If you're looking for a slight change of scenery from all the Irish pubs around Boston, come to the communist pub to have some beers and throw some darts. Pros: Good beer selection. Great decor. Plexiglass protects you from poorly thrown darts. Cons: Often crowded. The dart boards are worn out. If you throw a bulls-eye, the dart is more likely to bounce off than stick. The bathroom is small, and not very clean. Bottom line: It might not be for everyone, but as long as you know what you're getting into, you'll have a great time at the People's Republik.
(4)
E F.
Sticky floors and sometimes crowded. Cash only (yay atm fees... not). Come here on weekday afternoons or nights to drink beer and throw darts with your buddies. No one will rush you. Just don't wear flip flops.
(3)
H M.
Comforting space. As a newbie to the area- it feels accepting of any visitor. Love the variety of food. Money machine available, if you need cash. Don't fret! Definitely will return.
(5)
Joey M.
People's Republik tries to get by on schtick but I think it does a pretty poor job. Yeah, OK we get it. Communists, Cambridge. Ha ha ha. Great job. Now that we've addressed the elephant in the room lets dial down to what it does offer. 1. Darts. Hell yes there are dart boards here that aren't always crowded. I wish they weren't stuck in the corners but hey. Beggers can't be choosers. 2. Cash only. That's kind of annoying but hey. It is cash only 3. Bartenders who don't care you are there. Maybe this is something people like but it seems next to impossible to get a drink in a timely manner at this bar. 4. Food. I've never tried it but it does exist. 5. Prices. That are normal for Cambridge even though this place is vaugely divey. 6. Nothing to write home about. And yet here I am. Writing about it. Tl;dr: Its a sub-par bar with dart boards. OR MAYBE Its a place to play darts that serves booze... slowly.
(3)
Chris P.
People's is my favorite bar in the world. I don't know exactly why, but it's a magically place. I witnessed the Red Sox winning the World Series there with a PBR in hand. I watched our first multiracial president get elected from their bar stools. I took my family there before my wedding. When my Korean friend comes to visit, this is the first place he wants to go. You just have to visit People's yourself to figure it out
(5)
Melissa H.
Bringing our own darts and chatting up the bartenders...great experience. Cash only. Cold beer, no loud music, good place to shoot darts and the breeze.
(4)
Lauren P.
I honestly really enjoy People's Republik. Downsides: Cash only. Crowded with students during the school year. Upside: Friendly bartenders. DARTS DARTS DARTS The food is pretty good -- my bf got a full entree and I ate the buffalo chicken nachos as my dinner. Yum. Also, try the curry fries! The curry isn't a sauce, it's the dry powder but it's a spicy-sweet and really good. GREAT beer options. Dogfish Head? Yup.
(4)
Mark F.
note, this review is from 2011 Wanted to try this place forever, so when I went to visit friends in Boston they took me here. The bar is decked out with communist imagery that for political science geeks like ourselves was extremely comical. One bartender on duty played mostly music from his iPod, mostly punk music. Large bar with several tables around the circumference. Two dart boards were prominent on each opposite end of the bar. There were, I believe, 12 beers on tap, 6 on each side of the bar. I just had the Mayflower Porter that was on tap. Did notice a food menu but I did not try the food. The place is a comical hang out spot, for me at least, and I enjoyed the general atmosphere, decent selection of beers and a reasonable price beer for Cambridge.
(4)
Lisa R.
Came here on a Thursday night to get beers with a friend. Beer options are okay. Lots of seating options. We shared the people's nachos, and they were one of the better pub nachos I've had but it's hard to make cheesy fried chips taste bad. Overall this place is 3-star A-OK.
(3)
Allison R.
Walk out of Central towards Harvard and you'll hit this gem. Forever known at the "commie" bar in my mind, this is a place where good tunes and good brews are to be found. They played the new Lawrence Arms album at full speed and volume, and it filled the fairly empty space nicely. Street Dogs and Menzingers followed. In fact as we were to head out into the night, the bartender flipped at coaster at me as to inform me of the newest album by the menzingers. So this can turn into a bit of a meat market as there are approximately 3 guys for every girl so if you need a bit of an ego boost (or plain old pick up!) this is the place to go. The men aren't always quality but they're always really hilarious and entertaining and sometimes, sometimes very well educated or TA's at Harvard or wherever. Over the past weekend some lovely men with british accents had us doubling over in laughter and playing darts. Why I enjoy is that it's totally approachable, you can chat up whomever and expect them to do the same. Great place to end the night! Place is a dive, and I am fine with that! Ps, I do love anywhere that is adorned with a mural of Elvis!
(5)
Christian K.
Benn there twice. Second time was the worse experience at a bar ever. They think they are a all cool but that translates into a total lack of service. The stuff is simply rude and does not serve you. We had been there with a group. One girl is vegetarian and the description of there food is not helpful at all. So she asked if the Guacamole Burger is Vegetarian or a Burger with Guacamole. The reaction by the waiter was like: You are stupid, it is a burger. Then we tried to get a beer. I waited with my friend at the bar. After the bar keeper checked his phone, flirted with some girls he finally saw us. He served my friend but did not see me at all. He went back to check his phone then broke some glass flirted with a waitress. (not serving any guest) So when he saw me after what felt 1h I asked him if there is a chance i get a beer this year.... (his comment was like "not with this attitude). I don't mind waiting if the staff is working and yes we all do mistakes. But this was just to much
(1)
Ari P.
Holy IPA. Save for Guinness, I don't they had anything else on tap that wasn't super hoppy. I've always been curious about this place, mostly because one day I peeked in and a Russian friend told me the talk bubble of the scolding woman on the door translates to "don't gossip." Was caught off guard by the cash only. I think it's a better place to begin the night rather than end it, because the place fills up. My group of four was rather derpy in trying to find a corner to call our own. Good spot fresh off the 70 bus, but like communism it's a good servant and bad master.
(3)
Brian R.
Great vibe, fantastic bar service. Came here with a friend in need of a solid night out and the people's republik delivered in every way and then some. Nice spot in Cambridge for an unpretentious night out at reasonable prices.
(5)
Clay N.
PR is a crowded version of Phoenix Landing and a divey version of Park. The cash only bar doesn't offer much more than a place to get drunk with college kids that are aggressively lying about their age. $2 PBR/Gansett is the best thing on the menu.
(3)
James C.
My brother was visiting me in Cambridge for the first time ever... Anyway, I wanted to show him the great bars near my place and I thought this was one of them. We arrived late in the night and got a round of drinks. After finishing that round, we got a second round. Within 60-90 seconds, an employee grabbed the drinks from our table and discarded them, saying that they were closing. There was no warning when we ordered the drinks less than 5 minutes before that we would have only seconds to drink our beers. Terrible experience, won't be back.
(1)
Derek D.
A laid-back, affordable, somewhat quirky, go-to bar of mine between Harvard and Central Squares. A small-to-medium sized but broad-ranging, reasonably affordable, and high quality beer selection. Dark ambience with high wood tables and wood-paneled walls and, as the name suggests, Communist propaganda signs adding a bit of color and humor to said walls. Greasy pub food, and fries are decadently good. Dart boards and a decent amount of floor space make for a good spot to meet up with friends for happy hour and kid around, but perhaps because of its in-between location, I rarely see it very crowded, so I have also successfully parked here to do work alone on my laptop.
(4)
Jason L.
One time when I was working at a bagel shop in high school and the manager left us to close the store, we closed it early and hung a sign on the door that said "CLOSED EARLY FOR COMINTURN MEETING." I have a sense that the owners named this place in the same way, because there wasn't anything leftist about the crowd. The decor is funny though. I saw a HUGE bomb, a HUGE boot, and what appeared to be an early 20th century poster of two men kissing. They played a whole Bad Religion album the way it should be played: at super-high volume. We had some trouble talking, but you won't hear me complaining about Bad Religion. Also, there was beer.
(4)
Melissa M.
Moscow Mules. Da. Da. Da. Da. Da. I had five. Da. Worth the price! Bartender was nice (well as nice you can be in a Kommie Kambridge Bah). You see what I did there? Yeah, you, you did. Big brother is watching you. *bathroom was cleaner than I would guess. Drinks were much better than I would guess. Win. In Kommunist Russia, Moscow Mule drink you. Good thing we are in Cambridge!
(5)
Noshii R.
Hole in the wall bar with awesome chili. We go here a few times a week to hang out, play darts and have drinks. Its nothing fancy or a 'mixology' type of spot...just a cash bar with a good crowd and even better bar tenders.
(5)
Cole C.
If you like hanging out in a bar with a bunch of bland thirty-something's, this is the place to go.
(1)
Julissa P.
Nice little spot, it gets busy so plan ahead on weekends. They're cash only which is good when you're trying to keep track of what you're spending. Cool staff, wish I lived in Central sq I miss this place!
(4)
Ryan L.
It's a bar. Communist Russia style. Nothing too special - darts and brews. Didn't get a chance to try out any of the grub, but I'd imagine it's about the same.
(3)
Julie L.
Awful! This place was so bad that I have to write a yelp review. For starters Mr. bartender couldn't be bothered to smile or be polite at all (not a good attribute for someone who works with people all day and night). My girlfriend ordered a beer immediately, but I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I asked to taste a couple of beers, but I didn't like either of them, and instead of having me try another, or asking me what my favorite beers are, he handed me a pint of cider which I didn't even want. I just wanted to taste it and decide. He insisted that we pay for the pint and didn't offer to give me something else instead even though I didn't drink it, and it tasted like pee and hand sanitizer. He was SOOOO RUDE!! SOOOO RUDE!!!! There are plenty of other bars. Don't waste your time or money here unless you want to be treated like crap! For the first time we left a bar without finishing our drinks, and since that's the reason you go to a bar we will NEVER go back to this place.
(1)
David R.
Some bars I always have a good experience in. Some bars I never do. I'm happy to say that People's Republik falls into the former. They've got a good beer selection (hurray for Dead Guy!), multiple dart boards, and tons and tons of space. PR delivers a reliable bar experience and is one of my first thoughts whenever I'm organizing a get-together with friends. The people here tend to be interesting -- it's a balance of hipsters, entrepreneurs, grad students, yuppies, and locals. At least half the bar will probably be wearing flannel. Everyone seems to be pretty friendly. One thing that this bar does really well is atmosphere/crowd management. Even when there are 200 people inside, it still feels easy to find a quieter corner to take over a table. On slower nights, it never feels dead. The space just works. Overall, great place, and one of my go-to's in Cambridge.
(4)
Kyle H.
Comrades! the People's Republik in Cambridge was a great place to chill out after the ball had dropped on New Year's Eve. Great beers on tap, Lagunitas IPA, Dogfish Head, the local Harpoon IPA, and they're generous with a Jameson pour! Just what we needed to warm our chilly bones. Laid back atmosphere with Communist leanings, red on red as a design scheme works, apparently! Good place for a chill meet up with your friends, or to talk Trotsky. Cheers, to each according to his need!
(4)
Cameron P.
This place is your fairly straightforward run of the mill dive bar. No frills. Nothing special. Serves it's purpose. There's darts. Decor rules because it's all old posters or replicas from the Golden Age of Communism i.e. The Cold War. FYI I'm not a Communist. It is CASH only.
(3)
Chris F.
Solid
(3)
Jim K.
Stopped in for lunch and had a decent chicken sandwich. They won't come to your table, so you need to go to the bar and order. However, they'll bring your food to your table. Cash only. Nobody checked up on us, aside from a dude who exited the kitchen eating a hot dog. He stared at us, then out the window, then went back into the kitchen. It's a no frills kind of place but the food is decent.
(3)
Paul H.
I love this place, great place to drink, every bar tender is awesome, cash only but i like it better like that, i've enjoyed many nights there and i keep going back
(5)
Monique S.
I came here before with a friend and had a good time, the drinks were reasonably priced, the crowd was lively, and the service was fine. I had to knock off one star due to a recent experience. Based on my prior experience, I decided to take my friend from Texas to this place. There was one bartender, and the crowd was a decent size. We had to wait several minutes to be served, but didn't mind. Overall, the bartender seemed to be handling the crowd pretty well. Then it was our turn. My friend had the audacity to order a Long Island Iced Tea. The bartender quickly responded "We don't make 'em." Albeit a curt response, that was perfectly fine and acceptable. In response, my friend, in a very friendly manner, asked him if he had any recommendations for mixed drinks. He responded. "I don't know, but something I don't have to mop up at ten o'clock at night." He then turned to another patron to take her order. And that was the extent of our visit.
(2)
Cody D.
Cheap drinks and interesting decor, but seemed a little barren.
(3)
Steph C.
I guess until last month I had never been in an environment where I was surrounded by Communist kitsch. Well, check that off the list. People's Republik is casual and fun, dark and comfortable but too self-conscious to be classified as a dive. I thoroughly enjoyed the place when I stopped in for a drink with a few friends. The collection of red regalia was impressive, with everything from posters of leaders to a giant boot. There were plenty of tables and not quite enough stools, but we were able to relax and have a beer standing up. There was a dart board as well that might have been fun if we weren't so lazy. We did make it to the bar, though, where we were helped by an efficient bartender. There were several great beers on tap, and most glasses went for a reasonable $5. There was Dogfish Head, Lagunitas, and Long Trail wheat and ale. I had the Dogfish Head 60 Minute and it was delicious. I may not be a Communist, but having beer with comrades is a welcome pastime under any regime.
(4)
Tiff D.
Jesus the bartender is god sent. The hotdogs were juicy and the rum was flowin'. What more could a girl want? Great night.
(4)
Azalea K.
As far as bars go, PR is a fairly packed, low-cost, grungy, darts-playing option. If that's your sort of gig, this is the place for you. I only go for the darts, as it has 2 excellent dart board set-ups and some strong dart players. Atmosphere is a bit young and a bit loud, which I suppose can be a benefit depending on what you're looking for.
(3)
Jason M.
There are a lot of reasons to go here: It's a great hangout on a breezy Sunday afternoon. You get to serve yourself water from a plastic water cooler in the back. They have Rogue Dead Guy Ale on tap. There's a non-offensive food menu. The bomb, the boot and the other communist regalia that will keep your eyes dancing for a solid 30 minutes (I have ADD, okay?) But, the real reason to go? Texting your mom. Me - Hey mom, guess where I am? Mom - Boston? Me - Well, yes. But specifically, I'm at a Communist bar! Mom - First you were a liberal. Then you were gay. Now you're a communist? Cindy wasn't amused, but it was a total win for me.
(4)
Mary T.
I met some Boston Yelpers here for their Thirsty Thursday UYE 1-year anniversary (wow, what a mouthful!). Funnily, this is the one place my roommate also told me I had to check out. She couldn't recall the name, but could there really be two Russian/Communist themed bars in Cambridge? I thinking not. The staff didn't seem to bat an eye when 30+ lively Yelpers in their best ugly t-shirts rolled in. (this was the one time I've regretted not keeping my "Hot for Peter [Brady]" t-shirt and more of the hideous, busy and bedazzled shirts my mom seems to give me) The non-Yelp crowd seemed to be pretty laid back and eclectic. The beer menu is solid, a good selection of craft beers on tap and of course one of my favorites, Magners, and the the prices are reasonable. The food menu is small, if you're looking for some Russian-influenced dishes you'll be disappointed; unless I'm mistaken and the Russians invented panini and burritos. The bar is rather simple, a large square bar in the middle with a few tables lining the walls and 3 dart boards. Decor and tsotchkes, adorning the wood-paneled walls, is all communist-influenced; the menus have Elvis on the cover dressed as a commie. I really liked this place, but I may be a little biased. I didn't notice the skunkiness of any of my Magner's someone else mentioned, I guess I was too busy chatting the night away with a really cool guy. Nostrovia! P.S. This place is cash only, but there's an ATM inside.
(4)
Jason B.
Gotta give these guys credit, they don't bat an eye when a gang of horrifying-t-shirt-wearing thugs rolls up 30 deep and starts slappin down orders for drinks. A cool, laid-back, hip bar in a part of town that really benefits from a no-nonsense drinkin' hole, People's Republik has that 80s - Commie theme that is nostalgic for those of us who actually grew up with the threat of nuclear war with Russia, and probably a hip nod to the old days for the other 90% of the clientele there. I LOVE the shielded dart alleyways - three dartboards in a smallish bar is no mean feat, and having the safety walls up around the lanes is a dem fine idea. DEM fine, I say. My only complaint - $3.25 for a PBR bottle? Come on, dudes. Where's your sense of "Zdravstvuite tovarishch"? Also, there's something wrong with your tap lines. At least the one that was running Long Trail. Maybe a bad mix of CO2, or maybe you just need some BTF. These are but minor hiccups, though, in an otherwise fun place of drinkingness. Nostrovia!
(4)
Clara L.
Great place for a low key hangout. The atmosphere is cool, awesome bartenders, solid bar menu. Two of us got some drinks and ordered some onion rings and chili nachos. Holy large size, there was definitely more than we expected. I would definitely be back. Bring your green, plastic currency not welcome here.
(4)
Aaron G.
If you want to go here you should wear your flannel colored skinny jeans, own a pair of low carbon footprint thick-rimmed glasses, and think that Napoleon Dynamite represents the pinnacle of modern interpretive dance. Hipsters bring mason jars full of homemade yogurt, place them on the floor, and perform mating dances while reciting chapters from early translations of Engels' personal diary. You should also go here if you like darts. There are three dart boards here. One of them is convenient, the other two are stuck against an awkward wall, but the condition of the boards is better than most places. If you're lucky you'll get the dart board next to the men's room, and the wafting scent of peach flavored urinal cakes will grace your party with every door swing. Bring a giant bag of pennies to protest the cash only policy. Drop off your 550 pennies per beer and with a Soviet-inspired accent say 'Here is your tip, comrade.' It's legal tender to settle all debts so they're required to take it in exchange for their beer. Since you're probably a law student, you can make your own case. Bartenders can be terse, weird, rude, shirtless, and unreasonable, just like the people of Central Square. They can also be friendly, efficient, and laid-back; it all depends on the night. In general, the scruffier the beard, the friendlier the bartender. Good luck here, comrade. May the Guiness Stew be with you.
(3)
John L.
People's is probably one of my favorite bars in the general Boston area, and it's probably my favorite in Cambridge. Let me break it down a little bit better than I did in my previous reviews: 1. the beer. Yes, you can get Bud, or whatever Bud-related beer you want. You can also get more interesting stuff, like Dogfish Head, Victory, Harpoon, and the old mainstay, PBR. 2. The atmosphere: you have a good set of locals mixing with people stopping in mixing with people just getting off of their jobs for the day. No hassles, no issues. 3. The food. No, it's not healthy. It's comfort food, it's after work "I don't want to cook" food. And it's a decent amount of food for cheaper than at many places in the area. 4. The dart boards. It adds to the fun. 5. They've been nothing but cool with our group: I happen to be involved in Drinking Liberally Cambridge, and we meet at People's (yes, a liberal group meeting at People's) We've had nothing but good service and good times. It can get a little crazy to grab chairs when it's a busy night, but overall we've been generally successful and happy with our arrangements. There is the cash-only issue, so you'll always want to bring cash, but other than that, it's the perfect little bar in the perfect little People's Republic of Cambridge.
(5)
Marissa P.
I came here for the first time a few nights ago and I had a blast! They have Dogfish Head 60 minute (my favorite IPA) on draft and $3 PBR's for those who really wanna drink cheap... The crowd was very friendly - a rare sight around Boston - and the bartenders were on top of their game. The music was good: a mix of indie rock and 90's mostly. Met some fun people at the bar. Ambiance is nothing to write home about - think dimly lit, dive with a slightly moldy smell. I will definitely be back!
(4)
EricaLynn J.
It's not a Communist bar, though I think they want you to think that! Not that there's anything wrong with you being a Communist. You can totally be a Communist if you want to. I don't judge, really. Really. What it is, though, is a funky little bar, with some really funny bartenders and a no-frills atmosphere. It's cash only, though it's especially amusing to watch people try to pay with credit cards over and over again, as if the rules would change mid-way or something for them. Haha, drunks. It's very centrally located, so if you live in town you're mere steps from where you need to end up at the end of the night. You're also just a few blocks away from the Hong Kong. Those who know, know.
(4)
Tahani R.
not a fan, I did not see the cash only sign before I went in. I went in for something listed on the menu that was out...by lunch time no less! I proceed to order something else & that too was not available, come on man I am hungry! I should have known better and left but now my time was running out for lunch. I end up ordering the papusa with chicken, Again we don't have any chicken, so I went with bean & cheese desperate to eat before my hour break was up. It literally came out within the last 8 mins I had left and was so so, I left still hungry and disappointed!
(1)
Sultan Of Bubastis X.
Classic no-BS drinking bar right off Central Square, with food well above "pub-grub" status and several dart boards (invariably a harbinger of a good crowd). Plus, the layout is very customer-friendly: seating at a marvelous square bar (another always-good sign) and both tables and high-tops. The three times I visited, the bartenders were super-knowledgable about the beers on tap. I might prefer additional wine selections, but oenophilic choices are this old man's one remaining snobbery in life. The real key is a surprisingly diverse and complex menu. Hardly haut cuisine, but plenty of choices, big portions, and savory tastes. All that good news, and quite-reasonable prices, to boot. Given that Boston has lousy public transportation, it helps that the People's Republik (which probably ought to be named "Peoples' Republik", but I am ever the pedant) is just three blocks from the Central Square station of the Red Line of the Boston T ("subway" to you non-Canterbridgians)., the only quasi-modern leg of this benighted berg's pathetic excuse for underground public transportation.
(4)
Jill F.
It's a pub. Cheap Brews. It's kinda cool with all the communist propaganda. Although it does smell. There's darts. Cash only.... Okay? Okay. It's just okay.
(3)
Tanya V.
Beer list? Really? I doesn't exist here. I think there were five choices and I could walk into any bar and find the same five beers, so.... disappointment for sure on that front. The small, dirty atmosphere didn't help. Not gonna go back.
(2)
Kylie S.
This is a great place to play darts. Otherwise, it's not that exciting, but with the darts and the convenient location and the good cheap beers, it's a good place for after work drinks. It's nice that it's usually not overcrowded and it's pretty spacious inside and although I haven't tried much of the food, the fries were good.
(4)
Lisa S.
I live right next door to this bar, so I have to admit that I'm a little bit biased in my review :-). I've been to this bar about 5 times in the past few months and I've enjoyed it every time. People's is pretty busy right after work and on the weekends. However, if you go later on a weeknight, it's a bit more empty, and you can easily talk with friends or play darts (they have two dart boards). The bar has a great feel to it, as if it knows it's super cool, but doesn't try to be and doesn't care if it is. The food is pretty good- I had the grilled cheese here, and my friend had a special (ham and cheese sandwich) and both were REALLY good. We also ordered the nachos one time, and they were so-so (and the nachos with cheese and beans don't come with salsa, just sour cream... a little bit weird). They also have lots of beers on tap, but unfortunately they don't do pitchers. This is the kind of bar where your order a beer, or a very basic drink (like Jack and Coke). Definitely not a bar for fancy drinks! More recently, I came here Sunday night to watch the Celtics/Lakers game, because Tavern in the Square was crazy busy. The game started at 8 and we walked in around 7:50- the place was dead. We got the best seats in the bar- they have two decently-sized TVs. By 8:30, the place was packed, the crowd was rowdy, and there were no empty chairs to be found. I didn't expect the bar to get so busy for a sports game, and it ended up being a lot of fun. My one complaint is that this bar is cash-only. It definitely limits the number of drinks and the amount of food that I order. Also, their ATM charges $2.50 for a withdrawal (and then my BofA account charges me another $2 on top of that), so I try not to go unless I have cash already in my wallet. If they started accepting credit cards, I'd probably be here every night.
(4)
Deanna D.
Great funky and low key bar conveniently located between Harvard and Central Sq. The Soviet/Communist Era decor, good beer selection, dart boards and interesting patrons make this a great bar to throw back a few cold ones and people watch. Yes it smells funky and the bathrooms are gross---but its not the end of the world. Its get really busy later on weekend nights especially when schools in session. Try to get there a little early to get a good spot or claim a dart board.
stopped in people's republik during a recent trip to boston since i was staying up the street with a friend. when we first got there, the place was a little slow (around 9p on a saturday), but by 10:30 this joint was hoppin'. i didn't think they had a ton of beer options. i ended up getting a boston lager for $5.50. (why do you do that? seriously, just make it $6). there also wasn't a huge variety in the type of people who were in the bar. young, sexually ambiguous, pseudo hipsters. at least 1/4 of the clientele had on flannel shirts. this is not an exaggeration. everyone was wearing a freaking flannel. to the point that some people looked like clones of each other. but hey, i guess good communists stick to the uniform.
(3)
Shalin D.
This place has a lot going for it: cool vibe, central location in Cambridge on Mass Ave., and a respectable beer selection. They even play The Pixies non-stop between 7:30-8:30 PM (at least, they did the two nights I was there this week). My only problem is the bartender here. Loads of attitude with some to spare. I ordered a "G&T" for one of my friends. He looks at me like I'm a turd and turns around and says "I don't know what that means" I repeat myself. He pretends he doesn't understand until I say "Gin & Tonic." Then he starts mixing the drink. When he hands it over, he says "G&T... Gin & Tonic - you don't save much time by using acronyms." He says this without a hint of bemusement or irony. Just being a prick. Needless to say: tip-o-meter downnnn. Wayyyy dddooowwwn. I know the place is pretty popular but does that give you license to be an ass to your customers, especially when you know what they mean?
(3)
Julia C.
I've been looking forward to trying out this place, as I've heard so much about it. This place needs to clean out its tap system more frequently. The UFO summer on tap tasted gross. Also, the service is awful. My friend sat at the bar for a good 20 minutes, trying to get a bartender's attention, to no avail -- the bartenders kept serving everyone that approached the bar except for him. We both agreed that we will not be returning to this place.
(1)
Sarah D.
I used to hate this place because I hate bars that are super crowded. Then I realized that it's only really crowded at the times you would expect a bar to be crowded, and is in fact a surprisingly chill place to grab a beer a lot of the time. I've never had a problem with the service here, it seems to be pretty smooth. They have a pretty slim beer selection but there are always a couple locals on tap so it's fine by me. I have never ordered a cocktail here, but after witnessing a recent exchange between a bartender and some fancy-type ladies, it seems they do not have drink list and probably can't make anything particularly complex. They sell food but I have never eaten any despite having been here maybe a dozen times; it's just not a place I go when I'm looking for food. Prices are average. They have darts. I like darts. Not much in the way of TVs, so it's not ideal for watching a game but it will do in a pinch. It's a good enough place to hang out with friends or by yourself for a quiet drink during off-hours. Not my favorite bar ever but not bad either.
(3)
Emily G.
Das Boot! Okay, so that's German, and People's Republik is definitively Russian. Still, there is still a giant boot hanging from the ceiling. There is also a (presumably fake) bomb, a pretty sweet mural of folks who used to work there, and countless pro-communist paraphernalia cluttering the walls. It's perfect for when you are trying to check out that sexy guy or gal across the bar but don't want to be a sketch-ball. There are a lot of good beers on tap (all $5 dollars) and the bartenders handle huge crowds around all 3 sides of the bar with serious skill. When I was buying a shot for my roommate last weekend, one of the bartenders gave me one for free saying "I can't just throw this down the drain!" Yes. I love playing darts here, but it can get annoying when the place is packed and you have to leave room for someone to throw. Come early on a weekend night to get your fill. This place is cash only, so be prepared before you get too far out of Central.
(5)
Rob D.
Cool place! 3 dart boards, large bar and plenty of space to hang with a group of people. And the drinks are super cheap!!! MUST HAVE...the short rib stew, incredible!
(4)
Jessica M.
I like this place on a Wednesday night. Used to come here on a weekly basis but that has slowed down a bit. Still enjoy myself when I come by. Mixed drinks are relatively cheap and strong. I've never have had to wait for a drink for a long time at this place, even when it was packed to the rims. Nills is seriously the most awesome bartender ever. Get yourself a hot dog from that magical metal machine when you have a chance.
(4)
Andrzrej K.
If Brooklyn could have somehow flourished in 1980s communist Poland- it would have lots of places that look like this. And they would probably have some menu item called the Solidarity Burger (1/5 kg beef pattie, communist coleslaw, and 100% fair trade vegetables!!) thats a great idea- but a better idea is to go to this bar and get some beer and food. Keeping with Marxist/Leninist tradition- the patrons are pacified while imbibing- the price of the tab also deemed a very EFFICIENT start to the night and was a NICE and ROUND number- $29 even. The burger was really good and they served late, really late, past 1989.
(4)
Amanda F.
They tend to play alternative music, and is a dark, russian-revolution themed dive bar. Cash only. It is super busy on the weekends, and doesn't serve food after 10pm. The bartenders are usually quick and avoid prolonged communication.
(4)
Jess C.
One of my favorite dive bars! Almost always a dart board available and I love the surly staff! Great place to grab a beer with some friends and some decent grub. Not really the place to go if you're looking for foo foo drinks and super sweet service. The place has a charm all it's own!
(4)
Akhil B.
I had avoided this place in the past because i had not great things about it buy last night that was confirmed for me in person. We were there for a concert last night, the concert was great but the bar experience was terrible. We asked for a lagunitas IPA and received something else from the lagunitas tap. Gave that back and politely told the short stubby bar tender that they need to correct the tap. Regardless, that was still ok. People make mistakes. 20-30 minutes later we again asked for a lagunitas and lo and behold, received the same bud light kind of beer. Again. Apparently, the short stubby bar tender does not like being told the same thing twice because when we asked him to correct the tap, again, he actually flicked me off. That is just piss poor.. I don't know why this place has 3.5 star ratings.
