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Name: Alden & Harlow
Address: 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA, 02138
Telephone: (617) 864-2100
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.03

Alden & Harlow

40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA, 02138

(617) 864-2100
Store is closed

Alden & Harlow Menu

Snacks

Crispy Chicken Nuggs Pickled Pepper Aioli Honey

Chips & Three-Onion Dip

Charred Broccoli Squash Hummus Montasio & Cashew Crumble

Heirloom Eggs Pickled Fiddleheads Boquerones

Fried Shishitos Bottarga Lime Crema Cured Yolk

Ubiquitous Kale Salad Fennel Creamy Pistachio

Pistachio Crusted Halloumi Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Warm Bread
Main

SMOKED BURRATA CROSTINO

Prawns a La Plancha

TOASTED BARLEY RISOTTO

Salt Roasted Beets

Torched Black Mission Figs

Honey Glazed Burrata

Grilled Cauliflower

Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad

Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes

Lobster & Tomalley Toast

CRISPY BABY BOK CHOY

Chicken Fried Local Rabbit

Grilled Local Bluefish

Oil Cured Tuna Belly

Pat Woodbury's Clams

Toasted Rye Lumache

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Trenne Nero

Secret Burger

Grilled Lamb Sirloin

Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly

Creekstone Farms New York Strip
DESSERT

VANILLA & BUTTERMILK "CHEESECAKE"

SMOKED CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING

Baked Apple & Olive Oil Cake Trifle

SINGLE COMPOSED CHEESE SELECTION
Cocktails

The Copperfield

Port of Call

Monk-Y Business

Brattle St.

Kon Tiki Mai Tai

Spanish Armada

Green Smoke

The San Miguel

Amaizing Grace

A Stone's Throw
Spiritous Draft

Ah House Bitter

Gravitation
Draft

Notch Pilsner Ma

Sixpoint Righteous Rye Ny

Lost Abbey Devotion Belgian Ale Ca

21st Amend. Brew Free/Die Ipa Ca

Peak Organic Hop Harvest Me

Ipswich Oatmeal Stout Ma
Bottles

Two Roads Pilsner Ct

Peak Organic Fresh Cut Me

Full Sail Amber Ale or

Brooklyn Lager Ny

Anderson Valley Gose Ca

Bahnhof Berliner Weisse Ger

Rising Tide Daymark Rye Pale Me

Stillwater as Follows Md

Stillwater Stateside Saison Md

Hof Ten Dormaal Bel (375 Ml)

Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin Ca

Boulevard Pop-Up Ipa Mo

Dark Horse Crooked Tree Ipa Mi

Anderson Valley Hop Ottin Ipa Ca

Firestone Walker Double Jack Ipa Ca

Foolproof Robust Porter Ri

Boulevard 6th Glass Quad Mo

Victory Storm King Stout Pa

Evil Twin Freudian Slip Ct

Wunderkind Cider Ma

Lakefront New Grist Gluten Free Wi

Erdinger N/A Ger

Founder's Breakfast stout Mi
Sherry

Gutieirrez Colosia "Elcano" Fino

Bodegas Grant "Garrocha" Amontillado
Sparkling / Glass

Mercat Brut Nature Cava Macabeo/Parellada/Xarel. Lo Penedes Spain 08

Cote Mas Cremant De Limoux Brut Rose Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Languedoc France Nv
White / Glass

Telmo Rodriguez "Basa" Verdejo Rueda Spain 13

Crnko "Jarenican" Riesling Blend Stajerska Slovenia 13

Suavia Garganega Soave Veneto Italy 13

Masseria Li Veli Verdeca Calle D'itria Puglia Italy 13

Michel Gassier "Nostre Pais" Grenache Blanc/Roussanne Rhone Valley France 12
Red / Glass

Domaine De Colette Gamay Regnie Beaujolais France 10

Valle Dell'acate Frapatto Vitorria Sicily Italy 12

Sainte-Eugenie Syrah Blend Corbieres Languedoc France 12

Izadi Tempranillo Rioja Spain 07

Guido Platinetti Barbera Piedmont Italy 10
Main

Ubiquitous Kale Salad

Fried Shishito Peppers

Spring Vegetable Panzanella

Becca's Granola

Pickled Corn Pancakes

Root Vegetable Latkes

Smoked Pt. Judith Bluefish

Benton's Bacon Blt

Kale Toasts

Pig Blood Scrapple

Dave's Sausage & Potato Skillet

Farm Egg Shakshouka

Classic Secret Burger

Hickory Smoked Pigs' Tails

Braised Oxtail Melt
Sides

Cheesy Smoked Grits

Benton's Bacon

Torched Fruit

Crumpets Cream & Jam

Ellen's Berry Buckle

Smoked Fish Pate & Toast
Cocktails

Brandy Fix

The Convert

The Florence

A&h Szechuan Bloody Mary

Diabetics at McDonald's

Most burgers served at McDonald's are low in sugar but there are several burgers which are high in sodium. You must choose burger options which are low in sugar and moderate in sodium content. You can also avoid extra dressings or cheese over your burger to control diabetes at McDonald's.

Foods to Avoid for Diabetics at McDonald's

Diabetics will find many tempting food items at McDonald's but most of these food items are also high in sugar or sodium. Diabetics must skip desserts and shakes at McDonald's to avoid sugar spike. You should also skip all McCafe drinks except a few containing low sugar and fat-free options. Besides the drinks and beverages, you should also avoid bacon-based and sausage-based burgers and sandwiches to limit your sodium intake. Diabetics should also skip the sausage-based salad options available at McDonald's.

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at McDonald's

Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

Nutritional Facts: 350 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 1070mg sodium, 27g carbs, 6g sugar, 6g fiber, 37g Protein

Egg McMuffin®

Nutritional Facts: 300 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 760mg sodium, 30g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 17g Protein

4-piece Chicken McNuggets®

Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 340mg sodium, 11g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 17g Protein

Kiddie Cone

Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 1g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0.5g), 20mg sodium, 8g carbs, 6g sugar, 0g fiber, 1g Protein

4-piece Chicken McNuggets® Happy Meal

Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2g), 340mg sodium, 11g carbs, 0g sugar, 1g fiber, 10g Protein

Iced Latte

Nutritional Facts: 90 calories, 4.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 65mg sodium, 7g carbs, 7g sugar, 0g fiber, 4g Protein

World Famous Fries®

Nutritional Facts: 230 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1.5g), 160mg sodium, 29g carbs, 0g sugar, 3g fiber, 3g Protein

Healthy Meal suggestions for Alden & Harlow

Snacks

Crispy Chicken Nuggs Pickled Pepper Aioli Honey [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chips & Three-Onion Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charred Broccoli Squash Hummus Montasio & Cashew Crumble [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Heirloom Eggs Pickled Fiddleheads Boquerones [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shishitos Bottarga Lime Crema Cured Yolk [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ubiquitous Kale Salad Fennel Creamy Pistachio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pistachio Crusted Halloumi Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Warm Bread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main

SMOKED BURRATA CROSTINO [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prawns a La Plancha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

TOASTED BARLEY RISOTTO [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salt Roasted Beets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torched Black Mission Figs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Honey Glazed Burrata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Cauliflower [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster & Tomalley Toast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

CRISPY BABY BOK CHOY [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Fried Local Rabbit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Local Bluefish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oil Cured Tuna Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pat Woodbury's Clams [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Toasted Rye Lumache [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Trenne Nero [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Secret Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Lamb Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creekstone Farms New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
DESSERT

VANILLA & BUTTERMILK "CHEESECAKE" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SMOKED CHOCOLATE BREAD PUDDING [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Apple & Olive Oil Cake Trifle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SINGLE COMPOSED CHEESE SELECTION [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Cocktails

The Copperfield [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Port of Call [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Monk-Y Business [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brattle St. [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kon Tiki Mai Tai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spanish Armada [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Smoke [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The San Miguel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amaizing Grace [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

A Stone's Throw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Spiritous Draft

Ah House Bitter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gravitation [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Draft

Notch Pilsner Ma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sixpoint Righteous Rye Ny [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lost Abbey Devotion Belgian Ale Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

21st Amend. Brew Free/Die Ipa Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peak Organic Hop Harvest Me [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ipswich Oatmeal Stout Ma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Bottles

Two Roads Pilsner Ct [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peak Organic Fresh Cut Me [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Full Sail Amber Ale or [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brooklyn Lager Ny [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Anderson Valley Gose Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bahnhof Berliner Weisse Ger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rising Tide Daymark Rye Pale Me [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stillwater as Follows Md [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stillwater Stateside Saison Md [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hof Ten Dormaal Bel (375 Ml) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lagunitas Little Sumpin Sumpin Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boulevard Pop-Up Ipa Mo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dark Horse Crooked Tree Ipa Mi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Anderson Valley Hop Ottin Ipa Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Firestone Walker Double Jack Ipa Ca [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Foolproof Robust Porter Ri [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boulevard 6th Glass Quad Mo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Victory Storm King Stout Pa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Evil Twin Freudian Slip Ct [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wunderkind Cider Ma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lakefront New Grist Gluten Free Wi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Erdinger N/A Ger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Founder's Breakfast stout Mi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sherry

Gutieirrez Colosia "Elcano" Fino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bodegas Grant "Garrocha" Amontillado [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sparkling / Glass

Mercat Brut Nature Cava Macabeo/Parellada/Xarel. Lo Penedes Spain 08 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cote Mas Cremant De Limoux Brut Rose Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Languedoc France Nv [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
White / Glass

Telmo Rodriguez "Basa" Verdejo Rueda Spain 13 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crnko "Jarenican" Riesling Blend Stajerska Slovenia 13 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Suavia Garganega Soave Veneto Italy 13 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Masseria Li Veli Verdeca Calle D'itria Puglia Italy 13 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Michel Gassier "Nostre Pais" Grenache Blanc/Roussanne Rhone Valley France 12 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Red / Glass

Domaine De Colette Gamay Regnie Beaujolais France 10 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valle Dell'acate Frapatto Vitorria Sicily Italy 12 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sainte-Eugenie Syrah Blend Corbieres Languedoc France 12 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Izadi Tempranillo Rioja Spain 07 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Guido Platinetti Barbera Piedmont Italy 10 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main

Ubiquitous Kale Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shishito Peppers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spring Vegetable Panzanella [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Becca's Granola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pickled Corn Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Root Vegetable Latkes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Pt. Judith Bluefish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Benton's Bacon Blt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kale Toasts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pig Blood Scrapple [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dave's Sausage & Potato Skillet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farm Egg Shakshouka [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Secret Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hickory Smoked Pigs' Tails [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Oxtail Melt [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Cheesy Smoked Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Benton's Bacon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Torched Fruit [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crumpets Cream & Jam [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ellen's Berry Buckle [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoked Fish Pate & Toast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Cocktails

Brandy Fix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Convert [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Florence [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

A&h Szechuan Bloody Mary [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

High Blood Pressure at McDonald's

Most burgers at fast food joints contain a high amount of sodium. You must keep your sodium intake in check if you are suffering from high blood pressure. McDonald's offers a wide range of burgers based on your diet preferences. Choose the right burger and avoid French fries at all cost while dining at McDonald's.

Foods to Avoid at McDonald's for High Blood Pressure

Avoid Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Burger and Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles at McDonald's as both these burgers are high in sodium. Skip extra cheese and avoid French fries if possible as they are too greasy and can add to your sodium intake. Also, avoid all types of sausage-based burgers or sandwiches at McDonald's to limit your sodium levels.

Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at McDonald's

Side Salad

Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 10g Protein

Filet-O-Fish®

Nutritional Facts: 390 calories, 19g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 560mg sodium, 38g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 17g Protein

Baked Apple Pie

Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 6g), 95mg sodium, 35g carbs, 16g sugar, 4g fiber, 2g Protein

Vanilla Cone

Nutritional Facts: 200 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 95mg sodium, 32g carbs, 16g sugar, 4g fiber, 2g Protein

Americano

Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Coffee

Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 20mg sodium, 1g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein

Apple Slices

Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0 g), 0mg sodium, 4g carbs, 3g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

High Cholesterol at MCDONALD'S

Cholesterol is the biggest concern for people visiting McDonald's, especially people suffering from high cholesterol. You can order chicken or egg burgers instead of ham or cheeseburgers to maintain your cholesterol levels at McDonald's. In addition, you can also try the salads and opt for drinks that low in sugar.

Foods to Avoid at MCDONALD'S for High Cholesterol

Bacon-based items are often too greasy and high in bad cholesterol. If you are concerned about high cholesterol, then you must avoid all bacon-based burgers and salads. Also, skip the Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders to keep your cholesterol levels in check. You must also keep sausage-based items at bay when dining at McDonald's.

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at MCDONALD'S

Side Salad

Nutritional Facts: 15 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 1g sugar, 1g fiber, 1g Protein

Egg White Delight McMuffin®

Nutritional Facts: 260 calories, 8g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 780mg sodium, 29g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 16g Protein

McChicken®

Nutritional Facts: 410 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 590mg sodium, 39g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 15g Protein

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 2.5g), 125mg sodium, 22g carbs, 12g sugar, 1g fiber, 2g Protein

Hamburger Happy Meal

Nutritional Facts: 480 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 680mg sodium, 62g carbs, 21g sugar, 3g fiber, 22g Protein

Cappuccino

Nutritional Facts: 120 calories, 6g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 80mg sodium, 9g carbs, 9g sugar, 0g fiber, 6g Protein

Yoplait® GO-GURT® Low Fat Strawberry Yogurt

Nutritional Facts: 45 calories, 0.5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 30mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein

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Kixie C.

I tried Alden & Harlow for the first time on Sunday with my husband and in-laws. We were all looking forward to our brunch because we love going out to eat and there were some great reviews on Yelp. Unfortunately, our experience sucked so I don't think we'll be giving it another whirl. We made reservations and were promptly seated. As soon as we left the hostess area for our table (a high booth alongside the bar), we could feel the air getting uncomfortably warm and heavy. As the hostess was settling us in, I grabbed a menu to fan myself. I wasn't being a drama queen - it really was that warm. I asked the hostess if she could please turn the air conditioner up a notch. She said she would but nothing happened because it remained over 80Â°. With three of us now using the menus as fans (yes, we did ask to keep them for that purpose), and my in-laws actually sweating, we told our waitress that we were really uncomfortable and needed the AC turned on/up. She acknowledged that the restaurant does indeed get warm but apparently left it at that because it never got any cooler. As for the food, it's pretentious and mediocre at best. They also use a lot of salt. We started off with the crumpets with jam and cream. 2 grilled (and salty) crumpets with a tiny bit of cream and jam. Good but nothing to write home about. We also had a side of cheesy smoked grits. It was the one bright spot in our shitty experience, so I happily recommend this side dish. For mains, my in-laws and I had the secret (and salty) burger which lists "your faith" as one of the "ingredients" so I asked what that was. The waitress said there were no secret ingredients in the burger. The secret was in how they chopped the beef and that was what "your faith" referred to (Oh please). The secret burger is nothing special at all - some shredded lettuce, one or two thin pickle slices, onion and some Russian-like dressing. The homemade potato chips it comes with were pretty good though. My husband had the biscuits and sausage gravy. He was expecting a more traditional sausage flavor and couldn't put his finger on the alternative flavor they'd concocted instead. The bill came to over $150 (with tip) for 2 sides, 3 burgers, the biscuits & gravy, 4 coffees, and two cocktails. This would have been fine if the food had been worth it and we hadn't been sweating our butts off the entire time. There are many positive reviews of this restaurant on Yelp and elsewhere so perhaps my experience was out of the ordinary and they were just having an off day. I'll never know because I won't be going back. On a positive note, I like the dÃ©cor and the place has potential. My specific feedback for management would be to read through the negative reviews that are out there in cyberspace (there are some definite patterns!), regulate the temperature, chill out with the salt and taste the food before you send it out.
(2)
Emerson W.

Excellent and interesting although at times questionable and over-hyped. [This review pertains to the dinner menu only] Let me begin with noting: the Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad is one of the best things I ate in 2014. A proper description wouldn't do this dish justice, so I must simply implore you to put it in your face. Adjectives: unexpected, experimental, extraordinary, simple, complex; where new and old worlds collide, and pumpkin is spaghetti. The infamous secret burger: I suppose I shouldn't ruin the surprise with too much detail, but the 'fun cheese thing' I found entirely superfluous. Other than that, awesome burger, but that is all. Quick mention: I could've saved my appetite for other things than the Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes. Their menu is constantly in flux, claiming a dedication to seasonality, although they obviously know which dishes are well received, and those seem to stay a constant of the options. Boiled down, this is a fun and adventurous place to eat. Some things will have staying power, and others deserve the soccer trophy in your basement from when you were 6 that the coach gave to everyone. Terribly hip ambiance and decorum. The front room booth amongst the plethora of living leafy greens cleanly draped below pretty brittle ceiling windows allowing you to peer up into the flickering lights of civilization and the spritely passing pedestrians of Brattle Street (peering down at you) could single handedly talk me out of a four month stint of seasonal depression. If you call in for reservations, ask for this spot. The service is certainly trying to be excellent, but at times came off slightly forced and awkward -- kind of like me, so I know what I'm talking about. This place is best for its novel inventiveness. Having been three times, I don't think I'll go back too soon, but when I do, I'll be excited about that Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad.
(4)
Marine G.

Very nice spot in Cambridge. The atmosphere inside is chic and trendy - so is the food. Very interesting mixes of tastes and textures in all the plates we ordered. Really enjoyed the carpaccio and the pork belly. Only minus are portion's size: you are supposed to share every dish but sometimes this is complicated vs the amount of food! The soft crab for example is not enough. Despite this we really enjoyed our night, wine was great and service is friendly + professional. One comment about the chocolate wood smoked cake: super weird but super good! (For the less adventurous the short bread is crazy good) Really recommend the place!
(4)
patrick S.

Honestly one of the best meals I've had in Massachusetts. This place is incredible. Fantastic and interesting menu, awesome waitstaff, great atmosphere, etc. The menu changes a lot, so, I'll just say listen to the staff recommendations - they know what they're talking about. Everything was amazing. Loved this place so much that my wife and I made reservations for a second trip about an hour after we left the first time. Second visit was just as good. Worth every penny. Don't get suckered in to getting the burger. It was a GREAT burger, but still, it's a burger
(5)
Chloe B.

I'm so glad I finally had the chance to make it to Alden & Harlow after the year long hype that's been amping me up for the visit. Last night on a busy Saturday I figured it might be a long shot to be able to get in for dinner, but as I had a friend visiting from Providence and we were close to Harvard Square we decided to go for it. We got to the restaurant at about 6pm and put our names in for dinner, deciding to wait the estimated hour and a half over a drink at nearby Russell House Tavern instead of waiting in the queue for the bar (which serves the full menu). When we came back at about 7:30pm it turned out that their estimate was pretty good as we only found ourselves waiting another twenty minutes or so. The house was packed from back to front even though it's pretty large, and even when we were on our way out at nearly 10pm the place was still buzzing and people were sitting down for dinner. Far more fun and busy than most upscale restaurants nearby at this hour. The decor and ambiance are great; a great mix of hip without entirely capitulating to the "look" we all see on our Instagram feeds in the litany of trendy new spots across the country that all end up looking the same. By the same token, the food was experimental and interesting without trying too hard, not to mention delicious. The complimentary picked green beans were an interesting starter, and we went on to order the broccoli, bone marrow croquetas, New York strip and the swordfish for two of us. While I don't think the style quite amounts to "tapas" we were certainly able to share and enjoy the meal. One thing that was a bit odd about the service was how staggered the dishes ended up coming out. Although we knew that they came out "as ready," it seemed odd that that meant nearly thirty minutes for the first plate (the croquetas), another seven or so for the broccoli, then about twenty minutes for the steak and finally the swordfish another ten or so after that. Despite this one strange component the service was lovely; kind people who seem to be genuinely excited about working in the restaurant, with none of the condescension that oftentimes accompanies working at the talk of the town. The food was all beautifully cooked and just delicious, I can't wait to come back and order the rest of the menu over the next couple weeks before I have to head back West.
(5)
Ted W.

The burger is the real deal. Get it rare and you will be happy! The smoked lamb ribs lured me into forsaking my Buddhism because they represent the highest of highs. They're crunchy crispy salty sweet orange on the outside and pure tender smoked goodness on the inside. Burrata dish was also very nice. Pro-tip: drinks can take a while to come so order in advance of when you want it there (for example if you want to have a cold ipa with your ribs maybe order 5-10 min before). I don't dock stars based on slow Svc but something to be aware of. Update: I came back here for sunday brunch and it was amaze! Burger is straight up on the menu and all the other items are equal parts enticing and delicious. I recommend the frittata
(5)
Cara W.

Excellent. I ate here late last year with a party of four and it was amazing. We shared four plates, only one of which I wouldn't re-order if it were on another menu (some sort of corn plate with popcorn?). Everything else was spot-on. The cocktails were amazing and the wine selection was very nice as well. I do have to say that I probably wouldn't order the smoked chocolate bread pudding again, but I appreciate the idea of it.
(5)
Hunter M.

I'm going to give this place three stars because I believe it has real potential. After reading reviews and seeing Thrillist's "Top 25" article I was excited to see what all the hype was about. My excitement lasted about 5 minutes after walking in the door. The decor is great and the atmosphere was nice. The service on the other hand left much to be desired. Our waiter didn't appear to be too happy to be there and was short and snippy. We were also not thanked or acknowledged on the way out the door. I ordered the Darkest Night cocktail to begin. One of the listed ingredients was vanilla and I believe it was an apt description for the entire drink. Very boring. The corn pancakes were, by themselves, delicious. I completely did not understand the peppers and they did nothing for the dish. In fact, they just tasted bad. The popcorn was maybe creative in theory but simply didn't work. I spent the majority of the time trying to avoid breaking my tooth on a kernel. All this was after trying to figure out how to even get the popcorn from the plate to my mouth. Have you ever eaten popcorn at home with a fork? There's a reason for that. The crispy pork belly with grits was the best dish but still missed the mark. The dish was fatty, naturally, given the nature of pork belly, but the dish lacked any real acid to break up the mouth full of fat. The grits, however, were fantastic. I would have been happy with nothing else besides a plate full of those southern gift to the world. The New York strip steak with bone marrow was executed poorly. I appreciate the attempt to brown the meat while leaving the interior a nice medium rare. Biting into this steak, however, was like getting your mouth washed out with a piece of charcoal. Maybe a few minutes less on the char. The dessert of bread pudding and sea salt ice cream would have been great if there would have been no bread pudding. As one other reviewer noted, "gluey" is about the only adjective I can think of to describe it. It was left uneaten on the table which is the first time I have ever been able to say that. A molten lava cake from Chili's is better by a factor of 10. Alden & Harlow is trying very hard to send out creative and innovative food but it appears the cost is sacrificing the taste of the food they deliver.
(3)
Annie L.

My friend and I came for brunch, and we ordered the secret burger and the smoked pigs tail. It was a good thing that we were only a party of two; there was a thirty minute wait, but enough seating for us at the bar, where the service was great! We ordered two things to share, and I have to say that the secret burger is worth the price. It came with so many chips we could barely finish! The smoked pigs tail was also pretty good, though sweeter that I would have expected.
(4)
Robert N.

Great place. Awesome decor. Food was amazing, inventive and perfectly seasoned. You can tell a lot of thought goes into balancing flavors with different ingredients. I will definitely be back
(4)
Sabrina Shuang G.

Here is my long overdue virgin restaurant Yelp review and who would it better be for than my favorite by far in Boston - Alden and Harlow. It's really rare to find an establishment where food and ambient are equally well-executed and innovative. Alden and Harlow would be the place where both your eyes and your mouth would thank you. Every dish was a symphony in your mouth. Some of my favorites: Pork Belly, Baby Brussels, Grilled Cauliflowers
(5)
Morgan M.

I've only been here for brunch, and for dessert, but I must say, WOW! What a wonderful establishment, in every way. Bon Appetit magazine has featured recipes from this restaurant in their RSVP section, and the promo spot is well deserved. The food stuffs I would HIGHLY recommend from the brunch menu: the root vegetable latkes (everyone's favorite), hikory smoked pigs tails with grits (dem grits!), the Classic Secret Burger, and more grits! The seasonal menu changes a lot, so many of the other things we had are no longer on here, but I'm sure it's all fantastic. The only thing that I would not get again is the kale toast. Not bad, just not up to par with everything else we had. Finally, they used to have smoked chocolate brownie - now it's bread pudding, but I'm sure it's just as amazingly smokey and delicious as the brownie was! If you like peaty whisky, you will ADORE their smokey desserts. Trust me. I will definitely be back soon to try their dinner menu!
(5)
Caitlin G.

My partner and I had been wanting to try this restaurant since it opened, and the couple times we happened to be in Harvard Square during dinner time it was a long wait. We were finally there at 5:30 recently - early enough to get a table right away. We sat at a table in the front under the long skylight, so almost like sitting outside, which it was too cold to do. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We decided to order only small plates, no entrees. The three best dishes we had were the unbelievably delicious kale salad with pistachio dressing, the rotolo (I could make a meal out of a couple of these, and one for dessert) and the heirloom eggs. I don't know which was better, the deliciousness of every dish we had, or the artful presentation. Our dining experience should have been 5 star, and would have been except for the music, which was on the loud side and filled with profanities. We're sitting in this chic restaurant, enjoying sumptuous dishes clearly prepared with great care. The whole experience was marred by the background of rap music punctuated by mofos, f-bombs, and n words. It was jarring to hear those words over and over, to the point where we couldn't ignore them, so the music moved from background to foreground. It's kind of sad that what should have been a perfect dining experience lingers in my memory as spoiled by music instead of enhanced by it.
(3)
Erika K.

Food does not live up to expectations, although atmosphere is good. Recommend for a drink and nibbles.
(3)
Eric L.

A hidden gem at Harvard Sq.
(4)
Rhonda M.

The brunch is a little too fancy for my taste. Small portions, big price tag and strange selection. Service was slow and I got my coffee after my meal was served. If you're a foodie I could see how you would love it. I'll try it again for dinner, but not brunch.
(3)
Tim F.

Perfect. Located at the base of a building just off of Harvard Square, Alden and Harlow serves a distinct take on a New England style of cooking that is fantastic. If you liked the cuisine at Russell House Tavern, you will love Alden & Harlow---as this restaurant is owned by RHT's former chef phenom, Michael Scelfo, The ambiance is fantastic, warm, dark and inviting. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the restaurant, but not so much for people to have a decent conversation without yelling. However, make sure to get here early or make a reservation as this place fills up fast, even at 6pm on a Thursday night. I started off with a Golding's Bastard---a delicious cocktail with chinook hop infused mezcal, pimms #1, demerara, lime, and ginger beer. Served with a comp of pickled string beans, the meal was off to a good start. Appetizer of charred fennel was served with the Secret Burger, but that was fine as it complemented my delicious 8oz perfectly charred burger. Don't know how he does it, but the burger has a nice crust to it while still being nice and juicy in the inside. The homemade potato chips are so darn good , on one hand I am actually glad I live out of state, otherwise I could snack on these everyday. On the other hand, I really wish A&H was nearby, because this would be my go to restaurant for every occasion. For those lucky enough to get a chance to experience this restaurant, just do it and thank me later.
(5)
Favorite F.

Right down the street from The Sinclair. Great trendy bar/restaurant to start at before a show. Excellent service, gets packed though. Onion dip was delish. Nice variety of beers, whisky, wine & cocktails.
(5)
Susan K.

Really enjoyed the night out with good food-- Service had a little attitude and unnecessary comments when one friend was slow to decide ... He made up for it by bringing her a nice unexpected drink... 2 dishes each divided and shared was perfect for our group. We also really enjoyed the cocktails. We skipped dessert-
(4)
Alejandro C.

Fun environment and good menu, but two issues: 1) All dishes were too salty. 2) We were told burgers were sold out but then watched 3 being made as we left. Either someone waited an hour, or there's a secret burger list.
(2)
Ryan L.

Probably the best restaurant in Harvard Square. Entrees are like tapas and all are good. Pork belly was good and crunchy. Love the fusion of good things.
(5)
Xi C.

The Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly is very decent. It has very crispy skin and perfect amount of fat inside. My favorite dish of the night.
(4)
Craig D.

Amazing gastropub in Harvard Square, in Cambridge, MA. Dark place with a very cool bar. Great drink selection, they also make their own bitters and other flavorings for the drinks. Amazing Bourbon/Whiskey Selection and they make a strong drink! Food was fantastic, including their homemade onion drip served with homemade potato chips. We also had the chicken fried rabbit, which was outstanding. Very reasonable place, a party of two will probably walk out spending about $100 bucks.. Vibe is really cool, and the place is surprisingly large inside. We will definitely go back the next time we are in the Boston Area.
(5)
Aaron K.

Alden & Harlow has established itself as a powerhouse in Harvard Sq. Make reservations in advance as this has become the top dining destination in the square and rightfully so. The food is gourmet but in a more casual/trendy atmosphere. This is definitely the coolest atmosphere in Harvard Sq. with a very vibrant bar scene and a great industrial design for the restaurant space. At first glance, the menu and dishes in this place seem really expensive but 2 dishes is enough per person and that doesn't end up being much more expensive than other restaurants in the area with this type of quality food. There was a lot of thought and effort put into the items on the menu. They all have great ingredients that work well together and most dishes are dishes you can't get anywhere else. Every dish was a hit in one way or another and we tried 5 of them. Stand outs were the slow roasted beef neck (so tender), and the market crudo (scallops this night, fresh with incredible flavors including a kimchi aioli). The 60 degree egg also impressed with a slow yolk run that blended in to all the wonderful veggies on the plate. The clams were the only miss which were extremely tough and chewy and also overpowered by an extremely heavy sauce. The rest of the clam's dish was excellent however, the heavy sauce was the perfect complement for the lumps of pigs tail scattered throughout the dish and the grilled bread on top. I would love to see this dish with something other then clams. The tapas style is great for sharing food and sparking conversation but some of the plates are difficult to share as they may have a thick sauce (the clams) or need to be deconstructed to move to your plate. You typically would never see this food served as tapas style but it is. While difficult to share, I feel this is the best way to eat out with other people. The service was a bit stand offish the night we came, but it was fine for us because we weren't in a rush and wanted to talk. Plates came out as they were ready and we weren't overwhelmed by having all plates come out at once. Possibly my biggest pet peeve at any restaurant is bringing out multiple hot dishes at one time which forces you to rush through your food before it becomes cold, and once it's cold it's no longer good. Alden & Harlow know how to pace the meal and that's very important for this tapas style they are going for. We will definitely be back to try more of the dishes and get some of our favorites again.
(4)
Julianne S.

i was really excited about this place after reading other Yelp reviews. However, I left feeling a little disappointed as I expected this place to be life changing. One of my friends is a strict vegetarian--the menu is rather accommodating. We shared the charred broccoli, polenta, the chicken fried rabbit, pork belly, the baby brussels, all topped off with the bread pudding. The charred broccoli was really delicious--we ended up getting two orders! I thought the other dishes contained a bit more sodium that I'd like. I would go back for the broccoli and the dessert, but I wasn't too highly impressed with the other dishes.
(3)
Keith N.

Not good at all. Horrible. If you want anything with meat, go somewhere else. How can you mess up both a NY Strip and a Pork Belly? How?
(1)
Steve B.

Food may be good BUT TOO LOUD been waiting 20 mins for a quieter table place is not full - people are shouting to hear one another. BRING EAR PLUGS
(2)
Caroline L.

Alden & Harlow is now my go-to for superspecial celebrations. The atmosphere is modern/industrial-- gorgeous and inviting, but not stuffy. I feel safer in restaurants where I'm not constantly worried that I'll trip and break everything. I daydream about having a succulent wall like theirs in my own home one day. Anyways. THE MENU: creative and interesting. Three sharing entrees is generally enough for two people! - Corn pancakes: personally think they're overrated. I loved the combination of the grilled peppers against the slightly sweet pancake, but in my opinion not worth the price. Maybe I have higher standards for things I feel I might be able to make at home. - Burger: RESERVE ONE RIGHT WHEN YOU GET THERE! They really do run out, and I've gone ~5:30pm and it's run out. Even if you are sitting at the bar before dinner, you can request one and they'll bring it out with dinner. It IS a delicious burger and worth trying at least once! - They used to have something on the menu that involved a croissantoastmagicalcreation, 60-degree egg and foie gras custard which was uh-mazing. It could have used something a little brightness to cut through the richness, but the crunchy toast with the slightly sweet custard was working. HAVE A COCKTAIL! The very dapper bartenders will recommend something to your taste. The drinks are well-balanced, interesting, and dangerously delicious. This means you will spend more money on drinks than you wanted. :X #realtalk RESERVATIONS: Make a res because it will fill up, but if you are ok with waiting 45min-1hr, there are always some reserved tables, so put your name in and enjoy the bar. Or a walk about Harvard Squuuurrr. Parking: 2-hour parking (metered spots) in the area until 8pm so you might have to move your car if you're planning to linger!
(5)
Kelly R.

Amazing. The menu reads from light to heavy. Wanting a bit of a lighter meal, I went with two items from the lighter side, but if you're feeling a little hungrier, go with plates further to the right. I had the ubiquitous kale salad (the fennel and pistachio make this an absolutely phenomenal mix of textures, and the kale itself is very fresh) and the peas & mushroom dish with the 60 degree egg (the egg! The crispy bits of mushroom!). Both were amazing, and I'd highly recommend them. I also had a bite of my friend's pork belly, which was absolutely divine. I'll be back -- when I can get a reservation.
(5)
Lindsay B.

I'd been saving a trip to Alden & Harlow for my birthday this year, and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere was really neat (we sat under a wall made of live plants), the service was excellent, and the food endlessly creative and delighting. Here's a list of what we had: -Turncoat cocktail: really interesting and refreshing. I think it had gin, grapefruit, cardamom and pink peppercorn. My only complaint was that there wasn't enough of it! -Grilled romano beans: really nice starter, you could see the grill marks on the beans. -Ubiquitous kale salad: I got it with the creamy dressing on the side, but it came pre-dressed with something that was light and yummy. -Pickled corn pancakes: definitely the winner of the night. The corn, maple, and shishito pepper flavors worked really well together, plus there was popcorn on top. You can't beat popcorn. -Sweet pea & peanut hummus: There was surprisingly little of the hummus itself on the plate, but it harmonized really well with the gooey egg and the bacon jam (yes, bacon jam) around it. and the bread that came with it was crusty, soft, and freshly grilled. -Fried smelts: I'm not a fan of these myself, but it came with thin slices of lemon that were also battered and fried, which were awesome. -Crispy pork belly: I didn't have this, but my friends raved about it. -Chicken fried rabbit: Ditto above. -Chips and onion dip: Pretty standard, but great for what it was. -Smoked bread pudding: This was the only unpleasant surprise of the night, and wasn't enough to knock it down to 4 stars. There's definitely bacon fat in it. I like bacon, but only when it's actually bacon. -Lemon pound cake with blueberries: Divine. I will definitely be back here again. Go with some friends and try everything!
(5)
Rachel H.

I had heard lots of great things about this place and thought the menu looked inventive. I went with two of my girlfriends and the decor was nice, service kind of slow and the food was decent at best. I had the Pig Tails, my friend had the biscuits and gravy. Mine was not awesome at all and hers was all salt. Very disappointed and would not recommend going here for brunch. I did like the crumpets, cream & jam, but lets be honest its kind of hard to screw up! Overall, was not that impressed!
(2)
Your N.

Great decor and setting and great wait staff. Food was too much - fried, sweet, bacon. More like elaborate garnishes than real dishes. The burger was very good. Might work better if we'd tried other items, but it ended up being a salty, sweet, fried meal without enough real food with the exception of the burger. We expected more fresh vegetables.
(3)
Dave R.

Alden & Harlow has been on my Yelp "to do" list since before I moved to the Boston / Cambridge area this past October... I'm glad I finally made it!!! It hasn't been for lack of trying. I am a Red Line commuter and Harvard Sq. is where I get off the train most evenings. Unfortunately, most nights that's later than I'd like and I'm not in the mood to go home and cook. So I am often popping into one of the many places in Harvard or one of the other Cambridge/Somerville Squares for a bite to eat and a glass (or two) of wine (or a beer) at the bar (I refuse to eat at a table alone). However, every time I've popped into A&H it's been standing room only in and around the bar. Not good if the plan is to have a drink AND eat ;-) On this occasion I was going to a show a Club Passim at 7:00 on a Friday night so I made sure I arrived very close to 5:00 (when the doors open). At that hour I was able to easily get a seat at the bar... but by 5:30 there were people already standing behind me (and every other seat) waiting for a place to open up. Interestingly, the bar tending staff at A&H consciously tries to manage bar seating on a first come first serve basis so that it's the person(s) who have been standing the longest who get the next seat -- not the person who just walked in and happens to be lucky enough to be near the seat that's just being vacated. I'm sure it doesn't always work as planned, but I applaud them and mgmt. for making the effort! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anyway, now I know why everyone raves about this place... I'm a flexitarian and the A&H menu had more than enough vegetarian items to explore so it was easy to eat vegetarian this night. I had the Charred Broccoli with Squash Hummus and the Kale & Fennel Salad. I was also served a complimentary small plate of pickled green beans. All of the food was fresh, interestingly prepared, and just outstanding; as was the cocktail and the glass of wine (both of which were recommended by a very helpful bartender based on my description of what I like / normally drink). 5-stars in my book! I am going to make a point of getting out of work early enough at least once a month so I can try more of their awesome looking menu.
(5)
Lisa L.

I used to LOVE Alden & Harlow -- have been there 6 or 7 times -- but the last couple of times have been somewhat disappointing. The food is still delicious, I still love the atmosphere and the bartenders, but I feel like they've started skimping on portions and the value for the money (which was already borderline crazy) has gone down. On my last visit, we were seated at a table that had cold air whooshing down on us (they did move us), and our server was a little impatient with us, which we found annoying since we planned to eat & drink like crazy and spend lots of money! The two disappointing items that stick out my mind were the pumpkin salad and the misson figs. I've had the squash salad in the past (many times), which is a very similar dish, and the amount of food on the plate was less than half of what it was when I last ordered the squash salad. It's not even meat...why skimp?! The mission figs were delicious, but the dish was literally two raw figs sliced in half on a smear of pate, for like $13. C'mon. We spent $211 for three people (before tip) and left the place feeling barely full. For $70 I want to feel like I need to be carried out of the restaurant and tucked in bed! A&H, I've been telling my friends you're 5 stars since your very beginnings, but I've lost that loving feeling. Bring it back!
(3)
Melanna C.

As soon as I walked in, I thought to myself "Good choice, Mel..." A&H does hipster, earthy, and modern all while not becoming a cliche. The different rooms all had their own vibes without feeling ad hoc or closed off. Decor? Spot on. For starters, the green room to your right when you first walk in is where I hope to be sat next time. It had a mod jungle feel with just the right about of an upscale feel. The backlighting through horizontal slats of wood at the bar? Love it. I could go on about how much the aesthetics were appealing, but I'll digress. The food's really why you're reading this. A firm Mezcal lover, my cousin sent me a screenshot of their drink menu off their site featuring a bev called "green smoke" that probably was the reason I got through my workday. Innovative and had my name all over it. When asked for our drink selections, the waitress told me they no longer served it (which was disappointing), but offered a comparable drink that I found to be delightfully spiced. It also helped that one of the servers dropped off a complimentary pickled green bean plate stippled with sesame seeds to curb my hunger while trying to narrow down which delicious small plate order so I didn't look like a glutton. To split, my cousin and I noshed on the raw sugar pumpkin salad (that looked like spaghetti, but had awesome bite to it), honey glazed burrata (cheese and autumn ingredients? Sold!), and the grilled lamb sirloin (with cocoa rub and grilled carrot mash). My only complaints would be (1) the grilled carrot mash felt devoid of TLC and more like someone overzealously shook in Old Bay seasoning and (2) that the site's drink menu was outdated and should be more frequently tended to. I was impressed immediately and will be returning soon!
(4)
Linda O.

Anne Burrelle said that A&H's Secret Burger was amazing, and she wasn't kidding. She also said that they sell out very quickly because they only make a certain amount every evening. That said, I made a 6:15 reservation thinking that would give us plenty of time to order said burger. We actually arrived early and the place was packed! In this area, it's pretty unusual to see a packed restaurant at 5:45 p.m. so I got a bit anxious about this whole burger business. At 6:00 while we were waiting to be seated, I asked the hostess if she knew if they had any burgers left, and when she checked the orders status, she said they had only 10 left. Oy. As soon as we got seated and our wonderful server came over to introduce herself, we placed our burger order. She seemed a bit doubtful but rushed away to see if she could get it in and we had success! In any case, everything around us looked amazing. We started with the chicken liver snack (yum) before our burgers came, but because we were seated so close to our neighbors, we all inquired about what everyone was eating. On both sides of us, folks ordered the corn cakes with popcorn and peppers. It looked so strange but both parties cleaned their plates and claimed deliciousness. Also, the lamb dish over to our right had us drooling, and that was AFTER we finished our burgers. That burger, that wonderful, juicy finger-licking burger! I didn't put it down at all. My husband kept eating his, putting it down, snacking on the homemade chips and then going back to said burger. I don't know how he could do it. I didn't want for it to leave my mouth! The flavors, the crunch, the juice: everything about that burger is amazing. We finished with the lemon pound cake just to lighten things up a bit, but the dark chocolate bread pudding looked like a great option, and it was our server's favorite dessert. We can't wait to go back and try more of what we saw.
(5)
Avigayil R.

Me and my boyfriend got 4 dishes from the October menu, crispy pork belly, pistachio crusted hallumi, clams and pork tail, parsnips with chicken skin and mushrooms. The clams with pork tail were AMAZING. Best dish I've eaten in recent memory. The sauce was rich, lemony, herby and had delicious shredded pork with each clam. The herb covered toast it came with was perfect for scooping sauce. The crispy pork belly was also very good, perfect crispy skin and super tender meat. The grits it came with were a little bland, but a good dish. The hallumi was a pretty good snack sized dish, but could have used more salt, more pickled onions, or a sauce. The parsnips were very underwhelming and bland, I was excited for the chicken skin but it was crumbled (on purpose) and ended up just tasting like burnt crumbs. Overall we really enjoyed our dining experience and will be going again to see what else they have, we will get the clams again!
(4)
Vincent S.

I returned to Alden and Harlow last night for one of their reservation only garden dinners. My experience last night was largely better than my previous experience at brunch. First off, the food (a prix fixe menu for the garden party) was for the most part very good. One dish (a duck egg dish) was rather bland but the rest of the food was good. The pours for the wine pairing were a bit light but the selections were excellent. My biggest problem was again the lack of foresight on the behalf of the kitchen staff regarding sharing. The way this event was set up was a family style service. However several dishes came out with a number of items that were not able to be shared equally among the group of 8 individuals (4 couples) at our table. For example one dish was served with some oysters however there were only 7 oysters...for 8 people. Another course were small smoked oyster buns. There were 12 of them at our table of 8. Some people were able to have seconds and others were not. It was a bit awkward at a table of strangers to decide who got the extra food. Portions should have been allocated in a way that they were divisible by the number of people at the table (and they certainly knew this in advance. It was a pre-ticketed event with two tables. One 4-top and one 8-top. It should have been easy to portion accordingly, but clearly it was not thought about by the kitchen staff. Another small quibble was that for an event like this it would have been nice to have a dedicated server that had no other tables. There were times when the table needed something but she took a rather long time to return because she was working other tables in the restaurant not part of the event. UPDATE: the management at Alden and Harlow has reached out to me to apologize which I think is an excellent gesture. I will certainly try them out again and will hope the portioning is more in line with how they recommend dishes be shared.
(3)
Dave G.

