Club Passim

Live music venue · Cambridge

Club Passim

Live music venue · Cambridge

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47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Club Passim by null
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Club Passim by null
Club Passim by null
Club Passim by null
Club Passim by null
Club Passim by null
Club Passim by null
Club Passim by null
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Club Passim by null
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Club Passim by null
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Highlights

Intimate folk club with legendary history, great music, and good food  

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47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Get directions

passim.org
@clubpassim

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47 Palmer St, Cambridge, MA 02138 Get directions

+1 617 492 7679
passim.org
@clubpassim
𝕏
@clubpassim

$$

Reserve

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Last updated

Sep 6, 2025

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A legendary folk room since 1958, Passim nurtures new voices and hosts beloved artists in an intimate, listening-first space. Documented in music histories and active citywide with free outdoor summer shows, it also runs the Passim School of Music.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/Club-Passim-Brings-Free-Summer-Concerts-Across-Cambridge-20250616
Things to Do in Cambridge (2025)
View Postcard for Club Passim

Esther Paris

Google
Saw Christine Lavin here 1/31/2025. Had a great time! Came when doors opened and had a delightful dinner, gluten-free. My daughter also enjoyed her (gluten) dinner. The concert was fantastic. The place is VERY cozy (a nice term for shoulder-to-shoulder) but everyone has a seat. The price for reserved seats is the same price as general admission. We had general admission and had a great view of the stage. You have to buy tickets fast as there are only about 75 seats. The restroom is a bit rough, not fancy at all. Overall, I highly recommend seeing a concert here. You won't regret it. Oh, and it's an easy walk from the Harvard Red Line station. As far as I can tell, it is NOT handicap accessible. I think it would be tough even on crutches; you have to navigate steep stairs to enter.

P Contini

Google
Walked by this venue so many times and finally got to experience it last night. Very quaint setting! Tables are very close to one another and seating is tight. We did not eat here but the food looked great. Extensive drink menu with plenty of non alcoholic choices too. Very fair pricing! Very friendly volunteer run hosts! So great to have this establishment so close by!

Jeff Munsie

Google
Visited for the first time to see one of my favorite musicians perform. An absolutely lovely venue so small that my seat at the back of the room was no more than 40' from the stage! Very friendly, attentive, helpful and kind staff. Looking forward to visiting again!

MChris

Google
Located down an alley into a basement but it's the original site of the historic Club 47 where many legends like Dylan, Raitt ,Rush and even Jimmy Buffett played.Food is reasonably priced healthy and tasty.Butternut soup and Black Bean Burger,vegan friendly. Intimate table..communal style..2 restrooms,friendly, knowledgeable staff,especially Matt Smith,the manager.

Susan Jones

Google
Great music, intimate setting, excellent staff and yummy food.

Tim Russell

Google
Went for dinner and a show. They were out of all draft beers. Got a salad and black bean burger. The salad was delicious, the burger was eh... BUT the reason you come to Passim is the music. We saw Brother Brothers and loved it. They even brought a special guest on stage. Can't wait to go back to hear more music.

Harold Kozlowski

Google
Legendary folk venue. The place is intimate, and by that I mean tiny! Maybe 100 people in a room the size of a small garage? They really seat you close so be prepared to get to know your neighbors. Food us pretty good too.

Francesca Gordini

Google
Incredible music selection year round for all price points! Food is good and healthy options are available, too. Personally, I enjoyed a delicious butternut squash salad with feta cheese with a side of meat that was extremely satisfying. Seating is a bit tight but allows for some sort of "communal table" that proved to be a good solution if you're also trying to meet new people, too. It also keeps the place organized and neat, but prevents from dancing should the music be appropriate for it. It's a must if you wish to listen to some good live music and venture in an almost historic music venue!!
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Eliza N.

Yelp
I love this venue. It is a historical bedrock place in folk, jazz and blues music. Intimate and welcoming. Great visionary artists come here to perform and you will get amazing performances. The food and drink here are very good. Some venues have meh! I loved the burger, fries, cauliflower bites and pale ale. You can get anything you want at Passim
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Sarah A.

