Went here a few times on visits to Boston and saw some awesome parties... totally crazy people dancing and having a blast with amazing visuals, cool bartenders, good vibes all around. Â Some of these reviews have people complaining about waiting in line which is weird because I've never seen that happen for more than a couple minutes. Â The inside of this place is really cool too, just a huge dancefloor basically which is all you need! Â The only thing I hate is that they close at 1, just when the party is getting started but that's a Cambridge thing - not their fault!
Review Source:This place has potential but it's seriously flawed by a couple key things. Â After waiting in line for an absurd amount of time while watching person after person pop out cabs and slip through the door because they "know" someone, Â me and my friends paid the $10 cover an eventually got in. Â We had never been there before. Â Letting people in here and there is to be expected at any club but at the rate this place was doing it is a bad sign. Â Other reviews hint to this as well, seems like management doesn't care. Â They can make a lot more money with the paying customers, just sayin'!!
The other issue was obvious. Â The DJ. Â I went to his site: Caserta Music and liked what I saw. Â Seems like he has some traction. Â BUT, it's a different story when you see him live. Â Either he was having an off night or this guy has really lost the plot. Â
We were there for a little over 2 hours and people as a whole were not dancing much. Â They were moving a bit so as not to look dumb standing still most of the time. Â The vibe was lost and it was obvious.
The DJ was doing a series of quick changes at one point. Â A Dj's moment to shine. Â But the changes were horrid. Â Not smooth at all. Â He was walking all over himself and it was apparent by the crowd. Â They'd start to move a bit to the music and have to stop cold when he went to the next song because most were out of time and TOO short. Not good. Â It got to the point where I decided to walk over and give him a suggestion to salvage the night. Â I politely said "Hey can you throw a remix of a top 40 track in there or something?" Â He sarcastically shook his head at me laughing, Â grinned and said, "Nope." Â I then said, "But these people aren't really dancing." Â That one line caused him to flip out on me yelling, "#%*? you! Â I'll knock you out right now! etc...." He even added hand gestures to this which really exuded professionalism and class! Â I stood there non-reactive as did my friends and just shook our heads at this disappointment of a DJ. Â And then to top it off he says over the mic, "Anyone who wants top 40 can go the $&@% home!" Â He was amateur at best and that little outburst made him a hack. Really a let down.
Like I said above, this place has potential. Â But there are some obvious signs that management need to pick up on. Â Firstly, there was not enough action at the bar. (the money maker) This is an obvious indication that people weren't thirsty enough to buy drinks. Â This is because they weren't dancing enough! The bartenders were great and professional. Â But they should be annoyed that their tips could have been better if there was better attention paid to the entertainment. Â
Location is good but the inside is a bit run down and the furniture is a bit cheap looking. Â Could use a facelift here and there. Â
Overall, I wont be back anytime soon and neither will my friends. Â It's clear the club is not making the money it should. Â Or this place would be a lot better inside. Â The DJ is trying for the "Art" of it (I guess) which is fine but he's not able to find that balance and isn't doing the club a good service by not feeling out the vibe. Â And this was a Saturday night! Â And management should pick up on this. But in general the people are nice including the staff.
Small space with a dance floor and bar. There's a DJ and usually dance music is playing depending on which night you go. Thursday nights appears to be either a hit or miss. Fridays seem to be the best nights, but make sure you go early (around 10:30 pm) because there is usually a big line afterwards. There's a cover of either $5 or $10 as well. It's a casual place, so you don't have to get too dressed up, and the crowd is young and ready to jump around.
Review Source:This is a basement party for grown-ups. Â Nothing but a dance floor and a bar.
..which is pretty awesome if you like to dance. Â In fact, this would be my nirvana if it didn't get SO packed on the typical out-and-about nights. Â The line to get in becomes atrocious, and then once you're in, moving from one end of the room to the other takes 20 minutes. Â It is the equivalent of an LA highway during rush hour. Â But once you have your reasonably priced drink and are happy with your dancer neighbors (as they will be your neighbors for the rest of the night), you can enjoy the DJ's mixes as they are often quite good. Â Good enough to entice me to come back on a few occasions. Â And then I'm reminded that I am apparently claustrophobic.
