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Party Earth Review A stone’s throw from Harvard University, Tommy Doyle’s is a multi-level pub popular with area students for its live Irish music and DJs, sports packages, and trivia nights. The ground floor, its walls lined with vintage... ... read full review
96 Winthrop Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Red Line: Harvard
617-864-0655
M–W, Su 11am–1am, Th–Sa 11am–2am
Cambridge / Somerville, Boston –
A stone’s throw from Harvard University, Tommy Doyle’s is a multi-level pub popular with area students for its live Irish music and DJs, sports packages, and trivia nights.
The ground floor, its walls lined with vintage beer signs and Gaelic knickknacks, is the cozy main area where hoodie-clad college kids and kickback Cambridge locals clink pints and catch a little FIFA on the multiple flat-screens.
It’s no surprise that trivia is a serious event so close to Harvard, or that all three trivia nights draw a packed crowd that sees every barstool and chair in the long room occupied by undercover savants in jeans and t-shirts.
The basement – dubbed The Crimson Lounge – is a favorite birthday party spot for Harvard coeds or anyone else who wants to peruse the additional taps exclusive to the lower bar, while a spiral staircase peppered with old photographs leads patrons to the larger dance and live music floor.
Seasonal bands belting out Celtic beats and a monthly schedule of local acts add to the mix, while most nights all year see DJs spinning Top 40 and 80s classics for the crowd of stressed-out studiers who have dropped the books for the night.
Lots of televised sports and a Celtic brunch round out the weekend at Tommy Doyle’s, which, while a far cry from its former life as the site of the original House of Blues, still manages to keep the beats going strong.
Tough day at school or work? Tommy Doyle’s has a weekday lunch deal that’s sure to take the edge off. You can select any draft beer paired with any burger, sandwich, salad, or Panini for a mere $10 from 11am to 6pm. Just make sure you don’t slur your words in front of your boss/teacher.
Students from Harvard, MIT, and rival schools, sports-loving locals, and more students, early 20s to early 30s.
DJs spin Top 40 most nights. Trivia on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Karaoke on Wednesdays. Live Irish music accompanies brunch on Sundays (March–June).
Big Buck Hunter arcade game. Digital jukebox. Lots of flat-screens showing all major sports, with no small dedication to soccer.
Fried bar snacks, sandwiches, and comfort food entrées with a selection of Irish specialties. Brunch menu includes omelets, pancakes, and traditional Irish breakfast.
Cover $5–$15, though usually $5, and only after 11pm or midnight. Brunch menu $9.50–$12.50, appetizers $3.50–$10+, salads $8–$11, sandwiches and burgers $9–$11, entrées $12–$17.
Beer $5–$15, wine $7–$9, cocktails $6–$9.
Casual: jeans, college hoodies and t-shirts, sneakers, comfy sweaters, baseball hats, slinky dresses, colorful tops.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for ultra-competitive trivia, Friday and Saturday nights to let loose on the dance floor to old-school jams, or any time a live band of interest is playing.
Grendel’s Den (89 Winthrop Street) is another student staple literally steps away, with a craft beer list sure to impress even the most devout brew snob.
Tommy Doyle's User Reviews