Yelp
Great experience here seeing Puerto Rican cuatro player Fabiola Mendez. The space opens at 7 for 8pm shows and you can order drinks and food from a limited, but tasty menu. We opted for their Passim burger with thyme fries on a brioche bun which exceeded my expectations for a place that's primarily a music venue. I thought the food would be more of an afterthought but it was equivalent to a casual bistro or gastropub. We sat right in the front row which was amazing for the experience and pics but I would recommend maybe bringing some ear protection if you sit this close. Our show was supposedly sold out but we lucked out that the folks seated next to us didn't show- otherwise I could see that one would be really packed in here as the seating is extremely close together. The performance was amazing! We absolutely loved the show and the intimate vibes. I also really appreciated that Fabiola took some time to explain her instrument, some Puerto Rican history and her experience growing up playing a folk instrument. She graduated from Berklee in 2018 and also brought in a Cuban tres player named Olivia Soler Espinosa in the latter part of her performance who is currently studying at Berklee. Another cool aspect of this place was the mixed ages. There was a good representation of older folks who looked like they have been coming to Passim since the 60s as well as younger folks in their 20s and 30s as well as folks in between. Anyone should feel welcome here.
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Andres R.

Yelp
This musical venue is a beloved and intimate institution in the folk music genre, with a long history luminaries performing there, such as Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Muddy Waters, and Tom Rush, to name a few. Last evening my better half and I attended a concert celebrating Women's History Month, starring Fabiola Mendez, singer and Puerto Rican Cuatro player, with special guest Olivia Soler Espinosa, a scholarship Berklee student specializing in the Cuban Tres, and opening act by Gabriella Simpkins, singer composer from Cape Cod. It was simply a magical experience. Club Passim has a Folk Collective, which is a quarterly gathering of twelve select artists, musicians, and cultural thought leaders. More information contact shea@passim.org. There's also an associated school of music, with courses listed at passim.org/school-of-music. The club opens an hour before the show, and there's a nice selection of dinner and drink options. There's paid street parking in Harvard Square, but I suggest you allow sufficient time for parking hunting.

Jess S.

Yelp
Favorite venue and delicious food. Staff are so welcoming that you feel like you're in someone's living room. Too musical talent and good acoustics. It's magical to sit so close - all while enjoying good food and drinks in a casual atmosphere. And they've got gluten free hamburger buns, if you need that as an option (as I do).
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Jody W.

Yelp
Absolutely wonderful venue. I've known about Club Passim for most of my adult life and finally made it to see a Richard Shindell show this past weekend. The show was sold out, so prepare to be cozy with neighboring tables/people. The food and drink list was surprisingly varied and of excellent quality. Our show was at 5pm, so we opted for snacks instead of something larger: guacamole/chips and the hummus plate. I had a glass of Spanish red wine and tasted the cider...yum. The sandwiches, salads and other food looked outstanding. Bathrooms are labeled "anyone" and "everyone". And...get this....I used the facilities right after a nice gentleman....and....he put the seat down!!! So, the crowd was nice; service was great and the show was fabulous.
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Lin B.

Yelp
OH WOW- It really doesn't get any better than this place for local music. Incredible musician/performers and wait staff and food were top notch!
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Jacqueline S.

Yelp
Raw oysters are the best. Bone marrow is a great. Thank you, Dr. Jacqueline Sacco MD PhD

Javier S.

Yelp
I love the atmosphere of this venue. All the staff and performers are clearly passionate about music and it shows in their impeccable work. Food and beverage selection is a bit limited though, so look up the menu beforehand.
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Nancy M.

Yelp
This is an intimate space to see and hear live music. The tables for two are just inches apart, so it is not possible to have a private conversation. The limited menu has a lot of healthy choices. I liked the hummus plate. My companion enjoyed his salmon burger and fries. The chicken dumplings were deep-fried instead of pan-fried, so they were too crispy overall for my taste. Arrive an hour before the show to enjoy a meal. It does offer wine and beer. Service becomes spotty once the room fills up and becomes noisy. Sitting in the first table next to the stage, we had to get up to go find our waiter when the crowds descended.
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Vivian C.

