The Middle East Clubs: Upstairs, Downstairs, Sonia & ZuZu
The TicketWeb Inside Scoop
The Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub was founded in 1970 by the Sater family. Originally opened as a restaurant, the establishment added the first music venue in 1975 (which is now the Middle East Upstairs), and continued to expand the institution over the decades, adding the Corner and the Downstairs in 1988. The Sater family's Lebanese heritage has been a large contributing factor to the unique and ornate atmosphere the club, guaranteeing a memorable experience for all. With performances from bands of every genre imaginable accessible to enjoy seven nights a week, and venue capacities from 100 to 550 people, The Middle East offers something special for everyone. In recent years the club has won multiple awards, including Boston's best mid sized venue. The club also made Rolling Stone's 2013 Venue's That Rock list.
Adding to the exclusivity of the club, this past 2014 owners Joseph and Nabil Sater bought the building in its entirety, solidifying it as a memorable landmark within the heart of Central Square. This accomplishment makes The Middle East the only independently owned and operated venue in town.
In 2017, The Saters opened a new club, Sonia, named after their sister at an existing location connected to the building at 10 Brookline St.
Additionally to its four premier venues, The Middle East still serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. With an ethnic cuisine, inspired by the Sater family's roots, the menu is a collection of Middle Eastern classics with various American additions.
Adding to the exclusivity of the club, this past 2014 owners Joseph and Nabil Sater bought the building in its entirety, solidifying it as a memorable landmark within the heart of Central Square. This accomplishment makes The Middle East the only independently owned and operated venue in town.
In 2017, The Saters opened a new club, Sonia, named after their sister at an existing location connected to the building at 10 Brookline St.
Additionally to its four premier venues, The Middle East still serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. With an ethnic cuisine, inspired by the Sater family's roots, the menu is a collection of Middle Eastern classics with various American additions.
Upcoming Events
You'll Love It Here
A truly independently run venue and the cornerstone of Cambridge, MA Central Square neighborhood.
Famous Acts to Perform Onstage
Dick Dale, The Damned, KRS-One, Shellac, Dinosaur Jr., The Gaslight Anthem, The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer, The Mighty Mighty BossToneS, Dropkick Murphys, Harry and the Potters.
Click here to check out our upcoming events!Eat Here
Full restaurant open until midnight!
Location
The Middle East (Upstairs, Downstairs, Corner & ZuZu)
472-480 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Sonia
10 Brookline St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 864-3278
How to get here:Red Line MBTA to Central Sq.
Parking:Parking available at lots around Cambridge.
Upcoming Events
February 2026
Fri
February 20, 2026
Fri
February 27, 2026
