Ian W.
Yelp
Tap 151 opened this week at the new Cambridge Crossing mixed use development near the Lechmere MBTA Green Line station. This gastropub and sports bar offers a lively modern casual atmosphere with plenty of flatscreen TVs throughout and upbeat dance music pumping over the speakers. They have table seating, booth seating, high top tables and seating up at the U shaped full service bar. The bar drink menu offers 13 draft beers, bottled beers, wine list, mixed drinks, cocktails, mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
The food menu offers a good variety including starters, flatbreads, chicken wings, chicken tenders, burgers/sandwiches with fries, salads, tacos, chowder, French onion soup, main entrees (short rib, shrimp scampi, steak tips, truffle ribeye, fish & chips, grilled salmon, pasta), and desserts. The pricing is moderate here.
I stopped by on their second night of business for dinner. I found a seat up at the bar and the bartender brought over big two-sided menu with food & drinks choices. I got an ice water and placed my order for Crispy Calamari ($16 plus tax) and Mac + Cheese Entree ($16 plus tax) with Short Rib (add $4 plus tax), which both came out together in 10 minutes after ordering. The portions were both good sized. The appetizer was comprised of breaded fried calamari rings & tentacles, fried breaded hot peppers and tartar sauce for dipping & a lemon wedge. The mac + cheese in a bowl was very creamy and smooth with soft radiatore pasta and topped with plenty of lean tender shredded short rib. The mac + cheese was very good and it was like the version I've had at home with heavy cream in the cheese sauce. I also got a box for half of the mac & cheese to eat later on. They also offer a side option for mac + cheese for $8. I declined dessert, with choices of chocolate lava cake, espresso creme brulee, tiramisu. and NY cheesecake since I had enough food for the evening. The check was $38.52 with tax and before tip.
Overall, my expectations of Tap 151 were at exceeded with tasty food, good portions, and fair pricing for the busy area near Cambridgeside. I would definitely stop in again for dinner, likely before a concert or event nearby.