Yelp
I took a look at the seating chart before heading over to my first concert at Club Passim - it is a lot tighter in person! The square tables were lined with metal folding chairs placed in close proximity to one another. If all the seats were filled, it would be very crowded. But fortunately for us (if not for the entertainers) the seats behind us were empty. To sit at these tables, each person is supposed to order at least $5 worth of food. The stage is also a lot smaller than I had presumed. But it made for a much cozier experience. And I had a great time cause both the opening act (Seth Glier) and the main show (Kevin So) were fun and funny. Our dishes arrived just after the lights went off as the show was about to start, so we couldn't really see what we ate and the pictures turned out fuzzy. There were large florets of broccoli in the mac & cheese which was of a decent portion. The large half and half pizza ($11.75) of Safe'n Sound with spinach and Dinner for Henry arrived sliced in four quarters and was pretty good, but slightly too crispily burned in spots. I preferred Henry's side, especially the part covered with the fresh mozzarella. The waitress was friendly and checked up on us often enough, while still allowing us to enjoy the concert. She also offered to split our check or consolidate based on our preference when we placed our orders. Bathrooms, there are two, and they are for either gender! That I like! The men can wait along with us women. ;) They validate for parking at University Parking ($6), but make sure you get your white ticket back along with the yellow validation ticket. Sometimes they have volunteers helping out who may or may not know how this validation thing is handled.

Gail M.

Yelp
My friends and I had a great time today at Club Passim's music brunch. It was fun having bluegrass being performed in the background. And, it wasn't so loud or obtrusive that we couldn't chat/catch up with each other, as we were there for a mini-reunion of four friends. The waitstaff was friendly and patient, and we all loved our meals which were attractive-looking, fresh, and yummy, and healthy too! While this place is fairly well known in Cambridge, Harvard Square, Boston, etc. for its live music, many may not know what may be a well-kept secret that the Club has music brunches on Sundays. You should definitely check it out.
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Jan F.

Yelp
It was an unforgettable experience at Passim which immediately left me longing for another.
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Gretchen B.

Yelp
I went to college in Boston, moved away for a couple of years and came back 20+ years ago. Can you believe in all that time I had NEVER been to Passim?? Cut to a few weeks ago...I went to my first show there and I fell in love with the place. It's so cozy, warm and friendly. The live music is off the chain...such amazing artists are coming through there all the time. The food/drinks are fantastic too. I went back on Halloween night for Peter Mulvey's Lamplighter series featuring Ali McGuirk, Tim Gearan and Thank God For Science. I had a blast. It was the best Halloween I've had in awhile. This is probably my favorite live music venue now. It only took me 20+ years to finally come and experience it.
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Karen W.

Yelp
Nice local performance music venue, tight-knit community. Reasonably-priced food service during shows and supports local emerging artists. The seating is always really packed in, so it makes getting around and sitting a bit tight.
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Joey M.

Yelp
Really great place to see a show. Small venue, either you can purchase a specific table seat or just do GA and see what you find the night of. They have a limited drink menu (heavily repping CBC) and a decent choice of foods, though i've never actually eaten here. Its been around forever and feels that way. The shows vary in popularity but its a really small and intimate venue, so I've seen some pretty great shows up close and personal. Highly recommend you check it out!
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Kelly P.

Yelp
Live music and brunch- loved it! Locally owned still means something. Photos show history.

Lynn R.

Yelp
I came to brunch today with 11 other women. We had a reservation. We were seated right away at our table. When our waitress came to take our order should took 6 of our orders and then walked away. She eventually came back about 10-15 minutes later and took the rest of our order. When the food started to arrive, only the first 6 meals came out. After waiting for a little while we asked where out meals were and were told they were coming. By the time the other 6 meals were out (served lukewarm) the first 6 had finished their meals. We complained to the manager. We were informed that the person now service us was the manager. At the end of the meal even though we asked twice for separate bills, one bill came. We asked for separate bills again. The manager came back and said they are going to comp the whole meal but not because of what happened but because we were told that we were very rude. We were not, we just were asking where our food was. I was very taken aback about how disrespectful we were treated. And this was a jazz Bruch. We arrived at 11:30 and left at 1 pm and I think they played for all of 15 minutes. Never again.
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Neil K.

Yelp
This is a great venue to see live folk/acoustic music. I was fortunate to be here for one of their campfire weekends - basically a non-stop festival of folk and acoustic performers sharing the stage. Its a pretty neat setup as groups of 3 or 4 musicians take turns playing their songs. Often, they'll even play backup for each other. If you can't make it to one of the live shows, you can also catch a live streaming feed from their website. Club Passim is a non-profit music venue that has been serving the community for over 4 decades. They don't serve alcohol here, but they do share space with Veggie Planet, so you can order some great vegetarian food and non-alcoholic drinks.
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Caroline A.