Meh. I agree with other reviews about the food being okay but not outstanding. Everything lacked cohesion and nothing really stood out enough to get evangelical about. The ambiance/atmosphere was very cool, underground with mason jars packed with house pickled stuff, etc. The food sounds amazing and was generally executed well, but almost every dish felt like it was trying really hard but missed the mark. Almost nothing to write home about or come back for. The highlight of the night was the broccoli. House pickled green beans: came out complimentary to start the night. Not great, would have rather had bread, olives, or something that tasted good rather than just sounds cool. Corn pancakes with popcorn and maple cream sauce: cooked in lots of butter which made it good, but overall didn't do much for me. Chicken fried snails: really dense balls and the seasoning in it didn't remind me of fried chicken batter at all. Great concept, not great execution (and I generally love snails!). Served with ramp aioli and pickled ramps- sounds amazing and I'm happy to see seasonal food in the menu, but overall the dish wasn't all that great. Morel something: I love morels, my wife and I have foraged for them ourselves last year with a mushroom club and I pretty much love everything about them. This dish had three fresh morel halves, and did not highlight the earthy, umami taste of the morels at all. Total let down. Charred octopus: finally a great tasting dish. But it was particularly small. We should have ordered at least one of these per person. Shared between three of us we each got a single 1-inch piece of octopus. I'm fine with small plates to share but this was almost amuse bouche sized. Again, disappointing because the one bite we each got was actually very good. Mackerel: way too much smoked fish flavor in the puddle of cold cream sauce it was sitting in. The pickled something with it just made for a weird flavor overall. The smoked fish sauce overpowered the dish and made it unappetizing. Burrata in puff pastry- good, would maybe get again but nothing to write home about. Charred broccoli- awesome, the best dish we ordered and the only thing I would definitely order if I were to go back. Service and atmosphere were good. In summary: I don't think I would go back here except I'll probably go by myself early some night to try the burger. Would make a great place to get cocktails before dinner somewhere else.
(3)
Rebecca Y.

Great new restaurant in Harvard Square that serves seasonal and interesting new American food. The cocktails are great and inventive, too. This sounds cliche, but I really enjoyed the kale salad here. They do interesting things with the texture and flavor combination to make this dish stand out on the menu. Great place for a classy date or dinner with friends.
(4)
Magdalen B.

The food is some of the best I have ever eaten. Everything we ordered was superb (chicken fried snails, chicken fried local rabbit, charred octopus, pork belly, and clams with smoked pig's tail). The reason this gets 4 instead of 5 stars is the price to portion ratio. When they say "small plate", they're not kidding.
(4)
Noa C.

We came here for dinner on a Friday night. The host and hostess were lovely and sat us under a window canopy with a wall of live succulents! I have never seen a living wall before and it was amazing! (so amazing I'm thinking of putting one in my house!) The drink list is wonderful. I had the River Run cocktail, which was amazing, though so strong I did not have a chance to try any other cocktails. The beer list was also wonderful The food: the menu is designed with smaller/lighter dishes on the left, getting bigger/bolder towards the right. So there are no real appetizers, though there are 'snacks' to share for the table, and they brought over a dish of pickled greens beans as an amuse bouche (which confused me because it was just brought to the table without an explanation). The beans were fine, but not something I would have again. The food is served as it is prepared, which is fine, though I hoped that the lighter dishes would come first which was not the case. We ordered the (1) Mushrooms - amazing! highly recommend any mushroom dish they have, we wanted to lick the plate clean; (2) Chicken Fried Rabbit - not great, didn't taste like anything except the fried breading, will not be ordering it again, and (3) Grilled Lamb Sirloin - wonderful and perfectly cooked. I will be back to try more dishes and cocktails! The bar looked lively, so I will try to sit there next time.
(4)
Rachel C.

First time I went to Alden and Harlow a few months ago it was awesome and decided it was one of my favorites. The staff is kind and accommodating, atmosphere is great and so is the food I went last night for my birthday and have been sick with food poisoning symptoms since. I really didn't want to spend what was supposed to be a romantic birthday weekend with my boyfriend puking, but here I am. I'm very surprised and disappointed. Because of that, unfortunately, I cannot recommend it.
(1)
Kaitlyn H.

Food is great (pork belly for days), but the service is terrible.
(3)
Sharon S.

Corn pancakes & Bok choy were the winners we chose. Decent wine list. Great service. Really well decorated. Some misses but overall, thumbs up.
(4)
Shilpa T.

Came here for a light dinner and cocktails. We started with the cocktail on tap- such a cool concept, they just make a large batch of a particular cocktail and have it available for you from a keg. The cocktail was called the PLAZA HOTEL- McElhone Revived, Overproof Bourbon, Fennel Infused Lillet, Campari. It was light, bitter, and really floral and flavorful. I love all the beautiful glasses these places are bringing back to serve you drinks these days. I had the Gin cocktail (pretty sure this was the only one on the menu, as the cocktail menu was rich with bourbon, mezcal, and rye drinks) which was delicious and citrusy. To start to eat we had the Plancha Roasted Yams with White Miso, Sour Orange, and Toasted Benne Seeds. DELICIOUS. Whatever the white miso sauce is... is creamy and divine when paired with crispy, smoky, yams. We then got the SALT COD & TURNIP BRANDADE served with Chick Pea, Fennel Cracker, Pickled Mustard Seeds. This is more on point with the smoked trout on toast trend. We got this with grilled ciabatta instead of the fennel cracker bc of my sesame allergy, and let me tell you, it was like rich, fluffy butter textured salt cod with crispy chick peas strewn throughout. I was in heaven. For Dessert we got the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salt ice cream. There is a weakness for bread pudding over here and this one did me in. Probably the best bread pudding I've had. I would also like to say that our bartender was incredibly helpful and accommodating. They serve you some complimentary pickled green beans with your drinks before you order, and they top them with sesame. When I mentioned the sesame allergy, without hesitation she brought me my own plate, and left the original. I love the decor, when you walk in, to the right they have a sunlight table with a skylight above and a living garden wall. The rest of the place has made great use of the space as well, with a well lit eating area and trendy seating and tables. I hope to come back!
(5)
S.B. B.

This was one of the best brunches ever! Croissant french toast (w/ lemon curd and berries) and biscuits with gravy. YUM! Took off a star because the server could have been friendlier, but I think that's a trend in Boston. Highly recommend. Next time I'm in town I will definitely try their secret burger or dinner.
(4)
Ladyjane S.

This place is pretentious and the bread pudding tasted like cigarettes. The end.
(2)
Angela M.

Great for groups since the restaurant serves small plates for sharing. Menu is creative and everything is delicious. The Secret Burger was amazing! Great service and ambiance. Would definitely return.
(5)
Adam A.

Believe the hype. Stylish and delicious. Order whatever is on special and trust the chef!
(5)
Heidi L.

Started out with the Bell Tower and Sandhill Crane, both of which were excellent (and plenty strong), though the beer selection is also pretty good. We ordered five to split: the country-fried rabbit, the clams, the corn pancakes (w/shishito peppers), the pork belly (over grits and kumquat) and finally the oyster gratin. While we waited, we started out with pickled string beans. The rabbit was juicy and the breading was perfectly done (for what it's worth, the portion may look really small -- but like all the other dishes we ordered, it was extremely heavy). And of course we wanted more of that gravy...delicious. The clams were also flavorful, and I appreciated that they didn't rush taking the plate when we had plenty of sauce left. The corn pancakes were dense and rich, with whole kernels inside. It didn't look like much - but it really hit the spot. Note that the plates came one at a time -- in general, we are all for this especially given the limited space at our table. However, there was a significant lull between dishes three and four -- while we weren't hungry given that the first three dishes were quite filling, the lull was certainly noticeable. Similarly, we did feel that there was a noticeable -- if minor -- break in service for the second half. As such, we were excited for dish four (the pork belly) which turned out to be a tiny bit overcooked. Still fine, but just a relative disappointment. As for the oyster gratin, it may have been that we should have stuck to four dishes and it was harder to appreciate when we were full, but we weren't fans - even as total leek geeks, we felt like a little overpowered. Had we been hungrier, I think we would have also wanted a little more bread to wipe up the sauce. That said, we're certainly looking forward to coming back and trying the burger (and getting more of those corn pancakes and cocktails). The redone space is lovely, as well.
(4)
Yuko I.

If I rated two months ago, I would have rated 5 stars. Recently I went back with my old boss from France. The food taste seems not very stable day-to-day, which is not a good thing as a restaurant. Pak choi with onsen egg has been my favourite, last time I went, it was not crispy as it used to be, over baked or too soft. Ubiquitous salad is also super good. Their secret burger is in fact to die for - it is strange to say in such a fancy restaurant the burger is good but it is. Rabbits also fabulous.
(4)
Mister M.

...on second thought, i hate leaving hungry after spending $50+. two stars it is.
(2)
Jini M.

Wow! Reservations for 6? No worries. Lovely and attentive server? No prob. Tasty adult libations? Got it covered. The plethora of tastes in every dish were to die for. Not one of us had a mediocre plate. I would recommend Alden & Harlow to the most snotty of foodies as well as us regular folk who love tastiness. I also love how food is served tapas style. It's great for sharing and tasting more of the dishes available. The chips and 3 onion dip, pork belly, potato gnocchi, charred brussel sprouts and charred broccoli are some of my particular faves. Get the Moonlight for your adult beverage. GINGER!
(5)
Emily D.

I live in the area so I have been here many times, both with large and small parties. Generally, I find that they are understaffed so the service is not what I'd expect for the prices here. I have had some fantastic food here (the squid ink pasta, and the pork belly) but they also change their menu up so I was disappointed to find some of my favourites gone (like the squid ink pasta). This is tapas style so the portions are smaller than entree portions but you're meant to order more than one thing, even though they're not actually designed to be easy to share (I mean try sharing the crispy pork belly, it's just a mess). The problem with this restaurant is that you get a totally different experience depending on where you are seated. When I was seated in the front of the restaurant, under the greenhouse roof, it was a wonderful experience. It was quiet and beautiful, and I had a really lovely meal. When I was seated in the middle booths, it was dark and I literally could not see what I was eating. At several points during the meal, I had to turn on the flashlight on my iPhone just to see what was on the plate. It's also quite loud and crowded near the bar/kitchen area. When I was seated at the back of the restaurant, in front of the kitchen, it was a nightmare. The smoke from the kitchen was suffocating, I could literally see it hanging over the area when I came out from using the restroom. It got so bad towards the end of the meal that our entire party quickly finished our meal and left because we were coughing from the smoke. If you are going to have an "open-concept" kitchen, you need to invest in really good ventilators. REALLY good ventilators, do you hear me management? This is serious. Otherwise, all the smoke and fumes from the kitchen are just hanging out in the restaurant area at the back, and it is a really, really unpleasant experience. I am only giving this 3-stars because the food is good and I had a pleasant experience when I was seated at the front of the restaurant. Please fix whatever is going on with your kitchen ventilation system for the sake of the customers that have to be seated in the back (where you have the majority of your seating area).
(3)
christine p.

Love the food here! Inventive and delicious. Try the pork belly and the chips and onion dip. I could a bowl of the latter morning, noon and night!
(5)
Duncan L.

Must-eat: crispy chicken nuggs. Would return?: whenever I can get another reservation! My girlfriend suggested we give Alden & Harlow a try, so I tried to get a reservation. And tried. And tried some more. It took me months to get a reservation here. To get a day I wanted would sometimes require looking forward two week, but finally one day I happened to explore Open Table, saw one of these said open tables, and immediately booked it. It was so worth the wait! The food was delicious, the atmosphere fun, and the service great. Even though it was busy, the tables are far enough apart where you still feel that you have all the privacy you need. We never felt like we were overhearing someone else's conversation, or they were overhearing ours. Their wine list is spectacular. Feel free to ask for recommendations, as they know it well. It starts around $50/bottle, but they were chosen because they were good. We had the chicken nuggs to start, followed four four small plates: torched figs with pork rillettes, honey glazed burrata, crispy lonza, and pork belly. All were delicious. But in hindsight we could have done just three small plates with the cripsy nuggs and been just fine (and more able to eat the delicious smoked chocolate bread pudding with Jacobson Salt ice cream). Here's a hint: they have a big, long bar. So if you don't have reservations, give it a try and stop in to see if you can't snag a seat at the bar and get some of their scrumptious food.
(5)
SaraLee C.

I really wanted to rate this place higher, but, alas... We were told that the wait was 45 min, but, actually ended up around 2 hours on a Thursday night. My friend and I had a few drinks at the bar; the bartenders were friendly enough, but, not spectacular. However, I do respect the fact that as a group, they are creative and knowledgeable enough to generate an interesting and exciting cocktail selection. Lastly, the dinner was okay, but, again the whole experience was tainted by initial host interaction and the mediocre bar service (albeit, not the product themselves). The drinks were delicious. Lastly, I was not impressed by the chocolate bread pudding. It tasted like it was DRENCHED in "smoky extract" (there is such a thing), as if someone accidentally spilled a cup instead of a few tablespoons of the extract. I may give this place another chance, maybe they were just off that day, but, it may not by worth my time.
(3)
Matt D.

**Very different review and advice....read whole review if you think about bringing kids (DON'T) and if you have ever heard a bad word about service. Full Disclosure - I had four young adults at this place but I called before to ask about the menu and the appropriateness of the restaurant to handle this crew. The best advice I had was regarding the "burger" and they had them so we would be fine. They told me that it was small plates and said they did not have a kids menu so be warned! For those with kids you will know that "small plates" or "sharing" are probably two of the worst words you can tell to a 12 year old. We were seated promptly and the layout of the restaurant was perfect for regular adults. Issue number one....no burgers....be ready to order before 7:30 if you want a burger. No burger = shitty kids who don't understand why you can't run down the street to get more meat.....like the kid in Chef saying, "why don't you just buy it at the store". Issue number two...small plates - not good for kids - already said that but if your little ones can share with others and everyone gets an equal portion then the judgement of King Solomon is lost on you. You should also get your kids to apply for the noble peace prize because they are so unique that I am sure a check for $1.2M is a small consolation for your brilliant and freakish children. Needless to say the night was a disaster with the kids. They hated sharing, hated things that did not make sense and hated the fact that there was not crayons and coloring books....my bad, I get it, I am an idiot but after 8 days this these kids at Martha's Vineyard and no real food for many days, I just wanted a cocktail and decent grub. shame on me. Well that is where the story gets great. The staff totally picked up for my errors. Let me share the ways: 1. They bought over "mock-tails" for the kids at no cost. They killed with the way to show the kids a dining experience without overwhelming them. Bravo. 2. they made us grilled cheese - not on the menu but loved every bit of it and the kids were impressed. 3. They gave us a list of local ice cream places that we could go to for dessert. So I thought at first that this was to get us the hell out but they actually told the kids about the dessert menu after we got the list and tried to talk them into how great it was. I was so impressed. 4. Everyone on the staff came over - I was blown away with how great the manager and everyone was on our dinner and how they could accommodate. 5. The six year old never got her meal....holy cow, that really is a bad thing for those that know how pissed a six year old can get. but they knew it and offered to make it up. I was blown away at how they made her feel like a grown up. People, this was my screw up. I should have never taken my crew to this place and it was selfish to want a good meal after 8 days of fried shit but you could not imagine how great the staff was on every turn. If they can treat a crappy family from Texas this well then they screw up, there should be no reason they cannot jump over the moon for you on your visit. BTW, the pancake, beets, gnocchi, and pickled green beans are out of this World. We also had two cocktails which were fantastic and met out high expectations (come on people - we have four kids and we needed a quality cocktail.....amazing. If you have every heard anything about bad service, you had the wrong night. If you have every heard that they are stuff or don't accommodate, you are wrong. This place is for real and we were very impressed. If this review helps one family with kids from going here and ruining other people's meals then it has served it's purpose. If it helped the staff realize that they are "world class" then it has served it's purpose - we have been to some really fabulous places around this great country and we have never been cared for like this. Thank you.
(5)
jim b.

Two to two and half stars. For the price (value wise) two. Sorry. Went Friday night with a foodie type that really looked forward to it. Our order: Chicken Fried Rabbit, Grilled Whole Mackeral, Parsley Cavetelli, Strawberrry and Crab Salad, Broiled Oysters as a snack, and something else... Nothing stood out. The Cavetelli was probably the best, despite trying to find one of the fiddleheads was challenging (my dining companion found a couple of slivers), but this was pretty good. The two oysters were nice. The mackeral was fine, but hard to mess up. Just underwhelming overall, and add it to the price tag... yeah, no thanks. Oh, we got the Strawberry Shortcake Meringue for dessert due to the mentioned Szechuan Peppercorns: none were found. Sorry, I just think you can spend this (or half this) and due far better elsewhere around town. The cocktails were just meh as well. Oh, and at least at the two person table we were at, the table was big enough and the bar loud enough that hearing each other was a real chore.
(2)
Boris L.

Super cool spot in Cambridge for small plates. This is a good place to go with a larger group so you can get a bunch of the plates and try everything. You're going to want to try it all. I had the chance to try the fried rabbit, the broccoli, the prosciutto, and the pancakes. I'm sure I had several more. Their cocktail menu is also really impressive. I would not say that this place is overpriced, it seemed reasonable given the quality of the meal and service.
(5)
Ron P.

This is a really cool spot, but it's not for everybody. If you're the adventurous type who likes to try new foods, flavors, textures, and drinks, you'll find yourself at home here. If you're the burger & beer, or fancy grilled chicken salad type, you may not appreciate what these guys are doing. Especially because the burger is always sold out. Maybe the burger is a lie. I've been twice, and both times have been equally impressive. The roasted broccoli will forever change how you think of broccoli, and the pork belly with apples and grits is probably what they serve on Mt. Olympus. The drinks and bartenders are just as awesome as the food. They play with some really unique flavor combinations that may not appeal to some, but on the whole are very well thought out, and worth trying. My favorite part about Alden & Harlow (aside from the experimentalist food & drink) has to be the shock at how big the place is when you get in the door. By the entrance and hostess stand it looks like a 5 table restaurant with a nice little bar, but as soon as you turn the corner the place explodes into this massive underground type of new-wave, mead hall. Great place, great food. 4 stars, no question.
(4)
julesmary p.

the octopus. that is all.
(5)
Joshua L.

I went here to wine and dine a Minister of Education. It was incredible. The service and ambience was great. The fusion of food was remarkable. The lamb neck dumplings with green sauce was my favorite. Would recommend to anyone.
(5)
Andrew D.

So far I've just experienced the bar and bar snacks, but I'm feeling very bullish about Alden & Harlow. The interior is really lovely, combining white tiles, natural wood, and industrial touches, although it's nothing you haven't seen before in the area. The big wraparound bar is a great feature, making it relatively easy to grab a seat even on a crowded night. I'm always pleased to see cocktail lists that bring something new to the table, and A&H does that well. The McGregor's Garden combines bourbon and parsnip puree with lemon and (I think) simple syrup...a really nice concoction. The Krakatoa, a whiskey and smoked orange drink, is a fine cocktail and shows off quite cleary A&H's penchant for smoky flavors. The only near miss was a cask cocktail, the Plaza Hotel, which brings together three of my favorite liquors - bourbon, Lillet, and Campari - in a way that, while not unpleasant, didn't really jibe. On to snacks: the pickled green beans are a fun change of pace from bread and aren't so pickley as to distract from the food. Smoked cashews with currants and rosemary were addictive. It's nice to see currants on an American menu, and the ingredients came together in a trail-mixey kind of way. Crisp potatoes with white miso, sour orange, and toasted benne seeds were just wonderful....sort of like a refined take on fries with mayo. Prices are competitive for this type of quality. My only small complaint was that while the bar staff are knowledgeable and attentive, they feel a little bit distant. On my most recent visit the bar was only half-full, so I could have used a little more warmth from them, but that's just my personal preference.
(5)
Kelisha M.

Such delicious morsels! The carpaccio was well complemented with the cured egg yolk and super crispy boquerones, and the lamb's neck agnolotti was soft and tender with a great mix of flavors and textures. Come with a group because there are so many things to try! (Though I dined alone and could only eat 2). Definitely affordable for what you get, too.
(5)
Mickey G.

I've been here twice in the last two weeks and both times have been awesome. The first night, my friend and I split the lamb's neck agnolotti, the crispy pork belly, and the charred broccoli. Everything was great, particularly the broccoli. I had the burger today for brunch and it was awesome, though I'm probably not going to be hungry ever again because of the richness of the burger (with the 60 degree egg, which was probably not necessary) and the enormous pile of potato chips included with the burger. Service on both nights was friendly, professional, and unobtrusive. Great stuff!
(5)
Anthony L.

Great drinks, nice nibbles but TWICE I've had someone come up at the end of my evening, ask if I'd like another drink, and upon hearing NO, snatched the last portion of my last drink from me. Thus ended a $53 tab for the hardy single patron willing to be slow-roasted at the bar by the broiling station after an hour - when the bar was idling. I want my drink back, you bastard.
(2)
Rebecca R.

I gave Alden & Harlow a fair shot. I had dinner there 3 times. The first time the service was great but a heavy handed approach to garlic marred half the dishes we ordered. The second time the cocktails, food and service were all spot on. The third time, even my Negroni was lackluster. Yes it's a great location. Yes the critics love it. Yes it's always packed. But for me, it's uneven at best.
(2)
Andrew C.

The new kind of restaurant that is food forward and isn't too fancy. When you want something nice to eat, take a date, or just having a "nice" meal with friends. Probably not the best for a business meeting but I didn't come here for lunch (if they even have lunch, I didn't confirm this). You might call it "hipster", but please don't think of it as a derogatory term. They seem to have a fresh take on "new american" dishes and also seemed to be using local sourced ingredients as well. (although, I didn't confirm this) The SECRET BURGER is suppose to be one of the best new burgers around and it was pretty darn good! For $14 you get a well crafted juicy burger that they only make 30 some a night. Pros: great soft bun with a cheese crisp, Cons: burger meat didn't seem to wow me, but it was well cooked. so it didn't fail. Also, why call it the secret burger when it's on the menu? Seems kind of gimmicky to do it that way. Overall, the dishes were great, service was friendly and helpful. The price point wasn't too bad for this type of place. (I'd say affordable for the Harvard Sq area.)
(4)
Stephanie C.

Delectable food, inventive drinks and atmosphere galore! A solid dining experience all around. Waitress told us plates are small to medium sized, but even the snack plates I thought were much bigger than traditional "small plates". The charred broccoli with squash hummus was by far my favorite, which surprised even me. We also ordered: Duck Liver Crostino - very good! but oddly arranged with three zones on one crostini which makes it hard to share. Farm Corn Pancakes - my second favorite, had no idea it would come out with popcorn on the plate but that was awesome. And with the hot peppers and maple was the perfect combination of sweet, salty and spicy. Skate Wing - Cooked well but just ok, nothing too crazy about it. My least favorite and yet most expensive thing we ordered...don't you love when that happens? Did not order the Woodbury Clams with pig tail, but another couple with us did, got a taste of just the sauce and it was amazing! I'm guessing the menu changes here pretty often so you might not see these items but my general advice would be don't play it safe!
(4)
Francis C.

Food is creative and playful but nothing stood out at as beyond particularly incredible. An above average restaurant and a cool setting but food was not awe striking... Overall good
(4)
Nancy L.

Given the number of rave reviews I'd heard about A&H, I was disappointed. The food was very creative, but was only good, not great. My friends and I tried the lamb belly ribs, secret burger, pan-roasted snails, chicken liver salad, grilled cauliflower, pumpkin seed hummus, kale salad, and fried Brussels sprouts. Of these, the excellent kale salad is only thing I'd want to eat again. Everything else was either too rich (most notably, the Brussels sprouts were swimming in cream sauce), or too salty (the snails were almost inedibly so). The restaurant was loud, and very dark -- so dark that we had to pull out our iPhone flashlights to really see what we were eating. Our service was very good, the only part of our experience that was beyond reproach. I would go back if someone I know was having a special-occasion event here. Otherwise, I'd likely not seek it out again myself.
(3)
Ryan W.

What can I say about Alden & Harlow that people haven't already said? I was a fan of Chef Michael Scelfo since he was at Russell House Tavern; his menu made Russell House quickly become my favorite Boston restaurant, but I was saddened when I learned that he was leaving. Enter Alden & Harlow. What a gem. The small plate focus appeals to me since it's my favorite way to eat. I love going out to eat with friends and sharing your food; trying a bit of this, a bit of that, and it makes the experience that much more social. The food is out-of-this world. Everything from the burrata, to the chicken-fried rabbit just blew me away. I didn't want to stop eating. You can really tell the food was created by someone who cares about food, and has a creative palate. The cocktails are also extraordinary, and let's not forget the ambiance. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, the contemporary design, the friendly staff, and simple menu layout adds to your experience. You really feel like nothing in the restaurant was given an after thought. I would recommend Alden & Harlow to anyone. Whether you're going on a date, headed out for a night on the town with friends, relaxing after work, or looking for a drink to wind down Alden & Harlow fits all scenarios. Russell House Tavern better watch out because Alden & Harlow may have just won a coupe for the regencay of my favorite restaurant.
(5)
Rebecca L.

Went back for seconds. Was disappointed about the quality of the food compared to the first time. If I hadn't had such a good experience e first time, I wouldn't have come back again. Still gets 3 stars for location of table, quality of waitstaff and food being DECENT but not great
(3)
Laura B.

So ah-mazing! The atmosphere is dark and cozy, with attentive and super helpful staff. I would list what I tried there, but the menu is always changing, so it's already different from last month. Although now prepared differently for fall, the burrata and beets were to die for (now served separately and with pumpkin!) The pork belly and blue fish were also both incredible. The heirloom eggs (listed under snacks) are still on the menu and not to be missed. I also tried the ubiquitous kale salad at an event there, and it was the absolute best kale salad I've ever had. That great taste was still there, but they had it cut in smaller pieces and somehow softened the texture, finished with fennel and creamy pistachio. Although the dinner menu is small plates, they are filling portions that don't leave you hungry. For the two of us, we ordered two snacks and three small plates and left beyond satisfied. Maybe we could have done with less, but everything looked too good to pass up. I'm looking forward to trying their brunch next!
(5)
Saacha M.

My friend picked this place for my visit and I was very excited when I saw the menu. We stopped in for brunch and the atmosphere was very modern, but comfortable. We made our way to our table and ordered the pickled pancakes and the croque monsieur. Both were delicious, but the pancakes were one of the most unique things I've ever tried. They were not very sweet, but came with an apple compote that complimented them deliciously. I would go back just to order this again. The croque monsieur was good, but nothing special. The service was quick and friendly. I would love to come back here for dinner when I'm back in Boston.
(4)
Tony S.

Hip. Not hipster. Hip. I can't believe I never dined here as a student, when it was near classrooms or other places I frequented. Love LOVE this place. Great mixology options, super knowledgeable and friendly wait staff, and an ambiance that just oozes cucumber cool. Whatever you do.... and I am sorry for those that have gluten sensitivity, but the croissant toast is a MUST HAVE!! I've never had anything quite like it, and I still dream of it like a lingering kiss...... that I never got from the date I took there (bitch!). Listen to the staff recommendations, but let them know how you're feeling, and what you like in general. They know how to recommend, and know how to look after you.
(4)
Sophie P.

Alden & Harlow is a great place to bring a larger group and share a communal table. Also, it's a great option for vegetarians! The vegetable dishes we had were definitely standouts. At $13+ a plate, it's a good idea to try bites of everything and eat family-style. FOOD --------- + CHARRED BROCCOLI: The butternut squash buried under the broccoli is complete crack. The broccoli is cooked perfectly, not having too much of a crunch, but not overcooked. The two complemented each other really well. + SECRET BURGER: The pickles, secret sauce, and buttered house made roll accompanied by soooo many chips definitely makes this a standout burger. Last time I had this, I shared with my boyfriend and it was too much to eat with other entrees. This time around I had 1/5 of the burger and it was perfect. + MOOSABEC FARM MUSSELS: The corn and fregola pasta in the broth is pure genius. Instead of just slurping up your broth with your mussels, you get a bite that is savory and a little bit sweet from the corn. This is definitely my favorite mussels dish! + JAPANESE EGGPLANT: This is sweet, savory, and soft; a great twist on an eggplant dish! + PICKLED VERRILL CORN PANCAKES: The buttermilk and maple flavors are not too overpowering, but do make the popcorn on the pancakes soggy. However, I did like the combination of the somewhat crunchy and soft textures. + CHICKEN FRIED RABBIT: Perfectly fried. The blue cheese taste wasn't too prominent. + SWEET PEA & HUMMUS: Although it mentions hummus, it really just is a blend of sweet pea and hummus accompanied by bacon and croissant toasts. Ask for more toast if you are sharing with multiple people - it's a flaky, crunchy bite of toast and it's awesome. For 5 girls, seven dishes was plenty. Our server recommended two plates per person, but I would've died in my seat if we ate that much. Each dish came out sequentially, with two dishes on our table at a time, which enabled our table to finish each dish as it was still warm.
(4)
Shannon W.

My guy friend was super excited to check this place out, so I got pretty amped about it...I was not at all impressed. It's small and very hipster-like (Brooklyn esque) in my opinion, maybe it was casual for my liking. Anyway, we sat down and ordered some drinks, my gf and I hated the first round of cocktails that we ordered so we ended up sending them back, it took forever. Service was so spotty, I had a tough time finding our waitress the whole night. We ordered a ton of dishes, none of which impressed me. I also asked for a glass of white wine, she poured me one which was so sweet it tasted like grape juice, so I asked for another white, she said they only had one other white, it was bland, nothing great. In terms of dishes... They brought out some fresh cold green beans to start which were okay, they were fresh at least. Then we had the chips and onion dip, it was good, but how can you go wrong here? The dip did taste very farm to table. The pickled verrill farm corn pancakes were my favorite dish, but very breakfast tasting. The corn pancakes come in a maple brown sugar with tons of popcorn and shishito peppers. The grilled farm potatoes were okay, not bad, they came in a cream like sauce and definitely tasted like they put bacon bits on top. Whole grilled mackerel...such a Russian/Polish dish in my opinion, it's a whole grilled fish with some cold veggies on the side. Definitely an acquired taste. The seared Japanese eggplant was good, but they brought it out last and I was really full towards the end of the meal. The combination of flavors was very unique. The shaved NY steak carpaccio looked pretty good, but I didn't eat it, it was cut very thin and had mushrooms and bread crumbs on top. My friends were raving about the pork belly on top of grits. I did try to the grits and I liked the grits. All and all I'm giving it 2 stars as the service was terrible and the food just didn't 'wow me' the way I wanted it to. After we left all 3 of us discussed how the restaurant was a bit of a disappointment, especially considering it came with outstanding reviews. Maybe it's a hit amongst the young college students in the area...
(2)
Kejing W.

Everything is too salty. The service is good though. I knew this restaurant because of its "best of boston new restaurant title". Just not my taste.
(3)
Vania Y.

This was my first time in Brattle Square and so happy to stumble upon the gem that is Alden and Harlow! The front entrance is basement level but don't be fooled- this place is huge! The decor is relaxed hipster. We made reservations for a group of 6 gals and am happy that this place can seat large parties unlike most of the restaurants in the South End. Ordered the BURGER- for someone who is indifferent to burgers (but has a weak spot for "limited" "small batch" anythings which is why I got it) it was amazing. Believe the hype. It's a lot of meat and juicy so if you like your burgers uppity and neat this might not be your thing. However I really have zero complaints about it! Meat, sauce, lettuce- perfection check, check and check! Other standouts: -corn pancakes (skip of you don't like sweet) -broccoli which tastes like meat -sweat pea hummus- even meat lovers will enjoy this If you can't tell- I love meat. This place has something for everyone- meat and veggie lovers alike! Hallelujah! This is epic because most of my friends love SweetGreen and I secretly loathe it. So now this could be a meeting point. A word on drinks: Got a sherry cobbler - which tasted more like this sugared prune candy my grandma used to give me. I dig it but not everyone will. My friend got a watermelon drink with mezcal in it which was refreshing with smokiness to it. Delish.
(5)
Tanya S.

Pleasantly surprised with the restaurant after coming for dinner (not just brunch). Our server, Diana, was very knowledgeable about gluten allergies and was very accomodating in trying to help me share food with my friends while keeping me safe. They occasionally even have a separate gluten free oil frier so I got to enjoy the potato chips. The secret burger had gluten in the sauce but I really loved the taste even without it. Adventurous food as always. Chicken hearts and kale salad are the besttt. They seated us before the entire party was there which is so gracious. And were super nice the entire time. Going to ask for Diana again when I'm there!
(5)
Laleh J.

The food here is excellent but it is pricey and portions are small. Still, it was a great meal and I enjoyed the interior and decor as well!
(5)
Julia H.

Came here for Sunday brunch as a group of 4. We had ordered enough food to feed 6 ppl! We had shared the following dishes: - Ubiquitous kale salad with shaved fennel - Pickled corn pancakes - Croissant toad in the hole - Kale toast - Spring vegetable frittata - Classic secret burger - Pork scrapple biscuit - side of grits The kale salad was very good - nice and light! The pickled pancakes were amazing! So light and fluffy! The croissant toad in the hole and the kale toast was average. The spring vegetable frittata was a bit overcooked. The classic secret burger was good - definitely cooked exactly to how your order it! And the side of grits had real corn bits in it, which made it good! Pork scrapple - unfortunately by the time this dish came out - I was too full to try it.
(4)
Marissa H.

Tucked away behind Brattle Hall, Alden & Harlow has the underground industrial feel that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret. It's spacious yet perfectly intimate for a date night and even though you probably won't recognize half of the items on the menu, everything is absolutely delicious. You start by ordering everything you want at once and they bring it to you as it comes out which makes for a fun dining experience. We got five things and were plenty full without breaking the bank. The best thing were Pat Woodbury's Clams and even though I've never had pig tails before, I might make it a regular snack. The least exciting course was the burrata but not because it wasn't delicious -- it just was not as interesting as the chicken fried rabbit and Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly. I can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Rachel P.

All smoke and mirrors.Iv'e been in the business 18 years. The decor is beautiful, very modern and cocktail menu and cocktails were very good. The food menu was good but you can't get a burger after 6:30? We were informed they only prep about 30 burgers. Where are we? I dined on a Friday..the kitchen should prep more burgers for what I'm guessing is a 200 cover night. It's a Friday...not a Tuesday. We ordered the recommended dishes, pork belly and rabbit...as well as steak tartare. Pork belly was amazing. But the other 2 dishes fell flat, especially the rabbit, it was minced with vegetables and deep fried like a fish stick. Great bar scene but my expectations were not met on the entrÃ©e's. Disappointed to say the least.
(3)
Gene L.

Went here for weekend brunch and there were so many great things about this place: 1) The restaurant is very spacious. So many Cambridge brunch spots are extremely crowded and you always feel like you need to finish brunch asap since the line is overtaking the restaurant. Not this place! The restaurant is spacious and beautifully decorated, and you never feel like you're crowded or rushed. 2) You can make reservations here for brunch! Again, so many brunch spots in Boston don't allow reservations to be made, which leads to long wait times. This place was awesome and we were all seated right away. 3) They handle large parties well. A group of 6 of us went and the service was great for our large group. Food comes out whenever it's ready, but we had enough shared plates so all of us could begin munching early on. Servers checked up on us regularly and were always on the lookout if we needed water / coffee / drinks refills. 4) The most important aspect- THE FOOD. The food here during brunch is so inventive and original- not many places serve the same type of dishes as they do here. We had the pig's tail grits (which was my favorite dish of the day), and other members had croissant pain perdu (also recommended), and the oxtail melt. We also shared the secret burger, which was fantastic. Very juicy, very tasty, and good mix of textures in the burger. Would definitely like to come here again for dinner one day to try out the dinner food and cocktails.
(5)
Annie S.

The hype is real folks. First of all, it's a great new american decor to it and the vibe manages to be laid back and classy all at once. I made a reservation for 7:30 but they couldn't seat us until around 8. Was in no rush so it didn't matter at all, but theoretically could have been annoying. The waitress was hilarious though so that would have made up for any potential service-related woes. Food-wise: as I expected from looking at previous reviews, they give you complimentary green beans which is a fun and unique start of a meal. We got two of the snacks- chips and onion dip, and coffee roasted beets. The onion dip was not at all what I expected- it tasted so fresh and not oily and greasy. Basically it wasn't that cheap frito lay dip you get a convenient store. Which I guess I should have expected from the great Michael Scelfo. Beets were also great, albeit nothing spectacular. For four of us, we got the mackerel, the corn pancakes, crispy pork belly, the chicken thigh and biscuit, and the kale salad. Everyone I was with had different favorites which I think is a good thing about a restaurant. Personally I loved the pork belly (though a warning that it's not a good plate to share because it's hard to cut) and the pancakes (a dish which i would never have conceptualized, yet it worked so well- the peppers bring it all together). We had been hesitant to get the kale salad because that's so boring but the pistachios in it really did make it special. The chicken was delicious (it's boneless which was a really nice surprise). The mackerel was my least favorite, didn't like the flavors of the spaghetti it came with. That being said, it was probably the most visually beautiful plate. We also got the chocolate bread pudding which I didn't like much either, but my friends absolutely loved. So I'll just go ahead and say there's somethjng wrong with me on that one. (But honestly to me it sort of tasted like smoked salmon which is clearly not what I wanted from my chocolate dessert)
(5)
Lisa P.

I met a couple of friends for dinner at Alden and Harlow on Wednesday night, and was very excited to try it after reading the Yelp and Eater reviews. I made a reservation a week in advance for 3 people at 7:30pm. We were seated promptly at a high top table in the bar area. The restaurant was very busy, and many people were waiting for tables in the bar area, even though there is much more space than it looks like from outside. Since 2/3 of our party had never been to Alden and Harlow before, our server gave us the lowdown on how much food to order, specials, favorite, etc... She let us know that the food is served tapas style and comes out when it is ready, and she would suggest 2 plates per person. We decided on 5 plates for the 3 of us, and had plenty of food! We couldn't finish everything and all left very full. Charred Broccoli - 4/5 - The broccoli was charred but not burnt, and the butternut squash hummus was a sweet, creamy compliment to the broccoli. Delicious! Corn Pancakes - 2.5/5 - This was the only dish that I wasn't overly impressed with. I found it kind of boring? It just tasted like corn pancakes with peppers, but there was no wow factor for me. The presentation (coming out with popcorn on top), was on point. Kale and Pork Belly Pappardelle - 5/5 - I generally love pasta, but this really was delicious and different than your traditional pasta dish. The pasta itself was made with the kale and perfectly cooked. The walnuts added a nice crunch, and the mint was a nice touch and made the dish a little more light and fresh. The pork belly did not overpower the dish. Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Pork Fat Biscuit - 5/5 - This was the special on Wednesday night, and it was amazing. Luckily, we split this 3 ways, otherwise I think I would have been sick since it was so rich. The chicken had a flavorful, crunchy coating and was still moist inside. The biscuit was perfectly flaky, the chicken was moist with a crunchy, flavorful coating and covered with gruyere cheese and aioli. Homemade chips (a personal favorite) were covering every open inch on the plate, and piled high. We also ordered the steak, but I only had a bite because I was already so full from everything else, so I can't say too much about it. The service was great at the beginning of the night, but slowly got off track and our server didn't come back or check on us for a long time. She also temporarily misplaced my credit card when we were paying our bill. Overall, good experience, and I'd like to go back to try the secret burger (which supposedly sells out by like 6pm?!).
(4)
Tiffany F.

I'd been wanting to try this place for ages and was so excited to finally have the chance to give it a try. It was first recommended to me by a coworker who felt that the dishes were too eclectic/untraditional for her liking, but thought it would be something my more adventurous taste buds would dance about. We tried nearly half the menu: crispy baby bok choy, pat woodbury's clams, ubiquitous kale salad, secret burger, crispy pork belly, parsnip pistachio dip, swordfish belly, and smoked chocolate bread pudding for dessert. With the exception of the swordfish belly, IT WAS ALL INCREDIBLY SALTY. It was such a shame, because each item is made with very interesting spices that probably would have been amazing if it wasn't ruined with loads of salt. Even the dessert was salty! The swordfish belly was tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection. I want to believe that perhaps the chef was having an off night and may come back again to give this place a chance to redeem itself. Just do me a favor, and HOLD THE SALT.
(3)
Brad M.

Wow... dropped the ball. I cannot say how disappointed I was! First, cheese grits are not supposed to be soupy. Pouring them into a different serving dish, and scorching them with a Brule torch does not make them cook any better. The server also said it was a single portion size... so we each ordered one... when we could've easily served 2-3 people out of each dish. Nice Upsell... you got us! Feel good about that? It was pretty loud (and I don't mind a loud restaurant), but we couldn't hold conversations. Then the waitress must've completely forgotten to bus our tables... I had to move the eggs so I could sign the bill. That's just low class and lazy. As a HUGE Foodie... I was completely stoked to find a James Beard semi-finalist! A restaurant named Zagats 10 Hottest Restaurants in Boston! Someone must've let it go to their heads. We won't return.
(1)
Brian R.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston area. Very creative and well executed menu and fantastic cocktails - and bartenders. Overall vibe is cool without trying too hard. Not cheap but definitely worth every penny. Great date place - I suggest sitting at the bar for an intimate date. Also great for group dinners if you like sharing. I especially like the high tops near the bar with the cool back-lit wood wall situation.
(5)
Samantha L.

Alden and Harlow is located in Harvard Square, next to a theater. The restaurant had simple decor - dimmed lighting by the bar and wooden blinds with lights from behind. In terms of taste, I'd say Alden and Harlow is on the top of my list. However, the bill can end up being high in the end. All of the staff was warm and friendly. The service was excellent. I came here for a dinner with 9 friends. Our server suggested each person to order two dishes. For drinks, I got a local hard cider - Bantam's Wunderkind cider. It was a sweet cider with a hint of honey. After we placed our orders, our server brought us complimentary green beans, which were pickled and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It was a small portion for 10 people. For appetizer, I ordered the Wood Smoked Arctic Char, which was served in the form of a cold salad on a triangular slice of sweet zucchini bread, topped with sunchoke, trout roe, and pickled onions. For the entree, I ordered the Charred Broccoli, which was served in a butternut squash hummus and topped with bianco sardo and chopped cashew. The dish was both sweet and savory. I loved to char grilled flavor. For dessert, my friend and I split a Chocolate Terrine, which was a semi-solid chocolate mousse surrounded by toasted, sweet and fluffy marshmallow like Italian meringue, topped with orange marmalade, homemade graham cracker pieces and garnished with bitter dark chocolate shavings. The rest of my party ordered the following (which were pretty tasty): 1. Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly - Blistered Grape Agro Dolce, Anson Mills Grits 2. Creekstone Farms 8oz New York Strip - Grilled Carrots, Burnt Scallion, Tonnato *The next time I return to Alden & Harlow, I'm definitely getting this entree! 3. Pat Woodbury's Clams - Smoked Pig's Tail, Parsley & Chili Toast 4. Chicken Fried Local Rabbit - Celery, Apple, Blue Cheese, Chili Oil 5. Charred Octopus - Smoked Avocado, Beets, Nettle Salsa Verde, Quinoa *The octopus was tender and full of flavor.
(5)
Tyson F.

