When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
Flat Top Johnny's
Why Flat Top Johnny's is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Flat Top Johnny's has been a beloved gathering spot in Cambridge since 1993, renowned as the city's premier pool hall offering a casual yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends. Nestled in the heart of Kendall Square at 238 Main Street, this venue delivers more than just billiards; it provides a comprehensive entertainment experience with 12 pool tables, darts, pinball machines, and a diverse menu featuring locally crafted beers, creative cocktails, and tasty pub-style noshes. Open every day from 11:45 AM until 1:00 AM, with the kitchen serving until midnight, Flat Top Johnny's accommodates both casual afternoons and lively late-night outings. The space's recent relocation to a new, spacious venue in an MIT building maintains its classic charm while providing modern amenities, making it an ideal place for friends to socialize, unwind, and enjoy friendly competition. Its proximity to Kendall/MIT red line station and recommended bike and ride-share options make it easily accessible, enhancing its appeal as a meeting destination. Whether you want to challenge friends to a game of pool, enjoy good food and drink, or simply hang out in a lively environment, Flat Top Johnny's remains a top choice in Cambridge.
Here's what people think of Flat Top Johnny's
As of recent, Flat Top Johnny's holds a 4.2-star rating based on 656 reviews.
Customers consistently praise Flat Top Johnny's for its inviting and fun atmosphere, ideal for socializing over pool, darts, and pinball. Positive reviews highlight the variety and quality of their food and drink options, noting especially the locally crafted beers and cocktails that complement the games well. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the venue's vibrant, casual vibe that makes it a welcoming spot for groups and parties. The new location in Kendall Square has been recognized for its spaciousness and modern feel, while retaining the charm that longtime patrons love. On the downside, some negative reviews mention occasional slow service during peak hours and that the place can get quite crowded on weekends, which can affect the overall experience. A few patrons have noted that the noise level can be high, making conversations difficult at times. Nonetheless, these critiques are generally outweighed by the positive feedback regarding the quality of entertainment and food. Overall, the reviews suggest that Flat Top Johnny's successfully balances its roles as a pool hall, bar, and eatery, earning it a solid 4.2-star rating from over 650 reviews, reflecting a strong reputation as a lively and enjoyable destination for casual gatherings in Cambridge.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jea Kim
College dive bar vibes with pool tables, arcade games, and a heavy MIT crowd. Stopped by with a friend from MIT who lives nearby. Right next to the grad dorms, so the place was packed with students and researchers. It felt more like a post-lab hangout than a typical bar with groups huddled around the bar. Still, the pool room and arcade area had a livelier energy: definitely the more social side of the space. Food was surprisingly solid for a Kendall Square bar, and reasonably priced. We grabbed the Old Bay wings and a couple of hot dogs. I’d only had Old Bay on fries before, but it worked really well on wings too. The hot dogs were chicken dogs, but the buns were toasted with plenty of butter, and they were generous with the relish or onions. Nothing fancy, but no complaints. If you’re drinking, stick with beer. Cocktails weren’t expensive, but the fruity cocktail I tried was mediocre. Not necessarily sweet, but it tasted vaguely like a diluted version of a generic fruit cocktail.
Quinn S
Solid place. Good music, competitive prices, and quick service (not sure why so many bad reviews in terms of service, but we had no issues). There were plenty of pool tables and they were pretty nice, but were definitely worn a bit/a little dirty (could use a vacuum). Some of the pool cues were broken but there was an ample amount. A trendy and moderately priced place overall, and would certainly recommend. The game was $20/hour for two people, but no timers at tables so make sure you keep track of how long you have been playing.
Mike P
$20/hour pool / billiards- good drinks and friendly service! Some arcade & board games too.