Yelp
Amazing local venue and restaurant. What a hidden gem tucked away in Cambridge. I went here on a weekday night for dinner and a show and was blown away by the quality of music for such an intimate venue. This place can hold about 100 people seated for dinner and/or drinks and every seat is a great one. As a bonus, tickets are so reasonable and they offer even more specials if you're a student or member. I love that they're a non-profit that supports artists to feature their sound. On top of all that, the dinner I had was great. I would recommend the Passim Burger which comes with rosemary fries. The perfect dessert was the warm bread pudding. It's a huge portion that can be shared between two people. Go enjoy yourself!
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Lisa S.

Yelp
Last night, I went to the Peter Bradley Adams show (opened by Danielle Ate a Sandwich). Tickets were $15 each for table seats, which came to $18.50 or so after taxes. I ordered online and there was no processing or delivery fees, which was nice. When you purchase tickets, you can pick where you want to be seated (which tables, or chairs, etc). The show started at 8pm, and the ticket said they do not hold tables after the starting time. The doors opened at 630pm and tables have a $5 min food/drink per person. We arrived around 7-715, and there were already people seated, enjoying food from Veggie Planet. The tables were crammed in pretty close together, and if you have less than 4 people in your group, expect to sit with strangers. When we arrived, the place was really really warm but it cooled off later in the show. It was also about 90 degrees in Veggie Planet, where you have to stand while waiting in line for the bathroom. I like Veggie Planet (it's great for vegetarians or vegans) so I was excited to eat dinner there before/during the show. For drinks, they offer 2 beers and a decent number of wines for $5-6. I had prosecco, which was tasty. We ordered garlic knots (I love, my friend was neutral) and pizzas, which are really more like flatbreads- my friend ordered the Portobello Redhead and I ordered the Vegan Oddlot. Both were really good. We ordered the smalls and took half of our pizza home. The waitress and waiter working last night were surprisingly nice and attentive. The show pretty much started on time (8pm) and ended around 10:30. The room was quite intimate and the acoustics were amazing. The room is so small that pretty much every seat has a great view. It's the perfect venue for quiet, intimate, acoustic shows.
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David N.

Yelp
Attended this tonight: https://tickets.passim.org/eventperformances.asp?evt=4152 A great night of witty, poignant, intelligent folk music and funny stage banter in the Club 47, Club Passim tradition. On stage together for the entire performance, the four profoundly talented veterans, Claudia Schmidt, Jim Infantino, Geoff Bartley and Cosy Sheridan performed to a packed house, played beautifully off each other and sang on topics that are as contemporary and relevant now as songs they sang when they were younger but with the additional wisdom and performance chops that come with experience and age. I join the audience in hoping Passim does more of this.
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Carolyn G.

Yelp
If you're looking for yet another reason to venture into Harvard Square...this is it! Club Passim has just begun their Live Music Brunch and it's fabulous. This club has been around since 1958. Known for their folk music and wide selection of contemporary artists in that genre. The brunch was relaxing and mellow, perfect for a lazy weekend. Wonderful brunch menu with delish food served piping hot. The music was perfect for conversation. Hats off to the staff for a job well done. It's a cozy place so be sure to make a reservation! Then go back in the evening for yet another great experience!
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Kristen H.

Yelp
This venue is one of my most favorites. The is a certain energy there like no other. For me, it's almost a spiritual place of sorts. I feel grateful I've gotten to experience this space on numerous occasions. The food is amazing as well. Highly recommend!
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William F.

Yelp
Worth seeing a show at just for the unique lounge atmosphere. When you arrive, everyone is seated at a table, where you seem to remain throughout the show. We saw a sort of jazzy act, so maybe that explains it, but I think this still a place to sit and enjoy the music rather than a raucous concert hall. The drinks are reasonably priced for Harvard Square too.
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Pito S.

Yelp
You probably didn't know that Passim also has a Sunday brunch. It is actually really really good and there's music as well without an added cover charge. You should definitely check it out it is really really delicious!

Becky E.