I went here two weekends ago for a friend's birthday celebration. I haven't really been to too many clubs in Boston, but this was one of the most fun times I've had. The DJ was awesome (lots of hip hop throwbacks), the drinks were affordable ($8 for a strong cranberry and vokda), and a $5 cover. Not too bad.
We had read earlier reviews and knew to get there pretty early, but we still ended up waiting for a long time (I was able to meet them towards the front of the line, and it was still a long wait -- and it was REALLY cold). I'm jumping on the bandwagon of reviews and wondering, Why such a long wait? It  wasn't that crowded.. This will be the thing that makes me nervous about coming back here as often as I would probably like to.
My friend was like, its my birthday, yo. I was thinking, okay, thats great. See you after the amount of minutes it takes to get there from Southie if I leave a little after 10.
AVOID THIS MISTAKE.
My friend was like, you're an idiot. You will be waiting outside. FOREVER. And not only will you hate yourself, but I will hate you too.
Literally got there at 9:45, was the the third person IN A LINE....that took 15 minutes to move one person. Literally so stupid.
5$ COVER. So cheap, but it fits the venue.
2$ coat check that takes forever to get through and to, when dropping off and picking up.
My friend said that her gaggle of gaga's were there since 9 and were able to snag a weird and long footrest up against the wall with a coffee table in front of it. OKay, cool.
The wait for the unfortunately placed and sized bar is stupid. The wait to use the bathroom...is stupid.
My lady showed up at 1030 with her lady...better luck next time hunnies, no one has gotten in since me....and the line looked that way the whole night.
The music...oh, the music. 90s neat beat killin' my feet. holy sheet. The vibe totally changes once you have found your rhythm. "this is the rhythm, this is the rhythm, this is the rhythm, of the niiiiiight"
Basically, getting there early sucks and so does getting there late. But if you fashion yourself to fit the mold, it is A-OK.
A blast! Great DJs (for nightlife) and an open dance floor. The line outside can sometimes get long and the bar is VERY small (don't expect to get more than 1 drink served to you, there's a long wait sometimes). I wish Middlesex was 2x the size - the music is great and location is an easy distance to Kendall. Get there early or wait outside.
Review Source:I am somewhat of a nightclub/lounge patron so I know what a good lounge is when I see one. This is a good spot to be at on Friday night.
Basics,
1. Get there early. Of the 4 or 5 times I was there  , arriving at 11:30 pm or later would result you in standing outside absorbing all the second hand smoke from the people who made it in before you. It is fun getting to know your fellow "waiters" however, and bitch and complain about not finding parking in time or whatever.
2. Once inside, get to the bar early again otherwise its a solid wait with about 3/5 people(dudes usually) in front of you some not even ordering just standing there doublefisting or hitting on a girl who wants nothing to do with them. Drinks are average priced at 8 dollars for a vodka red bull.
3. Music is cool, old school hip hop with top 40 mixed in, When you are on your 2nd drink you start dancing. There isnt much room to move around, so sticking to one spot usually works unless you want that girl to spill her drink all over you , repeatedly step on your foot, etc. seating was ample but hard to get to with all the people crowding around the benches.
4. Service was good , bartenders work fast. Bathroom lines are kinda lame however, only 2 bathrooms in the place with 1 toilet per bathroom, which means you really have to wait to unleash that urine.
5. Crowd is mixture of HBS students, local yuppies, random college kids, older black males, and asians. Everyone is friendly overall, haven't seen anyone get stabbed yet.
