded and loud, service suffers. Good: When it's not busy, the staff are friendly, fun, and attentive. I could keep going back and forth on this place, but I think I'll recommend it at off-peak hours, and gently discourage people from going there when it's mobbed. Also, try the burgers.
(3)Tristan H.
I was the biggest fan of this place for the longest time - loved their burgers, loved the potatoes that come with 'em, loved the beer, loved the atmosphere, it was all good. Then on the day after I moved to Boston from California, we went here to celebrate, and that night I got sick. Very sick. I'm not going to blame it on the rare-almost-uncooked-burger I got that was still extremely tasty, because I was on a plane the night before and it could just as well have been a virus. Anyway, I'm not the kind of reviewer that holds a grudge for an anecdote, but let's just say I'm not ordering the burger here ever again, at least will order it well done (which is sad, because their medium-rare burger was one of the best I've had), and probably will stick to just beer here for a while. But anyway, this place is very cool and I still like it. I'd be wary of ordering rare beef, just in case. Hey, they do have a sign that says "Consuming rare or uncooked meats and poultry blah blah blah at your own risk." So, I accept responsibility, but you have been warned.
(3)Cesca B.
In honor of the impending V-Day, I wanted to review Miracle of Science. Though it's been about a year since I've lived in Boston, this was one of my favorite restaurants. I think this place gets overlooked since it's in a kind of random area of Cambridge, but from the periodic table menu on the wall to the quirky servers, this place is a must-try. The food is great (get the quesadilla) and reasonably priced. They have good vegetarian options if that's your thing. Seating is pretty limited so it gets packed at peak times. I came here senior year of college on Valentine's Day with an also-single girlfriend and the great food and great service were topped off with free Toscanini's ice cream compliments of the waiter who most likely felt sorry for us. But pity-dessert or not, it was heavenly (this was before my Tosci's boycott). Miracle is an awesome place and one of the few I really miss in the Boston area.
(4)J R.
Colin N.: "Are you girls going to the Middlesex?" Girls: "No" Colin N.: "I didn't think so... I could tell" We went to B-Side instead. Incase you cared. While I've got you here, please read on. I really like Miracle of Science. It's a very cool space with a simple ambiance. The slate bar top and counters bring you back to high school chemistry class. Think Bromine. Did you know Bromine is the only liquid nonmetallic element at room temperature? Another reason to like Miracle of Science is free Wi-Fi. I hear they share their connection with Middlesex Lounge too, it's called Miracle-Sex. It makes me want to Google.
(4)Pamela A.
I stumbled across this bar when I agreed to meet some friends at The Middlesex Lounge next door, that had a big ol line. I refused to wait in line when I lived in L.A. - the home of obnoxious lines outside bars, and certainly won't in Cambridge. The bar seemed ok, good crowd,but I couldn't decide if the periodic table menu on the wall was a bit much or if it was actually cool. Anyhow, I just chalked it up to it's proximity to MIT.
(4)Andrew M.
Tonight my little startup had an event here - it was a great place to whip out your laptops and use free wifi without seeming weird. Ambiance is not killer in any special way but a bit above average with a good bar. The service got mixed reviews.
(4)Charoline D.
So, maybe the first time I was here I underestimated it. Liz and I had walked in and walked out. But over the past month or so, my visits to miracle have been fantastic. Pop in for a quick drink before an event at Middlesex, meet up with friends for some Irish coffee, fannnntastic. This past weekend I came in to visit a friend who was working and munch on a burger. Fantastic burger, cooked perfectly medium rare....the bun getting sort of soaked with meat juice. While I realize how utterly disgusting that sounds, it means a lot to me since I like my beef barely cooked if I can do so without spending the rest of my evening hunched over the toilet or laid up in a hospital frothing from the mouth while my brain rots. It was a nice change of pace for it to be served with homefries rather than french fries. If you know me well, you'd know that I always give them away, unless they're covered in chili, cheese, or some other sort of condiment. Staff is friendly, attentive, and fun. I was really impressed with how hopping it got on NYE. Music was blasting out the door, people were dancing on chairs, and stomping about, shots were bought, phones were smashed. Amazing.
