The Sinclair

I am reviewing this place both as a restaurant and as a music venu. Both get 5 stars though!
The Restauraunt: The atmosphere feels very NY. It feels classy, urban, and fresh. The tables are long wooden farmers tables or booths, with simplistic décor touches that are almost too minimal to notice but stand out at the same time. The bar serves as the center, almost as if it were a large piece of art that everyone admires, but this art is busy, exciting and alive. The menu is eclectic and unique, mixing flavors and foods that you wouldn’t expect. We ordered the chicken wings, the cheese dip, the fries, the Brussels sprouts, sweet potato croquettes and tartine. Every dish was a ¹⁰⁄₁₀ in flavor, presentation, freshness, and overall experience. The only negative of the dishes to take note when ordering is that they are small. Overall, I fell in love with the kitchen.
The venue: The venue is very funky, industrial feeling but also the classic traditional theater feel all at the same time. The venue was large enough that I didn’t feel cramped/​stepped on, but still busy enough that you were annoyed to be around that many people. The balcony was very neat, with rows of single chairs that look over to the stage, and also larger theatrical type seating sections. It was a very personalized, unique, intimate setting to see a performance. The bar options/​specials are fun, interesting and make for a truly unique experience.

This review is purely for the restaurant/​bar area, as I didn’t get a chance to check out a show.
However, I really thought the food was stellar (my friend and I split the duck confit tacos and the tartine), and they had a great selection of beers. We were lucky enough to snag a great booth underneath the stairs and although the music was pretty loud, we could hear one another. Would definitely like to check out a show here sometime!

I’ve been here for concerts, drinks, and dinner so I can comment on all three.
Concerts: the venue is super cool and allows you to really enjoy the show. It’s small but there’s also the balcony so you can get a great view. There’s also a few different bar options upstairs and downstairs so you don’t have to wait for too long in line.
Bar: the bar has great cocktails and the downstairs bar area is really cozy and conducive to larger groups.
Dinner/​brunch: I’ve been here for both dinner and brunch and would recommend both. The food is pretty straightforward but it’s great. They also have good small plates with a lot of variety which are great for sharing — for example the fish tacos are really good.
The upstairs patio is also really nice. They have great lighting and the atmosphere is great — it’s pretty but so it doesn’t feel too crowded.

This is how the management is using Unilocal to harass customers! Enjoy!
The S:
Business Owner
Thanks for sending this note along Kaitlyn, I wish you had contacted us directly as we do follow up on all these. This interaction was witnessed by another staff member as well and the bartender you are speaking of was terminated the following day. We are responsive to direct feedback and reaching out directly to us rather than rating the business as a whole is something we truly appreciate and take seriously and act upon.
Thanks and hope to have you back soon,
Josh
Kaitlyn H: Haha are you kidding me? Why would I have wasted any more effort or time trying to get good customer service after being treated like that? Should I have asked the rude bartender for his manager? I’m sure that would have gone over really well after his first interaction with me. Maybe you should hire and train better staff instead of implying that blame lies with the customer who was involved. Not an effective way to entice a return. Good luck.
The S:
Business Owner
Because you spent effort «reviewing» on Unilocal.I suggest a viewing of the episode of South Park regarding Unilocal,you will likely be able to relate.

The Sinclair Kitchen is the two story restaurant located next to the music hall. I liked the dimmed lighting. The food was delicious but the service was super slow and our server John G. was not very attentive. It was hard to flag him down when we needed something — whether it be food, drinks, check, or boxes.
In addition to iced water, Bryan ordered two Sauvignon Blanc and Sixpoint Resin; Randy ordered a Wormtown Be Hoppy IPA; and I ordered a Bantam Wunderkind Cider. Bryan felt that the Sixpoint Resin tasted like paint while Randy said it tasted pretty good.
As for food, Bryan ordered the Tartine (which consisted of Grilled Bread topped with Avocado, Tomato, Arugula, Cotija Cheese, and Radish) and Tuna Crudo (which consisted of Tuna, Cucumber, and Jalapenos in Citrus Vin and Cilantro Purée and served with Corn Tortillas). He requested habanero in the Tuna Crudo but it wasn’t spicy enough so he settled with drowning the dish in Sriracha. Hui ordered the Cavatelli (which consisted of Braised Lamb Shank, Escarole, Apricot, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cavatelli and topped with Whipped Brie). Randy ordered the Sinclair Burger (which consisted of a Grass Fed Beef, Secret Sauce, Grilled Onion, Bacon, Cheddar Cheese and served with crispy and salty French Fries). I ordered the Eggplant Caponata (which consisted of Crispy Polenta, topped with Eggplant, Capers, Golden Raisins, and Almonds in a hearty Tomato Gravy and served with Arugula. I requested the Eggplant Caponata without any black peppers but some black pepper seemed to make it to my dish. I didn’t want to complain because I didn’t want to wait an hour for food.
My friends and I stayed for Bingo Babes. When we walked upstairs, they were short of chairs, bingo cards, and bingo markers. It was funny how Bryan got a Bingo while ordering a drink and went home with a new jacket. I guess it was his lucky day: P