6. Parking is a  bitch, again getting there early (10-10:30) would greatly improve your chances.
I'm something of a snob about clubs. Â Which appears to translate, roughly, to "I have some basic standards for clubs". Â Okay-and-not-too-pricey drinks. Â Good sound system (the bass is always going to be turned too high up, but being able to actually make out the midrange and treble is nice). Â Decently maintained; if you're going to do grunge-tastic as your atmosphere, at least try to make it *clean* grunge-tastic. Â A DJ who knows what he's doing, with a good selection of music and the mixing skills to go with. Â
I'm from out of town, but was very pleased to find everything I like in a club right here, on my first stop. Â My friends and I got there around 11:30, so there was a good hour's wait, but that's hardly out of line for later at night at a good club. Â (The doorman that night took bribes, but was not cheap.) Â Interior was nicely appointed; very minimalist-chic, one big room with benches around the perimeter and a bar at the back. Â I was especially impressed at the bartenders; not only did they have Hendrick's Gin (my favorite), but made a damn fine martini out of it. Â The sound system was perfectly fine quality, the DJs definitely skilled and good at reading the crowd. Â Said crowd was excellent too - lots of folks dancing, very few of them too drunk to read body language.
Obviously I can't judge on the food, and this is definitely a spot to hit early if you don't want to wait, but based on the one experience I give it a pretty solid recommendation. Â I definitely plan to be back if/when I'm back in town...
My favorite place to DANCE!!!
Pros: Cucumber martini, DJ Kon, awesome bartenders, awesome music (90's, mashups,throwbacks,rhianna,toto!,NuShooz), douche bag level to a minimum :)
Cons: overcrowded, bathroom lines (only 2 or 3 bathrooms), line to get in if you're not there at 10
Which may make it sound like a toss up but the drinks and the music really make it. Just make sure to get there early if you don't feel like waiting. The cover is $5 which isn't bad
Pricey drinks, so-so wine list, forgettable food.
The interior looks kind of cool, but then you try to sit down. The backless chairs/divans they have for people to sit on are excruciating... It is better to sit on the floor than to try to prop yourself up on one of the benches without touching the person next to you. As you try to maintain a one-inch non-contact barrier between you and the others crowded onto this bench because there aren't enough seats, various body parts take turns falling asleep.
Maybe I'm just too old for this place. I have not been here for dancing so I really can't comment on that scene.
I went last night for the first time and it was great! The DJ was amazing and played 90's throwbacks all night, expertly mixed with a few contemporary songs. Great crowd that actually danced and fast service at the bar. Very loud, but that's how I like dance places to be
The only cons were: the line (we got there at 11 and didn't get in till 12:10ish), though the bouncer said everyone will get in eventually. The inside wasn't THAT packed, so I think the line is more for show than anything.
In the interest of full disclosure, I run a quarterly reading series here (Literary Firsts) and we normally bring in 50-60 people. The staff is always so incredibly helpful and, despite having to run back and forth with drinks and food, they never distract from the readers.
Now, on to the part you really want to read:
As a restaurant/bar, their food is great and their drinks are strong. Further, their food and drinks are actually worth the money, which is a feat for Cambridge.
As a club, I honestly can't speak highly enough about the staff. When there are 150+ people in there and they all want a drink and to dance and to not have either interrupted, the waitstaff weaves through everyone with ease.
I know that people complain about the line, but every club in Central has one (Brick and Mortar, Phoenix Landing, etc.) It's an unfortunate consequence of running a club near the T.
I'm from NY so have always been disappointed by the nightlife in Cambridge. There are few places where people just let loose without pretentious New England bitchiness.
I'll go back to Middlesex for 3 reasons:
1. People actually dance and rage. No two-step nonsense.
2. Good throwbacks and 90s hip hop. If you're not a fan, be careful which night you come.
3. Diverse crowd. From suits to hoodies you're bound to find your type, ladies ;)
The place may be small and uninspired decor-wise but I'm willing to invest my night in a trashy dance party every now and then. Come before 11:30 to avoid ridiculous lines. And drink whatever makes you pee less because the bathroom lines are annoyingly long...
Met up with some friends for drinks and dinner. Never been before. Miracle of Science next door is on the list of usual places but we all agreed to try Middlesex. Glad we did. Cool but not the most comfortable seating/eating arrangements. Soft porn like David Bowie movie on the big screen and the Cambridge Matisyahu of DJ's on the Wheels of Steel.
I didn't eat but my friends seemed to enjoy their meals. Not impressed with their beer selection. Narragansett 16oz can? Really? Thankfully UFO was available. And I do like the $3 Miller High LIfe draft too. Service was a little meh but not horrendous.