Blake Edwards
I’ve always enjoyed this place in the past, but the experience tonight was incredibly disappointing enough to make me rethink coming back. We had a large group for a friend’s birthday and politely asked to reserve a pool table. Despite being courteous and communicative, the two staff members on duty were unreasonably rude and dismissive. They skipped over our party on the waitlist without explanation and moved our reservation name to the bottom of the list, again, without any justification. It felt deliberate and petty. Not only was this poor customer service, but it also made zero business sense. You’d think they’d want to rent out tables and generate revenue, especially from a large, respectful group. Instead, we were treated like an inconvenience. To top it off, staff hovered around us the entire night, watching us like hawks. We were repeatedly scolded in an obnoxious way for simply holding our drinks near the pool table. Not placing them down just holding them! What type of pool bar is this!? The tone and behavior were unnecessarily aggressive, making the entire experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming. Whatever hospitality training happened here needs to be revisited. If this is how large groups and returning patrons are treated, I’d rather take my business elsewhere. I truly hope this was just an off night, and that this isn’t the new normal. I’d love to update this review in the future if the service improves and becomes worthy of the reputation this place once had. But tonight? Absolutely not. UPDATE: Looks like I’m not alone in realizing how rude the staff is. They need to change over the big bald tattooed guy and the big bearded man. Horrible bar tenders.
Kevin
Had a fun time here! Pool, food, and beer is a great combo! First time here and the bartenders were very helpful telling us about the place. Wish there were hand sanitizer pumps around the pool area. Also the ledges are not conducive to put your food down. Thanks for a great time!
Jea Kim
College dive bar vibes with pool tables, arcade games, and a heavy MIT crowd. Stopped by with a friend from MIT who lives nearby. Right next to the grad dorms, so the place was packed with students and researchers. It felt more like a post-lab hangout than a typical bar with groups huddled around the bar. Still, the pool room and arcade area had a livelier energy: definitely the more social side of the space. Food was surprisingly solid for a Kendall Square bar, and reasonably priced. We grabbed the Old Bay wings and a couple of hot dogs. I’d only had Old Bay on fries before, but it worked really well on wings too. The hot dogs were chicken dogs, but the buns were toasted with plenty of butter, and they were generous with the relish or onions. Nothing fancy, but no complaints. If you’re drinking, stick with beer. Cocktails weren’t expensive, but the fruity cocktail I tried was mediocre. Not necessarily sweet, but it tasted vaguely like a diluted version of a generic fruit cocktail.
Quinn S
Solid place. Good music, competitive prices, and quick service (not sure why so many bad reviews in terms of service, but we had no issues). There were plenty of pool tables and they were pretty nice, but were definitely worn a bit/a little dirty (could use a vacuum). Some of the pool cues were broken but there was an ample amount. A trendy and moderately priced place overall, and would certainly recommend. The game was $20/hour for two people, but no timers at tables so make sure you keep track of how long you have been playing.
Mike P
$20/hour pool / billiards- good drinks and friendly service! Some arcade & board games too.
Blake Edwards
I’ve always enjoyed this place in the past, but the experience tonight was incredibly disappointing enough to make me rethink coming back. We had a large group for a friend’s birthday and politely asked to reserve a pool table. Despite being courteous and communicative, the two staff members on duty were unreasonably rude and dismissive. They skipped over our party on the waitlist without explanation and moved our reservation name to the bottom of the list, again, without any justification. It felt deliberate and petty. Not only was this poor customer service, but it also made zero business sense. You’d think they’d want to rent out tables and generate revenue, especially from a large, respectful group. Instead, we were treated like an inconvenience. To top it off, staff hovered around us the entire night, watching us like hawks. We were repeatedly scolded in an obnoxious way for simply holding our drinks near the pool table. Not placing them down just holding them! What type of pool bar is this!? The tone and behavior were unnecessarily aggressive, making the entire experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming. Whatever hospitality training happened here needs to be revisited. If this is how large groups and returning patrons are treated, I’d rather take my business elsewhere. I truly hope this was just an off night, and that this isn’t the new normal. I’d love to update this review in the future if the service improves and becomes worthy of the reputation this place once had. But tonight? Absolutely not. UPDATE: Looks like I’m not alone in realizing how rude the staff is. They need to change over the big bald tattooed guy and the big bearded man. Horrible bar tenders.
