After Dark
McCarthy's & Toad
About McCarthy's & Toad
McCarthy’s & Toad is a welcoming neighborhood Irish pub in Cambridge, MA, bringing together the best parts of casual dining, lively nightlife, and classic pub hospitality. Tucked away on Massachusetts Avenue, it offers a snug, inviting setting where guests can settle in for cold suds, hearty burgers, and nightly live music.
The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, drawing in a hip, energetic crowd that comes for the entertainment and stays for the warm, social feel. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a late-night bite, McCarthy’s & Toad delivers the kind of experience that makes it easy to linger, relax, and enjoy the moment.
What sets this pub apart is the full range of experiences it offers under one roof. Guests can dine in, take advantage of takeaway or delivery, or use the convenient on-site services depending on what fits their plans best.
The bar features a strong beer selection, great cocktails, alcohol service, and food served right at the bar, making it an excellent choice for a casual meal or a night out. With live music, live performances, quiz nights, and dancing, there is always something happening to keep the energy high.
For those looking for a more personal experience, the private dining room adds another layer of flexibility, while solo diners will also find the atmosphere comfortable and easy to enjoy on their own.
McCarthy’s & Toad is built with comfort and accessibility in mind, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible toilet so more guests can visit with confidence and ease. The venue also includes a restroom, accepts reservations, and takes credit and debit cards for simple, convenient planning.
Its reputation speaks for itself: customers have rated it 4.50 out of 5 based on 425 reviews, reflecting consistent appreciation for its fast service, great drinks, and memorable atmosphere.
Casual, cozy, lively, and trendy all at once, McCarthy’s & Toad offers the kind of dependable neighborhood pub experience that keeps people coming back for good food, great company, and a night worth remembering.
Live Music
Top DJs and live acts
Craft Cocktails
Premium drink menu
VIP Service
Exclusive experiences
Events
Themed nights weekly
The Experience
Your Night Awaits
Premium Bar
Craft cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and an extensive wine list crafted by expert mixologists.
Dance Floor
State-of-the-art sound system and lighting that transforms every night into magic.
VIP Lounge
Exclusive bottle service and private areas for those seeking a more intimate experience.
About Us
Where Nights Come Alive
Whether it's a night out with friends, a celebration, or simply letting loose, we're here to make it unforgettable.
The Vibe
See what awaits you tonight
What People Say
Reviews from our guests
Alicia lopresti
3 months ago10/10 the live music downstairs plus the weekly line dancing upstairs make it the best bar around. The food is also great, the drinks aren't overpriced and the service is amazing.
Jackson Aristotle
month agoGreat food and nice music. Be warned, the nacho plate is much larger than you expect (full-on light meal for two).
Anna Leslie
month agoIncredible plant based menu! The best Buddha bowl you will find for miles (you heard me, life alive), and at $15! We also had the vegetarian Shepards pie, which was both hearty and healthy. So surprised to find such extensive vegetarian options just down the street. And delightful live music to boot!
Javier Farias
3 months agoSunday comedy shows at toad are great, as well as Harry the bartender, such a cool dude and the best customer service.
Connor McDonough-Flynn
2 months agoGreat pint, tasty food, and the staff are spot on. There’s a wonderful vibe to the place. The music playing always soothes the soul. Highly recommend.
Yovy D
8 months agoFirst time visiting here and fun place and once in - Irish music was playing and great ambience. Very colorful atmosphere to hangout with friends and family
Zheina Pramatarova
month agoExcellent brunch menu items. Impressed with the plant menu options. The Buffalo cauliflower was incredible and the brunch items overall delicious. The Irish soda bread was a great touch and live music all around was a treat .
Vicki
6 months agoLove this bar! Have come for brunch - delicious. Have come for drinks - delicious. But mostly I come here on Fridays for the back room where you can see a really good live band for free. The place is always decorated for the holidays and it's always lovely. Definitely one of my top pubs in the area for sure.
Ed Holden
year agoGreat local Irish pub that already feels like an institution, from the owners of The Burren. Excellent Guinness pour, large selection of other drinks, and the food is similar to the menu at The Burren, with pub favorites and a lot of veggie options. The space is extensively remodeled from the previous restaurant in the building, and is actually attached to Toad, the small pub with frequent live music next door.
Curtis Smith
4 months agoAnother awesome Irish pub in Cambridge. The Guinness stew was excellent. But order the brussel sprouts, they are perfect! Beer was cold, food was hot and delicious. What else do you need?
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about McCarthy's & Toad
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM-1 AM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM-1 AM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM-2 AM
- Friday: 11:30 AM-2 AM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM-2 AM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM-1 AM
- Monday: 11:30 AM-1 AM
McCarthy's & Toad is located at 1912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States, Cambridge, MA, United States.
You can reach McCarthy's & Toad by calling +1 617-945-1887.
McCarthy's & Toad has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 425 customer reviews.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following service options: On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Live music, Live performances, Quiz night.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following popular for: Solo dining.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Food, Food at bar, Late-night food, Private dining room, Spirits, Wine.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following dining options: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Lively, Trendy.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following crowd: Groups.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following children: Good for kids.
McCarthy's & Toad features the following parking: Paid street parking.
Business Features
Highlights & Amenities
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Live performances
- Quiz night
Popular for
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Dancing
- Food
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Spirits
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Lively
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Paid street parking
Find Us
Ready to experience the best night out? We're waiting for you.
Location
1912 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, United StatesPhone
+1 617-945-1887Hours
Make a Reservation
VIP tables, group bookings, and private events. Get in touch.