As the night progressed we watched furniture being moved out around us getting ready for the place to turn into a club. When we finally left and went to the MoS because it was quieter our chairs were quickly dispatched away. When I left MoS after about an hour there was a line to get into the now club. Guess they are doing something right... Right?
I know it's a club so you gotta keep the beats rolling and the volume up but while sitting there trying to have dinner and conversation at 7pm and no one dancing does it need to be that loud?
I went to Middlesex again a little while back with some friends, and unfortunately the lounge lost a star this time around, but for good reason.
Here's what grinds my gears about Middlesex: The line moves slower than dial-up, and it appears the establishment is doing this on purpose. As you get closer to the front of the line, observe what happens: Groups of people will approach the bouncer, hand him a bill and then go inside. Meanwhile everyone who got there an hour earlier sits outside and waits...and waits.
For the record Middlesex is NOT 40/40 or Bungalow 8. Seriously, you don't need to go in that bad that you have to wait for over an hour every time or grovel and pay money to be let in sooner. You'll likely have half the wait at a Boston club or lounge. And that $20 you planned to give the Middlesex bouncer can be used for your cab ride back across the river, or wherever else you came from.
I've been to this place, once and I loved it. It was a Thursday night so it was dead at first as we arrived there, early evening but, it was packed by 11:30pm and there was a dance crew that was killing it!
Great music and atmosphere.
The food was surprisingly, delicious. The grilled shrimp and chips with salsas were great, as well as my Salad. Panini was great too, with the exception of Shrimp Shumai and an "blue cheese overpowering tasting salad"; everything was delicious.
I'm definitely going to back to this place, I suggest you visit them, too!!
This is where I go for my bi-weekly CVLT meetings.
The ritualz involve getting brainwashed by mind-blowing visuals by CTRL LT DSIGN and being hypnotized by the sonic spell of  L PØSER, PUNKETT, GLSS T33TH, IØNNØKX and DJ NBULUST.
CVLT manages to bring a hearty portion of the creative music scene that you would typically find in countries with mandated health care coverage to Beantown's very own backyard. This doctor prescribed dosage of creative energy and people just down to have a body-slamming GOOD TIME keeps me from impulsively purchasing a one-way to Berlin, that European cultural mecca oasis. Â
On the downside, I admit it is hard readjusting to the old 9 to 5 afterwards, but I guess that's just part of joining a CVLT right? Â
To put in a word about the Middlesex Lounge, the 2 bathrooms are refreshingly unisex and the the sinks combine under each respective mirror as one. You'll know it when you see it, but I always get a kick out of this minutia. Also CVLT events often have no cover, so I just gulp down some 'Gansett and only end up spending about $20 for a decidedly good time.
Really not sure what the hype is all about, granted the beats are ok depending on which night you show up. This place has the same square footage as a squash court, and it doesn't help that two thirds of the ladies on the dance floor could be extras on the set of the Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps.
Two brothas work the door - it was either this gig or working the tolls on the Mass Pike. During the winter you can either wait outside in the freezing cold for 2 hours to squeeze into this fire hazard known as the Middlesex, or try to grease the doormen. My buds and I call them Park Place and Boardwalk. Picture 'em rollin'.
The biggest draw to this place are the modest prices on the booze, especially if you can get past the rhinos, hippos, and elephants on the dance floor. Don't expect to stand too long at the oasis known as the bar...you'll find yourself being trampled on by the flash mob. The flash mob is typically comprised of video-game geeks, hippies, minorities, and the unemployed. Just picture Occupy Boston dancing in an off-rhythm epileptic seizure in the middle of a squash court.
Maybe that's what keeps me coming back...we can't afford to pay our monthly rent, but we can keep overcharging our credit cards and buy iPads and booze at the Middlesex. God bless capitalism.
Usually I flee from anywhere with "Lounge" in its name (K, 2012). However, a re-location to Central and a gathering of pals made me stray from the Law of Laura and wander down Mass Ave. Â The Abercrombie-esque windowless exterior initially gave way to panic as I surveyed my khaki Bermuda shorts, cotton v-neck and dirty Vans - but Too-Lazy-to-Turn-Back-Now-Laura decided to take the plunge.