Yelp
Club Passim is an institution. I've been going here for so many years that I can't even remember what my first show was! Yes, they pack you in like sardines, but that's part of the joy of being with a live audience. The food is always great, and they mixed up their menu a few years ago to add in some new options. The servers and hosts are really in it for the music. And you won't get a better crowd than the kind of people who like the music Passim plays. I wish them well in their recovery and encourage everyone to support them any way they can--tune in online, become a member, or go in person with your vax card. Here's hoping to many more seasons with this powerhouse of folk music around.
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Ilene F.

Yelp
I hate to rain on the hippie parade here, but you've got to be kidding me. I have all the respect in the world for the folks who came up through this institution, but every time I've gone there in the past three years, the experience has grown considerably worse. I usually end up going solo, because the performer is some weirdo that none of my friends are into (like Issa - formerly Jane Siberry), I'm happy to attend these things alone, but it inevitably means getting seated with somebody else's party and making small talk. I can live with that. I'm then held hostage by Veggie Planet's outrageously poor service and bumbling waitstaff delivering food more than halfway into the set. Take a page from Johnny D's or the Regatta Bar, and have some respect not only for the people on stage, but those of us who pay good money to see them, and don't care who had the "butternut squash and groat casserole." I like the intimacy of the place, but again, between getting my chair bumped, my feet stepped on, and some liquid getting poured on or near me with frightening regularity, let's just say it breaks the connection. Yes, yes, venerable history and all that. That's why there are two stars here and not one. How can a vegetarian restaurant not make a decent salad? Sheesh!
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Rachel A.

Yelp
This is space is SUPER crowded to the point of claustrophobia - the best description I can give is trying to find a modicum of comfort in a totally packed airplane while you're in the middle row. I was continually bumped into by the wait staff, had to move so the waiter's arm wasn't on top of my face, and spent ~30 minutes in such proximity to my tablemate that all I could smell was brussel sprouts (NOT a favorite) and hear him chewing. On top of all this, the club sold my friend's seat (who couldn't make it) to a walk-in and then asked if that was "okay" when the original half to my four-person table arrived and I got confused why there were (theoretically) five people for four seats. (No heads-up, no apology, no offer of a refund.) I understand that my opinion is the anomaly, but I was so uncomfortable and annoyed with the club's behavior that it completely ruined both the show I attended and any chance of going back.
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Lu B.

Yelp
One of the biggest reasons that I love this city is the music scene. There are a ton of live music venues that support local indie, rock and pop music; but when it comes to local folk and singer-songwriter there is nothing that even compares to Passim. Passim has daily live performances from up and coming artists and local legends alike. This place has a BIG reputation on the folk scene; but as a venue it is intimate; seating is at tables, and you will be seated at a table with other people if you come in a pair or small group. Food is brought in from Veggie Planet, making it healthy, vegetarian/vegan friendly and delicious. Unlike too many music venues that will offer you watered down mixed drinks at outrageous prices; Passim keeps it simple with a small, but nice, selection of beer and wine. Or coffee and chocolate, if you prefer to go that route. Wait, there's more! Passim is not only a truly legendary live music venue; as a non-profit organization they also offer classes and workshops for adults and kids. In summary; Club Passim not only provides an incredible experience for music fans; but they also passionately promote and nurture local music and musicians. At Club Passim, musical history meets the future music scene and they make sweet, sweet noise that keeps me coming back for more.
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Jason M.

Yelp
Passim is the most sincere music venue I've ever been in. The speakers are ruggedly hung from the ceiling with metal chains, loud enough to give you the best possible sound but janky enough to be charming. The backdrop is sagging in center stage, some of its clips unevenly hung forcing the letters to be askew. The chairs are close together and drinks are served in old plastic tumblers that were probably purchased at a Dollar General in 1986. The room is small, making everyone constantly aware of anyone leaving to go to the restroom. It's not a venue. It's a music community. The clientele skews young to old, hipster to former disco scenester. At the end of the day, people who come here dig good music. And the music? Priceless. From Girlman to Dan Bern, you'll find some of the most talented, genuine musicians touring. Passim gives me hope for the future of the music industry.
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Frank Dixon G.

Yelp
THE small club for live music in Harvard Square. They get the best acts, consistently.
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Ari M.

Yelp
If you love folk music, this review isn't for you, since you already know all I am about to say. Passims is a landmark. It's one of the most famous folk music clubs in the United States. Everybody has played here and it still remains a place for new artists to get their start. It's size really doesn't match it's reputation, and I think the unsuspecting out-of-town preformer is shocked by how intimate a venue it is. As far as the food goes. . .I am not a vegetarian. I am a meat eater. I love meat. BUT the food is actually really very tasty. So don't worry about eating before a show, it's safe to grab dinner here during it.
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Scott B.

