Cambridge Common and Lizard Lounge to close in May 2027

Owners Holly Heslop and Charlie Christopher have announced that the Cambridge Common restaurant and its basement music venue, the Lizard Lounge, will close at the end of May 2027. The decision follows over 30 years of operation in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Several factors contributed to the decision to wind down the business. Heslop cited the planned return to Colombia of the restaurant’s chef of 28 years, Arcesio Suarez, and Christopher’s ongoing health issues. The owners, who are both past retirement age, are reportedly in talks with a buyer for the property located on Massachusetts Avenue.

The restaurant’s revenue has historically subsidized the music venue, covering costs such as insurance and its liquor license. Local music industry figures have described the Lizard Lounge as an essential part of the Cambridge and Somerville music ecosystem.