Kevin
Had a fun time here! Pool, food, and beer is a great combo! First time here and the bartenders were very helpful telling us about the place. Wish there were hand sanitizer pumps around the pool area. Also the ledges are not conducive to put your food down. Thanks for a great time!
Jea Kim
College dive bar vibes with pool tables, arcade games, and a heavy MIT crowd. Stopped by with a friend from MIT who lives nearby. Right next to the grad dorms, so the place was packed with students and researchers. It felt more like a post-lab hangout than a typical bar with groups huddled around the bar. Still, the pool room and arcade area had a livelier energy: definitely the more social side of the space. Food was surprisingly solid for a Kendall Square bar, and reasonably priced. We grabbed the Old Bay wings and a couple of hot dogs. I’d only had Old Bay on fries before, but it worked really well on wings too. The hot dogs were chicken dogs, but the buns were toasted with plenty of butter, and they were generous with the relish or onions. Nothing fancy, but no complaints. If you’re drinking, stick with beer. Cocktails weren’t expensive, but the fruity cocktail I tried was mediocre. Not necessarily sweet, but it tasted vaguely like a diluted version of a generic fruit cocktail.
Quinn S
Solid place. Good music, competitive prices, and quick service (not sure why so many bad reviews in terms of service, but we had no issues). There were plenty of pool tables and they were pretty nice, but were definitely worn a bit/a little dirty (could use a vacuum). Some of the pool cues were broken but there was an ample amount. A trendy and moderately priced place overall, and would certainly recommend. The game was $20/hour for two people, but no timers at tables so make sure you keep track of how long you have been playing.
Mike P
$20/hour pool / billiards- good drinks and friendly service! Some arcade & board games too.
Blake Edwards
I’ve always enjoyed this place in the past, but the experience tonight was incredibly disappointing enough to make me rethink coming back. We had a large group for a friend’s birthday and politely asked to reserve a pool table. Despite being courteous and communicative, the two staff members on duty were unreasonably rude and dismissive. They skipped over our party on the waitlist without explanation and moved our reservation name to the bottom of the list, again, without any justification. It felt deliberate and petty. Not only was this poor customer service, but it also made zero business sense. You’d think they’d want to rent out tables and generate revenue, especially from a large, respectful group. Instead, we were treated like an inconvenience. To top it off, staff hovered around us the entire night, watching us like hawks. We were repeatedly scolded in an obnoxious way for simply holding our drinks near the pool table. Not placing them down just holding them! What type of pool bar is this!? The tone and behavior were unnecessarily aggressive, making the entire experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming. Whatever hospitality training happened here needs to be revisited. If this is how large groups and returning patrons are treated, I’d rather take my business elsewhere. I truly hope this was just an off night, and that this isn’t the new normal. I’d love to update this review in the future if the service improves and becomes worthy of the reputation this place once had. But tonight? Absolutely not. UPDATE: Looks like I’m not alone in realizing how rude the staff is. They need to change over the big bald tattooed guy and the big bearded man. Horrible bar tenders.
Kevin
Had a fun time here! Pool, food, and beer is a great combo! First time here and the bartenders were very helpful telling us about the place. Wish there were hand sanitizer pumps around the pool area. Also the ledges are not conducive to put your food down. Thanks for a great time!
Jea Kim
College dive bar vibes with pool tables, arcade games, and a heavy MIT crowd. Stopped by with a friend from MIT who lives nearby. Right next to the grad dorms, so the place was packed with students and researchers. It felt more like a post-lab hangout than a typical bar with groups huddled around the bar. Still, the pool room and arcade area had a livelier energy: definitely the more social side of the space. Food was surprisingly solid for a Kendall Square bar, and reasonably priced. We grabbed the Old Bay wings and a couple of hot dogs. I’d only had Old Bay on fries before, but it worked really well on wings too. The hot dogs were chicken dogs, but the buns were toasted with plenty of butter, and they were generous with the relish or onions. Nothing fancy, but no complaints. If you’re drinking, stick with beer. Cocktails weren’t expensive, but the fruity cocktail I tried was mediocre. Not necessarily sweet, but it tasted vaguely like a diluted version of a generic fruit cocktail.