Yelp
I'll just say it... I'm a boozehound. I like my concerts with a side of PBR and my ass on a barstool. With that in mind, Club Passim holds some awesome concerts on the humblest of stages... a lot of lesbian folky stuff... and I, being an honorary card carrying lesbian myself, don't mind the music one bit. The space is rather small and awkward, and it fills me with domesticity when I'm at a show with mothers and fathers and children... but not a bad place to catch a show if you love the band... and from what I hear, it's a good place to dine vegetarian style as well.
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Cloie H.

Yelp
Dear Club Passim, I have a huge crush on you. I talk about you all the time; to the point of which is making my boyfriend crazy jealous. But when he starts to fume I just point out the fact that he is crushing on you just as much. Why you ask... Why, do we harbor these feelings for you? Well... First off you have an alter ego name Veggie Planet, a restaurant devoted to delectable vegetarian goodies so yumtastic that my before mentioned sweetie (who is a 100% meatatrian) will gladly eat there. Secondly, your lodging is just what it should be; a little ram-shackled and cluttered but full of love and brick walls. Thirdly, you sound awesome, and you are totally into improving your sound and sharing it with others. If I didn't know any better I would think that you are a hippie commune trying to get people to enroll and "feel the love"; which, considering the fact that I have a total crush on you, has worked completely so good job on that one. Fourthly, you love you some local artists, and this fact makes my folkie loving heart swell with happiness. You are the only destination if you are craving some Chris O'Brien and Band with a side of black bean pizza; or some Antje Duvekot and Dinner for Henry (a most delicious pizza). I was craving the former on Saturday and you delivered it with a freakin' awesome PEACH lime rickey! Shut up so good! Raspberry lime rickey is love... Peach lime rickey is lust! And Chris & Band, you blew the roof off with greatness (banjo player and stand-up bass, I also have a crush on each of you now, respectively of course). Though I am crushing on you I want to let you know that your seating arrangement is a bit tight, you might want to think about offering your followers just a few more inches of room than the 3" of personal space come with the table seating, and you might want to think about accepting credit cards too. There is so much more I could say about you, but I fear this review is already bordering on lengthy. So you keep on with your folkie, green, earthy crunchy, veggie lovin' ways and I will keep on crushing on you. Love, Cloie
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Kristin D.

Yelp
Club Passim is the haunting grounds for many indy folk musicians, some notably are Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal. Here I see some of my favorites when they come pass by, Kris Delmhorst and Dar Williams. The club is a little small-cozy, but you are so close to the musicians its personal. Within the club is Veggie Planet-better then best in vegan and vegetarian meals. It tastes fresh and flavorful. Tickets for a show can be $15.00 anywhere up to $25.00. Their website www.clubpassim.org accepts credit cards on their website and at the venue. Veggie Planet only accepts cash for their meals. Staff is respectful and chill.
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Ginger G.

Yelp
We had a beautiful day today. It was our first visit and Club Passim is such a great venue. We enjoyed, not only an inspiring show during their Campfire Festival, but an excellent meal as well. Their Passim Burger is deeelicious. My husband has been talking about it since we left this afternoon. Truly the best burger either of us have ever had. We will be back again for sure.
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John A.

Yelp
A great venue for trying out new songs! I finally got around to checking out Club Passim after hearing many good things about their open mic sessions and shows. I was so impressed with the stage setup and the house stage equipment. Everything was very professionally done and the sound quality was great. I will definitely be back to play more open mic sessions here. The crowd was a bit folky-earthy-crunchy for me but it was a good time and good vibe nonetheless. Club Passim is an excellent small venue with great setup and sound but unfortunately I don't think I'll ever check out a show here. I'm aware that Club Passim has a lot of history and is very important in the folk music scene but the ticket prices are just too high. Yes, I would love to go see Stephen Kellogg later this month but at $32 a ticket I'm simply priced out of the show. The really confusing thing here is that Club Passim is a non-profit.
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Mike B.

