Cambridge 1

In being conservative, at least for this first post, I have decided to stay in the Fenway area for my opening blog on the first bar.

If you have ever been to Fenway Park, then you should be familiar with Lansdowne Street which separates The Green Monster (left field) from a strip of restaurants, nightclubs, and sports bars. Due to their convenient locations many of these establishments are visited frequently by fans during pre and post game time. My goal during this blog isn’t to discredit these places because they are great, when you finely get in after waiting in line and paying the cover charge, but rather to educate readers on the Fenway area which is more than Fenway Park and Lansdowne Street. There are many fine bars encompassing Fenway which provide respective sports atmosphere for those of us who want to watch the game without being packed inside a bar like sardines. The bar which I am referring is Cambridge 1.

Located two blocks from Fenway Park at 1381 Boylston St. is Cambridge 1. At first glance, there is nothing about Cambridge 1 (also known as C1) that makes it stand out when pedestrians pass by it. There are three neon beer signs that aren't intended to, but just so happen to mark the front and side entrances of the building while large tinted widows create a glass wall of isolation between customers and those who are walking on Boylston St.
When entering Cambridge 1 your sense of smell will immediately detect the charcoals burning throughout the open floor plan as chef’s grill flatbread pizza and chicken wings. Following your sense of smell will be the sight of three, linear 42” flat screen TVs essentially creating a wall of sports euphoria which allows for multiple games or a single game to be played at the same time.
Cambridge 1 is not well lit, however; just as the tinted glass creates privacy between pedestrians and customers, the dimly lit tables and bar creates a sense of privacy amongst individual parties which have come to enjoy watching the game, enjoying a beer or simply grabbing a bite to eat. The lighting is what truly ties the whole atmosphere of Cambridge 1 together. From the dark cherry wooden paneled walls, to the jet black countertops covering both the bar and tables, there is a sense of calmness about the place which is only disrupted by the chatter of multiple parties at both the bar and surrounding tables. These plain and simple features create an ambiance that makes Cambridge 1 unique. However, this is not all that makes C1 unique. To the left side of the bar is what can only be described as a glass paneled garage door which opens to a small patio. This is ideal for the summertime and has truly made C1 more popular since its addition two years ago. While enjoying the atmosphere of Cambridge 1, whether at the bar or a table, beer selection is important. If you have a craving for a mixed concoction please don’t go to C1. Their liquor license only allows them to serve beer and wine. The wine list of C1 is mediocre along with its draft beer list. Only six beers are carried on tap which can be found in any bar around Boston; the names range from Wachusett County to Brooklyn Lager and Dogfish 60min Ipa, all sold at $4.50 each (half the price at Fenway Park). However, C1 does carry a greater selection of bottled beers ranging from Narragansett (16oz) cans to Magic Hat #9, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Arrogant Bastard (22oz).
As a bar C1 gives whole new meaning to the phrase "don't judge a book by it's cover". Although the outside is dull, the inside vibrant and yet it still respects the atmosphere required by a good sports bar.