Quinn S
Solid place. Good music, competitive prices, and quick service (not sure why so many bad reviews in terms of service, but we had no issues). There were plenty of pool tables and they were pretty nice, but were definitely worn a bit/a little dirty (could use a vacuum). Some of the pool cues were broken but there was an ample amount. A trendy and moderately priced place overall, and would certainly recommend. The game was $20/hour for two people, but no timers at tables so make sure you keep track of how long you have been playing.
Mike P
$20/hour pool / billiards- good drinks and friendly service! Some arcade & board games too.
Blake Edwards
I’ve always enjoyed this place in the past, but the experience tonight was incredibly disappointing enough to make me rethink coming back. We had a large group for a friend’s birthday and politely asked to reserve a pool table. Despite being courteous and communicative, the two staff members on duty were unreasonably rude and dismissive. They skipped over our party on the waitlist without explanation and moved our reservation name to the bottom of the list, again, without any justification. It felt deliberate and petty. Not only was this poor customer service, but it also made zero business sense. You’d think they’d want to rent out tables and generate revenue, especially from a large, respectful group. Instead, we were treated like an inconvenience. To top it off, staff hovered around us the entire night, watching us like hawks. We were repeatedly scolded in an obnoxious way for simply holding our drinks near the pool table. Not placing them down just holding them! What type of pool bar is this!? The tone and behavior were unnecessarily aggressive, making the entire experience uncomfortable and unwelcoming. Whatever hospitality training happened here needs to be revisited. If this is how large groups and returning patrons are treated, I’d rather take my business elsewhere. I truly hope this was just an off night, and that this isn’t the new normal. I’d love to update this review in the future if the service improves and becomes worthy of the reputation this place once had. But tonight? Absolutely not. UPDATE: Looks like I’m not alone in realizing how rude the staff is. They need to change over the big bald tattooed guy and the big bearded man. Horrible bar tenders.
Kevin
Had a fun time here! Pool, food, and beer is a great combo! First time here and the bartenders were very helpful telling us about the place. Wish there were hand sanitizer pumps around the pool area. Also the ledges are not conducive to put your food down. Thanks for a great time!
How to reach Flat Top Johnny's
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Website: None
Why Flat Top Johnny's may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends?
If you’re searching for the perfect spot to gather with your friends or family, Flat Top Johnny’s stands out as an exceptional choice. Located in the vibrant Kendall Square area of Cambridge, MA, this establishment offers an inviting and lively atmosphere that effortlessly combines dining, entertainment, and socializing all under one roof. With a solid rating of 4.2 from over 650 reviews, it has proven itself as a reliable destination for those looking to enjoy quality time together. Its welcoming environment makes everyone—from casual meetups to larger celebrations—feel right at home. Whether you want to kick back with some local craft beers, indulge in tasty burgers and Johnny Dogs made with fresh ingredients, or challenge your friends to classic games like pool, darts, or pinball, Flat Top Johnny’s ensures that fun and relaxation are always on the menu. The convenience of its location right by Kendall/MIT subway station means getting there with your whole group is a breeze, with multiple transport options available. For any group looking to combine great food, entertainment, and a vibrant social ambiance, Flat Top Johnny’s is an unbeatable choice to rally at and create memorable moments.
What activities can you enjoy at Flat Top Johnny’s?