Alden & Harlow is teetering on the cusp of greatness. The menu is enthralling... I found my mind swirling with each description, wondering to myself how I was going to make a coherent decision. Ultimately, I decided to reign in my desire to make the "one of everything, please" order, and went much smaller in scale than originally planned, in hopes to visit again soon to sample more. Before getting into specific reviews, one common theme emerged throughout the night. The menu is very, very ambitiously creative, but it seemed to fall just ever slightly short with every dish. While we completely enjoyed everything we tasted, there wasn't that clear "wow" moment that I always hope for. You know, that moment you look at your dining partner and roll your eyes in wonderment. First to arrive was our snack, the broiled Island Creek oysters. Good, but overall, fairly average in flavor. Nothing much more to say here. Second, was the carpaccio. I'm a freak for any carpaccio and order it from almost every menu in which I encounter it, so I like to think I know a good carpaccio. A&H's carpaccio was good, but had too much going on. It seemed to suffer from the same influences that are harming sushi in this country... Too many flavors further complicated and/or muted by globs of creamy sauces. Razor thin beef is a beautiful thing, and shouldn't need a pile of accoutrement to enhance it. Let those basic flavors shine and speak for themselves. It was a gorgeous dish, I just wish the flavors had matched. Third were the farm corn pancakes. Perfectly cooked, fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Again, somewhat underwhelming in flavor, and seemed to be lacking texture. They were served alongside fried shishito peppers that could've benefitted from a bit more time in the fryer to produce more blistering instead of being mostly soggy. The popcorn sprinkled on top was a whimsical addition, but I failed to see how it added anything to the dish. It almost felt like a Chopped episode of random ingredients that were force together (in a good way, almost), and I found myself eating the popcorn after the fact. Besides, popcorn doesn't fork well. If the flavors and seasonings could be refined, and the insane creativity of the menu reigned in to make something a bit more unified and coherent, Alden & Harlow would easily be a top Boston area destination for years to come.
(4)
Julia T.

I had the corn pancakes here. At first I was a bit hesitant about ordering them, because corn pancakes sound like a bland concept. But rest assured, these pancakes were fluffy and seasoned perfectly. I'm still drooling as I write this review. That's how much of an impression they left on me. The interior of the restaurant is beautifully modern, with wooden table and hanging ceiling lights. It's a perfect date spot or for a fancy lunch if you're looking to impressed someone. My Bostonian friend wanted to take me to lunch at his favorite place in Cambridge, and this was it. At the end of the meal, they give you a cute postcard to take home that has "Alden & Harlow" printed on one side. The service was attentive, without being intrusive. And the maitre'd was really nice in seating us without a reservation. Perhaps we came a bit after the brunch rush, but nonetheless, I was surprised we could snag a table without calling in ahead. I'll definitely return the next time I'm at Harvard!
(5)
Laura N.

Absolutely mind-blowing brunch. And if the food wasn't enough, the service, the ambiance, the hush-hush entry, the overall design and decor, it was just fantastic from the moment I walked in. The only issue? It was a bit smokey in the very back of the venue. Luckily, we were seated at a 2-top in the bar area and only ventured back there to use the restrooms. Other than that? Impeccable. Let me count the ways: The ubiquitous kale salad was just that, and was honestly the first kale salad that I wanted heaps and heaps more of when I came to the bottom of it. I would have stashed it in my pockets had that been an option. The root veggie latkes and the sausage and potato skillet were both brilliant. Not too filling and bursting with flavor. It's tough to go wrong with cheddar sauce and garlic crumbs. Actually, what am I talking about, it's *very* easy to go wrong with these ingredients. But Alden &Harlow didn't. The pickled corn pancakes with the honey and the apple and buttermilk being served as our last course was genius. It was the perfect blend of savory and sweet, almost like a breakfast-y dessert. And the tequila bloody mary. And the Stumptown. And the Jacobson Salt... and... and... I loved every minute of it. Even the smokey ones.
(5)
Elaine W.

First time in Boston, commuted from the airport straight to Harvard Square to meet my pal and she takes me here. The ambiance is really nice, dark, sexy mood lighting. Wood paneling, soft light, black leather. We were seated in the back where it was a little brighter than the front. We ordered some sparkling rose, the kale salad, the corn pancakes, and the mussels. Every single thing was equally amazing. The corn pancakes were served with popcorn with honey drizzle and small roasted peppers. It was a unusual dish but so delicious. Can't wait for my next trip to Boston so coming here can become a tradition.
(5)
Simon L.

Downstairs in the old Casablanca space, Alden and Harlow reminisces of a subterranean garden wih windows looking up. An open kitchen and a long bar make for plenty of space to relax and grab a drink. The beef neck is very dry but certainly tasty. Not much meat and like picking a lobster body. The skate wing is delicious although far too too much going on here - dates, cauliflower seared in olive oil and paprika and a plum puree swoosh. There is a mint and oil chopped component. The fish with just the cauliflower or plum would have been sufficient. The pasta with confit chicken, chicken liver butter and, dates, again, is delicious but needed to lose the dates - again too much going on. Finally, the clams with smoked pigs tail And chared baguette with garlic chive butter was amazing. Tons of pig mixed into the broth with a super smoky component. Pork belly with crispy buttery soft crisp grits is thick and luscious. Lamb ribs fatty tahini chili perfect offset. Rabbit cassoulet is full of favs beans and wonderfully full of rabbit chunks in a tomato broth is a total win. 60 degree egg with crispy Bok Choy is tabasco olive oil awesome garlic dip with nuts. Chicken fried rabbit blue cheese and chili oil dressing shaved apple micro greens - fried hard a Panko crusting. Tender rabbit meat is sweet and goes nicely with the blue cheese - it's almost buffalo rabbit. Pertinent dishes, a total rehab of a formerly outdated place and attentive service, this is the new place to go in Harvard Square.
(4)
Andrea L.

Wonderful dinner. We came on a Saturday night at 6:45 pm (made a reservation beforehand) and they were already out of the Secret Burger!! Will have to try again earlier sometime. We ended up getting 4 main dishes + 2 snacks to share among 3 people, which was the perfect amount. Snacks: The Charred broccoli was amazing!!! Best broccoli I've ever had, probably because of the delicious, nutty sauce. The Ubiquitous kale salad was also good, but didn't really stand out to me. Main: The Corn pancakes were my favorite after (or tied with) the broccoli - such an eclectic dish with pancakes, popcorn, and peppers, but somehow the flavors just work together! The Crispy Berkshire pork belly was also delicious (loved the grits with it) but a heads up - it's small and nearly impossible to cut/share... We were less impressed with the Chicken fried rabbit (a bit boring) and Honey glazed burrata (messy to cut/share, too), but we all enjoyed the food overall. Definitely highly recommend!
(5)
Yuan J.

I came here with a friend on a Friday evening, and had a pretty enjoyable dinner. Going in, I had already done my research so I knew exactly what to order: Secret Burger, Ubiquitous Kale Salad, the Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes, and the Buttermilk and Lemon Pound Cake. The kale salad was really good, and I enjoyed it despite the fact that I hate kale. The corn pancakes were exactly the way I remember them - absolutely delicious. I really wish they gave more than just 3 pancakes though - each one is only about 3-4 inches in diameter. We were also able to get the secret burger which was very juicy and delicious, though my friend didn't like the "cheese" as much. I would come back for the burger, though I personally liked the pancakes a lot more. If you want a light dessert, definitely get the lemon pound cake - it's not too sweet and very light and it doesn't make you feel overly fully at the end of a nice meal.
(5)
Kevin J.

Food: 4.5 Stars Service: 4 Stars Came here on a double date in the winter and the plates were fantastic! Keep in mind this is a tapas place so the plates are relatively small and the point is to order a couple to share with the table. As a table, we ordered a couple of entrees including the following: 1. Ubiquitous Kale Salad: This was one of my favorites. Who knew something so simple and healthy could taste so good. It's a great light start to a meal and the creamy pistachio dressing really blends well with the crispiness of the kale leaves. They also chop it in such a way that you're not dealing with too much at once. 2. Smoked Castelvetrano Olives: I have never been a huge olives fan, but this dish was definitely made with a lot of care and when it comes out fresh and hot from the kitchen I couldn't resist. When you eat the Almond and the olives together, it's really a great blending of flavors. 3. Corn Pancakes: These are so cool! They put popcorn on the sides of the pancakes so you have so many different forms of corn to choose from. The Maple syrup and other sauces they put on top of the pancake make it look beautiful. 4. Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly: I ordered this as my second plate. The top of the pork belly was really delicious, crispy, chewy and the flavor is so pungent. I actually saved it for last because I knew it would be one of my favorites. Underneath you have a soft tender, and fat-filled piece of pork that just melts in your mouth. There are some vegetables on the side as well as roasted apples and grits underneath. Highly recommend this gem!
(4)
Amy D.

2.5 stars but rounding up since I really loved the corn pancakes dish. I came to Alden & Harlow specifically to try their Secret Burger, but since I wasn't able to get here until 7:45pm on a Wednesday, they were already sold out. I tried to ask the hostess if one could be reserved, but apparently they don't do that. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because it keeps the allure of the restaurant high. Alden & Harlow can be a bit difficult to find since the signage is on the side, and they are below street level so you have to keep an eye on the street numbers to make sure you walk down the flight of stairs. This is one of the most hipster-ish restaurants I've been to in a while- the inside is super dim, and the upper half of one of the seating areas is made up of living plants (novel idea, but being poked in the head by a long vine and/or having dirt fall on your clothing during dinner kind of sucks). My colleague and I were seated when we arrived (we made reservations ahead of time), and we tried: -Complimentary Pickled Green Beans ( yelp.com/biz_photos/aldeâ€¦ ): Yikes, this was super vinegary, and too sour for my liking. My coworker liked it a lot more than I did. -Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly (Blistered Grape Agro Dolce, Anson Mills Grits, $15): Pretty good, and a solid pork belly dish, but not so amazing that I would definitely have to order it again. It was a good but not super memorable dish. -Grilled Spanish Mackerel (Celery Root Remoulade, Pickled Green Tomatoes, $17): Again, good, but not amazing, and not that memorable. I wouldn't order this again. -Charred Broccoli (Butternut Squash Hummus, Bianco Sardo, Cashew, $13): I liked the charred broccoli, but the butternut squash hummus was strange, and way too sweet. I thought the ingredients in this dish were fighting against each other, and there's too much going on- skip! -Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes (Buttermilk, Maple, Shishitos, $13): I loved this dish, and it was my favorite of the night. The pancakes had a wonderful sweetness from the corn, and the shishitos were blistered perfectly. I also loved the addition of popcorn- I think I could've eaten 3 plates of this on my own- a must order! -Chicken Fried Local Rabbit (Celery, Apple, Blue Cheese, Chili Oil, $15): Better than I expected, but I didn't like the addition of blue cheese, which overpowered a lot of the other flavors. The chicken fried rabbit was cooked well though, and was nice and crispy. -Buttermilk & Lemon Pound Cake (Torched Blackberry Compote, Almond Whip, $9): Pretty good, but not quite amazing. However, it was a good end to an otherwise uneven dinner. Our server was friendly and nice enough, but we didn't like most of her recommendations- maybe we just have really different palates. However, she was nice enough to remove the charred broccoli from our bill since it was very obvious that we weren't fans of the dish. Overall, I thought the restaurant was overhyped, and I'm not sure if I would come back again. I'm torn between really wanting to try the much raved about Secret Burger (and to get the corn pancakes again), but I feel like I would probably leave disappointed. The dishes were on the pricier side for the portions, and the traffic and parking around this area can be quite challenging (however, there is some street parking available a couple blocks away). If you do decide to check out Alden & Harlow for yourself, reservations are highly recommended!
(3)
Rachel R.

Of all the cool new restaurants I've crammed my hungry, whiny, human vessel into this year, Alden & Harlow is probably THE coolest newest restaurant I've had the pleasure of demanding small, impressive things inside of. It's on James' beard, so you know this is no small local/seasonal/organic/free-range/grass-fed potatoes. Anyway, standard's set high as hell. My thrice-over investigation leaves me at a solid 3, because there's as much inconsistency as there is hype. Three visits divvied up dishes, as well as service, into an equal ratio between: "Yoooo" (on-point), "Noice" (good) or "Nah" (nah.). Because A&H changes it up all the time, there's no point in my telling you about things you can't have (other than to make myself feel important, which I already am, because I Yelp.) *snickers, then sheds a single tear* The raw sugar pumpkin salad, the broccoli, and one of the spicy cocktails I've had are a five-star vegetarian dinner showcasing the power of plants in skilled hands. Everything is fresh, high-quality, and interesting.. though not everything is tasty. The farm corn pancakes are savory and fun, but approach ubiquity. A stone fruit and pig dish seemed texturally less-than-cohesive, and the burrata wasn't particularly noteworthy, either. The rabbit had barely a hare of rabbit, and doughy dumplings that went uneaten. Another drink was so thick and rich that a shot-glass size would've been welcomed, and one, though scrumptious, tasted like it contained one 1/4 thimble of gin. You get the idea. Here's the kicker: the hyped-as-hell special secret uberburger doesn't even come close to haunting my reverie. Turning melty cheese into a chewy cheese coaster is novel, but it didn't improve the consumption experience. It unproved it. Deproved it. What I'm saying is, I took off the cheese coaster. Would I recommend A&H? If you're prepared for an evening of edible wheel of fortune, sure. You might come out on top. Just don't hold your breath for the secret burger. If you pass out waiting, when you come to, the burger in front of you won't be that exciting.
(3)
Sally C.

Not a single miss at brunch this morning- crumpets are as great as yelpers have proclaimed although-- word to the wise--they are little sponges, scrape off that mountain of melting butter, it just keeps soaking in! Pork scrapple biscuits were very rich but thoughtfully served with a bright lemony arugula salad to cut through all that heavy porky awesome. The Kale anchovy toast, while hard to tackle & share, was memorable-- so much flavor & umami goodness. That bacon is amazing. Wish the root veggie latkes weren't lying on all that sour cream but they were also terrific, not at all greasy as latkes can easily be. They were helpful in customizing the bloody Mary's (he's spicy, I'm mild) - he found the use of Szechuan peppercorns to add a numbing element that was unique.
(5)
Roxana F.

Holy wow, what a great experience! I had heard really good things about A&H and decided to come here, and I'm so glad I did! The food at Alden and Harlow exceeded my already-high expectations. The menu is really interesting, so it was hard to pick what to order but our server suggested we order two dishes per person and share. After reading Yelp reviews I knew we had to order the kale salad, which was divine. Thankfully my companion isn't a huge kale fan so I got to devour most of that. We also ordered the swordfish belly which was like a fatty (although not noticeably) version of regular swordfish but still extremely delicious. I am very sensitive to fatty meat and this wasn't too rich or heavy. We also ordered the whole grilled mackerel, which came with the most DELICIOUS celery root remoulade. Holy yum! I could have eaten that for days. By this point, I was already stuffed but my companion had ordered the shaved NY strip carpaccio which smelled divine but was too rich for my liking. However, he devoured it and is a pretty picky eater so it must've been good, right? Despite having gone on a Monday night, this place was pretty busy and had a really fun, energetic vibe. I will definitely, definitely come back.
(5)
Jeff C.

I brought a friend here to celebrate her birthday. Really nice atmosphere. The food was good but a bit salty! Lay off on the salt! Our server was a bit off too...like she wasnt really all there...if you know what I mean haha Fun time tho! Probably wont go back but I think everyone should go at least once.
(3)
Khiem T.

Alden & Harlow. I was so excited coming here. I heard great things about this restaurant, and the menu was very exciting, they feature great ingredients. Sadly, it was a disappointing and underwhelming dining experience. Perhaps it was a Sunday, but hey, I still expected better. I like the location and the dÃ©cor. The mood at the bar was nice. They played heavy rock when I was there. I thought that was a nice touch. First impression: The staff was so uninspired. For a restaurant with an exciting menu, exciting music, open kitchen, great setting, the staff was half asleep. I sat at the bar first, ordering a Fogcutter, which has rum, gin, brandy, orgeat, and sherry. You can't go wrong with this drink, it's a great blend and it was listed under Shaken. Great, I am excited. The bartender put it together, shook it gently a few times, the cocktail didn't even have the foam of a well shaken cocktail. She then added way too much lemon and orange juice with a lot a lot of ice. When I tasted it, it honestly tasted like a college dorm screwdriver. We ordered four plates of food. The first was the sea bass crudo. It was completely flat in taste profile. Nicely plated, but the portion was ridiculous, sliced so thin, and underwhelming. This dish was missing some acid balance. I don't think the sea bass was fresh because it was missing the texture of fresh suzuki, though that could be due to Sunday... Second plate was brought out by another food runner. The thing with the food runners here is they mumbled the plate name then run away before they finish saying the names or the ingredients. I thought it was poorly trained. This guy put down the plate, mumbled something then walked away. It wasn't what we ordered. It took me over five minutes to get the attention of the waitress, who was talking to other waiters. She came over and literally said, "Oh that's not what you ordered" then walked away with the plate. She should had left it there since we already played with it with our forks to see what was in there. She forgot to apologize, so a few minutes later she came back and said sorry, though expressionless, and somewhat pointless. The next three dishes came out, the carpaccio, the grilled mackerel, and the crispy Berkshire pork belly. Again, we chose this restaurant for its menu and the ingredients looked fantastic. Sadly, the taste was so flat, nothing jumped out at you. There was no complexity on the palate, no umami, no immediate freshness. I sat there somewhat confused as to the reason why. Most of the dishes were missing the element of acid; the flavor profile was way too dark. Only the mackerel which came with a celery root remoulade introduced a brighter flavor. I wondered if these were leftovers from Saturday, because it was so flat and just didn't have the freshness of freshly cooked food. This was a letdown, but maybe my expectation was too high. When I was eating half way through the second course, some guy came over and said, "I am going to take your plates" Then he just took our plates and gave us new ones. WHY? We were in the middle of eating a meal. Shouldn't you wait for a new dish to start before changing plate? Shouldn't you wait for me to finish what I am eating and maybe ask me before apologetically yanked my plate away?
(2)
Sara S.

Every dish we had was incredible. We loved the sweet/spicy palate and all the flavors we'd never had before. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Lillian Z.

Great ambience, and tastes were complex. Pricey, and the secret burger was honestly not that good.. Definitely a great date spot though!
(4)
CC C.

We came across this restaurant as a general search for Cambridge. The entrance is tucked around the corner from the Main Street and wasn't readily noticeable. The restaurant was full with a lofty wait, however hostess was attentive and helped us secure a seat at the bar which is our preference. The beverage menu offers a variety of both traditional and specialty drinks, perfect for any craving (Jacks Abby IPA hit the spot for me). The food menu offers several sharing dishes or entrees for a bigger appetite, all of which are artistically prepared and served with what we felt were your farm to table healthy greens and starches. The atmosphere was vibrant (on the louder side, but what we were looking for) and service was great. We'll be back.
(4)
mari m.

Great restaurant! I went on its opening night and there were no glitches ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Â~~~~~ ATMOSPHERE: A bit of a scene for Harvard Square, but still fairly low-key. The music was a bit too loud, which made it hard to hear our waiter recite the specials. But fun energy and nice staff. FOOD: Delicious. We got about 6 plates to share among three adults. Most everything was super yummy; my least favorite dish was the sea bass -- nothing special -- but everything else was fantastic. IN SHORT: I wanted to go right home and write a great yelp review while the experience was fresh in my palate, but alas, life intervened and I'm just getting to this now. In short: YOU SHOULD GO HERE.... :)
(5)
Alexandra F.

Delicious! Such a great new spot for Harvard Square. Cocktails were delicious - try the Brattle St. for their twist on an Old Fashion. We went with 6 people, which was great because you get to taste so many of their plates. Every thing was so very tasty, but here are the must-haves: Corn Pancakes Polenta Fried Baby Brussels Burrata I can't wait to go back and try even more!
(5)
Erika Z.

I stopped in for a light dinner with friends on Friday. Our table wasn't ready right away, so the hostess showed us the the bar, where we were pleasantly surprised by their innovative cocktail menu. The beers were very over priced ($7 for a Brooklyn lager), but otherwise we were very happy with everything. The bartender conveniently transferred our tab to the table, which was a great help. Our table was beautiful (at the front under the glass ceiling), and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. I have a food allergy, and I was impressed by how conscientious both our server and the food runners were with facilitating my dining experience. The broccoli/hummus dish and kale salad "snacks" are a must, along with the burrata.
(5)
Noshii R.

Just had dinner here and it was GREAT!!! I just hope the good service and good food last. We had the kale salad, eggs and zucchini appetizers and they were all perfect. A bit skimpy but good. Then we had the beef neck, special pasta of the night and the burger. The burger was a bit underwhelming and the potatoes were a bit burned. The rest of the meal was perfection along with the great service.
(5)
Marguerite B.

Extremely pleasant visit to the bar tonight. The cocktail list was interesting and the Bell Tower was excellent. Check out the draft house bitter- great tipple, too! We tried three of the small bites, kale salad, egg, crostini with sunchoke and lardo, as well as one of the larger dishes, the chicken fried rabbit. All were very good, balanced, great flavor and texture, would have ordered another round of the same if we'd the time. That being said, everything on the menu looked fantastic. Tried the bread pudding w/ salt ice cream- loved the ice cream but wasn't as impressed with the pudding as with the other dishes. The space is nice. The bar service was a bit uneven but all the bartenders were nice and helpful. Will definitely go back, can't wait to try more.
(5)
Leslie M.

Cocktails were top notch. I drank the "stalker" all night. Delish. We ordered 6 dishes between two of us and that seemed like the right amount. Charred broccoli, kale salad, corn fritters and burrata cheese were the standouts. I wished the clams were better but there was too much sauce which was too salty and chunky in a bad way. The gnocchi were dry and not very flavorful. I loved the decor and feel of the place. The lighting is dim and they play cool music (heard Biggie a few times). You definitely need a reservation and patience if you want a seat at the bar. Enjoy!
(4)
Johonna C.

Ubiquitous kale salad--YES
(5)
Nathan H.

Came here for Sunday brunch. Really like the design of the place. Would be a good space for larger groups. The Shakshuka was very good. The oxtail was also good but the side salad was a bit too salty. My friend and I shared a side of grits which came fresh out of the oven (it was still sizzling when served). Would have been willing to give 5 stars but the service was unusually slow given that there weren't many people there. Hope it improves when I come back.
(4)
Lauren M.

Super delicious craft cocktail menu. My past favorite was The Sandhill Crane with cranberry bush nectar, gin, and some herbaceousness to boot. Currently I adore the Countdown with honeyed kumquat, and the Catania with lemon, maple, & bitters. Concerning the food, I've only ever had the Sunchoke Crostino. It was very rich and buttery and had a beautiful micro green and flower salad on top. My friend ordered the Chicken-Fried Rabbit, which looked amazing, and another got the Smoked Bread Pudding with Jacobsen Salt, which was so decadent looking I can't believe I didn't ask for a bite! (Guess I was all about cocktails to the face that evening). Alden & Harlow only opened in February but will surely be a Harvard Square staple, as it already is with the industry crowd!
(4)
Joslyn E.

Our waitress was knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations. She never rushed us and the food was well timed. There was additional waitstaff there who brought our drinks and cleared our plates. We ordered the chicken fried rabbit that came with blue cheese and chili oil. It was well balanced, savory, and satisfying without being too heavy. We also had the corn cakes which were sweet and fun topped with popcorn. The drinks are unique and like nothing else I've seen in the square. The dining area is very large for harvard square and could easily accommodate a group. I've been talking about the meal I had there for weeks!
(5)
Sanel S.

A little bit of heaven in an otherwise desolate food scene of Boston. My number one concern with restaurants is that price is rarely tied to quality of the food. So this was my concern coming in here as well. I was scared of mediocre food at excessive prices. Our server recommended we get 3 things each but we decided to instead opt for 4 that we would share and in the end that turned out to be a perfect balance. We started with the three onion anchovies dip with side of house potato chips. I've never had anything like it before. Next we got tortellini, which was good but not that much food. The secret burger was some of the juiciest meat I've had in forever and their NY strip steak was to die for, especially the bone marrow. There was only one thing that really irked me about the place and that's the bathroom. Whoever decided that a urinal should be facing out towards the bar with the doors swinging open and your junk hanging out for the bar to see should be taken out and shot.
(5)
Sarah V.

Great cocktails! Go during non-peak hours so the bartenders can walk you through their interesting cocktails. Their menu and drinks are clever and unique and good ambiance. They are also good about making space at the bar, but if it's crowded the speak up and then they'll help. Expect to share food cause they brought my husbands plate and mine one at a time, which was unexpected but we were ok with that.
(5)
V L.

pork belly - yum. drinks - yum.
(4)
Anabelle D.

Decor is beautiful, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the food is the best of the best. A must for those visiting Boston. Everything on the menu es spectacular, especially the burger.
(5)
Andrew H.

I have been here twice and I have not yet had anything - ANYTHING - that I have not though was not one of the best things I have ever eaten. And I am a legitimate food snob. Great dÃ©cor - great service - and really really great food. Go with friends and share everything. If I had to pick anything, the chicken fried rabbit is like a Chicken McNugget on crack....but even better than that. I can't wait to go back. Please please keep it up Alden and Harlow. Harvard Square has been so wanting for something new AND delicious.
(5)
Sue Z.

The food here is inventive, the staff attentive, and the atmosphere is lively. This is food you can't make at home!
(5)
Nicole L.

This restaurant is unique, and the food is made for the adventurous! Every time we go, we order something interesting and new. This is the type of place that forces you to try food outside of your comfort zone, but makes you so glad you did! The flavor combinations are unlike anything you've ever had, and it's another great spot for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. For brunch, you have to get the berry and lemon curd Croissant Pain Perdu! For dinner, my husband loved the secret burger, and I loved the corn pancakes, charred broccoli, and parsnip dip. The menu is always changing, so you'll have lots of options to try fun dishes!
(5)
David X.

They sure do love their salt here. Gorgeous room, terrible food. Frankly, I thought my Shake Shack Burger from the other night was ten times better than my 'secret burger'. The 'secret burger' was extremely greasy and way oversalted, along with everything else we ordered. Another miss was the chocolate bread pudding with salt (!) ice cream! It was gummy, bland and almost no flavor of chocolate. But it looked GORGEOUS. If my parents hadn't owned a 4-star restaurant, I'd feel pretty insecure eating at some of these establishments which get raves based on -- I am guessing - this lemming-like need for people to validate spending outrageous amounts of money on lousy food - because they think everyone else thinks it's great so it must be great. Luckily, I know better. :) As my mother used to say, french cooking is 90% bullshit. People are paying for appearances. You can serve them merde on a silver platter and they'll think it's a delicacy. But really, this place is great on appearances. The food all looks excellent. But nothing actually tastes good. One note - maybe everything tastes better if you drink a lot first. Another note - Came here with my male friend. The waiter said to us we should order 2 - 3 dishes per person (about $14 per dish). Two women then sat down near us and he told them 2 dishes per person. I found that annoying. I also found the idea of a pancake with popcorn silly. I remember a recent Top Chef episode where Tom Colicchio chastised a chef for adding popcorn as a garnish - he basically said it was pretentious and stupid. All told, I think Alden and Harlow can be excellent once they toss the menu since I did like the atmosphere and drinks menu.
(2)
Alex S.

Alden & Harlow will not disappoint.The food here is amazing. Small tapas style dishes, ranging from delicious to perfectly delectable. (The pumpkin salad was mind-blowing) The staff is also very attentive and helpful.
(5)
Chrisitine W.

Be careful, their coffee costs $4. Checked with manager about the coffee's origin, nothing special. It is about the same charge as the Burdick Chocolate next store PERSONAL made cappuccino. Our brunch here: $16 pig tail dish just tasted sweet and spicy. $13 Blood sausage is tapas size.
(2)
Dana M.

Quite the awesome experience! 3 of us went here around 7:45 on a Wednesday night without a reservation and got seated right away. The place was hopping but no problem getting in. This is definitely a great spot to dine. It does take a little while so don't expect crazy fast service but they were very attentive and knowledgable without being too much. Some of the highlights besides the great cocktail and beer list included the blood sausage with caramelized figs, the pork belly, rye pasta amongst others. They were very conscientious of a tree nut allergy that one of us had by informing us which platter to avoid when being served while not being annoyed or put out about it. Wished we had room for dessert but alas, next time! Overall an amazing experience that we will be more then happy to return to.
(5)
Nicholas P.

I went here about two Fridays when it was down pouring in Cambridge, and I have to say the food here got me in better spirits. You don't realize how big inside is until you get down there, and it was super active that Friday night, which is how I like restaurants to be. (Love to people watch) The service was great. Our server was very excited and attentive. It was almost kind of scary how perky he was haha. My friend and I ordered a few plates based on the recommendation of the server. We had the Butternut Squash Salad, Chicken Fried Local Rabbit, Mesquite Tortellini, Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly and Slow Roasted Beef Neck. We wanted to try the Secret Burger, but they were all out. :( The rabbit came out first and was freaking amazing. It is a must try. I don't care if you can't imagine eating a little bunny, you will absolutely not care once you taste how good this is. The squash and tortellini were very good. They were more for my friend because had it been up to me, we would have only ordered meat dishes. But he loved the squash. The beef neck was out of this world tender. It was my favorite dish of the night. I devoured it, and I am craving it now while writing this. The pork belly was amazing as well, but not as good as the rabbit and beef neck. Now, let's talk about the drinks. I had a Mcgregor's Garden and a Krakatoa. Both are amazing, but the latter is stupendous (I don't ever use this word, but it def applies here) The one this I thought was a little awkward. The urinal in the men's restroom is right by the door, so when other men walk in to use the bathroom the people at the bar, if they looked, can see you taking a piss. (Not that I give a crap, but I'm sure a more shy fellow may not not like it) Overall, I had a great time and I will definitely go back.
(4)
Richard C.

Hey there, Alden and Harlow, no pressure or anything. Many folks (both local and national) have been anointing the Secret Burger one of the best burgers in the country, never mind locally. I'm always wary of such proclamations, for obvious reasons, and try to avoid the hype machine as best I can before heading into a place. How good could it really be? I've eaten my way through a great (and uncomfortable) amount of burgers over the last few years. Many have wowed me, some have disappointed, and most have been just fine and dandy. I dined at Alden and Harlow on a busy Thursday night, knowing full well that a burger would be in my future. They mention on the menu that there is only a limited number of burgers available on a nightly basis (rumor has it about three dozen, with a few withheld for late-night service) although I have yet to hear of many, if any people getting rejected because they had run out. To me it feels like a cooler Craigie on Main approach: the burger is there for the taking but clearly there are a bunch of other fine dishes the chef would rather have you enjoy; it's not hidden even if it is limited. I certainly wouldn't complain if Alden just turned into a full-blown burger joint, but something tells me chef Scelfo wants to flex his culinary muscles a little more than just serving up our most beloved sandwich. Let's cut to chase here: this might be the best burger I've had in the Boston area and maybe anywhere. It is among (counting Craigie, Back Bay Social Club and Beacon Hill Bistro) the beefiest and straight-up most satisfying bun and beef combinations out there, without question. After eating the burger and dropping off a friend, I immediately had to go back that same night. The burger haunted me, even though we're only talking a 45 minute window here, and I couldn't get it out of my head. I had to know for sure. Was it as good as as I thought? The beef blend (brisket, short rib and beef plate) is unique, robust and expertly mastered like a fine steak. It tastes like nothing else out there in many ways, skipping the bells and whistles of some of the other top tiered patties and instead just focusing on the meat and the meat itself, and it is that good. Both burgers that night were cooked a perfect medium-rare, and the seasoning was nothing short of flawless. The burger is also very, very smokey. Something you'd often see with bacon, but not here, at least they won't tell you if that is the case. The smoked element is top secret, but it doesn't read very porky in my mind. My best guess (and a complete guess at that) is that they are incorporating smoked suet into the burger at some point, giving it even more fat and the smoke that really makes this burger stand out. It is as juicy as it ought to be and I literally have no complaints about it. A house-made bun, influenced by a Parker House roll, is very buttery (almost to the point of saturated) and flaky, yet sturdy enough to hold it all in place. It's a total game changer from all the crappy buns out there and left me scratching my head wondering why more places don't make their own buns. Probably a time, space and volume issue in most cases, but still, I wish it were more common. Joining the burger are a salted onions (salted so they take off some of the raw bite) and little gem lettuce combo that offers crunch like it wouldn't seem possible. This burger is crunchy, but surprisingly not from the the Cabot cheese tuile ( I liken it more to a frico). What should be a salty, crispy bomb of flavor ends up being chewy and more of a distraction than anything. I can't tell what's bringing it down, since I like the concept of a piece of crispy cheese, but it's the one element that is a slight miss. The flavor is still there, and I almost wonder if it would work better if it was placed right below the bun, as opposed to nestled under a pile of onions, lettuce and creamy sauce which I'm sure attributed to the sogginess, but then again, what the hell do I know. The creamy sauce is basically a Caesar meets Thousand Island kind of blend with aioli, ketchup, anchovy and pecorino among the players and it is straight-forward, well seasoned and a nice complement. Literally four thinly sliced pickles are on the side of the plate and I wish there was more of them. They are sharp and tasty but with so few I hardly see the point. On the first burger there are no pickles inside of the sandwich, but on round two there are one or two random pickle slices floating around. Chips in lieu of fries join the burger and they are warm, nicely seasoned and crispy. I always long for fries but these are worthy of the extraordinary burger. The burger at Alden and Harlow (shockingly only $14) is divine. It is all about the beef in most cases, and while the beef blend is fatty and luscious and possibly the best I've ever had, the accent of the role players here is almost as important. A house-made bun, onions, lettuce and a well-rounded sauce are terrific complemen
(5)
Merrill F.

This place is delicious; the lighting, the food, the live walls. The waiters are nice and informed.
(4)
Seth C.

That was amazing. Small to mid plates that were delicious. I love a combination of fatty + salty + sweet + crunchy and most of the dishes hit those points. Kirkland TnT was okay, Ribelle was really good, but this was Fantastic!
(5)
Marko M.

I went the very next night after my first review - A&H didn't disappoint. The experience was ace - can't wait to go back!
(5)
Rich T.

Average food at above-average prices. Crispy bok choy was too salty and, really, was the poached egg necessary? Maybe more lemon juice or something fresh to balance out the roasted flavor. Smoky slaw in the mackerel dish was WAYYY too smoky. Completely took over the dish--literally choking smoke at the end of it. Fried chicken was dry and bland. I would avoid anything "crispy", "charred" or "fried" on the menu because they needlessly over-roast, over-smoke and over-fry ingredients which should be treated with more respect. So disappointed.
(2)
Emma T.

I adored this place. I've only been once but most definitely plan to go back. The atmosphere is fantastic, the service was great, the drinks were unique, and the food was the best I've had in Cambridge. My boyfriend and I were there over a week ago and keep talking about the polenta. We ordered all veggie dishes and the swordfish because I don't eat other meat, and my meat-eating boyfriend said it was still the best meal he's had around here. They recommend 2-3 dishes per person--we ordered 3 dishes and olives and it was more than enough food. It's a bit pricey but if you feel like spending some money on a night out, this is the place to do it.
(5)
t j.

Inventive menu, nice staff. Atmosphere is cool. Sure it is a bit over-priced and crowded but a good date place.
(4)
Loop Y.

Best food in town! I wish I could eat the entire menu!! I've been three or four times now and received great service from the entire staff! Thanks for a wonderful experience!
(5)
Christine P.

Was here recently with friends for appetizers and drinks. When we arrived, we all immediately were struck by the design of the restaurant. The exposed brick and wood were nice touches, and it was a great space overall. Definitely not cramped. The service was great - our waitress was so gracious, even when our group was a little slow to get moving near the end. We split a few of the small plates (which are, as they are named, small) - the Chips & Onion dip, Corn cakes, and beef neck. The group standout was definitely the corn cakes. They were so delicious that we ordered a second round of those. The cocktails have some crazy names (e.g. 'Stalker' and 'Dr. Zaius') but don't let that deter you. I personally enjoyed the Ancient Stone!
(5)
Gabriela C.

yep. I'm obsessed. I've been here no less than 5 times (Including my birthday dinner) since my review here way back in March andddddd this spot will easily be my favorite restaurant in Boston until the end of eternity. I've seen amazing dishes come and go (RIP butternut squash salad/beef neck/fiddleheads), but I beg you A&H pleaseplease keep the Trenne Nero!!! fantastic recommendation by Seth & friends at the bar - who, btw, are doing everything right and more. now if i could just there at the right time for the burger......
(5)
Michael R.

Place has a really good vibe. Adventurous food plated to share. A great night out with friends, highly recommended.
(5)
Renee B.

I enjoyed this more before....last night the cocktail menu was a big disappointment and when we asked for our favorites from before they said no...thats crazy...we all ended up drinking beer instead.
(3)
Jessica L.

Great food! The flavors and ingredient combinations are really unique, and the menu is really different. Although everything was delicious, portion sizes are pretty small, though so don't expect to leave here feeling stuffed. We got the pork belly, hiramasa crudo, smoked arctic char, and burrata and were joking that we should go across the street to Felipe's or Flat Patty's to fill up.
(4)
John D.

The service here was great but the meal was a let-down. After reading several positive reviews, my wife and I had decent expectations. Alas, every dish we had was highly creative (and pretty) but nothing to rave about in terms of taste. We said to ourselves that it was like an episode of the iron chef, where we couldn't figure out what the secret ingredient was (but it was missing!). I would rate the food 2 stars given the high price ($9-18 per tapas-style plate and they recommend 2-3 per person). The service was really excellent (4 or 5 stars) so that's probably the saving grace. My suggestion would be to find another place in Harvard Square (there's enough good choices).
(3)
Josh P.

I finally made it in for dinner and I have to say I wasn't even remotely disappointed. The service, food and drinks were all on point. The waiter explained the menu very well and offered for us to pick a bunch of items and he would course them out for us. The timing and spacing of courses was perfect. I loved every dish. I think the food was a little out there for some of my colleagues dining with me, but who cares, I was in love with every bight.
(5)
S. S.

I give this place a solid 3 stars. I came here on a weeknight at a geriatric hour with my very un-geriatric date.. I loved the ambience and the lighting. Great place for a romantic evening, except for the tacky neon lights. Strangely enough my date was sitting right behind the counter, wham! I wanted to walk down the room and give a little sexy walk, oh well. I later found out that my date had actually chosen that spot below the tacky neon lights. So minus points all around. Anyways, the waitress was promptly at our side,wearing a checked shirt (ugh) offering up the menus with a nice smile. We picked 5 things on the menu, and ended up ordering 4 items, dropping the rabbit fried inside the chicken. We ordered the burrata, corn pancakes, beef spiedini and the lamb ribs. The burrata itself was bland and tasteless but the accompaniments of pistachios and honey gave it a nice flavor and texture. I definitely have had a better burrata. Next came the beef. This was delicious, but did not taste like beef at all. We kept thinking it was the corn pancakes. These came along next, so I am not quite sure if the beef dish had been an accidental vegetarian corn dish passed as beef :). Nonetheless, it was the best dish of the night. Corn pancakes were a gastronomic delight...BUT... I just didn't like the weird popcorn combination. Strange addition. Some of the popcorn had melted from the heat of the plate and kind of made a weird white sauce. Aesthetically not very pleasing. The last dish was the lamb ribs. I did not care for these. The meat had been cooked too much and was tough, hard to cut through. I didn't care much for the taste. We hardly touched it. The dessert menu was quite meh. We tried some tea, which was nice. The staff was semi-attentive (water was filled only once during the entire time, date was never asked about refill of wine), Overall, I had a nice time, and we ended up hanging out for 4 hours because of the ambience and the great conversation. I would have would have expected better quality from an "upscalish" place.
(3)
Erin W.

I was incredibly excited to try Alden and Harlow, even made early reservations and sat in rush hour traffic to make sure we could secure a secret burger before they ran out. We placed our order for 2 secret burgers, onion dip, fried potatoes and 2 drinks...the burgers came out almost immediately, before we had even been served our drinks. While I can admit our drinks were amazing, bar service was consistently slow. I got a firm grasp on my perfectly messy burger and it felt like victory was coming! I had a couple bites and I was still waiting for that glorious moment. My overall opinion of the burger was this...while it was very good, it just doesn't live up to the hype. We both ordered them medium and medium-rare...what was served were two well done burgers with absolutely no pink to be seen anywhere. I'm sorry, but no matter how well everything else is executed...any well done meat is going to be lackluster. Overall, Alden & Harlow was just ok...unfortunately I didn't have an experience that lived up to its hype.
(3)
Woodward Y.

went for drinks and late night dinner... drinks are average, but I think that I should have gone with wine since their wine list which was above average... the small plates were average at best. they used too much salt to try to make their small plates taste better; the monk fish liver did not make me happy. why is this place rated so high on yelp?!? I should have gone to Noir for drinks and not listened to my gf.
(2)
Michael S.

Great atmosphere and unique menu. We arrived at 6:00 PM looking for a seat at the bar and it was completely booked. Fortunately the wait was less than 20 minutes. We found the bartender to be very helpful w/ our selection for appetizers. Deep beer menu w some unusual choices. We decided to stay around for dessert and we were glad we did; pound cake, a lemon cream w/ blackberreis Will definitely return in the future
(4)
Amy L.

We went here for dinner in mid-February. There had been a big storm the previous night but it was still packed (we had a reservation, luckily). The food was really great and the cocktails were interesting and delicious. We ordered one appetizer, three "main" dishes and dessert, which felt like the right amount of food. The charred broccoli was amazing. We also enjoyed the mackerel and a pasta dish. For the appetizer we had the heirloom eggs, very good. For dessert we had the smoked chocolate bread pudding. My only complaint would be that at that point I'd had a lot of smoky flavor, and probably should have ordered something else. But overall really great food!
(5)
s b.

We ordered twelve dishes and two desserts and most were very good, but too many were so incredibly salty especially the Carbonara which the server recommended. The overly deconstructed cheese cake tasted good, but was sort of a ridiculous desert offering. It looked like someone smeared cream cheese on a plate and sprinkled crumbs on top. Not a bad place but not my favorite either.
(3)
Andres P.

The playlist is as excellent as the food. And the food is excellent. We came for brunch and liked the kale toast and the pickled corn pancakes. Although the server walked by with a burger and it looked super tasty as well. Definitely coming back for more soon!
(5)
Sarah L.

After hearing rave reviews for the burger, we knew we had to try out Alden and Harlow. We decided to make a reservation for our anniversary on a Saturday night, then moved the time up the day of to make sure we got to try the burger. I'm glad we did - they had sold out before 7:30! The service we received was excellent - we were seated the moment we arrived, treated with on-the-house celebratory Cava since I had mentioned our anniversary when making the reservation, and our waiter was happy all night to answer questions about the menu or the restaurant. This was absolutely the first restaurant I've ever eaten in for two hours without getting a not-so-subtle indication to free up the table for somebody else. Our waiter encouraged us to order one plate at a time (it's a tapas place, so small plates yet BIG on flavor and more filling than you'd expect) and we were really able to savor the food and enjoy our date. The drinks: unique-but-not-oddly-so cocktails were pretty tasty. Beer and wine selections were also good. The food: delicious. I wanted to eat nearly everything on the menu, but refrained largely as an excuse to go back again. Some items change weekly to feature seasonal foods, but I would highly recommend the burger, mesquite tortellini, pork belly, and corn pancakes. The burger we split (this could be a meal itself, which is good for the wallet on future occasions) and it totally lived up to the hype. The pork belly was good on its own but a masterpiece when paired with the strawberries that came on the side. The tortellini didn't look like your typical tortellini but packed a lot of flavor into each bite - garlicky, fresh, and just the right amount of cheese. Had we not eaten several plates before this came, we would have ordered another on the spot. The pancakes were served with yogurt and maple syrup smeared on the plate and grilled peppers and popcorn on top. I enjoyed these by alternating bites of sweet (with syrup and yogurt) and savory (with peppers). We also tried the grilled carrots, the grilled Haloumi cheese, and a special that night of beef heart Tartare. The carrots were tasty but overshadowed by the flavors of everything else that followed, and while the cheese was tasty there was not much on the plate. I was skeeved by the concept of the Tartare so I passed, but my husband found it...interesting. We weren't really the audience for this dish but wanted to give it a try. On other Yelpers' reviews we skipped dessert, which was fine since we were full of awesome tapas. To do this place right plan on taking your time and spending some $ but it was the perfect atmosphere for a special date. I would highly recommend!
(5)
Jay H.

