Upstairs on the Square and the Beat Hotel

A few weeks ago it was announced the iconic Harvard Square restaurant Upstairs on the Square would be closing at the end of the year.  We've been a few times over the last few years and each time we have had a great time.  It's such a unique restaurant and definitely a special spot in the Square.  I'm very sad to see it go and have decided we need to go here as much as possible before it closes.

On Tuesday it was apparent that it was going to be "one of those weeks" so I started planning a city outing for Friday to de-stress.  Luckily for us, one of our good friends was able to join us, since Harvard Square adventures are always funner with friends.

After delicious noodles for dinner we headed over to Upstairs on the Square for drinks.  Of course it was crowded but we lucked out by finding some space at the bar.  The ambiance at Upstairs should be studied by all future restauranteurs.  This is what a restaurant should feel like.  Our drinks were delicious and we had fun catching up with our friend who had jut gotten back from a trip to Seattle and Vancouver.  We had fun swapping stories about Mt. Rainier.

We were having a lot of fun so we didn't want the night to end.  We decided to check out the new restaurant/bar The Beat Hotel that had opened up a few weeks ago.  It's from the same people that run The Beehive in the South End and offers live music, dinner, and drinks. I love, love, love the decor.  It's rustic, modern with crystal chandeliers.  What's not to love?

Music lineup

I had heard online that it hadn't been very crowded but that was totally wrong.  We had trouble finding seats but lucked out with a couple seats off to the side.  We all agreed that it was a great spot to enjoy some drinks.  I would love to come back when there was live music playing.  We will definitely be adding it to the rotation, but not before we head back to Upstairs on the Square a few more times.