Flat Top Johnny’s thrives on its variety of engaging activities that make it an excellent venue for groups. One of the prime attractions here is the pool hall—a classic centerpiece that draws in players of all skill levels. Whether you’re an expert sharpshooter or a casual player, the pool tables provide endless entertainment and a friendly competitive edge to any meetup. Alongside pool, you can dive into other fun games like darts and pinball. These games foster lighthearted competition and give everyone in your group a chance to participate, creating a dynamic and interactive vibe. Besides games, Flat Top Johnny’s offers a bar stocked with fresh local beers, perfect for sipping with friends while catching up. For those more focused on dining, their menu highlights locally sourced ingredients with crowd favorites like burgers and the iconic Johnny Dogs—delicious and satisfying options to fuel your get-together. Combined, these activities keep energy levels high and offer diverse ways to engage, making it easy to entertain groups with varying interests and preferences.
Why is Flat Top Johnny’s ideal for hosting group meetups or parties?
Hosting a group meetup or party at Flat Top Johnny’s is a seamless experience thanks to its thoughtful amenities and accommodating atmosphere. The venue can comfortably host anywhere from cozy groups of ten to larger parties of up to 150 people, making it flexible for anything from intimate gatherings to lively celebrations. The staff at Flat Top Johnny’s are experienced in managing group events, ensuring smooth coordination from food orders to seating arrangements, which lets you focus on enjoying the company of your friends and family. Its extensive hours, open from 11:45 AM to 1:00 AM with the kitchen open till midnight daily, provide plenty of scheduling flexibility to fit any occasion, from brunch meetups to late-night hangouts. Additionally, its location in the heart of Kendall Square, steps from the Kendall/MIT Red Line stop, means group members can easily use public transit or other ride share services to arrive safely and on time. With such conveniences and a dedicated space designed to accommodate a lively crowd, Flat Top Johnny’s is a premier spot to bring your social circle together for memorable experiences.
How does the food and drink menu complement the social atmosphere?
The menu at Flat Top Johnny’s complements its social, game-focused atmosphere brilliantly, creating a complete and satisfying outing for groups. Their food offerings center around comfort and local flavors, featuring signature items like juicy burgers and the beloved Johnny Dogs, which are crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to ensure quality and taste. Such approachable and crowd-pleasing dishes are ideal when sharing a meal with friends or family, as they encourage a relaxed, communal dining experience. Alongside the hearty food options, the bar serves an impressive selection of local craft beers that perfectly pair with the flavors and overall vibe of the place. These beverages offer refreshing choices that keep the energy flowing during games, conversations, or celebrations. The balance of tasty food and carefully curated drink selections enhances the social tension of Flat Top Johnny’s, making it a place where everyone’s tastes are met and the good times naturally unfold.
What makes the location and accessibility of Flat Top Johnny’s so convenient?
One of the greatest advantages of Flat Top Johnny’s is its accessible location in Kendall Square, Cambridge, an area famous for its youthful energy and innovation spirit thanks to the nearby MIT campus. The bar and restaurant’s address at 238 Main Street places it right at the center of this bustling community, making it an easy destination for locals and visitors alike. Public transportation options are superb, with the Kendall/MIT Red Line subway stop positioned literally just outside the door—so visitors can skip the hassle of parking or driving altogether. For those arriving by car, nearby parking garages make it easy to find a spot without too much stress. And if your group prefers biking or ride share, the area supports those choices with dedicated bike-share stations and abundant ride share availability. This convenient access encourages groups to gather without worrying about logistical hurdles, allowing them to focus purely on the enjoyment of their meetup. Whether you’re organizing a weekday after-work outing or a weekend party, the location’s accessibility is a major asset.
What kind of atmosphere and vibe can you expect at Flat Top Johnny’s?
