One bite, one beat: Pair your evening plans with the perfect plate

From music bingo and trivia nights to DJ sets and watch parties, this East Cambridge hotspot turns every meal into an event.

One minute you’re shouting bingo, the next you’re ordering tacos and margaritas at CanalSide Food + Drink, and suddenly, it’s not just Tuesday anymore. It’s the best night of the week.

With 13 eateries, a sleek waterfront bar, two levels of shops (including a new huge Zara), and a full calendar that stretches from casual weeknights to full-on weekend fun, CambridgeSide is an all-in-one destination where you can eat, play, shop, and unwind. Whether you’re here for trivia on a Thursday or a Sunday football watch party, there’s always a perfect pairing to match the mood and event.

Here are seven can’t-miss combos to make the most of your next visit.

An overhead view of a table filled with a variety of takeout dishes, including sushi rolls, ramen, burgers, wraps, pasta, salads, and rice bowls, alongside glasses of red and white wine and beer.

Tuesday music bingo + tacos + margaritas

Every Tuesday from 6–8 p.m., the familiar beats of classic hits and pop favorites fill CanalSide during Music Bingo. For the perfect pregame, stop by Chilacates, where the street-style tacos bring the heat. Pair a round of al pastor or carnitas tacos with a house margarita from C-Side Bar, and you’ve got the ideal combo of rhythm and refreshment. As the bingo cards fill and the playlist keeps spinning, you’ll see why Tuesday nights at CambridgeSide have become a local favorite.

Thursday trivia night + burgers + beers

If you love a little friendly competition, Thursday Trivia Night (6–8 p.m.) is the place to test your knowledge. Kick things off with a Nu Burger signature like the Umami Truffle Burger or classic Fenway. The casual, buzzy atmosphere makes it easy to settle in with your team, cheer for every correct answer, and strategize for the next round. Add a side of crispy fries and a local brew from C-Side Bar, and you’ve got the ultimate trivia night fuel.

A smartphone displaying a trivia game question about the TV show Friends rests on a restaurant table surrounded by Mediterranean dishes, including pita bread, hummus, fries topped with feta, and glasses of beer and wine.

Saturday live DJ + pizza or Asian fusion bowls

By the weekend, CanalSide shifts into a vibrant social hub. Every Saturday from 2–5 p.m., a live DJ sets the tone. Gather a few friends and grab a Neapolitan-style pizza from Lala’s Neapolitan-ish Pizza, or try a customizable bowl from InChu, where Asian fusion flavors perfectly match the vibe. From naturally leavened crusts to ginger beef, every bite feels like part of the playlist.

Sunday watch parties + pasta + pints

Sundays at CambridgeSide are all about sports, whether you’re cheering through Pats season or catching the latest playoff drama. Grab a made-to-order bowl from DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go, add a cold pint from C-Side Bar, and you’re game-day ready. With wide-open seating, canal views, and a lounge lined with big screens, it’s the perfect place to post up for kickoff and stay long past the final whistle.

Three friends sit at a table with food and drinks, watching a basketball game on a large screen in a modern restaurant or bar. One person turns and smiles toward the camera while others focus on the game.

Holiday movie nights + cream puffs + cocoa

As the season turns, CanalSide’s energy softens into something cozier. Indoor movie screenings, including “The Polar Express” on Dec. 6 and other holiday favorites throughout the month, are the perfect excuse to slow down and settle in. For the perfect pairing, grab a freshly filled cream puff from Beard Papa’s, where every bite is light, crisp, and perfectly sweet. Add a hot chocolate from Caffè Nero or a warm tea to sip as the lights dim, and it becomes less of a screening and more of a seasonal ritual.

Craft Loft workshop + ramen + wine

Not every great night has to be loud — some are simply hands-on. At Craft Loft, CambridgeSide’s creative studio, the focus shifts from screen time to craft time. Between wreath making, knitting the perfect gift, or experimenting with a new project, it’s the kind of space that invites you to unwind and make something of your own. Keep the creative energy flowing with something fresh and comforting from Sapporo Ramen paired with a glass of wine or mocktail from C-Side. It’s exactly the kind of fuel your inner artist needs.

Pups + Pints + ice cream

It’s impossible not to smile at Pups + Pints, the event that combines cute pups with beer taps and football. Scheduled for Jan. 11 from 2–4 p.m., it’s an afternoon of tail wags, local brews, and football you won’t want to miss. Grab a beer from C-Side Bar, then swing by Far Out Ice Cream for Strawberry Graham-Cake, Kookaberry, or whatever inventive flavor they’re serving that day. Whether you have a dog or just wish you did, it’s a guaranteed serotonin boost.

Two women carrying shopping bags walk and smile outside a Zara store in a modern, brightly lit mall with glass doors and minimalist decor.

Bonus: Shopping strolls + seasonal sips

Even on nights without a scheduled event, CambridgeSide still hums with energy. Take a leisurely stroll through an array of shops — from Zara and Mango to Sephora and lululemon — and treat yourself to a little retail refresh. Sip a spiced latte from Caffè Nero as you browse for a new outfit, a cozy winter layer, or the perfect holiday gift. Then, when you’re ready for a little pick-me-up, settle in at CanalSide for lunch or dinner with waterfront views.

Whether you’re out for a lively weeknight with friends, a weekend adventure, or a festive seasonal outing, CambridgeSide is nothing if not versatile. Every evening is its own little escape: one bite, one beat, and one more reason to keep coming back.