(1)
H. G.
The cheeseburger isn't bad. I'm serious! The veggie burger is bad. That you can believe. Four dart boards. Or is it three? I can never seem to remember. Surprisingly, not a bad place to watch a game. Cash only. I got nothing else.
(4)
Mike W.
Went here one night (in my single days) with a couple buddies. They have pretty cheap drinks, which is always a plus. After a few rounds of darts we started chatting up a group of girls at the bar. We had a couple rounds of drinks, then a couple more... and so on. So I guess you could say it's a good place to grab a few cheap brews, throw some darts, and even meet some new friends (if you're feeling lucky).
(3)
Matt S.
This is a hipster bar... Tried not to judge but there were not any Russian beers or Vodka aside from Stoli. I was excited at the idea of this bar but fully disappointed. When I asked for a communist beer they offered some terrible "Czech style lager." Absolute garbage. I will not be back here.
(1)
Liz K.
I had a similar experience with the curt staff. Sorry I didn't know you don't take credit cards! Other than that the decor is entertaining and they have a good beer selection.
(2)
Alec C.
I liked People's Republik. They have a decent beer selection, prices are reasonable, bartenders are friendly, and the crowd is lively without being crazy. All good fun. Bonus points for all of the communist based, "Oh my god I'm drunk. Now would be a great time for us to talk about politics" conversation starting art on the walls. This place would have been a 4 star spot, but as always, minus one full star for being cash only. I really hate that a lot.
(3)
Angeline P.
Communist themed bar, decent place to get a beer. Pretty quiet on a Sunday evening, but they have a good selection, and a very chill atmosphere. Bartender corrected me on where Rogue brews their beer, which I take to mean he knows his stuff!
(4)
Thuy L.
Total neighborhood dive, but I love it nonetheless. It's a great place to come and meet friends. Drinks are good, darts are fun, but crowds can make it a pain. It now has air conditioning so totally worth it to come in for a drink after a hot steamy walk in central square.
(3)
Sean S.
I've only been here once on a Friday night so I'm going to base my review on a few things and a few considerations on my part. Primary consideration being that I chose to come here for my first time on a Friday during the end of the school year. So, I've decided to not even factor in the in-experienced college drinkers (we've all been there, too). I like the decor. A Lot. When I first heard "Communist Bar" the first thing that went through my mind was "What makes a bar communist?? Do you get placed in a seat you don't want, tied down against your will and forced to drink bud light like everyone else??" Nay. It was a fun decor. Although, I gotta admit, without it, it might just be another dingy dive. Service wasn't bad considering how busy they were. I was able to get a couple of pints and place a food order within 10 minutes. Food was pretty delicious. Better than most bars I've visited in Boston so far. Food is pub style - Fish and chips, cubans, chicken fingers etc, BUT went beyond the average Boston pub in that everything we ate seemed fresh. Like there was a Chef, there was prep work done (meat shaved, onions dice, batter made, etc). I can generally tell when something comes out of the bag, into a fryer, then onto a plate. I didn't get that here. Prices are reasonable for a Cambridge Pub. I guess what I'm left with is why not 5 stars? They have a CASH ONLY policy and that's enough to ding a star for me. I understand that businesses are doing this to save money in transaction fees, machine rental/purchase, etc, but the truth is, I don't like being forced to carry 50-100 bucks on my person (a typical night out with your significant other), and I really don't like having to pay a fee to TWO places to access my money. They should have a credit card machine with an attached minimal purchase amount to the use of credit cards. Nothing wrong that. People can easily spend 10-15 bucks at a minimum there. Would I go back? Absolutely if I find myself in Cambridge and happen to have cash in my pocket.
(4)
Neil A.
bartender was rude to us, very few people there on a friday night, drinks are overpriced
(2)
Samuel F.
It's small, the service is a bit slow, but there's a lot to like about this place: The commie kitsch decor, darts, decent drinks. Pretty good food, too, though not a huge menu and the kitchen closes fairly early. Had a steak and salad that really hit the spot. Also, the brunch menu looks pretty good, I'll have to try that some time.
(3)
Theodore D.
Dive bar with snobby hispters. I'm an aspiring Hipster but I still can't stand this place. The bartenders are rude and when I asked for water they didn't really give me one for about 15 minutes of me standing there like an ass. On the plus side they have darts. Darts are fun. I like Darts. But I don't like this bar.
(2)
May N.
Great chill atmosphere. It was relatively early on a Saturday night, but no one checking IDs, just head on in and kick back. Plenty of coat hooks and Commie paraphernalia everywhere. Grab a barstool and seat yourself around the bar tables attached to the walls. I got a Bass on tap. Some friends got the Guiness on draft and the bartender even swirled hearts on top of their foam. We got the munchies and ordered the curried fries which hit the spot. A few groups were playing darts. Another all wore various wigs, hats, and costumes (this was after Halloween). The crowd was totally mixed with locals, blue collar folks, students, and visitors. Not too loud that you couldn't have a conversation. Good dank local spot to hang out and get a drink.
(4)
Shendi X.
Though a too-brief visit, the following is certainly true: the chipotle aioli fries were to die for, and the resemblance of this place to the NYC's KGB Bar (minus some pretension, plus screen to accommodate Boston sports fanaticism) had my heart a-flutter. Will return.
(4)
Remen O.
It was Friday night and I was in the middle of a Cambridge pub crawl. No one in the group had been to the People's Republik before so we should stop by for a drink or two. MISTAKE NUMBER 1: Going to the People's Republik in a group larger than 2 people As many other reviews have noted, this place gets crowded due to less than abundant table/bar space. This may also speak to the general popularity of the establishment, but considering that it's sandwiched between two major institutions of higher learning, finding people that want to consume alcohol isn't exactly rocket surgery in Cambridge. Anyhow, my group of six managed to snag two bar stools on the far side of the bar. When we finally got around to drinking, I ordered a Black Russian and some of my friends ordered White Russians (very subtle, right?). MISTAKE NUMBER 2: Ordering a Black Russian This one was entirely my fault. I really love a good White Russian, as any follower of the Dude would. But I tried to do something different, and the result was...meh. Both drinks were prepared reasonably well, but I enjoyed sipping my friends' whites a lot more than my own black. On the whole, the experience was perfectly fine. This is a perfectly good bar for meeting up with a friend or two.
(3)
Emily H.
When I walked out of the Brattle Theater after a triple feature, I was thirsty, and I was worried. It was 9:30 on a Saturday night, and i was in the heart of Cambridge. The chance of finding a bar that I like and can afford were slim. The day before I had tried to get a drink at this place, but was out of cash. I decided that it was time to try again. My friend and I walked to Central Square and into the People's Republik, and we were pleasantly surprised: It wasn't packed! We quickly found a table, and except for the occasional airborne dart, it was a clear shot to the bathrooms. We drank a $5.00 Belgian white before switching to bottles of PBR for $3.50. The next morning, instead of regretfully remembering all the money I pissed away, I tried to figure out how it was possible to have spent so little. Thank you, People's Republik. I will eat today.
(4)
Vinny M.
People's is one of my all-time favorite bars. There is always an eclectic mix of local regulars and Cambridge-area college students. The best times are usually before the college gets descend on the weekends and display their inexperience in drinking. It can sometimes take a while to get a drink if the bar is packed, but the bar staff works as fast as they can. The atmosphere is unique and excellent. The dart lanes are fun if you can get to one. The only drawback is there is often too many college kids bumping into you and each other, spilling beer, etc. The food is surprisingly tasty and well-priced. PROS: - Good beer selection, but limited when it comes to the non-beers (Coors Light, Miller Lite, etc) - Self-serve water from a Gatorade cooler in the back - Excellent atmosphere - Fair prices CONS: - CASH ONLY (not a major con, there is an ATM in the back) - College crowd can get loud and really crams up the bar - Hipsters
(4)
Scott B.
Finally. As I continue my quest to discover the treasures of Central Square, Brennon persuades me to give the People's Rebublik a try. I was hesitant, at first, expecting to walk into a tight space littered with sketchy skin-heads running the gauntlet of neo-nazi style. I was radically wrong, and instead was pleased to find all those people I would've hung out with in college, had we known eachother. Dartboards -- three of them... sweet. The decorum is phenomenal... A giant combat boot over the bar, a huge model missile, oozits and whatzits galore... you want thingamabobs... you get the point. I'm especially a fan of the "shhhh" poster on the door as you exit. Well done. And hot dogs. Not just a nasty unused hot dog warmer. Fresh hot dogs... flying out nearly as quickly as the beers. They were a hit... and they're TASTY, Fergie... TAST(no E)Y. So, this would be a 5 star review if it wasn't for this one major conflict in ambience: Flat screens displaying the football game. I understand Bostonians and our constant crack-like-addiction to "tonight's game." But, with the People's Republik's rebellious vibe, conforming to the sport's bar cliche of so many other bars just didn't seem appropriate. Regardless, I'll be back... most definately.
(4)
Jane E.
Great vibe going on here. It's a bar, with decent beer, darts, and space. Nuff said.
(3)
Corona W.
Came here on a late Saturday night with a couple people. It took forever for my friends to order drinks. The bartenders would see them and then go help their friends/regulars first. This happened several times throughout the night. Seriously, if you're working off tips, don't be a dingus.
(2)
Kate S.
I'm pretty indifferent to this place. The bartenders are attentive, and the drinks are fine. I just don't like the fact that I can never find a seat. And it's dark. And full of men with facial hair.
(3)
Ellen C.
I'd ALWAYS wanted to go here, so when my roommate and I decided we were finally going on a Cambridge bar hopping night, it was on the destination list. I was really disappointed. The patrons didn't seem interesting, it was crowded despite not being particularly full of people, the drinks weren't that great (my beer was fine, but her Tom Collins left something to be desired), and really we just wanted to get out and get to the next bar. Unfortunate.
(2)
Shervin R.
I hate writing this, I really do. I've been going to the Ugly Republik for over 6 years now and I feel it has only been getting worse and worse. I can't deny the awesomeness that is the interior decor, but the service and beer selection are extremely lackluster (notable exception, the Dogfishhead 90 Minute IPA on tap). Given the regularity that I visited this place, and the fact that the same 3 or 4 bartenders have been working there during this time, I expected some sort of recognition, or *gasp*, friendliness, but my friends and I have experienced nothing of the sort. A simple smile or nod of acknowledgment would be appreciated. One of my favorite aspects about this bar is the varied crowd it draws: students, yuppies (not so much anymore), old Cantabrigians, delinquents, geeks, etc. It's wonderful in that respect, even if it gets ludicrously crowded and loud. It's also pretty damn sweet that it remains open till 2! Perhaps 2 stars is a bit too harsh, I did love this place when I discovered it, but my disappointment has continued to grow with every visit over the past few years.
(2)
Haley T.
I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this bar. The bouncers and bartenders are wicked chill and friendly. The drinks are cheap and generously poured. The huge wraparound bar accomodates a lot of people, and the dartboard is welcome entertainment. I hear they serve hotdogs after 11PM. Love it-even if it is cash only. There's an ATM in the back, anyway. I'll be back. To find out what the hell the timer on the wall is counting down to, at the very least.
(5)
Hubert H.
More like a 3.5. I can only comment on ambience and food. The fish and chips were rather solid, but the fish batter was too thick and the fish a bit mealy. But a good price and perhaps the venue is more about the drink and less about the food. Neat posters all around, and much hipper than the more corporate bar options nearer the Central T station. Around 7p-9p ish, can be a quiet place for civilized conversation.
(4)
Jeff M.
I got tricked into eating at People's Republik. 4/5 because its a great dive bar in Central. As a friend once said 'I like this place because its loud and there is no music playing.' That being said DO NOT EAT HERE. Just drink.
(4)
Eric H.
I would love to love this place. The atmosphere is cool... communist theme, dive bar. It's typically pretty packed so standing room only. Unfortunately time after time I've found the staff to be obnoxious. They clearly have better things to do than serve customers, and when they do finally get around to it, their attitudes indicate that they really do have better things to do than be working. I have found this to be the case almost universally, so I've ceased going to this otherwise cool bar.
(1)
Steph D.
Definitive story from the last visit to Republik. Was with a group of Italian friends of mine who were bitching and complaining about Barack Obama being such a prominent figure in world politics vs. their dear Prime Minister. I agreed but said that their country has had a shitty government but no one judged them as part of "the evil in the world". In fact, I was sure 90% of Americans couldn't tell him who the Prime Minister of Italy was. Boy was I wrong. In this bar, on this very day was the International Relations PhDs from Tufts University having a party to celebrate the birthday of one of their own, a group of 'futbol' fans, some Germans, and a huge group who had JUST COME BACK from studying in Milan. So, needless to say - I lost ten bucks and a whole shit load of pride. But on that very day, in that very bar, I learned to love the Republik that much more because all those people, brilliant and worldly as they were... were getting absolutely shit-faced on a Wednesday night on ridiculously good beer. And it goes without saying that they entertained our little survey and proudly told me "Berlusconi" without missing a beat before going back to their microbrews and darts.
(5)
Matt S.
You know, I love the place, but I've been going there for seven years, and I've seen the steady decline of it as a grab a pint and chat with a pal pub. I'm glad they have laphroig behind the bar, though. The first time I went I lived on the other side of the river and came over to meet a friend I hadn't seen in ages. My second pint, a UFO, spilled over somehow. The beat-looking dude behind the bar threw a rag at me to make me wipe it up, then poured me a free replacement pint. The last few times I went, it was wicked loud. Not conducive to talking with a (different) friend. Will always love the Commie kitsch, though. Seems less and less of a prole bar, though. More and more like the place where the people who affect a prole-ish air (not hard in a depression) go to be seen and to be able to say they were seen so doing. Still--I'm a big fan and will always be loyal.
(4)
Jeffrey H.
There aren't many places where I can say that despite being almost hit in the face with a dart, groped by strangers, and had a friend be called a derogatory term for a lesbian that I'd also say I'd definitely come back. And have been. People's Republik is just one of those bars that if I happen to be in the area, I would definitely stop in for a beer (yeah, like I'm capable of just one drink). The crowd is mixed. You got some locals, some students, some out of towners, and hey maybe you've even got a homo with Mylie Cyrus blasting in his head. Just maybe. But no matter our differences, this place is very laid back and perfect for drinks with friends no matter the occasion. I think it's awesome that they have darts set up, but the position is kinda awk. I mean, if you find being hit in the eye with a dart uncomfortable, then you'd probably not like the dart situation either. Although fun, it can just kind of get in the way with a bar this cramped. Also, some of the patrons can be annoying. Like people who get drunk and have no sense of personal space, "Ma'am you're standing on my life" or an occasional out of towner who calls your friend a not-so-nice name for ladies who love ladies. First of all - welcome to Boston. Second of all, it's not your business if she's a lesbanot and those 6 girls who just stood up are her roller derby teammates. Face, meet pavement. So yeah. If you decide to come on a busy weekend night, be prepared. Be prepared for darts, crowds, and a booty block into a curb if you're a d-bag.
(4)
Michael Z.
Location is good and beer on tap is pretty standard. Had the worst service of my life. Bartender was outright rude, and refused to serve my friend and I and did not give us an explanation. Neither of us had had more than two drinks at that point, and when we asked for an explanation the bartender refused to give one. Not going back, and for those that do, hope you don't happen to get that server. Sure, I get the hipster commie vibe but the People's Republik should remember its a bar first and save the attitude.
(1)
Michael P.
I LOVE this place. It's not about the presentation/decor of the place; People's is a typical bar with a hardwood bar, some tables, dartboards. There are some cool old propaganda-ish posters on the walls though. What IS great about this place is the really chill atmosphere and diversity of its patrons. I usually come here with my college buddies, but this place is also frequented locals, older business folks, young working adults, any type you can think of really. Everyone's chill. Bartender is chill. No awkward staredowns. Just a dandy good time.
(4)
Meena V.
So this was stop 2 in a very Cambridge bar crawl the other night. Great taps, surly, sarky, but efficient service, and always promises and interesting and eclectic mix of people. Really, doesn't get more Cambridge than this!
(4)
Avin N.
I was always intrigued by this place every time I passed by on Mass Ave, and yet for a long time never quite interested enough to actually go inside and check it out. Finally did so several months back, and actually discovered it's a fairly decent neighborhood spot. Generally you can expect to find a crew of regulars (read: somewhat borderline alcoholic older gentlemen who are just a bit too comfy sitting on a bar stool all day), and the lingering smell of old beer wafts your way when you walk in the door. But that's the kind of place it is, and it's not really trying to be something different. And I can respect that. One point to note- on game days, this is actually a pretty good option to check out and avoid some of the unruly boston sports fan crowds. Most seem to converge on Tavern, Field, and Phoenix Landing down the street, and Republik is slightly less crowded (meaning you can actually get a drink in a reasonable amount of time, and it's less likely some drunken Pats fan is going to hurl a beer at you).
(3)
Vanessa V.
I lived nearby to Peoples for years before I finally went in, but ever since I did I've returned there fairly regularly. It looks forbiddingly hipsterish from the outside, but really it's just a chill dive bar with bright colors and funny pictures- and darts! Yay darts! Prices are Cambridge style good, which means expensive for anywhere else but not bad once you're used to being wallet-raped. Food is perfectly fine and there's a range of beers- not a wide range, but they have some decent options. They're best on a weekday night when you can get a drink without too much hassle and find a seat more easily. While I wouldn't tell anyone to drive hours out of their way, if you're in the Central Square area on a weekday evening there's no where I'd recommend more highly.
(4)
Andrew R.
This is a nice divey place. Big bar, darts, sports on TV, plenty of space. It does have a bunch of Communist propaganda on the walls.
(4)
Jeremy K.
I went to see the movie "21" last night with a buddy and there is a scene which takes place in this bar; the movie was over, and it was 1am. We didn't want to go to sleep and I had always wanted to try this place out and so off we went to this bar. I had no idea what to except, although I must say that it sounded like a great place to check out considering the reviews I had seen on Yelp in the past. And awesome it was! I had a blast there. The bar tender was not only very friendly but he can mix drinks and the atmosphere of the place is also awesome as well. The music is present but not loud enough to encourage shouting in groups, and so you can really easily talk to the people around you and have nice conversatioins. The drinks aren't expensive either, my Whiskey Sour was only $5 which isn't bad. We ended up talking Fantasy Baseball with random strangers until we eventually stepped out just before 2am. It is a place that I can say I'll be going too often in the future. Love it!
(4)
Trish F.
I bumped into Michael L. here one night when I first started writing reviews on Yelp and hadn't really met anyone yet. Me - I think I know that guy.. Friend - Really? From where? Me - .. er... the internet.. Friend - Whaaaaaa? ::gives me that watchubeendoinwhileyouvebeenunemployed look:: Me - :: goes into schpeal about Yelp.. real people, real reviews.. blah bloo blah:: Friend - So go up to him. Me - ::looks over and sees Michael may be a leetle busy with.. er.. people:: I'll go up to him on the way out. A couple minutes later.. Me - ::tap tap:: Uh hi! Are you on Yelp? ::fakes being drunker:: Michael - Yeah.. Michael L. Me - Yeah I'm Trish the Dish. Michael - Ahh yeah. ::goes in for a hug:: Me - Oh a hug. Cool cool. Okay. Michael - So how's it going? Me - Just on the way out.. wanted to say hi.. I'm a little drunk and silly ::strange loud laugh::.. kbye. I like this bar for the most part. I think a lot of people see it as a novelty and come by in the hopes of witnessing some shady bidnesz. My friend's friends thought that PR was a real communist bar and that there would be repercussions for going in. Nope.. just the occasional confused/lost frat boys, dedicated beer enthusiasts, nerds/geeks, and people looking not to be bothered (yeah, not gonna happen). They used to have some funny sayings/specials on their board (Johnny Cochran special: Free OJ) but haven't seen anything good in awhile. Need to try the food so 3 stars for now.
(3)
Kim P.
Cold beer, lots of choices on tap, plenty of room for you and yours, lots of little tables you can pull together, and a bartender who is kind to dumb drunks. What more could you want from a bar? The patient staff at People's Republik has suffered through the birthday parties of two sociologists in two weeks. You'd think that as academics, we would be meek little drunks that sit in the corner and talk about Nietzche or something. No. Actually, we're awful. Think of all of the obnoxious drunk behaviors that you can: loud hooting, taking 45958 hours just to order a damn beer, crying, fighting, forgetting to tip - our group has been guilty of them all. And yet the bartender was somehow able to stay friendly and quench our thirsts while simultaneously keeping our bawdy, loud, howling, geeky group corralled in the corner where we belonged. That's some skill. I'm sure the other patrons appreciated it, too. This bar has a great vibe. Great for big groups or just for sitting at the bar and soaking it all in. The food is kind of mediocre - bar food that probably came from Sysco, but fine for when you're drunk and hungry. Highly recommended for birthday parties. They let you bring cakes in, no prob. In fact, mine is probably going to be there next week. Get ready, kind bartender: your gentle patience is about to be tried for the the third time this month. Sociologists strike again!
(5)
Josie G.
A friend of mine raved about this place when she lived across the street, saying she'd come here all the time-- so when we were up for another Cambridge adventure we just had to go through. On a Saturday night at about midnight, it was packed to the ceiling, but we were able to squeeze in at the bar. Quick and friendly service, a decent crowd. I got to pretend to be a lesbian to an fabulously drunk lady that wanted to bring me home with her boyfriend, so that's always a great story the next morning. Tight bathroom situation for the ladies, and watch out for darts flying at your head. If we ever head northward again, we'll definitely come by.. perhaps a bit earlier in the night though.
(4)
Colleen Y.
I have to update my review, statim. I had an amazing time at People's tonight. I met the best of Cambridge...and I mean that. Some VT people inviting us to some sweet concerts, some KSG students taking a night off from studying, some MIT grad students explaining why the architecture of the room kills the music....a veritable smorgasbord. (So cliche but so accurate for my night.) There are a lot of places that I don't feel right giving a 5 to...because I'd like to change a lot of things. But, I still go there night after night because it just feels so right. People's is one of those places. I promise to never talk shit about your bad beer list or your sketch crowd again. I swear on my southern roots.
(5)
Ali W.
I'm not going to lie, one of the reasons that I like People's Republik as much as I do may or may not have to do with the fact that it is a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Proximity aside, the People's Republik is a good "bar" bar. They have darts, they have beer, they have booze, and if you take a minute to look around there is some crazy shit on the walls. They use an iPod for the music so if you're looking for a "venue" this is not the place to go. There music choices can be hit or miss but that completely depends on your taste. It is more of a pregame place, to meet up and grab a few beers before heading elsewhere. I've seen some first dates going on there, and if you're not looking for much more than a one night stand, you might take your date there for shots. If you're looking for a girlfriend, I would wait to take her there until you're introducing her to your friends.
(3)
Rachel C.
Ah...the People's. Something about this place makes people chill and approachable. Perhaps the communist paraphernalia invades your unconscious and fills you with tolerance for your fellow comrades...or something. Regardless, the People's Republik is my favorite bar in the entire Boston Metro Area, hands down. The staff is capable and friendly. There are three dart boards (I love darts), a couple TVs, and some decent bar food in the early evenings. It's a neighborhood spot that somehow also attracts folks from all over Boston. The People's is open until 2am, which is why it gets oh-so-crowded on weekend evenings. As for beer, the People's doesn't have 100 beers on tap or anything, which means what they do have is fresh and delicious. They always have one or two kinds of Magic Hat, but the type varies. Their other beers are good. Not every kind you could ever want, but all the important bases are covered. The same goes for alcohol. They don't have every type of weird flavored vodka or liqueur - but all of the basics are well-represented. Absolute awesome. Long live the Republik!!
(5)
Beth Q.
This is by far my favorite bar in Boston which is a pain in the butt because I live in the North End. I've been a steady patron of this bar for the past few years and have witnessed some interesting things including many of my friends getting booted out for whatever reason. However, these things have not deterred me or my friends from coming back to this bar almost every weekend that we are able. Decent beer selection, interesting mix of students and townies, a divey bar setting. What more can you ask for??
(4)
Min L.
Thank you for having not one, not two, but THREE dart boards! My friends and I have recently become obsessed with darts and are so glad to have a place nearby with a friendly staff, good atmosphere, and plexiglass shields to protect everyone else's feet from shots that have gone astray. (it's a dangerous game!) We're getting better at aiming, I promise.
(4)
Robert M.
The inside set up was a lot of fun and almost turned me into a Bolshevist. The most interesting bar I hit while in Massachusetts - I had to actually think during my conversations and apply my knowledge, which says a lot.
(4)
Chelsea P.
Oh, the Republik. It's so unimpressive and doesn't take cards and is constantly full of mindless college brats who think going to a bar with a pinko commie undertone makes them quasi-hip. The bartenders hardly notice you. But you know, my first date with my husband was at this place. It'll always have some dark, dingy, dive-y place in my heart.
(3)
Lila S.
Decent beer selection - Check Darts?!!- CHECK! Semi-Clean but still dive-ish bathrooms- Check! Cold war era Pro Communist posters?! - CHECK and a half I will have to comment on the giant undetonated bomb. That thing is super cool and kudos to the decorator- excellent conversational piece. I'm an avid dart player and I just love to see a place that actually dedicates more than one shoddy board to the sport. I bring my own darts, but they have sets behind the bar if you are just getting into it and want to embarrass yourself royally without a care. Ii a draft person myself and they always have some special here. Although the Beer selection here is not superb, but Its got more than you would expect from a dive bar. Come to think of it, this place isn't all that dive-y ...save for the ladies room.. but rather more like a neighborhood place for the college students when you just wanna throw on some jeans and a sweatshirt and go out for a beer. I advise on NOT ordering the $1 hot dog... its an act of desperation on anyones part.. especially at last call. But at $1 you get what you pay for! Take a close friend and maybe a capitalist foe here and you will certainly love it up.
(4)
Lady T.
Not an extensive beer selection, but they always have a handful of microbrews on tap (Dogfish, Victory, Bear Republic, etc) as well as the usual bar standards. The prices are reasonable, food is okay (I've only gotten the fries and mozzarella sticks, but both were completely edible), and the bartenders have always been very attentive and friendly. My friend and I meet here about once a week to grab Happy Hour beers and it's usually not crowded, which is a huge plus in my book. There is a dart board (possibly two?) and the bar is cash only, which should be noted. There's an ATM by the bathrooms if you don't feel like trekking back down to Central to get cash. All in all, I am a fan, though it seems like the type of place that would be very loud and hard to get a drink at if it was crowded so I'll stick to my off-peak hours visits.
(4)
Chris B.
Relatively small. Cool people. Darts. And tasty late night food. Great NON-90s rock soundtrack, and televisions to watch the game or not.
(4)
Jennifer E.
If I had to pick one bar to go to for the rest of my life, it would probably be People's. OK, while I don't know if that is actually true, I do think it is a pretty rad place. They have good beer on tap, and the bartenders know about what they serve. They even let you sample if you ask nicely. It's nothing extravagant, just your neighborhood dive, but not as sketchy as some claim it to be. It's a totally comfortable place to get shitfaced and have the most insane, random conversations with insane, random individuals. Good times for sure. Oh, and they have darts.
(4)
Mark L.
While the bar has a decent beer selection, the staff has a mediocre (at best) knowledge of beer/cocktails. In a bar which uses the Cyrillic alphabet in their name, they didn't know what a Moscow mule was, and as a beer bar, they were not able to make very good recommendations. The service was EXTREMELY slow for men, and I eventually had to use my girlfriend to order drinks. Sexist serving and poor drink knowledge, along with 'whatever' prices, lead to a two star review. Definitely better beers in Cambridge, and much much better MBTA accessible beers.
(2)
Michael N.
Some of the better, friendlier bartenders in Boston. Bartender gave me a few Budweisers instead of Bud Light a few weekends ago. He just shrugged and said, "Ah, here. Take 'em. Little present for you guys." Good man. Good beer selection, cool vibe in the place, key location just between Central and Harvard, crowded but never overwhelming. Plenty of televisions. Only problem? It's cash only. There's one of those rape-you-with-surcharges generic ATMs in the back, so do yourself a favor and get some greenbacks out of the BOA machine down the street before you saunter in.
(5)
Kristine M.
The whole communist theme thing seems gimmicky. The crowd was the same fratty type crowd that you see at, say, The Joshua Tree in Davis. (Another establishment I prefer to avoid.) And it gets real crowded real fast and real loud. If I'm in Central Square, this place is at the bottom of my list.
(2)
Barney B.
3 dart boards means they didn't just put one up because it fits - they put it up because people seriously throw them here. 14 taps, and 9 of them are micro/local - Harpoon, Long Trail, Victory, etc and an electronic countdown board (counting down by the second) to NOT New Year's Eve - NOT the superbowl - NOT St Patty's Day - but rather the last day Bush is in office. God this place rocks.
(4)
Yalgin O.
Awesome spot to grab a pint and throw some darts! Their drafts are in good shape and they carry essential whiskey and scotch bottles..
(4)
Alena D.
Drinks and darts. This place is dingy, a little rustic, and unassuming. As a start to an evening of bar hopping, as a bar to while away the days in a drunken stupor, as the spot you hit at the end of the night, People's is the shiznit. The bartender's are pretty nice and chatty. The people sometimes range from ya doods! to very cambridge neighboorhoody. It can get pretty crowded, but it's still a pleasant place to be. It's also a pretty cool place to meet people. Invite the next table for a dart tournament or chat up the people outside smoking. This places always seems pretty friendly and down to earth.
