196 cocktail bar (est. 2012)
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Quick info
About 196 cocktail bar (est. 2012)
196 cocktail bar has occupied a spot on Mill Road in Cambridge since 2012, pouring original, well-balanced cocktails behind a handwritten, untyped-by-spirit menu. The Paloma is a regularly noted order, and the bar works as a walk-in venue with seating that fills quickly, especially on cold evenings when the small room is at its tightest. Service can lag when the room is busy, and an automatic 10 percent service charge is added to each bill. The bar draws a regular local crowd, with the evening crowd the busiest stretch of the week.
Good to know
- ParkingUsually difficult to find a space
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Menu & Prices
20 dishes- Laspberry Caipirinha
- Negroni
- Egg Nog
- Margarita
- Gin
- Pisco Sour
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cocktails, paloma cocktail, handwritten cocktail menu and 10% service charge.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention cocktails, paloma cocktail, handwritten cocktail menu and 10% service charge.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return to this bar for its cocktails, with one singling out a Paloma as perfectly balanced and refreshing, and another praising original drinks with subtle flavors. The atmosphere and friendly bartenders also draw praise. The recurring complaint is slow service when busy, and one reviewer objects to a 10% service charge on a single drink. The handwritten menu is not sorted by spirit, one reviewer notes.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return to this bar for its cocktails, with one singling out a Paloma as perfectly balanced and refreshing, and another praising original drinks with subtle flavors. The atmosphere and friendly bartenders also draw praise. The recurring complaint is slow service when busy, and one reviewer objects to a 10% service charge on a single drink. The handwritten menu is not sorted by spirit, one reviewer notes.
Featured reviews
- Martine G
“Des cocktails originaux et parfaitement exécutés (goûts subtils et parfaitement dosés). Les places sont limitées - surtout en hiver ! La carte est très longue mais malheureusement manuscrite et non classée par alcool ce qui faciliterait le choix. Adresse très courue des locaux !”
- Abigail Ayling
“10% service charge on buying one drink is crazy for a bar. even more sour since we had received unbeleivably slow service and had to get up to find staff twice despite there being essentially an equal number of servers to groups of customers that night. they have a great vibe going there and we really enjoyed our evening but just wouldn’t go again because of the poor value for money.”
- Emma Dodds
“As far as I’m concerned, this is the only cocktail bar in Cambridge. No other bar in the city comes close to this place in terms of quality & vibes. At this point I pretty much refuse to go to anywhere else when I want a cocktail.”
- John Hannan
“We only stopped in for drinks, so I can't comment on the food. There was quite a long wait to be served, but it was very busy. Despite that, all of the staff were friendly, helpful and worked hard to look after everyone. The atmosphere was great, and we'd happily visit again for a drink.”
- Pele Maloney
“Amazing cocktails and a fantastic atmosphere. The Paloma was one of the best I’ve had, perfectly balanced and incredibly refreshing. Sophie provided outstanding service, making us feel so welcome. Can’t wait to come back!”
Highlights
- Great cocktails
Amenities
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Food at bar
- Cozy
- Beer
- Food
Show more amenities
- Free water refills
- Table service
- Restroom
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Offerings· 4
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Dining options· 2
- Outside food allowed
- Seating
- Highlights· 1
- Great cocktails
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Location
Cocktail bars near 196 cocktail bar (est. 2012)
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 196 cocktail bar (est. 2012) | 4.7506 | — | £10–20 | cocktails, paloma cocktail, handwritten cocktail menu |
| The LAB | 4.3373 | 0.8 mi | — | creative cocktails, bioluminescent cocktail, birthday hosting |
| Novi | 4.01,593 | 0.9 mi | £10–20 | bottomless brunch, roof terrace, thai food |
| Bar -OH | 4.8512 | 1 mi | £10–20 | live music on weekends, video game consoles free, cocktails |
The 3 nearest cocktail bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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