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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.

★★★★★ 4.50 rating (425 reviews)
McCarthy's & Toad
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Real Reviews

Live Music

Top DJs and live acts

Craft Cocktails

Premium drink menu

VIP Service

Exclusive experiences

Events

Themed nights weekly

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.

McCarthy's & Toad

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.

World-Class DJs
Premium Sound
Signature Cocktails
VIP Experience

What People Say

Reviews from our guests

Alicia lopresti

Alicia lopresti

3 months ago

10/10 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

Jackson Aristotle

month ago

Great food and nice music. Be warned, the nacho plate is much larger than you expect (full-on light meal for two).

Anna Leslie

Anna Leslie

month ago

Incredible 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

Javier Farias

3 months ago

Sunday comedy shows at toad are great, as well as Harry the bartender, such a cool dude and the best customer service.

Connor McDonough-Flynn

Connor McDonough-Flynn

2 months ago

Great 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

Yovy D

8 months ago

First 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

Zheina Pramatarova

month ago

Excellent 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

Vicki

6 months ago

Love 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

Ed Holden

year ago

Great 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

Curtis Smith

4 months ago

Another 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

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 States

Hours

Closed · Sunday 10:30 AM-1 AM
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
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VIP tables, group bookings, and private events. Get in touch.