Ok, guys, I’m going to be very honest: I had never been to The Sinclair *AND* I did not know that the concert hall and the restaurant were not one and the same. Rather, I knew that both were options at this joint, but until it was absolutely necessary, I did not know that the kitchen was not part of the music hall. Ya get me? Hopefully you’re following because this is another celiac-​friendly review.
There was a brass band next door tonight (at the venue). The lines to enter The Sinclair are usually very long, not so tonight. I always get anxious that people think I am going to cut them, but I discovered today that there is a door on the side that says KITCHEN where non concert-​goers go. There were very few other diners from what I could tell, but I was also not seated all that centrally.
I chose the location because they can do gluten free options. I had the roasted chicken. Do take note: chicken is my main food group. The food took a little while to come out, which was okay since I’d just had a light snack. Anyway, then it came out and it was… delicious. and served alongside some tasty vegetables. It was actually cooked – by far, the least bland gluten free food I’ve ever had. It is also the first time I ever I have not asked for an adjustment on a menu item because it was already fine as it was.
Guys, what are you doing not coming here? It was so yummy; I’d come back again and again and again…

I went to the Sinclair for dinner and then to see Carbon Leaf at the attached venue.
Since this was my first visit, I was not sure what to expect. I made the reservations and hoped for the best. I was not disappointed!
1) They called and confirmed the reservation!
2) Beautiful and rustic interior = very welcoming
3) The seats were hard and uncomfortable
4) Cannot wait to go back! Food was delicious and the service was top notch.
Easy access to the show next door, easy parking and great venue.
Definitely will go again, eat and see a show!!!

This review is only for the stage-​side of the Sinclair. And why, yes, I am a fan!
I love that it is small and gritty while at the same time spacious enough to suit a rowdy crowd and nice enough that you get a smile with your drink.
It’s definitely a cozy space, meaning most spots get you a good view and there is a small mezzanine for those who’d prefer to sit and enjoy a bad view. A with the small space, comes crazy loudness. Or, maybe I’m just getting old, but for all us old folks — bring earplugs.
Otherwise, the drinks are priced the same as a pub, which is a definite perk for a concert joint. 16 oz of PBR and a shot of whiskey only $ 10! Maybe I’m not such an old folk after all…

It takes real cheek to advertise a show at your venue as starting at one time, then ask your customers to wait more than two hours for that show. And no, publishing the set times on your Twitter feed alone (which contradicts your website anyway) 9 hours before the event, when all the tickets have been purchased anyway, doesn’t count.
This is my first, and last, time at the Sinclair. Powerfully insulting to one’s patrons to bore them to death.

Seems to be quite the polarizing joint! From dinner to the show, I’d have to say I was impressed with most aspects of The Sinclair.
Al dente cavatelli tossed with braised lamb shank, apricots and toasted pumpkin seeds hit all the right notes, and is a fair helping for the $ 22 entrée tag. Most of the cocktails are up pours, and the Roscoe Bryant — bold, spicy Bulleit rye, bittersweet amaro, herbal Pernod, Cocchi Americano for a citrus kick, aaaaand bitters — is easy drinking and basically checks every box as we round the palate. This and other ‘tails run $ 12 – 13.
The show space is cozier than expected, and with our crowd pushing 85% capacity (science!), it was just busy enough to ride the energy without feeling like you’re humping the person in front of you every time a groove strikes. Not that a groove strikes often, but when it does, I’d rather not grind strange. Majority of folks stuck to the not-​a-​bad-​angle floor section, while the mezz features a few two-​tops for those who’d rather sit and listen. Most call these spectators «grandparents.» Three (?) full service bars crank out a decent selection of drafts, cans and EZ booze drinks at modest stickers. Stick with beer for more buck bang.
Loved most aspects of what The Sinclair has going, with only a few service hiccups and a grossly over-​priced deviled eggs dish being the sole sore spots. Bacon and habanero or not, two eggs should never cost nine bones. That’s wedge salad robbery!

Excellent cocktails. Get the Hot Damn! Spicy. Complex. Delicious. Served with a single cube of ice and mixed with love.
…and the show venue didn’t suck either. Perfect size for an intimate evening with great music.