Don't let the eclectic, or even strange menu put you off. This is a foodie's restaurant and a great place to get together with a lot friends to share. The plates are small and designed to share. The restaurant recommends 2-3 plates per person, but we found 1-2 per person was just fine. The lamb is to die for, and was cooked to the perfect rare temperature (a good vet could have saved the lamb). The sides and pairings are fantastic and the blending of several different cuisines really works. The wine list is small, but has several really nice medium priced wines. This place is a winner!
(4)
Linda S.

We liked 4/6 dishes we ordered.
(4)
Olivia R.

Great service, atmosphere, and food! Everything is good but nothing stands out as amazing to me. I am not a big fan of the new American scene!
(3)
Erica D.

Alden and Harlow... An odd name, an Interesting menu, a very cool space and really terrific people!!! The space that once was the infamous Casablanca Restaurant in the Brattle theater building. History? Oh yeah!! They did a great job creating a hip comfy big space to serve an eclectic clientele very creative food and cocktails! The huge bar turns out incredibly innovative libations to keep you sipping in style. Try The Stalker, Ancient Stone or the Green Smoke all soooo good. We have been many times now and have had fun tasting all the small plates. It's easy to over do it so come with friends. With offerings like, pickled corn pancakes with maple yogurt and shoshito peppers and popcorn garnish (oh yum), the cocoa nib crusted lamb with carrot mash and fennel salad ( like Thanxgvng) and the buratta with roasted beats ( heaven) it's a treat for the taste buds!! Oh the kale salad, eggs with white anchovies and the "carbonara" also Rock my world!! Can be sensory overload since it is all a bit complicated but it works it seriously works. Strange combos equals= Mmmmmm. Go! Indulge! Be adventurous and enjoy. Make a rezee since it is busy ALL THE TIME For good reason! And park in lot on church st. or Uber it! Parking on HSq stinks.
(5)
Jane N.

Great tapas style food with the right amount of spices. It's really hard to find a restaurant in Boston that doesn't put too much salt or sugar. Th dishes have very subtle flavor of spices that I can't tell. But they make the taste and dining experience interesting. So if you love good creative food with less salt or sugar, this is the place!
(5)
jon g.

Amazing eats! Everything from the tuna belly to the deconstructed strawberry cheesecake and the delicious cocktails was spot on ! Highly recommended
(4)
Teri C.

Amazing mixed drinks...helpful and friendly bartenders. Its a little on the pricey side but SO worth it!
(5)
Mike B.

I may be alone in this but I thought it was awful. My drink was weak and our food was mediocre at best. Seemed like a place adding fancy words to a menu and referencing farms to add a few bucks to a menu that isn't good to begin with. Good beer selection though. Stay away from the tuna
(1)
Doug L.

What a fun place to have amazing Tappas! It's a large place and very busy, I'm sure you'll need a reservation. The food is fabulous, what a great evening.
(5)
Judy C.

We were a party of six with 8:30 reservations. Ambience in the back was minimalist and acoustics were terrible. This place is the height of pretense. They were out of several items and it was still early in the evening. Everything was heavily salted and pickled. Nothing was memorable except for kale salad which was excellent. Overpriced and overrated. Highly disappointed.
(2)
Dan K.

I ate here as part of a small corporate function. Service was attentive, albeit with a bit of nervous energy. I anticipate this was a function of our special circumstances and the overall newness. As for the food, overall it was creative, well-executed, and memorable. The pork belly was impeccable; the skin was perfectly, thickly crispy without being tough. The meat was tender and satisfyingly unctuous, with an appropriate layer of fat. The seared base of the meat was a welcome surprise. This sat atop "grits" which were somewhere between traditional grits and a corn puree. They were wonderfully creamy with concentrated corn flavor and al-dente bits of rehydrated corn. The kumquats were roasted/grilled and added a welcome brightness to the other components. The sauce was savory expressing depth of stock and a few notes of spice. Overall, it was the best pork belly I have had enjoyed. For dessert I had the smoked chocolate bread pudding. The scent of a campfire hit me as soon as it was presented. The pudding was hearty without being stodgy. The smoke flavor was very pronounced, which I didn't mind, but could easily be too much for some. The salt ice cream, though, was incidental against the bold flavors of the bread pudding, notable only for its contrast in temperature. There were many other things on the menu that I plan to go back and try soon. Not to mention the cocktails!
(5)
Amelia D.

Got a gift certificate here for Xmas and was excited to try it. In short, it was quite good. The tiki something or other cocktail is phenomenal. The small plates are delicious. First we had the chicken fried rabbit which was perfectly fried. Next the salmon belly. I typically don't even like fish but this was so good. Next was the clams with pig tail. This came in an amazing lemony sauce. SO GOOD! Possibly best dish we had. Next came the only plate that let me down: the bone marrow croquettas. I thought they were fairly bland and not special as I had anticipated. But hey we still had one dish to go! Last came the beef turnitos or something like that. These came on a skewer and were so perfectly seasoned it was like heaven in my mouth. I can't wait to go back to have more of those beef things, and to try the other cool stuff on the menu. I doubt you could go wrong! Oh and the service was very good. Two thumbs up all around!
(5)
Jess H.

Great dining experience: food, drink, and ambience are all on point. The cocktails are unique and well-crafted, and the food is truly special. I love that they are willing to experiment with different flavors and preparations, and things definitely stand up to the prices given the quality and uniqueness of the food. Ordering a bunch of dishes to share is perfect, as this is a place to explore the different options on the menu. There are definitely options both for adventurous and less adventurous eaters, but if I feel like the menu rewards the adventurous eaters. Having come here a few times with groups, I feel like I have sampled nearly everything on the menu--and have yet to find something I didn't like.
(5)
Mariam C.

Had beef neck, pork belly, bass and haloumi. Delicious! Great ambience for group of friends or bar scene. Love this place. Oh gotta run bread pudding for dessert. Wait that was disappointing :(
(5)
Yi L.

Serving sizes are small except for very few dishes. I ordered rabbit stew, only to find it bloody too salty. I could hardly bear it and wished dessert could give some remedy to my tongue. And I was disappointed. The cheesecake was also salty!
(1)
Nat G.

Six hits and one swing-and-miss: a Chicken Fried Rabbit ground-medallion had a perfect, no-grease buttermilk batter and a piquant, nuanced sauce of celery, apple and blue cheese. Corn Pancakes with buttermilk sauce and popcorn was silky perfection. The signature "Secret" Burger was medium yet juicy with an appropriately tangy slaw on a brioche-like bun. The opening laginappe was pickled, yet firm, green beans that served well to get you excited; yet eat too many and that palate may get too jaded. The delicious Chocolate Terrine was very well balanced among semi-bitter chocolate, semi-bitter orange marmalade, and a sweetish Italian meringue. A nice find was the Slovenian Verus Furmint. But----the unexpected disappointment was the potentially special Charred Broccoli that was spoiled by excessive salt, marring the nicely charred broccoli dipping into an inventive butternut squash hummus. Chef Scelfo needs to get his nuance back. Service (Diana et al) was friendly and efficient.
(4)
Kelly B.

Very good overall. So completely disappointed that at 5:30 they had sold out of the burger! We were coming in for an early dinner with our 9 and 13yr boys and had sent an email prior to coming in begging to "reserve 2 burgers" knowing that was probably the best option for my younger more fussy eater. Wish they had some kids plates like Kirkland and Steel & Rye. The broccoli was by far one of the greatest dishes I have ever tasted, as was the octopus. The porkbelly, rabbit and steak were ok, probably wouldn't order next time. Service was very good, waitresses expedited our order so we could make it to Symphony Hall on time. As bummed as I was to have missed the burger, walking out Chef looked me in the eye and gave a warm genuine small and all was forgiven...... Just a suggestion, if the burger is on the daily menue and you know you sell out, couldn't you just order more burgers? This secret sellout burger business just feels cheesy to me.
(4)
Carly S.

Came here specifically for the burger....but they were out of it which really put a damper on the night. I ended up getting the carbonara and the crostini. Carbonara was NOT good... The noodles were far too al dente and it kind of tasted fishy even though there was no fish in the dish. The "crostini" was pretty much a piece of bread with cole slaw on it. We also got the pancetta which really ended up being peaches with some bacon bits. On a good note, cocktails were good and beer selection was wide. Overall completely unimpressed, the only reason I will be returning is to try the burger and another cocktail.
(2)
David D.

Very good food. Very unique flavors. We had the octopus, lamb ribs, cauliflower, clams, and spiedini. All were very good. The service was also good. Only drawbacks were small tables and faux Brooklyn feel. This is Boston.
(5)
Ben J.

Stupidly good.
(5)
joge T.

"Bon Appetit's restaurant and drinks editor, Andrew Knowlton, scoured the country to compile a list of 50 nominees for 2014's "The Hot 10: America's Best New Restaurants," and four of the chosen restaurants are located in the Boston area. Cambridge's Alden & Harlow, Brookline's Ribelle, Fort Point's Row 34, and Somerville's Sarma are among the group Knowlton will choose his final 10 favorites from." Alden & Harlow, 40 brattle st, cambridge, near Harvard Square When I read the article in Boston.com's dining section, I was eager to try this restaurant. My friend and I made reservations for thursday evening in August. We were seated immediately in a corner table in a quiet location. The atmosphere is noisy and lighting dim; neon lights illuminated our space. Although it is a cavernous space, the restaurant was already filled to capacity at 7:30; both bars were packed with revelers, and most of the tables occupied. Chef Michael Scelfo prepares small plates large enough for sharing and focuses on bold flavors and likes to contrast textures and flavors. After perusing the extensive menu, my friend and I selected the following dishes: GRILLED CAULIFLOWER* Charred Radish & Miso Butter, Peanut Vinaigrette - 12 GRILLED LOCAL BLUEFISH*Celery Root Remoulade, Pickled Garlic Scapes - 16 CRISPY BERKSHIRE PORK BELLYRoasted Harry's Strawberries, Anson Mills Grits - 15 SEARED JAPANESE EGGPLANT, Sheep's Milk Cheese, Crispy Fregola & Garlic, Basil - 13 I think it is gratifying that the young chefs of today are willing to elevate vegetables to a high level. Remember the days of creamed spinach and over-cooked peas? The cauliflower dish is memorable. Grilled and charred to caramelize the flavor of a usually bland vegetable; roasted to perfection, accompanied by smears of miso butter, and crunchy peanuts. Highly flavorful! Equally tasty was the Japanese eggplant; a distant cousin to the giant specie used in European cuisine; grilled and charred, with a sweeter taste, when smeared into the milky cheese, and little crunchy bites of the fried Fregola; it was heavenly! My Pork belly was a contrast in textures. The skin was crispy and brown, but a forkful of pork yielded a soft unctuous center. Accompanied by creamy grits; Absolutely masterful! I tasted my friend's bluefish, grilled and not over-cooked. The fish tasted fresh and sweet. The Celery root was crunchy and distinctively anise-like in flavor; a good choice in contrast. And the pickled garlic scapes were spicy and added a touch of green. For dessert we shared a fruit trifle. It was decent but not spectacular. The atmosphere can be noisey, so be sure to ask for a table away from the bars, if conversation is important to you. Service is professional, our waitress seem knowledgeable and answered all our questions. My only complaint would be the lack of a good artisanal bread to accompany such fabulous food, The bread served was flat and tasteless. ~Tiaotse~
(4)
Robert D.

This place was good but thought it would be a lot better food was salty, drinks and bartender were fantastic. I sat at bar with wife till my friends arrived and we got a little peep show of the men's room haha didnt notice till my wife told me when I came back that everyone can see me going the bathroom I didnt mind just glad I didn't drop my pants haha. Company arrived so we sat and ate . Favorite was the rabbit and burger was good just way to much salt I had to drink 2 cups of water after., the onion dip was not as good as I hoped the fresh pasta dish was really good thou, I would go here again as long as they fix the heavy hander on the salt and the music goes down a notch and lights up a little bit . A tad to dark to read menus and see ur food especially if u take so much time and put so much passion into plating.
(4)
Sarahzane M.

Just ate brunch here! Damn it was delicious! Definitely get the Croque Madame! Unreal! The "sparkler" drink of the day was phenomenal- but definitely expensive and it goes down quickly. Really really great service. Really appreciating the tip we were given to eat here!
(5)
Ralph O.

This place is very famous and well reputed, but I just don't like the food that much there. The wine is not espectacular either. The ambience is good, but there is a lot of smoke and your clothes will smell afterwards. You also have to struggle a little for service, even though they are nice. They never have the burguer, which sounds amazing but I never had the opportunity to try it. It is very "meh". A positive: the food is innovative and you will leave a good impression if you bring people there. However, it is highly overrated and overpriced.
(2)
Andrea F.

Delicious menu and beer list but food is too salty and stay away from smoked bread pudding!!!
(3)
Jimbo J.

Distinctly different from any other American restaurant i have been to. The tapas style dishes are composed and unique. Great service and an all round classy place.
(5)
Ellie L.

This restaurant is like a New American tapas style restaurant which means it's great for trying a bunch of little dishes and flavors. The only caveat is that some dishes are really large (full meal) size portions while others were pretty pricey for the amount served. Some standouts include the pork belly and the burger -- if you're looking for something larger. Apparently, the restaurant aims to provide more vegetable emphasized dishes to reflect the trend of eating less meat which is pretty cool.
(4)
Alexandra M.

So dark in the entry area, but then you go back, back, back and I had no idea it was so big! Much brighter back there. I had the molokai mule which was great--the pineapple on top was great too. I tried the drinks my friends got and they were all great too. Later I had the hefeweizen. Going through what we shared: grilled asparagus with 60 degree caesar: delicious. I could eat two pickled verrill farm corn pancakes: weird mix that works together perfectly grilled cheese with bread, strawberry and beans (special): SO CHEESEY. perfectly melted. And again, odd mix that works perfectly together. charred octopus with smoked avocado, beets and salsa verde: great except the beets. They didn't fit to me. The octopus was perfect though! Charred swordfish with kimchi bok choy, apple and radish: perfectly cooked swordfish but I didn't really enjoy any of the accompaniments chocolate brownie: perfect without the orange but that's just me. The graham cracker crisps were great with the brownie and the toasted fluff. Service was fantastic, friendly, and on top of everything. I wanted to order the special (the same accompaniments as the swordfish but a different fish) while my friends had burgers, but she let us know that it was WAY too big for one person even if others had bites, instead of just upping our bill.
(4)
Tim S.

I like the ambiance of this place a lot. The drinks and the food are just as good. As a broke college student, I have to take off a star for its prices. The wait staff was very attentive and cared about customer service. Full disclosure: I was here for a party where everything was free and the food and drink were both delicious. I couldn't see myself paying the actual prices if I was footing the bill. Overall, it was a great experience!
(4)
Jasmine C.

I went back again and this time got a table at the bar, which was dark and didn't have great service. I would say A&H is a place to go with people who are adventurous and who aren't expecting a typical dining experience, because I went with two who were and it was perhaps less fun, but the food was still delicious. What to get: - STILL the charred broccoli. It's always mind blowing. Always. What to miss: - The spring pea agnolotti: it wasn't very flavorful, and perhaps they could've added more of their house made ricotta to augment this.
(4)
Janet O.

The atmosphere is young and energetic. The food is mediocre at best. Most of the descriptions on the menu are interesting although somewhat patronizing. I was very disappointed as the unique menu had piqued my interest. The heirloom egg appetizer was completely over powered by the mass of other ingredients added to the dish. And the clams served with pork belly are over loaded with fresh herbs that add nothing to the taste of the dish. Staff seem to be very busy but not able to provide really attentive service, which is ok. They do seem to suffer 'menu question' fatigue since the menu is too confusing for the average diner which comes off as a bad attitude. In the end, I wouldn't recommend as with all its off-beat charm, the food isn't good enough and there are too many good options in Harvard Square.
(2)
Laura P.

2nd visit to Alden & Harlow. We went on a Sunday night @5pm to grab "secret burgers." We sat at the bar and were helped right away. Cocktails were fantastic! The bartender had great suggestions for variations of our favorite drinks and they were made perfectly. We started with the kale salad which was great. $10 is a lot for kale but it was tasty and I'm sure they used super fresh ingredients. The burgers were tasty but I wasn't blown away. Good toppings but we didn't think the patty was all that big. Chips were good, super salty which I liked. We'll definitely go back, but I doubt we'll go out of our way to get there in time for a burger.
(4)
Minh C.

I haven't tried the secret burger, but I'm going to have to go with A-OK here. We had a sampling of a number of dishes, and overall, I thought the food was alright and didn't meet the expectations set by the glowing reviews. Pickeled green beans - this tasted exactly like pickles, except they were green beans. I don't get why these were served as complementary starters by themselves. If they were paired with something to soften the strong pickle flavor, then maybe... Kale salad - the pistachio cream was great. I can eat this everyday. Pork belly - the fat was there, but the juice wasn't. I didn't get too much flavor from this. Burrata - couldn't find the burrata. Corn bread - must try. Rich and decadent. Smoked chocolate bread budding - I always say I'll try anything once. This will be one of those times where it'll actually be just once. It's intriguing, but the thought of smoked salmon kept coming to me every time I bit into this. If that's your style, then go for it.
(3)
Ramzy K.

The hype is real. Alden and Harlow, one of the most talked about restaurants in the Boston area, deserves our attention. Out of its cavernous, underground setting, tucked away in Harvard Square, A&H delivers creative combinations and rich tastes by emulating tapas-style cuisine with modern American flavors. Surprisingly, the dishes are not small, like most tapas. They come beautifully prepared and presented, almost like entrees. The broccoli is crunchy, the smelts are fresh, and the pork belly is mouthwatering. Each plate presents a plethora of strong flavors that are risky in theory, but disarmingly appetizing in practice. The bok choy dish is exemplary: crisped, baked, & slightly charred bok choy topped with walnuts and a soft poached egg. Strange until the first bite, when you realize that bok choy was born to be served like this. As for the atmosphere, it varies by where you sit. In certain areas, the cavern-like setting swallows you up in an off-putting darkness and secludes you from the outside world; in others -- near windows, open spaces, or lights -- the grotto effect is cool. Also, the waitstaff generally leaves you alone, barely interacting with you throughout the meal (ex. food runners, not servers, deliver food to the table). I guess they hope the food speaks for itself. And, by and large, it does. A&H changes the way you think about tapas; they don't have to be small dishes defined by one or two flavors. They can be hearty with a compelling character. This is Alden and Harlow's greatest offering to the world. It's worth a visit to taste it for yourself. Just ask for a seat by the window.
(4)
Steph C.

I visited Alden & Harlow with my husband and a couple of friends during a short trip to Boston. We went for an early Saturday brunch, right at 10:30 when the place opened. I liked that we were able to make a reservation, which is not always possible with popular brunch spots. Made planning our trip much easier. We tossed around a few options before deciding on Alden & Harlow, and we all ended up happy with our choice. The place was lovely and the food and drink were delicious. We were the first customers to arrive, just as the doors were opening, but they were ready and seated us right away, at a great table with a view of the open kitchen through a shelf of classic cookbooks. I loved the feel of the place. It was elegant and charming, with the kind of casual, modern, hip-industrial decor I always fall for in trendy restaurants. My husband pointed out that Alden & Harlow must be one of the places in Harvard Square where students bring their parents, and this seemed about right. It felt upscale but unstuffy, with something to offer for everyone. Service was great. Our waitress was helpful and friendly, and the host stand let me charge my phone, which was about to die. I scanned a few menus when figuring out where to eat our one planned Boston meal, and I'll be honest--I leaned toward this place at least 80% because of the A&H Szechuan Bloody Mary. I love bloody marys and Szechuan peppers, so I had to try this and would've been very disappointed if it tasted like any other bloody mary. It did not. This was a thick, spicy, flavorful bloody mary with the particular hot numbing quality of Szechuan peppercorns. It was a fantastic, eye-opening cocktail, garnished with pickled green beans. It came with a choice of spirits, and I stuck to vodka, which seemed like the right choice. Why take the stage away from that awesome Szechuan bloody mary mix? My husband got the Bee Sting, which was another excellent brunch drink. It came with gin, ginger, honey, lime, and mint--light and refreshing and very well balanced. The food was as good as the drink. We shared most of our food, per our server's suggestion, and this worked out pretty well, as everything on the table tasted wonderful. The kale toasts were gorgeous, with anchovy aioli, fried eggs, Benton's bacon, fried kale, and what must've been some kind of kale pesto spread onto tall, crusty slices of baguette. Tons of flavor here, with particular credit to those thick, gleaming strips of bacon. The classic secret burger, which appears to be an Alden & Harlow signature, was superb. The house ground patty was juicy and substantial, cooked to a nice medium rare, and it came with an undisclosed list of accompaniments that included a parmesan crisp, pickles, and some kind of tangy slaw on a housemade roll. Whatever was in there worked beautifully. The last savory thing we ordered was the croissant toad in the hole. This was less essential than the other two, but still great, with a slow poached egg, Benton's jam, and Stumptown Redeye gravy. The jam was almost too sweet, but it all tasted good in the end. For actual sweet breakfast, I would definitely recommend the croissant pain perdu, or French toast. The texture was spot on, spongey and moist without any mush, and it came with roasted blackberries, vanilla honey custard, and an absolutely sparkling tart lemon curd. Finally, the crumpets with cream and jam were a splendid side, buttery and dense with a nice crumble. I was really impressed with this place and would be inclined to go often if I lived in the area. Between the nice vibe, the Szechuan Bloody Mary, and the wonderful food, I think it's the rare kind of spot that would get me out of the house on a lazy weekend morning. I'm sure dinner is also spectacular, but that'll have to wait until a future visit to Boston. I'll keep Alden & Harlow in mind next time I travel this way.
(5)
Philippe D.

In the back of Harvard Sq, you can't miss it but look down as it is under street level. Very busy place, the sound level is pretty high so not a place for great conversation. However very friendly and professional waiters/waitresses. Will only speak about what I had: the shaved NY strip carpaccio, very good meat but was with an oil which had some taste destroying the inner taste of the meat. Not a hit The pig tongue with quinoa: excellent if the quinoa would not have been fried. I like it more soft Overall, good place to eat
(3)
Thien H.

Alden & Harlow is super cute. We had about ten small, delicious dishes (and many cocktails) among the four of us. The standouts were the vegetable accompaniments and the yummy sauces and purÃ©es. I don't know what they put in their sauces, but they are not something I could just whip up at home. There's just the right amount of fancy on the plates. Notables: Roasted beef neck ($14) Grilled lamb sirloin ($17) Brambly Pork Belly ($15) Grilled Bluefish ($16) Pan Roasted Clams ($16) Ubiquitous Kale Salad ($8) Even the kale salad was good. Just wish there was more of it on the plate. The server was nice. My only complaint is that there is not enough natural sunlight in the restaurant for me to take photos of the beautiful and tasty food.
(5)
So S.

One must...pigtails with polenta! I dream of this dish which was a perfect balance of sweet, salty and unctuousness. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Elizabeth G.

I really wanted to love this restaurant- my husband and I live just a walk away and were craving the perfect date place- but it was altogether just okay. The decor is great- rustic, refurbished, industrial but comfortable and cozy too. We started with cocktails and were both really pleased. The bartender was helpful and friendly. Looking at the menu we were really excited to try everything because of the interesting ingredients and choices from local producers. The menu is designed to try and share smaller portions. However as the food arrived, dish by dish, the flavors fell flat and were mostly disappointing compared to the tantalizing descriptions from the menu. I appreciate creativity and interesting blending of flavors and textures, but I felt that the dishes were trying too hard without getting the basics right first. For example, the mussels were served with corn, basil and smoked fregoula- an interesting combination but the broth itself was tasteless and oily and the mussels were overcooked. The chicken fried rabbit could have been delicious, but was made from ground rabbit, which was not distinct enough for choosing to be a little adventurous. I loved the idea of the succotash, but there was an awkward crunch that was too overpowering. All of the dishes seemed to be missing their punch line. I could go on but the main message is that with improvement of the fundamentals, this place could be really good. I don't think we'll go back unless this becomes the case. Right now it's not worth the price and the 45 min wait for a table.
(3)
Alexandra S.

Really this is a 4.5. I rounded up to 5 because on a super busy night we still got a spot at the bar and had DELICIOUS food and fabulous drinks before attending a concert near by. First, the have this funny system for getting a seat at the bar. I liked it because we were able to wait in line rather than have to stalk someone's seats. We got a spot at the bar in about 25 minutes on a busy busy Saturday night. Second, the drinks. WOW. They really know what they're doing. I forget what we had but I remember loving it. Third, the food. We had a salmon dish and a chicken fried rabbit dish. Superb. Loved the atmosphere (though a tad congested and a tad noisy) and the bartenders were super friendly. Would go back again and again for date night!
(5)
Emerson O.

I shared 9 dishes with a party of four, mostly vegetarian, and including the secret burger. My least favorite dish was actually the burger. I love burgers and will gladly pay for a top tier interpretation. It's just that the veggie dishes out shined the meat dishes. I am definitely coming back to try more of veggies and perhaps the whole mackerel. For a superb luxurious burger go to Craigie & Main. The A&H burger is just a perfection of the classic Flat Patty burger across the street, which is nearly as good and way cheaper. Homemade potato chips that came with the burger were excellent. Soft and crispy and thin. They nailed that part of it.
(4)
Bleeker R.

Great concept, wildly creative and inventive food. Amazing space. Small plates for the most part, so be prepared to share with your friends. Service is spectacular, as are the special cocktails. Probably the greatest late night menu ever. This place sets the bar high for new Boston-area restaurants. PS: Yes, the secret burger is absolutely worth showing up early or late (after 10pm). Just thinking about it makes me happy.
(5)
Kyle F.

Have only been here for brunch, but it's been great both times. Inventive and well-executed takes on classic dishes and haven't had to wait for a table either time I went.
(5)
D J.

EXTREMELY limited late night menu. We went with a group of friends expecting some delicious munchies with our drinks, but were greeted with choices of celery and carrots, potatoes chips, or some hard cheese. Not at all a meal, and certainly nowhere worth almost $13 bucks. If you're hungry and it's late night, go someplace else or you'll be starving. Also, the bartender was either a bit rude or clueless. Completely overlooked me as I waited to order drinks, yet helped at least 5 people ahead of me...all of whom walked up to the bar and were served within seconds. Thankfully, the tip line on the receipt allowed me an opportunity to express "when you overlook me, I overlook you!!
(2)
Rachel N.

A 4.5. Last night was magical, not only because we began planning our soon to be annual R.Kelly White Party on a Yacht/M's Secret Bat Mitzvah Part I, but more importantly, because it happens only once that I get the chance to celebrate one of my oldest GFs totally crushing med school and matching in IM at UCSF. Because she is in-effing-credible. And brilliant. And a babe. CS, you've been warned ;) And there was no better backdrop for these festivities than Alden & Harlow, which I've been trying to get to for a year, but as I'm an ace at being flaky and A&H is in hot demand, our stars didn't cross until yesterday - and thank goodness that Jupiter was rising or whatever was necessary for us to snag some of the coveted seats at the bar - which, from the moment we arrived a bit after 6, continued to get more slammed as the evening marched on. The cocktail list is extensive and peppered w little treats like The Rounder - rye, campari, spruce/juniper dolin blanc, absinthe, and flamed orange - it's easy to get overwhelmed - I rec chatting w the bartenders, all of whom were quite knowledgeable - or just go hard and get one of everything, or, as I like to think of it, a Long Island Iced Tea in my tum. Actually that would be doing a disservice to how well crafted the cocktails are, but whatever. Noteworthy beers too, all of which are local-ish, with the exception of the gluten-free option, which hails from the great state of WI. Because of course somewhere in Cambridge has to have a GF bur. Of course. Onto the nosh - kale salad w pistachio dressing/honey/fennel was richer than expected, though somehow also fresh and tight - was tempted by the raw celery root w caper brown butter/lemon/walnuts/golden raisins, but instead went for the smoked artic char belly on brown bread w/ roasted carrots/apples/sunchokes - a showstopper - reminding us all that Jew food + Irish staples should get together and do the hora on a plate more often - and the burrata w fried walnuts/pickled carrots/mind/raisins/burnt onion oil was cleverly delicious. As literally everyone has mentioned, should you get there early enough to obtain a "secret burger" before they run out, it's worth it - though if you miss it, I think you won't regret hitting the chestnut agnolotti, NY strip, or monkfish liver pate. Menu changes regularly, so if these options aren't floating your boat, 1) you lose, and 2) check back in a bit for when they've mixed it up. For dessert we dabbled in the chocolate bread pudding w sea salt ice cream. It. Was. Smokey. And like not in that "awww, smokey the bear is adorbs" way, but in that "wait, I thought I was eating a dessert, not licking a BBQ pit" way - in short, it's an acquired taste - but to our waiter's credit, he warned us. And the ice cream was nice, so not a total wash. Presentation all around is quite pretty w/o being precious. Attention paid to detail. Decor is that seductive industrial-chic thing that everyone is doing now and call me basic, but I don't hate it. I actually fancy it. It's like eating in what my dining room would look like if I had an underground lair in what used to be a sexy woodshop? Maybe? If you're doing it right w shared plates/entrees/booze/dessert, it'll easily run you $60-70/per person - though I guess if you're a lighter eater, a shared plate (mostly around $16) + a cocktail ($12) won't set you back too far, but A&H is good enough that I heartily encourage you to spend freely as you will not be disappointed. Go. Now.
(4)
J P.

Alden & Harlow is simply the best. It has amazing atmosphere, fabulous and interesting dishes and Seth serves up the BEST cocktails. Anyone who complains - don't listen! And absolutely get the corn pancakes. They never, ever disappoint. Happy chowing!
(5)
Ryan R.

Went here with a couple of friends to try out one of the hottest dinner places in Boston. Thankfully we had gotten a reservation a couple of days earlier and were seated right away. This place is tapas-style so we ordered quite a few dishes to share amongst the three of us: -green beans with sesame seeds (3 stars)--These we didn't actually order, I think they came out as a starter for the table and were good, but nothing to write home about --coffee roasted golden beets (4 stars)--I didn't actually taste any coffee on these beats, but the texture on the outside of them really made it a unique dish. They were also cooked perfectly and basically melted in your mouth --burrata and fried pistachio (4 stars)--This dish was quite tasty with the burrata paired with the pistachio and crisp that it was served with. Flavors were there, I just wished they had a little more crisp to use for the plate --kale salad (5 stars)--Maybe the best kale salad I've ever had. The kale was very well-prepared and dressed perfectly. In addition, the dressing itself was delicious and had a great pepperiness that I really enjoyed. --shaved tongue-special (4 stars)--This dish had some good flavors, but I had a hard time separating them out. That being said, I still enjoyed the textures and tenderness of the meat. --charred broccoli (5 stars)--A dish that sounded pretty simple but was completed to perfection. Paired nicely with the hummus and a decent-sized portion as well. --lamb neck agnolotti (5 stars)--This pasta was so well cooked and paired with the tenderest of meats. A real winner of the night and a must try for anyone that enjoys pasta or lamb. --charred swordfish belly (5 stars)--This was actually my favorite dish of the night as it was cooked perfectly and paired well with the vegetable medley it was served over. A decent size as well. --corn pancakes (5 stars)--These pancakes were super dense and tasted wonderful when paired with the shishito peppers and sour cream. A nice spin on a classic dish. --pound cake (2.5 stars)--This was really the only dish of the night that didn't wow us. We originally were going to go for the bread pudding but felt a bit steered away by our waitress. This dish had the makings of a nice, light finish, but didn't quite hit mark for me. Drinks: I really enjoyed my forage and fire, as well as the taste I had of my friend's drink (the falling??). Overall, this place is electric, packed, and full of energy. One of the best meals I have had in Boston and a fun place to try out a different spin on some American classics. Definitely worth checking out and hope to be back at some point to try the famed secret burger which was unfortunately sold out by the time my party had arrived.
(5)
Keith F.

Food was superb but u should know all plates are small plates 4 of us had Many all exciting and creative. The Sunday night bartender (young girl with long brunette hair) could work on a smile and some people skills that would help!! But overall an excellent night
(5)
Rachel R.

Came here with my dad and boyfriend early on a Saturday evening for dinner. We didn't realize that the restaurant serves predominantly "small plates" for sharing, but as we were curious to try multiple dishes that was totally fine with us! Our waitress (really fun and nice, with short curly hair) recommended that we each get two dishes for a total of six for the table. We tried the grilled octopus panzanella with sunchokes, Maine shrimp with lemon aioli, Spanish mackerel with celeriac remoulade and pickled green tomatoes, the New York strip with burnt scallion and tonnato, the pork belly with grits and apples, and the "secret burger" which that day was pretty simply dressed with bacon, lettuce, onion, and Thousand Island dressing. Of all the dishes we tried, I was most fond of the octopus panzanella, where the meaty grilled octopus was perfectly contrasted with the crunch of the sunchokes and bread and the tang of the lemony dressing, the deliciously tender New York strip, and the "secret burger," which, although simply, was unbelievably rich and tasty--you can really tell the beef that they use is quality. There's a reason why it runs out so quickly! It is obviously meant to be a meal for one person, but it would be very hard for me to eat all of it. I was less impressed with the other three plates. Each were perfectly cooked, but the mackerel was overly strong and "fishy" as the way that mackerel can sometimes be, though the remoulade and pickled tomatoes were wonderful. The Maine shrimp were tiny, tiny enough that the waitress recommended eating them shell and all. Unfortunately the shrimp were not fried enough that the shell was totally crunchy--it was left chewy enough that it made more sense to peel the shrimp before eating them. Nevertheless they were tasty and we had great fun sucking the "juices" out of the shrimp heads! I was most excited for the pork belly, but it was very, very fatty--I realize pork belly is meant to be fatty, but there was almost no meat to complement it. So out of 6, there were 3 that were absolutely stellar and flawless, and 3 that missed the mark a bit. Obviously not everything is for everybody, and the meal was really lovely and the ambiance and service wonderful, so I'd recommend Alden and Harlow. I would definitely come back for the cocktails, the Secret Burger, and to try their brunch!
(4)
Michelle S.

One of the best, most high-quality eats in Harvard Square. I'd rate the food I ordered/tasted 4 stars, though I think the restaurant definitely has potential to be 5 stars. The place has a rustic yet elegant feel...reminds me of being in a wine cellar room in Napa. In terms of the food, I was surprised that the menu had very few fish or poultry options. The secret burger didn't look quite like the one featured on Food Network's "Best Ever" segment (in real life it's shorter and less jam-packed full of ingredients), but I had a bite and the flavors were bursting, and the beef is tender and juicy. Get the kale salad! Creamy with a bit of tang, with the best flavor aspects of kale and pistachio. I ordered the grilled asparagus (with nice char flavor) with garlic crostino and an interesting egg caesar (you can hardly pick up on the egg) - it's a good vegetarian dish, but a little too parmesan-y for my taste. The Wood Smoked Arctic Char with Brown Bread is an awesome appetizer - the sweetness of the bread complements the smokiness of the fish. Next time, I'll be trying the charred octopus main dish. Definitely coming again!
(4)
Federico P.

Top 3 best culinary experiences I've had in the US. The ambience is perfect, I can see how people may find it a bit noisy but I never had to scream or shout across the table to be heard. The menu is absolutely delicious. We had the charred broccoli, crispy bok choy (omfg!!!!!), the secret burger (runs out very early in the night and I can see why), and the crispy pork belly (perfectly executed). The cheese plate for dessert was presented with the freshest of fruit and the cold brew coffee was delicious. If you are going to have a mid tier bottle of wine and explore the menu figure $50-70 per person. Also, the server was on point all her recommendations were a hit, very knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients used in the dishes. What a find, I can't wait to make another stop next time I'm in town.
(5)
Annabelle L.

Came here with a friend for lunch last week. As others have said, it's a bit expensive, especially for the portion size. We split the smoked fish dip and the hickory smoked pig tails. Both were small appetizer sized, but surprisingly very filling. The smoked fish dip was mostly fish and not a lot of filler; went well with the crisps/crackers that came with it. Although the smoked pig tails was much smaller than I expected it to be (esp for $16!), but had amazing flavors. Sweet, salty, smoky, savory, it was all there. The grits were as good as any I've gotten in the south, and I especially loved the cheese crisps and poached egg, which added another layer of creaminess. The space is fantastic--lots of different seating options and the bar is huge. My friend comes often for the cocktails, which says are delicious, but I didn't get to try any this time!
(4)
Maya G.

The food was interesting, although not great. Everything we ordered was overwhelmingly fattening and not particularly tasty. The rabbit tasted exactly like a Morningstar Farm patty and was served with tiny iddy biddy pieces of green apple-not enough acid to bring out the dish. Overall, the other dishes were similarly unremarkable. None of the dishes were anything I was impressed by--not balanced or complex flavors for the high price of the small plates. The service was attentive, but the waiter had a terrible attitude at the end. Presumably because we did not order drinks or a dessert, she gave us incredible attitude. Who can order dessert when the main dishes are pure fat (although not the kind I would find worth it, like pork belly)? She needed to chill. Overall, the food was not bad, but I would definitely not go back here. The food was overpriced, not inspired, and the waitress felt entitled to be rude to us because we didn't order enough for her liking.
(3)
Carrie L.

Alden & Harlow is a great date night spot. Cambridge area has always been full of amazing little finds, and A&H is no exception. Located in the basement level of the Brattle Theatre, the restaurant appears small and intimate upon arrival. However if you step out of the hostess/front area, you'll find yourself passing by the open kitchen (which can get very warm if you sit by there) and a more open dining area in the back. The menu is based on tapa plates, from lighter items on the left to heavier ones on the right of the menu. My server was sweet and helpful; she informed us that it's about 2 plates/person. So my boyfriend and I ordered a total of four: 1. The salt-roasted beets 2. Tuna belly 3. Pork belly 4. Pork shoulder I apologize for the lack of proper dish names, but there you have it. We ordered mostly on the right side of the menu. Starting our night was the amuse bouche: pickled green beans with sesame seeds. It tasted exactly as it sounds. The first bite was strange but it grew on me right after. The salt-roasted beets with caraway yogurt and peanuts was light, healthy, and.. salty. The beets were too salty to eat alone. Perhaps the chef wanted us to mix everything together, because then the beets were more tolerable. The yogurt was my favorite part of the dish. Next, we had the tuna belly. Sitting on top of a sort of sweet corn sauce, the tuna belly had crispy skin. The fish was not cooked through so as you cut, the tuna belly goes from cooked to slightly raw. The slice of the belly was a substantial size. And my only complaint was the crispy skin was a little too salty. And that seemed to be a repeated pattern for my night. The next dish is the primary reason I was drawn to Alden & Harlow. The crispy Berkshire pork belly. This was his favorite dish of the night. The crispy pork belly, on top of a layer of grits, with cooked peaches on the side. Again, I am guessing the chef wants the dish to be devoured by mixing all the ingredients together. Because the grits was too salty to eat alone. Someone must've been heavy with the salt dosage that night. The pork belly, however, was perfect and fatty. The peach was sweet. Overlooking the salty grits, this dish was pretty great. The last dish, also known as my favorite of the night, was the pork shoulder. It was the debut night, freshly placed on menu. And I hope for everyone's sake, it will stay on the menu. The pork shoulders came in 3 pieces, with droplets of creme fraiche and some buttery savory sauce. Again, the creme fraiche mixed with the sauce was way too salty. I expected it to be on the sour side; but not the case. The pork shoulder was juicy, tender, with texture, yet melts with every bite. It was perfect! I highly recommend this place - would've given it 5 stars if the salt level was more balanced.
(4)
Georgina C.

Long overdue from October 2014... Alden & Harlow has topped my To-Dine list ever since it opened its doors in Cambridge. Dubbed the best eatery of the year, it seemed like I just could not get there due to a crazy schedule. When my favorite new blogger friend Liz of Little Moments of Happiness suggested we head there late night after a Fashion Week event, I could not agree fast enough. I started the meal with the Smoked Burrata Crostino with fried kale, lonza and burnt honey. It was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever experienced. The savory essence of the rich Burrata contrasted perfectly with the sweet hints lent by the honey. Next I tried the Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad with Xertoli almonds, dates, sardo and Jalepeno Brown Butter. The pumpkin pasta had a wonderful amount of crunch, I was surprised at just how satisfying it was. Next arrived my Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with kimchee oil, aioli and Benne Seed crumble. Slow roasted to that perfect point where you can cut each morsel with the mere side of your fork, this dish quickly disappeared leaving me wondering if table fairies lived at A&H or was I seriously being that greedy... Last was the Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly with roasted strawberries atop Anson Mills Grits. Though delicious, this was a bit rich for me (or perhaps it was that I had already gorged myself and already had dessert on my mind.) I know... But you cannot go to a restaurant ranked nationally among the top 100 new restaurants and not order dessert. And so I tucked into the Baked Apple & Olive Oil Cake Trifle with Aleppo & Honey Whipped Cream with brown sugar. Perfect in my opinion minus the overabundance of nuts, this plate did not see much action due to my rapidly expanding waistline. The verdict? I will definitely be back for brunch. A creative menu, rustic decor, great music and wonderful staff; Alden & Harlow is a spot as a foodie you cannot afford to miss.
(5)
Elizabeth E.

This was my first spot when I landed in Boston. I have a friend who is at Harvard BS and we tried one of her fave places in Cambridge. It's a small plates type place so we shared everything - portions were generous for a party of four. Loved everything we tried. For you Chicagoians the veggies reminded me a lot of the veggies at girl and the goat - really incredible, not healthy at all :) Octopus Panzaella - Amazing small bites of octopus - nothing scary! So delish fresh tasting with potatoes too! Burrata - What's not to love about burrata? This was tasty but pretty much what you would expect from burrata. I do remember some jam on the side, that was a nice touch :) Kale Salad - boomshakala... DELISH! Charred Broccoli - What was the sauce that was underneath? No idea but it was soft and creamy and I almost considered licking the plate. Corn Pancakes- Why are pancakes not apart of every meal? Especially with shishito peppers and popcorn? Like what on earth? This was another one that felt very "stephanie izard" esk! Fried Chicken- YUM!! The biscuit that came out with this was INSANE. For dessert - we went with the lemon cake... not usually my first option but the waitress steered us away from the smoked bread pudding - main reason that it was smoked. I was very glad she called this out. The Lemon Cake was so smooth and moist - there's a reason it's highlighted on the menu in a big box!! They were out of the secret burger by the time we sat down - reading the reviews, this sounds like a must have but I'll have to save it for my next visit to beantown!
(5)
Jeff F.

I've come in three more times since my first visit. Here's the rundown from that first visit: - Desserts were still off - Server Wine recommendation was a miss - Mackerel improved - Still no burger on this visit ..... So close. - Broccoli was solid. - Snails were really good - Burrata was a miss. Needed a little sea salt or something to kick the flavor - Cassoulet - Ridiculous. - Parsley Cavatelli - great dish - Ubiquitous kale should be on the shortlist - Clams with pig tail was very good - Fried Rabbit was a miss Overall a miss on this second visit. Then we came in for a meal at the Chef's Table on Feb 8th. That was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend trying the Chef's Table. Highlights: - Coffee Roasted Golden Beets - ridiculous, officially love beets - Kale & Pork Belly Pappardelle - why is this not on the regular menu? Fantastic - Octopus Panzanella - way too light on the octopus - Charred Swordfish Belly - perfect - Finally had the burger: Craigie and Curley's still are 1-2 in Boston, but this is in the Top 5 Conclusion - one of my favorite spots in Boston if you know what to order and what to avoid. Notes to self. Wood smoked Arctic char, Beef Carpaccio is a must, Secret Burger is hit or miss.
(4)
Jenn S.