SHARK TANK. Over the threshold and onto the stage!
OHGODEVERYONEISLOOKINGATMEANDMYDIRTYSNEAKE... OK, that guy is wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a fedora and spilling beer everywhere. I'm good.
Come for the Adam PC show and stay for the petite and pricey mojitos that pack a punch with a heavy pour and won't make you regret your extreme expenditure later.
Whether I'm lounging or living large at the Lib, I like to see where my money's at and here my money's at the big picture projector set-up backing up the band -- and the LASER LIGHT SHOW.
Overall a good night. I'd return; but I wouldn't pay a cover. Ever. Anywhere (K, 2011).
Citations:
K, Laura (2011). "Grand Canal Tries to Charge a Cover on St. Patrick's Day: AKA, Laura 1, GC 0)". Journal of Future Reviews. All I Have are These Crumpled Bills Publishers: Boston, MA.*
K, Laura (2012). "Lucky I Left". Journal of Future Reviews. Caught In Cotton Publishers: Boston, MA.*
*Citations written in IDOWHATIWANT format.
I liked this place despite them  making me wait + 60 min to  get in... until the coat check person charged me for 2 coats ($4) and put my friend's and mine on the same hanger. Cue to my friend wanting to leave... she gets my coat AND some coat that is not hers. I try to get my coat... instead I get escorted out for "yelling" at the coat check guy to find my jacket (even specified the brand and color) bitch the place is loud, i'm trying to get you to hear me... I get out and call my friend, apparently she got my coat and middlesex still has hers... It's stupid that they escorted me out and embarrassed me for a mistake they made. fuck this place, i'm going next week and complaining to the manager in person because nobody should be treated that way.
the music may be good, but the service sucks and i'd rather spend my money elsewhere...
A dozen or so visits later and here I am, compelled to update my Middlesex review so that it more accurately reflects the culmination of the many experiences I've had at this establishment. Though I still maintain that the space is reminiscent of a gymnasium and the bar is unfortunate (in both size and location), certain events here have won me over. From the Mp3 Beatdown to the Illius Rock Events and Wonder Women of Boston, I've been able to find some solace in heading to Middlesex on most nights.
After 10pm on any Make It New or Heartthrob night, the line will run down the block and won't budge. Invitation-only events are always well-maintained and private events are smooth--plenty of space, great sound system and amply seating away from the performance area is a plus.
The bar service is generally friendly and they  offer up bottles of Veuve for $50, if you're into that kind of thing. If not, there's a decent selection of bottled beer, tap choices and even a drink list that features some pretty good concoctions for a dance club.
I just won't be going here on random nights for fear of bumping into any undesirables or having my groove thrown off track by some random-ass beats that weren't part of the aforementioned repertoire.
When I go home to NY and am out 'n about with friends and we're just looking for a simple, comfortable place with reliable music to crazy-dance to and drinks to sip on, the whining and complaining about how we just want to go to msex begins. now. RIGHT NOW! It's the perfect default bar AND go-to bar. Don't think I've been here and NOT have a good time. Sometimes it's frickin PACKED and SWEATY and the bathroom line is so long you almost pee your pants, but sometimes it's scattered and people are responsibly sitting on flat, rolley benches listening to DJ ____, watching a japanese zombie movie or peewee herman on the big screen, and making commentary in their indoor voices.
Regardless.. i kind of heart this place.
I'm a sucker for any place where people dance on their own and it's okay. Sometimes I'm just not okay with some gross guy trying to dance behind me. This doesn't seem to be a problem at Middlesex however. Every time I've been here people seem to do their own thing whether it's making out on the dark weird rolly benches, standing around yelling at each other because "lounge" had fooled them into thinking that you can have a conversation at this place, or dancing up a storm (with or without someone).
I went on a Wednesday night when they play old school jams and a big group of breakdancers get together and wipe the floor with their bodies. It was a lot of fun watching them and it made me realize that I need to touch up on my dancing skills, although I know I will never be able to learn how to do those crazy spinning moves on the ground. What are they called anyway? Â
Go here to dance or watch a martial arts movie on a big screen while other people dance (true story).
