“Ready to experience a venue that’s both a restaurant and a rock club?” That’s The Sinclair. It stands here in Harvard Square. This isn’t just another spot. It’s a place where music and food collide.
The Sinclair is brought to you by The Bowery Presents. It is located at 52 Church Street. It embodies the connection between food and music. The Sinclair offers dinner every day from 5 PM. It stays open until 1 AM Sunday to Wednesday. On Thursdays to Saturdays, it is open until 2 AM. Brunch is served on weekends starting at 11 AM.
The Bowery Presents is a New York-based booking company. They are behind iconic venues like the Bowery Ballroom and Terminal 5. The Sinclair brings that New York vibe right here. For the cost of a movie ticket, you can catch a live show. You might even splurge on a nice meal afterwards.
Cambridge had unique challenges. Puritanical liquor laws meant no nightclub licenses. Businesses couldn’t serve alcohol without food. So, The Bowery Presents went into the restaurant business. This was a bold move for them.
The result is a space that’s part restaurant and part concert venue. It offers something new to Harvard Square’s nightlife. The Sinclair has a large wraparound balcony. It can hold up to 525 people. Most importantly, it has three bars.
Josh Bhatti spent two years working on The Sinclair. He wanted views from everywhere. The stage and balcony bring the audience close to the performers. This concentrates the energy. The stage is surprisingly large for this location.
The Sinclair focuses on up-and-coming artists. The Bowery Presents’ connections bring about 200 events each year. Many bands approach them to play here. The Sinclair is also available for rent on nights without concerts. This provides opportunities for student groups needing event spaces.
Bhatti hopes The Sinclair mirrors New York’s Mercury Lounge. That venue hosted bands like The White Stripes early in their careers. This size is exciting for bands. People tell their friends about the concert. When the band takes off, more people will know about them.
After construction delays, The Sinclair finally opened in December. It quickly became popular. The reaction has been fantastic. People love the room’s feel and look. The staff is friendly. Bartenders are inviting. Event staff check IDs instead of bouncers.
The Sinclair worked to provide affordable concerts and meals. Most concerts cost below $20. This makes it accessible. Few concerts have a 21-plus age restriction.
Chef Michael Schlow designed the menu. Dinner entrees are around $20. There is also a less expensive late-night menu. Keeping prices reasonable was important. The restaurant has a transportation theme. You’ll notice custom subway tiles and maps. The design avoids being kitsch. The Sinclair has a more “bunkery” vibe.
The Sinclair also has an outdoor patio. Bhatti envisions The Sinclair as a place to spend the entire evening. You can move from the restaurant to the concert. You can also stop by for just one part of your night. You’ll be treated well here. Hopefully, you’ll remember seeing a band here years later.
Acentech provided sound isolation for The Sinclair. This was crucial because of nearby tenants. They planned sound-isolating ceilings and walls. They even tested the sound with loudspeakers. The result is a space with fantastic sound. Yet, it doesn’t disturb the neighbors.
So next time you’re looking for a memorable night out, remember The Sinclair. It is where good music and good food meet.