Once

This is not about the restaurant, which we have not been to. It’s just about a very crowded performance in the large hall.
This was our first time coming to ONCE and our initial impression was good. A friendly person greeted us at the door, and told us to go in and sit anywhere because it was «First come, first served.»
We had bought our tickets two months in advance, and arrived an hour before the music started, so we sat down happily in the fourth row.
About a half-​hour later, all hell broke loose. Furious customers who had eaten in the restaurant, began challenging people in front, in back, and to the left and right of us, claiming that those seats were reserved for them. Soon our seats were contested as well, and at least one angry patron took on a menacing attitude and looked like he was ready to start throwing punches.
Apparently those who went to the restaurant were given little handwritten slips of paper with seat numbers on them, and little strips of handwritten masking tape were affixed to some of the seats, but no one bothered to tell those of us who were coming just for the music, and thus was created a ridiculous confrontational and combative situation.
Fortunately no one actually hit anybody else, but a lot of nasty comments were exchanged, a lot of people unhappily changed their seats, while others were never able to sit in the seats they were supposed to have, and just about everybody felt uncomfortable.
When the show began, and everyone sat down, we realized the temperature in the room resembled that of a hockey rink. Between the chilliness that was caused by the air conditioning system and the chilliness of the audience vibe, we left at intermission – even though the band was just fine. We don’t see ourselves returning unless and until this venue gets its act together.
The late, lamented Johnny D’s had a clear policy about diners getting preferred seating at some shows. If that’s this place’s intentions, they need to let everyone buying tickets know about it – or some night there may be a full-​blown rumble.

I don’t like negative writing reviews… particularly when I feel the organization obviously has its heart in the right place. And before I begin, I’ll preface all of this by stating that I’m only analyzing ONCE in its «dinner, then drinks, then a show» capacity. I have no reason to believe its Taco nights or CSA farm shares at Cuisine en Locate are anything other than fantastic. Which, by my many Unilocal accounts, they are.
On paper, a locally-​owned business promoting locavore food with a performance space that attracts a terrific variety of music and performance acts should have my unconditional endorsement.
But, after several visits to ONCE — all of which were on evenings where I had dinner and drinks prior to a viewing a performance act — this one just doesn’t. Happily, the issues below can all be successfully addressed. And I think they all really come down to the ONCE biting off more than it can chew when it’s hosting events.
A) In my experience, the food has not always been well-​prepared.
Worst of all was my visit last fall for the «Kaiju Big Battel» performance when it was evident that the food was insufficiently cooked. My server agreed and while she pledged to refund me money she never did get the chance (see «C» below). On another occasion the food was properly-​cooked but arrived cold.
B) Weakly-​mixed drinks.
Sadly, this has been a constant here. I don’t believe ONCE is out to cheat us; it’s simply poor training/​judgement on the bartender’s part.
C) The serving staff is over-​matched.
The proper ratio of patrons to waitstaff has likely long since been devised; the owner would do well to read up on what that actually is.
All the serving staff I’ve seen in action at ONCE are very friendly and have done everything in their power to try to serve food in a timely manner to (what has been on each one of my visits to ONCE) — a very crowded lounge. I’ve seen them execute maneuvers of great skill and daring with a touch of self-​sacrifice to deliver meals to patrons… but there are simply not enough of them. Come early and order quickly… or you likely won’t have time to finish your meal before the performance starts.
D) Dodgy PA.
The PA here seems to have occasional problems. When Kim Gordon played here she must have been fascinated by the feedback opportunities it presented… but that’s of limited use to most performers.
E) Occasionally, it’s too darned crowded here.
Let’s hope that lousy PA system is composed of UL-​listed components. Because if it ever bursts into flame… there could be problems.
I understand that nominally this place is rated for about 300 people. That’s fine and that’s really the Somerville Fire Department’s call, rather than my own. But on a couple occasions the size of the performance area was expanded without a commensurate reduction in the audience size. Generally, not a big deal… but the «Kaiju Big Battel» show last fall really pushed the envelope here. Not only was it uncomfortably crowded… I felt it was marginal from a safety standpoint.
So while I don’t avoid ONCE outright, I can’t help but wish (for the moment) that these performances were taking place somewhere else.

This is a great location for large or small events. They have a bar on both floors and have a stage and a communal area and much more. The only thing is there aren’t many bathrooms for the side of events that can occur there but thats a small qualm for this place.

The performer I went to see was just great. The venue itself had a good sound system.
The tacos in was interested were non-​existant. I was told they were upstairs by one staff member, than down stairs by an employee upstairs. There were no signs and no place to clearly put in an order. I’m sure had I perceived or kept repeating the process someone would have given the right info.
I was crashed into by an employee who was jumping down the stairs like baby huey. If you are at work, act like an employee not a catastrophe. Had it been someone smaller he jumped into hell would have broken loose or would have been sprawled.
There were toddlers and infants at the show (surprisingly well behaved). Had he crashed into 9ne of them, it would have been a wrap.
The upstairs tried too hard. Too much kitch, like the start of a 29 year Olds garage sale.
The downstairs had signs for beers they didn’t have. Since they were paper it would have been great if they were taken down. The atmosphere was off. It looked like it could be /​wanted to be a place for a party, but it just seemed like an unfinished function room.
Lastly, don’t drive here. Parking (though there are two lots) is about ¹⁄₃ for just zip cars. Most of the street parking is permit only. 20 minutes to find a spot a few blocks away.
Would I try this place again? If the perform or was right, yeah.
As a hangout or dinner, im good.

I had the herbed roasted chicken on Dec. 10. Best chicken dish I have had in as long as I can remember. It was half a small bird. The dark meat half. Broiled to perfection. There were pieces of pear, real mashed potatoes with cheese, green beans, and all served up fresh from the oven, not a heat lamp. So much yum. I cannot recommend this food enough. The price was pretty awesome, too, especially for the quality. My one and only complaint is that the tables could use candles so as to better see the food.

This place is fast becoming my favorite spot in Somerville!
Spring Hill needed a cool bar to hang out in. This lounge has pool tables and kitschy décor. Once has old school arcade games like Ms. PacMan and Galaga and a CD jukebox so you can pretend to be the Fonz. The kitchen is operated by Cuisine en Locale which serves delicious, fresh, local food. Tons of delicious beer and cocktails. They even use cane based sodas at the bar.
My favorite nights are Taco Mondays and Metal + Pizza Tuesday! There’s always something quirky and unique happening at this place!

Underground yet totally awesome bar with a little bit of everything and delicious food from Cuisine En Local some days of the week.
I was confused by what Once was. I could not easily find information online, but a sign announcing Taco Mondays convinced me it was worth checking out. The lounge has a pinball machine, an arcade machine, a pool table, round large tables for board games, a stage for live music, and of course a bar. I would describe the atmosphere as ecclectic, swanky, and punk all at once. It is pretty cool.
The staff was super friendly and the Lucky Punk cocktail I tried was tasty and really woke me up. I could taste the mezcal and the sweet vermouth and the mole bitters added a little extra spiciness.
On Mondays they have tacos made next door at Cuisine En Locale. I got a carnitas ($ 4) and a fried shrimp ($ 6) taco. They were both delicious. The carnitas were packed with flavor and the shrimp were also great. They even came with a side of greens and pickles. The chips and also were also appreciated.
I can’t wait to come back next Monday to try more tacos and more cocktails and perhaps catch a show.