Hmmmm I might be the only person on earth who wasn't in love with this place. I heard SO many great things but perhaps I should take another trip back. But let me first say it was good... and maybe I am just sour about the dessert and that is the last thing I can remember - they also were out of burgers which was sad for most of our table. Here is what we ordered and shared with our party of 4: Kale Salad - LOVED this Corn Pancakes - Really good but they could have skipped the popcorn Muscles - had great flavor and I loved the corn Sweet Corn Gnocci - NOT what I was expecting, I actually don't even know if I liked it Some noodle with Egg (I forgot what its called) - This was also a hit at the table New York Strip - was pretty good Tuna - I love tuna but this one was really fatty, a little too fatty. and now to the dessert...... Bread pudding - The smoke was SOOOOO overpowering that we didn't even finish. And that says a lot because I always finish bread pudding. It was seriously the only flavor we could taste
(3)
Denise A.

By now I think everyone knows where Alden & Harlow is. It was a challenge to find it the first time around but no longer. Their menu changes up frequently but one thing is for sure-everything here is amazing. Their plates are small and meant to be shared. This is great for eating purposes-abit heavy on the wallet but the food and service here is truly worth it. Of note was the charred broccoli that elicited a highly positive response even from my broccoli averse BF. I love that places in the states have picked up on pork belly as a trend and A&H's version is perfect. Crispy skin, tender meat and fat. You might have to flip it over to cut through it though. Their brunch menu is the most original I have seen in the Boston area. No eggs benedict here (although if you'd like poached eggs, the Smoked Pig Tail comes with one...). All of their dishes here are fantastic but in particular I'd recommend the pickled corn pancakes and the wild mushroom frittata that had me asking for more! You can't go wrong here but...it may be tricky if you're vegetarian since many of their dishes incorporate animal fats.
(5)
Meredith D.

3.5 stars I was so excited to try this place. My husband made reservations for Vday months in advance. When the blizzard started we were determined to make it there regardless of the snow... It has a great atmosphere and was packed despite the storm. I loved the inside. They had a cool drink list with some interesting beers which we both opted for. For food we had the pumpkin salad, charred broccoli, and New York strip. The pumpkin salad was definitely different. They get points for creativity and it was pretty good but not likely I would ever order it again. The charred broccoli was amazing. We both really loved this dish and would definitely get it again. The New York strip was OK. We both love steak and this was good but certainly not anything to write home about. It had decent flavor but again not sure I'd order this again. We both were excited at the possibility of dessert but it was a very small menu and nothing looked all that enticing. I thought the service was OK at best. The server was not all that nice. She gave us some green beans to munch on and before my husband could even try one, ended up clearing them away which I found incredibly odd. I was so excited to try this place out but it's not a place I would ever frequent. Definitely a bit disappointing. I would come back to try the secret burger which they were out of. Sounds like you need to show up at 5pm though if you want a chance to have it.
(3)
Kattie L.

It really is a gorgeous set up and a welcome addition to Harvard Square's teeming tourist-geared establishments. Their beer menu is exhaustive and if their cocktails were less $$$$, then I'd definitely try it because they look delicious. Unfortunately, the $$$ is what undercuts a lot of the greatness at Alden. The quality doesn't match to the value of the dish. That's not to say that the dishes aren't good -- they're actually fantastic. I've visited Alden 3 times now to give it several chances to wow me, but the conclusion is always the same. I've tried the secret burger, cauliflower, and pork belly. All were fantastic but for the hype, the burger isn't worth the try -- I would go to Craigie and fight for the last burger before coming back here. And do come early for it - it's gone by 6pm most nights. The pork belly was absolutely delicious but I had one tiny bite to share with my table. If the point of the chef's tapas menu is to recreate a family style setting, then my mother would have some very hungry and disappointed children. The cauliflower was actually a whole head which surprised me and the most inexpensive dish on the menu. Bottom line: If you're looking for portion and taste, go elsewhere with your money. If you're alright with extremely (and I've been to fine dining before) small portions for an exorbitant amount of money, it's worth a try -- once. Also, definitely make a reservation! If OpenTable doesn't work, call in.
(3)
Lisa R.

Never thought that broccoli could taste SO good! Get the charred broccoli- I promise you won't be disappointed. The chicken fried rabbit was perfect-crispy and moist. I've never had rabbit prepared that way. Got the grilled mackeral too-also tasty but a bit too bony for a romantic dinner night. Cocktails expertly prepared. My only gripe is that they ran out of the secret burger by 6:30PM. Why put it on the menu if it runs out so quickly?!?
(5)
Shawn H.

The menu is brief, but challenging due to extreme creativity. Hard to figure out how many plates will serve your party well, as the sizes vary so widely. The broiled oysters were tasty, served on salt in cast iron, but $8 for two is a taste, not a satisfying appetizer. The steak was wonderful, and sliced to share. The pork belly was only okay, with too few grits to make an impression, but the macerated grapes were a delicious enhancement. My favorite dishes were the most filling, an angel hair pasta with a nutty pesto sauce, and a roasted potato side with a rich cream sauce. Everyone made sure to grab at least two potatoes. Friendly, chipper service did a lot to make sense of the unique menu, and it was fun when the plates started coming out as they were made. Compliments to the bar as well, as my Fog Cutter was refreshing perfection.
(4)
Erin D.

One of the best restaurants in Boston. These guys know how to pleased you and make you to come back. The place itself has a bit of New York vibe, chill and romantic. Good is great, the portions can be bigger but everything taste delicious. Better get your reservations otherwise takes forever to get a table.
(5)
Leesha Z.

I've only come here once and it was for brunch and boy was I blown away. Starting with the decor, it's beautiful inside. I would love for my future apartment/house to look exactly like this place. Friendly staff greeted us as we walked in and sat us at a small table alongside the bar/wall. We had reservations for 11:30 on a sunday but we probably could've gotten away with not having them seeing as how the place wasn't that busy. I ended up ordering the croque monsieur which was absolutely amazing. I also got the torched fruit as a side. That alone was out of this world. The food here is pricey, yes, but to me it is totally worth it. You can tell there was a ton of love and thought put into all of it by the chef and I can't wait to come back for dinner or another brunch!
(5)
Alex C.

This place is super good. Pricing is a little steep, but it could just be the Boston premium. It's not terrible, just not cheap. Having tried quite a few different options, I think it's safe to say that you can't go wrong ordering just about anything on the menu.
(5)
Wasim Q.

If a place is 95% hit, 5% miss, does that mean it is "hit or miss?" Nah. 95% is still an A in my book. I've been here twice in the past week and almost all of the dishes have been amazing. I call it "American tapas"-- everything is a small plate, and very very creative. The grilled carrots are a great opener-- charred on the outside and soft on the inside, plated on a giant smear of yogurt and sweet sweet honey. Romano beans are also AMAZING, spicy and minty. Beef neck was unique, to say the least (a little mushy, reminded me of meatloaf). New York strip was delicious (though they cooked my "medium rare" as a rare, and the side dishes don't really integrate with the steak well: orange in a cube of pectin and a slab of roast bone marrow). All the beef here is from Creekstone Farms (which only does black angus and supplies high end NYC restaurants), and you can really taste the quality. And then there's the "secret burger." Listed on some CNN blog as one of the top 10 burgers of 2014, it really does live up to the hype: meat from Creekstone Farms, smoked and ground in house, slathered in a thousand island and caesar concoction, topped with a crispy cheddar chip, all on a house made bun (which is amazingly soft on the inside and crispy on the outside-- they intentionally char the sliced faces on the griddle). The burger sells out pretty early (they didn't have any left at 8pm on a random Wednesday), so we came back at 5:15 the following Saturday. Desserts are good, though the menu is small. Smoked chocolate bread budding has a meaty taste to it. Olive oil cake is better- refreshing, with fresh rhubarb. In sum, Alden & Harlow (the original architects of the building where the restaurant is) would be proud of what they are doing here.
(5)
Liv L.

Came here on my birthday with a party of six. Loved the atmosphere and table we got. The tapas style works very well and dishes come out of the kitchen as they are prepared. We got about 10 dishes; the octopus, panzanella, burrata, corn pancakes, chips and onion dip, the pork belly, both pasta dishes and two desserts. We ordered double of some because they were so good! Also the special vodka drink with lemon and cinnamon was delish. They ran out of the secret burger when we got there so remember there's only a limited amount. Definitely try to make reservations in advance because it's hard to get a table.
(5)
John T.

I had dinner reservations for 2 at 5PM on a Friday. We arrived at about 5 till and were promptly seated at the time of our reservation. I came for the drinks and small plates, but unfortunately forgot my ID in the pant pockets I was wearing the night prior. I had a photo of it saved on my phone, but they refused it (as they should have). Rules are rules, so I'll focus my review on the food. The server informed us once we were seated that they specialized in small plates and that she recommended 2-3 dishes per person. We obliged, and ordered the Oysters from the starter menu and 2 plates each from the main menu. Despite aiming for a variety of plates some of the garnishes were repeated on the dishes we ordered; but, I'm not sure the cause (could be how we ordered, could be that they stock fresh and use what's available, could be poor planning in the menu design). The courses were a bit larger than advertised and we weren't able to finish any of the plates. We came with an appetite, so I'd recommend starting out with a plate or two fewer and adding on midway through the dinner if possible. I say "if possible" because the server took our entire order at once and informed us that the dishes would arrive "as the kitchen could prepare them". This was fine, but it did leave one awkward moment toward the tail end of the meal when my "entree" had arrived and my girlfriend's had not. Oh well, not a deal breaker. I give 3-stars because our server was still a little green and probably could have used a little additional training before being let on the floor alone for a Friday dinner. She was very courteous and professional, but did little to enhance the dining experience. The staff at the neighboring tables seemed to have a better handle and I'm sure our server will be up to speed in no time.
(3)
Kevin C.

Alden & Harlow is among the top few restaurants in the Cambridge and Boston area that I've been to. I've been waiting to go with one of my friends for a long time, and we were not disappointed! We made dinner reservations for a party of five, which took some coordination, but it was well-worth it. The menu is well-portioned, thoughtful, and creative. Our waiter told us to order our food like we'd order tapas. Tapas? Yes, please! Instantly, the idea of sharing French-American food with others sounded appealing. We started with the kale salad with creamy pistachio. The salad was nicely dressed, and the kale had enough bounce and crunch. As for drinks, I ordered the French Press which was an amazing alcoholic drink consisting of overproof bourbon, smoked cocoa nibs, coffee beans, and absinthe. It didn't take us very long to begin ordering because everything looked so delicious. My table went ahead and ordered everything that looked appetizing. We ordered the soft polenta with goat butter, smoked mushrooms, and pickled sour cherrie, the smoked pork belly with carrot and cashew tahini, the braised chicken thighs with buttermilk and pork fat biscuits, and the famous secret burger. For desert, we had buttermilk and lemon pound cake with torched blackberry compote and almond whip. In retrospect, the star for each dish were clearly the savory parts, but the sweet and salty parts of the dish were equally appetizing. Our table, stomaches, and expectations were happily satisfied! What an amazing restaurant for a great location! Go to Alden & Harlow!
(5)
Beth H.

Usually with a restaurant that's very hyped and on the pricey side there's an inevitable bit of disappointment when you try it. Not true for Alden & Harlow! We had a drink at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartender was busy but my drink was strong and delicious, and the bartender was friendly. Check. When we were seated each dish was delightful. We had the bok choi salad, the agnolotti, the mackerel and the chicken fried rabbit. Others have described the dishes in detail so I won't do that here, but I will say that each dish was surprising and felt like a little bit of a treasure hunt figuring out what each delicious part of the dish was. My favorite was the chicken fried rabbit (which is prepared like the world's classiest buffalo chicken finger.) The service was great. They also have really excellent lighting (I know, who cares, right?) But it makes it feel like they have the shades drawn on a sunny day, not like you're underground. Big thumbs up for living up to the hype. I'll be back.
(5)
Emily G.

Alden & Harlow was open nearly a year before our dining out budget freeze (aka getting married) came to an end. Though I am not the most patient person in the world, the wait was certainly worth it. The menu changes frequently and descriptions don't always do the dish justice. Michael Scelfo is doing wonders with a plancha and some vegetables, so order those brussels sprouts or even the ubiquitous kale salad with your meaty plates. A few dishes have remained on menu since the early days, and you should definitely get the chicken fried rabbit if available since the secret burger sells out quickly. The cocktail list is as creative as the food, plus a pretty decent selection of beer and wine by the glass or bottle. Of course if you are like us and over-order, a cup of excellent Stumptown and a reasonably priced shot of Fernet is a completely acceptable way to end your meal.
(5)
Thomas N.

walking the area recently and forgot this was open for brunch lunch on weekends so gave it a try, it is a big place and we were sort of ushered to a glass covered area in front, which was nice but we tent to like to eat at the bar or here maybe in the bar at the back watching the cooks....lovely place, i had the burger with the egg and it was wonderful with tons of very good french fries, wife had the green tomato sandwich very good and we had also the torched fruit, excellent also although you don't get too much....well they make up for that with the fries, drinks were very good and a lot of different unusual choices and a very nice beer selection........liked it here!!!
(5)
Yeajin L.

Very good wine choices! Their menu was interesting. They make popcorn pancakes and whatnot. They are tasty. One other thing I tried was some potato dish. It had really good flavors, but did not expect it to be that small portion for that price.
(4)
Julie B.

I went to Alden & Harlow shortly after it opened and had a great experience. The restaurant can be difficult to find -- it is underground and has some subtle signage pointing to a staircase. It was very dark inside, but I really liked how the restaurant looked and felt. It was simultaneously cozy and modern, with a huge wraparound bar, open kitchen and exposed ceiling. The menu at Alden & Harlow is based around creative small plates made with local ingredients. They recommend 2-3 plates per person, so our party of five shared 12. We started with some drinks -- beers all around despite a nice cocktail menu. With our drinks we were brought a plate of pickled green beans. I actually loved them and was happy to have gotten the beans versus bread. The food started rolling out FAST! I was actually shocked at how quickly our first round of plates arrived. In the first round we ordered: - Salt cod & turnip brandade, chick pea, fennel cracker, pickled mustard seeds. - Washington state mushrooms, 60 egg, pine nut crumble. - Pickled Verrill Farm corn pancakes, buttermilk, maple, shishito peppers, topped with popcorn. - Scallop crudo, cauliflower kimchee, chili oil, uni aioli. - Chicken fried local rabbit, celery, apple, blue cheese, chili oil My favorites in the first round were the scallop crudo and the mushrooms. The mushrooms were a hit all around, and I may have been scooping up the mushroom puree at the bottom of the bowl with a spoon. The second round came out quickly after we finished our first plates. Honestly, I would have liked a longer break or for the food to have been broken up into more rounds. Here's what we ordered: - House made rye pasta, confit chicken thigh, crispy skin, fig and liver butter. - Island Creek oyster gratin, uni toast, creamed leeks & guanciale. - Crispy Berkshire pork belly, Anson Mills grits, roasted kumquat, bergamot cure. - Seared Hudson Valley foie gras, spiced fruit, sherry vinegar, warm crumpet. My favorite during this round was the gratin, but the pasta and the foie gras were close seconds! For our last round of food, we ordered: - Creekstone Farms New York strip, marrow, fennel, blood orange (one 8 oz and one 16 oz). - Grilled lamb sirloin, cocoa rub, grilled carrot mash, ramp puree. I was a big fan of both of these dishes. I especially liked scooping the marrow onto the bread, adding a piece of steak, and topping it with some blood orange. Even though we were all stuffed, we couldn't leave without trying dessert. We ordered the smoked chocolate bread pudding with Jacobsen salt ice cream. This was super delicious and a great way to end the meal. The smokey flavor almost made it taste like there was bacon mixed in! Overall I really enjoyed dinner at Alden & Harlow. I'm so glad I got to experience the restaurant in a group so that we could taste a large portion of the menu. It seems like we ordered a ton of food (and we did), but I think it was an appropriate number of plates for the group.
(4)
Lily S.

Let me start off by saying that the food was incredible. Literally every bite was like jizz in pants fantastic. That being said, some of the worst service/treatment I have ever received at a restaurant. My friend and I came in here around 5:30-6p on a Friday after I had spent about 4 hours getting tattooed in Davis Sq. We were also celebrating some good news on her end so, given our location, I thought this would be a great place to visit. Needless to say, we were in high spirits. The hostesses seemed less than impressed to see us; we were taken to a table that was right next to the entrance to the kitchen so I asked if it was possible to be seated in one of the empty 2 party booths. The bar was packed, but only about 1/3 of the tables were occupied so I didn't think this was unreasonable. We were told that those tables were saved for parties with reservations. This was mildly annoying since we weren't planning on lingering forever, but ok. It took a while for our server to show up, when she did she started going through the menu for us. At that point we had both had a solid 5 min to peruse it so I asked if we could have a second drink menu since I was taking a while to pick. She snapped at me and her response was literally "why don't you let me finish speaking and then I'll get you a menu." Let me tell you, that shut me right up. If I hadn't been famished at that point, this would have been the end of our evening at AH. I don't know who trained her, but I work in the service industry and, frankly, no one cares if you're having a bad day. Fake it till you make it and don't have to wait on people, darling. Not to continue dwelling on this, but I have NEVER had someone speak to me at a restaurant this way. Especially at a place of this caliber. This, plus how we were looked down on when we came in [not sure why--i mean my friend had jeans on, i was dressed business casual] will probably deter me from ever setting foot here again. Which is a darn shame. In terms of food, I would say don't come here starving. The servings are very very small and while we got 4 dishes it was definitely not enough for two hungry people. We tried: crispy pork belly chicken fried rabbit buratta ny strip carpaccio The pork belly was for sure the highlight of the meal. Though, again, everything we ate was fantastic. Maybe with the exception of the green bean comp appetizer [where normally you would get bread for the table?]. We tried a few glasses of wine but the pours were not generous. Not sure what the deal was but I had a great view of patrons at the bar and I swear their wine glasses were filled at least an inch higher and I didn't notice different serving sizes on the menu. Whatever. Amazing food, I assume decent service on the regular, but it just wasn't our night I guess.
(2)
Chann C.

Wow, this place is awesome. I've been meaning to come here for the longest time. Alden & Harlow did not disappoint. Beautifully crafted dishes. They are truly a work of art. The interior design of the restaurant is very nice. I love all the brick and wood elements. It has a rustic feel to it. Service was great. The plates were small, so I recommend ordering two or more dishes per person. I highly recommend getting the crispy berkshire pork belly. Definitely coming back!!
(4)
Tony J.

Lots of good, small plates for food. A lot of really inventive and delicious dishes. And you can order a lot of them for variety. But we come here for the cocktails, which are usually pretty good and are unique as well. Usually they are well done and it's always good to try something with a liqueur that you're not familiar with, which often they have a drink or two that meets this criterium.
(4)
Dan D.

If I could give this 3.5, I would have. The restaurant is beautifully lit. It's a large space, but maintains a sense of intimacy. Good for a date, good for a group date. There are three different "sections" in the restaurant, all great. I'm sure the server and Sommelier were manufactured in the same factory, where smiling and friendly interactions are not permitted. Whatever, let's talk about the food. The secret burger sells out every night, as they make the buns fresh and their oven can only make so many. They do a second round at 11pm. We went at 10pm, ate a bunch, then had burgers for dessert. So yeah, I'm good at making decisions. It was worth the wait. Cooked just to our medium rare order (this should be everyone's order). Bun was soft held the burger juice well. The home made chips were delicious. The corn pancakes were every bit as good as the server suggested they would be in her joyous monotone. Carpaccio was simply delicious. Chicken fried rabbit was a tad disappointing, just didn't like the chicken-fry on it. Felt below the restaurants sensibility. Pork belly was tasty; what pork belly isn't? Swordfish belly was also great, but there wasn't much of it (and a TON of veggies) We got a Malbec from Europe that the robotic Sommelier said was delicious. Apparently his creator installed a "lie through your teeth" chip. Don't get it.
(3)
Luke H.

Everything we were expecting and more! My wife described this place as - "What I thought Cragie's on Main would taste like... This is by far the best restaurant I've eaten at in Boston". What to order: Kale Salad, the Secret Burger, Corn/ popped corn Pancakes - things we probably wouldn't order again but were still fun to try once - pork belly and the green tomatoes. We still have a lot of menu exploring to do. I got the feeling sitting there that we were one of the few people who were at Alden & Harlow's for the first time which speaks to the fact that people love this place and can't get enough of it. Make a reservation a few days in advance or get there early because this place fills up fast every night of the week.
(5)
Emily G.

I was worried Alden & Harlow would fall victim to overhype but it was incredible. I went on a Friday evening at around 6:15 and was seated right away (my boyfriend and I expected to have to wait at the bar for at least a half hour, so we were pleasantly surprised). The atmosphere is great, it feels almost speakeasy-ish because of the underground location. We shared four plates: the charred broccoli, sweet pea and peanut hummus, the swordfish belly and an octopus special. Everything was amazing. The broccoli was incredibly flavorful and the swordfish belly and octopus were both perfectly cooked. But the real standout was the sweet pea and peanut hummus. The hummus itself was a minor component of the dish, but combined with the 60 degree egg, bacon and grilled croissant bread it was unbelievable. Almost a month later and I am still thinking about this dish. For dessert we had the smoked chocolate bread pudding which was not my fave, too much smokiness and not enough chocolate. All in all a wonderful experience!
(5)
Kelly F.

Maybe 3 1/2 stars. The space was cool. We sat in booth by bar which was a little too dark, but comfortable. We ordered 4 dishes and a snack and it was almost too much food for the 2 of us. The dishes were really interesting and flavorful, but a couple were way too salty. The corn pancakes were delicious. The broccoli with hummus was way too salty. It was disappointing because it would have been really good. Also the clams were so drenched in sauce, all we could taste was salt and garlic. It completely overwhelmed clams and whatever else was in dish. I think the menu has great potential, but please less salt!! ! And i love salt! The drinks were pretty good. But i dont really love the new trend of making cocktails really herby tasting. The service was really good
(4)
C H.

Potentially my favorite restaurant experience in the Boston area. Having been three times, and trying about 12 different small plates as well as a secret burger offering and some snacks, I have never had anything less than good. Most dishes have trended towards excellent. In particular, the ubiquitous kale salad, charred broccoli & corn pancakes are must haves. As with all of the dishes, these three appear simple but with the excellent touches added on by the creative chef, they all transcend the basic explanations. Absolutely stop here if you are looking for a casual, unique and excellent dining experience in Cambridge or Boston.
(5)
Rachel P.

My fiancÃ© and I ate here on Saturday 11/15 for his birthday. I had made a reservation over a week prior for 9:15. We arrived at the restaurant at 9 and checked in at the hostess stand. We were told our table was paying and we'd be seated shortly. At about 9:30 we started getting very frustrated watching at least 5 parties of 2 be seated before us, and then we even noticed parties who had just walked in be seated! I checked in with the hostess who profusely apologized and said "people just aren't moving tonight but your table just payed. We will take care of you once you're seated." I figured this meant a free round of drinks or an app or something and I thought that was a classy way of handling the situation. Still, over 10 minutes later we weren't seated and at that point we saw a party of two that definitely did not have a reservation sit down at a table they requested. I have never in my life been this close to walking out of a restaurant when they finally sat us. By this time it was close to 10:00 and of course they were out of 2 dishes we wanted to try. Not only did the waitress not offer any special treatment like we were told, she didn't even acknowledge that we'd been waiting or apologize. My guess is the hostess didn't bother to communicate that fact. For the food...to be fair, it's hard to judge a meal when the service at a restaurant immediately puts a bad taste in your mouth, but trying my best not to be bias... Burrata- didn't have as much of a honey glaze as I'd hoped, but great texture, good burrata. Cold Poached Chicken- This was ok. Kind of a unique take on chicken salad. Skate Wing- Great texture but way too salty Chicken fried rabbit- this was the one redeeming quality of the meal. Delicious balance of savory flavors and great texture. I really really enjoyed this. All the cocktails were innovative and enjoyable as well. I'm extremely disappointed with the treatment we received and it definitely ruined my fiancÃ©'s birthday dinner. A simple apology or acknowledgment of the situation would have gone a long way here.
(2)
Damien S.

Chef Scelfo, run free. Just show us where the door is first. The somewhat comical paper signs pointing to the proper entrance was the only less-than-stellar aspect of our meal at Alden & Harlow. The rest is just incredible. From the exquisitely creamy burrata with English peas and radish to the earthy-is-an-understatement butternut squash salad, spaghetti cut, nutty and brown buttered, the plates are wholly unique spins on what you might mistake as commonplace gastropub fare. Or you can just knock it up a notch, read: the pickled Verrill Farm corn pancakes. Three large and dense jonnycakes, delicately sweetened with maple and topped with oily shishito peppers, reduced buttermilk and popcorn for texture. Yesyesyesyesyes! Then came the burger, ahem, secret burger ($14). Although our early table meant limited availability ain't got shi on scarcity. It's billed as eight ounces of the house Creekstone grind, "your faith" and an in-house baked roll. Our faith paid off - the Thousand Island variant with cheese, caramelize onions and a side of pickles proved to be a Big Mac for big boys. It disappeared with quickness, as did the house-made and heavily salted chips on the side. Inspired cocktails sealed the deal. McGregor's Garden plants bourbon with the sweetness of parsnip puree, and the Stalker (oh, the Stalker) pummels artichoked Cynar with seasonal rhubarb-jasmine syrup and cachaca to deliver a caipirinha in a straw hat and overalls. Everything on the menu is under $20. Will I be back for a second round of dranks, the chicken fried local rabbit or the chili-honey glazed grilled octopus? Yes, yes I will. In the meantime, I've got the memory of a near-perfect first visit to keep me going.
(5)
Eric And Arisa C.

Atmosphere: 5++++ stars - beautiful interior design. Lots of woods, white tile, exposed rustic metal, Edison lighting, natural greenery. It's a very comfortable and thoughtfully designed space. Food: 5 stars - definitely highly recommend THE SECRET BURGER and the KALE SALAD. The secret burger is truly worth all the rave it gets. The kale salad is knock your socks off tasty with the pistachios lemon dressing and shaved fennel. It's also a much bigger salad than you'd think it would be for the price! Service: 4-stars - overall decent service but the waitress was a little out of touch. She stopped by our table a total of 4 times and we typically waited 10-15 minutes between her visits.
(5)
Danae K.

Very nice restaurant with excellent ambiance! Food: Treat yourself to some of the best smoked lamb belly ribs with a must of anson mills soft polenta. We also had the chicken fried local rabbit and Ubiquitous Kale Salad. Cocktails: Yummy! You have a plethora of options to choose from. Careful when ordering the snowfall in voiron as it's extremely heavy! Deliciously spicy.. but heavy. Perhaps save it for dessert? Dessert: Buttermilk and lemon pound cake was amazing! I highly suggest it. Transportation: right next to the Harvard train station (closer to the bus exit, otherwise it's a minute walk from the main exit) So why the 4/5? No bread! I'm a carbs fan so admittedly I'm biased. For starters, instead of bread they serve beans covered in olive oil and vinegar. I would have preferred something more carb-heavy to accompany the delicious fat of the lamb belly ribs.
(4)
Richard H.

Overall, a great mid-week dining experience at Alden and Harlow. Reservations for an intimate table for two were honored with a perfect nook beneath the skylight at the front of the restaurant. Our hostess was on-point and attentive, and the food and drinks were quite good. This will be my new go-to date place for nice dishes for sharing and great cocktails. After visiting for drinks several times, I finally stopped in to try the "small plates" inspired dinner menu, which was complemented by a few daily specials. We skipped the "corn pancakes" everyone on Yelp was raving about and went for the charred broccoli with butternut squash hummus and the kale salad. The broccoli was one of the best vegetable dishes I've had in recent memory. I would literally come here just to buy this dish for dinner it was so good. The kale salad was a kale salad, but satisfying and had a great flavor and crunch to it. For some meat, we settled on the chicken fried rabbit - an interesting fried nugget of rabbit complemented by a blue cheese aioli. We then finished with the pig's tongue, which was way too salty - even the quinoa, which was served alongside it, was like eating a bag of salt. The staff graciously took that dish off our bill - which pushed the service at Alden and Harlow up to 5 stars. For cocktails, I settled on the classic Mai Tai - this is not your mom's default standard at a local chinese restaurant. Well mixed, strong, and served with crushed ice, this one was gone fast. We did inquire about the secret burger, but alas, it was out for the night (at 6:30pm on a weeknight mind you). Also unavailable was the short-rib special of the night - next time I'll book earlier.
(4)
Heidi O.

This is a cozy, yet spacious restaurant which has several great ingredients on hand but unfortunately the creations do not turn out that well. -Complimentary "pickled" green beans as starter: Underwhelming, even Shaws store brand pickles tastes better. -Salt roasted beets: How can you mess up beets? These guys somehow managed to. -Skate wing with sunchoke/potato salad: OK but nothing spectacular. -Slow roasted pork shoulder: Way too fatty, some parts had jello consistency and it can be concluded that kimchi oil & aioli are not a good match. We noticed several guests had the secret burger and I see many here praising the burrata, clams (which they were out of) and rabbit dishes, so maybe next time...afterall 1/3 dishes we ordered (skatewing) was decent.
(2)
Lauren E.

Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area so far! I had made reservations, but mistakenly went the wrong Saturday. We were told a 20-30 minute wait, but did not wait that long. Alden & Harlow recommends that you order a couple of plates per person, since they are meant to be shared (we actually did not know this prior to eating here). The portions are slightly more generous than what you would get at your traditional tapas place. For dinner, we ordered the 8 oz NY strip steak, burrata and fried pistachio, and charred swordfish belly. All three were absolutely amazing, and for once, I was not a picky eater. The steak came with marrow. I had never tried marrow before, but it was so buttery and just melted in my mouth. Combined with the steak, it was soooo delicious. The burrata came with prune and honey jam, and you couldn't have asked for a better pair. I also tried the swordfish. Anyone who really knows me knows that I do not really eat fish. I never had swordfish before, and if this was any other place, I still probably wouldn't have tried it. I give it an A+! Again, another dish that just melted in my mouth. The chili oil gave the dish an extra (really) spicy kick. This and the steak were perfectly seasoned. I ordered a drink called Into the Woods, which contained bourbon, ginger, an apple brandy and cynar. The sweetness of the ginger paired nicely with the bitterness of the cynar. Since we loved our meal, we couldn't leave this place without trying a dessert. We ordered smoked chocolate bread pudding, which was oddly interesting. The smoky flavor in the pudding (closest thing I can compare it to is bacon) was a nice juxtaposition against the sweetness of the chocolate and the ice cream it came with. Service was impeccable, and our waitress did a great job at answering our questions. My only really small complaint was the order the food was brought out. We were brought our steak first, when it would've been nice to start with a lighter dish (the burrata, for example). Alden & Harlow really does a great job at elevating simple ingredients to bring out dynamite flavors. It is pricey, but I think it is worth every penny. We will definitely be back here again and recommend this place to people. I'd give it more stars if I could.
(5)
Myles T.

Just went for the first time this evening. We were a few minutes early for our 6:15 reservation, but thy were able to seat us right away at a nice two top right by the bar. The space, located in a "basement" on Brattle Street in Cambridge, was dark but inviting, with backlit whisky barrel stave paneling on the walls. Friendly staff and full dining room, humming audibly (and happily) but not at all unpleasantly loud, make for a welcoming experience. I ordered a Blood And Sand (not on the menu, but they obliged) while my companion ordered a Bitter Truth. My Blood And Sand was good, but not really up to snuff. The Bitter Truth, though, was fabulous, so I guess the lesson is to choose from the small but interesting list of drinks they've created and you'll be happy. We were also delivered an amuse bouche, a lightly pickled, and wonderfully fresh, little dish of green beans with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds on top. It was a brisk and bright way to start the meal and get ourselves ready to eat. As for dinner, we picked the Chicken Hearts, Smoked Arctic Char, and Grilled Asparagus, all of which were fabulous. The Chicken Hearts where crispy but tender, grilled 4 to a skewer (2 skewers total) with crispy chicken skin sprinkled on top, sitting in, I think, a garlic aioli, or something similar. Fabulous. The asparagus is done in the style of Caesar salad. The asparagus itself was grilled and garlicky, sitting on top of a thick slice or grilled garlic sourdough, covered in a mind blowing Caesar dressing made from a 60-degree egg. I can't ever eat a regular Caesar salad again without being disappointed after this. The Smoked Arctic Char was served chilled, prepared very much like a rillette, atop a sweet and dense brown bread, accompanied by honey roasted carrots and apples. This surprised me by immediately reminding me of the traditional colonial New England flavor profile. The char was light in texture, but substantial Smokey, but still full of oceany wonderfulness on its own, and the bread was rustic and heavy providing the perfect backbone to just pick up and go. To finish up, we had the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding with Sea Salt Ice Cream. Everything tasted exactly as the name on the menu implied. It's such a wonderfully simple dessert after a fascinating meal, and so wonderfully dense and satisfying. There's not much else to say bout it, as the flavors are exactly what they claim to be, it just happens to work perfectly. All in all, we had a wonderful meal and a lovely time. I can't wait to visit again!
(5)
christina a.

Went there for the first time this evening. I think that this was one of those cases where a place was hyped in my head so much that there was no way I was going to walk away not disappointed a bit. Food was solid, but none of the dishes we were served blew my mind. There was nothing that I was like "holy sh** I want to order more!" Service was friendly, but much like one of the yelpers said in another review - our server was nice, but seemed generally uninterested in suggesting anything to us - whether it be a favorite dish or cocktail. The ambiance / atmosphere is great - a little cozy, but the underground location is pretty cool. Overall, decent - but not enough for me to make the trek into Cambridge again to eat there.
(3)
Michael C.

It's the first door on your right on the left side of the building. You could easily walk right by the entrance and be very confused for more than a couple minutes. This place is huge on the inside, much bigger than you would expect. The decor is hip and modern. Great for a date night or a dinner with a big group of friends as they have quite a few large tables. I thought some of the restaurant could have been better ventilated but the open kitchen was pretty impressive. On our visit their was no coat check, which is odd for a place this size. Mussels served Chilled on Toast - Never really thought I would like mussels served chilled but this was tasty. Probably wouldn't get it again but not a bad choice. Secret Burger - Taking a page out of the semi-famous west coast chain Umami Burger they use a cheese crisp instead of your normal slice of American. Don't be afraid it all works and this burger is one of Boston's best. Toasted bun, cooked to perfection topped with some kind of secret sauce. Mushroom and 60 Degree Egg - This creamy and tasty dish is a must get item at this restaurant. Don't let the title second guess yourself. This dish is rich, creamy, and most of all very tasty. Beef Neck - Reminded me of the Sultan's Delight dish I've had at Oleana's. Savory piece of slow cooked beef that is seasoned just right and fork tender. Chocolate Bread Pudding with Sea Salt Ice Cream - This dessert was more savory than sweet. I wasn't a big fan of this one. I felt their dessert menu was a little lacking.
(4)
Navie N.

YUM! My friend and I chose to go to this restaurant on impulse today and wow, we made the right choice! We ordered the root vegetable latkes, toad head croissant, and a dessert with lemon curd and blueberries. It was awesome! The minus one star is for the extremely small portions. I definitely did not leave the place feeling full and it was a little pricey to order more... Definitely going back, though! Great food! Good service!
(4)
Brandy S.

We had a lovely anniversary dinner at Alden & Harlow. I noted in the reservation that it was a special day and they presented us with complimentary sparkling wine when we were seated. It was such a nice touch and very appreciated. We tried the crudo (probably my favorite dish), pork belly, lamb, and of course the secret burger. All were good but the secret burger and crudo stood out as exceptional. Finishing with the chocolate terrine was a good choice - we were both in heaven. I would definitely dine here again.
(4)
Aakriti J.

yum yum yummmmm! I had the corn pancakes and they are DELICIOUS. they came with a special surprise of popcorn (covered in syrup!) and at least I was like...uh what is this, but it was actually super good! I was highly impressed by that. Anyways, the ambience is cool (thought dimly lit, so if you're not into that, watch out). the drinks are really good, and the food as well! Definitely recommend coming here once (and I want to come back for brunch because I've heard its delicious!)
(4)
Babette W.

Ubiquitous kale and charred octopus great selections on a hot night pair it with the Italian rose and it's a winner
(5)
Ambrose C.

Are you looking for a pretty good light meal to "kick-start" your evening in a somewhat decent state like Massachusetts? Well, if you are looking for that light meal, this place may have your answer. I thought I had a pretty good and almost memorable light meal. The salads, although they are kind of expensive at around $8-9 per plate and the portions are somewhat meager, are deliciously excellent. The Little Gem Leaves and the Kale salads have great flavor and the texture of the lettuce and kale were very fresh. As for entrees, at around $15+ per plate, the Chicken Fried Local Rabbit and the Slow Roasted Beef Neck were tasty. The rabbit had a nice crispy texture while the beef had a nice flavor. The ingredients used definitely gave these dishes a fairly unique but delicious flavor. These four dishes shared with two people should be enough for a light early dinner before eating a heartier late night meal and the final bill is not too expensive at around $50. Service was pretty good, and I thought one of the servers had a great countenance. This place is at a pretty good location in Cambridge and when I walked in, I felt like I was in a better place such as New York City or San Francisco. The interior was very comfortable, and a little sophisticated. You could wear something very casual, but you may have to look classy in the process. They do take reservations, but they started taking them after 9:45 PM, so it's better to come early as possible. Overall, if this place continues to be consistently good, I think this place has a good chance to be an excellent restaurant. This place was definitely one of the best new restaurants I have eaten in a somewhat decent state like Massachusetts, and I hope this place will continue to get better and better.
(4)
Marc C.

My first impression when reading the menu was that this place was too pretentious and refused to go for months. "Ubiquitous" kale salad. "Secret" burger? Come on! Get over yourself. But, after reading so many great reviews I gave in. Wish I hadn't. The food was indeed pretentious and overly salted (I've been guzzling water for hours since getting home) - and i LIKE salty food. But worst of all - it had to be over 80 degrees in the dining area. Complaints about the stifling air met with shrugs from the staff. However, it was cold enough to store meat at the hostess area. Made me miss the Casablanca.
(1)
Hannah P.

I want to think we went here on an off night, especially given the fact that I know the chef was traveling...I really really hope it's that. I was SUPER excited to get a last minute reservation on a Tuesday night at 8:30pm with my husband. We arrived early for our sitting and waited a couple minutes to be seated. The host and hostess were both very friendly and pleasant. The place was jam packed with people upon arrival and the space is cool, not inexplicably cool but they have done a nice job of creating some character. We were shown to our table and sat for literally 15 minutes!!! No water, just menus. This was the second sitting of the night and it was starting to clear out a bit. We became besties with the table next to us who had been seated around the same time (and by besties I mean bonding over no service). Our flighty aloof waitress finally came over and didn't seem to even get that we were starving and already had a bad taste in our mouth. Overall, service was very poor, which I was semi shocked about given all the press about a "dream team". The place was pretty empty by the time we left and our total dining experience was an hour and 45 minutes for 4 dishes. Food--honestly, I had extremely high hopes for a place like this that boasts about it's high level of innovation, is responsibly sourcing as many ingredients as they can and treats their staff with a lot of respect but it just didn't deliver. We started with the three onion dip and house-made chips. The onion dip was bold with charred and caramelized onions, however, the chips were soggy and lacked that flash-fried crunch and finishing salt. Additionally we ordered the lamb's neck agnolotti which was the highlight. Neck meat is decadent and delightful and the fresh veggies that accompany this dish were nice. The pork belly dish was so incredibly small it almost made no sense for us to try to split it. The flavors were nice and I'm all for paying for responsibly raised and sourced proteins but the price did not even remotely match the portion. The NY Strip was grilled to perfection--a gorgeous medium rare and the grilled carrots were flavorful and bright. We had every intention of ordering dessert but couldn't stand to wait around for another long period while our waitress literally meandered around the place aimlessly. All dishes were very good but with the amount of hype around this place, it lacked the punch we were looking for. After seeing the Food Network highlight, we will probably return with a 5pm reservation for the secret burger and hope for a for a better experience.
(2)
Heather G.

Fabulous nouveau American style restaurant. I had the crispy pork belly- to die for! Love this place and it's dark, trendy atmosphere. There is a chef's table and I would call to reserve that. Overall a great meal and I plan to bring 7 colleagues again later this week.
(5)
Lilly S.

Overall had a very pleasant meal and will definitely be back. The Beef Carpaccio, Broiled Oysters, and Octopus special were ridiculously good... even if you wouldn't typically order these, they're a must. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and the staff seemed like they were always available to help answer any questions/give suggestions. Portions are just a bit smaller than expected but it gave us the opportunity to try a few things. We wanted to like the Charred Broccoli but it was honestly really bitter and a funky texture. While the cocktails were very good, they were definitely missing a little extra something to bring it up to the level of the food. And our only other 'disappointment' was being seating in the bar section despite having made a reservation a month in advance.
(4)
lizzie b.

Very unique experience for Harvard Square. I definitely appreciate the "cooler" vibe for the more traditional square that is now somewhat overrun with burger places. Kind of reminded me of an Atlanta or DC "scene" restaurant with a laid-back, hipster type vibe albeit still slightly high strung. Tucked away into a corner of the restaurant, it was sweltering hot there - didn't expect as such for a basement unit on a hot day, and my friend was sticking to his seat. The menu is diverse like new american tapas, but for picky eaters there were a few watch-outs (jalapenos, rabbit, pork belly, smelts, mackerel, etc.) The corn pancakes were as light and fluffy as expected -- and sweet, so basically dessert in a meal - I spent part of it mopping up the popcorn in the cream sauce. We loved the beet salad over a tea-smoked egg puree - this was definitely a highlight of the meal, and delicious served with house sourdough (ask for it). Charred broccoli was nice over a butternut squash hummus, and I ate it again for leftovers the next morning with an omelette. Lastly we tried the smelts, but they got cold quickly and were basically french fries by way of fish. They were smaller than we've normally had them, and I'd say that either the dish is unpopular or they're not entirely sure how to cook them - either way, I'd recommend they shelve the dish. I'd love to come back and hope that they switch the menu to also include less adventurous protein.
(4)
Dave M.

The interior design is nice. It's very modern and I can see young people enjoying the bar there. It was well maintained and large enough for groups. It's a little hard to find at first. It's the side basement entrance of the red brick building that says "Brattle Hall." Inside we were met by a young friendly hostess. The menu is not huge but big enough to fit different taste buds, but the food was just toooo salty for us. Instead of bread, they brought out pickled green beans that were toooo salty to eat. Then we ordered the Chips & Three-Onion Dip ($8) to start, Grilled Point Judith Bluefish ($16), Secret Burger ($14), and Grilled Lamb Sirloin ($17) that were all tooooo salty. The grilled carrot mash that came with the lamb tasted like salt spilled onto it. It was just difficult to eat the food. The House Made Rye Pasta ($15) on the other hand wasn't that bad. I will say the burger was good but the saltiness overcame any good it had. One other downside is that the portions are very small so they suggest ordering 2 dishes/person, which we didn't do. I will also say the food presentation was nice. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. The manager came over and was apologetic about the food being too salty for us. She offered a free dessert that we didn't take but I appreciated her professionalism. Friendliness and professionalism go a loooong way. I liked the design and the staff but overall I can't recommend the place. I do wish the best for them.
(2)
Josh B.