Hey second home.. yeah hi again. Look I restrained from ever reviewing you and your brother next door.. but "why do all good things come to an end"?
Who knew Wednesday nights could be so fly...
Picture this...
A pretty spaced out charming lounge with a projector bumpin' on the side... along with their few standing bodies pushing some groove out.
Visual follows:
(Letters are missing so I won;t give it away too much and you can be all like Oh Sh-t! Oh Sn-p! Giggle Giggle. DO the hustle.)
D-n C-rn-lius at his prime. J-mes Br-wn why can't I move my feet like that? The J-cks-n 5 pure faced angels. T-na Tur-BEEEEEEPPPP and her magical long legs. Â BEST BEST BEST S-ul Train crowd ever...in their itchy sweaters and bellbottoms.. just dancing their illusions of boredom away.
You can't help but to move and feel some sort of magic happen to your shoulders. Shimmy+Running man combo.
SOUL TOUCH, you are my new favorite... SOUL TOUCH, indeed.
Thanks for being there for me every-single-week.
Just hanging out patiently with dopeness.
THEY are the ones missing out. Go support people! Keep the FUNK AND FLAVOR alive... there aren't enough nights like these.. anywhere. Double dare with green goo you to go look.
P.S Don;t worry Hearthrob and Make it New. You still linger hard.
I would just like to give some props to the three cute waitresses that risk their lives and the lives of the drinks that they serve while  bobing and weaving around drunk hipsters every other Tuesday and every Thursday night with full trays of drinks. I have yet to witness a drop spilled as they  maneuver around what can some times be a battle field.
kudos ladies! well played
Maybe I'd have had more fun if I was straight. Or brain dead.
I went with my roommates (a str8 couple) on a weekend night and they loved it. I however, wanted to scoot slowly to my death on their modular furniture.
I'm not gay-club exclusive. By no means! But when some asshat in chinos and a button-down told me I "should smile more" I wanted to bash my head into my overpriced cheese plate. Furthermore, the waitress double charged my roommate and I, which we didn't figure out until the next day. And can anyone explain what is up with that wierd gap in the bathroom sink--anyone else get the urge to stick their hand through?
Feels like a place that is trying really hard to be "uber" cool (like, so cool its not cool, but we all know it desperately wants to be cool?). Filled with people who think they're hot stuff for being inside rather than outside in the line. All in all, over-rated, loud, "scene"y and full of dudes lookin' to get sucked. Pass!
Did I completely miss something?
Disclaimer: I've only been here once, on a Saturday night.
My experience was: Waiting in line forever (and that was after cutting in line with a friend who'd been waiting for an hour already-- sorry, people behind me!), so I was expecting something awesome. I get in there and there's this awful DJ spinning-- every time he plays a bad song, he plays the whole damn thing, and every time he plays a song I actually want to hear, he mixes it with a song that has a totally different beat like 15 seconds in. No skillz! Just choppy and super hard to dance to with the beat continually changing.
So then, everyone is just standing there. I'd say maybe a third of the people there TOPS were dancing at all. Me, I like to dance, so even though I was sober and the DJ kinda sucked, I started getting down. Hey, whatever. Within 20 minutes, 3 different people spilled their beer/ drink on me, and two of those people kinda glared at me afterward. Umm...? YOU spilled your drink on ME buddy! (My point: Not the friendliest crowd, nor do they seem to be very coordinated).
I don't know, it was just kind of a lame see-and-be-seen-even-though-the-scene-sucks kind of scene. I ditched out and went down to Zuzu's to enjoy the last of Soul night. Waaaaaaay more fun!
Please enlighten me if I've missed something. At the moment, I don't plan to go back.
My 5 for the Middlesex were earned due to Heartthrob - absolutely the hippest party/event in the area... (it's biweekly on Tuesday nights). Seriously - I've found me a new love and I now keep my tues nights free ahead of time on purpose.
Music? Awesome. Dirty, funky beats (electrohouse) that you can't help but dance to, crazy visuals, a hip crowd, less prentension, usually no cover charge, tons of drunk dancing, NOT A MEAT MARKET...awesome.
