McCarthy’s & Toad

Located in Porter Square, McCarthy’s & Toad bring together a lively Irish pub, a welcoming music venue, and a calendar full of events
seven nights a week. At McCarthy’s, you’ll find hearty pub food alongside a strong plant-based menu, a well-poured pint of Guinness, and daily Irish session music from 7–10 PM. The pub also hosts regular events throughout the week, including open mic nights, trivia, line dancing, and acoustic shows upstairs. Sunday brunch has become a local
favorite.

Next door, Toad is the pint-sized neighborhood bar and music venue known for its intimate stage and eclectic lineup. Local musicians perform every night with no cover charge, with styles ranging from gypsy jazz and folk to rock, reggae, and late-night covers. Toad closed briefly in 2023 but reopened under the ownership of husband-and-wife duo, who also own The Burren in Somerville’s Davis Square and The Bebop in Boston. The pair purchased both Toad and the neighboring former Christopher’s space, transforming it into McCarthy’s while preserving Toad’s cozy, much-loved character.

Today, the two spaces are connected through a curtained doorway, creating a unique venue where guests can enjoy live music, good food, and great company all in one place. Family-run, welcoming, and always full of craic, McCarthy’s & Toad have quickly become one of Cambridge’s liveliest spots for music and a proper pint.