(5)Tessa C.
Great place to hang out and get a bite to eat with friends. Burgers are solid as well as their kebabs. Tasty and affordable. Nice laid back atmosphere. Menu is written out like a periodic table. When they first opened, they used to serve beer and drinks in pyrex flasks!
(5)Bobby F.
Service was both slow and bad, food was unimpressive, prices were over-inflated, my order was wrong, and they never replaced my water after taking my glass. Terrible!
(1)Hiroko S.
I love periodic table menu. My MIT friend told me that whenever he has guest like family, friends from out of the town, he takes them to this place. At the same time, their hamburger is juicy and very delicious. Potato's tomato sauce is good. My friend even ordered extra sauce. I think this periodic table menu makes very high sense nerdy atmosphere.
(4)James M.
Burgers are really good. The roni burger (w/ jalapenos) is hotter than hell but very tasty. Staff is friendly & efficient. Always a go to place when I am in Central square for lunch.
(4)Deepa C.
Poor Sasha and Tarah. Last Thursday, they were properly introduced to hungry, low blood sugar leveled Deepa in complete and utter bitch mode. Ok, so when i get hungry, I get mean. And snippy. And harried. And EVERYthing bothers me. ALL I wanted was a turkey burger. So even though we passed a million places to eat on the way to MosBaG, I bitchily vetoed them all. "I want a BURGER!" I bellowed as I followed Tarah as she made a good show of running away from me (in heels no less). We got there and were lucky enough to have kind Yelpers give up their seats for us at the bar so we could eat. No turkey burgers (curses!) but I was so hungry a chicken sandwich did the trick. I may or may not have eaten it in two-three bites. Not my best moment. The sandwich was good - well cooked, hot, with a great mango mustard. No fries, but home fries - which were also good. Even if I wasn't a hungry hungy hippo, I would have still liked it. I didn't try Sasha's burger, but I did nibble on Tarah's quesedilla, which was nice and spicy. Well done, griller man! As my stomach was digesting in overdrive, I glanced around. I can see why so many people like it here. Small, but not cramped. Lab tables with lab stools and a medium sized bar with tables lining the wall and windows, menu on the periodic table on the bar. I decided it's a good burger and beer place. The menu is not extensive, but covers the basics. If you wanted to just nibble, the skewers or splitting a quesedilla will do the trick, the sandwiches are more substantial. I also like that it is a little bit away from the T. You don't get the street traffic and the people seem to feel really comfortable there. Including me. I will be back. And nicer to my friends (sorry guys...)
(4)Andy M.
Menu that looks like a modified periodic table, check. Good food in a small triangular restaurant, check. Reliable go to burgers, check.
(4)Amanda G.
Fine bar. Geeky crew which is kinda refreshing. Hipsterish feel, but more on the geeky side. VERY different from its neighbor, Middlesex. More of a casual meet up with friends. Plenty of tables for chatting, full bar, and food looks good although I couldn't tell u how it tastes. I did witness some guy make love to his burger so that musta been pretty damn good. Non pretentious feel and good start bar.
(3)Cee C.
Food is ok. The asian waitress with funny bangs is awful. Bad service.
(3)Trish F.
As the 143rd reviewer.. I figured I'd throw in a love letter.. ahem ahem.. My dearest Miracle of Science, It's not hard to get to know you. I love how open you are.. just displaying your menu items on a chalkboard for the whole world to see. Except you know, when there's that last moment of sunlight and it's hard to see because of the glare. Your edges are somewhat jagged, but I know your type. You're just trying to keep out the children and the riffraff. I respect that. And even though I do not like your kebabs.. your burgers. Your burgers encourage men to write sonnets and women to forget about their Weight Watchers points. Fries? Puh.. what are they compared to your side order of potatoes.. Oh.. what you do with your potatoes is.. musical. Hmm.. that sounded awkward. But they're delicious. They really are. Your alcohol selection is superb and your bartenders, messengers from the liquor gods, are quite wonderful. The waiters too. Service is quick and the food comes out even quicker. You're one of the reasons why I miss living in Central Square.. oh why.. why did those burglars have to rob my apartment. Not only did they steal my laptop.. and my trust. But most of all? They stole my love away.. I was never the same... Sigh.. Miracle of Science.. don't look at me. I mean I know this is a review, but I can see your florescent doey eyes from here. Adieu. I'll be back soon... -Trish the Dish
(4)F N.