Two words: God. Damn. On first hearing of this place and walking into it, it seemed a little pretentious. Usually a place with counter height tables, heavy glass surfaces, borderline darkroom-level lighting and a contemporary R&B and hip-hop soundtrack gives you a bit of a 'trying too hard' feel. But this places comes through in a really solid way. We had reservations, and were sat immediately after we walked in. The menu is a set of small single piece plates, ordered from lightest to heaviest, designed for sharing. Being as there were 4 of us, we opted for ordering 2 plates each along with some excellent drinks from their cocktail menu. The food came out in the order is was ready, which started with a blue cheese carpaccio plate, which is high on the list of best things I have ever put into my mouth. It was followed up by a smorgasbord of charred broccoli with butternut squash hummus, pancakes with kettle corn (looks and sounds stupid, is f&^*ing amazing), rabbit sausage, salted pork belly, grilled green onions and an amazing kale salad. Everything was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. The service was phenomenal, the drinks were kept full and strong, the plates were cleared quickly and water was kept on hand. Highly recommended for anyone who's in the mood for some amazing food, enjoyed in a slightly different way. Actually, no, recommended for anyone who likes food. Do you like food? Do you like it to taste good? Go here. Order anything on the menu. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Chantal G.

The burger is PHENOMENAL! Highly recommended to burger fans!!
(5)
Gertrude Y.

Went for brunch today, Saturday. Five of us came away very disappointed. Really salty kale salad, dry brioche on the Croc Monsieur almost had the texture of cornbread, very little pork between the two slices of brioche, sitting in a pool of flavorless white sauce. My daughter had the frittata, also flavorless. Another of our group ordered the grits with a barely cooked egg on top. That spoiled it for her. The best thing I had was a cup of coffee.
(1)
Robert R.

I don't enjoy writing bad reviews. After having a conversation with a cooking professional, I was encouraged to write this because the owners of this establishment would want to know about a food poisoning experience. We dined on Friday, April 24, 2015. First, I must say our server, Kathleen, was absolutely delightful and attentive throughout our meal. Of course, she has nothing to do with food preparation. As far as the food, if you enjoy tapas style plates comprised with lots of edible garnishes, you might enjoy this very noisy establishment. Call it vibrant. Call the menu as having colorful names for throwaway animal parts that I would not usually think to eat. It also has several non-animal items from which to choose. I did like one or two items. The dessert was outstanding. I do not understand how they arrived at calling this "American (Traditional)" food. The menu doesn't speak that at all. The food presentation was difficult to appreciate because we were seated at a table near the bar where it was almost too dim to even read the menu let alone distinguish colors on our plates. We ordered five plates from the extravagant menu (that's code for: Who eats this?) We chose not to order fried chicken hearts. I'll tell you what we ordered and which of the items I did not eat, but which apparently caused my dinner companion to get violently ill a short time after we arrived home from the restaurant. He presented all the classic symptoms of food poisoning and it wasn't pleasant. Grilled Baby Bok Choy: This was literally incinerated to ashes except for the bulbous base, served with a nearly raw over-easy egg, which my companion ate and I did not. The plate was strewn with black charred bok choy leaves and was practically inedible. New York Strip (8 oz.) steak: Was served already sliced. Not a bad cut, but lots of fat and less meat than I had hoped for. I ate this without getting sick. Fried Baby Octopus: I did not eat. My companion ate it and enjoyed it. It was black and gray. Pork Belly: This was frightening. A large chunk of something that looks like what you find floating in the pork 'n beans can, but the size of a brownie. Pale, glutinous, fat, served with some pork cracklin' that was so hard I couldn't bite through it, so I didn't share this after taking a very small nibble of the big fat chunk thing. Smoked Char: This was a delicious appetizer (which I don't see online now), but it was bursting with complex flavors of smoked fish served on top of bread or toast that had a sweet taste. It was a rich combination of flavors. Can't Recall the Name: This also isn't found online, but it was a pastry shaped similar to a cinnamon roll, but topped with cheese. I enjoy it. I always enjoy pastry of any kind. Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding: This dessert was served in a cast iron square plate and was heated up on the grill. I am a bread pudding foodie. This was the best. The texture was firm, but still soft enough to eat easily with a spoon. There was plenty of semi-sweet chocolate flavor and the scoop of mocha ice cream on top helped to balance it out with a touch more sweetness. I am very finicky about bread pudding. Most restaurants don't get it right. This was the best I've had in years. Delicious. I had thought we had ended on a high note with the dessert. That was until we got home and my companion became ill. There wasn't any flu going around our circle and it only lasted the night, so it was easy to diagnose as food poisoning. I still recall our pleasant server who helped make an exotic dining experience happy and upbeat. I realize there are myriad ways food can become toxic. Based on the somewhat rushed appearance and preparation of our food, and given how busy the restaurant was even at our early dining time of 7:00 P.M., there is room for carelessness, although one never knows what a supplier might bring to the table too. I realize this restaurant has gained quite a reputation. It just goes to show there's always a risk in dining out, no matter how food-forward the establishment. Overall, I found this restaurant to be too noisy, too dark, and the food not a good value for the price. I was also very sorry that my dear friend became ill after treating me to this meal on my birthday.
(1)
Parin P.

I am in love with this place that has opened up a smack bang in the middle of Harvard Sq. First of all the place is way bigger than it looks outside, and beautifully designed, good for groups or a date! Now the important stuff, the cocktail list is one of those menus you want try one of everything. Great beer list (essential). The food I have not tried any modern American food like it. The flavour combinations of the dishes blew my mind - especially as the veg in most cases is the star of the dish! Also, Chicken fried rabbit?! -Yes please! Happy days. As I live 5 mins away - I will definitely be a regular. Bravo chef, bravo.
(5)
Felicia C.

Amazing amazing amazing! First time here with my husband at a late thurs night. It us not easy to find a restaurant that still serve dinner until 1:45am on a thurs. When we walked in, we already fell in love with the decor. It was spacious and simple. The booths were so comfortable. Food was to share and the quantity of each dish were perfect for 2. We ordered the pancakes (super delicious), rabbit (so crispy and tasted like chicken), pork belly (amazing combination), lamb (so juicy and not gamy at all) and cabanara. All their dishes were amazing and the service was great. oh, drinks too. Most recommended restaurant so far!
(5)
Martha N.

The hostess was very unapproachable and didn't bother greeting us nor asked us if we had a reservation. 95% of the food that we ordered were extremely salty and the drinks were only mediocre. The water alone was warm and we even saw the bartender push down the ice with his bare hands. The waiter wasn't attentive and took forever to give the change back. Even when my party left, the hostess didn't say good night or anything. Unfortunately, I'm giving this place a star just because I have to.
(1)
AB H.

Trip number two! This time I started the night with a Northeast Kingdom cocktail; - gin, mulled wine, lemon, etc. It was smooth and delicious. I tasted my friend's Moonlight cocktail - vodka, allspice dram, ginger, which was also excellent. The bar continues to create great mixed drinks! We had 10 plates between the 4 of us, and we were stuffed! Some portions were huge, like the smoked lamb belly ribs, which were awesome - sweet, crispy, fatty goodness. We had a bunch of solid dishes: the burger and the pork belly with apples (though I didn't think the pork belly was as good as it was in October). We had some great dishes: the corn pancakes served with maple syrup and popcorn (OMG so good), the fried brussels sprouts, and the kale salad. Then some not so great ones. Everyone at the table agreed the chilled poached chicken salad was a fail - sort of clammy and bland. The burrata wasn't as good as last time. Winter finds it served with sunchokes and prunes. I found the 'crust' a bit chewy, the flavors not as exciting. The bone marrow croquetta were not what I expected. They were just little friend things; the bone marrow was completely lost. We also had the rabbit stew. The rabbit meat was delicious - tender and well flavored, but the buttermilk dumplings were too heavy/solid, kinda like a matza ball. So 6 out of 10 were good, and a few were sort of boring. Alden and Harlow continues to be a (expensive) fun experience. I liked going with 4 people as you get to taste so much more. I can imagine wanting to come back in the spring and see what the new season brings to the menu.
(4)
Graham H.

Favorite Boston restaurant. Great shared plates, good wine and beer selection, good service. Will definitely go back.
(5)
B D.

Loved every morsel. Lamb ribs, kale, bok choy w/runny egg, parsnip root, baked apple in a glass w/olive oil cake, bluefish, crispy skate. Service was impeccable food outstanding. Relaxed, warm and happy restaurant.
(5)
Floran F.

Nice ambience, but overrated in my opinion. Food is not all that great and prices are a bit ridiculous...I would say it's like 20% more expensive than it's actually worth. Lots of great places nearby that a more worth checking out.
(3)
Hannah G.

This restaurant is great! Wonderful staff, atmosphere and of course food. We walked in without a reservation on Valentine's Day and were sat at the chefs table with no problem. The staff was so attentive and the food was amazing. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Tom P.

Honestly this place just isn't that good. My wife and I went for Valentines Day and we were both disappointed. We started off with the chicken hearts that were so salty. Next we had the foie gras toast which is actually good but it comes with one piece of toast cut into two. Next we tried the rabbit that had a terrible after taste and badly needed a sauce. Then we had the grilled octopus that was just not cooked properly. Very chewy and bland. Finally we shared the lamb neck which was all fat and completely over-salted and not editable. I. am still thirsty and drinking water as I write this. We didn't even bother to try the dessert. I have it two stars because the staff was good and the inside is very nice and big.
(2)
J W.

Great food but slow with the drinks. Can't understand when restaurants don't leverage making money on cocktails
(4)
Debra R.

We had 8 dishes as a group and they we're all delicious, unique, beautifully presented, and nicely timed. Cocktails were fantastic as well. Attentive staff and lovely setting. A unique find - fresh local food with lots of flavor and creative preparation.
(5)
Adrienne D.

We went there on Sunday and had great expectations. I read about it in a magazine and based on the reviews in Yelp I thought it seems to be a very good place. When we entered the restaurant we both were impressed with the interior. They really made a good choice and we would have not expected such a place in that corner of Cambridge. Also the service was good. We did not have to wait long. Waiter was on top of thing. But the food, such a disappointment. It sounded so delicious and mouth watering. It even looked good. But no taste. Nothing. Totally bland. Again big disappointment.
(1)
Elisa C.

Stopped by for drinks and appetizers with a couple friends and was quite pleased -- enjoyed the burrata cheese with peas and radish, the corn pancakes (quite fun with popcorn and caramel on top!), and the kale salad (lightly dressed and yummy). I see what others have said about a number of dishes being rather salty, but they were still quite good. All 3 drinks were quite tasty too -- I had the Dr. Zaius with half the rum (Asian lightweight that I am, just a single ounce of rum apparently hit me hard!), and thought it was delicious. It's a bit dark (and I miss the old Casablanca murals), but I could see going back there again for the inventive and tasty food & drink. Won't give a 5th star, though, because it seemed pricey -- for the three of us (getting one "small plate" and cocktail each), the total bill came to $75... $90 once we put in the usual 20% tip. (I've also seen other places take a couple dollars off a drink price when I've asked them to halve the alcohol content, but I this isn't as much an issue).
(4)
Alexandra A.

Great place to have dinner with friends. Waitstaff recommends three dishes per person, I would say that is far too much. We ordered 2 dishes per person and had plenty of food. Order: Grilled carrots ( I hate carrots, and these are amazing) Ubiquitous kale salad ( one of the best) Corn pancakes ( surprisingly one of the best) Secret burger Lamb sirloin (mouth watering) New York strip (always comes out a little more rare than requested - seasoned to perfection) Skip: Mussels (fairly dry, and on a crostini) Oyster gratin ( too heavy / fatty) Cauliflower caponata Smoked chocolate bread pudding (dry, terrible) *skate crudo was the market crudo and was fantastic
(4)
Lindsay B.

I will start by saying that expectations were high for this place....the location is great, the reviews were wonderful, and the whole vibe is really, really cool. Reminded me of the trendy restaurants in LA. Tapas are so fricken "in" right now. But as much as I liked the ambiance, the food itself REALLY fell short. Similar to Russell House, the menu sounded great-- rabbit, pork belly, roasted vegetables, skate, etc, but the reality was lifeless and tasteless. The best thing we had was the fried potato snacks which really says something. I would say this place is probably a good bet if you have a cool/hipster friend in town and are trying to impress them with a cocktail and some upscale "snacks", but I would refrain from taking a real foodie here. Maybe, like other new restaurants, this place just needs more time to become "seasoned" ?
(3)
Kate O.

My mom and I went to Alden and Harlow last night and had one of the best meals we've ever had -- and we eat out a lot! Tons of interesting combinations and great fresh produce (very vegetarian-friendly -- but also interesting vegetable dishes that appealed to us omnivores). Our server knew so much about each component in the meal and cocktails it seemed like he was also the one back there whipping everything up! If you are in Harvard Sq I highly recommend it. See if you can sit by the living plant wall and definitely check out the roasted carrots (savory granola is now my obsession), the corn cakes, seared romanesco, and pork belly. YUM! I wish I could go back this minute...too bad I live out of town
(5)
Al K.

I've been several times for dinner. I've sat at the bar with friends each time and have enjoyed every aspect of the experience. The interesting DRINKS, the amazing, creative FOOD, the enthusiasm of the bar tenders and servers - Wow! I've recommended Alden & Harlow to friends and ALL have reported GREAT experiences. Thank you, A&H!
(5)
Fernando B.

It was a beautiful evening in Cambridge in early Spring. Not deathly cold, but what do I know about that. A California boy destined to live out his days in Texas with the woman of his dreams. Okay, on with the review of this really cool establishment with bicycle rim chandeliers. How can it be any more cool, but it is. Onto the food.....and how can you go wrong with the little neck clams? You can't! They were scrumptious......and that goes without talking about the broth. I had to ask for more bread to scoop up that heavenly mix. My love and I also dined on the beef neck, lamb, and charred broccoli. All of it was superb. It was a magical evening....and the food was magnificent too.
(5)
Ian B.

Shit restaurant. Anxiety provoking. They keep it dark as hell in there. You eat with your eyes first which is bordering on impossible here. Certainly don't go here if you are hungry, the portions were laughable. I dined there Saturday evening and here I am Monday and my stomach is still a mess. I actually had to leave early on account of the nightmare I experienced in that basement.
(1)
Marina B.

Two words: Kale salad. That alone makes the visit to Alden & Harlow worth it. It can get pretty noisy but I would say it's one of the best spots in Harvard Square.
(5)
L Z.

Wow. I have been here 3 times over the course of 5 months. Not only is the food amazing, but it is amazingly consistent. I'm not one to spend a lot of money on dinner every night, so when I do I make sure it's top notch. At first, the menu is daunting. I didn't know what to get, mostly because the way it's written doesn't give you a completely clear idea as to what you'll get. But trust the chef! EVERYTHING is delicious. Ubiquitous Kale Salad - My favorite. It may sound boring, but don't forego it. I crave this in my sleep now! It's the only thing I have ordered all three times, the pistachio dressing really makes it wow-worthy. Charred Broccoli - Also amazing, it's a small pile of charred broccoli on a bed of squash hummus. This smooth hummus was the perfect compliment to the spice of the charred broccoli. Cauliflower Caponata - A few pieces of the most perfectly toasted bread with some kind of buttery sesame jam. The cauliflower was very garlicky, which I loved. Together? Perfection. Although I usually make it a rule to order new things with each new visit, I will order this from now on. Burrata - Good, very good, but very beet-y. Compared to the rest of the menu I felt this was lacking that wow-factor, but it was still delicious in it's own right. Mesquite Tortellini - Only 3 tortellini, but pretty good. Cheesy. Chicken Fried Rabbit - Very good, a small piece of succulent fried rabbit surrounded by celery and radish slices and blue cheese. Everything compliments the rabbit beautifully. Carbonara - I had high expectations for this because carbonara is generally my favorite thing in the world, and it was pretty good, but I wanted it to be more. Very salty and cheesy, which was fine because I love salt and cheese. Not enough pork belly for them to say it has pork belly, but I loved the soft egg on top. Solid. Pork Belly - Really good. I was expecting something more akin to bacon, like the bacon at West Bridge, but it was basically fatty pork (duh) which was perfectly paired with grits and strawberries. Steak Strip - Great, especially with the awesome toast they give you. I don't even like steak usually, but this was pretty darn good. I'd suggest getting it medium rare or medium, because medium well was just a little too much. Chocolate Bread Pudding - I love this, but I know other people who think it was just ok. I'm usually wary of bread puddings because as a professional baker I know it's just a sneaky way to use old bread, but this one's great. The only other desert is just a plate with cheese and chocolate, so the bread pudding is the way to go. I have a theory they use applewood smoked salt in it because it tastes kind of like bacon, and that brings out the chocolate flavor extremely well. The ice cream on top is essential. To recap: excellent. Their cocktails are always great, with good wine and beer selections as well. Their staff is over-the-top friendly and accommodating, and all very knowledgeable about the food. My water was always filled and food came out pretty quickly, it comes out as it's ready. The ambiance is warm yet modern and it always feels like a treat to eat there. If you go in expecting huge portions you'll be disappointed, but if you go in with an open mind and looking to explore with your taste buds, you'll be more than happy. Also: I forgot my cell phone there last night and returned today hoping beyond hope that no one had taken it. Not only was it there, but they had charged it for me. That scores them extra points in my book.
(5)
K B.

I'm a vegan and asked for the chef to make 5 vegan dishes and he did and they were amazing.
(5)
Nina N.

This place is crazy good. I went on a Friday night, with friends (we had a reservation) and sat in the back part of the restaurant, which is a little quieter than the bar area. Every single thing we ordered was AMAZINGLY delicious. Get the chicken fried duck and the kale salad for sure. The ambiance is nice, and the service was pretty good. I would definitely go back.
(5)
Alice W.

Nice modern, inviting atmosphere and attentive service. The plates are a bit bigger than a tapas, thus ordering 1-2 items per person and sharing them among a group in order to be able to try many different menu items is ideal. They have a fair amount of vegetarian and meat items on the menu, so vegetarians and omnivores can both rejoice! My party ordered the seared Japanese eggplant, ubiquitous kale salad, pistachio crusted halloumi, chicken fried rabbit, oil cured tuna belly, and the off the menu secret, secret burger. The food came out quickly and the presentation of all of the plates was fantastic. The eggplant was nicely seared but its taste didn't stand out. The kale salad was one of the best I've had and the creamy pistachio dressing knocked it out of the ballpark. The halloumi had great texture and if you like mozzarella, you will likely like the halloumi, too. The chicken fried rabbit breaded in panko was delicious, and it was a refreshing and creative take on chicken fried steak. I expected the oil cured tuna belly to be very tender like fine sashimi, but it was very tough and chewy. The seared top side of the oil cured tuna belly was good, but once you reached the bottom unseared side it was nearly impossible to chew and eat. The off the menu, secret, secret burger had tons of ingredients that our server named off but after awhile I lost count of what exactly was in it. The burger patty was tender and had a smoky flavor and the bun was fluffy. All the other ingredients between the patty and bun made the burger tasty, but it was not the most amazing burger I have ever tasted. To summarize, the plates I enjoyed the most during this visit were the ubiquitous kale salad with creamy pistachio and chicken fried rabbit. I would love to come back and try other items.
(4)
Jon F.

Delicious small plates in a deceptively large space. The dishes are all a little bit quirky: the pancake cone with popcorn, picked green beans are served instead of bread, and the kale salad is served with a deliciously sweet dressing with pistachios. A good place to experiment with new foods and drinks, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a new and different restaurant experience.
(4)
Cait M.

Great food, really helpful and friendly waitstaff, excellent bartender. Get the corn cakes. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Dawn P.

I appreciate that they have so many wonderful offerings that don't feature meat! Our group ordered just about one of everything. Butternut squash salad is fantastic, though every dish was delicious! Overall, great setting, experience, and small plates.
(5)
Sarah R.

I had been dying to try this restaurant and I am so glad I did! I made a reservation a week in advance and for 2 on a Friday night, I had 5:15 or 8:45 to choose from. Hot spot! We arrived 10 minutes early and they said they were running pretty tight to reservation times, so we headed to the bar. We scored one seat, so I sat and my boyfriend stood behind me. The decor and atmosphere of this place was awesome! It was dimly lit, with a great bar scene, as well as dining area. And it was so much bigger inside than I expected! We ordered two glasses of wine, white for me, red for him. At least 10 minutes later, still no wine. The bartender was definitely busy, but we thought he maybe forgot us. They could have used probably one more bartender for a busy Friday night. By then, the hostess grabbed us and led us to our table.. sans wine. Within 5 minutes of checking out the menu, the bartender came over to our table with an unopened bottle of red and one white. He apologized profusely for forgetting us and we thought this was a really nice gesture. He explained the wines and why he thought we would like them based on our preferences. My white was so crisp and fresh! It was really nice that he tracked us down. And they comped our first round of drinks for the inconvenience! Great customer service. Our waitress was great, super bubbly, excited about the restaurant, and excited that we were first-timers. She had short, super curly hair, forget her name but she was great!! Ok, onto the food. Food ordered: crispy chicken nuggs, kale salad, honey glazed burrata, chicken fried rabbit, pork shoulder, and then for dessert baked apple and olive oil cake trifle. To start, they brought over pickled green beans, which were surprisingly really good. Crispy chicken nuggs: ughh, bad decision. I think I only ate them because I was starving. It was shredded dark meat chicken, fried into a crispy ball, with a spicy creamy dipping sauce. There were 3 on the plate and we only ate two, neither of us wanted the last one. Wouldn't order this again. Kale salad: WOW, yes it is as good as everyone says. My boyfriend haaates kale, and he loved this! The creamy pistachio with little bits of crunchy pistachio, yummm. I could eat this every day. Good size portion too! Honey glazed burrata: Man, I love burrata, but this didn't hit the spot for me. The combo of honey and burrata was great, but it needed salt soo badly! The pumpkin caponata did nothing for me. There was also not enough of the crisps to eat it with. Chicken fried rabbit: Yum! Wish there was a little more rabbit flavor, but overall really tasty. Worked well with the celery, blue cheese, apple on the plate. I almost wish the garnishes were chopped into a little "salsa" if you will, to get a little of each bite with the rabbit. Pork shoulder: Ehh, this was ok. Flavors worked well together, but I guess when I read "slow roasted" I assumed that it was going to be fall apart pieces of pork, which it wasn't. Nice meat dish though, would order again. Apple olive oil cake trifle: Meh. I was hoping for more of a "wow this dessert was the perfect ending".. buuut it wasn't. It was ok. Cake was great texture and sponginess, wish the apples were a little softer. Overall, delicious meal and loved that we got to try quite a bit. Will definitely be back, but will probably try some other dishes!
(4)
Douglas G.

Been for a private event and a dinner with friends and enjoyed it very much. The pork belly is insane in the brain. Good cocktails and lively atmosphere. If you were ever at Casablanca, you won't even recognize it all, it is a complete rehab and has nothing in common with its predecessor.
(5)
Margot H.

Bottom line: don't get over excited. A lot of rave reviews for this place have popped up on Yelp since it opened, but unfortunately I think that is more reflective of the fact that Harvard Square has very few hip restaurants than it is of Alden and Harlow's actual merits. The meal overall (shared with three other people, 9 dishes ordered) was pretty hit or miss. Most dishes had small portions and high prices, so the misses were pretty disappointing. Things we liked: clams, chicken fried rabbit (though super small), chips and onion dip, the burger. Things we didn't like: the pickled green beans they bring instead of bread (super bland, not a promising beginning), the hilariously small kale salad, the mesquite tortellini (oddly dry), the smoked chocolate bread pudding (frankly, disgusting -- don't order unless you want to smell and taste smoke for the next few hours). Combine that up and down meal with small wine pours and a large bill, and the overall experience is just not worth what you're paying for it. I'd recommend sitting at the bar and getting a couple of the best dishes or a burger, but I won't be back for a full meal.
(3)
sara m.

Awesome craft cocktails with house made whatever. I had the mezcal one, flawless. Perfect backpack hip hop overhead. Industrial chic dark cozy basement. Small and medium sized plates. I'd say if you're a big eater get 1 app, 1 entree per person. I'm a medium sized eater so sharing 1 app, 1 dessert, and each our own entree was perfect. Seafood dishes left us with no complaints. Gratin showed off the sweetness of the leeks and oysters. Smoked bread pudding and salt ice cream was INSANE! This is what I thought Russell House was going to be. Good job so far guys.
(5)
Anthony C.

This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the entire boston area. Unique, delicious foods and an incredibly diverse menu.
(5)
A M.

Lovely decor, beautiful bar, very attentive knowledgeable waitress. We ordered 7 dishes to share among 4 people. The burger was unavailable (at 7PM). All the dishes were overly salted. The swordfish belly had virtually no meat. The lamb was fatty. Overall, the food was poor.
(2)
Eve S.

I've read all the recent reviews. This is a hipster hell hole, and all these places try too hard with the menu. Lamb neck? Thanks, you've just turned my stomach before I've even looked at your menu. Encouraged to get several plates because it is Tapas style, we ordered the kale salad and charred broccoli. The portions were much larger than tapas, and they were both very good. However, be forewarned its enough for 4. Then my swordfish arrived. 2-3 cubes of fish on a wood skewer on top of, I don't know what because it was like leaves that are uncovered after a winter of snowfall. Bok choy kim chi, but it tasted like asphalt. I had to spit it out at table. The texture was a horrible mush and hey, what is with all the pickles in this place? UGH!!!! This is NOT food. Go to Italy, learn how to serves something simple and honestly, or to Tunisia for complex spices that are heavenly. This place reminds me of the Emperor's New Clothes.....I should have known to just get up and leave the moment I saw foie gras printed on the menu. That some poor goose was tormented for your vanity and stinking mush, its unbearable.
(1)
Leah K.

Holy, wow. I'm hesitant to write about how great this place is only because it will become impossible to get a reservation. But alas. I can't keep it to myself. I went to Alden & Harlow last night on a last minute date with my girlfriend. I was instantly super into the decor and feel of the place -- appropriately lit, hip yet rustic furniture, the trendy exposed bulb lights - you know what i'm saying? The servers also had on very cool, rugged denim aprons that i'm pretty certain cost a fortune but add a nice touch. Our server was lovely, patient, and knowledgeable. We felt she paid just the right amount of attention and anticipated refills quite nicely. Now onto the food! We ordered: - the "ubiquitous kale salad" -- whoa. yum. we make kale all the time and appreciate its growing popularity on menus. the fennel and creamy pistachio were excellent additions to the plate. i would definitely order this again. - grilled cauliflower caponata -- delicious! the bread that came with was larger than i anticipated which was exciting because it was really tasty. the caponata was salty and sweet - i think raisins were involved - which i love. - washing state mushrooms and the 60 degree egg -- hold.the.phone. who knew there was such a thing as a 60 degree egg? not this kid. thankfully, i know now. The runny, gooey egg was perfect with the salty mushrooms and crunch of the pine nut crumble. - salt cod & turnip brandade -- i was hesitant about this dish but it proved to be very good. the cod was served hot in a small ramekin type dish and we scooped it onto the large crackers that came with. very good, but not my most favorite of the night. -- pickled corn cakes -- really good!! but felt more like a brunch item to me. it was nice to have some sweetness with the saltiness of the rest of the dishes, but i would rather eat this dish on a sunday morning. the cocktails were also inventive and flavorful! i enjoyed 2 catanias and my girlfriend loved the bell tower. We will most definitely return.
(5)
Colleen H.

This is a great not-so-little spot! It's across from the tannery downstairs next to the theater, and really surprising in size. I think they did a really great job with the interior, and laid out some interesting zones for the diners. There's a green wall area in the front behind the host stand that seems to be best for a quiet romantic evening, a big wrap around bar in the center that has views into the kitchen, and a cafeteria big open dining area that's loud and buzzing on the other side. The cocktails were good, we tried three different kinds. They don't exactly blow you away like some of the other cocktail bars in the area, but they're good. We had stopped in to grab a quick bite before a show at the Sinclair, and just wanted to try a bunch of things. After my bf had a conversation with the bartender about his favs, we ordered the cauliflower (to die for), the mussels (surprisingly de-shelled and piled up on one crostini - flavorful, but not what we were hoping for), the burger (amazing flavors with delicious homemade chips. Just suffered from a soggy bottom bun) and the parsnip dessert with ginger ice cream (mind blowing. no guilt, because it's a veggie right?) The staff here were all incredibly friendly - we'll definitely be back!
(4)
Larry G.

Had dinner there last week with work colleagues and was blown away by the secret burger, so I went again today. Everything was wonderful. We had another secret burger (still fantastic), the kale salad, the tortellini, and delicious pancakes with popcorn topping, which would have made a great dessert. The service was very attentive and professional. It was a wonderful dining experience all around.
(5)
A T.

Food is creative and good. I like to sit at the bar to eat, it's much more interesting especially if you manage to get one of the better bartenders, A slightly snooty atmosphere in the front of the house, This place located in down to earth Cambridge so there's no need to be so pretentious.
(4)
Jeremy W.

Awesome place! I came here with three other people and we all got the secret burger! It was AMAZING. What really makes the burger is the fried parmesian crusted cheese that sits between the bun and the patty itself. There is also a special sauce that I can't quite put my finger on, but all the flavors and textures work extremely well together. I would definitely get the burger again, but there are so many other things on the menu that look delicious. I'll have to come back and try everything else!
(4)
Ozge A.

We recently found out about Alden & Harlow which is an American Tapas restaurant. First we got Chicken Fried Local Rabbit which didn't have a rabbit taste too much but was ok. We got Skate Cheeks which was very interesting, sour and bitter at the same time. Pan Roasted Clams were good with the pig's tail and parsley flavor. We finally got the Chili & Honey Glazed Octopus which was really good to. I wasn't blown away with the taste and flavors but they have nice options if you're into trying something interesting and new. They are very nice to offer you to order either one by one or altogether and they don't rush you at all. We got the bread pudding at the end which was a bit too smoked for my taste. Might go back.
(3)
Julia V.

With all the buzz surrounding A & H, my expectations were high. But alas, I was disappointed. My fiancÃ© and I came in on a whim on a Saturday without reservations. We were content sitting at the bar, as there were no available tables. The interior is well decorated and quite cozy. The greenhouse area is quite nice and unexpected in a very good way. It is rather dark, they could possibly turn the dimmer switch up a few notches. We sat at the large bar area comfortably and were greeted by personable and attentive bartenders. We ordered the chips and onion dip to start, which weren't too memorable and probably a bit too salty. They also served pickled green beans which were a refreshing bread substitute. I ordered the secret burger, while my fiancÃ© opted for the pork. The burger was tasty, the charred (almost burnt) bun was delightful in both taste and texture. When I see secret, limited availability (which is a great marketing tactic) I think interesting. However, the flavors seemed quite traditional. Cheese, possible a Thousand Island type sauce. Again, pretty salty and more chips with the burger, like a lot more. My fiancÃ©'s portion of pork was laughable when considering the price tag. I had to give him half of my burger. On a completely positive note, I had the most delicious cocktail the bartender concocted after I requested a drink using St. Germain and Gin. A big old "meh" sums up our experience. But, I'd definitely head back for a cocktail.
(3)
Ann G.

Finally a small plates concept where small doesn't mean teeny tiny. We ordered 6 plates for 2 people and were really stuffed, unfortunately leaving no room to try dessert. When I go back I will cut out one plate and leave room for the finale. Enjoyed everything. 1. Charred broccoli -- perhaps a touch too charred and a little too much sugar in the pureed squash, but a delicious combo with a little spice and a great start to the meal. 2. Japanese eggplant -- not what I was suspecting, but very good. Not greasy the way eggplant often is. There was something too crunchy in the dish, but the flavor was excellent. 3. Rabbit -- I don't normally enjoy things that are fried/breaded, but I was intrigued and like rabbit in general, so.... All of the flavors (with the apple and blue cheese) blended well together and the texture all worked. 4. Carbonara -- Although just a touch too salty, the bigoli (pasta) were cooked to an al dente perfection, with a delicious sauce and the egg on top being the piece de resistance. 5. Pork belly with grits -- Again, a terrific combo of things. They switch this up seasonally, and though I like strawberries I like peaches even more, and that was the accompanying fruit on the night we ate. Textures and flavors all well combined. 6. Sweet corn gnocchi -- Gnocchi is a dish I always order with trepidation (having been raised on my nonna's exquisite homemade stuff), but happy I took the plunge here. Perhaps again just a bit too much sugar, but wisely this was served to us last and so it was almost like a dessert. Great texture (the downfall of so much gnocchi) Sometimes restaurants try too hard to do too much and er by adding one ingredient too many, but not the case here as each ingredient had its proper place in these dishes. The service was excellent, from the water guy to our primary server. A lot of restaurants are doing this Euro-ice free water nonsense these days, but I am the ugly American who wants more ice than liquid, but they gladly indulged by needs and even brought my ice refills without my having to request them. We mentioned to our server that it was our lucky #13 anniversary but that we weren't drinking b/c we had over indulged at a wedding a couple of days before -- he brought us some delicious, complimentary mocktails which were such a lovely surprise! It was a terrific accompaniment to a wonderful anniversary dinner. I am anxiously anticipating a return in about a month when they start serving fall foods. I'd love to see what they do with some mushrooms! Reasonable prices for what you get, too!
(5)
R S.

wonderful interior space. great bar. tapas style plates - which in my opinion means good food but always a touch overpriced. of the four dishes we had, two were 9/10, two 7.5/10. Scallop crudo and striped bass were excellent. tortellini something or other was ok but salty. the oyster dish was interesting and yummy but again not really outstanding . service was extremely good. a good date place and the best overall vibe of any young-feeling spot in Harvard square. still, just going on the food - there are better restaurants in the area to drop aprox. $130 on two people including tax tip a bottle of ~$40 wine and coffees. perhaps the food will become even more consistent and I can bump it to 4.5 stars. it did just open.
(4)
Sofia T.

Horrible service. One waiter took the plate from right in front of me when it was still half full. Another waiter kept pushing us to finish and pay. Food was good, but couldn't recommend to anyone, the service was worse than a cheap burger joint.
(1)
Melissa O.

Apothecary of spices meets ordinary food. Im not the type to say OMG, but OMG! The food is sooo different and so delicious! It will blow your mind.
(5)
Jessica T.

Expected to like it more than I actually did... somewhat mediocre. Brunch menu was interesting, but sounded better than it was. Had the Secret Burger (too rich), corn pancakes (good), pig scrapple (had better) & shishito peppers (good, but unoriginal)... The menu looked better for dinner, so that might be a better bet!
(3)
Mo M.

Excellent execution of food and service. I've been here twice and both times the food was mouth watering and exceptional. I am also an enormous fan of the hip hop play list. Looking forward to more dining experiences at A & H. Bravo.
(5)
M F.

The three stars are for the service and the bar. Solid, friendly and efficient. If I was rating the food, I would have gone for the 2 star. The portions were small, expensive and way too fatty. The food did not agree with me. We tried the lamb, clams, pork , and rabbit. Wish I ordered the kale salad.
(3)
Juliet T.

Amazing and inventive cuisine + knowledgable/love staff + an trendy/tasteful atmosphere = this place should be at the top of your restaurants to try list
(5)
Sara J.

Walk in and be charmed by the staff and great decor--Rustic subway station meets farmhouse. Our waiter Jonathan set the stage for a fun, delicious evening. He was informative and knew the menu and beverages as if he'd created them himself--and made good recommendations. My gin cocktail was fresh and balanced, and our whole table loved the wine and all the cocktails (we tried 4). We were encouraged to order the secret burger before they sold out. Glad we ordered two for our party of four. The tender burger (still a mystery) included a brioche bun and a thin, crispy layer of Parmesan. Our little plates each outdid one another. The roasted cauliflower with peanut and siraccha sauce was incredible, as were the fried pork rinds and lonza, pine nuts and cherries. And holy Johnny cakes...the sweet, savory and spicy cakes were to die for. Burrata did not disappoint either. Prawns were delicate and rich. Gnocchi very dense (how I like them). Skip the pork belly. The deconstructed cheesecake with chunks of chocolate was a surprise hit.
(5)
Linh V.

Went here for a special birthday dinner. Someone had mentioned that nothing on the menu is over $20--that's because they expect you to order tapas style. 5 plates for two people. Nothing was good. The special burger, which is actually a normal sized portion, tastes like a McDonald's Big Mac...a very expensive Big Mac. Totally disappointed.
(1)
kim l.

This place is the real deal. The food was unique, creative, and delicious (like Ribelle). They call plates tapas, but they are much larger than tapas (which they should be for an average of $17). The only downside was our waitress was snarky, which we didn't appreciate. And she told us to order 10 plates for 4 people. We ordered 8 items and it was too much food. Hopefully when we go back we'll have a less rude waitress and then I'd give Alden & Harlow five stars.
(4)
Tara T.

Delicious tapas-style dishes in the heart of Harvard Square, this hidden gem serves up great bite-sized dishes in an intimate, quiet basement in Brattle Street. We ordered 5 dishes and one dessert between two, which was plenty. The ribs were awesome, as well as the crudo (delicious, fresh, citrusy scallops), as well as the wild mushroom dish topped with a soft boiled egg. It wasn't as mind-blowing as I thought it would be, but worth a visit nonetheless. Oh, and listen to the reviews, skip the dessert. We had the smoky chocolate bread pudding, which looked stunning in photos but was really rather meh in real life. Definitely wasn't worth the $9, and left us on a down note after an otherwise enjoyable meal. Service was warm and friendly.
(4)
Tanya A.

Definitely a nice place to have dinner-- especially for a group of friends or a second or third date. The food is sophisticated and tasty, it encourages sharing, and it's just interesting enough to be a topic of conversation if you can't think of anything else. ;) My one gripe with the atmosphere is that the wood smoke, while pleasant at first, quickly becomes cloying. I don't know if it was just that we were seated near the kitchen, but the smell of smoke in the air was over the top. On to the food! There were two of us and we ordered a total of five dishes plus dessert, which was just enough to make us comfortably full but not overstuffed. First up was corn cakes with popcorn and maple syrup-- very nice, and the popcorn was a fun touch. I'm going to try replicating it at home, it's a great way to start a meal! Chicken fried rabbit was fine, nothing special. Good texture and crunch on the outside, but the blue cheese was a bit much for me. Crispy pork belly had its ups and downs. The crispy part was great-- but there was a big fatty chunk that was basically inedible. I know pork belly always has serious fat, but I prefer it cooked so that the fat is less fluffy-squishy and has a little more of a bite to it. The grits that accompanied it were really great, though. Skate cheeks with kumquats and hazelnuts were excellent-- the kumquats were the perfect touch of acidity, though the hazelnuts could've been chopped a bit more to avoid a mouthful of nut. I honestly can't remember what the last dish we got was, to my dismay. Something meaty, but it's lost to memory... sad. I remember it was good, though. We got the chocolate bread pudding with salt ice cream for dessert, and it was good. The smoky/salty flavors were really interesting, and though I wouldn't eat it every night I certainly wouldn't mind having it another time. Nice rich chocolate flavor, and the ice cream kept it from being cloying.
(4)
Yoav P.

We didn't order a table so had to wait, but defenitly was worth it! Every single dish was sophisticated yet delicious.
(5)
Vanessa H.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this restaurant. Its a great open space, a little loud, but not too bad. nice seating and what a GREAT menu! I originally went for their secret burger but they were out by the time we got there. So we had the rabbit and the grilled bluefish and we were not disappointed! The dishes are on the smaller side so me and my date got three dishes and shared them all. And it was spectacular! The waiters were beyond helpful and explained each dish as they brought it. Really a must see and I will definitely be back!!
(5)
Susan B.

I love Alden & Harlow and will keep going back. The food is creative and delicious, the atmosphere sleek, and I, for one, love the shared style of dining. What I don't like is being asked if I've been there before (why does that matter? I have dined out before.) and being told to order 2 to 3 dishes per person. I can decide how much food to order on my own and if I have questions about the menu I will ask. Generally, I have found 1.5 dishes is about right, but that's just me. Aside from that annoying welcome, the place is great and I would highly recommend it!
(5)
Derek A.

Had a flight to catch and was running short on time but our waiter did a great job of getting us out in plenty of time! Also, we had 6 dishes (hummus, mussels, pork loin, rabbit, gnocchi and blue fish) and they were all delicious!
(5)
Adrienne D.

Great restaurant! I loved the seasonal menu (order the pumpkin salad!) and they were very accommodating for gluten free issues.
(5)
Elizabeth M.

This place is over priced and extremely pretentious. We went here to celebrate my uncle winning an award at Harvard. There was a group of 10 of us... half of us were over 60 years old. Without any reason or warrant, the bartender shut off the entire group at midnight. No one broke a glass. No one fell. No one puked. No one got in a fight. For no reason, we were shut off. On some weird moral high ground or pretense, the bartender with bushy sideburns cut us off. Never in my life have I been treated with such distain. I will never go here again. I will also be telling any and everyone who will listen to never go here again.
(1)
Garrett L.

Was very excited to try this place as Casablanca was my favorite. Had 5 dishes on first visit yesterday. 4 were SO salty that you couldn't taste the food. With so many better options nearby, we will probably never return.
(2)
RM J.

A little better than just ok. If you are in Harvard Square then fine but no need for a special trip - lots of slight above avg. experiences can be had.
(3)
Danielle R.

This is by far the best restaurant that I have been to in Boston. I went with my husband and we both had amazing meals, from speciality cocktails to the kale salad and other items on the menu. I would recommend this to anyone.
(5)
Jay H.

Yawn. Over-priced and weak menu. Too many undertrained staff and service is mediocre. A bit pretentious without the backup. Minimal wine menu. As a Californian I expect a bit more depth. Pass.
(3)
Kelly O.

Pros: 1. The interior is so well done. It's got that neo-industrial thing going for it that I love oh, so much. 2. Chips & 3 onion dip: solid food for sharing as everything is quite plentiful. 3. Secret burger: so many chips! so much good burger! 4. Pickled verrill farm corn pancakes: a hint of sweetness with a corn meal-y texture and slight saltiness of.. batter? I don't really even know what it is. Point is, this one was so on. Probably my favorite thing. 5. The Asian server was so nice and patient with my Japanese family that doesn't speak English. Hats off to you, miss. We really appreciated your service. Cons: 1. Really loud, but what do you expect from such a popular restaurant? 2. I'm definitely more of an entreÃ© person so having to order things that were basically appetizers kind of threw me for a loop. So if you're like me, I'd still come here 'cause the food is solid BUT don't expect a heaping portion. 3. The popcorn on the pickled verrill farm corn pancakes seemed really... cheap to me. 4. The green beans they give you as a complimentary appetizer are horrendously sour. Um, have you guys heard of bread...? **Note: The restaurant was kind of hard to find but it's down the stair case to the left of Algier's Cafe kind of across the street from Crema. I can tell that the food here is top-of-the-line. I think the reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because it was just a type of cuisine that I'm very not used to. Give me some time to refine my pallet and I'll come back and give this place 5 stars, I'm sure! (Except maybe to the green beans...)
(3)
Eric A.

Excellent all around. My two visits have been great. The only challenge is deciding what to order. The cocktails are fantastic. It is not an inexpensive experience but this is a special restaurant for special occasions.
(5)
Jeff M.

