For those who enjoy the thrill of being in on a secret, the door to Hungry Brain, nestled on a gray, modest stretch of Belmont near Western Avenue, is the right door to wander through. Peel past the curtained entrance and the pleasant sensation of accidentally stepping backstage at a neighborhood theater or esoteric jazz club takes over: It’s a relaxed, well-worn and smart kind of cool. Something about Hungry Brain (aside from its glorious name) elicits quiet conversation among friends, rather than the craned-neck and roving-eye standard of most bars. But if your eyes do feel like roaming, the large, dimly lit room is sufficiently peppered with stimulating vintage quirks like ceramic brains, funky lamps, two pinball machines and comfy sofas. Bring your quarters: Jukebox connoisseur friends of mine consider Hungry Brain’s music selection to be one of the most eclectic finds in the city. Perhaps not so much of a secret (but still the dear of connoisseurs) is the bar’s occasional jazz performances, which are staged in the elevated front corner; the well-established Transmission Series features improvised music on Sunday nights. But beyond the curiously fun yet humble digs is the true reason to visit any tavern: remarkably inexpensive libations. Its shelves boast a straight-forward, familiar selection. Stop looking for the martini list; here, some of the city's cheapest nightly beer specials reign. The bartenders are notorious for pouring it on strong, so belly up to the long bar and hope that your brain is feeling hungry, not miserably hung-over, tomorrow morning. (Sarah Pearl)
2017-01-06 19:30:00 (Ended) | Bitchin' Bajas | Find Tickets |
2017-02-17 19:30:00 (Ended) | Johnson/Ortiz/Formanek/Cleaver | Find Tickets |
2017-03-08 18:30:00 (Ended) | Don't Kid Yourself | Find Tickets |
2017-03-11 19:30:00 (Ended) | Twin Talk, Dida Pelled Trio | Find Tickets |
2017-03-15 20:00:00 (Ended) | Jason Stein Quartet | Find Tickets |