They suggest to arrive early ... a line often forms by 10 or 10:30. Don't worry if it looks empty inside at 10pm though - it fills up solid before 11:30. And besides, an earlier night is better - just like 90% of everyone there, I have a regular Wednesday to deal with the next day.
The minimalist decor is fine with me. Less things to bump into and more dance space. Also, the dual sink across the bathrooms is really novel.
Check out regularly updated Heartthrob pictures here:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nickydigital.com%2Findex.php%3F%2Fgallery%2FpartyIndex%2FC125%2F&s=92bc35c8454e95c7b69c523077c29fd8bb7c77847a7b2824245b04a86826e16a" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.nickydigital.…</a>
I had mixed feelings going in to Middlesex, based mostly on hearsay and the reviews I've read. My verdict: mehhhhhhh.
I'm sure that had I gone to Hearthrob, it would have (possibly) been a different experience altogether than the Friday night crowd I encountered. My main motivation for going: it was Kabir H's birthday, and of course I was going to make an appearance. I got there around 9:30, which was early enough to avoid gargantuan lines and crowds. My friends were already inside bopping to "Never Gonna Get It". What's up, '90s black girl groups?
As many others have mentioned, the decor is very minimalist. Cubes rule the space here. However, as Ligaya so astutely pointed out, the space doesn't have a very good "flow" to it. I must agree.
The DJ was decent. The crowd--ehhh, for that night, I feel like it wasn't my scene. Again, had it been Hearthrob, I'm sure I would have felt more at home, but what can you do? I battled a tall girl at the bar for the bartender's attentions. She may have pushed her way to the front of the bar, but my formidable boobs won the war. Bwahahahaha! Another one bites the dust!
Middlesexy Lounge deserves my 5 stars for answering two of my questions. "Why is there a guy with a KFC bucket on his head"
and "WHURS MA DRINK?!".
For serious. If this place didn't host Hearthrob, I'm not sure what I would do with my Tuesdays. After all, Tuesdays are the new friday night. Quite possibly every Cambridge hipster is waiting outside in their ultra tight jeans, high tops, and retro sunglasses delicately pushing their "side swept" bangs over their ear lobes while they look in their reflection in the windows of The Miracle of Science. Knowing someone who is running the event is necessary if you plan on actually getting in on time to dance your face off, otherwise, you best show up anytime before 10pm or you'll be spending all your time waiting in a line that refuses to move.
The drinks are fairly stiff, which is enjoyable, the crowd is bumpin', and the bathroom lines are endless.
UPDATED--------------------- denoted a star
Came here last night pre-trivia at Asguard in hopes of using the same strategy of getting stamped before trivia to avoid the lines at 10:30 pm. We walk in , ask the female bartender, she looks to her coworker and says "do YOU wanna deal with handling this question" and walks away. Rude Bitch. Mk. So I know you're not all that attractive and you probably got stuck working the early shift and won't make as much money and your roommate just used your last gob of hairgel but....DO YOU HAVE TO BE SUCH A PRETENTIOUS DOUCHEBAG?
If I could give this place negative stars that's what I would do! This place doesn't even deserve zero stars! I, like a previous yelper, used to love frequenting Middlesex Lounge but after the horrible DJ on a Friday night and spending a good 30 minutes arguing with him, I will NEVER return.
We were holding a birthday party of 30 something people and although the drinks were fine and the service was okay, the music SUCKED. The main reason why we had wanted to come back so badly was because 2 weeks before the music was great and unfortunately the night that we went they decided to hire some idiot. We had all politely asked him to play some old school hip hop and he kept saying that he didn't take requests! THAT'S HIS JOB - to take requests! After complaining to the waitress and manager I finally got so fed up and left.
The food, although okay, was pricey. I paid ~$10 for four measly ravioli squares and ~$8 for mini tacos and boy were they mini!
Avoid this place LIKE THE PLAGUE!!!!
Restrooms: They certainly have stylish bathrooms with sinks that connect two of the bathrooms together, but you can never get into use one!
i really love Middlesex. On weeknights it's quieter and a good spot to hang out and catch up with friends, weekends are crowded but not in a "someone just spilled their malibu and coke all over me" kind of way. i have had some great nights shaking my ass here and have even been asked if i was a trained ballerina. i am not.
last summer i threw a surprise party for my roomate here. it's actually a good place for that when it is not crowded!
