Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Sinclair Music Hall (and Restaurant Headed Up by Michael Schlow) Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Last week we reported that a new restaurant called Liberal Servings might be coming to Brattle Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square, and now it has been learned that a music hall is coming to the same part of the square.

The Cambridge Chronicle is reporting that the group that promotes some of the shows at the Middle East nightclub in nearby Central Square is planning to open a hall called The Sinclair, which will be located on Church Street above Fire & Ice where the Phatt Boys nightclub used to be. The article states that folks behind The Sinclair are looking to have a capacity of 700, along with a stage and a substantial amount of renovations done to the current space.

The Cambridge Licensing Commission has already approved a license for The Sinclair and a building permit has been granted, but the club still needs a liquor license.

[September 4 update: The Chowder blog of Boston Magazine reports that Michael Schlow (Alta Strada, Happy's Bar and Kitchen, Radius, Tico, Via Matta) is teaming up with The Sinclair in opening a restaurant within the music hall, with the dining spot having seating for 104 people. In addition, the blog for the Boston Phoenix mentions that the eatery will have two dining areas, a seasonal patio, and a separate entrance, while the club section of the complex will have its own bar.]

[October 23 update: Cambridge Day mentions that The Sinclair is due to open in about a week (on Tuesday, October 30, to be exact), but they still don't have a liquor license. The article states that their second attempt at a license is still pending after three months, with their first request resulting in no action being taken by the city. (Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.)]

[October 26 update: Eater Boston reports that The Sinclair music hall now has a new opening date--November 14--even though tickets have been on sale for shows beginning on October 30. In addition, there appears to be no specific opening date for the restaurant as of yet.]

[November 19 update: Cambridge Day states that The Sinclair is still not open, and there doesn't appear to be a set opening date at this point in time. The music hall/restaurant has finally received a liquor license, however.]

[December 12 update: A post on their Facebook page indicates that The Sinclair opens tonight, though for the time being, it will only be open on nights when there are shows. Also, the food menu on those nights will be "limited" for now.]

[December 28 update: Eater Boston says that the restaurant at The Sinclair is planning to open sometime next week.]

[January 7, 2013: Grub Street Boston has posted that the restaurant at The Sinclair plans to open tonight.]

The address for this new music hall in Harvard Square will be: The Sinclair, 50 Church Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.