Yelp
I'm from out of town - state - and country. I've been to Club Passim a few times but only for specific shows so I haven't been able to explore the venue to its full extent. However, I've been to it enough that I can understand its seeming legendary status. It has a great community vibe. Of the few times I've been, there are people I recognize from previous visits. Something like that is important for a place like this and also likely hard to attain so that's definitely a plus. It's also a great performing venue - at least from a spectator perspective. There have been shows there that I've wanted to go to but couldn't (due to my being from so far away) but the shows I have seen have always been excellent. The downsides? It's cramped and tight. Good when it comes to watching performers but it's easy to get interrupted when drinks are being ordered and delivered. It's a tight squeeze. Other than that, I do look forward to coming here any time I'm in town.
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C P.

Yelp
Passim has some great acoustic and folk acts. I was just there this weekend to see Girlyman--a personal favorite. If you want a good view of the band, you have to buy a table seat. First of all, the tables seat four, so if you only buy two tickets you'll end up seated with two strangers, who may or may not be enjoyable conversationalists or savory dinner companions. Keep in mind the tables are very very small and you will be playing footsy and bumping knees with these people for a couple of hours. After experiencing several stilted conversations with awkward people, I now buy 4 tickets for a show and force my friends to come with me. Second, if you spring for the close-to-the-stage tables, that also means you have to spend $$ on the food. I can't remember the minimum, I think it is $5 a person. I guess now with the new alcohol license that isn't so bad, but before it pretty much meant you were required to order dinner from the Veggie Planet menu. So there you are, as close to people as you are on an airplane but with less aisle room, sitting in a folding chair, and forced to order the gag-worthy food from Veggie Planet. Let me elaborate on the VP food because there seem to be a lot of crazy people out there that love it. I eat vegetarian often, I cook vegetarian often. This is not good vegetarian food. Here are the things I have tried: The peanut curry over rice. The curry was grainy and dry, the flavor was strange. The broccoli appeared to have been raw broccoli put on top of the sauce and then microwaved--not steamed or sauteed. So the broccoli was both tough, dry, stringy and had that microwaved-burned flavor. Sure enough, if you walk past the kitchen to get to the bathrooms, you see they have a long row of microwaves in action, each one going strong. In my opinion, good cooking does not happen in a microwave. I've tried to mac and cheese. It is really, really, really greasy and oily. When the lights come on at Passim, and you can really look at your meal, it is gross...like an oil slick on a plate. It's tasty with a beer though. The pizzas--I've tried the Safe N' Sound and the portabella/pepper. The bread is good, especially the crust part. But again, the toppings are over-oiled, and they sink quickly into the thin crust leaving the entire "pizza" part of the pizza a soggy, oily, slipper mess. I do appreciate that they use plenty of garlic and fresh basil on the Safe N' Sound but other than that, this is not great pizza. Better pizza, made in a similar thin-crust brick-oven style, can be had across the street at Cambridge 1. (Try their portabella pizza...now that is heaven.) I can say the portions are huge, although if you can eat a whole one of these oil-laden bombs, you might be spending some time in the bathroom later. The brownie is good but the service is so slow, that several times I have tried to order a brownie sundae and when I FINALLY get the waiter's attention (two waiters serving approx 100 people?!?!) they are out. The ice cream is from Christina's so that is always good. And the raspberry lime rickey is quite good and made with real raspberries. The music: excellent. The service/ambience: well, at least you are sitting down. The food: would never ever eat it if I wasn't there for the music. That's how much I love Girlyman!
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Andrea L.

Yelp
The ONLY thing that keeps me from awarding the 5th star is the crowding factor. But for some odd reason, that's a big one for me. But make no mistake, I am a BIG fan of Club Passim. The vibe, the ticket price, the intimate tables where you can stare at graham parker while you butcher his songs along with him. Sixteen years in Boston, and hanging out in Harvard Sq is always so bitchin! Unless you're really depressed/crying or have a limited amount of time to do an errand and have to find parking. Since Hard Rock moved to Boston proper, there's no better place nearby for music. Club Passim feels great. You're with other music lovers (and their sig others). Right off the T, right near & across from excellent & fun food/bar choices, good food, very affordable ticket prices (like Portland prices!!!!). Negatives: And of course, there's NO parking in Harvard Sq (but we're used to that). The table are close together. Getting to the bathroom is a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it's my just inner (and outer) Bull in China Shop talking. I just checked out their schedule and was very disappointed that no one I "had to see" was gonna be there for my trip. Next time, for sure!
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John W.