Miracle of Science my a.. Overpriced and under flavor...Four of us went to this place...two of us had burgers that were almost paper thin and flavorless. One of my friends had the chicken quesadilla which if it ran under the tap would have been more flavorful. We also had five beers which were ok. The whole meal came to be around be over $60.00 I guess the miracle is that they are able to charge so much money for food that has less taste than tap water.
(1)Mark L.
Miracle is great...flat out and simple. It's a bar that has surprisingly good food. Easily the best burgers in Boston, very meaty and nicely toasted buns. Also the chicken quesadilla and chicken skewers are ridiculously moist, even though they're made of white meat and grilled. Oh and definitely go for two skewers even if you're not hungry...the peanut chutney and the mint slaw are really worthwhile. I was reading the review from the previous guy who was complaining, no...DEMANDING...a host and printed menus. Does Pour House have hostesses? I mean come on...it's a quality, small, neighborhood bar...not L'Espalier. Oh and try a "Nuts and Berries." It's franjelico, chambord, amaretto and whole milk. Looks and tastes like Ovaltine, in a good way. The girly loves it.
(5)Vivienne Z.
Very casual, sort of bare-bones bar near the MIT campus. Not the sort of place I usually go, but I actually really liked it. I came here for Sunday brunch with a friend whom I was visiting in Boston because she thought the periodic table menu was really cute. And it was! The actual brunch, although nothing special, was very filling and CHEAP. Paired with the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, I would probably come here again if I were in the area.
(3)Julia F.
I have come here several times and it has always been really busy - but after years of looking for parking places in this city, I am just as good at jumping on a table. Each time we have seated ourselves in line with the periodic table/menu board. It is fairly unnerving to have people look at you while you eat - but, the food is good. The service is likewise. The last time we went I had a Ligaya sighting - but was overly intent on downing my mojito (almost strong enough) and cramming as much hummus into my mouth as I could without being gross. I don't think I would become a regular here - it's a little too much all at once, and it seems a little to disorganized for my taste. But I will go now and again and have a decent mixed drink and a change of pace.
(4)Sox G.
Ok, so I went back here yet again for another pub crawl (even though my previous review said I would NEVER go back). I am giving it one more star only because the food was pretty darn good and relatively reasonable; I had some type of beef skewer with mango chutney. The bloody Mary's were awesome. Kudos to the mimosas. I think the bartenders and wait staff need to smile more. I'm not sure what their problem is....still can't give it more than 3 stars because of that.
(3)Sean J.
I'll give it 3 stars because I only went in there to grab a shot and use the bathroom while waiting in line for the Middlesex. That being said, the doormen were totally cool with us going in and out while waiting in line and that's A-OK in my book.
(3)Daniel H.
Good burgers, great beer list, and big open windows make Miracle of Science a perfect choice for a lazy summer evening. The nerd-chic accoutrements just sweeten the deal.
(4)Sarah G.
Went here for food and a few more drinks after being at Phoenix Landing and it was a good choice. Food is okay, nothing fantastic, but that burger was just what I needed at the time. I expected more in the way of a science theme, but I liked the atmosphere and decor none the less. It was pretty crowded, but not so loud that we couldn't carry on a conversation that included all 7 of us at the table could hear and participate it. The menu took a few minutes to get adjusted to before I could actually look at it and figure out what I wanted, and it's annoying that it's ONLY on the wall - so if you're seated at that table around the corner like we were, you have to stand up again to look at it. Wait staff was very friendly and quick. I'd go back for drinks, certainly, but I think you can get a way better $8 burger somewhere else.
(4)Sheila S.
Left Hand Milk Stout on tap, good food, nice bartender, nuff said.
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