TL;DR This place is amazing.
So first off the food: Incredible. The chefs must use some form of wizardry and ground up ecstasy. Everything I ate here was phenomenal. It’s what I assume angels must taste like. If for no other reason, make your way here to let the chefs dazzle your taste buds.
The drinks: «Smoking the hive»: a house creation, one of many, was not only delicious, but is served generously. There is clearly NO «$ 20 shot, watered down and mixed with ice and other fillers» here. I, for the first time, felt I got the drink I paid for.
Lastly and most importantly, the service: I cant remember the last time I hit a bar and felt like I mattered. Adam, Dale, and Dave: Thank you, truly, thank you. I was served promptly and cheerfully. They all made a point to make sure I was addressed by the time my drink got low and before I was waiting for one with an empty glass. These three gentlemen are masters of their craft and went as far as to confirm the cocktail was to my liking or if it needed anything extra before walking away. If I can emphasize nothing else: THIS PLACE IS WORTH IT FOR THE SERVICE ALONE.
This place is incredible. Do yourself a favor and swing by for a drink.

This review is entirely based on the music venue. I haven’t tried the restaurant side just yet, but I will update my review when I do.
The venue is small and intimate, and I love it! There’s only a standing room with balconies, so prepare for your feet to hurt at the end of the night. It’s worth it though if you’re at the right event with the right people. I came here to see Albert Hammond, Jr. with my friend. It was a glorious night.
There are two bars — one at the entrance, the other by the stage.
Located in a good neighborhood in Harvard Square. Well, it’s good-​ish. Some creeps tried to pick up on my friend and me. Otherwise, it felt pretty safe even after the concert.

Dinner only review — came here on a slow night without any music, hardly anyone else was there
The service was friendly and prompt, although when we asked for recommendations, the server couldn’t narrow anything down from the menu
Ordered the duck confit tacos which were good, but considering the quality and taste, I’d say pricey and not worth it, especially for the portion size/​amount of meat
I’d come back for a music night, but not for dinner. There’s so many great, nearby places in Harvard Square!

Called ahead and made reservations for the rooftop deck! Best decision ever! Perfect weather during day that got even better with darkness with the beautiful string lights!
Ambiance gets an A!
Food equalled the environment! I had the steak and salad. Was very good even though I think my order was confused with someone else’s who wanted a medium well steak! I wanted medium.
Nonetheless great food and my Malbec and my friends sangria was fabulous!
Highly recommend, but call ahead and sit outside!

Still a 4– star reivew but we came for brunch this time instead. I got the Vegetable Quiche and it was really good. The donuts were good too but everything else was just so-​so. The waffle bun on the burgers were so dry and crumbly it was gross.
Their patio is enough to bring me back its so pretty up there!

Came here for a light dinner and saw a rat crawl by after I had finished my meal and threw up a little in my mouth. The food was decent but the rat made me feel a little disgusted (pic of rat uploaded). I ordered the fish tacos and deviled eggs, which were pretty good. I probably wouldn’t come back here for food, but not a bad place to have drinks outside in a cool environment.

Nestled in the heart of Harvard Square this medium sized venue is my perfect size for a concert. My friend and I attended the 7÷16÷15 Lenka concert and we had an excellent time with the affordable General Admission standing room! (We did not try the food or drinks there so this review is just on the concert venue.)
We arrived a little before 7:30PM when the doors would open and a small line started forming. The security started letting us in promptly and we were able to scope out the best viewing areas. We naturally gravitated to the front of the stage, which was a bit high up so we had to tilt our necks back during the whole show. They also offer the option to stand on the second level and there were a few tables along the railings as well. I was not expecting anything fancy and the lights were just simple background additions. I was however, impressed with the acoustics of the place and unlike a lot of the other places I’ve gone to, standing at the front row can be deafening. The sound volume was just right.
Even though I had originally expected to finish the concert around 10:30−11PM we did not end up leaving until 11:40PM. We were worried we would miss the last train of the night so we hustled back to the T station. I would definitely want to come back here for another concert! I love the intimate feel of this place especially if you are able to get in the front row. Plus I prefer not to pay an arm and a leg for the live music experience.

Review of the music venue: Came here for a Kina Grannis concert. It was a pretty packed house but the place handled it well. The lighting is pretty rudimentary for the stage so there won’t be any really impressive effects.
I thought it was nice for Kina to stay afterwards and grab pictures /​sign posters for such a long time. The venue was nice enough to give her advance notice for timing and let us continue the entrance area during the end.

Came here for an unbelievable charity event, (eat your heart out boston) so I may be biased, but the Sinclair was a terrific venue for this type of event or even a concert. There are many rooms to utilize at the sinclair, all with a different and cool atmosphere.
The event had music, and as a music venue The Sinclair really rocks. It’s a tiny intimate venue, my favorite type. There is not a bad spot in the house. The sound quality is on par with pretty much any other music venue in Boston. I would definitely come back for a show if there was someone I wanted to see.