Based off the national reviews and the buzz while walking past the sprawling bar area to our table I thought Alden & Harlow was going to blow me away. First thing you need to know is that it took a bit over 45 minutes to get our first plate after having ordered. Nothing from the waiter indicated that he was conscience of the long wait, no apology, nothing. I saw tables come and go while we were there. When the food did come it underwhelmed. Cauliflower was luke warm. Snails were luke warm. Skate was good. Roasted goat cassoulet was fair. The only thing I'd go back for is the corn pancakes, although the popcorn was a bit cheesy. Final say, this place kinda sucks. And there are plenty of other similar style restaurants north of the Charles that consistently exceed expectations. Maybe this is the type of place where you just go for the burger?
(2)
Dan M.

I had been meaning to review Alden & Harlow for sometime and after reading Eater's recent article regarding Michael Scelfo and Instagram; I decided it was time. I dined here in late December with my dad when I was home for the holiday's. We both agreed that this one of the best meals we had experienced in a long time. We had the chicken fried local rabbit, the swordfish belly, Spanish mackerel, the lamb belly ribs and a few veggie dishes. My favorite was the lamb ribs, if you dine here this is a must have. They were absolutely amazing. In my opinion, the chicken fried rabbit was a close second. They also have some unique mixed drinks and a nice selection of tap beers. Good bar scene and fun vibe throughout the restaurant. All in all we had a great time and hope to return soon to sample some additional dishes.
(5)
Diana C.

Too salty! Note, be prepared to drink a lot of water while dining there.
(3)
Stephen L.

Amazing food, amazing atmosphere, and amazing service. I heard about this place and I decided to come here for brunch. I must admit, when I first looked at the brunch menu, I was a but intimidated by was what offered. I mean pickled corn pancakes? Say what? Hickory smoked pigtails? I just found the combinations to be odd, but you know what, this is now why Alden & Harlow is now my favorite brunch place to eat now on Sundays. The pickled corn pancakes and the hickory smoked pigtails were so delicious, I had to come back and try dinner. I came back the next Sunday, luckily, I was able to squeeze in for an early dinner. I got to try out the Secret Burger, oh gosh, now I know why this burger is always sold out. The creamy spinach dressing that goes with the ubiquitous kale salad is amazing! The chicken hearts was the best I personally ever had. I look forward to coming here again and exploring more of the menu again, but this place does live up to its hype.
(5)
Steve S.

Very good !! Mussels and Kale salad were amazing. Secret burger and chips were awesome. Will definitely return !
(5)
Panda B.

I find my self on the fence about Alden & Harlow, but left with enough curiosity to drive me to their doors at least 2 more times. With a new James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant, I had loose expectations. This is a semi-sultry, hip kind of restaurant for Cambridge. Very much something you might expect to see in San Francisco. For a 9pm dinner reservation, we arrived 10 minutes early and were seated right away. I had no experience with the restaurant aside from the rumors of the absolute best burger in the Boston area (sold out hours before we arrived). We were seated at our table on the opposite side of the building far past the bar. Walking to the space below ground, the entrance is deceiving because after passing the hostess station, the space opens up and goes on and on. For such an incredible space, dinner here felt very intimate with a casual atmosphere that isn't overly buttoned up. There's somehow this real sense of camaraderie about the restaurant, a certain air about the meal and the space, that a conversation is to be had. It's a private, communal dining experience. They want you to taste bits here and there, and after a bite say, "Ohhh...what isssss that???" The dishes are not overworked but have an obvious complexity to them. Each dish has that little something special and is different enough that it keeps you guessing. That was the case with most of these dishes, but in my experience, there's some problems. Noteworthy Moments// Service- Very Good. Portion recommendations were on point. Waiter was a bit odd but attentive, water was filled regularly, plates were brought out with excellent timing. Memorable Moments of the Meal// Utensils - Knife This knife needs to go away or another needs to be provided for dishes that require cutting. This goes beyond the pork belly and back to the sausage. This knife isn't good for anything beyond butter. The sausage was as soft as can be, and yet the tiny teeth of the knife could barely cut through that and smashed it to pieces before I could break it apart. Seeing as how you're encouraged to share the small plates, cutting up each dish to share could be considered a necessity here. Obviously I want to do more with my knife than push food onto my fork... Seared Contechino Sausage - $13 Beluga Lentils, Honey Roasted Carrots & Apples, Sunchoke. Excellent and what almost pushed me to a 4th star review. There were so many interesting things going on in this dish. The spices in the sausage are what prompted that, "Ohhh...what wasssss that???" comment more than any of the others dishes of the night. This could have been a mushy mess but was texturally on point. The parsnips had a little bite to them, the carrots were soft, the sausage was spongy and light, and the lentils were hearty. The sunchoke puree was velvety and the apples were sweet and acidic and brought everything together. I can't pinpoint the spices used, but detected some five spice... The flavors are delicate, not bold and in your face. I think this is the perfect dish to represent why the restaurant gained it's nomination. Corn Cakes - $? Don't have the details of this but it was lovely. Corn cakes, peppers, maple syrup, popcorn, sweet, savory. Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly - $15 Anson Mills Grits, Roasted Apples. This was a MAJOR, major letdown and the reason I took away the 4th star from my review. In fact I almost took away 2. I've read other reviews that tell me something inconsistent is happening with this one. The dish came out was beautiful, with a thick square of pork belly on the plate. The pork belly (eaten with the grits and apples) was only ok and lacked some personality. Lackluster. And a bite of the pork belly alone was incredibly boring, under seasoned. To top it all off, I could. not. cut. through. the. pork. belly. at. all. Was it the utensils? No, but it's mostly fat. How hard should it be? The skin was crispy but SO TOUGH to cut through. As was the rest of it. I tried cutting it with the grain, against the grain, right side up, upside down, on it's side. This sounds like something for after dinner, not during! It was true acrobatics to try to eat this thing. I would never expect this from a restaurant at this level. What the hell happened here??? This dish almost ruined the entire meal and was exhausting. I had to resort to holding the knife as if I was stabbing someone, hard, down on the plate to try to crack the skin. Even then, it took a lot of prying to cut the rest down to share. It was such a process and is probably now the most ridiculous dining experience I have in memory. Unbelievable. I'll return at another time of day and experience more of the menu to update my review. The prices are very reasonable but the slips ups have me wondering what will happen on my next trip back. I think there's good things happening here. Some of it happened on this night, and some didn't. But we're still talking about it.
(3)
LovinNYC F.

I came here with a group of ten on a saturday night. We arrived 10 minutes early but were directed right to our table shortly after arriving. The entire experience was fun and I would love to come again to get my hands on their burger. Well done!
(5)
Natalise K.

Food was outstanding. Get the broccoli. Not to hype it up, but... it might just blow your mind. Worst case scenario, you'll have fulfilled a vegetable requirement for the day. Loved the ambiance, as well. Service was good.
(5)
Sharon M.

Excellent service and adventurous menu. Everything we tried was delicious. Highly recommend shaved NY strip carpaccio.
(5)
Linda R.

My meal here was utterly fabulous. Will go on my list as one of the best meals of the year for me. I thought the pickled green beans with sesame seeds they gave as a starter was delicious. I got the fried chicken dish and a fish dish. Both were spectacular. And great value. The portions are on the larger side. All the cocktails I had were amazing as well. Definitely eat and drink here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mel C.

Now one of the hottest restaurants in Boston..! I've been coming to Alden & Harlow since they opened. Their plates are frequently changing due to seasonality, but their burger is always there. I'm glad to see the quality hasn't gone down as their fame has risen.
(5)
Rachel G.

Very enjoyable night. The atmosphere/decor is very cool, food was imaginative and delicious, and the service was fast and friendly. We went to the bar on a Saturday night for drinks. The bartender found us a few seats together and we ended up staying for dinner. My only regret is that they were out of the burger but it just makes me want to go back again and try it! The portions were quite large and I found it a great value for the price. I was actually shocked at how low our bill was. One issue - the ventilation. It smelled like the kitchen throughout the restaurant and was kind of hot. This would not at all deter me from going back but i had to mention it.
(5)
Sutanuka L.

Great place!! Everything is great- food or drinks. The atmosphere is very vibrant. Reserve early cause it's extremely hard to get one
(5)
John L.

Excellent food, good service, exciting menu. The only reason it's not 5 stars is it's not a quiet intimate kind of place -- it was pretty loud. Also, we ordered 4 different plates, and while we liked them all, only two of them were "wow" worthy. That's not to say we didn't like them all, but two were definitely just "good" versus great. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. We'll be coming back for sure. My wife and I really enjoyed it.
(4)
Lucy B.

Well, came here for the first time tonight and it was just incredible. Excellent staff, didn't have to wait long for dishes and wonderful drinks. The whole image and scene of this place is so cosy yet chic and modern at the same time with a great atmosphere! We shared corn pancakes, rabbit stew, heirloom eggs and lamb ribs. Couldn't fault any of these dishes. A great place for friends or first date. Will most definitely be back!
(5)
Michael E.

This was an unexpected surprise. The design and environment are very inviting but be forewarned it is extremely noisy so if that is an issue this is not the place for you. Each and every dish tasted was innovative and not overly salted which is our pet peeve. We love the tuna belly and wanted to try the burger but if you don't arrive before 7 PM apparently it is always sold out. The pickled corn pancakes and the sweet corn gnocchi were both truly winners!
(5)
Cristina R.

After seeing all the positivity pouring in for this place, I needed to pay these guys a visit. On a Friday, there were no open reservations until 9:45 PM, so we just showed up at 8:30 and were seated about 15 minutes later. Sweet! Truthfully, this place was a bit difficult to find since it is in the lower level of the building and there isn't yet a permanent sign. But once you do find it - wow. The space is impressive and much larger than you would expect. And full to the brim with happy people. The decor is simple with a contemporary flair, and I especially enjoyed the open kitchen. During our wait, we squeezed ourselves over to the bar, and they offer a great variety of libations. The Hot Tiger's Milk caught my attention right away, and it tasted like all the things you would want in a winter drink - milky, sweet, ideal blend of spices like cinnamon and orange. It's one of those drinks your mom would make you on a snow day. Plus rum. Once seated, the waitress explains that the restaurant's dishes are primarily small plates made for sharing and that typically they recommend 2-3 plates per person. In my experience, tapas places always recommend to order more than I can eat, so we just pick 3 to start out with and we'll assess our hunger (and wallets) as we go. Instead of bread, we are served some cold, pickled green beans with sesame seeds. Although I wouldn't order or crave this dish, it was unexpected and served as a nice palate cleanser without being filling, showing that their focus is on taste and experience. Cool, guys. Next up was the Ubiquitous Kale Salad, which was a slam dunk. Amazing texture! Leafy, crunchy. And that dressing! Creamy, nutty. Gotta love pistachios, amirite? Then comes the beef neck, which was a much smaller portion than we were expecting, but presented absolutely beautifully atop a parsnip puree and adorned with tiny purple flowers (yep, flowers are in our food). The meat is so tender you can easily cut it with the fork, and the flavor was nice. Beefy. The crisp parsnips on top provided a nice balance. Overall a solid dish, but I wouldn't necessarily get it again, especially considering the price relative to portion size. Last up were the corn pancakes. This was also something to look at, as they're served with popcorn kernels and jalapenos. The cakes themselves were both savory and sweet, with a nice little kick from the peppers, although I would have liked some more spice. Again, an interesting concept which I'm glad I tried, but it didn't blow me away. After the three dishes and two drinks, we were pretty full! So I recommend starting out with 1-2 plates each and then going from there instead of ordering a bunch all in one go. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience here and am interested in exploring the menu further. The Hot Tiger's Milk and Kale Salad alone are worth coming back for.
(4)
Alain M.

Overated and terrible service. I took my wife there for our anniversary and had a terrible experience.; I called ahead to make a reservation which eventually got cancelled for no apparent reason, they had us waiting for 40 minutes to get a table
(1)
Tamara W.

Yum!!! Came here last night and was so happy to get a reservation for 6pm for 3 through open table. We were seated right away after arriving & was really happy to learn that its not LOUD. Even though I am 27 from crazy marathoning to loud music I have a hard time hearing even in my 20s so it was nice that I could hear the people I was with well. There was secret burger left which immediately got put on hold for someone in my party and although I don't eat meat it was amazing he said (especially the chip!). The portion sizes are HUGE so even though the waiter will encourage "2 per person" I ordered 3 between me and one other person in my party it was MORE than enough. I don't eat a ton to begin with so I think that the larger portion are not necessary unless you are starving then maybe do 2 dishes per person. The blue fish was awesome, the beets with salt were GREAT, and the cocktails were wonderful, too. I loved the tequila one with jalapeno--yum! I though the only thing that could be improved upon is that the pumpkin dish was a little too heavy; I didn't notice the parm cheese on the ingredients list but I think it could be less cheese/no cheese and it would make the dish healthier/better. Overall I really liked it! The pricing was not insane and the ambiance is super nice. It's so hard to get a place @ the bar and a table so def. try to eat at weird hours (5pm) or late night to get in before 2015! Will be back!
(5)
Roy M.

Underwhelming. Party of 2, came here at around 10pm on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. Decor is cool. but the high stool type chairs are not comfortable. Clearly more emphasis on the look than the function. - Hiramasa crudo was excellent. - Charred broccoli was burned black and the butternut squash hummus was not good (texture or flavor-wise). - Griddled sheep's milk cheese was burned, tasted OK with the strawberries but was pretty awful without any complementary flavors. - Morel Mushrooms were simply bad, and it's really hard to screw up morels - Pork Belly was great. - Secret Burger was good, but not deserving of its massive (and intentionally manufactured) hype. - Corn pancakes came doused in maple syrup which overwhelmed all other flavors. The dish was decorated with popcorn doused in sweet/salty white goo... - Buttermilk & Lemon Pound Cake - Good, not great. The general trend here is that the less something is cooked, the better it tastes. Anything with grilled/charred/griddled is going to come out burned, and not in a good way. The crudo, the pork belly, and the burger medium rare were the only items that I enjoyed/would order again, and even so I wouldn't go out of my way to patronize Alden & Harlow again. It was not worth the exorbitant price.
(3)
Tiffany L.

Absolutely amazing -- the food, the service, the atmosphere! I will definitely be returning here. All of the plates were spectacular. My favorite were the corn pancakes, followed by the octopus, and the griddled sheep's milk cheese. For the small "snack" plates I would recommend the wood smoked arctic char.
(5)
Sarah R.

I went for dinner with a friend of mine. The place is very cool and has a great vibe. But the cocktails were disappointing. I asked for a dirty gin martini and it tasted like perfume and I don't think it had any olive juice in it. The olives served with it were disgusting. Our waitress looked like she hated her job and was very unfriendly. The food was tasty but the portions are tiny and overpriced. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Kim K.

I was really excited to try Alden & Harlow because I'm such a huge fan of chef Michael Scelfo. However, I was worried it was going to be too pretentious or perhaps over-promise and under-deliver. I think we hit the sweet spot on the night we came in and I was very pleased. We had a 6:15pm reservation and even though I was the first to arrive in a party of 6, I was seated immediately. The service was very attentive and prompt. The food itself was delicious however the portions are extremely small. The price tag is high too so prepare to be a little spendy. I had the WA state mushrooms with 60 degree egg which was delicious - very earthy. I also had the corn pancakes with popcorn and shishito peppers which was exceptional - the buttermilk and maple syrup on the plate really brought the dish together. By the time we left around 8pm the bar was packed - it was also noticeably hot, sweaty, and a little smelly over there. Really glad we were sitting way at the other end of the restaurant in the open dining area right near the kitchen - the ambiance is much nicer there. Overall I had a nice experience and will definitely be returning!
(4)
Jamaal D.

Drifted over to this hip little joint while visiting Cambridge, mostly because of its mellow yet modern appearance and the creative menu options. The place looks very cool and is one of its strongest aspects. It is a little hard find as a new comer, hidden on a subsurface level of a well aged building with a partially glass roof covered in vines. The appearance was purposefully rustic which I appreciated and the inside was warm and dim with neutral tones that felt very comfortable. The servers were all very polite and checked on us frequently as we struggled to decipher the exoteric menu options. The drinks were equally complex but we're maybe a little too much for my pallet. The secret burger was sold out, so I probably missed out on the best menu item. We ended up ordering the fried green beans, the pickled pancakes and popcorn, crispy pork belly and New York strip. The green beans were a little too doughy for my liking, but the pancakes were my favorite part of the meal with a nice mix of sour and sweet. The pancakes tasted of cornmeal and went perfectly with the gently sweet and tangy yogurt while the popcorn was crisp and salty offering a nice contrast. The pork belly portion size was pretty small relative to the price, but was decent. The meat wasn't as tender as I'd like but the skin was crispy and reminded me of cracklings, though maybe it was a little too hard, overall the fast was solid. The NY strip was the 10 oz portion so there was enough food but it wasn't the best strip I've had by far in terms of texture nor taste, but once again was pretty solid albeit pricey. Overall I'd say the place looks great, the menu was creative and fun, but the taste wasn't anything too noteworthy and given the food came out in shareable format, the serving size was small, especially when considering that this place is pretty pricey.
(3)
Patrick B.

While Alden & Harlow definitely wasn't bad, it wasn't great either. They're just trying way too hard. The combos are oftentimes odd and forced. None of the dishes came through as stellar or note-worthy (except if they were odd). The smoked chocolate desert was as if you were eating charcoal wood chips. The service was very curt and not friendly at all. Not at all. I would not return. Personally, I'd head straight for Highland Kitchen instead.
(3)
Celin W.

First was astonished at how crowded it was on a Wednesday 9pm time slot. Second, the small portion dish style was great for sharing! The meat dishes were very generous though more than one person could probably have eaten them. Dishes that stood out - pumpkin salad, pork shoulder, steak. Most sadly did not get to try the secret burger (it had run out by then). Bread pudding for dessert was good, cheesecake was an interesting deconstructed presentation (eating your cheese cake in parts is fascinating but not necessarily for everyone). Service was attentive and efficient.
(4)
Isabella C.

My first time eating at Alden & Harlow was during the most recent snowstorm -- Juno -- that left most of the city shut down. I was both impressed by the fact that Alden & Harlow was open and by the service and food, given that the chefs must have had a hard time sourcing ingredients, etc. They have a daily menu that changes slightly, if I'm not mistaken. Things change a bit each time you stop by. I tried the Secret Burger, the kale salad, the cauliflower pierogies, some bread on the side, and the lemon blackberry poundcake for dessert. The kale salad was delicious. It was topped with sweetened, deep fried kale, and featured a creamy dressing that brought out the natural texture of the kale. The salad also included pistachios, offering a rich burst of flavor and variety in texture. The cauliflower pierogies were smaller than expected and the entire dish had only 3 pierogies. However, they were flavorful and bathed in a light crÃ¨me fraÃ®che (I believe, as it was lighter than sour cream but richer than yogurt). The burger was delicious and served with a mayo-based sauce and alongside freshly fried potato chips. There were pickles and dressed, chopped lettuce in the burger, both of which really added to the flavor of the meat. Additionally, there was a crispy piece of cheese -- I'm guessing it was shredded cheese that was carefully fried or grilled. Very, very unique and definitely brought out the flavor of the cheese as well. The bread that they offered on the side was denser than the usual bread you get at restaurants, though it also featured large pores. It may have been a darker sour dough. It was a great complement to the sauce alongside the burger and the cream alongside the pierogies. Would definitely recommend asking for some bread. To finish, the dessert was both flavorful and not too heavy. The pound cake had a rich, moist texture, and the blackberry preserves on top soaked the cake just enough for the flavor to come out. The cake was topped with almond cream -- whipped cream with almond extract? -- and lemon zests, which formed the perfect palate cleansing end to the meal. Would definitely recommend the kale salad, Secret Burger, and the poundcake. The ambiance is great though a bit on the darker side, and the seating is comfortable and spacious, unlike many other places in the Square.
(4)
Janet K.

Best kale salad I have ever had! And the kale anchovie toast with eggs are to die for!
(5)
Nina S.

So come with a bunch of people and do the sharesy splittsy deal so you can try different things on the menu. Here's what we got: (trying to be organized since we were hungry) 1. The lonza (ham) with chicarrones and pistachios and cherries. Make sure to get a bit of each to build a perfect bite. Wonderful flavor and texture pairings 2. Panchetta peach mint fried walnut and ricotta sauce. The mint is the star here and the peaches not far behind. The walnuts didn't really add anything for me but they're good on their own 3. The mussels. Wow that sauce is really good with the little ball pasta. And the bread to soak it all up for the win 4. Smelt chips. By far the favorite dish of the night. Kind of like boquerones (fried anchovies) with hot grilled lemon juice squeezed on top and a citrusy lemon aioli to dip in. 5. Sweet corn gnocchi. The sauce was good and the gnocchi was much denser than traditional ones but overall a nice plate. 6. Chicken fried rabbit. I was really excited for this one from all the press it's gotten but was disappointed. It was pretty flavorless and dry and the accompaniments on the plate weren't helping 7. The pork belly. Also disappointed, not as much as number 6, but the skin was nice and crispy. 8. The lamb sirloin. This was just weird. The spice they used was kind of offputting and the mashed thing on the side looked like turd. It tasted ok after a while but looks wise not very appetizing 9. Smoked chocolate bread pudding. Didn't really like the smoked aspect as much as I thought I would. But other than that it was good. This place just has a really good vibe and love the interior. Even though the last couple dishes weren't so hot, there were definitely things that would bring me back and encourage me to try other items. Like the secret burger! (Try to go before 8 pm.. But after me please! )
(4)
D S.

Found this place from Boston Eater. The plates are made to share. The restaurant is located downstairs and it was a bit humid out so naturally, it smelled kinda like a basement with some heavy air. It didnt take away from the food though. The ingredients are so simple but the flavors are an explosion in your mouth! We had about 4 dishes AND had room for dessert! i highly recommend this place! Also, love their music choices Big Sean - IDFWU
(5)
Sonia S.

One of my favorite places in the greater Boston area. The food has always been outstanding, some dishes better than the others, but never a dish that we did not like. It is very well priced fo rth equality it offers. Make sure to reserve in advance.
(5)
Iris T.

One of the best restaurants in Boston. Not only is their food outrageously good, but their cocktails are fantastic (or at least my Cosmo was the best I've ever had). Ordered the lamb ribs, roasted snails, pork belly, crispy bok choy with soft egg... every bite was bursting with flavor. I don't think one item on this menu could disappoint. With that being said, I wouldn't waste my experience here on the "secret burger." Restaurant has a great vibe and dim lighting...Great for groups, date night or dinner at the bar.
(5)
J M.

My favorite restaurant in Harvard Square for sure...you want a chain burger, there are plenty around this area, but this one stands on a whole different level. The secret burger is not a secret. The room is great..the menu is innovative and smallish..the service is solid..the burger ruined every other burger I will have from here on out..Yes, it's that good. Semi-loose packed, correctly cooked/seasoned blend with a nice smoky bite..cheese crisp, russian dressing and a slaw-ish/lettuce type of topping. Not sure if you can substitute and didnt really care too. Nice bun..if not a bit common/non-descript (meant in a good way), great house pickles.. I do stand behind JM Curleys and Worthy Burger in S. Royalton VT as my top few, but this one supplanted them..knocking them both down a notch. Maybe not..but this was the more recent one, so for now.. Tried several apps and run smallish/tapas style..Beer menu was very serviceable, but not too adventurous..enough on there to satisfy the craft beer aficionado and the casual beer drinker. Gets a bit noisy..
(5)
Caro M.

I've been here a couple times and this place never fails. I'd say it's my favorite yuppy hipster restaurant in Cambridge/Boston right now. Make sure to secure your rezzy well in advance, otherwise get there at 17:00h on the dot to eat at the bar with a charming bartender. My first visit was on my birthday where my super sweet stud muffin and I enjoyed a romantical dinner, sharing a few plates and solid cocktails. ALL SO DAMN DELECTABLE. This is what started my affair with Alden & Harlow - straying from my usual haunt, Franklin Cafe in the South End. I recently came with a group where the four of us tried 12 different plates. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, except for the dishes that obviously disgust you (some people don't like octopus or head cheese. [no, it's not what you think]) but common sense will tell you to order what you like to prevent any bitching after your meal. I don't recall the exact plate names, but I do recommend the chickories -- grilled salad, heirloom eggs, dem clams gad damn!, pickled verill farm corn pancakes, anything with Anson Mills grits, charred swordfish belly, and the secret burger that isn't such a secret no mo since I'm telling you about it. Shhhh. Having been a bartender in a past life, I am a fan of simple and clean flavors that don't dilute the spirit. 3 ingredients including ice does the trick. However, at Alden and Harlow, I will veer from my standard decree and drink EVERYTHING on their cocktail list. I can't recommend anything on that front since I drank so much the last time and can't recall. Anyway, you get the point. Just go.
(5)
Andy V.

We enjoyed Alden & Harlow immensely. I would say that if you have a nut allergy this place may not be for you as almost everything interesting has some sort of nut in it. On the good news from, the "special hamburger" is nut-free and it is worth arriving by 6:30/7:00 so you can order one before they run out (I did!). This would be a great selection to share as you get an ample 1/2 lb smoky burger with pickles, fried cheese and other assorted topics plus a generous helping of chips. That, plus one of the smaller tapas-sized dishes as an appetizer should satiate the most self-respecting diners, leaving room for dessert. I can also recommended are the blue fish (portion rather small for sharing) and the salty tomatoes (which should really be called, spicy tomatoes given the chiles mixed in!), with fried chickpeas for an nice contrasting crunch. Speaking of dessert, the cheese selection, along with home-made pistachio cookies (there's those nuts again!) was excellent and another good deal. Finally, I am happy to report that the coffee arrives fresh and hot; many who know me, realize that I have a pet peeve about being served sub-par brew after an otherwise great meal. Not so at A&H!
(4)
Woy V.

Crispy Baby Bok Choy, Kale Salad, Secret Burger, Grilled Spanish Mackerel, Chocolate Terrine, Lemon Pound Cake. **** was great.
(5)
Summer S.

We ended up here for dessert. Decor and vibe was wonderful. Expansive, well dressed and quite a crowd! Stuffed from meals elsewhere we were quite entranced by the dishes whizzing by us. They looked delicious and well presented. We came for the dessert-smoked chocolate bread pudding. This place has such a foodie and gourmet touch to everything. Watermarks on the menu as well as postcards presented with the bill. This place is on our list to return to for an actual meal..needs reservations since it seems to be a crowd favorite.
(4)
J E.

Yum!! This is my new favorite place to get lunch or brunch with friends. They say you need at least 2 dishes a person, but depending on what you order and if you're eating tapas style, you don't need to get that many. I love the decor - it is cozy inside. Attentive service both times I've been there.
(4)
Olivia B.

My Favorite restaurant in Harvard Sq by far and perhaps my favorite in Cambridge. Amazing food and cocktails. Every time I stop in there is always something exciting to try and share with friends, and still very substantial small plates! Highly recomend to anyone in the area, or visiting. A must try
(5)
Deena B.

Our new favorite restaurant! We'll have been here 3 times in 3 weeks and we don't live in Cambridge. Love the service, love the atmosphere and of course the food is fun and soooooo delicious! Must haves: Burrata Touched Fig Dish Kale Salad Secret Burger The rabbit is honestly just O.K. I'm glad I tried it but would never order it again. Can't wait to go back next Sunday! This place books up quick. We went in on a Tuesday early evening thinking we could just belly up to the bar without waiting. We had to wait 15 mins which is totally worth it but for a Tuesday this place was slammed! By the time we were done (7 pm) you would have thought it was Sat night. I get it though...this place is just that good and super fun. BTW-I think my husband has dreams about these burgers now bc he wakes up talking about them!
(5)
Jeff B.

Absolutely awesome. The food, the drinks, the service; all top-notch. An inventive cocktail list, paired with some unusual & fun food items, and enough waitstaff to manage the huge space. Go!
(5)
Kacey B.

I was dying to try this place for so long. However, I have to say that Alden and Harlow didn't live up to or even come close to meeting my expectations. In fact, I'm afraid that this was one of the more disappointing dining experiences I've had in Boston. The space: They have such a cool location - on Brattle Street in Harvard Square. They have a lot of floor space in that restaurant too so there's plenty of tables. We made a same-day reservation on a Saturday, so that's definitely a plus. The downside to the space is that they have put sooooo many tables in there that my boyfriend and I felt very cramped. When being seated by the hostess, it's like we were in a maze weaving in and out of tables trying to get to our seat all the way in the very back corner of the restaurant. Once we finally got there, I had trouble non-awkwardly getting into the booth side of the table because the others were so close. And once I did finally sit down, I could hear each of my neighbor tables' conversations perfectly clearly. Boston has plenty of small restaurants and plenty that are borderline cramped, but I haven't been in one where I felt uncomfortable like I did here. The service: The service was okay. It wasn't outstanding and it wasn't terrible. Our server was friendly enough, but she didn't seem particularly interested in talking about the menu or re-filling our wine glasses. The food: So my boyfriend and I missed the small plate memo, which is totally on us for not thoroughly researching. I love small plates/tapas, but not for the price that they charge and portion sizes. Like the service, the food was okay. We ordered the fried baby octopus, corn pancakes, chicken fried rabbit, and crispy pork belly. The octopus was overcooked and underseasoned; the corn pancakes were good and the only thing that we ordered that was enough for two people to split; the chicken fried rabbit was very good but we each had literally one bite (and paid $15); and the pork belly was some of the least impressive pork belly I've had with the exception for the perfectly crispy skin on top (again, this was so small though that we couldn't even share it, only I tasted it). Bottom line: There are much better small plate places in the Boston area - like Toro in the South End. It's not a great space for a date night - way too close to others. After a $100+ bill (before tip) we left very hungry and got a second "dinner" after a concert we attended. But if you do want to go and see for yourself, order the chicken fried rabbit; maybe even times two or three.
(2)
Maria D.

I came here for an early dinner on Wednesday night, so I can't say much about crowds, but the food was really great! They have an interesting menu, with lots of options. My boyfriend and I decided to do a couple of shared plates between the two of us- we had the honey glazed burrata to start, then the roasted parsnips with wild mushroom tomago, and the braised rabbit stew with buttermilk dumplings to finish. The flavors of the ingredients of each dish matched very nicely, particularly the pumpkin componata that came with the burrata...SO GOOD:) I would recommend Alden and Harlow for a solid after-work cocktail with an acquaintance or an old friend, for a nice date, and even for large parties (6-10 people). They have larger tables and enough space to accommodate larger groups. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu- both food and cocktails!
(4)
Heather G.

Alden & Harlow has quickly become one of my very favorite restaurants in our fair town. The food and service have been consistently excellent across many dinner trips, and after my husband and I stopped in for brunch this past weekend, I can honestly say that the good-vibes transcend space and time, and are solidly excellent regardless of the meal you're having there. Few things to note: 1. For first-timers, leave an additional 10 minutes in your travel time for wandering around confused-ly, because this place is tricky to find. It's basement (er, garden) level, and dark as night from the outside looking in. 2. This place is usually packed, weekends and weeknights alike 3. though impossible to find from the outside, the restaurant is absolutely HUGE once you get inside, with many different seating areas and a beautiful open service kitchen. 4. It's very dark inside if you come here for dinner. They lack some (perhaps useful; it's up for debate) ambient light, and thus you'll have many diners at surrounding tables taking their cell phones out to use the flashlight to read the menu and see the food. They will also complain loudly about the lack of reading light, and they will mention it with the arrival of every new course. Their phone lights and their complaining have the potential to ruin your evening if you let them Cocktails and beer list-alike are excellent here. They have obviously spent a great deal of thought on the bar program, and as a dabbler into the wide world of brown liquors and dark, malty beers, I find myself looking forward to my beverage nearly as much as my food. The menu, loosely separated by size-of-dish, is meant to be tapas-like and shared (but what isn't tapas-like and "meant to be shared" these days. Obviously restaurants have crunched the numbers and know this is the best way to make margin. Kudos to the brilliant business-people). The servers have always been very good at assessing what you've ordered for your party and letting you know if it's a bit light or heavy on quantity. Just ask them for a bit of guidance. I'd love to dive into the food menu but 1. it changes (as all good restaurants do) relatively frequently, and 2. it doesn't matter. I've yet to have a bad (or even mediocre) item here. The Secret Burger ($14, served with chips) is always on the menu, one of the only mainstays. As far as burgers go, it's solidly delicious, but on some occasions, it's been much saltier than others. Worth a try at least once, but the real stars are the other, non-safe choices. Pig tails, beef neck, blood pudding, pickled corn cakes, lardo crostinis - all delicious. One last thing - do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. The smoked bread pudding with salted ice cream sounds odd, but tastes insane (the good kind, mind you). Those who aren't a fan of smoke, however, ignore everything I've just said. It packs an aggressive, smokey whollop right in your kisser that you may have a hard time ridding from your palette unless you close with an even-smokier after-dinner scotch. Happy eating, Friends.
(5)
Elizabeth B.

I had a very disappointing brunch experience at Alden & Harlow. I was really looking forward to eating there but it did not live up to my expectations. I ordered the secret burger. It was SO SALTY I almost couldn't eat it. The bun was soggy and the homemade chips were burnt. My friend ordered Dave's sausage & potato skillet and also found it over salted and lukewarm. They did comp the sausage skillet when they saw my friend hadn't really eaten it which was nice. Not sure I would give this place a second chance.
(1)
Joanna F.

I think Alden & Harlow would stand out a lot more to me if I hadn't been to Kirkland Tap and Trotter a few weeks ago. The idea and the set up is VERY similar. While everything I had was pretty good, nothing completely blew me away. I did thoroughly enjoy the kale salad and the corn pancake. The oyster gratin was also good but essentially tasted like clam chowder with cheese (which is not a bad thing). Service was great and the space was very sleek and nice. Again, something about the experience just felt like a bunch of other places in the area (Tap and Trotter, Russell House Tavern, PARK). If this was the first time I had been to a restaurant like this, maybe I would have been blown away, but I was not. That being said, I'll probably be back at some point.
(4)
Charlie K.

Five stars for the burger, 3.5-4 stars for everything else. The burger, as people say, is really, really, really good. I follow the Boston Burger Blog, as I love a good burger and beer, and was surprised to see that the burger at Craigie on Main was recently dethroned by the one here. Just had it this past weekend, and it was pretty amazing - I'd say on par with Craigie's, depending on your mood. Fried cheese is surprisingly an outstanding addition, and that patty must have a healthy helping of short rib. Wish the chips on the side were fries, but that feels nitpicky in light of the awesomeness burger. I had been before, which was more of a 3.5 star experience. Some stuff was great, like the octopus and pork belly, others were fine, like the "snacks," and one, the squid ink pasta, was a total miss - and I love squid ink pasta. Service is fine, not great, and ambiance is okay - I'm going to sit at the bar next time, as the tables feel a little characterless (despite the small "wall" of succulents), and I really will probably come mainly for the burger.
(4)
John M.

Recently had a late dinner here. A few quick notes... It's a tough place to find even when you have the address. The restaurant is located on the lower level left of the cafe. It's a really a tapas bar. I was confused with the menu until the server explained the fact. The food is rich and well portioned. Be prepared to buy two to three plates p.s. person. The cocktails are also quite good. Our bartender gave our drinks thr proper attention and didn't hold back on the shakes. They stretched just a bit to invent a unique cocktail but it was good none the less. Its a great date spot in the harvard square area. Be prepared to spend a few dollars more than the surrounding restaurants. Knowledgeable staff. Great food. Cool ambiance. Would dine again.
(4)
Marisa H.

Such a cool vibe. We sat at the bar and had charred Broccoli starter with no cheese since I'm vegan. Great accommodation. Delicious wines!
(5)
M J.

Liked the room a lot, very industrial chic. Food was good but if you're ordering veg small plates and hoping for a delicious meal that is light on the stomach you need to be careful when ordering. This is not Sarma, the chef here is not afraid of butter and cream and as a result you can wind up with some delicious but heavy veg dishes. Liked - kale salad, burrata. Didn't like - corn pancakes (drowning in butter) and smoked avocado (flavors just didn't work.) As far as drinks - I had one cocktail with tequila that was cloyingly sweet despite my asking the waitress for something not sweet. My hub had an $8 draft beer. That's not a misprint.
(3)
Alec Z.

First time at Alden & Harlow. The night had an incredibly strong start, but ended on a weak note. The restaurant is quite spacious and overall accommodating, however, there is an underlying smoky/burning smell that is just strong enough to be bothersome. We started with drinks, a mimosa and a Sixpoint Rye beer. Both offerings were great, with the mimosa having the right balance of alcohol to OJ. Our first two plates, the charred broccoli and the corn pancakes were sublime. The butternut squash purÃ©e in combo with the cashews was the highlight of the evening. The corn pancakes were excellent as well, with a fantastic depth of flavor while being not heavy at all. After this point, our night took us from the peak of enjoyment to letdown. Next our were the skate wing and the angelotti. The skate wing was not properly cooked, with the texture hovering between crisp and mushy. It was lacking a consistent texture throughout. The filling of the angelotti was delicious, but the pasta Itself was too thick and pasty, which left a lot to be desired. For dessert, we had the smoked chocolate bread pudding, which was rated a top 5 Boston dessert by tastetrekkers.com . This was easily our least favorite dish of the night. I understand smoking something to add to the complexity of the overall flavor, but the smoked flavor was so overpowering that we couldn't taste the sweetness of the bread pudding. It was a huge letdown for us, and a dish we don't plan to order again. Overall, we would return to Alden & Harlow. We enjoyed the complexity of flavors in each dish. However, quality control needs to be further emphasized, and please calm it down with the smoke flavors.
(2)
Tin H.

Two stars because of service at the front . We checked in at 10:30 reservation . Within 10 min we have ask if our table ready ! Nope by one of host ! 15 min later not a word from any of the three host ! We check again if we prefer a small table we can be seated . We were seat at 11 . Drinks were very good! Waiter was attentive ! Foods were ok ! I would not go back for foods ! Drinks may be ! Plenty of are restaurants would treat me better with service and foods !
(2)
Lisa R.

One of the best gastropubs I've been to anywhere in the country. Two people can eat AND drink VERY WELL for way under $100. Cool speakeasy vibe with an impressive liquor and spirits collection. From the great bartenders (sit at the bar for dinner...trust me): amazing rye whiskey and bourbon cocktails. Stand-out small plates: chicken fried rabbit kicked up a bit with chili oil (crunchy, spicy bit-o-heaven), Berkshire pork belly with snappy pig bacon (yum) and lick-the-plate-and-get-slapped-by-your-mama grits with roasted peaches, charred broccoli with squash and blossom hummus (so friggin good), and homemade potato chips with three-onion dip. Skip the pricier, louder places and do NOT miss this place!
(5)
Natalie D.

I found this place by googling "best lunch in boston." There was a whole article about how this place is new and has a speakeasy vibe. After seeing other reviews- I was sold. I had to come here! It turned out to the best brunch I've ever had! The staff was awesome, knowledgeable and spoke highly of the food. Each dish was tasty and made to perfection. Definitely try the pickled pancakes and the torched fruits!!
(5)
Joel M.

Went for dinner on a busy night, and my friend and decided to put our name in for a space at the bar. We ordered about 4-5 plates to share, which was also what the two groups to our left and right did. This caused all sorts of confusion for the wait staff, as some of our plates went to the people to our right, the order was all messed up for the people on our left, and everyone from the foodrunners to our bartenders really had no idea who was supposed to be getting what or when or whether plates had already been served. At the end of the day our neighbors got some of our food which we didn't realize to the end when bills came out. In any case the food was really good. All of our plates would range from the good to excellent, and despite their ability to fire food correctly, the bartenders are really good at their core job, making drinks! Based on the overall experience I would probably give this place 2-stars, but the combination of a busy night, gnocchi and fantastic coffee drink at the end of the night bumped it up to a 3. I suspect if you go to get a table you'd be much closer to a 4-5 star experience!
(3)
Rafi S.

My girlfriend and I stopped in here for drinks after a movie at the Brattle Theater on a lark. We ended up staying until closing. The staff was warm, friendly, and attentive, but never in our faces. We ordered the plate of smoked olives, baked almonds, and hots in citrus oil. Finally, bar food that doesn't consist of (X) food breaded and deep fried. I also enjoyed the complimentary picked green beans. Between the food, ambiance, and staff, I can't wait to come back again. Perhaps next time we'll go for a whole meal.
(5)
Lauren S.

Boston has been starved of truly noteworthy, wonderful dining experiences for years. I've lived in this city for 4 years now, and this was hands down the best meal I've had in Boston. I was immediately blown away by the number of appealing items on the menu. It's like the menu was designed just for me: lots of vegetables, great pairings, really well-described dishes. For two people we ordered about 6 plates and a few cocktails. The burrata was a standout (as burrata often is) and the corn cakes were creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Many of the menu items challenged me to take baby steps outside of my comfort zone. Whole grilled octopus tentacle? Initially scary, but actually phenomenal. There were a few dishes that were flops, in my opinion, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were removed from the menu a few weeks later. Clearly the restaurant is receptive to what works and what doesn't, and I'm glad to be one of their guinea pigs. Maybe my review was colored by the fact that I wasn't paying. For small, shared plates, this is a somewhat highly priced restaurant. Still, I think it's worth every penny.
(5)
Michelle S.

Great food and awesome service. It does get extremely busy, so don't plan on walking in and getting a table without a long wait. This is a small-plate place, and they timed the plates perfectly. Everything we got was delicious, the pancakes are a must.
(5)
Chris G.

After hearing and reading about Alden & Harlow for the past several months, we decided to give it a try. We easily got a reservation a few days in advance for Saturday at 7:30... a prime time. We found the subterranean location rather easily, as opposed to some other reviews. The restaurant is a quick walk from the busway entrance/exit of the Harvard Square Red Line T Stop. Immediately, we were impressed by the rustic ambience of the restaurant. Exposed brick and raw wood beam infrastructure make a tight space seem large. The lighting was warm and inviting and the place setting was clean. Our server was nice. He greeted us with an explanation of the style of the restaurant and what to expect, and explained to us that the menu worked from lighter fare to heavier fare, from left to right . Since the style is self-proclaimed "American tapas", we were excited to try a few different items off the menu, but were a bit discouraged about the price points of several of the items. The food seems a little pricey for the amount provided, but it was delicious. A&H might be a bit ambitious for patrons who aren't used to a menu that encourages the customer to try different plates to experiences the breadth of the chef... like Oleana, for example. But on to the food. Chips and Three Onion Dip: a good start (fitting right into the mold of an "American" joint... who doesn't love chips and dip?). The homemade chips were a fun and delicious way to start the meal. The dip was out of this world. Don't pass on this. Charred Broccoli: broccoli was cooked perfectly (any wannabe grill-stars no how hard it is to master the perfectly cooked piece of broccoli on a grill - A&H did it!) and the squash hummus and cashew crumble were addicting. Great play of texture with this choice. Mesquite Tortellini: we learned from our server that the "mesquite" referred to the type of flour used (who knew?). The cheese and non-fishy fish oil were a great addition to this fun yet surprisingly filling small plate. All in all, we will return to try more of the delicious small plates that A&H has to offer, but would like to see the price points altered to reflect the size and impact that these small plates have on the consumer. Don't get us wrong - it was delicious and worth going to, but I eat at places like Oleana, Russell House, etc. all the time, and this place didn't stand out from that crowd enough to deserve the prices on the menu.
(3)
diana s.

Amazing service, great food and ambiance! Brocolli and squash hummus is amazing as is the Japanese eggplant!!! The kale salad was creamy and delicious! Had the secret burger: flavors were really nice, but I couldn't get over the texture of my medium rare meat. Guess just a personal preference! Next time I'll try it medium!!!
(5)
Marilyn P.

