The Middle East Downstairs

Some of the best shows in the Boston area happen here. Bands from all genres may be new or established, local or international, but are always, always excellent.

The downstairs venue boasts two bars & serves up great rock shows. The relatively intimate setting means you'll get up close and personal with the band, but get your tickets early - they sell out fast Read more

Wonderful venue but be careful when exiting through the back door , bums usually sleep there and you don't wanna hit them.

Steve Seabury, author of Mosh Potatoes heavy metal cookbook , has his world rocked by the Beef Shawarma sandwich and Shrimp Shish Kababs . Save room for the Chocolate Baklava to turn your meal to 11. Read more

As renowned for its Middle Eastern cuisine as it is for putting on some of the best shows in town , this is a sure bet for a prime pumpkin kibbeh or mjudra (lentil stew ) during lunch .

The venue downstairs isn't as nice as upstairs. Bigger but the stage sits too low and you have hvac cutting into your view . Sound quality lacks too. Got way too hot. Still a good time though!

Played shows at both Downstairs and Upstairs. Sound guy was great for the Downstairs. Was a blast to play.

Not only do the best bands play here when they come to Boston, but it also has delicious Middle Eastern food . Bring some gum: baba ganoush breath will get you nowhere fast.

Probably my favorite place I've seen a show in the Boston area. Great crowds, usually.

Go towards the end of the bar closer to the stage and lean against the railing for a great view

This Boston Landmark is legendary! The national and local acts keep the downstairs rumbling! Grab a bite before the show! TW ♥'s The Middle East Downstairs! Read more

Former bowling alley ; it feels like you're seeing a concert in someone's basement - sticky floors and all.

If you want to know the next up and coming bands, booking a table at this place is a MUST! Oh and check out the grilled salads !

Back on ground level, the restaurant offers “Middle Eastern fare with a twist” late into the night. Try hitting one of their special events , like the lamb cook-off. Read more

Always a great time! And as non-drinkers the free room temperature water at the end of the bar is MUCH appreciated!

the 20% off dinner w/ ticket deal ended up being 10%??? actual service was slow but server was friendly & food came out in a reasonable time. (Doctor Doom Orchestra was great!)

Carnival Of Ink - Roll up the sleeves & get to work showing off your piece at the Middle East on Friday for this art of the tattoo contest (November 12th, 9 p.m., $12). Read more

This is by far the best quality, cheapest lunch in Central Square. Try the salmon steak on beans and rice pilaf .

Buy drinks from Dave! ...he spikes them with unicorn tears and dragons blood (depending on the event )

Such a funky concert venue ! Great place for a night out.

Bring earplugs, check your coat, and enjoy the show.

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get ear plugs from the bar for $1 and stand in the front row in front of the woofer tower.

Be prepared to get heavily patted down if you're here for hip hop .

Only sit at a table if you're going to eat - and tip. Best bet is the pumpkin kibbeh or falafel sandwich .

check out Throwed on Tuesday nights, and other awesome shows all the time.

I like how they bring your pita in a little plastic bag so you can take the rest home.

Check out Clio Restaurant as seen on Bizarre Foods America Read more

Wear as little clothing as you can unless you want to sweat to death. Drink some Narragansett to keep cool.

The coat check is more fun than a normal coat check ...

chill place to catch a show. sound system is so-so.

RE: set and door times. Not necessarily. Doors at 8, first band sometimes at 8:15! Set times posted daily at <aclass="entity url"rel="nofollow" href="http://twitter.com/MidEastClub"target="_blank" data-sig="YoI0xjW3HHOLeo+ysSZEiIrk9BQ=" onmousedown="fourSq.ui.OutgoingLink.mousedown($(this), event)" data-source="tip-text">twitter.com/MidEastClub</a>

It gets hotter than hell in here. Come dressed in a tank top/t-shirt or risk turning into a sweat monster.

special taste on food...I don't like it. Otherwise, it s a good bar with live house upstairs and downstairs though

We sell earplugs for a buck! Bottled Water...also one dollar! I'd buy that for a dollar!

The grape leaves are awesome, so is the kibby

First Thursday of the month - Jamie Lynn Hart's band - check it out, she's amazing!

If you use SCVNGR, check for rewards there, including 20% off your food bill.

- hallowed live music venue

Lots of live bands ! Great music (only if you could stand the loudness )!

Free acoustic punk shows on Mondays at the Corner, it's "Cut the Cord" night.

Don't order premium vodka downstairs, even KetelOne. It's just bottom shelf vodka poured into an appropriate bottle.

The Mark and Stormy is tasty if you're a bourbon fan.

Not that good...the fries are the only good food & the fact that if u get tickets to a show you get 20% off of ur bill

I sang there!! Awesome place! Great bands! Cheap beer !

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Remember, doors may open at 8pm, but most shows don't actually start until at least 9:30.

Mrs Danvers is playing here tonight. And they are the best :D fyi

Up the punx!

FUN & FUNKY...