(4)
Holly W.
I think this may be my new favorite bar. After being carted by friends from bar to bar across Cambridge like a drunken goldilocks, this bar is just right. The atmosphere is fun and non-threatening. What I mean is that it's a relaxed place where I didn't feel squished or stepped on by pushy drunkards but at the same time, felt like everyone was having a pretty great time. I didn't feel like this was a place where people were desperate to go home with someone at the end of the night, just go to have a good time and meet new people--which I think is awesome. The staff is top-notch. Particularly Max who is just the sweetest, most charming bartender I think I've ever met (despite his Cambridge Sucks! t-shirt) whose stories verge so far on the absurd as to make you spit out your drink so he has to get you a new one.
(5)
Howe L.
The Russian theme is pretty awesome. But, the bartenders suck (to be blunt). Interesting beers, but not much to choose from. So, coming here for a quick drink to start the night will be harmless.
(3)
Roni E.
Wow I didn't realize how many Yelpers actually come to this place. I didn't run into any of them though... but the next time I'm ever in the area, I'll be on the look out. I came here with ML after bowling for a few more drinks. The place seems like a great hangout, but def. a lot of sketchy people. Ha ha - so this guy comes up to me after hittin' on ML's roomie's friend Meg - "so I've hit on just about everyone else tonight, how about you?" My response - "uhhh I don't think so..." and walked away. No thank you... it wasn't the greatest bar in the world, but it wasn't the worse. I'd come back for a few drinks with some friends, but not to "meet" anyone, if you know what I'm sayin'. The other yelpers are right on target....
(3)
Orly M.
I looove the People's. I work right down the street and used to come here a lot. There are many reasons to go to the People's: *Cocktails are like 4 BUCKS! *For about 6 dollars, you get an awesome, huge, still mooing burger and amazing onion rings. *During lunch time, you will find every mailman in Cambridge here. *The homesless people here really love discussing liberal politics. Wait, that's a reason not to go. *They have DARTS. FREE DARTS. One night, I was getting a little too confident with the darts. I tried throwing one under my leg and backwards. I know, I know, but I'd had a few too many 4 dollar cocktails. Anyway, I came about a centimeter from hitting one of the resident drunks' heads. Luckily, he didn't notice. In fact, I don't think he would have noticed if I had hit him. Which is why the People's is the ultimate bar!! A true dive bar with cheap food, drinks, authentic drunks, and yuppies galore. Where else do you get a cross section of Cambridge like this?
(5)
Ren T.
I used to live right next door to the Republik, and when I mean next door I mean drunk boys used to stumble out of the Republik and pee in the alley outside my window next door close. Strangely enough although living so close I did not hear much noise from the bar. I however was privy to some very interestign late night drunken conversations in the alley from the Republik patrons. My friend and I who worked real estate right up the street used to stop by and have a drink every so often and talk with the somewhat snide but decent bartenders. I think the place is a notch above ok just because when I go there it is low key, no hassle, duuuuude whatever kind of attitude.
(3)
d'Auria G.
On a cold Saturday night when the street is looking pretty dim and dreary, PR is basically where it's at. $3 longneck high life, a wonderful people-watching U shaped bar. Entertaining bartenders, hot dogs, and some hot men. They have hooks to hank your purse, hat, jacket, noose on under the bar which is an instant fave-maker. I'll definitely return, this bar perpetuated one of the best nights I've had in a very long time.
(4)
Ann L.
Last summer I went to a show in Northampton and got dropped off in front of the People's Republik right around last call. My gentleman companion and I decided to make a pit stop for Slurpies before calling it a night, and had to step over this drunk guy who was lying on the sidewalk underneath his bicycle in front of the bar. He was on his back, hands behind his head, doing a little stargazing. When we passed him again after Slurpie acquisition, he had managed to get on his feet, and was leaning hard on the handlebars so the front wheel was all wobbly, trying like a brave little toaster just to stay upright and THAT is why I love this bar. Drinks are cheap, the on-tap selection is aces, it's not so scene-y that you'll puke (though it gets meat market-y and crazy crowded as closing time approaches - high comedy, truly), and the bartenders aren't totally in love with themselves. Also I got free beer the night of my college graduation. ALSO, this is my mom's favorite bar in the world. She bought a t-shirt, and wears it all over Boulder, Colorado, which totally thinks it's a people's republik, but it's NOT, duh.
(5)
John S.
Went for lunch. Food was good, service was brutal. All 5 of us had to walk up to the bar to order our food and we were the only ones in there. It was a cool atmosphere, however the service left something to be desired.
(2)
Rob C.
Seems to me that whereas a great many bars distract themselves with things like food and stuff (rather understandably even), the People's Republik is primarily focused on drinking. The world needs that. They've got food and stuff, apparently, but it's mostly a bar. Small tables, dartboard, bar, sparse (but awesome) decor. Good beer selection, and a bonus star for a really authentic-looking bizarrely-dressed disheveled townie across the bar. If i lived anywhere near it, i'm sure i'd be back frequently.
(4)
Harsh V.
DARTS! Cool Soviet-era propaganda! Red walls and cash register! Good times are almost a given.
(4)
Charoline D.
People's is usually a fairly good venue to wind up for last call at. It's almost always packed, the drinks are stiff, the beer on tap is a decent selection and has Magic Hat Circus Boy which I can't always find. Whether you're playing darts or people watching, it's going to be amusing. And we've really got this nailed down, review after review, but the patrons are pretty....homely to say the least. I had been here more than a few times and have neglected to review until now as my experiences have varied depending on what night of the week it's been. Some nights can be fairly laid back, while other's are completely hectic. This partcular visit was the end credits to our bar crawl. I had wanted to head over to Allston and maybe finish up the night at Deep Ellum or Model, but to be frank I was feeling lazy and just didn't feel up to driving over there. Liz and I spent a good 10 mins being chatted up by 2 men, definitely in their mid to late 30's asking us about where we live, what we do for work, etc. To which we answered almost completely in lies and insult. I think at one point I asked them if they wanted to play darts, but they had to take turns who was going to stand in front of the board. They said "what?" and I said "kill yourself". Also spent a good amount of time being engrossed in a very uninteresting conversation with a Kenyan studying at Harvard Business School. Nice enough guy, but kept telling me I was "hot fire". I took it as a compliment? Yeah I don't know. We had also been here previously for a Yelp event a few months back, to which they were incredibly accomodating with a happy hour and free food. Who can complain about that? Needless to say this place is pretty good for relaxing with close friends and people watching.
(4)
Colin N.
I'll have to come back here on the weekend. On a tuesday it was reasonably busy. There were some groups of cambridge girls on the prowl. The atmosphere was fun and drinks were cash only (yet again). The wall decorations help to theme the place, but not in a Chotchkys sorta way. There's a big clock counting down to something almost two years in the future... any ideas what that is? People's is definitely a college bar - don't get that wrong. You go to get a little bit crunk and get beer spilled on your shoes. It's definitely cambridge collegey which is a little less violent and more hipster than boston collegey. People's is a landmark spot, and I'll be going back. Rock on.
(4)
Haley S.
One of my favorite bars in Boston. Thank you, People's Republik, for adding to the ambiance of Central/Harvard Square (not needed, but appreciated none the less). Neighborhood bar with dart boards, great beer, good prices and laid back people. It's just a great place to hang out. Go there. Now.
(5)
Jenna C.
After the last Boston Derby Dames bout (Boston vs. Atlanta) we some how ended up here for our "after party". It was somewhat crowded before we all showed up but absolutely packed after everyone made their way in. I literally had to molest people just to get outside to smoke and was almost hit with a dart more than once.I wasn't really in a drinking mood but the bartender was nice enough to make me a delicious Shirley Temple. I had a pretty good time and would definitely hit this place up again. I think the best part of the night was running into fellow Yelper Michael L. while searching for Jeffrey H.!
(4)
Jon L.
Stop in for a beer, it's worth it! You can walk around and learn a little history, play free darts, and listen to good music. I'm sold.
(4)
Dan C.
Its 1:20, last call will be upon you soon and the girl you have been flirting with for the last hour and a half has, in her drunken stooper, just let it slip she has a boyfriend. Normally this would have no effect on you, or might make the experience that much better, except she says he is a Marine and is coming home in a couple days. Seeing as you don't want to be choked to death with your own ball sack you decide to take a pass on this one. You excuse yourself saying that the huge investment firm that you manage has just paged you and if you don't go in straight away there will be no stock market in the morning. She believes you...its a shame she has a boyfriend, that combination of smarts and beauty don't come around that often. The bar is thinning out and everyone there has seen you spend the last hour and a half hitting on her, so there aren't too many takers to be "second". You have one option left--a desperate Hail Marry--time for the People's Republik. When it comes to late night last chances, the Republik is King. Cheep booze and a lot of people. The place is small, or maybe the clientele are numerous, but that just helps stimulate conversation. The most important thing is, you are in here for a reason, beggars can't be choosers.
(4)
sarah t.
My favorite bar. Always impressive beers on tap. The food is actually very good... fries, fish sandwhiches, they even have a portabello sandwich. The staff are awesome. always friendly and down to earth. They treat you well. I might be a bit bias, but I love this bar. It was one of the first bars I went to when I moved to Boston, and I kept going back...
(5)
Chris R.
The revolution will not be televised -- and it's not in a Central Square bar, either. I don't know what this place was like when it opened, but nowadays it's nothing more than the best place to drink Magic Hat while sitting underneath a replica of the atom bomb. Always tons of Magic Hat on draft, yum yum yum. Never felt intellectual or revolutionary here myself, even while wielding a copy of the revolutionary worker picked up from Revolution Books down the street. That could be because of the disappointing yahdood hordes on loud crowded weekend evenings (meatheads of the world unite!). Once the boozing proletariat is gone, however, it's very hard to beat. Interesting set of people, barkeeps generally agreeable, and MAGIC HAT! That alone could draw me back to the Right Coast.
(4)
Tom E.
I didn't want to talk it about but I have to... ugly people. Yep, that seems to be the central theme of the previous reviews which seems a bit harsh doesn't it? Why should the attractiveness of the clientele effect your time in this quirky hipster bar? Are you really coming out drinking in Cambridge's furniture ghetto in the hopes of seeing some hotties?? I doubt it, this IS Harvard and MIT land after all. And this IS a cool bar, with enough to offer to justify being an after work drinking spot or a friday/saturday fall-back. So forget about the beauty pageant, pull up a stool next to the communist nik-naks and get chatting with the people around you - they're probably all geniuses. And I know I shouldn't say it but I can guarantee you that they WILL be ugly too, haha - but give it a few pints and you never know...
(4)
L D.
This was my most favoritest bar for YEARS and it really makes me sad to hear everyone call it the Ugly Republic. Come on guys. I'm totally not ugly and I was here a few nights a week. I'm not ugly right? Right? Oh dear. Anyway. On to less ego-crushing details. They have a few beers on tap. Decent choices. And a few more in the bottle. The decor is beyond awesome and they finally got a decent flat screen just in time for the Very Serious baseball events of 2004... I watched many of those famed games at the (Very Attractive) Republic. I haven't bothered with the food and, frankly, knowing what it was like in that kitchen before they were forced (literally) to offer food, I'm not interested. There are three dart boards and it's first come first serve. Don't even try to sign your name on someones board and call next game. It doesn't work like that at People's. Go ahead and try it on my board. I'll shank you with the darts pal. You know, I've even met some very attractive men at the Very Attractive Republic. Of course, 99% of the guys I met here were fellow scientists so maybe we have different standards.
(5)
reese w.
Come on now... are you really looking at how attractive the crowd is? WHO CARES. I like this place because the last time I was here there was a fight between some short little asian dude and a big tall scotsman. It was awesome. The bouncer had to take them outside when they spilled their beers on each other. Classic. Oh and they have not one, but TWO dartboards.
(4)
Tristan B.
This place is weird. I really, really want to like it, but something always throws me off about the place. Is it the crowd? It gets pretty college-y Harvard-y douchenozzle-y type guys (all guys, no chicks) on the weekends, and has the old timers during the day. I want to love it for the theme, decent staff, but I dunno, it just really really does rub me the wrong way somehow. Maybe I'm too uptight, but it kind of feels like it's trying a little too hard. Nice spot to start an evening of drinking with a few beers, simple mixed drinks, or to play darts when it's not absolutely packed at around 9:00 on a weekday.
(3)
Katie H.
The first time I went here I had a major panic attack because it was SO over-crowded and hot. Since then I've learned that when you're going to the People's Republik, it works best to be drunk by the time you get there. I can't say much for the selection of beer since I'm pretty sure I've only ever drank PBR here. The service has always been quick and friendly. The layout seems to work for movement of people all over the bar. I've never really set up in one spot there. Personally, though, I'm scared of the dartboard that is right outside the women's bathroom. More than once I've almost ended up with a dart in the face. People seem to be friendly, maybe I'm just that drunk, but I always seem to meet new people here. And enjoy people's company enough I forego my "gotta get outta the bar" smoke breaks.
(3)
Kristina M.
I like the decor (vaguely brings up some memories of the time when I lived in this communist shared-house...), although it's pretty kitschy. It's the kind of bar I could imagine working at. The bartenders all seem very friendly, fast and fun, and the beer is not as over-priced as in some places. Pretty interesting mix of people, too. And the music is not too loud, so you can actually talk. We went for some beers after work when it wasn't packed yet, but when we left there was this ridiculously long queue of very young-looking people... I don't know, this bar is pretty nice and chilled-out and a decent place to hang out for a few beers and chat, but I don't think it's really worth queuing for.
(4)
Michael L.
The People's Republik is a beer-bar. Don't go here for mixed drinks because they're not good and too expensive. Going here for a beer or few is fun, and the bartender will let you try a beer before you buy it. You can play darts by giving them $5 to hold onto until you are done and give the darts back. The decor is excellent, with Soviet and Communist Bloc era propaganda everywhere. Very fun and kitschy. Another good thing is that it doesn't seem to get excessively loud in there, and so it's a good place to be able to talk. It's not the place to go cruising for an upper-crust girl or guy to take home or date, if that's your thing, but it's a great place to have a beer and some fun. --------------------------------------------------Â------- UPDATE I've heard this place called "The Ugly Republik" by fellow reviewers and fellow Cantabrigians, and it lives up to this name. Come in on a busy evening and check it out. It's an awesome place to talk and play darts, but horrible for good-looking people. Yes, I understand that I am there too. And shallow, but seriously, it's a phenomenon! --------------------------------------------------Â----------------------- UPDATE This has become the "comfort bar" I always go to at the end of the night. I love it here even more now than I did before, just because I always meet the nicest and most interesting, unpretentious people here. The bartender Dani is pretty much one of the nicest people ever and says hi to me on the street.
(5)
Francisco A.
Just a regular Dive Bar... Darts, and decent beer... nothing special about this place though... NOTHING.
(3)
Mark G.
Don't come for the food..come for the darts, bartenders and a good drinking establishment. Especially since they expanded the floor place inside, now there is a lot more room to hang out. I must admit that I actually prefer it on the more mellow nights, Sunday's and Mondays, but I Iike my "beer and darts" over "crowds and noise" and this place can get busy on the weekends. Oh and one more thing, I love the eclectic crowd it draws, from all walks and backgrounds.
(3)
Shannon S.
Oh the Ugly Republik, you truly are amazing. Located between Harvard and Central squares, this place is classic when you wanna close out the night without spending way too much. It's SO funny about the Republik but it really is the best place to close out your Cambridge bar crawl. My friends call this place the "Ugly Republik" because the clientel ain't too hot or by the time you get there--you probably aren't looking that good either. Also, what's up with that poster inside with that man/girl who looks EXACTLY like Ashton Kutcher--I know it's supposed to be communist but I swear that painting Punked' me. Regardless, I love this place. The bartenders are amazing, quick and total sweethearts--they play crazy loud rock & roll, hair metal and grunge and you can play darts to your hearts content. The drinks aren't retarded expensive and if you tip great the first time they'll always load you up. FYI, the bathroom is tiny and if you're a chick the girls are always super friendly and funny in the bathroom. These people will talk to anyone. The ratio is like 5 doods to every girl so if you need a pick me up--this is the place to go--the men aren't always quality but they're always really hilarious and entertaining. The Republik is exactly what it is. I recommend going on a Friday or Saturday night unless you're a local --then it's every man for yourself, but this is the place to be when you close out at 2am all sloshed and sloppy. What I love about this place and the reason i'm giving it 5 stars is that it's totally approachable, it's exactly what it is, and you'll can chat up anyone in there without getting guff. I suggest getting the mixed drinks rather than the beers here, but that's just me--this is more of a Captain and Diet place to me. Also, the bar section is huge and the customer section is sort of a tight squeeze, however, it's pretty sweet that you can check out the people on the other side of the bar. But--if you don't like standing or people touching you to get past you. This bar is not for you.
(5)
Vanilla P.
This is a great bar for serious beer-fueled discussions about politics, money, and death, in a somber Russian manner. It's also a great bar to go with friends for cheap beers, comfy stools, and neat-o atmosphere, in a drunken Russian manner! Bonus points if you speak with a fake Russian accent the entire night... We went with a group of 5 pseudo-intellectuals, and we able to find a nice table not too close to other patrons. We were able to walk up to the bar and order our drinks without having to wait -- although there was one chick who didn't know what beer tasted like, so she kept on sampling all the different ones, much to the bartender's chagrin. After she sampled her third beer, I kept wondering when a bar like People's Republik became so similar to a wine tasting room in Napa Valley. What I'm trying to say here is this is not a place to put on airs. This bar is a bar where you chill, relax, enjoy your company, and drink good beer at decent prices. At least on a Wednesday night. Only sad part of the evening? Food's done being served at 10, and we arrived at 11 so I starved.
(5)
Renee M.
People's Republik is cool. I always come here expecting a better time than i actually end up having, but nonetheless it is a unique and fun place. Beer selection is good, clientele is surprisingly somewhat yuppie in my experience. Kind of like a sports bar feel with communist decor... I know, sounds weird, but it's true! Anyway, overall I like People's Republik, and I'm always down to go, but honestly I'd rather go to Plough and Stars down the street :)
(3)
Melissa A.
The bar section is freaking HUGE and the customer section seems kind of small to me. Commies. But the bartenders are really nice here. They will give you a sample of the beer if you're curious or talk about Philly with you. Actually, someone else started talking to me about Philly the one time apropos to nothing. Strange. The thing I find strange is the bathrooms. The wall between the stalls seems really short and when I stood up, I found the other lady looking at me. I do realize that I tend to have bathroom anxieties and get pee shy when someone else is in there. But some tall broad staring at me certainly isn't going to help the matter, just enhance it. Last time I went, I swore up and down that Charlie Pierce was sitting next to me but I couldn't bring myself to ask him. But if I did talk to him, we'd probably talk about Philly and bathrooms. sigh...
(5)
Mimi H.
My friends and I had a communist Wednesday thing going on for a while where we went here once a week on Wednesday. I love this place, drinks are cheap and the bartender's are funny and so nice. One of them is wicked hot. Don't be scared to go here because it's a communist bar, this place is chill and a lot of fun. They have cheap hot dogs so if you need a break from drinking you can order a round of communist dogs.
(4)
sally b.
As a native Vermonter, any place that has 5 VT beers on tap is sick. Plus! Dogfish head on draft!?!? All you need now is Allagash White and I'll move in! This place is on the top of the list for my beer-snob boyfriend. The place is chill, i feel totally comfortable showing up in my scrubs after work. So yes, I add to the obv. ugly reputation when i finish a 12-hour shift. Isn't that what's great about the People's Pub? Oh Circus Boy, how i love you!
(5)
David C.
Worst bar in Cambridge. Unless you're a fan of rats and sleazy bartenders and over priced beers.
(1)
Nathan R.
Love this place- the crowd are good sports and the peg-leg guy rules.
(4)
Hannah L.
a great theme - 1960s russian communism. great posters of the era hang on the walls, and a great red , black and yellow thing going on. it is a meeting place of hipsters, sometimes i feel like i need a cooler haircut to hang out there. oh well, true hipsters don't need the outfit ;-p they have $3 PBR bottles, which is great. what hip bar doesn't carry PBR?! loves it. they have darts, communist small wood tables and chairs, music and a runny bathroom. super fun and super chill, a true icon of cambridge.
(4)
Chris S.
Great pub. Dogfish Head 60 min IPA on tap and a nice selection of Magic Hat. I find the interior spartan (not sure why), but the bartenders are cool and this is a comfortable place to grab a beer after work. Go here a few times and you see a lot of regulars--always a good sign.
(4)
Julia C.
God, I love this place!!!! Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna add to the countless reviews of this place. Basically, if you are tired of asshole bartenders, and you are looking to relax after a "I'm on the verge of spitting in my boss's face"- kind of day, then this is a great place to go! What makes this place so great: the drinks are cheap, the noise level permits conversations that don't make your voice go hoarse, there are three dart booths (inebriated people throwing sharp objects can be scary) and they have Magners on tap! But what I can never stop raving about are the bartenders. Just awesome people - the kind you want to hug after a few drinks. Some anecdotal evidence: 1) they gave me a glass of water with lemon without asking (I admitted I was a light-weight and if I had another drink, they wouldn't make it home) 2) they make fun of customers who ask for fancy wines ("We don't get more specific here than red and white") 3) they gave me cake!! (someone gave the bartender a piece of a birthday cake, and he shared it with me! - what can I say? I'm a sucker for cake) Keep in mind that it gets pretty packed Thursdays through Saturdays, but it always looks more crowded from the outside than it actually is. The bathrooms smell uncharacteristically decent for a not-so-classy bar (can only speak of the girl's bathroom). There are plenty of locals who are excited to chat - usually about the most random things. Basically, this is a great local bar.
(5)
Jules H.
A totally cool, chill place -- but one big problem for me: cash only! Big BOO!
(3)
Susan D.
Bar crawls always lead me here. This place is super low key and rugged. The Soviet posters are pretty awesome. My husband will translate them for me and explain the mentality behind it. Good beer and always a chill crowd. Bathrooms are tiny and a little ewww.
(3)
Julie A.
I really wanted to give this place 3.5 stars, but I have been a loyal customer for a decade so I'll bump it up to 4. It's a dive. A good dive, but a dive. As previously noted in past reviews, it's not got the most attractive patrons or staff, but go to Lansdown and get the fake whores down there, this is where you go to have a casual night of fun drinking. There is a fight 1/2 the time I am there, which makes it more entertaining (especially since I am never involved). It hasn't changed much over the years, same thing another day. When the college kids come into town they try and take over the place but the locals and regulars hang onto it strong so the white hats tend to find another hole in the wall. good cheap beer, nice people, and open late. Can't go wrong.
(4)
Bill B.
Decent beer. Laid back place with plenty of space for groups. Good dingy hang out.
(4)
christina c.
Went here last night for a drink. At first the bartender was a little stuffy but when I started asking him about the Magic Hat Brewery he opened up to me. We played some darts had some tasty Magic Hat circus boy. Yum! Also, the jams were rockn' and it was the bartenders playlist! Very cool, no preset set list here.
(4)
Cport J.
I feel like I should give different reviews for different times of day. The late night People's is great fun, a mass of mostly inebriated folks circling the bar in the round (which is awesome -- more bars should do it), holding out 'til the end of the night at 2. (The clock may be slow here, definitely slower than Phoenix Landing, maybe not as slow as the Druid in Inman.) Earlier in the evening, it's a chill place to throw darts and hang out with a few friends. The crowd is usually pretty thin, but it fills up as time goes on. Dark and somewhat dive-y, it's a good chance to chat with the bartenders, who will be way too busy to talk later. Quintessentially Cambridge and a true neighborhood landmark, it's one of the bars that makes Central Square so great.
(4)
Lindsay D.
Last time I was in this bar a man in the corner took off his leg and started playing it like an instrument. If that isn't incentive enough to check it out then I don't know what is. In all seriousness, the bartenders are awesome as long as you're not an impatient jerk and the libations are strong enough to make the eyes go wide. Hit this place up after you realize that the Hong Kong is full of the worst Cambridge has to offer. Maybe if you're lucky the man with the wooden leg will still be there.
(4)
Kirs P.
People's is cool cause 1) you can play darts; 2) beer ain't too expensive; 3) in the middle of the afternoon there are always a couple of old dudes hanging out and if you talk to them they'll probably buy you a drink. The weekends are wicked crowded and they only take cash, but the bartenders are always super nice and do their best to get to you as fast as they can. Be forewarned: sometimes annoying hahvahd kids come down and suck.
(4)
Julia F.
Do not expect to be fed late night here. You will be assed out. I have not liked this bar in the past, but it was for the people there, not the place itself. I should probably go back so that I can form a better opinion on it, especially now that I live about 5 blocks away. Truly I'm kind of disappointed in the way Tom E. clumped the rest of us Cantabrigians with the people who go to Harvard and MIT... Not really fair...
(3)
Mats K.
Nice bar with a WWII era soviet theme. (everything from propaganda posters to military equipment and a large bomb!) The beer selection isnt amazing, but the atmosphere is nice. Its not a bad place to go to catch up with friends. Only downside is that it can get crowded on weekend nights.
(4)
Francesca R.
The drinks are cheap and the atmosphere inebriated. Something about this place always leads to me having in-depth conversations with strangers, which I *never* do, being both shy and judgmental. It must be the utilitarian seating and Communist propaganda which promotes egalitarian socializing and drunkeness. Always a good time.
(4)
L S.
People's Republik now has a fancy little food menu! I haven't tried anything yet, but some of the dishes looked pretty good. I wouldn't order mixed drinks or wine from here, it's more of a beer place. Prices are average, $5 a pint. It can get pretty crowded and loud on the weekends. I came here on a random Monday once and it was fairly empty, mostly regulars.
(3)
Stephen K.
S'alright. It attracts a lot of douchebags with it's faux-Red decor. These people think they're leftists because they visit a bar called People's Republik, they like Barack Obama and they had an Odwalla bar that day. But they have darts - and they don't seem to mind people getting blacked out. They've got Dogfish Head and the standard assortment of Eastern Seaboard craft brews on tap. I'd like this place more if they stepped up the worker angle - instead, it's just a gimmick. Privileged Americans can look at all the posters and laugh at it all, sneering at the folly of the now failed Communist experiment. Laugh all you want. You'll see.
(2)
Cori L.
Very chill, good drink prices, but don't bump into anyone as you try to move through the crowd to the door - you may get the death-stare for accidentally bumping someone.
(3)
Seamus O.
A love it or hate it bar. I love it. It's definitely different from your standard bog Irish bar. In the end the best way to describe the People's is...different. A similar bar to the KGB bar in New York. The staff are friendly and the beer is cheap. I had to ban the wife from the top shelf in this place...the staff are way too generous with the hard liquor! Always fun to play drunken darts.
(4)
Mark D.
Good beers on tap. Three dart boards. Nice. But don't get stuck with the one next to the men's room as the smell will waft after the door is opened. Do not order mixed drinks. It can be a little dark and smelly sometimes but it's a great place anyway!
(4)
Jen H.
If you're looking for a good no-frills bar.... dive bar.... in Central Sq, this is a good one. Bartender was nice, drinks were cheap, interesting people... although it got CRAZY crowded at one point in the night. Anyhoo, 2 thumbs up for this joint - next time I want to get there earlier and get on the dart boards... I have only played once, so be careful if you see me playing and need to walk near me while I"m playing. :-)
(4)
D. J.
I was somewhat skeptical about the scattering of hipsters and maybe-hipsters that I saw either as customers or behind the bar, but this place provided a good nightcap to my bachelor party at the end of last month. First visit; I would maybe go back. They seemed to pour slightly oversize shots, though I guess that's not bad-- and honestly, some of my first bar experiences were in Russia itself, where the shots seemed small and that's thus maybe tempered my experience. Soviet kitsch can have its problems but, again, they have stuff like this in Russia too, and I was amused. Sounds like the drink list could use some expansion but if I happened to be in the Central Square area when I wanted to kill time with friends and/or watch a game, I'd pick this over several other possibilities.
(3)
adam s.
Great beer selection with a cool red scare theme. Probably my favorite bar in Cambridge. The don't serve Sam Adams. I like to assume it's because he was a patriot.
(4)
Marcus D.
Walking by this place and seeing the colors and spelling of the name in a fanciful Russian way (what's that called, Cyrillic?), forced me to stop by one Christmas Eve with a few buddies. In fact, we tarried so long in here toasting to the birth of Baby Jesus that I was late for Christmas Eve dinner w/my family (seven fish night, the old Italian way). I've been back a couple of times since and always enjoyed myself, just w/the atmosphere. It's never overcrowded, at least when I've been here (perhaps the suggestion of Communism in this most Communist town scares people away - how ironic). Real quick: what is the fascination with PBR?
(4)
Ashley F.
I've always had a good time here. The place doesn't get too crowded that you can't find a table at sometime during the night. Get there early for the meh food, but stay for the beer and decent priced drinks. I'm a big fan of this place because they actually keep the music low enough to have a conversation with your friends. I'm a huge fan of the water cooler they keep at the back if you're feeling a bit parched between drinks. With the friendly enough bartenders and doormen, and darts for fun, there's little wanting here.
(4)
Kay A.
This place is awesome, cute bartenders, strong drinks at a good price, and there's always a crowd. So much so, that's why I only gave it four stars instead of five, sometimes it's just too crowded, but on weeknight when it's not it's pretty awesome. Perfect place to round up a group of friends to hang or shoot darts.
(4)
Tom W.