Yelp
Tourist in town for a couple of days lucked out at this place. Great hawaiian guitar concert in exactly the right venue. Intimate, friendly and a great heart. Whatever's on, you'll have a fun night.
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Argelia M.

Yelp
This is my favorite spot for live music. I always look forward to my annual pilgrimage to see Lori McKenna perform here. The staff is amazing and the food (ALL VEGAN) is good. This is my go to place for live music. If you're looking for a great spot to experience great music in an it image setting look no further! They are located in Cambridge just around the corner from Co-Op near Harvard. You can check their schedule online and even donate to their music program.
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Ethan B.

Yelp
When one thinks of live acoustic music in Boston this is where one pictures it. Forget the historical reasoning (by which I mean Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tracy Chapman, Susan Vega, etc. have all played here), instead, focus on what it is. What this place is is a cozy little venue where people go to listen to talented people make music and they get to do so for less than $20 bucks almost every night! I've been coming here since I was 8 and it is the model I use to compare other venues to. As a warning, this is a listening room. Do not come here to take a load off and chat with your friends, you will be scowled at most fiercely at best and told off by the performer at worse. This doesn't sit well with some of the crowd that loves gum flapping, but its because of this that for everyone that's come to listen, there is an intimate availability between yourself and the performer available on a nightly basis.
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Claire Y.

Yelp
I cannot think of anything better to have spent the last few hours of my stay in Boston with. Incredible venue with great musicians lineup. I almost missed my flight b/c I stayed here longer than I probably should've. Totally worth the adrenalin rush though - totally. I'd go back to Boston in a heartbeat just for this.
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Angelina C.

Yelp
I give everything 4 stars but these people deserve it. So I used to attend this hippy liberal arts college out in the country where co-ops were king (or fairly elected speaker of the people thereof) and vegetarian and vegan food were the norm. Everyone played the guitar and no one wore body products that had been tested on animals. A night at Club Passim to see an up-and-coming folk artist perform brought me right back to those days, complete with a few straggling alumni. Great music. Cute and easy-to-find location. Delicious home-made lemonade. Delightfully air-conditioned atmosphere. Fine, so I say "delicious" a lot, too. Best Sunday night, ever.
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Colleen B.

Yelp
The musicians are so close they practically spit on you as they sing. That's how close I like to be to my favorite bands. The sound is so perfectly clear and you're just drawn into the musicians world. How small is this place? Be prepared to literally squish into a table or chair to see your favorite band or singer. After hearing the glorious sounds of AM and The Rescues last week I'm hooked on this venue. The staff is great, except for the one server who was telling me where to stand while I waited for the bathroom. I guess she's the veteran of this tiny place so she knows best.
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Naitasia H.

Yelp
I came here to see Bobby Long on 9/2/09. Great show!! I honestly had no expectations for this place. I've seen the sign a few times in the square, but never really paid attention. It's a tiny place. It's wicked cute. I'm not really a fan of the food from Veggie Planet. But it's nice to see a place like Veggie Planet exists. The guy at the door was super friendly. I liked the close & intimate atmosphere of the venue. We had 2 seats at Table 1 closer to the back & I still had a great view of the show. The show was nearly 2 hours. The chairs got uncomfortable after a while. That's my only complaint.
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Anna P.

Yelp
If you miss tiny college folk concerts, this is the place to go. The food from Veggie Planet is delicious and the space is cozy. If you're seated next to strangers, strike up a conversation! Everyone I've encountered at Passim is insanely friendly. Club Passim also runs a great volunteer program: After training, you can volunteer to set up for shows and take people to their seats. In exchange, you get tickets to future shows, and a snack from Veggie Planet while you're on duty.
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Rachel P.

Yelp
Club Passim is a wonderful, intimate venue tucked away in Harvard Square. It shares space with Veggie Planet, a quirky little pizza-n-salads place that I recommend to all. If you go for a show, buy "dinner" tickets - they're the same price as regular seats, but they get you a lot closer to the action. The only catch is you then commit to spending $5 on food from Veggie Planet (there's table service during the shows) - but who on earth wouldn't want to spend $5 at Veggie Planet?!? Tip: when buying tickets online, you can request to be seated in a certain part of the venue (close to the stage, on the right, next to my friend Bob who bought his ticket separately, etc) and they will try to accomodate you. :)