Venue Information

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 ba ...