Great for whiling away an evening throwing darts and throwing back ales. As a previous review noted, they've got quality darts, they're free, and they don't mind too much if you need replacements because the accuracy enhancing quality of beer has yet to kick in for you. On a weekend, get there early to enjoy the local scene ahead of the mass mob of college students that hits around 10pm. Not that that isn't also entertaining, but good aim becomes more of an issue.
(4)
Jesse K.
I really don't know why everyone loves this place so much! It gets ridiculously crowded, especially because of the unnecessarily large bar that takes 90% of the room. But bars get crowded and that's fine, but it's made worse here by the asshole Harvard kids who think they're ironic by hanging out at a Communist-themed bar, but can't leave their holier-than-thou attitude at the door, and get all pissed off if you bump into them on your way out. Get over yourselves, dudes! On the note of getting over yourself -- how about the short bartender who gets pissed off if you scratch your balls the wrong way. This dude will make guys wait for 15 minutes for drinks, just so that he can serve a woman who just strolled up (sorry dude, no chance with her!).
(2)
Laura K.
Rather shady but in the best way. Darts+beer+men=happy me
(4)
Hannah C.
this is my favorite chill bar in the boston area. nothing beats it. from when i first moved here and lived next door, to now, when i drag my ass from even further out..... always a mixed crowd - you're never too old, you're never too young (that's not true of course). everyone's friendly, seems to be mostly an MIT crowd nowadays... and the one thing that makes me happiest of all: DARTS. three, count em, three boards. and you can always join in a game - granted you have to win a board or else you are shamed, but that's standard procedure.... check it out... weekends and weeknights... it's worth it....
(5)
Jess L.
good times! i love the decor and atmosphere. some girl wanted to steal my stool, which was weird, but in the end it was fun. a good place for darts. interesting beer selection.
(4)
Matt K.
A nice place, good attitude, reasonable prices. When I was there on a Thursday the drafts were $5, and lower-quality beer like PBR is $3.50 a beer. I'd bring friends visiting Boston there because of its unique attitude for sure.
(4)
Jennifer A.
People's is my usual bar. Decent glass of vino along with an extensive beer selection. Although primarily a wine drinker, I do dig a pint of a good ole craft beer every so often and Peeps delivers. Good place to watch the "game of the night" and play darts.
(4)
Lisa B.
the giant boot and elvis in the window sealed the deal for me. this place is awesome. i'll be back.
(4)
Ashley J.
I have to say I was really happy with my experience here. It is not at all one of those hipster douche bag kind of places. Cool people, cool bartenders, nobody is trying to be pretentious and way cooler than they are. Drinks are good, reasonably priced. I can't say one negative thing. All in all pretty cool place.
(5)
Monkey D.
The doormen are uncommonly handsome and the food has gotten much better. Minus one star for the abominable men's room and the staff's narrow-minded stance on letting men use the ladies'.
(4)
John W.
A great place to throw a round of darts with friends. Funky socialist propaganda posters adorn the walls; eclectic tunes pour from the speakers. Open an hour later than most bars, they offer a nice selection of beers on tap. As Shannon B stated, this is the perfect place for Cantabrigians to conclude a pub crawl.
(4)
Andrew M.
One of my faves. If you come here you are destined to have a good conversation. Like Shannon I have a long history of joking with people about the ugly clientele. I tried a little food for the first time last night and was pretty impressed. They have darts.
(5)
Rachel S.
Good beer selection and bartenders that make thoughtful suggestions about new tries. I can't remember the last time I saw a meathead in there. Cheers!
(4)
Gourab D.
Nice little place..nicely cozy unaffected atmosphere....I am not really a beer guy...but the white russian here is one of the best I have tasted in Boston so far. Drinks are cheap. One incident to mention....once I got a little carried away and could not wait for the bartender to come and took a few pieces of lime myself from the bar.....he noticed, came up to me and directly told me that it was inappropriate...I think it was a very professional thing to do on his part..... The only reason that I will give it a score of 4 is the crowd is usually unhappening and very low-key if you have a thing for random fun time....
(4)
sydney A.
People's is a really good time. The music is not so loud that you can't talk. The layout is good for accomodating many small groups. The bar is a horseshoe, so its easy to check out the bartenders' asses. But be aware that the menu is limited, though certainly edible if you are in the mood for fried items and meat things. Most importantly, they close the kitchen wicked early (like 8pm) on some nights. With cheap drinks, this can be a bad combo. Luckily they always have some cheezits on hand for the right price.
(5)
Gordon B.
Hands down my favorite watering hole in Cambridge, People's Republik is an institution. Always an interesting mix of locals and academic types so everyone feels comfortable here. A great spot for a few beers and a game of darts (3 boards).
(5)
Enay V.
great service - great atmosphere - great background music - even on a Monday night!
(5)
Diane I.
my favorite bar in central.... i'd go here every night if it was socially acceptable...
(5)
Kristina D.
One of my favorite neighborhood joints. The Communist decor, good beer selection, and interesting mix of locals make for a fun Cambridge bar experience. They also have Rumplemintz.
(4)
Huan z.
You can come here for a drink or, even a dart game! Drinks are cheap! local people like to gather here for sox games. We watched sox game there last time instead of some bar in fenway. It's less craziness here!
(3)
Sarah R.
I went here finally for the first time last night for the Yelp event (thanks, Ligaya!). I can't really say anything different than what's been said before, just to add that I really like this place, Ashton Kutcher-looking Soviet dude notwithstanding. The bartenders are friendly, and the food is good, for bar food. My only complaint is that it was FREEZING in there. This might be due to the door frequently opening and closing, but I was already chilled to the bone from my trekking through Cambridge in the slushy hell, and it certainly didn't help that the indoor temp was frigid. Nevertheless, I'm sure I'll be back here in the future, perhaps to close out my night during tomorrow's Bunny Hop down Mass Ave.
(4)
Michael W.
A great meeting spot between Central and Harvard. I used to frequent here alot because they served Magic Hat's Humble Patience. Magic Hat has since discontinued making the beer, and I no longer live in the area. This is a great place to meet for drinks or to stay there all night and tie one on...
(4)
Malena L.
I've only been here once - I don't even know why since I could probably spit out my window and hit their roof - but it was a wonderful experience. It was while the City of Cambridge Dance Party was going on outside. I was dancing so hard, I think I popped a vein and I REALLY needed to rehydrate (with beer, of course). The place offered what I wanted: a big selection of beer, A/C, darts and a location for my friend Tim to perform his biggest trick yet, taking his front fake tooth out and scratching his belly with it - BELIEVE ME, it's funny! Anyways, I liked it. It seemed like a good place for our fake band, "Mao and His Army of Skanks", to chill, drink beers and impress with the detachment of "limbs".
(4)
Dan O.
Great place to throw a few pints back and play some darts...good beer selection, friendly staff, simple, inexpensive food menu.
(4)
Josh O.
I've only been here once. Didn't really like it. Can't really say why, but the place just rubbed me the wrong way. I guess it was just the character of the place. And there's so many other places in Central that I'd rather go that I doubt I'll ever give it another shot.
(2)
Lalin A.
Comfortable, sincere bar. Hard to find in Boston area. Great theme and atmosphere. I usually go here during week days when it is not crowded. Then I choose my seat around the bar, sometimes I leave it to the bartender to decide on the beer, and enjoy my time with friends. It is always a change and definitely an American bar scene detail to play dart. It is true: you do end up talking with old dudes, who are chilling, and watching football. But, they bring color to your night. PR is definitely a place to check out!
(4)
greg f.
Although MIT student Rick is well dreawn as an anxious, narcissistic careerist who also happens to have real talent and produces what are to be powerfully, but grim, belches, his sexual frustration and competitive drive forces him to frequent the People's Republik to meet nice ladies.
(4)
Alison C.
I don't know what I was expecting but I give this place a solid meh with a healthy dose of enh thrown in for good measure. The beer selection is fine and the prices are reasonable. The women's bathroom is clean enough though extremely cramped. I guess I was hoping for more commie kitsch and I didn't get it.
(2)
Joe R.
I LOVE a dive bar with real, heavy, metal darts. And games are free. OK selection of beers, great atmosphere & lively crowd. The only truly negative point was the live recording of a Barry Manilow show (or something similar). What the?! On Friday night!!?
(3)
Tom D.
If you live near either Central or Harvard Square, claim to be a hipster, and love dive-bars, this place is wicked awesome. I used to come here a lot while I dated a Harvard girl and she and her friends used to avoid this place like the plague. It's got more than four dart boards strewn through-out the bar and last time I was there I payed three dollars for a shot of Jack. Honestly, I'd give this place five stars if not for the fact it's a cash-only bar. If you've seen Wayne's World 2 and remember "Comrade's," the place where they have their party, the interior is kind of like that. If you want to sit around and talk economics and China's globalization policies with Freshman, go to Daedalus or Grendel's. If you want something a bit darker with a kind of V.I. Lenin meets Charles Bukowski feel to it, come here.
(4)
Sarah B.
cool theme/slight dive bar. great for beer and reminiscing about the cold war.
(4)
Heather H.
What's not to love about a commie themed bar with a good beer selection? They always seem to have at least two Dogfish Head selections on tap and they pour a mean Guinness. The food is pretty good bar food- especially their burgers and onion rings. This is a good place for darts (or, in my uncoordinated way, watching your friends play darts). There are a good mix of people here- you'll see 21 year old students and 70 year old cowboys. Nobody's frontin' and you can just chill with a good beer.
(4)
Peter A.
I agree with Ashley O.'s review below. My only star eduction is that this place often attracts bigger groups of grad-student types coming in to hang and the "pack" mentality they evoke can lead to obnoxious loudness and banality. Regardless a good place to have a drink and people watch out the windows onto Mass Ave. Check out the reasonably priced food specials on the chalkboard (just wish the kitchen was open on the weekends). Always an interesting assortment of regulars occupying the left side of the bar. A favorite dwelling of our deserving postal carriers.
(4)
Sean E.
I think I spend too much time here. But they have three dart boards, Dogfish Head on tap, Red Sox on the TV, decent music (except when the hippy bartender puts Phish on), and innofensive decorations, so why not come back? Oh, and I swear to Zeus that on a Sunday afternoon the bartender decided to open the kitchen for the few of us that were there and made THE best onion rings I ever had. So yeah, I'll be heading back there.
(4)
rishi h.
This place defines everything good about the bar scene.. and as an extra bonus there are whacky posters from the soviet era all over the place. For the atmophshere alone, I'd recommend this place to anyone in the area. On the weekends when it really gets packed, ruckusy, and extra condusive to having a good time, slightly awful expressions like "in soviet russia, bar drinks you!" become totally appropriate.
(4)
Ashley S.
Chill neighborhood bar on weeknights. Bursting at the seams with non-locals on the weekends. Pick your night wisely.
(3)
Anastasia L.
The fact that this would-be commie bar sometimes smells a bit... funny? simply adds to its dive-y charm. A sizeable room organized around an island bar, with darts on either side, an irreverent Last Supper mural, and perhaps the widest-ranging clientele I've ever seen (ok, leaning towards locals and hippies). The bartenders are chill and there's a decent selection of draught (including cheap American brews) and bottled libations, as well as liberally poured cocktails. It does get crowded late on weekend nights, though.
(5)
Nick B.
So others have already mentioned the darts, the beer, and the ticking bomb. So what more could I add with this 18th review? Well, one time I came here during the summer of 2004 when the olympics were in full swing. They had the olympics on the big screen, but had turned off the sound and were playing The Smiths in the background. So I will now forever associate the People's Republik with Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics routines being danced to the crooning of the Mozzer. Which, really, is a pretty hillarious way to watch the olympics.
(4)
Brian D.
To further explain my fear of Cambridge I have to admit that it took me 10 + years of drinking legally to finally find myself seated at the Peoples Republik. i don't know why but walking past this spot always made me think of being sent to Siberia to mine coal with fat old Russian men that would stink of vodka and quote Tolstoy all day (shudder...). BUT apparently if you go to the Peoples you are treated to a pretty damn good barroom experience. Do not be fooled, this is a quintessential barroom. There are no frills here. What they happen to have is a solid but limited food menu, cheap beer and cheaper cocktails. They also have lots of locals (a good sign), lots of transient college kids (surely the real communists), dart boards, and a men's room that smells 100% like those old Russian guys that I fear. I really loved this place, I see no reason to go anyplace else in Cambridge (Except maybe the Field) for cheap drinking and socialist socializing.
(4)
John F.
I quite enjoyed this bar, if for no other reason that the atmosphere and theming. The old Soviet propaganda-style posters on the wall and the bomb (complete with continuously-ticking counter) really give this place a nice distinction from the average bar.
(4)
Katia M.
This place is basically Central Square in a nutshell. I haven't often gone there as an all-night destination, but I ended quite a few nights there in my C-square days. Good beer selection and it can get a little crowded for me, but all in all, I'm a fan.
(4)
Greg C.
Pretty sketchy. Typical dive bar. I've seen a lot of people talk about how amazing it is that they have darts. A lot of bars have darts. However, I don't think a lot of bars have dart BOOTHS. Like, carnival-style dart booths. When I went, I had the pleasure of watching a showdown between a group of lesbians and a group of frat boys. Naturally, the frat boys lost. But even though they lost, they weren't mad as both teams were comprised totally of homosexuals. But I guess that's why this bar is so cool - it brings different types of people together to find common ground. You could have a guy in a business suit at one stool, and a homeless person playing with his stool right next to him. The bartenders are mad cool. One dude got me a KILLER cheeseburger even after the kitchen had closed. Another played the entire MIA album at my request. All in all It's a pretty sweet place to relax and get hammered. Lost one star as they don't accept credit cards (It's 2008, people)
(4)
R F.
yea, darts and good beers this place is an original, fun, laid back bar that doesn't disappoint me. not crowded or expensive pretty fun here
(4)
Ellie L.
Its catchy exterior makes it one of those places you always mean to check out, and the inside doesn't disappoint. With a relaxed potpourri of locals, hipsters, and international types, People's Republik is the spot to have a good conversation over a cold beer. Heads up, it's a cash-only bar...
(4)
Joe R.
This place is great. They have a nice selection of beer, several dart boards and a relaxed, fun crowd of people. Also nice that they're open late until 2am. I've been going here for years and love it
(5)
Corry B.
I'm surprised there are so many females who wrote reviews because the times I've been here I have been one of like two girls in the place. Is it the weekdays? They really do have a good selection of beers on tap (at least three kinds of Magic Hat, yum) and a really reasonably priced food situation. $6 for a double patty veggie burger with lots of fries. Most things were $6, topping out at $9. I mean, it's strictly bar food (and I do still have gas a day later- but lots of beer and fried crap will do that do you no matter which bar you're in...) but good. And I'm a fan of all of the red paraphanalia. Even if the most radical things people around me were talking about were giant women... I also liked the very confidential bar tender. I had two dates in the same night and both of them were here and he knew it and was very suave. A right on bartender is one that can keep a secret (cuz obviously I can't....).
(3)
Emily F.
I've done first drinks here, in the 7-9pmish time frame, and really loved it. At this point in the evening, there were only a handful of people/regulars, just hanging out. It was perfect for sitting at the bar and really being able to catch up with a friend without having to scream while 6 inches away from each other. Still, there was enough activity and the music was loud enough that the rest of the bar wasn't subject to our boy trouble rantings. The bartender (can't remember his name) was absolutely fantastic, super attentive but not overbearing - one of those people that immediately puts others at ease. The (women's) bathroom was surprisingly clean, which is ALWAYS a plus. It's cash only, though there's an ATM inside if you need it. I can't really speak to what its like during prime nightlife hours, but I highly recommend the earlier hours if you want a laid-back place to chill out and have a couple drinks.
(4)
Jessica R.
this is where you can get that central square flavor that people keep telling you about but you can't ever seem to find because it is mostly dead. snappy colors.
(4)
Kristin G.
Love this place. Great food, inexpensive drinks. They recently moved the bar back a few feet so it's not as cramped. LOVE IT!
(5)
Dan P.
I'm giving this three stars based on what friends have said about their experiences here. Finally made a stop here tonight after wanting to go for a while. The beer selection was good and it seemed like a really cool place. I was hungry so I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich, one of the night's specials. Unfortunately, it was the worst buffalo chicken sandwich that I have ever had. No buffalo chicken situation should EVER involve piles of mayonnaise. It's not like there was even any blue cheese. What's up with that? I would come here again, but I'll skip the food.
(3)
Kerry L.
Stopped in for a drink and didn't regret it.
(4)
Anonymous P.
Cool atmosphere, good beer selection.
(4)
Rego S.
My friends tell me that's where my 21st birthday pub crawl ended. I trust them...?
(4)
Melissa B.
I hadn't been in here in a real long while and ended up there this past week. Nice dark bar with great beers on tap. A funny mix of post-college meatheads and "local color." Throw in some biker boys and the girls that love them and there you have it. Will definitely go back more often, it was all chill.
(3)
erin e.
Great dark pub. Great strange mix of patrons. Great beers on tap.
(4)
Denis A.
I don't get it. Sure, it's got the Soviet thing going on, but then what? Darts? Ok, if you're into that. Beer selection is fairly typical of bars/pubs in the area. No Russian beers to be seen, nothing even a little interesting? The most exotic beer they had was Stella. My friend and I ordered some fries to munch on. They were good, but nothing special. Not too expensive, not too cheap. I guess I just don't get the appeal.
(3)
Nik B.
Further evidence that Cambridge is better than Boston is provided by People's Republik. I'm getting quite sick of being dragged to Irish Pubs that become full of bros in blue vertical striped button-downs, AND paying cover for it. On a night when I needed a breath of fresh air People's was just that. But let's be honest here, People's Republik is essentially a themed dive bar with a decent set of beers and a small liquor shelf. Though the theme is fun and the propaganada everywhere makes for interesting viewing. There are THREE dart boards, so you can be competitive with your buddies while you sip your beer. I am a fan of People's, and I will return.
(4)
Mike M.
Friendly crowd, interesting music, soviet themed, pretty diverse beer selection, inexpensive food and 3 nice dart boards (with uniform house darts if you don't bring your own). Overall, I'm a fan.
(4)
Jim D.
I came into this well-known, small Cambridge bar expecting a much bigger crowd but was surprised by how sorta empty it was. Plenty of seats around the bar but the dart boards were packed. Beer selection was just all right. Prices were around $5 a pint. The bartender was nice but lacked some personality. I was hungry and the damn kitchen just closed 10 minutes prior. Urgh. I settled for several of the all night $2.50 hotdogs. A tad over-priced, yes, but when you're drunk and have the munchies, your level of discernment is usually a tad compromised. Would I come back? Probably, but I'll need the same amount of scotch I drank prior in order to convince myself.
(3)
Emily M.
Friday at 5pm, the bartender knows my drink. Don't grab the girls and head to People's if you are out looking to meet hot guys. But, do go if you want to gripe about work and play darts. Sometimes you want to go out and not worry about impressing anyone, sometimes you want to get dressed up and paint the town. Don't get dressed up for People's. Not too many creepy guys. 5-6 bucks for a drink. CASH ONLY. Good fries. That's about it.
(4)
Melanie H.
People's Republik is probably one of my favorite bars in Cambridge. It is between Central and Harvard and a bit removed from the row of bars on Mass Ave right in the center of Central Square. The place is small and it can get pretty crowded, but I love it. There is a mixed crowd, everyone from the young college crowd to later 30's and 40's. The prices are awesome, they have a nice selection of beers on tap, and the atmosphere is pretty good. My only complaint is that they only take cash. So be warned, be sure to have cash on you. I think they have an atm in the bar, but I don't like paying the $5 service fee. The closest atm's are at least a couple of blocks away farther into Central Square. This is a good place to start the night before moving onto other bars. I would give them 5 stars, but since I like using my credit card for everything, using cash is a minor inconvenience. Four stars for People's Republik!
(4)
Calli C.
I like the vibe of People's Republik - good cheap brews, a few basic dishes when you get those munchies, cheap entertainment in the form of darts, and delightful Communist propaganda on the walls. Even the condom dispenser in the ladies' room commanded any passing "militant lesbians" to ....well, I won't write it on yelp but it involves what Justin Timberlake stuck in a box. But I was disappointed by the curt service, especially when my friend brought a Magner's back to the bar to comment on its rank aftertaste. I am honestly not one to return things, especially alcohol, but the rancid flavor in my mouth after a sip was too much. The bartender looked at her like she had just told him she had pissed in the glass and wanted him to have it. I would strongly suggest they just take the comment and promptly clean out their tap lines - until then, I'll be sticking with bottled PBR, the beer of champions.
(3)
Nicolas S.
I'm a newcomer to Cambridge, and have been searching for a good neighborhood watering joint. The search is not over, but i know that the people's republik will be high up on my list. Dropped by last night with some friends, and loved the atmosphere inside. Bartender was friendly, if a tad busy, but the beer selection was good. We were told though that they don't do pitchers...what happened to the socialist communitarian spirit?? Will continue going back.
(4)
Amanda J.
I guess this is worth 2.5 stars but I rounded up because I had so much fun. It's not exactly the cleanest - avoid the bathrooms if you can - but for a real cheap price I got a UFO on tap and there was plenty of room for me and my friends to hang out and talk about the really great music they had playing in the background among other things. This was the third stop on our evening out and definitely the kind of place you go after you've already had a few. Definitely a dive bar, but hey, I like those.
(3)
Andrew H.
I really wish that People's Republik was good. Really, really wish it was. The very first weekend that I lived in Boston, I took a walk from Harvard to Central (which at the time I considered to be a long walk), and the part of me that adores Communist kitsch went crazy when I walked by. I told myself, "I need to go to that bar as soon as possible". Well, it actually took me just over a year of living in the area (7 months of it spent living literally less than 2 blocks from the bar) to get there, and now I'm not upset that it did. Limited beer selection, hip and douche-filled crowd, and an apathetic-to-a-fault bartender who apparently gets pissed if you don't tip him to what he would consider to be a reasonable amount all left a bad taste in my mouth. I much prefer passing by this place and thinking to myself how cool it looks and remembering before I went there how cool I thought it could be than actually being there. You want a nice neighborhood bar? Go to the Plough & Stars. You want to pay cash and feel uncomfortable with your surroundings but actually have a good time? Go to the Cantab.
(2)
Tenley W.
You like beer? You like a good communist theme? You like huge boots and also some sort of missile? Done and done. No seriously though, I like this place. They have a lot of beer on tap, plenty of tables to gather round with your crew as long as you get there early enough. Also, I'm not sure if this is a big deal because I don't normally do the whole darts thing, but they have three dart boards. Three! Is that a lot or a normal amount?
(4)
Kristen A.
Four stars for the delicious sandwiches, two stars for the crappy service. There wasn't anyone else in the place and we were still ignored for a long time before we were able to order food and beers. Also, we clearly wanted draft beer and were given bottles instead. I'd recommend it for lunch only if you have time to wait around and don't mind being ignored. 'Cause the sandwiches are pretty damn good.
(3)
Heather B.
I don't drink, but People's Republik is a fun bar to hang out in with comrades I'm designated driving. It has darts, clean bathrooms, and a great atmosphere. Croppings of thin high tables surrounded by bar stools help your group huddle close and banter about the common good... or the next round of drinks.
(4)
Eric B.
People's is both great and awful depending on what time you go. It's great if it's early - it's easy to snag a dart table and equally easy to snag a drink. It's awful when it's late and crowded as it's pretty impossible to move and good luck getting a drink. But armed with KNOWLEDGE and FACTS; I only go when I know it's not crazy busy and I love this place. Just beware drunken dart players when it's crowded; they are handling sharp objects after all.
(4)
Adam G.
Ok, so this place is one of the most famous bars in cambridge. That being said I had high expectations for the place. And be kind to me: I love myself a drinking establishment. This place is alright. Not as good as you'd expect. Draft selection is average, I've never had the food, and the environment is what you'd expect. This place bases it's existence off of it's name and for trying to be one of the most ironic destinations of the night. I've had a few nights where I ended a pub crawl here, where my friends are falling asleep in their beer, and I'm barely capable of functioning. I've also been here in a totally sober coherent state. Both such occasions generate the same reaction from me. Average beer, average price, add a twinge bit of irony, some cambridge attitude, and a generally good crowd and you'll get 3 stars from me. See you soon, average drinking establishment. I'll be sure to wear one of my ironic communist t-shirts so that I can be your average customer. Shower optional.
(3)
Kunal M.
a huge missile in the bar on the wall with a huge socialist feel to it. love this place. its a cool bar in central square on mass avenue with a lot of students. Nothing has really changed in this place except the prices.
(5)
Mickey M.
I don't go to the People's Republik too often, but it's a good time whenever i do go there. They have great beer choices, and even though it gets crowded you don't feel overwhelmed by it. It's kind of out of the way from other places though.
(3)
Liza N.
Love love love this place. I'd even go so far as to call it my favorite neighborhood hangout. On a crowded weekend night it's fun in a non-abrasively over the top way, on a more chill weekday night it's nice to grab a couple of cheap-o decent beers with friends. Every once in awhile it has a funny smell, even when it's not crowded. Minus 1. They serve hot dogs most of the time. Plus 1. Dartboards! 2 of them! Plus 2! USSR THEMED! Plus 10! total: who cares. win.
(5)
Cassie H.
A friend and I stopped in for a late lunch after some shopping and girl time. Amazing cheeseburger and fries. It was pretty empty at 2pm on a Monday, but the bar-style food was amazing!
(4)
Cory Q.
The bartenders at this place think that they are wicked cool, actually they are wicked tools. It's kind of a pick up spot and can be fun after 1. Prices are pretty good. Good place for darts.
(2)
Jason H.
It goes without saying that communist-themed entertainment is always and everywhere a good thing.
(5)
Brennon S.
A reason to travel to Central Square. The People's Republik has a down-homey feel to it that exudes comfort. Even though the college kids might get a tad rowdy at the dartboards or over the football game, the crowd is generally relaxed, easy-going, and fun. I held my 26th birthday at the Republik and it was totally memorable and definitely easy to sequester an entire chunk of the bar to ourselves. There's no table service, so you'll have to sidle up to the bar, but the bartenders are surprisingly nimble on their feet and will serve you within moments. For the drunk munchies, there is nothing, I say NOTHING better than the $2.50 hotdogs, served all night. They're not withered and gross like old man penis -- they're plump and juicy like young man penis. That's a horrible analogy. You catch my drift: they're delectable, cheap, and disappear quickly. I try to hit this place up whenever I'm meeting small or large groups of friends because it's straight-up awesome and I heart it.
(5)
Derek B.
Relaxed and chill environment with a Soviet flair, at least in terms of decorations. This place definitely beats to the steps of its own communist drummer. Despite the commentary, bartenders have always been great to me, though it is true they might have a "unique" perspective on life if you get them talking. I've never been there on any night when it's too packed or crowded, and often this is a great place to have a group of friends meet up when the other bars have lines, or are just full of the type of people you know would likely never go to People's Republik.
(4)
David H.
Worker's of Cambridge, unite! This is the bar for the average thirsty proletariat! I most certainly enjoy sipping on fine Russian vodka whilst reading my favorite book, the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, here in this most wonderful of Capitalist pubs. Comrade Lenin would most certainly smile in his mausoleum if he heard of such a fine establishment. When I am not having fun playing Tetris, this is where I come to pass the day. And now joke from Yakov Smirnoff: In America, you get Car Bomb. In Soviet Union, car bomb gets you!
(4)
Marek S.
I was there last night with my brother and my cousin from Krakow PL. Had alot of fun and met a really interesting person. First girl I ever met who was as interested in WWII History in the east as I am. Stayed in bed till almost 1:00 today...UGH! my head still hurts a little. Very different atmosphere a potluck stew of people in there from all walks of life.. I was a little drunk well alot drunk. Someone was singing the Russian anthem so I followed it up with a soldatenlieder
(4)
Phil M.
Peoples Republik, has some great memorabilia on the wall. It is a good dive bar, cheap brew and it gets pretty crowded. But overall, a good bar. Nills, the bar keep, is a solid bartender and a great person to have there. His taste in music is good too, my buddies love Phish and jam music...which is why we went there when Nills was working. I could care less what music is played as long as there are darts, good people and beer around. Always a pleasure to be there.
(4)
Nick H.
Disclaimer : This review is completely based on it being a drinking establishment. I've never been there for the food. That said. Pretty great spot to go drink. They've got a really nice selection of ales ranging from UFO to Magic Hat a few others I'm unfamiliar with. They also have several dart boards, and they are actually taken care of. You'll find your usual Cambridge mix of people. It's always been a friendly environment when I've been there. So why only 3 stars? 1. Cash only. This really irks me. 2. Service. I've waited for up to 10 minutes standing at the bar for service, and this is when it's really not all that crowded. 3. Music. They play music off one of the staffs ipod. Everytime I've been there they have put on an album and let it play through, so if they put on an artist your not fond of, you'll really be tired of it 14 tracks later.
(3)
Asha P.
This is one of my favorite places ever to spend a friday or saturday night at. The atmosphere is great (definitely love the theme), the drink prices are reasonable, the beer is awesome, and the people there are pretty chill for the most part. Sometimes it gets super crowded to the point that I'm like, why even bother trying to squeeze a couple of dart boards in here? But it usually calms down around midnight or later. It does kinda suck that the place is cash only, but maybe that is what allows them to keep their prices low.
(4)
Yr P.
Really dug the vibe in here in winter 2008...but it's been a while, so I won't write much else.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : No Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Loud Music : Background Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Morgan B.