Flat Top Johnny’s cultivates an atmosphere that is both lively and welcoming, blending the casual feel of a neighborhood bar with the excitement of a social game hall. The interior sports classic wood furnishings and comfortable booths that encourage groups to relax and linger over conversation or games. Ambient lighting strikes the perfect balance—bright enough to keep energy high but warm enough to enhance a cozy, inviting mood. The steady hum of pool balls, laughter, and friendly banter fills the air, creating an environment where social interaction is natural and effortless. Music selections complement the vibe without overpowering, making it easy to chat or focus on your game. Whether coming after work for a quick drink or hosting a larger event, Flat Top Johnny’s adapts to the crowd’s mood, cultivating an inclusive environment that appeals to a broad range of ages and interests. It’s a true community hub where good times with friends feel authentic and spontaneous.
Why should Flat Top Johnny’s be your go-to spot for family gatherings?
For families looking to share quality time, Flat Top Johnny’s offers a versatile and welcoming space where all ages can feel comfortable and entertained. Despite its lively bar atmosphere, the venue also appeals to families through its game offerings such as pool and pinball, which can be enjoyed across generations at a relaxed pace. The menu’s approachable, hearty food selections like burgers and hot dogs are always kid-friendly and appealing to different tastes. The staff are attentive and accustomed to hosting diverse groups, ensuring that families feel well taken care of during their visit. Its extensive hours accommodate families who prefer earlier dining times or casual weekend hangouts. The combination of activities, food, and a friendly environment make Flat Top Johnny’s a reliable and enjoyable destination for family celebrations, reunions, or simply a fun meal out together.
How does Flat Top Johnny’s support larger group events and celebrations?
Flat Top Johnny’s is not just a casual hangout spot; it is also a professional host for larger group events and celebrations. The venue offers dedicated space and amenities that cater to parties ranging from 10 to 150 people, which is ideal for birthday parties, work outings, reunions, or any festive occasion. Their experienced event management team assists with planning and accommodating group specifics, from customized food and drink orders to seating layouts that optimize social interaction and comfort. Technology such as audio setups may be available to enhance the party experience. With a kitchen open until midnight and an extended bar service, guests can enjoy a full range of options no matter the time. This organizational support reduces stress on hosts and guarantees that everyone in the group has an enjoyable, memorable time. Flat Top Johnny’s’ reputation for successful group events is a major reason many returning guests count on it as their official party venue.
What are the reviews saying about Flat Top Johnny’s and why do they matter?
Flat Top Johnny’s maintains a strong reputation as reflected in its 4.2-star rating from over 650 reviews, a testament to consistent customer satisfaction. Reviewers commonly praise the friendly and attentive staff who create a welcoming experience, the great variety of games that appeal to both hardcore players and casual visitors, and the quality of the food—especially the local burgers and house specialty Johnny Dogs. Positive mentions frequently highlight the convenient location and the ease of access, reinforcing how its setting contributes to the overall experience. These reviews matter because they provide real insights from a diverse range of patrons, giving potential visitors confidence that their expectations for fun and quality will be met. The balance of social atmosphere, food, and activity options comes across as one of the biggest draws, ensuring that Flat Top Johnny’s remains a favored spot for both locals and visitors planning group outings.
What special tips can make your visit to Flat Top Johnny’s even better?
To maximize your enjoyment at Flat Top Johnny’s, consider arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays when crowds tend to be lighter, offering more space and easier access to pool tables and games. If you are hosting a larger group, reaching out in advance via their contact email allows the staff to prepare and accommodate your party smoothly, giving you peace of mind. Taking advantage of the location’s proximity to public transit can greatly simplify logistics, especially for bigger groups who want to avoid parking concerns. Be sure to try signature menu items like the local burgers and Johnny Dogs, paired with a selection of fresh local beers for the full experience. Lastly, don’t hesitate to engage with staff for game recommendations or pairing suggestions—they’re knowledgeable and eager to help enhance your visit. Following these tips can turn a great outing at Flat Top Johnny’s into an unforgettable social event.
In summary, Flat Top Johnny’s combines great location, diverse entertainment options, quality food and drinks, and a social atmosphere perfectly suited for group meetups, making it an outstanding choice whether you’re rallying your friends for a casual night out or hosting a larger celebration.