Kendall Square: Drink

Flat Top Johnny’s
With the most pool tables per capita that you’ll find in Cambridge, Flat Top Johnny’s is the perfect spot to unwind with a billiard cue and an absurdly large bottle of Miller High Life. What the joint lacks in atmosphere it makes up for in scope, with 12 pool tables, a front patio, and a large bar. Come by on Wednesday after 9pm for free pool, or anytime on Sunday for half price. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-494-9565, flattopjohnnys.com)

Cambridge Brewing Company
Boston is a pretty serious beer town—and Cambridge has never been one to be outdone. Thus, the Cambridge Brewing Company approaches the task of drawing beer geeks to its bar with panache, brewing classic styles such as the Regatta Golden, as well as bolder cask-conditioned brews and seasonals like the Arquebus Barleywine. Grab a seat on the nifty patio and try out a sampling session. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-494-1994, cambrew.com)

Meadhall
Meadhall neither serves mead nor is a hall. Discuss! It is, however, a large and centrally-located spot for grabbing craft beer. The large, burnished space doesn’t so much evoke a Viking longhouse as it does a swanky sports bar, with two floors of seating and TVs all over the place. It’s a much-needed watering hole in Kendall’s nightlife-less center, complete with 100+ brew varieties on tap and bistro-style grub to go with your chosen pint. 4 Cambridge Center (617-714-4372)

Think Tank
Situated underneath the Friendly Toast, Think Tank is part Asian fusion restaurant, part nightspot. During the day or evening, come by for cultural mash-up munchables like the Seoul burger (with Korean marinade, a farm-fresh egg and black sesame bun). But Think Tank is best visited at night. DJs like Paul Foley and El Amado spin on the weekends and singer-songwriters play on Tuesdays. Cocktails like the South Side Sling (gin with elderflower, lychee and lime) and the Sake Martini (ozeki, ginger and mint) help to get you in the mood for booty-shaking. 1A Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-500-3031, thinktankcambridge.com)

Tommy Doyle’s
Every square in the Boston area needs a little Irish in it, and Kendall is no exception. Tommy Doyle’s original location (it’s since expanded to Harvard Square and Hyannis) is frequented by MIT students and businessfolk alike. The bar/restaurant boasts a roomy patio, live music or DJs six nights a week and fairly decent pub grub. It’s also the place where police Sergeant James Crowley was grabbing a pint when he took the famous “Beer Summit” phone call from President Obama. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge (617-225-0888, tommydoyles.com)