If you're looking for a slight change of scenery from all the Irish pubs around Boston, come to the communist pub to have some beers and throw some darts. Pros: Good beer selection. Great decor. Plexiglass protects you from poorly thrown darts. Cons: Often crowded. The dart boards are worn out. If you throw a bulls-eye, the dart is more likely to bounce off than stick. The bathroom is small, and not very clean. Bottom line: It might not be for everyone, but as long as you know what you're getting into, you'll have a great time at the People's Republik.
(4)E F.
Sticky floors and sometimes crowded. Cash only (yay atm fees... not). Come here on weekday afternoons or nights to drink beer and throw darts with your buddies. No one will rush you. Just don't wear flip flops.
(3)H M.
Comforting space. As a newbie to the area- it feels accepting of any visitor. Love the variety of food. Money machine available, if you need cash. Don't fret! Definitely will return.
(5)Joey M.
People's Republik tries to get by on schtick but I think it does a pretty poor job. Yeah, OK we get it. Communists, Cambridge. Ha ha ha. Great job. Now that we've addressed the elephant in the room lets dial down to what it does offer. 1. Darts. Hell yes there are dart boards here that aren't always crowded. I wish they weren't stuck in the corners but hey. Beggers can't be choosers. 2. Cash only. That's kind of annoying but hey. It is cash only 3. Bartenders who don't care you are there. Maybe this is something people like but it seems next to impossible to get a drink in a timely manner at this bar. 4. Food. I've never tried it but it does exist. 5. Prices. That are normal for Cambridge even though this place is vaugely divey. 6. Nothing to write home about. And yet here I am. Writing about it. Tl;dr: Its a sub-par bar with dart boards. OR MAYBE Its a place to play darts that serves booze... slowly.
(3)Chris P.
People's is my favorite bar in the world. I don't know exactly why, but it's a magically place. I witnessed the Red Sox winning the World Series there with a PBR in hand. I watched our first multiracial president get elected from their bar stools. I took my family there before my wedding. When my Korean friend comes to visit, this is the first place he wants to go. You just have to visit People's yourself to figure it out
(5)Melissa H.
Bringing our own darts and chatting up the bartenders...great experience. Cash only. Cold beer, no loud music, good place to shoot darts and the breeze.
(4)Lauren P.
I honestly really enjoy People's Republik. Downsides: Cash only. Crowded with students during the school year. Upside: Friendly bartenders. DARTS DARTS DARTS The food is pretty good -- my bf got a full entree and I ate the buffalo chicken nachos as my dinner. Yum. Also, try the curry fries! The curry isn't a sauce, it's the dry powder but it's a spicy-sweet and really good. GREAT beer options. Dogfish Head? Yup.
(4)Mark F.
note, this review is from 2011 Wanted to try this place forever, so when I went to visit friends in Boston they took me here. The bar is decked out with communist imagery that for political science geeks like ourselves was extremely comical. One bartender on duty played mostly music from his iPod, mostly punk music. Large bar with several tables around the circumference. Two dart boards were prominent on each opposite end of the bar. There were, I believe, 12 beers on tap, 6 on each side of the bar. I just had the Mayflower Porter that was on tap. Did notice a food menu but I did not try the food. The place is a comical hang out spot, for me at least, and I enjoyed the general atmosphere, decent selection of beers and a reasonable price beer for Cambridge.
(4)Lisa R.
Came here on a Thursday night to get beers with a friend. Beer options are okay. Lots of seating options. We shared the people's nachos, and they were one of the better pub nachos I've had but it's hard to make cheesy fried chips taste bad. Overall this place is 3-star A-OK.
(3)Allison R.
Walk out of Central towards Harvard and you'll hit this gem. Forever known at the "commie" bar in my mind, this is a place where good tunes and good brews are to be found. They played the new Lawrence Arms album at full speed and volume, and it filled the fairly empty space nicely. Street Dogs and Menzingers followed. In fact as we were to head out into the night, the bartender flipped at coaster at me as to inform me of the newest album by the menzingers. So this can turn into a bit of a meat market as there are approximately 3 guys for every girl so if you need a bit of an ego boost (or plain old pick up!) this is the place to go. The men aren't always quality but they're always really hilarious and entertaining and sometimes, sometimes very well educated or TA's at Harvard or wherever. Over the past weekend some lovely men with british accents had us doubling over in laughter and playing darts. Why I enjoy is that it's totally approachable, you can chat up whomever and expect them to do the same. Great place to end the night! Place is a dive, and I am fine with that! Ps, I do love anywhere that is adorned with a mural of Elvis!
(5)Christian K.
Benn there twice. Second time was the worse experience at a bar ever. They think they are a all cool but that translates into a total lack of service. The stuff is simply rude and does not serve you. We had been there with a group. One girl is vegetarian and the description of there food is not helpful at all. So she asked if the Guacamole Burger is Vegetarian or a Burger with Guacamole. The reaction by the waiter was like: You are stupid, it is a burger. Then we tried to get a beer. I waited with my friend at the bar. After the bar keeper checked his phone, flirted with some girls he finally saw us. He served my friend but did not see me at all. He went back to check his phone then broke some glass flirted with a waitress. (not serving any guest) So when he saw me after what felt 1h I asked him if there is a chance i get a beer this year.... (his comment was like "not with this attitude). I don't mind waiting if the staff is working and yes we all do mistakes. But this was just to much
(1)Ari P.
Holy IPA. Save for Guinness, I don't they had anything else on tap that wasn't super hoppy. I've always been curious about this place, mostly because one day I peeked in and a Russian friend told me the talk bubble of the scolding woman on the door translates to "don't gossip." Was caught off guard by the cash only. I think it's a better place to begin the night rather than end it, because the place fills up. My group of four was rather derpy in trying to find a corner to call our own. Good spot fresh off the 70 bus, but like communism it's a good servant and bad master.
(3)Brian R.
Great vibe, fantastic bar service. Came here with a friend in need of a solid night out and the people's republik delivered in every way and then some. Nice spot in Cambridge for an unpretentious night out at reasonable prices.
(5)Clay N.
PR is a crowded version of Phoenix Landing and a divey version of Park. The cash only bar doesn't offer much more than a place to get drunk with college kids that are aggressively lying about their age. $2 PBR/Gansett is the best thing on the menu.
(3)James C.
My brother was visiting me in Cambridge for the first time ever... Anyway, I wanted to show him the great bars near my place and I thought this was one of them. We arrived late in the night and got a round of drinks. After finishing that round, we got a second round. Within 60-90 seconds, an employee grabbed the drinks from our table and discarded them, saying that they were closing. There was no warning when we ordered the drinks less than 5 minutes before that we would have only seconds to drink our beers. Terrible experience, won't be back.
(1)Derek D.
A laid-back, affordable, somewhat quirky, go-to bar of mine between Harvard and Central Squares. A small-to-medium sized but broad-ranging, reasonably affordable, and high quality beer selection. Dark ambience with high wood tables and wood-paneled walls and, as the name suggests, Communist propaganda signs adding a bit of color and humor to said walls. Greasy pub food, and fries are decadently good. Dart boards and a decent amount of floor space make for a good spot to meet up with friends for happy hour and kid around, but perhaps because of its in-between location, I rarely see it very crowded, so I have also successfully parked here to do work alone on my laptop.
(4)Jason L.
One time when I was working at a bagel shop in high school and the manager left us to close the store, we closed it early and hung a sign on the door that said "CLOSED EARLY FOR COMINTURN MEETING." I have a sense that the owners named this place in the same way, because there wasn't anything leftist about the crowd. The decor is funny though. I saw a HUGE bomb, a HUGE boot, and what appeared to be an early 20th century poster of two men kissing. They played a whole Bad Religion album the way it should be played: at super-high volume. We had some trouble talking, but you won't hear me complaining about Bad Religion. Also, there was beer.
(4)Melissa M.
Moscow Mules. Da. Da. Da. Da. Da. I had five. Da. Worth the price! Bartender was nice (well as nice you can be in a Kommie Kambridge Bah). You see what I did there? Yeah, you, you did. Big brother is watching you. *bathroom was cleaner than I would guess. Drinks were much better than I would guess. Win. In Kommunist Russia, Moscow Mule drink you. Good thing we are in Cambridge!
(5)Noshii R.
Hole in the wall bar with awesome chili. We go here a few times a week to hang out, play darts and have drinks. Its nothing fancy or a 'mixology' type of spot...just a cash bar with a good crowd and even better bar tenders.
(5)Cole C.
If you like hanging out in a bar with a bunch of bland thirty-something's, this is the place to go.
(1)Julissa P.
Nice little spot, it gets busy so plan ahead on weekends. They're cash only which is good when you're trying to keep track of what you're spending. Cool staff, wish I lived in Central sq I miss this place!
(4)Ryan L.
It's a bar. Communist Russia style. Nothing too special - darts and brews. Didn't get a chance to try out any of the grub, but I'd imagine it's about the same.
(3)Julie L.
Awful! This place was so bad that I have to write a yelp review. For starters Mr. bartender couldn't be bothered to smile or be polite at all (not a good attribute for someone who works with people all day and night). My girlfriend ordered a beer immediately, but I wasn't sure what I wanted, so I asked to taste a couple of beers, but I didn't like either of them, and instead of having me try another, or asking me what my favorite beers are, he handed me a pint of cider which I didn't even want. I just wanted to taste it and decide. He insisted that we pay for the pint and didn't offer to give me something else instead even though I didn't drink it, and it tasted like pee and hand sanitizer. He was SOOOO RUDE!! SOOOO RUDE!!!! There are plenty of other bars. Don't waste your time or money here unless you want to be treated like crap! For the first time we left a bar without finishing our drinks, and since that's the reason you go to a bar we will NEVER go back to this place.
(1)David R.
Some bars I always have a good experience in. Some bars I never do. I'm happy to say that People's Republik falls into the former. They've got a good beer selection (hurray for Dead Guy!), multiple dart boards, and tons and tons of space. PR delivers a reliable bar experience and is one of my first thoughts whenever I'm organizing a get-together with friends. The people here tend to be interesting -- it's a balance of hipsters, entrepreneurs, grad students, yuppies, and locals. At least half the bar will probably be wearing flannel. Everyone seems to be pretty friendly. One thing that this bar does really well is atmosphere/crowd management. Even when there are 200 people inside, it still feels easy to find a quieter corner to take over a table. On slower nights, it never feels dead. The space just works. Overall, great place, and one of my go-to's in Cambridge.
(4)Kyle H.
Comrades! the People's Republik in Cambridge was a great place to chill out after the ball had dropped on New Year's Eve. Great beers on tap, Lagunitas IPA, Dogfish Head, the local Harpoon IPA, and they're generous with a Jameson pour! Just what we needed to warm our chilly bones. Laid back atmosphere with Communist leanings, red on red as a design scheme works, apparently! Good place for a chill meet up with your friends, or to talk Trotsky. Cheers, to each according to his need!
(4)Cameron P.
This place is your fairly straightforward run of the mill dive bar. No frills. Nothing special. Serves it's purpose. There's darts. Decor rules because it's all old posters or replicas from the Golden Age of Communism i.e. The Cold War. FYI I'm not a Communist. It is CASH only.
(3)Chris F.
Solid
(3)Jim K.
Stopped in for lunch and had a decent chicken sandwich. They won't come to your table, so you need to go to the bar and order. However, they'll bring your food to your table. Cash only. Nobody checked up on us, aside from a dude who exited the kitchen eating a hot dog. He stared at us, then out the window, then went back into the kitchen. It's a no frills kind of place but the food is decent.
(3)Paul H.
I love this place, great place to drink, every bar tender is awesome, cash only but i like it better like that, i've enjoyed many nights there and i keep going back
(5)Monique S.
I came here before with a friend and had a good time, the drinks were reasonably priced, the crowd was lively, and the service was fine. I had to knock off one star due to a recent experience. Based on my prior experience, I decided to take my friend from Texas to this place. There was one bartender, and the crowd was a decent size. We had to wait several minutes to be served, but didn't mind. Overall, the bartender seemed to be handling the crowd pretty well. Then it was our turn. My friend had the audacity to order a Long Island Iced Tea. The bartender quickly responded "We don't make 'em." Albeit a curt response, that was perfectly fine and acceptable. In response, my friend, in a very friendly manner, asked him if he had any recommendations for mixed drinks. He responded. "I don't know, but something I don't have to mop up at ten o'clock at night." He then turned to another patron to take her order. And that was the extent of our visit.
(2)Cody D.
Cheap drinks and interesting decor, but seemed a little barren.
(3)Steph C.
I guess until last month I had never been in an environment where I was surrounded by Communist kitsch. Well, check that off the list. People's Republik is casual and fun, dark and comfortable but too self-conscious to be classified as a dive. I thoroughly enjoyed the place when I stopped in for a drink with a few friends. The collection of red regalia was impressive, with everything from posters of leaders to a giant boot. There were plenty of tables and not quite enough stools, but we were able to relax and have a beer standing up. There was a dart board as well that might have been fun if we weren't so lazy. We did make it to the bar, though, where we were helped by an efficient bartender. There were several great beers on tap, and most glasses went for a reasonable $5. There was Dogfish Head, Lagunitas, and Long Trail wheat and ale. I had the Dogfish Head 60 Minute and it was delicious. I may not be a Communist, but having beer with comrades is a welcome pastime under any regime.
(4)Tiff D.
Jesus the bartender is god sent. The hotdogs were juicy and the rum was flowin'. What more could a girl want? Great night.
(4)Azalea K.
As far as bars go, PR is a fairly packed, low-cost, grungy, darts-playing option. If that's your sort of gig, this is the place for you. I only go for the darts, as it has 2 excellent dart board set-ups and some strong dart players. Atmosphere is a bit young and a bit loud, which I suppose can be a benefit depending on what you're looking for.
(3)Jason M.
There are a lot of reasons to go here: It's a great hangout on a breezy Sunday afternoon. You get to serve yourself water from a plastic water cooler in the back. They have Rogue Dead Guy Ale on tap. There's a non-offensive food menu. The bomb, the boot and the other communist regalia that will keep your eyes dancing for a solid 30 minutes (I have ADD, okay?) But, the real reason to go? Texting your mom. Me - Hey mom, guess where I am? Mom - Boston? Me - Well, yes. But specifically, I'm at a Communist bar! Mom - First you were a liberal. Then you were gay. Now you're a communist? Cindy wasn't amused, but it was a total win for me.
(4)Mary T.
I met some Boston Yelpers here for their Thirsty Thursday UYE 1-year anniversary (wow, what a mouthful!). Funnily, this is the one place my roommate also told me I had to check out. She couldn't recall the name, but could there really be two Russian/Communist themed bars in Cambridge? I thinking not. The staff didn't seem to bat an eye when 30+ lively Yelpers in their best ugly t-shirts rolled in. (this was the one time I've regretted not keeping my "Hot for Peter [Brady]" t-shirt and more of the hideous, busy and bedazzled shirts my mom seems to give me) The non-Yelp crowd seemed to be pretty laid back and eclectic. The beer menu is solid, a good selection of craft beers on tap and of course one of my favorites, Magners, and the the prices are reasonable. The food menu is small, if you're looking for some Russian-influenced dishes you'll be disappointed; unless I'm mistaken and the Russians invented panini and burritos. The bar is rather simple, a large square bar in the middle with a few tables lining the walls and 3 dart boards. Decor and tsotchkes, adorning the wood-paneled walls, is all communist-influenced; the menus have Elvis on the cover dressed as a commie. I really liked this place, but I may be a little biased. I didn't notice the skunkiness of any of my Magner's someone else mentioned, I guess I was too busy chatting the night away with a really cool guy. Nostrovia! P.S. This place is cash only, but there's an ATM inside.
(4)Jason B.
Gotta give these guys credit, they don't bat an eye when a gang of horrifying-t-shirt-wearing thugs rolls up 30 deep and starts slappin down orders for drinks. A cool, laid-back, hip bar in a part of town that really benefits from a no-nonsense drinkin' hole, People's Republik has that 80s - Commie theme that is nostalgic for those of us who actually grew up with the threat of nuclear war with Russia, and probably a hip nod to the old days for the other 90% of the clientele there. I LOVE the shielded dart alleyways - three dartboards in a smallish bar is no mean feat, and having the safety walls up around the lanes is a dem fine idea. DEM fine, I say. My only complaint - $3.25 for a PBR bottle? Come on, dudes. Where's your sense of "Zdravstvuite tovarishch"? Also, there's something wrong with your tap lines. At least the one that was running Long Trail. Maybe a bad mix of CO2, or maybe you just need some BTF. These are but minor hiccups, though, in an otherwise fun place of drinkingness. Nostrovia!
(4)Clara L.
Great place for a low key hangout. The atmosphere is cool, awesome bartenders, solid bar menu. Two of us got some drinks and ordered some onion rings and chili nachos. Holy large size, there was definitely more than we expected. I would definitely be back. Bring your green, plastic currency not welcome here.
(4)Aaron G.
If you want to go here you should wear your flannel colored skinny jeans, own a pair of low carbon footprint thick-rimmed glasses, and think that Napoleon Dynamite represents the pinnacle of modern interpretive dance. Hipsters bring mason jars full of homemade yogurt, place them on the floor, and perform mating dances while reciting chapters from early translations of Engels' personal diary. You should also go here if you like darts. There are three dart boards here. One of them is convenient, the other two are stuck against an awkward wall, but the condition of the boards is better than most places. If you're lucky you'll get the dart board next to the men's room, and the wafting scent of peach flavored urinal cakes will grace your party with every door swing. Bring a giant bag of pennies to protest the cash only policy. Drop off your 550 pennies per beer and with a Soviet-inspired accent say 'Here is your tip, comrade.' It's legal tender to settle all debts so they're required to take it in exchange for their beer. Since you're probably a law student, you can make your own case. Bartenders can be terse, weird, rude, shirtless, and unreasonable, just like the people of Central Square. They can also be friendly, efficient, and laid-back; it all depends on the night. In general, the scruffier the beard, the friendlier the bartender. Good luck here, comrade. May the Guiness Stew be with you.
(3)John L.
People's is probably one of my favorite bars in the general Boston area, and it's probably my favorite in Cambridge. Let me break it down a little bit better than I did in my previous reviews: 1. the beer. Yes, you can get Bud, or whatever Bud-related beer you want. You can also get more interesting stuff, like Dogfish Head, Victory, Harpoon, and the old mainstay, PBR. 2. The atmosphere: you have a good set of locals mixing with people stopping in mixing with people just getting off of their jobs for the day. No hassles, no issues. 3. The food. No, it's not healthy. It's comfort food, it's after work "I don't want to cook" food. And it's a decent amount of food for cheaper than at many places in the area. 4. The dart boards. It adds to the fun. 5. They've been nothing but cool with our group: I happen to be involved in Drinking Liberally Cambridge, and we meet at People's (yes, a liberal group meeting at People's) We've had nothing but good service and good times. It can get a little crazy to grab chairs when it's a busy night, but overall we've been generally successful and happy with our arrangements. There is the cash-only issue, so you'll always want to bring cash, but other than that, it's the perfect little bar in the perfect little People's Republic of Cambridge.
(5)Marissa P.
I came here for the first time a few nights ago and I had a blast! They have Dogfish Head 60 minute (my favorite IPA) on draft and $3 PBR's for those who really wanna drink cheap... The crowd was very friendly - a rare sight around Boston - and the bartenders were on top of their game. The music was good: a mix of indie rock and 90's mostly. Met some fun people at the bar. Ambiance is nothing to write home about - think dimly lit, dive with a slightly moldy smell. I will definitely be back!
(4)EricaLynn J.
It's not a Communist bar, though I think they want you to think that! Not that there's anything wrong with you being a Communist. You can totally be a Communist if you want to. I don't judge, really. Really. What it is, though, is a funky little bar, with some really funny bartenders and a no-frills atmosphere. It's cash only, though it's especially amusing to watch people try to pay with credit cards over and over again, as if the rules would change mid-way or something for them. Haha, drunks. It's very centrally located, so if you live in town you're mere steps from where you need to end up at the end of the night. You're also just a few blocks away from the Hong Kong. Those who know, know.
(4)Tahani R.
not a fan, I did not see the cash only sign before I went in. I went in for something listed on the menu that was out...by lunch time no less! I proceed to order something else & that too was not available, come on man I am hungry! I should have known better and left but now my time was running out for lunch. I end up ordering the papusa with chicken, Again we don't have any chicken, so I went with bean & cheese desperate to eat before my hour break was up. It literally came out within the last 8 mins I had left and was so so, I left still hungry and disappointed!
(1)Sultan Of Bubastis X.
Classic no-BS drinking bar right off Central Square, with food well above "pub-grub" status and several dart boards (invariably a harbinger of a good crowd). Plus, the layout is very customer-friendly: seating at a marvelous square bar (another always-good sign) and both tables and high-tops. The three times I visited, the bartenders were super-knowledgable about the beers on tap. I might prefer additional wine selections, but oenophilic choices are this old man's one remaining snobbery in life. The real key is a surprisingly diverse and complex menu. Hardly haut cuisine, but plenty of choices, big portions, and savory tastes. All that good news, and quite-reasonable prices, to boot. Given that Boston has lousy public transportation, it helps that the People's Republik (which probably ought to be named "Peoples' Republik", but I am ever the pedant) is just three blocks from the Central Square station of the Red Line of the Boston T ("subway" to you non-Canterbridgians)., the only quasi-modern leg of this benighted berg's pathetic excuse for underground public transportation.
(4)Jill F.
It's a pub. Cheap Brews. It's kinda cool with all the communist propaganda. Although it does smell. There's darts. Cash only.... Okay? Okay. It's just okay.
(3)Tanya V.
Beer list? Really? I doesn't exist here. I think there were five choices and I could walk into any bar and find the same five beers, so.... disappointment for sure on that front. The small, dirty atmosphere didn't help. Not gonna go back.
(2)Kylie S.
This is a great place to play darts. Otherwise, it's not that exciting, but with the darts and the convenient location and the good cheap beers, it's a good place for after work drinks. It's nice that it's usually not overcrowded and it's pretty spacious inside and although I haven't tried much of the food, the fries were good.
(4)Lisa S.
I live right next door to this bar, so I have to admit that I'm a little bit biased in my review :-). I've been to this bar about 5 times in the past few months and I've enjoyed it every time. People's is pretty busy right after work and on the weekends. However, if you go later on a weeknight, it's a bit more empty, and you can easily talk with friends or play darts (they have two dart boards). The bar has a great feel to it, as if it knows it's super cool, but doesn't try to be and doesn't care if it is. The food is pretty good- I had the grilled cheese here, and my friend had a special (ham and cheese sandwich) and both were REALLY good. We also ordered the nachos one time, and they were so-so (and the nachos with cheese and beans don't come with salsa, just sour cream... a little bit weird). They also have lots of beers on tap, but unfortunately they don't do pitchers. This is the kind of bar where your order a beer, or a very basic drink (like Jack and Coke). Definitely not a bar for fancy drinks! More recently, I came here Sunday night to watch the Celtics/Lakers game, because Tavern in the Square was crazy busy. The game started at 8 and we walked in around 7:50- the place was dead. We got the best seats in the bar- they have two decently-sized TVs. By 8:30, the place was packed, the crowd was rowdy, and there were no empty chairs to be found. I didn't expect the bar to get so busy for a sports game, and it ended up being a lot of fun. My one complaint is that this bar is cash-only. It definitely limits the number of drinks and the amount of food that I order. Also, their ATM charges $2.50 for a withdrawal (and then my BofA account charges me another $2 on top of that), so I try not to go unless I have cash already in my wallet. If they started accepting credit cards, I'd probably be here every night.
(4)Deanna D.
Great funky and low key bar conveniently located between Harvard and Central Sq. The Soviet/Communist Era decor, good beer selection, dart boards and interesting patrons make this a great bar to throw back a few cold ones and people watch. Yes it smells funky and the bathrooms are gross---but its not the end of the world. Its get really busy later on weekend nights especially when schools in session. Try to get there a little early to get a good spot or claim a dart board.
(4)Yue Z.
To be honest this place terrified me before I actually went inside...then I fell in love. Well maybe not love, but you get the point. The beer selection is wide and there are plenty of tall tables to mingle around unless it's a Thursday / Friday / Saturday night - then it gets annoying. The place appears to have a cult following of dart players which is actually kind of neat. Whenever I throw darts it's blindly and if I hit the board I'm pumped - not so much the case with some of the guys I saw playing there (THEY BROUGHT THEIR OWN DARTS??). Anyway, get over the Soviet and bomb décor thing and you're golden - highly recommend.
(3)Rachel H.
stopped in people's republik during a recent trip to boston since i was staying up the street with a friend. when we first got there, the place was a little slow (around 9p on a saturday), but by 10:30 this joint was hoppin'. i didn't think they had a ton of beer options. i ended up getting a boston lager for $5.50. (why do you do that? seriously, just make it $6). there also wasn't a huge variety in the type of people who were in the bar. young, sexually ambiguous, pseudo hipsters. at least 1/4 of the clientele had on flannel shirts. this is not an exaggeration. everyone was wearing a freaking flannel. to the point that some people looked like clones of each other. but hey, i guess good communists stick to the uniform.
(3)Shalin D.
This place has a lot going for it: cool vibe, central location in Cambridge on Mass Ave., and a respectable beer selection. They even play The Pixies non-stop between 7:30-8:30 PM (at least, they did the two nights I was there this week). My only problem is the bartender here. Loads of attitude with some to spare. I ordered a "G&T" for one of my friends. He looks at me like I'm a turd and turns around and says "I don't know what that means" I repeat myself. He pretends he doesn't understand until I say "Gin & Tonic." Then he starts mixing the drink. When he hands it over, he says "G&T... Gin & Tonic - you don't save much time by using acronyms." He says this without a hint of bemusement or irony. Just being a prick. Needless to say: tip-o-meter downnnn. Wayyyy dddooowwwn. I know the place is pretty popular but does that give you license to be an ass to your customers, especially when you know what they mean?
(3)Julia C.
I've been looking forward to trying out this place, as I've heard so much about it. This place needs to clean out its tap system more frequently. The UFO summer on tap tasted gross. Also, the service is awful. My friend sat at the bar for a good 20 minutes, trying to get a bartender's attention, to no avail -- the bartenders kept serving everyone that approached the bar except for him. We both agreed that we will not be returning to this place.
(1)Sarah D.
I used to hate this place because I hate bars that are super crowded. Then I realized that it's only really crowded at the times you would expect a bar to be crowded, and is in fact a surprisingly chill place to grab a beer a lot of the time. I've never had a problem with the service here, it seems to be pretty smooth. They have a pretty slim beer selection but there are always a couple locals on tap so it's fine by me. I have never ordered a cocktail here, but after witnessing a recent exchange between a bartender and some fancy-type ladies, it seems they do not have drink list and probably can't make anything particularly complex. They sell food but I have never eaten any despite having been here maybe a dozen times; it's just not a place I go when I'm looking for food. Prices are average. They have darts. I like darts. Not much in the way of TVs, so it's not ideal for watching a game but it will do in a pinch. It's a good enough place to hang out with friends or by yourself for a quiet drink during off-hours. Not my favorite bar ever but not bad either.
(3)Emily G.
Das Boot! Okay, so that's German, and People's Republik is definitively Russian. Still, there is still a giant boot hanging from the ceiling. There is also a (presumably fake) bomb, a pretty sweet mural of folks who used to work there, and countless pro-communist paraphernalia cluttering the walls. It's perfect for when you are trying to check out that sexy guy or gal across the bar but don't want to be a sketch-ball. There are a lot of good beers on tap (all $5 dollars) and the bartenders handle huge crowds around all 3 sides of the bar with serious skill. When I was buying a shot for my roommate last weekend, one of the bartenders gave me one for free saying "I can't just throw this down the drain!" Yes. I love playing darts here, but it can get annoying when the place is packed and you have to leave room for someone to throw. Come early on a weekend night to get your fill. This place is cash only, so be prepared before you get too far out of Central.
(5)Rob D.
Cool place! 3 dart boards, large bar and plenty of space to hang with a group of people. And the drinks are super cheap!!! MUST HAVE...the short rib stew, incredible!
(4)Jessica M.
I like this place on a Wednesday night. Used to come here on a weekly basis but that has slowed down a bit. Still enjoy myself when I come by. Mixed drinks are relatively cheap and strong. I've never have had to wait for a drink for a long time at this place, even when it was packed to the rims. Nills is seriously the most awesome bartender ever. Get yourself a hot dog from that magical metal machine when you have a chance.
(4)Andrzrej K.
If Brooklyn could have somehow flourished in 1980s communist Poland- it would have lots of places that look like this. And they would probably have some menu item called the Solidarity Burger (1/5 kg beef pattie, communist coleslaw, and 100% fair trade vegetables!!) thats a great idea- but a better idea is to go to this bar and get some beer and food. Keeping with Marxist/Leninist tradition- the patrons are pacified while imbibing- the price of the tab also deemed a very EFFICIENT start to the night and was a NICE and ROUND number- $29 even. The burger was really good and they served late, really late, past 1989.
(4)Amanda F.
They tend to play alternative music, and is a dark, russian-revolution themed dive bar. Cash only. It is super busy on the weekends, and doesn't serve food after 10pm. The bartenders are usually quick and avoid prolonged communication.
(4)Jess C.
One of my favorite dive bars! Almost always a dart board available and I love the surly staff! Great place to grab a beer with some friends and some decent grub. Not really the place to go if you're looking for foo foo drinks and super sweet service. The place has a charm all it's own!
(4)Akhil B.
