About McCarthy's & Toad
McCarthy’s & Toad is a welcoming neighborhood Irish pub in Cambridge, MA, bringing together the best parts of casual dining, lively nightlife, and classic pub hospitality. Tucked away on Massachusetts Avenue, it offers a snug, inviting setting where guests can settle in for cold suds, hearty burgers, and nightly live music. The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, drawing in a hip, energetic crowd that comes for the entertainment and stays for the warm, social feel. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a late-night bite, McCarthy’s & Toad delivers the kind of experience that makes it easy to linger, relax, and enjoy the moment. What sets this pub apart is the full range of experiences it offers under one roof. Guests can dine in, take advantage of takeaway or delivery, or use the convenient on-site services depending on what fits their plans best. The bar features a strong beer selection, great cocktails, alcohol service, and food served right at the bar, making it an excellent choice for a casual meal or a night out. With live music, live performances, quiz nights, and dancing, there is always something happening to keep the energy high. For those looking for a more personal experience, the private dining room adds another layer of flexibility, while solo diners will also find the atmosphere comfortable and easy to enjoy on their own. McCarthy’s & Toad is built with comfort and accessibility in mind, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible toilet so more guests can visit with confidence and ease. The venue also includes a restroom, accepts reservations, and takes credit and debit cards for simple, convenient planning. Its reputation speaks for itself: customers have rated it 4.50 out of 5 based on 425 reviews, reflecting consistent appreciation for its fast service, great drinks, and memorable atmosphere. Casual, cozy, lively, and trendy all at once, McCarthy’s & Toad offers the kind of dependable neighborhood pub experience that keeps people coming back for good food, great company, and a night worth remembering.
Business Hours
Customer Reviews
10/10 the live music downstairs plus the weekly line dancing upstairs make it the best bar around. The food is also great, the drinks aren't overpriced and the service is amazing.
Great food and nice music. Be warned, the nacho plate is much larger than you expect (full-on light meal for two).
Incredible plant based menu! The best Buddha bowl you will find for miles (you heard me, life alive), and at $15! We also had the vegetarian Shepards pie, which was both hearty and healthy. So surprised to find such extensive vegetarian options just down the street. And delightful live music to boot!
Sunday comedy shows at toad are great, as well as Harry the bartender, such a cool dude and the best customer service.
Great pint, tasty food, and the staff are spot on. There’s a wonderful vibe to the place. The music playing always soothes the soul. Highly recommend.
First time visiting here and fun place and once in - Irish music was playing and great ambience. Very colorful atmosphere to hangout with friends and family
Excellent brunch menu items. Impressed with the plant menu options. The Buffalo cauliflower was incredible and the brunch items overall delicious. The Irish soda bread was a great touch and live music all around was a treat .
Love this bar! Have come for brunch - delicious. Have come for drinks - delicious. But mostly I come here on Fridays for the back room where you can see a really good live band for free. The place is always decorated for the holidays and it's always lovely. Definitely one of my top pubs in the area for sure.
Great local Irish pub that already feels like an institution, from the owners of The Burren. Excellent Guinness pour, large selection of other drinks, and the food is similar to the menu at The Burren, with pub favorites and a lot of veggie options. The space is extensively remodeled from the previous restaurant in the building, and is actually attached …
Another awesome Irish pub in Cambridge. The Guinness stew was excellent. But order the brussel sprouts, they are perfect! Beer was cold, food was hot and delicious. What else do you need?
