Best of Boston

2002 Best Bar for Live Music

Kendall Café

In addition to its popular Tuesday Night Music Club—a music series featuring unplugged sets by leading local musicians—the Kendall introduced a new program this year, Earfull, pairing local musicians with authors reading from their works. It’s the kind of thing that could happen only here, in this grubby, smoky, intimate, and delicious Kendall Square hole in the wall. Any night’s crowd is a Who’s Who of the local rock scene. Every night’s performers are up-and-coming or already-there singer-songwriters of the most polished aural sort. And the grilled chicken and selection of cold draft beers ain’t bad, either.

233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, 617-661-0993,