I had avoided this place in the past because i had not great things about it buy last night that was confirmed for me in person. We were there for a concert last night, the concert was great but the bar experience was terrible. We asked for a lagunitas IPA and received something else from the lagunitas tap. Gave that back and politely told the short stubby bar tender that they need to correct the tap. Regardless, that was still ok. People make mistakes. 20-30 minutes later we again asked for a lagunitas and lo and behold, received the same bud light kind of beer. Again. Apparently, the short stubby bar tender does not like being told the same thing twice because when we asked him to correct the tap, again, he actually flicked me off. That is just piss poor.. I don't know why this place has 3.5 star ratings.
(1)H. G.
The cheeseburger isn't bad. I'm serious! The veggie burger is bad. That you can believe. Four dart boards. Or is it three? I can never seem to remember. Surprisingly, not a bad place to watch a game. Cash only. I got nothing else.
(4)Mike W.
Went here one night (in my single days) with a couple buddies. They have pretty cheap drinks, which is always a plus. After a few rounds of darts we started chatting up a group of girls at the bar. We had a couple rounds of drinks, then a couple more... and so on. So I guess you could say it's a good place to grab a few cheap brews, throw some darts, and even meet some new friends (if you're feeling lucky).
(3)Matt S.
This is a hipster bar... Tried not to judge but there were not any Russian beers or Vodka aside from Stoli. I was excited at the idea of this bar but fully disappointed. When I asked for a communist beer they offered some terrible "Czech style lager." Absolute garbage. I will not be back here.
(1)Liz K.
I had a similar experience with the curt staff. Sorry I didn't know you don't take credit cards! Other than that the decor is entertaining and they have a good beer selection.
(2)Alec C.
I liked People's Republik. They have a decent beer selection, prices are reasonable, bartenders are friendly, and the crowd is lively without being crazy. All good fun. Bonus points for all of the communist based, "Oh my god I'm drunk. Now would be a great time for us to talk about politics" conversation starting art on the walls. This place would have been a 4 star spot, but as always, minus one full star for being cash only. I really hate that a lot.
(3)Angeline P.
Communist themed bar, decent place to get a beer. Pretty quiet on a Sunday evening, but they have a good selection, and a very chill atmosphere. Bartender corrected me on where Rogue brews their beer, which I take to mean he knows his stuff!
(4)Thuy L.
Total neighborhood dive, but I love it nonetheless. It's a great place to come and meet friends. Drinks are good, darts are fun, but crowds can make it a pain. It now has air conditioning so totally worth it to come in for a drink after a hot steamy walk in central square.
(3)Sean S.
I've only been here once on a Friday night so I'm going to base my review on a few things and a few considerations on my part. Primary consideration being that I chose to come here for my first time on a Friday during the end of the school year. So, I've decided to not even factor in the in-experienced college drinkers (we've all been there, too). I like the decor. A Lot. When I first heard "Communist Bar" the first thing that went through my mind was "What makes a bar communist?? Do you get placed in a seat you don't want, tied down against your will and forced to drink bud light like everyone else??" Nay. It was a fun decor. Although, I gotta admit, without it, it might just be another dingy dive. Service wasn't bad considering how busy they were. I was able to get a couple of pints and place a food order within 10 minutes. Food was pretty delicious. Better than most bars I've visited in Boston so far. Food is pub style - Fish and chips, cubans, chicken fingers etc, BUT went beyond the average Boston pub in that everything we ate seemed fresh. Like there was a Chef, there was prep work done (meat shaved, onions dice, batter made, etc). I can generally tell when something comes out of the bag, into a fryer, then onto a plate. I didn't get that here. Prices are reasonable for a Cambridge Pub. I guess what I'm left with is why not 5 stars? They have a CASH ONLY policy and that's enough to ding a star for me. I understand that businesses are doing this to save money in transaction fees, machine rental/purchase, etc, but the truth is, I don't like being forced to carry 50-100 bucks on my person (a typical night out with your significant other), and I really don't like having to pay a fee to TWO places to access my money. They should have a credit card machine with an attached minimal purchase amount to the use of credit cards. Nothing wrong that. People can easily spend 10-15 bucks at a minimum there. Would I go back? Absolutely if I find myself in Cambridge and happen to have cash in my pocket.
(4)Neil A.
bartender was rude to us, very few people there on a friday night, drinks are overpriced
(2)Samuel F.
It's small, the service is a bit slow, but there's a lot to like about this place: The commie kitsch decor, darts, decent drinks. Pretty good food, too, though not a huge menu and the kitchen closes fairly early. Had a steak and salad that really hit the spot. Also, the brunch menu looks pretty good, I'll have to try that some time.
(3)Theodore D.
Dive bar with snobby hispters. I'm an aspiring Hipster but I still can't stand this place. The bartenders are rude and when I asked for water they didn't really give me one for about 15 minutes of me standing there like an ass. On the plus side they have darts. Darts are fun. I like Darts. But I don't like this bar.
(2)May N.
Great chill atmosphere. It was relatively early on a Saturday night, but no one checking IDs, just head on in and kick back. Plenty of coat hooks and Commie paraphernalia everywhere. Grab a barstool and seat yourself around the bar tables attached to the walls. I got a Bass on tap. Some friends got the Guiness on draft and the bartender even swirled hearts on top of their foam. We got the munchies and ordered the curried fries which hit the spot. A few groups were playing darts. Another all wore various wigs, hats, and costumes (this was after Halloween). The crowd was totally mixed with locals, blue collar folks, students, and visitors. Not too loud that you couldn't have a conversation. Good dank local spot to hang out and get a drink.
(4)Shendi X.
Though a too-brief visit, the following is certainly true: the chipotle aioli fries were to die for, and the resemblance of this place to the NYC's KGB Bar (minus some pretension, plus screen to accommodate Boston sports fanaticism) had my heart a-flutter. Will return.
(4)Remen O.
It was Friday night and I was in the middle of a Cambridge pub crawl. No one in the group had been to the People's Republik before so we should stop by for a drink or two. MISTAKE NUMBER 1: Going to the People's Republik in a group larger than 2 people As many other reviews have noted, this place gets crowded due to less than abundant table/bar space. This may also speak to the general popularity of the establishment, but considering that it's sandwiched between two major institutions of higher learning, finding people that want to consume alcohol isn't exactly rocket surgery in Cambridge. Anyhow, my group of six managed to snag two bar stools on the far side of the bar. When we finally got around to drinking, I ordered a Black Russian and some of my friends ordered White Russians (very subtle, right?). MISTAKE NUMBER 2: Ordering a Black Russian This one was entirely my fault. I really love a good White Russian, as any follower of the Dude would. But I tried to do something different, and the result was...meh. Both drinks were prepared reasonably well, but I enjoyed sipping my friends' whites a lot more than my own black. On the whole, the experience was perfectly fine. This is a perfectly good bar for meeting up with a friend or two.
(3)Emily H.
When I walked out of the Brattle Theater after a triple feature, I was thirsty, and I was worried. It was 9:30 on a Saturday night, and i was in the heart of Cambridge. The chance of finding a bar that I like and can afford were slim. The day before I had tried to get a drink at this place, but was out of cash. I decided that it was time to try again. My friend and I walked to Central Square and into the People's Republik, and we were pleasantly surprised: It wasn't packed! We quickly found a table, and except for the occasional airborne dart, it was a clear shot to the bathrooms. We drank a $5.00 Belgian white before switching to bottles of PBR for $3.50. The next morning, instead of regretfully remembering all the money I pissed away, I tried to figure out how it was possible to have spent so little. Thank you, People's Republik. I will eat today.
(4)Vinny M.
People's is one of my all-time favorite bars. There is always an eclectic mix of local regulars and Cambridge-area college students. The best times are usually before the college gets descend on the weekends and display their inexperience in drinking. It can sometimes take a while to get a drink if the bar is packed, but the bar staff works as fast as they can. The atmosphere is unique and excellent. The dart lanes are fun if you can get to one. The only drawback is there is often too many college kids bumping into you and each other, spilling beer, etc. The food is surprisingly tasty and well-priced. PROS: - Good beer selection, but limited when it comes to the non-beers (Coors Light, Miller Lite, etc) - Self-serve water from a Gatorade cooler in the back - Excellent atmosphere - Fair prices CONS: - CASH ONLY (not a major con, there is an ATM in the back) - College crowd can get loud and really crams up the bar - Hipsters
(4)Scott B.
Finally. As I continue my quest to discover the treasures of Central Square, Brennon persuades me to give the People's Rebublik a try. I was hesitant, at first, expecting to walk into a tight space littered with sketchy skin-heads running the gauntlet of neo-nazi style. I was radically wrong, and instead was pleased to find all those people I would've hung out with in college, had we known eachother. Dartboards -- three of them... sweet. The decorum is phenomenal... A giant combat boot over the bar, a huge model missile, oozits and whatzits galore... you want thingamabobs... you get the point. I'm especially a fan of the "shhhh" poster on the door as you exit. Well done. And hot dogs. Not just a nasty unused hot dog warmer. Fresh hot dogs... flying out nearly as quickly as the beers. They were a hit... and they're TASTY, Fergie... TAST(no E)Y. So, this would be a 5 star review if it wasn't for this one major conflict in ambience: Flat screens displaying the football game. I understand Bostonians and our constant crack-like-addiction to "tonight's game." But, with the People's Republik's rebellious vibe, conforming to the sport's bar cliche of so many other bars just didn't seem appropriate. Regardless, I'll be back... most definately.
(4)Jane E.
Great vibe going on here. It's a bar, with decent beer, darts, and space. Nuff said.
(3)Corona W.
Came here on a late Saturday night with a couple people. It took forever for my friends to order drinks. The bartenders would see them and then go help their friends/regulars first. This happened several times throughout the night. Seriously, if you're working off tips, don't be a dingus.
(2)Kate S.
I'm pretty indifferent to this place. The bartenders are attentive, and the drinks are fine. I just don't like the fact that I can never find a seat. And it's dark. And full of men with facial hair.
(3)Ellen C.
I'd ALWAYS wanted to go here, so when my roommate and I decided we were finally going on a Cambridge bar hopping night, it was on the destination list. I was really disappointed. The patrons didn't seem interesting, it was crowded despite not being particularly full of people, the drinks weren't that great (my beer was fine, but her Tom Collins left something to be desired), and really we just wanted to get out and get to the next bar. Unfortunate.
(2)Shervin R.
I hate writing this, I really do. I've been going to the Ugly Republik for over 6 years now and I feel it has only been getting worse and worse. I can't deny the awesomeness that is the interior decor, but the service and beer selection are extremely lackluster (notable exception, the Dogfishhead 90 Minute IPA on tap). Given the regularity that I visited this place, and the fact that the same 3 or 4 bartenders have been working there during this time, I expected some sort of recognition, or *gasp*, friendliness, but my friends and I have experienced nothing of the sort. A simple smile or nod of acknowledgment would be appreciated. One of my favorite aspects about this bar is the varied crowd it draws: students, yuppies (not so much anymore), old Cantabrigians, delinquents, geeks, etc. It's wonderful in that respect, even if it gets ludicrously crowded and loud. It's also pretty damn sweet that it remains open till 2! Perhaps 2 stars is a bit too harsh, I did love this place when I discovered it, but my disappointment has continued to grow with every visit over the past few years.
(2)Haley T.
I have absolutely nothing negative to say about this bar. The bouncers and bartenders are wicked chill and friendly. The drinks are cheap and generously poured. The huge wraparound bar accomodates a lot of people, and the dartboard is welcome entertainment. I hear they serve hotdogs after 11PM. Love it-even if it is cash only. There's an ATM in the back, anyway. I'll be back. To find out what the hell the timer on the wall is counting down to, at the very least.
(5)Hubert H.
More like a 3.5. I can only comment on ambience and food. The fish and chips were rather solid, but the fish batter was too thick and the fish a bit mealy. But a good price and perhaps the venue is more about the drink and less about the food. Neat posters all around, and much hipper than the more corporate bar options nearer the Central T station. Around 7p-9p ish, can be a quiet place for civilized conversation.
(4)Jeff M.
I got tricked into eating at People's Republik. 4/5 because its a great dive bar in Central. As a friend once said 'I like this place because its loud and there is no music playing.' That being said DO NOT EAT HERE. Just drink.
(4)Eric H.
I would love to love this place. The atmosphere is cool... communist theme, dive bar. It's typically pretty packed so standing room only. Unfortunately time after time I've found the staff to be obnoxious. They clearly have better things to do than serve customers, and when they do finally get around to it, their attitudes indicate that they really do have better things to do than be working. I have found this to be the case almost universally, so I've ceased going to this otherwise cool bar.
(1)Steph D.
Definitive story from the last visit to Republik. Was with a group of Italian friends of mine who were bitching and complaining about Barack Obama being such a prominent figure in world politics vs. their dear Prime Minister. I agreed but said that their country has had a shitty government but no one judged them as part of "the evil in the world". In fact, I was sure 90% of Americans couldn't tell him who the Prime Minister of Italy was. Boy was I wrong. In this bar, on this very day was the International Relations PhDs from Tufts University having a party to celebrate the birthday of one of their own, a group of 'futbol' fans, some Germans, and a huge group who had JUST COME BACK from studying in Milan. So, needless to say - I lost ten bucks and a whole shit load of pride. But on that very day, in that very bar, I learned to love the Republik that much more because all those people, brilliant and worldly as they were... were getting absolutely shit-faced on a Wednesday night on ridiculously good beer. And it goes without saying that they entertained our little survey and proudly told me "Berlusconi" without missing a beat before going back to their microbrews and darts.
(5)Matt S.
You know, I love the place, but I've been going there for seven years, and I've seen the steady decline of it as a grab a pint and chat with a pal pub. I'm glad they have laphroig behind the bar, though. The first time I went I lived on the other side of the river and came over to meet a friend I hadn't seen in ages. My second pint, a UFO, spilled over somehow. The beat-looking dude behind the bar threw a rag at me to make me wipe it up, then poured me a free replacement pint. The last few times I went, it was wicked loud. Not conducive to talking with a (different) friend. Will always love the Commie kitsch, though. Seems less and less of a prole bar, though. More and more like the place where the people who affect a prole-ish air (not hard in a depression) go to be seen and to be able to say they were seen so doing. Still--I'm a big fan and will always be loyal.
(4)Jeffrey H.
There aren't many places where I can say that despite being almost hit in the face with a dart, groped by strangers, and had a friend be called a derogatory term for a lesbian that I'd also say I'd definitely come back. And have been. People's Republik is just one of those bars that if I happen to be in the area, I would definitely stop in for a beer (yeah, like I'm capable of just one drink). The crowd is mixed. You got some locals, some students, some out of towners, and hey maybe you've even got a homo with Mylie Cyrus blasting in his head. Just maybe. But no matter our differences, this place is very laid back and perfect for drinks with friends no matter the occasion. I think it's awesome that they have darts set up, but the position is kinda awk. I mean, if you find being hit in the eye with a dart uncomfortable, then you'd probably not like the dart situation either. Although fun, it can just kind of get in the way with a bar this cramped. Also, some of the patrons can be annoying. Like people who get drunk and have no sense of personal space, "Ma'am you're standing on my life" or an occasional out of towner who calls your friend a not-so-nice name for ladies who love ladies. First of all - welcome to Boston. Second of all, it's not your business if she's a lesbanot and those 6 girls who just stood up are her roller derby teammates. Face, meet pavement. So yeah. If you decide to come on a busy weekend night, be prepared. Be prepared for darts, crowds, and a booty block into a curb if you're a d-bag.
(4)Michael Z.
Location is good and beer on tap is pretty standard. Had the worst service of my life. Bartender was outright rude, and refused to serve my friend and I and did not give us an explanation. Neither of us had had more than two drinks at that point, and when we asked for an explanation the bartender refused to give one. Not going back, and for those that do, hope you don't happen to get that server. Sure, I get the hipster commie vibe but the People's Republik should remember its a bar first and save the attitude.
(1)Michael P.
I LOVE this place. It's not about the presentation/decor of the place; People's is a typical bar with a hardwood bar, some tables, dartboards. There are some cool old propaganda-ish posters on the walls though. What IS great about this place is the really chill atmosphere and diversity of its patrons. I usually come here with my college buddies, but this place is also frequented locals, older business folks, young working adults, any type you can think of really. Everyone's chill. Bartender is chill. No awkward staredowns. Just a dandy good time.
(4)Meena V.
So this was stop 2 in a very Cambridge bar crawl the other night. Great taps, surly, sarky, but efficient service, and always promises and interesting and eclectic mix of people. Really, doesn't get more Cambridge than this!
(4)Avin N.
I was always intrigued by this place every time I passed by on Mass Ave, and yet for a long time never quite interested enough to actually go inside and check it out. Finally did so several months back, and actually discovered it's a fairly decent neighborhood spot. Generally you can expect to find a crew of regulars (read: somewhat borderline alcoholic older gentlemen who are just a bit too comfy sitting on a bar stool all day), and the lingering smell of old beer wafts your way when you walk in the door. But that's the kind of place it is, and it's not really trying to be something different. And I can respect that. One point to note- on game days, this is actually a pretty good option to check out and avoid some of the unruly boston sports fan crowds. Most seem to converge on Tavern, Field, and Phoenix Landing down the street, and Republik is slightly less crowded (meaning you can actually get a drink in a reasonable amount of time, and it's less likely some drunken Pats fan is going to hurl a beer at you).
(3)Vanessa V.
I lived nearby to Peoples for years before I finally went in, but ever since I did I've returned there fairly regularly. It looks forbiddingly hipsterish from the outside, but really it's just a chill dive bar with bright colors and funny pictures- and darts! Yay darts! Prices are Cambridge style good, which means expensive for anywhere else but not bad once you're used to being wallet-raped. Food is perfectly fine and there's a range of beers- not a wide range, but they have some decent options. They're best on a weekday night when you can get a drink without too much hassle and find a seat more easily. While I wouldn't tell anyone to drive hours out of their way, if you're in the Central Square area on a weekday evening there's no where I'd recommend more highly.
(4)Andrew R.
This is a nice divey place. Big bar, darts, sports on TV, plenty of space. It does have a bunch of Communist propaganda on the walls.
(4)Jeremy K.
I went to see the movie "21" last night with a buddy and there is a scene which takes place in this bar; the movie was over, and it was 1am. We didn't want to go to sleep and I had always wanted to try this place out and so off we went to this bar. I had no idea what to except, although I must say that it sounded like a great place to check out considering the reviews I had seen on Yelp in the past. And awesome it was! I had a blast there. The bar tender was not only very friendly but he can mix drinks and the atmosphere of the place is also awesome as well. The music is present but not loud enough to encourage shouting in groups, and so you can really easily talk to the people around you and have nice conversatioins. The drinks aren't expensive either, my Whiskey Sour was only $5 which isn't bad. We ended up talking Fantasy Baseball with random strangers until we eventually stepped out just before 2am. It is a place that I can say I'll be going too often in the future. Love it!
(4)Trish F.
I bumped into Michael L. here one night when I first started writing reviews on Yelp and hadn't really met anyone yet. Me - I think I know that guy.. Friend - Really? From where? Me - .. er... the internet.. Friend - Whaaaaaa? ::gives me that watchubeendoinwhileyouvebeenunemployed look:: Me - :: goes into schpeal about Yelp.. real people, real reviews.. blah bloo blah:: Friend - So go up to him. Me - ::looks over and sees Michael may be a leetle busy with.. er.. people:: I'll go up to him on the way out. A couple minutes later.. Me - ::tap tap:: Uh hi! Are you on Yelp? ::fakes being drunker:: Michael - Yeah.. Michael L. Me - Yeah I'm Trish the Dish. Michael - Ahh yeah. ::goes in for a hug:: Me - Oh a hug. Cool cool. Okay. Michael - So how's it going? Me - Just on the way out.. wanted to say hi.. I'm a little drunk and silly ::strange loud laugh::.. kbye. I like this bar for the most part. I think a lot of people see it as a novelty and come by in the hopes of witnessing some shady bidnesz. My friend's friends thought that PR was a real communist bar and that there would be repercussions for going in. Nope.. just the occasional confused/lost frat boys, dedicated beer enthusiasts, nerds/geeks, and people looking not to be bothered (yeah, not gonna happen). They used to have some funny sayings/specials on their board (Johnny Cochran special: Free OJ) but haven't seen anything good in awhile. Need to try the food so 3 stars for now.
(3)Kim P.
Cold beer, lots of choices on tap, plenty of room for you and yours, lots of little tables you can pull together, and a bartender who is kind to dumb drunks. What more could you want from a bar? The patient staff at People's Republik has suffered through the birthday parties of two sociologists in two weeks. You'd think that as academics, we would be meek little drunks that sit in the corner and talk about Nietzche or something. No. Actually, we're awful. Think of all of the obnoxious drunk behaviors that you can: loud hooting, taking 45958 hours just to order a damn beer, crying, fighting, forgetting to tip - our group has been guilty of them all. And yet the bartender was somehow able to stay friendly and quench our thirsts while simultaneously keeping our bawdy, loud, howling, geeky group corralled in the corner where we belonged. That's some skill. I'm sure the other patrons appreciated it, too. This bar has a great vibe. Great for big groups or just for sitting at the bar and soaking it all in. The food is kind of mediocre - bar food that probably came from Sysco, but fine for when you're drunk and hungry. Highly recommended for birthday parties. They let you bring cakes in, no prob. In fact, mine is probably going to be there next week. Get ready, kind bartender: your gentle patience is about to be tried for the the third time this month. Sociologists strike again!
(5)Josie G.
A friend of mine raved about this place when she lived across the street, saying she'd come here all the time-- so when we were up for another Cambridge adventure we just had to go through. On a Saturday night at about midnight, it was packed to the ceiling, but we were able to squeeze in at the bar. Quick and friendly service, a decent crowd. I got to pretend to be a lesbian to an fabulously drunk lady that wanted to bring me home with her boyfriend, so that's always a great story the next morning. Tight bathroom situation for the ladies, and watch out for darts flying at your head. If we ever head northward again, we'll definitely come by.. perhaps a bit earlier in the night though.
(4)Colleen Y.
I have to update my review, statim. I had an amazing time at People's tonight. I met the best of Cambridge...and I mean that. Some VT people inviting us to some sweet concerts, some KSG students taking a night off from studying, some MIT grad students explaining why the architecture of the room kills the music....a veritable smorgasbord. (So cliche but so accurate for my night.) There are a lot of places that I don't feel right giving a 5 to...because I'd like to change a lot of things. But, I still go there night after night because it just feels so right. People's is one of those places. I promise to never talk shit about your bad beer list or your sketch crowd again. I swear on my southern roots.
(5)Ali W.
I'm not going to lie, one of the reasons that I like People's Republik as much as I do may or may not have to do with the fact that it is a 5 minute walk from my apartment. Proximity aside, the People's Republik is a good "bar" bar. They have darts, they have beer, they have booze, and if you take a minute to look around there is some crazy shit on the walls. They use an iPod for the music so if you're looking for a "venue" this is not the place to go. There music choices can be hit or miss but that completely depends on your taste. It is more of a pregame place, to meet up and grab a few beers before heading elsewhere. I've seen some first dates going on there, and if you're not looking for much more than a one night stand, you might take your date there for shots. If you're looking for a girlfriend, I would wait to take her there until you're introducing her to your friends.
(3)Rachel C.
Ah...the People's. Something about this place makes people chill and approachable. Perhaps the communist paraphernalia invades your unconscious and fills you with tolerance for your fellow comrades...or something. Regardless, the People's Republik is my favorite bar in the entire Boston Metro Area, hands down. The staff is capable and friendly. There are three dart boards (I love darts), a couple TVs, and some decent bar food in the early evenings. It's a neighborhood spot that somehow also attracts folks from all over Boston. The People's is open until 2am, which is why it gets oh-so-crowded on weekend evenings. As for beer, the People's doesn't have 100 beers on tap or anything, which means what they do have is fresh and delicious. They always have one or two kinds of Magic Hat, but the type varies. Their other beers are good. Not every kind you could ever want, but all the important bases are covered. The same goes for alcohol. They don't have every type of weird flavored vodka or liqueur - but all of the basics are well-represented. Absolute awesome. Long live the Republik!!
(5)Beth Q.
This is by far my favorite bar in Boston which is a pain in the butt because I live in the North End. I've been a steady patron of this bar for the past few years and have witnessed some interesting things including many of my friends getting booted out for whatever reason. However, these things have not deterred me or my friends from coming back to this bar almost every weekend that we are able. Decent beer selection, interesting mix of students and townies, a divey bar setting. What more can you ask for??
(4)Min L.
Thank you for having not one, not two, but THREE dart boards! My friends and I have recently become obsessed with darts and are so glad to have a place nearby with a friendly staff, good atmosphere, and plexiglass shields to protect everyone else's feet from shots that have gone astray. (it's a dangerous game!) We're getting better at aiming, I promise.
(4)Robert M.
The inside set up was a lot of fun and almost turned me into a Bolshevist. The most interesting bar I hit while in Massachusetts - I had to actually think during my conversations and apply my knowledge, which says a lot.
(4)Chelsea P.
Oh, the Republik. It's so unimpressive and doesn't take cards and is constantly full of mindless college brats who think going to a bar with a pinko commie undertone makes them quasi-hip. The bartenders hardly notice you. But you know, my first date with my husband was at this place. It'll always have some dark, dingy, dive-y place in my heart.
(3)Lila S.
Decent beer selection - Check Darts?!!- CHECK! Semi-Clean but still dive-ish bathrooms- Check! Cold war era Pro Communist posters?! - CHECK and a half I will have to comment on the giant undetonated bomb. That thing is super cool and kudos to the decorator- excellent conversational piece. I'm an avid dart player and I just love to see a place that actually dedicates more than one shoddy board to the sport. I bring my own darts, but they have sets behind the bar if you are just getting into it and want to embarrass yourself royally without a care. Ii a draft person myself and they always have some special here. Although the Beer selection here is not superb, but Its got more than you would expect from a dive bar. Come to think of it, this place isn't all that dive-y ...save for the ladies room.. but rather more like a neighborhood place for the college students when you just wanna throw on some jeans and a sweatshirt and go out for a beer. I advise on NOT ordering the $1 hot dog... its an act of desperation on anyones part.. especially at last call. But at $1 you get what you pay for! Take a close friend and maybe a capitalist foe here and you will certainly love it up.
(4)Lady T.
Not an extensive beer selection, but they always have a handful of microbrews on tap (Dogfish, Victory, Bear Republic, etc) as well as the usual bar standards. The prices are reasonable, food is okay (I've only gotten the fries and mozzarella sticks, but both were completely edible), and the bartenders have always been very attentive and friendly. My friend and I meet here about once a week to grab Happy Hour beers and it's usually not crowded, which is a huge plus in my book. There is a dart board (possibly two?) and the bar is cash only, which should be noted. There's an ATM by the bathrooms if you don't feel like trekking back down to Central to get cash. All in all, I am a fan, though it seems like the type of place that would be very loud and hard to get a drink at if it was crowded so I'll stick to my off-peak hours visits.
(4)Chris B.
Relatively small. Cool people. Darts. And tasty late night food. Great NON-90s rock soundtrack, and televisions to watch the game or not.
(4)Jennifer E.
If I had to pick one bar to go to for the rest of my life, it would probably be People's. OK, while I don't know if that is actually true, I do think it is a pretty rad place. They have good beer on tap, and the bartenders know about what they serve. They even let you sample if you ask nicely. It's nothing extravagant, just your neighborhood dive, but not as sketchy as some claim it to be. It's a totally comfortable place to get shitfaced and have the most insane, random conversations with insane, random individuals. Good times for sure. Oh, and they have darts.
(4)Mark L.
While the bar has a decent beer selection, the staff has a mediocre (at best) knowledge of beer/cocktails. In a bar which uses the Cyrillic alphabet in their name, they didn't know what a Moscow mule was, and as a beer bar, they were not able to make very good recommendations. The service was EXTREMELY slow for men, and I eventually had to use my girlfriend to order drinks. Sexist serving and poor drink knowledge, along with 'whatever' prices, lead to a two star review. Definitely better beers in Cambridge, and much much better MBTA accessible beers.
(2)Michael N.
Some of the better, friendlier bartenders in Boston. Bartender gave me a few Budweisers instead of Bud Light a few weekends ago. He just shrugged and said, "Ah, here. Take 'em. Little present for you guys." Good man. Good beer selection, cool vibe in the place, key location just between Central and Harvard, crowded but never overwhelming. Plenty of televisions. Only problem? It's cash only. There's one of those rape-you-with-surcharges generic ATMs in the back, so do yourself a favor and get some greenbacks out of the BOA machine down the street before you saunter in.
(5)Kristine M.
The whole communist theme thing seems gimmicky. The crowd was the same fratty type crowd that you see at, say, The Joshua Tree in Davis. (Another establishment I prefer to avoid.) And it gets real crowded real fast and real loud. If I'm in Central Square, this place is at the bottom of my list.
(2)Barney B.
3 dart boards means they didn't just put one up because it fits - they put it up because people seriously throw them here. 14 taps, and 9 of them are micro/local - Harpoon, Long Trail, Victory, etc and an electronic countdown board (counting down by the second) to NOT New Year's Eve - NOT the superbowl - NOT St Patty's Day - but rather the last day Bush is in office. God this place rocks.
(4)Yalgin O.
Awesome spot to grab a pint and throw some darts! Their drafts are in good shape and they carry essential whiskey and scotch bottles..
(4)Alena D.
