The Traveling Wheelchair

315 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: 617-868-6739
http://www.middlesexlounge.us/

Recently, I read an article in The Boston Globe about the  Burger War in Boston. Listed were the top restaurants that have the best kind of burger. After my appointment at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Amanda, Tony and I headed to Middlesex Lounge, the # 2 winner. We were very pleased to find this restaurant wheelchair friendly and accessible.

Public street parking is located right in front. A sloped walkway leads to the front entrance, where the door was wedged open for customers to enter. The entry door is not automatic. When I entered, I was puzzled wondering where all the tables are; then a kind waitress informed me of the unique eating style of this lounge, called Urban Style. I enjoyed the experience and also enjoyed listening to the rock alternative music.

As I looked over to the bar, I couldn’t believe my eyes, it was the first fully wheelchair accessible bar I’ve ever seen for the entire countertop of the bar is wheelchair accessible. I rolled up to the bar in my manual wheelchair and was able to be at eye level with everyone sitting at the bar. It felt great as I sat there watching the flat screen TV with my friends. I then went over to my reserved sitting area and had no problem maneuvering around for the place is very spacious.

The chairs and tables are movable, where the chairs have lockable wheels. All the tables are low and very different than a typical restaurant. The waitress approached us and asked what we would like to drink and offered seltzer water with a splash of lemon. She then took our lunch order; she was very courteous, kind and friendly. We did not wait long for the food to arrive. As we were enjoying our meal, the place filled up very quickly; attracting businessmen, elders, young adults and tourists.

I asked my waitress if she heard about the “Burger War” and she said “yes, she couldn’t believe that they were named # 2 with only one burger on the menu”. She said that their sister restaurant, Miracle of Science Bar and Grill, located right next door has three burgers on their menu and they did not make the list. 

Our waitress told us that Middlesex Lounge opens up for lunch; then closes for two hours, opening up for dinner, and then reopening at night as a night club. I thought this was awesome. I will definitely come back one night to experience life at the night club. The website will give information on what bands and themes going on for each day of the week. There is a DJ area with all their equipment and a large screen for special effects. Middlesex Lounge here I come!

There are unisex restrooms; the first restroom is wheelchair accessible. It is very spacious and ADA compliant, except the pipe under the accessible sink is not covered.

The employees, atmosphere, burgers and service were great!!

 I give Middlesex Lounge FOUR STARS for wheelchair accessibility. In order to earn the Fifth Star, they would simply need to install an automatic entry door so a person in a wheelchair can enter independently and cover the pipes underneath restroom’s accessible sink.