Boston 101

There is only one place in Boston where you can watch women with yoga mats scurry past the sweet sounds of boomboxes playing 90’s hip-hop. That place is Central Square, and no establishment embodies the variety of the neighborhood more than The Middle East, a restaurant and concert venue (and nightclub) where you can sip wine over tapas or head-bang to the latest indie-punk rage with equal cheer. The Middle East is really several establishments. “Zu Zu” -- which has moderately upscale dining and hosts great DJs for weekend dancing -- abuts a corner café, which has cheaper fare and hosts belly dancing performances twice a week. Both are flanked by “Upstairs” and “Downstairs,” concert venues that bring an eclectic stream of local and national bands to the area. Vivian Nereim
Justine Hunt/Globe Staff

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There is only one place in Boston where you can watch women with yoga mats scurry past the sweet sounds of boomboxes playing 90’s hip-hop. That place is Central Square, and no establishment embodies the variety of the neighborhood more than The Middle East, a restaurant and concert venue (and nightclub) where you can sip wine over tapas or head-bang to the latest indie-punk rage with equal cheer.

The Middle East is really several establishments. “Zu Zu” -- which has moderately upscale dining and hosts great DJs for weekend dancing -- abuts a corner café, which has cheaper fare and hosts belly dancing performances twice a week. Both are flanked by “Upstairs” and “Downstairs,” concert venues that bring an eclectic stream of local and national bands to the area.

Vivian Nereim