Drinks and darts. This place is dingy, a little rustic, and unassuming. As a start to an evening of bar hopping, as a bar to while away the days in a drunken stupor, as the spot you hit at the end of the night, People's is the shiznit. The bartender's are pretty nice and chatty. The people sometimes range from ya doods! to very cambridge neighboorhoody. It can get pretty crowded, but it's still a pleasant place to be. It's also a pretty cool place to meet people. Invite the next table for a dart tournament or chat up the people outside smoking. This places always seems pretty friendly and down to earth.
(4)Holly W.
I think this may be my new favorite bar. After being carted by friends from bar to bar across Cambridge like a drunken goldilocks, this bar is just right. The atmosphere is fun and non-threatening. What I mean is that it's a relaxed place where I didn't feel squished or stepped on by pushy drunkards but at the same time, felt like everyone was having a pretty great time. I didn't feel like this was a place where people were desperate to go home with someone at the end of the night, just go to have a good time and meet new people--which I think is awesome. The staff is top-notch. Particularly Max who is just the sweetest, most charming bartender I think I've ever met (despite his Cambridge Sucks! t-shirt) whose stories verge so far on the absurd as to make you spit out your drink so he has to get you a new one.
(5)Howe L.
The Russian theme is pretty awesome. But, the bartenders suck (to be blunt). Interesting beers, but not much to choose from. So, coming here for a quick drink to start the night will be harmless.
(3)Roni E.
Wow I didn't realize how many Yelpers actually come to this place. I didn't run into any of them though... but the next time I'm ever in the area, I'll be on the look out. I came here with ML after bowling for a few more drinks. The place seems like a great hangout, but def. a lot of sketchy people. Ha ha - so this guy comes up to me after hittin' on ML's roomie's friend Meg - "so I've hit on just about everyone else tonight, how about you?" My response - "uhhh I don't think so..." and walked away. No thank you... it wasn't the greatest bar in the world, but it wasn't the worse. I'd come back for a few drinks with some friends, but not to "meet" anyone, if you know what I'm sayin'. The other yelpers are right on target....
(3)Orly M.
I looove the People's. I work right down the street and used to come here a lot. There are many reasons to go to the People's: *Cocktails are like 4 BUCKS! *For about 6 dollars, you get an awesome, huge, still mooing burger and amazing onion rings. *During lunch time, you will find every mailman in Cambridge here. *The homesless people here really love discussing liberal politics. Wait, that's a reason not to go. *They have DARTS. FREE DARTS. One night, I was getting a little too confident with the darts. I tried throwing one under my leg and backwards. I know, I know, but I'd had a few too many 4 dollar cocktails. Anyway, I came about a centimeter from hitting one of the resident drunks' heads. Luckily, he didn't notice. In fact, I don't think he would have noticed if I had hit him. Which is why the People's is the ultimate bar!! A true dive bar with cheap food, drinks, authentic drunks, and yuppies galore. Where else do you get a cross section of Cambridge like this?
(5)Ren T.
I used to live right next door to the Republik, and when I mean next door I mean drunk boys used to stumble out of the Republik and pee in the alley outside my window next door close. Strangely enough although living so close I did not hear much noise from the bar. I however was privy to some very interestign late night drunken conversations in the alley from the Republik patrons. My friend and I who worked real estate right up the street used to stop by and have a drink every so often and talk with the somewhat snide but decent bartenders. I think the place is a notch above ok just because when I go there it is low key, no hassle, duuuuude whatever kind of attitude.
(3)d'Auria G.
On a cold Saturday night when the street is looking pretty dim and dreary, PR is basically where it's at. $3 longneck high life, a wonderful people-watching U shaped bar. Entertaining bartenders, hot dogs, and some hot men. They have hooks to hank your purse, hat, jacket, noose on under the bar which is an instant fave-maker. I'll definitely return, this bar perpetuated one of the best nights I've had in a very long time.
(4)Ann L.
Last summer I went to a show in Northampton and got dropped off in front of the People's Republik right around last call. My gentleman companion and I decided to make a pit stop for Slurpies before calling it a night, and had to step over this drunk guy who was lying on the sidewalk underneath his bicycle in front of the bar. He was on his back, hands behind his head, doing a little stargazing. When we passed him again after Slurpie acquisition, he had managed to get on his feet, and was leaning hard on the handlebars so the front wheel was all wobbly, trying like a brave little toaster just to stay upright and THAT is why I love this bar. Drinks are cheap, the on-tap selection is aces, it's not so scene-y that you'll puke (though it gets meat market-y and crazy crowded as closing time approaches - high comedy, truly), and the bartenders aren't totally in love with themselves. Also I got free beer the night of my college graduation. ALSO, this is my mom's favorite bar in the world. She bought a t-shirt, and wears it all over Boulder, Colorado, which totally thinks it's a people's republik, but it's NOT, duh.
(5)John S.
Went for lunch. Food was good, service was brutal. All 5 of us had to walk up to the bar to order our food and we were the only ones in there. It was a cool atmosphere, however the service left something to be desired.
(2)Rob C.
Seems to me that whereas a great many bars distract themselves with things like food and stuff (rather understandably even), the People's Republik is primarily focused on drinking. The world needs that. They've got food and stuff, apparently, but it's mostly a bar. Small tables, dartboard, bar, sparse (but awesome) decor. Good beer selection, and a bonus star for a really authentic-looking bizarrely-dressed disheveled townie across the bar. If i lived anywhere near it, i'm sure i'd be back frequently.
(4)Harsh V.
DARTS! Cool Soviet-era propaganda! Red walls and cash register! Good times are almost a given.
(4)Charoline D.
People's is usually a fairly good venue to wind up for last call at. It's almost always packed, the drinks are stiff, the beer on tap is a decent selection and has Magic Hat Circus Boy which I can't always find. Whether you're playing darts or people watching, it's going to be amusing. And we've really got this nailed down, review after review, but the patrons are pretty....homely to say the least. I had been here more than a few times and have neglected to review until now as my experiences have varied depending on what night of the week it's been. Some nights can be fairly laid back, while other's are completely hectic. This partcular visit was the end credits to our bar crawl. I had wanted to head over to Allston and maybe finish up the night at Deep Ellum or Model, but to be frank I was feeling lazy and just didn't feel up to driving over there. Liz and I spent a good 10 mins being chatted up by 2 men, definitely in their mid to late 30's asking us about where we live, what we do for work, etc. To which we answered almost completely in lies and insult. I think at one point I asked them if they wanted to play darts, but they had to take turns who was going to stand in front of the board. They said "what?" and I said "kill yourself". Also spent a good amount of time being engrossed in a very uninteresting conversation with a Kenyan studying at Harvard Business School. Nice enough guy, but kept telling me I was "hot fire". I took it as a compliment? Yeah I don't know. We had also been here previously for a Yelp event a few months back, to which they were incredibly accomodating with a happy hour and free food. Who can complain about that? Needless to say this place is pretty good for relaxing with close friends and people watching.
(4)Colin N.
I'll have to come back here on the weekend. On a tuesday it was reasonably busy. There were some groups of cambridge girls on the prowl. The atmosphere was fun and drinks were cash only (yet again). The wall decorations help to theme the place, but not in a Chotchkys sorta way. There's a big clock counting down to something almost two years in the future... any ideas what that is? People's is definitely a college bar - don't get that wrong. You go to get a little bit crunk and get beer spilled on your shoes. It's definitely cambridge collegey which is a little less violent and more hipster than boston collegey. People's is a landmark spot, and I'll be going back. Rock on.
(4)Haley S.
One of my favorite bars in Boston. Thank you, People's Republik, for adding to the ambiance of Central/Harvard Square (not needed, but appreciated none the less). Neighborhood bar with dart boards, great beer, good prices and laid back people. It's just a great place to hang out. Go there. Now.
(5)Jenna C.
After the last Boston Derby Dames bout (Boston vs. Atlanta) we some how ended up here for our "after party". It was somewhat crowded before we all showed up but absolutely packed after everyone made their way in. I literally had to molest people just to get outside to smoke and was almost hit with a dart more than once.I wasn't really in a drinking mood but the bartender was nice enough to make me a delicious Shirley Temple. I had a pretty good time and would definitely hit this place up again. I think the best part of the night was running into fellow Yelper Michael L. while searching for Jeffrey H.!
(4)Jon L.
Stop in for a beer, it's worth it! You can walk around and learn a little history, play free darts, and listen to good music. I'm sold.
(4)Dan C.
Its 1:20, last call will be upon you soon and the girl you have been flirting with for the last hour and a half has, in her drunken stooper, just let it slip she has a boyfriend. Normally this would have no effect on you, or might make the experience that much better, except she says he is a Marine and is coming home in a couple days. Seeing as you don't want to be choked to death with your own ball sack you decide to take a pass on this one. You excuse yourself saying that the huge investment firm that you manage has just paged you and if you don't go in straight away there will be no stock market in the morning. She believes you...its a shame she has a boyfriend, that combination of smarts and beauty don't come around that often. The bar is thinning out and everyone there has seen you spend the last hour and a half hitting on her, so there aren't too many takers to be "second". You have one option left--a desperate Hail Marry--time for the People's Republik. When it comes to late night last chances, the Republik is King. Cheep booze and a lot of people. The place is small, or maybe the clientele are numerous, but that just helps stimulate conversation. The most important thing is, you are in here for a reason, beggars can't be choosers.
(4)sarah t.
My favorite bar. Always impressive beers on tap. The food is actually very good... fries, fish sandwhiches, they even have a portabello sandwich. The staff are awesome. always friendly and down to earth. They treat you well. I might be a bit bias, but I love this bar. It was one of the first bars I went to when I moved to Boston, and I kept going back...
(5)Chris R.
The revolution will not be televised -- and it's not in a Central Square bar, either. I don't know what this place was like when it opened, but nowadays it's nothing more than the best place to drink Magic Hat while sitting underneath a replica of the atom bomb. Always tons of Magic Hat on draft, yum yum yum. Never felt intellectual or revolutionary here myself, even while wielding a copy of the revolutionary worker picked up from Revolution Books down the street. That could be because of the disappointing yahdood hordes on loud crowded weekend evenings (meatheads of the world unite!). Once the boozing proletariat is gone, however, it's very hard to beat. Interesting set of people, barkeeps generally agreeable, and MAGIC HAT! That alone could draw me back to the Right Coast.
(4)Tom E.
I didn't want to talk it about but I have to... ugly people. Yep, that seems to be the central theme of the previous reviews which seems a bit harsh doesn't it? Why should the attractiveness of the clientele effect your time in this quirky hipster bar? Are you really coming out drinking in Cambridge's furniture ghetto in the hopes of seeing some hotties?? I doubt it, this IS Harvard and MIT land after all. And this IS a cool bar, with enough to offer to justify being an after work drinking spot or a friday/saturday fall-back. So forget about the beauty pageant, pull up a stool next to the communist nik-naks and get chatting with the people around you - they're probably all geniuses. And I know I shouldn't say it but I can guarantee you that they WILL be ugly too, haha - but give it a few pints and you never know...
(4)L D.
This was my most favoritest bar for YEARS and it really makes me sad to hear everyone call it the Ugly Republic. Come on guys. I'm totally not ugly and I was here a few nights a week. I'm not ugly right? Right? Oh dear. Anyway. On to less ego-crushing details. They have a few beers on tap. Decent choices. And a few more in the bottle. The decor is beyond awesome and they finally got a decent flat screen just in time for the Very Serious baseball events of 2004... I watched many of those famed games at the (Very Attractive) Republic. I haven't bothered with the food and, frankly, knowing what it was like in that kitchen before they were forced (literally) to offer food, I'm not interested. There are three dart boards and it's first come first serve. Don't even try to sign your name on someones board and call next game. It doesn't work like that at People's. Go ahead and try it on my board. I'll shank you with the darts pal. You know, I've even met some very attractive men at the Very Attractive Republic. Of course, 99% of the guys I met here were fellow scientists so maybe we have different standards.
(5)reese w.
Come on now... are you really looking at how attractive the crowd is? WHO CARES. I like this place because the last time I was here there was a fight between some short little asian dude and a big tall scotsman. It was awesome. The bouncer had to take them outside when they spilled their beers on each other. Classic. Oh and they have not one, but TWO dartboards.
(4)Tristan B.
This place is weird. I really, really want to like it, but something always throws me off about the place. Is it the crowd? It gets pretty college-y Harvard-y douchenozzle-y type guys (all guys, no chicks) on the weekends, and has the old timers during the day. I want to love it for the theme, decent staff, but I dunno, it just really really does rub me the wrong way somehow. Maybe I'm too uptight, but it kind of feels like it's trying a little too hard. Nice spot to start an evening of drinking with a few beers, simple mixed drinks, or to play darts when it's not absolutely packed at around 9:00 on a weekday.
(3)Katie H.
The first time I went here I had a major panic attack because it was SO over-crowded and hot. Since then I've learned that when you're going to the People's Republik, it works best to be drunk by the time you get there. I can't say much for the selection of beer since I'm pretty sure I've only ever drank PBR here. The service has always been quick and friendly. The layout seems to work for movement of people all over the bar. I've never really set up in one spot there. Personally, though, I'm scared of the dartboard that is right outside the women's bathroom. More than once I've almost ended up with a dart in the face. People seem to be friendly, maybe I'm just that drunk, but I always seem to meet new people here. And enjoy people's company enough I forego my "gotta get outta the bar" smoke breaks.
(3)Kristina M.
I like the decor (vaguely brings up some memories of the time when I lived in this communist shared-house...), although it's pretty kitschy. It's the kind of bar I could imagine working at. The bartenders all seem very friendly, fast and fun, and the beer is not as over-priced as in some places. Pretty interesting mix of people, too. And the music is not too loud, so you can actually talk. We went for some beers after work when it wasn't packed yet, but when we left there was this ridiculously long queue of very young-looking people... I don't know, this bar is pretty nice and chilled-out and a decent place to hang out for a few beers and chat, but I don't think it's really worth queuing for.
(4)Michael L.
The People's Republik is a beer-bar. Don't go here for mixed drinks because they're not good and too expensive. Going here for a beer or few is fun, and the bartender will let you try a beer before you buy it. You can play darts by giving them $5 to hold onto until you are done and give the darts back. The decor is excellent, with Soviet and Communist Bloc era propaganda everywhere. Very fun and kitschy. Another good thing is that it doesn't seem to get excessively loud in there, and so it's a good place to be able to talk. It's not the place to go cruising for an upper-crust girl or guy to take home or date, if that's your thing, but it's a great place to have a beer and some fun. --------------------------------------------------Â------- UPDATE I've heard this place called "The Ugly Republik" by fellow reviewers and fellow Cantabrigians, and it lives up to this name. Come in on a busy evening and check it out. It's an awesome place to talk and play darts, but horrible for good-looking people. Yes, I understand that I am there too. And shallow, but seriously, it's a phenomenon! --------------------------------------------------Â----------------------- UPDATE This has become the "comfort bar" I always go to at the end of the night. I love it here even more now than I did before, just because I always meet the nicest and most interesting, unpretentious people here. The bartender Dani is pretty much one of the nicest people ever and says hi to me on the street.
(5)Francisco A.
Just a regular Dive Bar... Darts, and decent beer... nothing special about this place though... NOTHING.
(3)Mark G.
Don't come for the food..come for the darts, bartenders and a good drinking establishment. Especially since they expanded the floor place inside, now there is a lot more room to hang out. I must admit that I actually prefer it on the more mellow nights, Sunday's and Mondays, but I Iike my "beer and darts" over "crowds and noise" and this place can get busy on the weekends. Oh and one more thing, I love the eclectic crowd it draws, from all walks and backgrounds.
(3)Shannon S.
Oh the Ugly Republik, you truly are amazing. Located between Harvard and Central squares, this place is classic when you wanna close out the night without spending way too much. It's SO funny about the Republik but it really is the best place to close out your Cambridge bar crawl. My friends call this place the "Ugly Republik" because the clientel ain't too hot or by the time you get there--you probably aren't looking that good either. Also, what's up with that poster inside with that man/girl who looks EXACTLY like Ashton Kutcher--I know it's supposed to be communist but I swear that painting Punked' me. Regardless, I love this place. The bartenders are amazing, quick and total sweethearts--they play crazy loud rock & roll, hair metal and grunge and you can play darts to your hearts content. The drinks aren't retarded expensive and if you tip great the first time they'll always load you up. FYI, the bathroom is tiny and if you're a chick the girls are always super friendly and funny in the bathroom. These people will talk to anyone. The ratio is like 5 doods to every girl so if you need a pick me up--this is the place to go--the men aren't always quality but they're always really hilarious and entertaining. The Republik is exactly what it is. I recommend going on a Friday or Saturday night unless you're a local --then it's every man for yourself, but this is the place to be when you close out at 2am all sloshed and sloppy. What I love about this place and the reason i'm giving it 5 stars is that it's totally approachable, it's exactly what it is, and you'll can chat up anyone in there without getting guff. I suggest getting the mixed drinks rather than the beers here, but that's just me--this is more of a Captain and Diet place to me. Also, the bar section is huge and the customer section is sort of a tight squeeze, however, it's pretty sweet that you can check out the people on the other side of the bar. But--if you don't like standing or people touching you to get past you. This bar is not for you.
(5)Vanilla P.
This is a great bar for serious beer-fueled discussions about politics, money, and death, in a somber Russian manner. It's also a great bar to go with friends for cheap beers, comfy stools, and neat-o atmosphere, in a drunken Russian manner! Bonus points if you speak with a fake Russian accent the entire night... We went with a group of 5 pseudo-intellectuals, and we able to find a nice table not too close to other patrons. We were able to walk up to the bar and order our drinks without having to wait -- although there was one chick who didn't know what beer tasted like, so she kept on sampling all the different ones, much to the bartender's chagrin. After she sampled her third beer, I kept wondering when a bar like People's Republik became so similar to a wine tasting room in Napa Valley. What I'm trying to say here is this is not a place to put on airs. This bar is a bar where you chill, relax, enjoy your company, and drink good beer at decent prices. At least on a Wednesday night. Only sad part of the evening? Food's done being served at 10, and we arrived at 11 so I starved.
(5)Renee M.
People's Republik is cool. I always come here expecting a better time than i actually end up having, but nonetheless it is a unique and fun place. Beer selection is good, clientele is surprisingly somewhat yuppie in my experience. Kind of like a sports bar feel with communist decor... I know, sounds weird, but it's true! Anyway, overall I like People's Republik, and I'm always down to go, but honestly I'd rather go to Plough and Stars down the street :)
(3)Melissa A.
The bar section is freaking HUGE and the customer section seems kind of small to me. Commies. But the bartenders are really nice here. They will give you a sample of the beer if you're curious or talk about Philly with you. Actually, someone else started talking to me about Philly the one time apropos to nothing. Strange. The thing I find strange is the bathrooms. The wall between the stalls seems really short and when I stood up, I found the other lady looking at me. I do realize that I tend to have bathroom anxieties and get pee shy when someone else is in there. But some tall broad staring at me certainly isn't going to help the matter, just enhance it. Last time I went, I swore up and down that Charlie Pierce was sitting next to me but I couldn't bring myself to ask him. But if I did talk to him, we'd probably talk about Philly and bathrooms. sigh...
(5)Mimi H.
My friends and I had a communist Wednesday thing going on for a while where we went here once a week on Wednesday. I love this place, drinks are cheap and the bartender's are funny and so nice. One of them is wicked hot. Don't be scared to go here because it's a communist bar, this place is chill and a lot of fun. They have cheap hot dogs so if you need a break from drinking you can order a round of communist dogs.
(4)sally b.
As a native Vermonter, any place that has 5 VT beers on tap is sick. Plus! Dogfish head on draft!?!? All you need now is Allagash White and I'll move in! This place is on the top of the list for my beer-snob boyfriend. The place is chill, i feel totally comfortable showing up in my scrubs after work. So yes, I add to the obv. ugly reputation when i finish a 12-hour shift. Isn't that what's great about the People's Pub? Oh Circus Boy, how i love you!
(5)David C.
Worst bar in Cambridge. Unless you're a fan of rats and sleazy bartenders and over priced beers.
(1)Nathan R.
Love this place- the crowd are good sports and the peg-leg guy rules.
(4)Hannah L.
a great theme - 1960s russian communism. great posters of the era hang on the walls, and a great red , black and yellow thing going on. it is a meeting place of hipsters, sometimes i feel like i need a cooler haircut to hang out there. oh well, true hipsters don't need the outfit ;-p they have $3 PBR bottles, which is great. what hip bar doesn't carry PBR?! loves it. they have darts, communist small wood tables and chairs, music and a runny bathroom. super fun and super chill, a true icon of cambridge.
(4)Chris S.
Great pub. Dogfish Head 60 min IPA on tap and a nice selection of Magic Hat. I find the interior spartan (not sure why), but the bartenders are cool and this is a comfortable place to grab a beer after work. Go here a few times and you see a lot of regulars--always a good sign.
(4)Julia C.
God, I love this place!!!! Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna add to the countless reviews of this place. Basically, if you are tired of asshole bartenders, and you are looking to relax after a "I'm on the verge of spitting in my boss's face"- kind of day, then this is a great place to go! What makes this place so great: the drinks are cheap, the noise level permits conversations that don't make your voice go hoarse, there are three dart booths (inebriated people throwing sharp objects can be scary) and they have Magners on tap! But what I can never stop raving about are the bartenders. Just awesome people - the kind you want to hug after a few drinks. Some anecdotal evidence: 1) they gave me a glass of water with lemon without asking (I admitted I was a light-weight and if I had another drink, they wouldn't make it home) 2) they make fun of customers who ask for fancy wines ("We don't get more specific here than red and white") 3) they gave me cake!! (someone gave the bartender a piece of a birthday cake, and he shared it with me! - what can I say? I'm a sucker for cake) Keep in mind that it gets pretty packed Thursdays through Saturdays, but it always looks more crowded from the outside than it actually is. The bathrooms smell uncharacteristically decent for a not-so-classy bar (can only speak of the girl's bathroom). There are plenty of locals who are excited to chat - usually about the most random things. Basically, this is a great local bar.
(5)Jules H.
A totally cool, chill place -- but one big problem for me: cash only! Big BOO!
(3)Susan D.
Bar crawls always lead me here. This place is super low key and rugged. The Soviet posters are pretty awesome. My husband will translate them for me and explain the mentality behind it. Good beer and always a chill crowd. Bathrooms are tiny and a little ewww.
(3)Julie A.
I really wanted to give this place 3.5 stars, but I have been a loyal customer for a decade so I'll bump it up to 4. It's a dive. A good dive, but a dive. As previously noted in past reviews, it's not got the most attractive patrons or staff, but go to Lansdown and get the fake whores down there, this is where you go to have a casual night of fun drinking. There is a fight 1/2 the time I am there, which makes it more entertaining (especially since I am never involved). It hasn't changed much over the years, same thing another day. When the college kids come into town they try and take over the place but the locals and regulars hang onto it strong so the white hats tend to find another hole in the wall. good cheap beer, nice people, and open late. Can't go wrong.
(4)Bill B.
Decent beer. Laid back place with plenty of space for groups. Good dingy hang out.
(4)christina c.
Went here last night for a drink. At first the bartender was a little stuffy but when I started asking him about the Magic Hat Brewery he opened up to me. We played some darts had some tasty Magic Hat circus boy. Yum! Also, the jams were rockn' and it was the bartenders playlist! Very cool, no preset set list here.
(4)Cport J.
I feel like I should give different reviews for different times of day. The late night People's is great fun, a mass of mostly inebriated folks circling the bar in the round (which is awesome -- more bars should do it), holding out 'til the end of the night at 2. (The clock may be slow here, definitely slower than Phoenix Landing, maybe not as slow as the Druid in Inman.) Earlier in the evening, it's a chill place to throw darts and hang out with a few friends. The crowd is usually pretty thin, but it fills up as time goes on. Dark and somewhat dive-y, it's a good chance to chat with the bartenders, who will be way too busy to talk later. Quintessentially Cambridge and a true neighborhood landmark, it's one of the bars that makes Central Square so great.
(4)Lindsay D.
Last time I was in this bar a man in the corner took off his leg and started playing it like an instrument. If that isn't incentive enough to check it out then I don't know what is. In all seriousness, the bartenders are awesome as long as you're not an impatient jerk and the libations are strong enough to make the eyes go wide. Hit this place up after you realize that the Hong Kong is full of the worst Cambridge has to offer. Maybe if you're lucky the man with the wooden leg will still be there.
(4)Kirs P.
People's is cool cause 1) you can play darts; 2) beer ain't too expensive; 3) in the middle of the afternoon there are always a couple of old dudes hanging out and if you talk to them they'll probably buy you a drink. The weekends are wicked crowded and they only take cash, but the bartenders are always super nice and do their best to get to you as fast as they can. Be forewarned: sometimes annoying hahvahd kids come down and suck.
(4)Julia F.
Do not expect to be fed late night here. You will be assed out. I have not liked this bar in the past, but it was for the people there, not the place itself. I should probably go back so that I can form a better opinion on it, especially now that I live about 5 blocks away. Truly I'm kind of disappointed in the way Tom E. clumped the rest of us Cantabrigians with the people who go to Harvard and MIT... Not really fair...
(3)Mats K.
Nice bar with a WWII era soviet theme. (everything from propaganda posters to military equipment and a large bomb!) The beer selection isnt amazing, but the atmosphere is nice. Its not a bad place to go to catch up with friends. Only downside is that it can get crowded on weekend nights.
(4)Francesca R.
The drinks are cheap and the atmosphere inebriated. Something about this place always leads to me having in-depth conversations with strangers, which I *never* do, being both shy and judgmental. It must be the utilitarian seating and Communist propaganda which promotes egalitarian socializing and drunkeness. Always a good time.
(4)L S.
People's Republik now has a fancy little food menu! I haven't tried anything yet, but some of the dishes looked pretty good. I wouldn't order mixed drinks or wine from here, it's more of a beer place. Prices are average, $5 a pint. It can get pretty crowded and loud on the weekends. I came here on a random Monday once and it was fairly empty, mostly regulars.
(3)Stephen K.
S'alright. It attracts a lot of douchebags with it's faux-Red decor. These people think they're leftists because they visit a bar called People's Republik, they like Barack Obama and they had an Odwalla bar that day. But they have darts - and they don't seem to mind people getting blacked out. They've got Dogfish Head and the standard assortment of Eastern Seaboard craft brews on tap. I'd like this place more if they stepped up the worker angle - instead, it's just a gimmick. Privileged Americans can look at all the posters and laugh at it all, sneering at the folly of the now failed Communist experiment. Laugh all you want. You'll see.
(2)Cori L.
Very chill, good drink prices, but don't bump into anyone as you try to move through the crowd to the door - you may get the death-stare for accidentally bumping someone.
(3)Seamus O.
A love it or hate it bar. I love it. It's definitely different from your standard bog Irish bar. In the end the best way to describe the People's is...different. A similar bar to the KGB bar in New York. The staff are friendly and the beer is cheap. I had to ban the wife from the top shelf in this place...the staff are way too generous with the hard liquor! Always fun to play drunken darts.
(4)Mark D.
Good beers on tap. Three dart boards. Nice. But don't get stuck with the one next to the men's room as the smell will waft after the door is opened. Do not order mixed drinks. It can be a little dark and smelly sometimes but it's a great place anyway!
(4)Jen H.
If you're looking for a good no-frills bar.... dive bar.... in Central Sq, this is a good one. Bartender was nice, drinks were cheap, interesting people... although it got CRAZY crowded at one point in the night. Anyhoo, 2 thumbs up for this joint - next time I want to get there earlier and get on the dart boards... I have only played once, so be careful if you see me playing and need to walk near me while I"m playing. :-)
(4)D. J.
I was somewhat skeptical about the scattering of hipsters and maybe-hipsters that I saw either as customers or behind the bar, but this place provided a good nightcap to my bachelor party at the end of last month. First visit; I would maybe go back. They seemed to pour slightly oversize shots, though I guess that's not bad-- and honestly, some of my first bar experiences were in Russia itself, where the shots seemed small and that's thus maybe tempered my experience. Soviet kitsch can have its problems but, again, they have stuff like this in Russia too, and I was amused. Sounds like the drink list could use some expansion but if I happened to be in the Central Square area when I wanted to kill time with friends and/or watch a game, I'd pick this over several other possibilities.
(3)adam s.
Great beer selection with a cool red scare theme. Probably my favorite bar in Cambridge. The don't serve Sam Adams. I like to assume it's because he was a patriot.
(4)Marcus D.
Walking by this place and seeing the colors and spelling of the name in a fanciful Russian way (what's that called, Cyrillic?), forced me to stop by one Christmas Eve with a few buddies. In fact, we tarried so long in here toasting to the birth of Baby Jesus that I was late for Christmas Eve dinner w/my family (seven fish night, the old Italian way). I've been back a couple of times since and always enjoyed myself, just w/the atmosphere. It's never overcrowded, at least when I've been here (perhaps the suggestion of Communism in this most Communist town scares people away - how ironic). Real quick: what is the fascination with PBR?
(4)Ashley F.
I've always had a good time here. The place doesn't get too crowded that you can't find a table at sometime during the night. Get there early for the meh food, but stay for the beer and decent priced drinks. I'm a big fan of this place because they actually keep the music low enough to have a conversation with your friends. I'm a huge fan of the water cooler they keep at the back if you're feeling a bit parched between drinks. With the friendly enough bartenders and doormen, and darts for fun, there's little wanting here.
(4)Kay A.