Where do these booty-shaking people come from? Do MITers rage that hard? Why is it that 'Heartthrob' entered my everyday vernacular not due to an object of my affection, but in reference to their Tuesday nights? (I have a sad life.) And what the hell do you call the genre of music played on those nights? In the words of DJ Funk (which they didn't play but I should have) "If this shit don't make your booty move, your booty must be dead!" The So-So Limited guys on Wednesdays once a month rock my world too.
The minimal space is conducive to dancing, with the bar on one side and dj booth on the periphery. Unique for Boston. We got in just before the place got packed and growing line extended half a block down. You won't be waiting long, so no need for consternation. Street parking is often available.
The bartenders were slammed the entire night, and I learned quickly that waving hands and money around nor batting eyelashes gets their attention. Wait it out. Don't try and order car bombs, they don't serve em. They have healthy pours. Mixed drinks range from $7-9. Â Didn't eat but plan to, which infers there will be a return. Need to be convinced? My male friend claims this is THE place to see cute hipster girls.
Ever drink in Ikea? Â I actually might check to see if Ikea has a bar theme along it's never ending maze. Â If it does it may as well be middlesex. Â
Middlesex lounge is pretty much a warehouse with cheap rolling coffee tables, the latest and greatest in crunk and booze. Â I could have had a better time getting real ham boned on night train, strapping my headphones on an ear bleeding 11 and going to Ikea. Â
Standing in line to get into this place is pure self degradation. Â Having to pay $5. Â is also a joke.
Don't waste your time.
Every weekend by 10:30 the line at Middlesex extends to the Miracle of Science's front door. And every weekend my friends and I wonder:
Why?
What transpires behind those wonderful walls that we have yet to be privy to see?
Fame?
Fortune?
Free alcohol?
WHAT IS IT!?
Well, I'll tell you friends, it's a big fat load of nothing.
Sure the inside is decorated in minimalist meets cubism chic and the seating is on wheels allowing you to create your own space. And fine, the music was pretty kick ass once it got going (SWV made an appearance - middle school dance anyone?)... but that's only two star-worthy.
Demerit: The crowd was full of faux and euro hipsters. If you want to be a hipster, pony up and be one.
Demerit: Bathroom lines that extend to the entrance of the bar. Helpful hint, Middlesex - get another bathroom.
Demerit: Pretentious taps at the bar. This is probably the smallest detail that drove me absolutely up a freakin' wall. Why? Why do the taps need to be adorable silver handles that are mounted on the wall?
Demerit: Nothing has a curve in this place - everything is a box. THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX, MIDDLESEX!
I'll see all you see-and-be-seen folks next weekend on line at Middlesex... only this time I'll be watching from inside Miracle of Science.
I like how the bartender was the cleanest "dirty" guy in the world--kind of like Charlie from "Party of Five." He had well trimmed scruff on his face and delicate holes scattered throughout his shirt. It reminded me of when I was wee, and my mom would buy me cable-knit sweaters. I'd get my scissors out and place holes in spots that a sweater wouldn't normally get holes from wear and tear. But then whenever I wore said sweater in front of my mom, I'd have to fold my arms in front of the holes or stand awkwardly so she wouldn't yell at me.
ANYWAY, this is the kind of place that also practices cleanliness and modernity and minimalism (read: BARE, sparse, etc) but with those odd rolling benches. Their drink menu has some tasty cocktails (except the cucumber one. Yuk! What was I thinking !?)
The one time I was there, this girl either in her early twenties or with a fake ID who was wearing a sleeveless turquoise leotard with a pair of cut-off denim shorts over them and a pair of white high heels. Gasp! Her and her not-quite-as-fashiony friend were smoking butts outside when we were leaving and the conversation went as follows:
80s Chick 1: If you don't roll deep, don't roll at all.
80s Chick 2: We were the biggest crowd in there!
I was only rolling three deep that night by the way :( should have stayed home...
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