This place is awesome, cute bartenders, strong drinks at a good price, and there's always a crowd. So much so, that's why I only gave it four stars instead of five, sometimes it's just too crowded, but on weeknight when it's not it's pretty awesome. Perfect place to round up a group of friends to hang or shoot darts.
(4)Tom W.
Great for whiling away an evening throwing darts and throwing back ales. As a previous review noted, they've got quality darts, they're free, and they don't mind too much if you need replacements because the accuracy enhancing quality of beer has yet to kick in for you. On a weekend, get there early to enjoy the local scene ahead of the mass mob of college students that hits around 10pm. Not that that isn't also entertaining, but good aim becomes more of an issue.
(4)Jesse K.
I really don't know why everyone loves this place so much! It gets ridiculously crowded, especially because of the unnecessarily large bar that takes 90% of the room. But bars get crowded and that's fine, but it's made worse here by the asshole Harvard kids who think they're ironic by hanging out at a Communist-themed bar, but can't leave their holier-than-thou attitude at the door, and get all pissed off if you bump into them on your way out. Get over yourselves, dudes! On the note of getting over yourself -- how about the short bartender who gets pissed off if you scratch your balls the wrong way. This dude will make guys wait for 15 minutes for drinks, just so that he can serve a woman who just strolled up (sorry dude, no chance with her!).
(2)Laura K.
Rather shady but in the best way. Darts+beer+men=happy me
(4)Hannah C.
this is my favorite chill bar in the boston area. nothing beats it. from when i first moved here and lived next door, to now, when i drag my ass from even further out..... always a mixed crowd - you're never too old, you're never too young (that's not true of course). everyone's friendly, seems to be mostly an MIT crowd nowadays... and the one thing that makes me happiest of all: DARTS. three, count em, three boards. and you can always join in a game - granted you have to win a board or else you are shamed, but that's standard procedure.... check it out... weekends and weeknights... it's worth it....
(5)Jess L.
good times! i love the decor and atmosphere. some girl wanted to steal my stool, which was weird, but in the end it was fun. a good place for darts. interesting beer selection.
(4)Matt K.
A nice place, good attitude, reasonable prices. When I was there on a Thursday the drafts were $5, and lower-quality beer like PBR is $3.50 a beer. I'd bring friends visiting Boston there because of its unique attitude for sure.
(4)Jennifer A.
People's is my usual bar. Decent glass of vino along with an extensive beer selection. Although primarily a wine drinker, I do dig a pint of a good ole craft beer every so often and Peeps delivers. Good place to watch the "game of the night" and play darts.
(4)Lisa B.
the giant boot and elvis in the window sealed the deal for me. this place is awesome. i'll be back.
(4)Ashley J.
I have to say I was really happy with my experience here. It is not at all one of those hipster douche bag kind of places. Cool people, cool bartenders, nobody is trying to be pretentious and way cooler than they are. Drinks are good, reasonably priced. I can't say one negative thing. All in all pretty cool place.
(5)Monkey D.
The doormen are uncommonly handsome and the food has gotten much better. Minus one star for the abominable men's room and the staff's narrow-minded stance on letting men use the ladies'.
(4)John W.
A great place to throw a round of darts with friends. Funky socialist propaganda posters adorn the walls; eclectic tunes pour from the speakers. Open an hour later than most bars, they offer a nice selection of beers on tap. As Shannon B stated, this is the perfect place for Cantabrigians to conclude a pub crawl.
(4)Andrew M.
One of my faves. If you come here you are destined to have a good conversation. Like Shannon I have a long history of joking with people about the ugly clientele. I tried a little food for the first time last night and was pretty impressed. They have darts.
(5)Rachel S.
Good beer selection and bartenders that make thoughtful suggestions about new tries. I can't remember the last time I saw a meathead in there. Cheers!
(4)Gourab D.
Nice little place..nicely cozy unaffected atmosphere....I am not really a beer guy...but the white russian here is one of the best I have tasted in Boston so far. Drinks are cheap. One incident to mention....once I got a little carried away and could not wait for the bartender to come and took a few pieces of lime myself from the bar.....he noticed, came up to me and directly told me that it was inappropriate...I think it was a very professional thing to do on his part..... The only reason that I will give it a score of 4 is the crowd is usually unhappening and very low-key if you have a thing for random fun time....
(4)sydney A.
People's is a really good time. The music is not so loud that you can't talk. The layout is good for accomodating many small groups. The bar is a horseshoe, so its easy to check out the bartenders' asses. But be aware that the menu is limited, though certainly edible if you are in the mood for fried items and meat things. Most importantly, they close the kitchen wicked early (like 8pm) on some nights. With cheap drinks, this can be a bad combo. Luckily they always have some cheezits on hand for the right price.
(5)Gordon B.
Hands down my favorite watering hole in Cambridge, People's Republik is an institution. Always an interesting mix of locals and academic types so everyone feels comfortable here. A great spot for a few beers and a game of darts (3 boards).
(5)Enay V.
great service - great atmosphere - great background music - even on a Monday night!
(5)Diane I.
my favorite bar in central.... i'd go here every night if it was socially acceptable...
(5)Kristina D.
One of my favorite neighborhood joints. The Communist decor, good beer selection, and interesting mix of locals make for a fun Cambridge bar experience. They also have Rumplemintz.
(4)Huan z.
You can come here for a drink or, even a dart game! Drinks are cheap! local people like to gather here for sox games. We watched sox game there last time instead of some bar in fenway. It's less craziness here!
(3)Sarah R.
I went here finally for the first time last night for the Yelp event (thanks, Ligaya!). I can't really say anything different than what's been said before, just to add that I really like this place, Ashton Kutcher-looking Soviet dude notwithstanding. The bartenders are friendly, and the food is good, for bar food. My only complaint is that it was FREEZING in there. This might be due to the door frequently opening and closing, but I was already chilled to the bone from my trekking through Cambridge in the slushy hell, and it certainly didn't help that the indoor temp was frigid. Nevertheless, I'm sure I'll be back here in the future, perhaps to close out my night during tomorrow's Bunny Hop down Mass Ave.
(4)Michael W.
A great meeting spot between Central and Harvard. I used to frequent here alot because they served Magic Hat's Humble Patience. Magic Hat has since discontinued making the beer, and I no longer live in the area. This is a great place to meet for drinks or to stay there all night and tie one on...
(4)Malena L.
I've only been here once - I don't even know why since I could probably spit out my window and hit their roof - but it was a wonderful experience. It was while the City of Cambridge Dance Party was going on outside. I was dancing so hard, I think I popped a vein and I REALLY needed to rehydrate (with beer, of course). The place offered what I wanted: a big selection of beer, A/C, darts and a location for my friend Tim to perform his biggest trick yet, taking his front fake tooth out and scratching his belly with it - BELIEVE ME, it's funny! Anyways, I liked it. It seemed like a good place for our fake band, "Mao and His Army of Skanks", to chill, drink beers and impress with the detachment of "limbs".
(4)Dan O.
Great place to throw a few pints back and play some darts...good beer selection, friendly staff, simple, inexpensive food menu.
(4)Josh O.
I've only been here once. Didn't really like it. Can't really say why, but the place just rubbed me the wrong way. I guess it was just the character of the place. And there's so many other places in Central that I'd rather go that I doubt I'll ever give it another shot.
(2)Lalin A.
Comfortable, sincere bar. Hard to find in Boston area. Great theme and atmosphere. I usually go here during week days when it is not crowded. Then I choose my seat around the bar, sometimes I leave it to the bartender to decide on the beer, and enjoy my time with friends. It is always a change and definitely an American bar scene detail to play dart. It is true: you do end up talking with old dudes, who are chilling, and watching football. But, they bring color to your night. PR is definitely a place to check out!
(4)greg f.
Although MIT student Rick is well dreawn as an anxious, narcissistic careerist who also happens to have real talent and produces what are to be powerfully, but grim, belches, his sexual frustration and competitive drive forces him to frequent the People's Republik to meet nice ladies.
(4)Alison C.
I don't know what I was expecting but I give this place a solid meh with a healthy dose of enh thrown in for good measure. The beer selection is fine and the prices are reasonable. The women's bathroom is clean enough though extremely cramped. I guess I was hoping for more commie kitsch and I didn't get it.
(2)Joe R.
I LOVE a dive bar with real, heavy, metal darts. And games are free. OK selection of beers, great atmosphere & lively crowd. The only truly negative point was the live recording of a Barry Manilow show (or something similar). What the?! On Friday night!!?
(3)Tom D.
If you live near either Central or Harvard Square, claim to be a hipster, and love dive-bars, this place is wicked awesome. I used to come here a lot while I dated a Harvard girl and she and her friends used to avoid this place like the plague. It's got more than four dart boards strewn through-out the bar and last time I was there I payed three dollars for a shot of Jack. Honestly, I'd give this place five stars if not for the fact it's a cash-only bar. If you've seen Wayne's World 2 and remember "Comrade's," the place where they have their party, the interior is kind of like that. If you want to sit around and talk economics and China's globalization policies with Freshman, go to Daedalus or Grendel's. If you want something a bit darker with a kind of V.I. Lenin meets Charles Bukowski feel to it, come here.
(4)Sarah B.
cool theme/slight dive bar. great for beer and reminiscing about the cold war.
(4)Heather H.
What's not to love about a commie themed bar with a good beer selection? They always seem to have at least two Dogfish Head selections on tap and they pour a mean Guinness. The food is pretty good bar food- especially their burgers and onion rings. This is a good place for darts (or, in my uncoordinated way, watching your friends play darts). There are a good mix of people here- you'll see 21 year old students and 70 year old cowboys. Nobody's frontin' and you can just chill with a good beer.
(4)Peter A.
I agree with Ashley O.'s review below. My only star eduction is that this place often attracts bigger groups of grad-student types coming in to hang and the "pack" mentality they evoke can lead to obnoxious loudness and banality. Regardless a good place to have a drink and people watch out the windows onto Mass Ave. Check out the reasonably priced food specials on the chalkboard (just wish the kitchen was open on the weekends). Always an interesting assortment of regulars occupying the left side of the bar. A favorite dwelling of our deserving postal carriers.
(4)Sean E.
I think I spend too much time here. But they have three dart boards, Dogfish Head on tap, Red Sox on the TV, decent music (except when the hippy bartender puts Phish on), and innofensive decorations, so why not come back? Oh, and I swear to Zeus that on a Sunday afternoon the bartender decided to open the kitchen for the few of us that were there and made THE best onion rings I ever had. So yeah, I'll be heading back there.
(4)rishi h.
This place defines everything good about the bar scene.. and as an extra bonus there are whacky posters from the soviet era all over the place. For the atmophshere alone, I'd recommend this place to anyone in the area. On the weekends when it really gets packed, ruckusy, and extra condusive to having a good time, slightly awful expressions like "in soviet russia, bar drinks you!" become totally appropriate.
(4)Ashley S.
Chill neighborhood bar on weeknights. Bursting at the seams with non-locals on the weekends. Pick your night wisely.
(3)Anastasia L.
The fact that this would-be commie bar sometimes smells a bit... funny? simply adds to its dive-y charm. A sizeable room organized around an island bar, with darts on either side, an irreverent Last Supper mural, and perhaps the widest-ranging clientele I've ever seen (ok, leaning towards locals and hippies). The bartenders are chill and there's a decent selection of draught (including cheap American brews) and bottled libations, as well as liberally poured cocktails. It does get crowded late on weekend nights, though.
(5)Nick B.
So others have already mentioned the darts, the beer, and the ticking bomb. So what more could I add with this 18th review? Well, one time I came here during the summer of 2004 when the olympics were in full swing. They had the olympics on the big screen, but had turned off the sound and were playing The Smiths in the background. So I will now forever associate the People's Republik with Men's Rhythmic Gymnastics routines being danced to the crooning of the Mozzer. Which, really, is a pretty hillarious way to watch the olympics.
(4)Brian D.
To further explain my fear of Cambridge I have to admit that it took me 10 + years of drinking legally to finally find myself seated at the Peoples Republik. i don't know why but walking past this spot always made me think of being sent to Siberia to mine coal with fat old Russian men that would stink of vodka and quote Tolstoy all day (shudder...). BUT apparently if you go to the Peoples you are treated to a pretty damn good barroom experience. Do not be fooled, this is a quintessential barroom. There are no frills here. What they happen to have is a solid but limited food menu, cheap beer and cheaper cocktails. They also have lots of locals (a good sign), lots of transient college kids (surely the real communists), dart boards, and a men's room that smells 100% like those old Russian guys that I fear. I really loved this place, I see no reason to go anyplace else in Cambridge (Except maybe the Field) for cheap drinking and socialist socializing.
(4)John F.
I quite enjoyed this bar, if for no other reason that the atmosphere and theming. The old Soviet propaganda-style posters on the wall and the bomb (complete with continuously-ticking counter) really give this place a nice distinction from the average bar.
(4)Katia M.
This place is basically Central Square in a nutshell. I haven't often gone there as an all-night destination, but I ended quite a few nights there in my C-square days. Good beer selection and it can get a little crowded for me, but all in all, I'm a fan.
(4)Greg C.
Pretty sketchy. Typical dive bar. I've seen a lot of people talk about how amazing it is that they have darts. A lot of bars have darts. However, I don't think a lot of bars have dart BOOTHS. Like, carnival-style dart booths. When I went, I had the pleasure of watching a showdown between a group of lesbians and a group of frat boys. Naturally, the frat boys lost. But even though they lost, they weren't mad as both teams were comprised totally of homosexuals. But I guess that's why this bar is so cool - it brings different types of people together to find common ground. You could have a guy in a business suit at one stool, and a homeless person playing with his stool right next to him. The bartenders are mad cool. One dude got me a KILLER cheeseburger even after the kitchen had closed. Another played the entire MIA album at my request. All in all It's a pretty sweet place to relax and get hammered. Lost one star as they don't accept credit cards (It's 2008, people)
(4)R F.
yea, darts and good beers this place is an original, fun, laid back bar that doesn't disappoint me. not crowded or expensive pretty fun here
(4)Ellie L.
Its catchy exterior makes it one of those places you always mean to check out, and the inside doesn't disappoint. With a relaxed potpourri of locals, hipsters, and international types, People's Republik is the spot to have a good conversation over a cold beer. Heads up, it's a cash-only bar...
(4)Joe R.
This place is great. They have a nice selection of beer, several dart boards and a relaxed, fun crowd of people. Also nice that they're open late until 2am. I've been going here for years and love it
(5)Corry B.
I'm surprised there are so many females who wrote reviews because the times I've been here I have been one of like two girls in the place. Is it the weekdays? They really do have a good selection of beers on tap (at least three kinds of Magic Hat, yum) and a really reasonably priced food situation. $6 for a double patty veggie burger with lots of fries. Most things were $6, topping out at $9. I mean, it's strictly bar food (and I do still have gas a day later- but lots of beer and fried crap will do that do you no matter which bar you're in...) but good. And I'm a fan of all of the red paraphanalia. Even if the most radical things people around me were talking about were giant women... I also liked the very confidential bar tender. I had two dates in the same night and both of them were here and he knew it and was very suave. A right on bartender is one that can keep a secret (cuz obviously I can't....).
(3)Emily F.
I've done first drinks here, in the 7-9pmish time frame, and really loved it. At this point in the evening, there were only a handful of people/regulars, just hanging out. It was perfect for sitting at the bar and really being able to catch up with a friend without having to scream while 6 inches away from each other. Still, there was enough activity and the music was loud enough that the rest of the bar wasn't subject to our boy trouble rantings. The bartender (can't remember his name) was absolutely fantastic, super attentive but not overbearing - one of those people that immediately puts others at ease. The (women's) bathroom was surprisingly clean, which is ALWAYS a plus. It's cash only, though there's an ATM inside if you need it. I can't really speak to what its like during prime nightlife hours, but I highly recommend the earlier hours if you want a laid-back place to chill out and have a couple drinks.
(4)Jessica R.
this is where you can get that central square flavor that people keep telling you about but you can't ever seem to find because it is mostly dead. snappy colors.
(4)Kristin G.
Love this place. Great food, inexpensive drinks. They recently moved the bar back a few feet so it's not as cramped. LOVE IT!
(5)Dan P.
I'm giving this three stars based on what friends have said about their experiences here. Finally made a stop here tonight after wanting to go for a while. The beer selection was good and it seemed like a really cool place. I was hungry so I ordered a buffalo chicken sandwich, one of the night's specials. Unfortunately, it was the worst buffalo chicken sandwich that I have ever had. No buffalo chicken situation should EVER involve piles of mayonnaise. It's not like there was even any blue cheese. What's up with that? I would come here again, but I'll skip the food.
(3)Kerry L.
Stopped in for a drink and didn't regret it.
(4)Anonymous P.
Cool atmosphere, good beer selection.
(4)Rego S.
My friends tell me that's where my 21st birthday pub crawl ended. I trust them...?
(4)Melissa B.
I hadn't been in here in a real long while and ended up there this past week. Nice dark bar with great beers on tap. A funny mix of post-college meatheads and "local color." Throw in some biker boys and the girls that love them and there you have it. Will definitely go back more often, it was all chill.
(3)erin e.
Great dark pub. Great strange mix of patrons. Great beers on tap.
(4)Denis A.
I don't get it. Sure, it's got the Soviet thing going on, but then what? Darts? Ok, if you're into that. Beer selection is fairly typical of bars/pubs in the area. No Russian beers to be seen, nothing even a little interesting? The most exotic beer they had was Stella. My friend and I ordered some fries to munch on. They were good, but nothing special. Not too expensive, not too cheap. I guess I just don't get the appeal.
(3)Nik B.
Further evidence that Cambridge is better than Boston is provided by People's Republik. I'm getting quite sick of being dragged to Irish Pubs that become full of bros in blue vertical striped button-downs, AND paying cover for it. On a night when I needed a breath of fresh air People's was just that. But let's be honest here, People's Republik is essentially a themed dive bar with a decent set of beers and a small liquor shelf. Though the theme is fun and the propaganada everywhere makes for interesting viewing. There are THREE dart boards, so you can be competitive with your buddies while you sip your beer. I am a fan of People's, and I will return.
(4)Mike M.
Friendly crowd, interesting music, soviet themed, pretty diverse beer selection, inexpensive food and 3 nice dart boards (with uniform house darts if you don't bring your own). Overall, I'm a fan.
(4)Jim D.
I came into this well-known, small Cambridge bar expecting a much bigger crowd but was surprised by how sorta empty it was. Plenty of seats around the bar but the dart boards were packed. Beer selection was just all right. Prices were around $5 a pint. The bartender was nice but lacked some personality. I was hungry and the damn kitchen just closed 10 minutes prior. Urgh. I settled for several of the all night $2.50 hotdogs. A tad over-priced, yes, but when you're drunk and have the munchies, your level of discernment is usually a tad compromised. Would I come back? Probably, but I'll need the same amount of scotch I drank prior in order to convince myself.
(3)Emily M.
Friday at 5pm, the bartender knows my drink. Don't grab the girls and head to People's if you are out looking to meet hot guys. But, do go if you want to gripe about work and play darts. Sometimes you want to go out and not worry about impressing anyone, sometimes you want to get dressed up and paint the town. Don't get dressed up for People's. Not too many creepy guys. 5-6 bucks for a drink. CASH ONLY. Good fries. That's about it.
(4)Melanie H.
People's Republik is probably one of my favorite bars in Cambridge. It is between Central and Harvard and a bit removed from the row of bars on Mass Ave right in the center of Central Square. The place is small and it can get pretty crowded, but I love it. There is a mixed crowd, everyone from the young college crowd to later 30's and 40's. The prices are awesome, they have a nice selection of beers on tap, and the atmosphere is pretty good. My only complaint is that they only take cash. So be warned, be sure to have cash on you. I think they have an atm in the bar, but I don't like paying the $5 service fee. The closest atm's are at least a couple of blocks away farther into Central Square. This is a good place to start the night before moving onto other bars. I would give them 5 stars, but since I like using my credit card for everything, using cash is a minor inconvenience. Four stars for People's Republik!
(4)Calli C.
I like the vibe of People's Republik - good cheap brews, a few basic dishes when you get those munchies, cheap entertainment in the form of darts, and delightful Communist propaganda on the walls. Even the condom dispenser in the ladies' room commanded any passing "militant lesbians" to ....well, I won't write it on yelp but it involves what Justin Timberlake stuck in a box. But I was disappointed by the curt service, especially when my friend brought a Magner's back to the bar to comment on its rank aftertaste. I am honestly not one to return things, especially alcohol, but the rancid flavor in my mouth after a sip was too much. The bartender looked at her like she had just told him she had pissed in the glass and wanted him to have it. I would strongly suggest they just take the comment and promptly clean out their tap lines - until then, I'll be sticking with bottled PBR, the beer of champions.
(3)Nicolas S.
I'm a newcomer to Cambridge, and have been searching for a good neighborhood watering joint. The search is not over, but i know that the people's republik will be high up on my list. Dropped by last night with some friends, and loved the atmosphere inside. Bartender was friendly, if a tad busy, but the beer selection was good. We were told though that they don't do pitchers...what happened to the socialist communitarian spirit?? Will continue going back.
(4)Amanda J.
I guess this is worth 2.5 stars but I rounded up because I had so much fun. It's not exactly the cleanest - avoid the bathrooms if you can - but for a real cheap price I got a UFO on tap and there was plenty of room for me and my friends to hang out and talk about the really great music they had playing in the background among other things. This was the third stop on our evening out and definitely the kind of place you go after you've already had a few. Definitely a dive bar, but hey, I like those.
(3)Andrew H.
I really wish that People's Republik was good. Really, really wish it was. The very first weekend that I lived in Boston, I took a walk from Harvard to Central (which at the time I considered to be a long walk), and the part of me that adores Communist kitsch went crazy when I walked by. I told myself, "I need to go to that bar as soon as possible". Well, it actually took me just over a year of living in the area (7 months of it spent living literally less than 2 blocks from the bar) to get there, and now I'm not upset that it did. Limited beer selection, hip and douche-filled crowd, and an apathetic-to-a-fault bartender who apparently gets pissed if you don't tip him to what he would consider to be a reasonable amount all left a bad taste in my mouth. I much prefer passing by this place and thinking to myself how cool it looks and remembering before I went there how cool I thought it could be than actually being there. You want a nice neighborhood bar? Go to the Plough & Stars. You want to pay cash and feel uncomfortable with your surroundings but actually have a good time? Go to the Cantab.
(2)Tenley W.
You like beer? You like a good communist theme? You like huge boots and also some sort of missile? Done and done. No seriously though, I like this place. They have a lot of beer on tap, plenty of tables to gather round with your crew as long as you get there early enough. Also, I'm not sure if this is a big deal because I don't normally do the whole darts thing, but they have three dart boards. Three! Is that a lot or a normal amount?
(4)Kristen A.
Four stars for the delicious sandwiches, two stars for the crappy service. There wasn't anyone else in the place and we were still ignored for a long time before we were able to order food and beers. Also, we clearly wanted draft beer and were given bottles instead. I'd recommend it for lunch only if you have time to wait around and don't mind being ignored. 'Cause the sandwiches are pretty damn good.
(3)Heather B.
I don't drink, but People's Republik is a fun bar to hang out in with comrades I'm designated driving. It has darts, clean bathrooms, and a great atmosphere. Croppings of thin high tables surrounded by bar stools help your group huddle close and banter about the common good... or the next round of drinks.
(4)Eric B.
People's is both great and awful depending on what time you go. It's great if it's early - it's easy to snag a dart table and equally easy to snag a drink. It's awful when it's late and crowded as it's pretty impossible to move and good luck getting a drink. But armed with KNOWLEDGE and FACTS; I only go when I know it's not crazy busy and I love this place. Just beware drunken dart players when it's crowded; they are handling sharp objects after all.
(4)Adam G.
Ok, so this place is one of the most famous bars in cambridge. That being said I had high expectations for the place. And be kind to me: I love myself a drinking establishment. This place is alright. Not as good as you'd expect. Draft selection is average, I've never had the food, and the environment is what you'd expect. This place bases it's existence off of it's name and for trying to be one of the most ironic destinations of the night. I've had a few nights where I ended a pub crawl here, where my friends are falling asleep in their beer, and I'm barely capable of functioning. I've also been here in a totally sober coherent state. Both such occasions generate the same reaction from me. Average beer, average price, add a twinge bit of irony, some cambridge attitude, and a generally good crowd and you'll get 3 stars from me. See you soon, average drinking establishment. I'll be sure to wear one of my ironic communist t-shirts so that I can be your average customer. Shower optional.
(3)Kunal M.
a huge missile in the bar on the wall with a huge socialist feel to it. love this place. its a cool bar in central square on mass avenue with a lot of students. Nothing has really changed in this place except the prices.
(5)Mickey M.
I don't go to the People's Republik too often, but it's a good time whenever i do go there. They have great beer choices, and even though it gets crowded you don't feel overwhelmed by it. It's kind of out of the way from other places though.
(3)Liza N.
Love love love this place. I'd even go so far as to call it my favorite neighborhood hangout. On a crowded weekend night it's fun in a non-abrasively over the top way, on a more chill weekday night it's nice to grab a couple of cheap-o decent beers with friends. Every once in awhile it has a funny smell, even when it's not crowded. Minus 1. They serve hot dogs most of the time. Plus 1. Dartboards! 2 of them! Plus 2! USSR THEMED! Plus 10! total: who cares. win.
(5)Cassie H.
A friend and I stopped in for a late lunch after some shopping and girl time. Amazing cheeseburger and fries. It was pretty empty at 2pm on a Monday, but the bar-style food was amazing!
(4)Cory Q.
The bartenders at this place think that they are wicked cool, actually they are wicked tools. It's kind of a pick up spot and can be fun after 1. Prices are pretty good. Good place for darts.
(2)Jason H.
It goes without saying that communist-themed entertainment is always and everywhere a good thing.
(5)Brennon S.
A reason to travel to Central Square. The People's Republik has a down-homey feel to it that exudes comfort. Even though the college kids might get a tad rowdy at the dartboards or over the football game, the crowd is generally relaxed, easy-going, and fun. I held my 26th birthday at the Republik and it was totally memorable and definitely easy to sequester an entire chunk of the bar to ourselves. There's no table service, so you'll have to sidle up to the bar, but the bartenders are surprisingly nimble on their feet and will serve you within moments. For the drunk munchies, there is nothing, I say NOTHING better than the $2.50 hotdogs, served all night. They're not withered and gross like old man penis -- they're plump and juicy like young man penis. That's a horrible analogy. You catch my drift: they're delectable, cheap, and disappear quickly. I try to hit this place up whenever I'm meeting small or large groups of friends because it's straight-up awesome and I heart it.
(5)Derek B.
Relaxed and chill environment with a Soviet flair, at least in terms of decorations. This place definitely beats to the steps of its own communist drummer. Despite the commentary, bartenders have always been great to me, though it is true they might have a "unique" perspective on life if you get them talking. I've never been there on any night when it's too packed or crowded, and often this is a great place to have a group of friends meet up when the other bars have lines, or are just full of the type of people you know would likely never go to People's Republik.
(4)David H.
Worker's of Cambridge, unite! This is the bar for the average thirsty proletariat! I most certainly enjoy sipping on fine Russian vodka whilst reading my favorite book, the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, here in this most wonderful of Capitalist pubs. Comrade Lenin would most certainly smile in his mausoleum if he heard of such a fine establishment. When I am not having fun playing Tetris, this is where I come to pass the day. And now joke from Yakov Smirnoff: In America, you get Car Bomb. In Soviet Union, car bomb gets you!
(4)Marek S.
I was there last night with my brother and my cousin from Krakow PL. Had alot of fun and met a really interesting person. First girl I ever met who was as interested in WWII History in the east as I am. Stayed in bed till almost 1:00 today...UGH! my head still hurts a little. Very different atmosphere a potluck stew of people in there from all walks of life.. I was a little drunk well alot drunk. Someone was singing the Russian anthem so I followed it up with a soldatenlieder
(4)Phil M.
Peoples Republik, has some great memorabilia on the wall. It is a good dive bar, cheap brew and it gets pretty crowded. But overall, a good bar. Nills, the bar keep, is a solid bartender and a great person to have there. His taste in music is good too, my buddies love Phish and jam music...which is why we went there when Nills was working. I could care less what music is played as long as there are darts, good people and beer around. Always a pleasure to be there.
(4)Nick H.
Disclaimer : This review is completely based on it being a drinking establishment. I've never been there for the food. That said. Pretty great spot to go drink. They've got a really nice selection of ales ranging from UFO to Magic Hat a few others I'm unfamiliar with. They also have several dart boards, and they are actually taken care of. You'll find your usual Cambridge mix of people. It's always been a friendly environment when I've been there. So why only 3 stars? 1. Cash only. This really irks me. 2. Service. I've waited for up to 10 minutes standing at the bar for service, and this is when it's really not all that crowded. 3. Music. They play music off one of the staffs ipod. Everytime I've been there they have put on an album and let it play through, so if they put on an artist your not fond of, you'll really be tired of it 14 tracks later.
(3)Asha P.
This is one of my favorite places ever to spend a friday or saturday night at. The atmosphere is great (definitely love the theme), the drink prices are reasonable, the beer is awesome, and the people there are pretty chill for the most part. Sometimes it gets super crowded to the point that I'm like, why even bother trying to squeeze a couple of dart boards in here? But it usually calms down around midnight or later. It does kinda suck that the place is cash only, but maybe that is what allows them to keep their prices low.
(4)Yr P.
Really dug the vibe in here in winter 2008...but it's been a while, so I won't write much else.
(4)