Our eyes were way bigger than our stomach but it was worth it. Most of the dishes we ordered (8 +) were excellent. The pickled corn pancakes were unbelievably good. The lamb belly was a little to fatty for my taste but it was like our 8th plate so I couldn't fit much in me. I will definitely have to come back for their secret burger they ran out of when I was there.
(5)
Becca C.

Wow, I was incredibly impressed with the meal we had at Alden & Harlow. The food the kitchen produces on a nightly basis is consistently tasty and pair amazingly with the craft cocktails being produced by the great bartenders. This is a great place for a girl's night or a cozy date night. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Harold K.

Got stuck in the greater Boston area last last year and decided to spend a few extra days in town additional. I rarely get to the Northeast so I figured I'd visit some historic landmarks and enjoy the town. On the third night I wandered into Alden & Harlow, pretty crowded so I sat at the bar. I ordered the Secret Burger and a Kale Salad. The burger has this massive salty bun and it was amazing! Kale Salad is hard to mess up and it tasted delish, too. Had a few beers to drink and the bartender was always quick to respond and checked on me often. Over all it was a great place and if I find myself in the area again, I will be back. I want try their swordfish belly and rabbit!
(4)
Jon C.

It was my first time there and I have to say, couldn't ask for a better meal or service. We arrived an hour before our reservation (mixed signals with our group) and asked if we could be seated early, it was maybe a 5 minute wait, even though the restaurant was very full. The staff was nice and really wanted to make sure we enjoyed our visit. The meals a little bit bigger than tapas, but ordered to share with the table. We ordered most of the menu! Everything was great, and they make it as you order it, so meals flow in or out as you dine, which gives you a feeling of not being overwhelmed and also gives you time to try and enjoy everything. I will be back, can't say enough about how enjoyable this place is!
(5)
Sandy F.

We had the broccoli & squash hummus appetizer -- perfect start -- savory seared and a little spicy. Also each had the kale salad -- it is not to be missed. Split the special burger -- it's an 8 oz burger, so half seemed like plenty. It was amazing -- so much flavor, I don't even remember it all, but I loved it. Could skip the grilled avocado -- neither of us liked it. For dessert we split the smoked chocolate bread pudding -- really good and weird -- recommend it. I want to go back for the kale salad. Every day.
(5)
Maria D.

Hands down -- the best burger I have ever had. So utterly delicious and the chef really knows what he's doing. Excellent brewed tea, too.
(5)
Emir A.

Alden and Harlow has been without a doubt one of the best restaurants I have been to! This new restaurant in Harvard Square has everything going for it. The restaurant is located on a basement level place, so while inside you can lookup to the high windows and see the people walking by, unsuspecting of this amazing restaurant lurking beneath their feet. The restaurant is good for both couples and larger groups. The restaurant style consist of small sharable plates, with some menu items such as the burger allowing for the option to have your own entree. We tried the octopus and the corn pancakes. Both were amazingly delicious. The corn pancakes in particular were bizarre in presentation, as they come served with peppers and kettlecorn, nonetheless deserving of their position as one of this restaurants most popular items. We also tried the burger, and I must say that it can outshine any other in flavor and quality. We accompanied our meal with several of their interesting cocktails. They sounded all like weird experimental combinations, which actually turned out to be very delicious and well prepared drinks. We finished our dinner with a chocolate tart which was absolutely amazing and a great closing to a delightful dinner. It is very evident that Alden and Harlow puts a lot of effort into their menu, and into keeping good service and a good ambience. It is definitively my top favorite restaurant in Cambridge by far, and I will surely keep coming to check out and enjoy their innovative dining experience!
(5)
James G.

Alden and Harlow was an unbelievable experience. Right from the start, you are greeted with complementary sparkling water, which I have never seen, anywhere. Their bar area and philosophy is reminiscent of what you would find at Wink &Nod or Drink, very classic and almost prohibition-era inspired. Instead of a big mound of bread and cold butter packets to start the meal, you get these fantastic pickled green beans, lovely. For a party of two people, we ordered two "snacks" and why of the small plates. Menu reads left to right as small to larger. Kale Salad - Larger than you might expect, really fresh and tasty, great start. However while it was tasty, the same could be found from say Cheesecake Factory, onward! Baby Brussels - Now we're getting a little special, very tasty and very well-seasoned. Polenta - Outrageous, like no other polenta I have had, so creamy and delicious, and the smoked mushrooms added a ton. Grilled cauliflower - I have had no other cauliflower like this before, cashew crumble and smoked onion vinaigrette on top. It's unreal, it's as if I was eating the best veggie tempura of all time. Highly recommended place, unique items. No salt and pepper shakers, (at least on the night I visited.) This shows confidence in the kitchen.) If I even had to search for something even remotely negative to say, it's that if you're at the back of the restaurant, with the open kitchen, your clothes might smell like food for a day or two. This however is not a problem for me, but others seem to be a bit more pompous. Also, and this is not a criticism, be aware that items arrive when they are made, ie a Kale Salad will show up in 3 minutes, but the cauliflower that needs to be slow roasted might take 40 minutes to arrive. So prepare for that. Enjoy!
(5)
John S.

Went here over graduation. Cool vibe, good food, and everyone was friendly. Now so for my other dining experiences in the square. Thanks A&H for staying solid
(4)
Kavya S.

I'm so confused how this restaurant has such high reviews? I really didn't enjoy the food, service, or ambiance. Thankfully I was with great company ;) Let me go through my experience with some detail-- FOOD: The food was very original, but didn't necessarily taste very good? There was no dish among the 8 dishes we ordered that I was impressed with, except for possibly the corn pancakes. Everything tasted kind of bland, and when there were flavors, I didn't feel that the flavors and textures worked well together. Additionally, we got the dark chocolate dessert option, and the bread appeared to be burnt? AMBIANCE: I went to the restaurant at 6:30pm, and it was already incredibly dark. For that time of day, I definitely think there should have been more light. It created somewhat of a weird ambiance inside. SERVICE: The service was fine, but not outstanding. For instance, it would have been nice for the restaurant to comp the dessert since it was a birthday dinner. Additionally, I felt that often times I had no water in my glass and was waiting around for it to get filled! I'd recommend skipping the restaurant for the food. Perhaps the late night drinks / snacks experience is a lot better!
(2)
Kate H.

We had high expectations for our visit here. All in all, mediocre dishes and service less than we would expect at these prices.
(2)
Julie G.

I'm giving Alden & Harlow 4 stars because I can't deny it's amazing ambiance, impressive service, & fairly tasty (for the most part) dishes. That having been said, it's way overpriced considering the portions, & not every dish is worth the price. The kale salad was lemony, creamy yet light, with a nice combination of raw thinly-chopped kale combined with crunchy fried kale, topped off with salty pistachios. The secret burger was sold out. Hmph. Gr. Wah. The fried rabbit was coated in so much panko that I couldn't even tell if it was rabbit or chicken in the middle, & it didn't really matter because it was really just an underwhelming, somehow nondescript flavor. The blue cheese, apple, celery, radish & chili oil surrounding it unfortunately still didn't make the dish a success. I'm glad I ordered 2 dishes (as recommended) because they were so small, but my friend ordered pasta carbonara & it ended up being so much food that she couldn't even finish it (luckily she didn't order a side, despite being sneakily encouraged to by our waiter). So it wasn't a bad meal by any means, but for the price? I probably won't go back. Unless that damn burger isn't sold out...
(4)
James C.

I have been here twice. once at the bar and once at a table. at the bar I was with my roommate and we were trying their cocktails. the second time my gf/fiancee were celebrating our engagement with dinner and drinks. the first time the bartender and head bartender (Mary and Seth) were informative, friendly and inviting. all of the drinks and food were were amazing. the most recent visit, today, our server (Catherine [sp.]) was friendly enemy and knowledgeable. I snuck off while my new fiancee was on the phone with an out of town friend accepting congrats and grabbed the server. I told her what was up with the engagement and asked for a round of bubbly when our drinks were low. her timing was perfect and the MOD treated us unexpectedly to the round. Amazing! All of our friends (and our customers as we are both industry) will hear how great this place is.
(5)
Eliza W.

Oh man this place was SO GOOD. I had a friend coming into town and thought we and our significant others could try this place out. We ended up being about 15 minutes late and I called at our reservation time to say we were delayed. They were really understanding and nice, and when we arrived we were seated right away with no trouble. The food took a while to come out at first, but once it did it kept coming. The beers took a little bit to come back, also, but we had a couple servers that would swing by our table and take our order regularly so I think it was just a busy night. The food was amazing. I'm a super picky, unadventurous eater. My friend hates any pork and also has an aversion to a lot of condiments and sauces. However, we were both crazy about the food and only had one dish we weren't crazy about out of ten. Our SOs are dumpsters so they loved everything. I noticed a few people mentioned the music being loud, but it wasn't this time. Maybe the company heeded the reviews, maybe we were seated further away from the speakers, but my friends didn't even notice there was music until I mentioned it. It was a great atmosphere to chat and catch up. The reason this is 4 instead of 5 stars is the price is pretty steep for the portion of food. I get it- tapas. Understood. But it was really a bite of food a person for some dishes at $15 a plate. I loved the food, the atmosphere, the drink selection was FANTASTIC, and the staff was friendly and reasonably fast. I just think the price for the amount of food was a little too high for my taste and will be a huge deterrent in returning there.
(4)
A. A.

Great addition to Harvard sq. Waitstaff was great & very accommodating. Highlights: kale salad, butternut squash salad, corn pancakes, BEEF CHEEKS, pork belly Could've done without: tortellini, carrots, rabbit, and the grilled lamb Hated: parsnip cobbler, and their dark chocolate dessert. I heard their bread pudding is too smokey. These were all their desserts. I'm going back for sure! But not for dessert.
(4)
Lynn C.

bartenders we're very friendly and knowledgable. the drinks were on par with the description on the menus. didn't try the food - but the place smelled delicious! definitely coming back here for dinner!
(4)
Ernest T.

Loved this place. Stayed in Boston for the week at sales conference and stopped by here with a co- worker for a bite to eat. Full meal including cauliflower / cashews/ onion dip as starters, local catch for entree and smoked chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Everything was delicious and the service did not disappoint. Highly recommend
(5)
Snowdrops C.

Nice vibe. Food was average in terms of both price and quality. But not a bad place to take your date.
(4)
Cate G.

To start with the ambiance is really nice. You do not expect the restaurant to be so big when you walk down to it because it is below ground level, but it is huge. We started with the hummus, mussels and rabbit. All were delicious. Finished with the tortellini and 3 onion dip. Recommend starting with the 3 onion dip, it was a little much at the end. The people next to us had the secret burger and complained that everything was too salty. Their meal was comped, but my friend and I believe they were pulling a scam because we had delicious dishes.
(4)
Kristin M.

Most memorable and delicious dinner I've had in recent memory. Go hungry, and go planning on spending the evening there. My friend and I ordered lingered for over 3 hours, ordering ongoing small plates. Server was excellent, had great recs on wine for us. But the most important part: the food - you must order the pancakes and pork belly. Secret burger was sold out by the time we ate dinner at 9 but I hope to try it on a future visit.
(5)
Maurits G.

So started with a Saint George Gin Martini. Excellent!! Went to the lamb sirloin amazing. Duck: amazing. The breaded and fried was unique and awesome. The Pork belly was soooo flavouful as was the bread budding. All in all 5 stars from me. Sat at the bar with great service and suggestions/advice.
(5)
Dan L.

Alden and Harlow has a great atmosphere, sort of Farm-to-Table meets Harvard Square. The service was great -- prompt and knowledgable servers. The food was good but did not blow us away. The best dish we had was the burrata. Striped bass and tortellini were definitely good too. A bit pricey for the quality of the food. I would go back but only after I went to a number of other great small plates / tapas restaurants in the Boston area.
(3)
Jesse R.

Alden & Harlow should be the model of restaurants of the future. They get it! Maybe slightly to warm(temp) then I prefer, but not that big of a deal. Everything else hits on all cylinders, which is crazy considering how new they are... Craft drinks without being pretentious. A decor/ambience that fits all types. From a buzzing little bar area to a nice little hide-a-way nook. Right lighting, right music, right service. The food is the star by far though. I'm an eater and love sharing plates. Pan roasted clams with pig tail ragu served with herb and garlic laced bread was perfect and so far my fav dish. But it doesn't stop there. From the mussels crostini to the pork belly to the butternut squash salad. Even the pickled green beers they serve as a "bar snack" on the house.... Place can be rocking busy yet you can still feel comfortable with volume level.. Have been back several times and get excited for my next trip every time. Could def see myself being a weekly regular there especially since they serve food till last call(12:45 weekdays/1:45 weekends). I don't usually yelp bc I feel far too many people have an opinion that's usually negative and bias bc of their own ignorance. But if my one 5 star review helps even a little a feel I have done my part
(5)
Karen M.

Went here on Sunday evening, plenty of seats open at the huge wrap around bar, it was early. The vibe is casual, sort of farmhouse juxtaposed with industrial. The bartenders are all friendly, knowledgeable and on top of it without being intrusive. I had glass Lambrusco and BF had nice bonarda/barbera from Emilia Romana, great matches for their special of the night a pork pate with pickled asparagus and fennel. They serve pickled(seems to be a theme) green beans at bar with sesame, very tasty. The pate was wonderful, couple next to us were having burgers that they proclaimed were awesome as they devoured them, maybe next visit we'll go that route. And there will be a next visit, definitely need to try more of their small plates and snacks. A must.
(5)
Oldwin M.

I don't know how this restaurant will survive in Harvard Square without catering to kids. Please put a simple pasta dish and a simple non so "secret" burger with regular non-fancy cheddar cheese on the menu and we may return.
(1)
Lauren E.

Three and a half stars. Hello boston! Really enjoyed the experience. Restaurant has a cool, very distinct design. Staff were helpful and pleasant. Food was a little on the salty side, but I appreciated the imaginative combinations and great use of seasonal ingredients. Corn fritter pancakes were the most memorable dish - sprinkled with popcorn, too. After mentioning that we had a vegan in our group, the chef offered to create a dish on the spot. It involved homemade pasta, ramps, sweet corn, and green pea shoots, exquisitely pleasing my vegan desires. Overall, preparation was good. If you like corn, hit them up asap- you can even get a cocktail with corn purÃ©e and cock bourbon and maple liqueur. Music was banging and there's rumors that the biggie hologram is gonna be spinning aug 24 for all day brunch.
(3)
Patrick R.

What a great space! It's got a great vibe the minute you walk in. The food was top notch. We had a mushroom dish with a 60 degree egg that was so awesome. I'm a sucker for well seasoned mushrooms and soft eggs so both together seemed like they new I was coming. My big complaint about restaurants now is I always think the music is too loud. It wasn't here. It was there, you could hear it, but you could also talk and not shout. Our waiter was great. He helped my wife with a wine choice and offered a tasting before ordering. I think A&H will be one of those places in Harvard SQ we talk about for a long time.
(5)
Ella P.

Every item ordered has been absolutely delicious. Be ready to order at least 3 plates a person. The cocktail is fabulous as well! Great to go on a date w ur guy. The best of the night - mussels, lamb, kale salad, and the corn pancakes. Honestly so impressed with this place.
(5)
Tim A.

this place is so so so good. love the ambiance, the service, and most of all the food. every single dish my girlfriend and i had was impeccable. we started with the yams, which were just insanely flavorful and were the best yams i've ever had in my life. then we had the market crudo, which was scallop, and it was fresh and delicious. then we had the chicken fried local rabbit, which was like a tasty upscale take on a hot wing. it was seasoned perfectly and had great flavor. then we had the daily special, which was a squid ink pasta with snails. the squid ink was perfectly briney, with hints of richness from the guanciale and earthiness from the snails. and finally, we finished with the lamb, which was smoky and perfectly cooked. i'm sure the desserts would have been wonderful as well, but by that point we were stuffed! can't wait to go back again next time in boston. highly recommended.
(5)
Melissa D.

I really liked Alden & Harlow. The decor was very simple and nice and everything our group had we enjoyed. Two of us had the Rabano cocktail, and while we enjoyed the taste, the smell of the cocktail was a little off-putting - smelled a bit like trash but once we got over that, we enjoyed it. My favorite and recommended dishes: the heirloom eggs, corn pancakes, pork belly, and blue fish. Everything was well plated and executed. The wait staff was friendly and very helpful when recommending dishes to meet certain dietary needs. I would definitely go back to Alden & Harlow.
(5)
Bailey T.

The menu was inventive and therefore ordering was difficult- what to choose when you want it ALL?! I went for brunch (3 of us), and we had six dishes. My personal favorite dish was the smoky cheese grits, however everything we ordered was delicious. The ubiquitous kale salad was unusual for its roasted kale chips as a crouton-like topping; the secret burger (with the egg) was gooey, crusty and a bit messy to share with others. Benne crusted green tomatoes were delicious, however it was mostly crust - I couldn't taste or see the tomatoes. Don't mistake that as a complaint- it was a light, crispy treat. Dave's sausage and potato skillet was hearty and plate-licking good. The house-made carbonara was meaty, buttery and felt sinful to eat. Attentive, informed service. I appreciate the attention to detail throughout the whole experience. Very cool ambiance, my favorite design elements were the reclaimed wood throughout and live succulents on tables and windowsills. I was skeptical of the tapas-style menu at first, however when it comes to brunch it was really awesome to have family style service and have the opportunity to sample so much of the menu. I eagerly await my next trip.
(5)
Kelly H.

This restaurant is great. We went once for a lunchtime burger during Cambridge Mayfair, and again last night for dinner. Cocktails are flavorful and mature (read: not too sweet), and every single dish was outstanding. We had the kale salad, buratta, bluefish, and beef neck. All delicious- every dish had a great balance of savory, sour, sweet. The housemate pickles are great as well. Will recommend to anyone looking for a perfect dinner in Cambridge.
(5)
Nicole V.

Our large group ordered nearly everything on the menu and shared. Notable dishes were the Chicken Fried Rabbit (Amazing!) and Butternut Squash Salad. I would stay away from the House Made Squid Ink Bigoli, as it had no acid--mandarin oranges would be a good addition I think. Overall, we were expecting more from the food but we would dine here again. The cocktails and service were great--it was a fun place, but it didn't have the food to match. Looking forward to their brunch!
(3)
Jill B.

Been here a couple times, once on a Tuesday and then on a Saturday. Kale salad - amazing. Drinks- amazing. They have a house bitter on tap that I am in love with. The burger is a well flavored mix of meat catering to those that need a good drinking base. Mushroom and egg has potential. Oysters gratin is rich rich rich with flavor and the crunchiness of the uni toast provides good texture contrast. Did I mention it was rich? I couldn't eat this every night, although i would want to! Great atmosphere, speak-easy underground type stuff. Bartenders were warm and friendly on Saturday, aloof and couldn't be bothered on Tuesday. Mid week blues maybe? I'll be back because the food and drinks are consistent while being interesting and fairly locally sourced. None of the desserts struck me, I'd rather indulge in a hot fudge sundae than a couple pieces of chocolate or a bread pudding, but that is my personal preference.
(4)
Manish G.

The food was fresh and the service was great if you ask they get it for you. They are kind and the food is great and if you have allergies they ask you if you have allergies.
(4)
Jim R.

Creative, nicely presented small plates. Interesting wine list. Lively atmosphere, but conversation is still possible. Been several times and will return.
(4)
Eugene M.

We came away from this first visit to Alden & Harlow tremendously impressed. Four of us tried eight separate items, and we devoured every one with great relish. Indeed, the oysters rockefeller was so superb that we did another round of those babies. We felt that the vegetarian and seafood dishes in general were strongest, with the meat items a bit less impressive. The secret burger didn't seem to warrant such a snazzy title. All the dishes were creatively conceived, with some kind of twist or surprise that elevated it beyond the ordinary. One of the few places in Harvard Square worth the hassle of the driving and parking headaches that comes with the neighborhood.
(5)
Husain K.

We recently went with a group of 8 to Alden & Harlow. There is an awesome spot near the front of the restaurant for larger groups with a sidewalk view. Though it can get to be annoying every five mins when ppl are looking down at you eating! The portions of appetizers are very small but packed with flavor! Squash Hummus, Burrato, and kale salad were tasty. We also tried the Beef Tartar which was definitely an acquired taste. The majority of our group ordered the New York Strip steak since the secret burger had run out. Make sure you try to eat an earlier dinner if you want any chance at eating a secret burger. They make a limited stock each day. Anyway the NY strip was amazing cooked medium rare. One of the best steaks I've had in a very long time. Juicy, flavorful, tender. I wished I had ordered the 16 oz instead of the 8 oz! The waiter Matt, was also extremely helpful and very patient with our large group. Will definitely be back to try the secret burger. Alden & Harlow is a bit on the pricier side but you usually get what you pay for.
(4)
Phoebe C.

Every morsel of food, every sip of wine, beer, or cocktail, I am enamored. The wine list in my opinion is top in Harvard Square, actually offering a few beautiful Old World options, including the most reasonably priced sparkling food friend, Cava, theirs is a lovely rose from a consistent producer. Also notable is the choice to pour an Austrian St. Laurent by the glass, I'm sorry all I can say is, badass. Bottle service at the bar one night was a fantastic experience as well. That bar staff has a great, charismatic energy. A friend has a silly but cute habit of asking bartenders to make her something a pirate would drink and they absolutely delivered a beautiful drink with sincerity to please. The barbacks are even the most professional I've seen, attentive but not too imposing. And let's not forget, the food. Chef Scelfo has a beautiful sense of quality and composition. Every ingredient seems so carefully chosen to create delectable food that produces the type of giddy pleasure that we strive all too often to find. Reminds me of the type of food my farmer dad would cook, if my dad were a chef. Buratta, fiddleheads, Island Creek oysters, kale, snails, lamb... Things you wish you could eat everyday if you could put them together so well yourself. Seasonal delights, everything nice. Shout out to management on the floor, those ladies are awesome and involved. Another shout out to the redesign and decor. Cozy and earthy, it really solidifies the identity of this place. Love, love Alden and Harlow.
(4)
Sue I.

Good, but a little heavy handed on the oil and fat.. I felt like everything - including the vegetables - were drenched in oil. I was looking for some light vegetables to balance the heavy meat dishes and was met with equally heavy vegetables dishes! No denying that the food is good though, just wish I could feel good about eating it.
(2)
Jane O.

For dinner, this place is amazing. The food is a little off the beaten path, served small plates style, which makes sharing with friends that much better, and the decor gives the place a rustic edge without resorting to serving on gingham tablecloths. 5 stars for dinner. 3 stars for brunch though. Disappointing, for sure. It feels like they decided they just had to be open on Sunday mornings, so they threw together a mismatched menu of brunch cliches and flat out bad food (there's even a dish outright called Ubiquitous kale salad), then picked their worst servers and forced them to serve brunch. Awful. Averaging out, still 4 stars, mostly for really really delicious dinner.
(4)
K B.

Definitely try the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salt Ice Cream($9). I wasn't sure I would like it, but it was amazing! It was kind of like a smokey brownie cake, but it felt light at the same time. It was not too sweet and a great dessert to share between two or three people after dinner. We only came here for dessert, but also tried a snack ($8) because we were intrigued by the interesting combination of ingredients. The Carrot & Radish Top Strozzapretti, Pork Belly, Fennel, Raisin Butter was good, though I wasn't quite sure what I was eating. The service, atmosphere, and the two dishes we tried were great. I definitely want to go back to try more of the small plates and cocktails.
(5)
Audrey B.

We stopped in for a quick snack and cocktails to kick off the first date night in a while. Cocktails were wonderful, food was amazing. The charred broccoli was fantastic. Everything we had was perfect. We almost blew off our reservations at another restaurant to stay and sample more of the menu, but opted to come back until we've tried it all.
(5)
Haley B.

Such a great experience here! Definitely listen to the other reviews and get the Kale Salad - this was one of my favorites. Also loved the roasted broccoli and butternut squash hummus. I want that again. Right now. The Beets were decent and the burrata was really good. Would have like a little more honey or sweetness. The veggie dishes definitely out-shined the meat dishes. We also got the crispy pork belly and the steak. The steak was a good size but nothing special and the pork was good but pretty small for two people. And the grits were "meh" underneath. I would definitely go back for the veggie options! I wasn't actually impressed with the drinks. I'm not a whiskey fan and most of the drinks were whiskey. I got the one vodka drink on the menu and that was pretty good, although a little sweet. Would definitely come back!
(4)
Malu D.

Absolutely in love with this place! The roasted broccoli with sweet potato humus is to die for! The burger is lusciously good, and my husband can't stop having the kale salad. Last week we went there again and discovered the buttermilk fried chicken: a new must! Thanks heavens for this place!
(5)
Rithima K.

Good place to have dinner with a group of friends. We ordered the pickled verill farm corn pancakes which I absolutely loved, overall the food was good. For dessert we got the smoked chocolate bread pudding , I love my desserts slightly on the sweeter side so I did not enjoy it but my friends seemed to like it. Drinks were good, the service was a bit slow, other than that no complains.
(4)
Ambreen D.

I had high hopes based on all the reviews. We went there for brunch, ordered their burger which was supposed to be one of the best in Boston and were greatly disappointed - patty and bun both over charred. On a positive note, ambience was great!
(2)
Pradeep N.

Superb vegetarian options: corn pancakes, charred broccoli, brussels sprouts, burrata (definitely get the broccoli)
(4)
Karina L.

Exceptional dinner with some exceptional service, decor, and (of course), food. The door is hard to find. You'll probably overshoot it, just like I've done the two times I've been here. The *8* of us came here for dinner and it was a lovely dinner. Will rank my dishes from the most amazing to just amazing. If you are a fan of Russell House Tavern (which I am), come here. If you aren't, come here anyway. (Note: the dishes are on the small side -- they recommended 18 dishes for the 8 of us, but we ended up ordering 16 and it was more than enough. The menu is arranged left to right from lightest to the heaviest.) 1- Do not forget to order their vegetables. To have my tastebuds blown with a kale salad is pretty impressive. The kale and pistachio-buttermilk vinaigrette and broccoli with butternut squash puree were phenomenal. They were the perfect combination of juicy, sweet, sour, salty, crunchy, and soft. Don't poo poo them just because they're veggie dishes. These two dishes seriously made my meal. 2- Berkshire pork belly - a heart-attack worthy amount of fat (in a good way -- isn't that what pork belly should be?) with savory grits. My favorite part was the strawberries paired with the grits. STRAWBERRIES. 3- Corn pancakes - hot, crunchy and buttery. A little bit of breakfast didn't hurt anybody. 4- Sweet corn gnocchi - FAT pieces of gnocchi, with fresh zucchini. The gnocchi isn't your average chewy gummy gnocchi -- they were crunchy on the outside and firm on the inside. 5- Chicken fried rabbit -- who knew rabbit could be so juicy? 6- We finished off with the clams and the carbonara, which were both delicious and meaty, but both were a little bit salty. Didn't phase us one bit, though, they were still excellent and solid choices. Cocktails were superb (get the Prometheus Fire). Overall, a great experience. As my friend explained perfectly during dinner: Alden & Harlow's dishes are remarkably simple, but each dish comes with a little bit of a surprise that makes it unforgettable. A filling meal and a cocktail put me at right under $50.
(5)
Keo H.

This place has been on my radar for months now and we finally stopped in for a try. The environment: Calm, swanky, trendy, sophisticated - Harvardy feel. The service: Eh...I think our waiter woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But he went home & we got a very nice replacement waitress who was prompt on service. The food: 3 words - artsy, unique & delicious! Chicken fried local rabbit didn't come out like I expected. I expected a fried rabbit body part w/ steamed veggies on the side. But NO! It came out very gourmet looking & tasted just as good as it looked. Squared mix of the rabbit w/delicately placed shaved & cut herbs and vegetables. Bone marrow croquetta yummy with flavor, texture & presentation. Great mix of potatoes and bone marrow with grapefruit, sage & palmegranite. The desserts & drinks just add on to what a great experience we had. Thumbs up. A must try venu. A place worth the price you pay. Hollywood prices for hollywood flavors. Lol....
(5)
Summer B.

Excellent food and ambience! It's the type of place where you can get away with jeans & a tshirt, or fancy business attire. We sat at a table under the windows and loved the atmosphere. The beer list offered a great selection and paired well with the food. The family style dining proved to be perfect, though the portions would not have been large enough had it been more than 2 people. Everything we ate was delicious - charred broccoli with butternut squash hummus and the fried bok choy were my favorites! The service was good, the food was fantastic. It's the perfect date night, and I will be back
(5)
Dan G.

Holy cow! Alden & Harlow certainly lived up to the hype...plus some! I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now and finally got the opportunity. Even a week in advance they were busy but I was able to snag a reservation for a Tuesday night. There is plenty of street parking but can be tough to come by so be prepared for that. Once we started walking the down the stairs to the entrance I didnt realize it was in the basement but man was I wrong. Plenty of space and windows. Plus the restaurant is huge! We were seated near the kitchen, the more open area of the dining room. Once we sat down we were greeted energetically by our waiter. We placed our drink orders and he recommended we place our order for the burger since they usually run out but it was too late. Several seconds later he came back and said they ran out, no big deal since there was plenty to choose from. The waiter suggested we order six dishes for the three of us to split, so thats what we did. We tried to balance out our dinner by lighter and heavier and I think we were successful. We ordered the Heirloom Eggs, Kale Salad, Grilled Spanish Mackerel, Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly, Corn Pancakes and Hickory Smoked Bigoli. My favorite were the Bigoli and Kale salad. Everything was so good that it was hard to pick a favorite. Splitting six dishes was the perfect amount, so i commend my waiter! I didn't know what to think of the heirloom eggs so I would best describe them as hardboiled eggs with crunch garlic. The Kale Salad was so good in a light pistachio dressing. The first thing I did when i got home was to find a pistachio dressing. The mackerel was quite good, very moist but crispy on the outside. Pork belly was soo good, just indescribable. Corn pancakes were so tasty and came with a sweet cream sauce and homemade popcorn! My other favorite was the bigoli which ive never had before. It was a long thick tube of pasta with an egg oozing on top in a delicious anchovy butter sauce. It is important to mention is that I wasn't over stuffed, I was just the right amount of fullness (which is a good thing).One thing I liked was the interesting combinations of ingredients that I would obviously not have thought about combining. Everything we had was amazing! The next day we were all talking about when we wanted to go back. Highly recommend just be prepared to spend a pretty penny...but sooo worth it!
(5)
Xue L.

Excellent restaurant! Every dish we shared was delicious and unique, which is rare. The charred broccoli, kale salad and chicken thighs were especially good. Great cocktails too! It's also a large-ish restaurant, making it perfect for big groups. Finally, a good, trendy but not overpriced restaurant in the square!
(5)
Anchisa P.

4.5 stars. Lots of creative modern American dishes. Been there for brunch and dinner - had great food both times. Would recommend.
(4)
Kelly O.

I'm digging this cool space. It's way bigger than I initially thought, with all kinds of seating arrangements and areas, plus a really long bar. With its casual and cool but still classy vibe and wicked friendly/attentive staff, I could see this place being good for anything from a date to a family outing to a business lunch, and the menu of small seasonal plates has a little something for everyone (the drinks menu is also interesting as well, including draft cocktails and some rareish beers). Between 2 of us, we got 1 burger and 3 plates, and I left satisfied but not overly full. You start off with a complementary plate of pickled green beans with sesame seeds, whcih was really refreshing and flavorful (was that cinnamon in there?). My $8 pistachio crusted halloumi with roasted cherry tomatoes was delightful; simple but excecuted really well with top notch ingredients. The $15 pork belly over grits with grilled peaches was a reasonably large portion, and was also done excellently and well worth the price (those peaches with an epelette pepper sauce were pretty awesome). The boy enjoyed his $15 secret burger and felt it was also worth the price, both size- and quality-wise. However, the $16 prawns a la plancha was a big disappointment: 2-3 medium sized shell-on shrimp cut in half, served under some pea shoots and over some creamy sauce. Take the shrimp out of their shells, and you only have a few small bland bites of food at best, not to mention the fact that each shrimp half was extremely gritty (which I hope to god was just seasoning and/or shrimp legs, and not actual grit/dirt/sand!). Nothing about this dish was good, and I still regret ordering it and wasting my $16 (should have sent it back, should have ordered the sweet corn gnocchi instead). That hiccup aside, everything else about my experience was pretty solid, so I'd be happy to return, and just choose more wisely.
(4)
Shaun S.

I love writing a review for a place that has so many reviews Alden & Harlow has been featured in countless media outlets. It's Secret Burger was featured on Food Channel the other day. All the food is pretty much top notch..service is great and the beer selection is great. Prices tend to be on the higher end for the portion size. If you go back late at night I heard the Secret Burger is available.
(5)
Karmen C.

I was extremely excited to try Alden & Harlow after lots of recommendations from friends but I wasn't too impressed. 1. The complimentary pickled green beans were way too salty, my friend and I had one bite and then put it off to the side 2. The special Bone Marrow Croquetta was mostly just fried dough, I didn't get much of the rich taste of bone marrow 3. The "Secret Burger" was tasty but most of the flavor came from the sauce, which completely covered up the taste of the meat. 4. I also tried the Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly - nothing that special Alden & Harlow says that all of their dishes are made to share but way most of these dishes are served isn't really conducive to sharing. They give you one piece of pork belly and it was basically impossible to cut in half because the skin was so fried. Their service was good, nothing to complain about. Might give this place another try but really nothing to rave about.
(3)
Marissa L.

I had a 9 pm reservation on a Friday. When we showed up (party of 2), our table wasn't ready so they suggested we have a drink at the bar. However, when we went to the bar, we were ignored by the bartender and stood there for 15 minutes without even getting a chance to order a drink. The bar area wasn't even that crowded. By the time we got seated (approximately 15-20 min after our reservation time), I was starving and hoping that the service would improve. Unfortunately table service was just as slow. Despite all the service problems (hence the 3 stars), I would come back for the food. We tried several "tapas" style plates. Our favorites were the carbonara (which is made with ground up pork belly) and the corn pancakes (which had an amazing maple/cream sauce and was topped with popcorn). The pork belly and grits dish was just too salty and the grits were too runny. The bread pudding tasted like a campfire, which was amazing! The cocktail list was extensive and inventive - I loved the Mai Tai and want to return to try more drinks.
(3)
Anthony B.

Last night was my second visit to Alden & Harlow, and it surpassed what was already an amazing first meal. Scelfo is creating dishes that no one else in town is doing, it's such an exciting restaurant to experience. The food, the vibe, the service, the cocktails...everything is seriously on point. I was hosting some friends from out of state, so I obviously wanted to show them some good eats. They all agreed: last night at A&H is officially in the pantheon of best dinners we've ever had. I'm a Toro and Neptune Oyster die hard, but Alden & Harlow officially takes the cake for my favorite restaurant in Boston/Cambridge!
(5)
James M.

Pretentious to the nth degree. Their burgers were featured on The Food Network as one of the best in the Boston area. We went in on a Friday night at 6:30pm, excited by the opportunity to try them for ourselves. But to our dismay the waiter informed us that they "were out of burgers for the night." At 6:30pm. On a Friday night. Ha. You're kidding right. A cleverly disguised plot to create buzz for your restaurant or a stupid decision made by the owners? You decide.
(1)
Alexandra M.

L'huile et le sel. Ã€ outrance. But the broccoli dish...... To die for! But seriously... Heavy hands on oil and salt. Calmes toÃ©
(3)
Katie C.

Believe the hype. This place is great. I was worried I had my expectations set too high after hearing so many rave reviews, but Alden & Harlow did not disappoint. I think it's actually risen to the top of my favorite restaurants list. The service was good, the ambiance was vibrant and warm, the food was delicious, and the prices felt right. While the portions weren't huge, ordering an extra plate didn't break the bank either. Highlights included the corn cakes and the secret burger.
(5)
Cassie W.

American Tapas.....is that another way to say overpriced small servings? Food: Interesting combinations and very small portions and no the complimentary green beans didn't make up for it. For an $18 Charred Swordfish and Avocado one would expect a full meal but one would be wrong. They recommend 3-4 plates for 2 people. That's 80 dollars just for tapas, excluding drinks. The avocado was grilled which was a delicious twist but the swordfish was average. I also got the clams and cauliflower, both adequate. The clams were too salty and the cauliflower too mushy. Atmosphere: It was based on this alone this place would get 5 stars. Elegant, Dim lighting and creative fixtures for an overall trendy look. The crowd matches the atmosphere- mid twenties to early thirties. Tips: Come to this place early, make a reservations or prepare to wait! they even reserve tables at the bar. Overall, there are better places to go in Harvard sq. Stop by Alden & Harlow for drinks before dinner to avoid the crowd. I'd rather have spent the 80 bucks on glasses of the delicious glass of wine I had.
(3)
Ray P.

Awesome dinner. Great staff. Head cheese fritter!!!! Chicken hearts!!!!!! Charred broccoli!!!
(5)
Joey M.

Going to Alden and Harlow was really a breath of fresh air. When I go out to eat I rarely find that dish where every bite I am blown away by the flavors and how unique and amazing they are. Alden and Harlow have that in spades. I had a cocktail that was a version of a Manhattan (i think) but slightly sweeter with more orange flavor. It was really pretty fantastic. I am veggie so I won't speak to the meat portions but we tried the broccoli & squash hummus, kale salad, 60 degree egg and pickled corn pancakes. Everyone was amazing and I savored every bite. The real winner was the broccoli and squash though. Perfect amount of char, sweet, spicy, salty all at once?!? HOW DID THEY DO THAT. If I tried to do that it would just taste burnt. I have to dock one star for the lack of and high price of the veggie small plates. Granted all the veggie plates are great, you'd still be hard pressed to make a meal out of them without breaking the bank seriously. At least having one more filling larger plate that doesn't include meat would be greatly appreciated! Overall though this is a MUST TRY!
(4)
TinoX T.

Clean Place,Nice Staff,Good Food
(3)
Michelle V.

I tried Alden & Harrow with my friends from New York. I knew I needed to find a place that was going to provide a great culinary experience and we were not disappointed. We ordered the charred broccoli, corn pancakes, charred swordfish belly, burrata and fried pistachio, kale and pork belly parppadelle pasta, and seared sausage for 3 people and it was just enough. They recommend you get about 2 per person. The portions are larger than tapas. Definitely get the broccoli and pancakes, those were my favorite! Our bill came out to about $95 for those 6 dishes so plan on spending about $40 per person (that does not include drinks!)
(4)
Anika G.

I'd read great reviews of Alden & Harlow online, and came here with a party of 2 on a weekday night. I'd read that you had to make a reservation, so I made one for 5:45. (One of the few times that was left, and this was a Tuesday night!) The restaurant was pretty, but the food was excellent! Each dish we ordered had something unusual about it. The flavors had been combined in a really thoughtful way. The food wasn't cheap, but it wasn't hideously expensive either - tbh, this is what I've paid for other dinners in Cambridge that are far less memorable and original. The one note I would put out there is that I found the food to be somewhat heavy - as in, they definitely didn't skimp on the oil. But we also ordered from the "richer" side of the menu - they had a few salads and lighter fare on there. This was about four months ago and I don't remember the exact items we ordered, but I would definitely recommend this for a fancy-ish dinner out, or for a special occasion. This is a great place to take your foodie friend who's visiting from out of town or just about anyone if one of you gets to expense the meal.
(4)
Yoon L.

Man, I can't gush enough about this place. I had their burrata, cauliflower, burger and pork belly. I actually didn't think their burger was that great, which was a bummer because people rave about it. It was way too salty for me, and too greasy. It overpowered all else I was having. However the pork belly was the best I've ever had. The crust on that baby was nothing that I've ever bitten into. The texture was pretty amazing. Cauliflower is worth going back to the next day for, which is exactly what I did. Loved the burrata. Those who love brussell sprouts would love their honey mini ones. Perfect bite each time.
(5)
Stephanie F.

Decided to check out Alden and Harlow early on a Thursday evening. The cocktails are simply top notch. Seriously, I will go back at some point just to grab a drink and some of the house pickled green beans. The food was good but not quite five star. The dishes were a bit hit or miss. When I say hit or miss I mean some were AMAZING and some were merely good. I didn't try any bad dishes there I was just disappointed by some of the flavor combinations. For example, the charbroiled oysters weren't bad but there was just too much going on in the dish flavor wise making the oysters feel like an after thought in the flavor profile. That being said I would absolutely go to Alden and Harlow again. Food was great, service was great, and I cannot wait to try more off their cocktail list!
(4)
Nicolay S.

Undeniably one of the top-3 restaurants in Cambridge, if not the Boston metro. The food is inventive without being overly fussy, and tasty as fuck. The menu changes quite often, but if you see something with corn and/or pork in it - get it! You can't go wrong with anything you order, but don't go for the default burger everyone seems to be raving about. There are so many better options out there! Don't forget to make a reservation... walk-ins may have to wait up to 30-40 mins for a table to open up, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. On the bright side, their cocktails are among the best in Boston. By the time you finish your second drink, you won't even mind eating at the bar.
(5)
Sarah C.

Goodness. Gracious. This dinner was exceptional. When a chef can blow your mind with a plate of vegetables, you know you've found a winner. I had heard so many great things, but was skeptical because I'm not a fan of Russell House Tavern. Don't be fooled - these two places are night & day. The atmosphere is lovely. The service is beyond impressive - our server knew every ingredient in every dish. We didn't order drinks (though if you like cocktails you probably should from what I hear; also they have a really nice looking list of mocktails), and decided to order on the fewer side and then add more if we were still hungry. 4 dishes was perfect for two of us. Items you MUST order: -Burrata & Salt Roasted Beets - do you like beets? do you like cheese? this plate is what dreams are made of. -Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Cakes - easily one of the most creative dishes of food I've had in Boston. Absolutely delicious, especially if you have a sweet tooth. I won't say much more or I'll ruin the surprise. Just, get it, and enjoy the hell out of it. I can't wait to go back and try everything else. ESPECIALLY the Secret Burger. I saw someone else get it and...well, I'd like to back tomorrow is all I'll say. I'm not sure why the server decided to comp our Stumptown (yes!) coffees (and i would have written everything above even if he hadn't) - perhaps because I told him explicitly to tell the chef how impressed we were, or because we asked for cream and first got milk, but either way it was a lovely surprise to end the meal. We tipped super extra. GO GO GO.
(5)
Ashley W.

Walking on clouds amazing. Our server was cute funny personable and extremely knowledgable on the food and drinks. Everything was delish and salt content was ON POINT (something I feel like chefs are hit or miss with). Our favorite was the grilled spring onions (HOLY CRAP), the kale salad, and the Griddled Cheese. Yes please. This place hit THE SPOT.
(5)
Matt L.

Double secret burger. Kid you not. Its a thing. Insane good. Start with chicken liver salad. Also a 9+. Yes, of course, there is duck fat in the accompanying bread. Yes, you will feel happy and slightly buzzed when you leave. Great spot.
(4)
Christine N.

I absolutely loved alden and harlow. I made a last minute reservation on a Thursday night for 9pm. I arrived about a half an hour early and hung out at the bar to have a drink. We got seated close to our reservation and looking at the menu, we wanted to order everything. But we looked around to see what other people were eating and made our choices. We had the chicken hearts which are seriously delicious. So delicious that we ordered a second plate. We had the charred broccoli.. I mean. You wouldn't think broccoli could be so damn good. But it's phenomenal. We had the fried rabbit, the fried chicken, and the pork belly. All very good. The fried chicken was a big portion and the pork fat biscuit was melt in your mouth, knock your socks off kinda biscuit. We also had the octopus and bone marrow croquettes. Not a fan of those. The bone marrow disappeared in the dish so it ended up being this soggy tater tot except tator tots are better. And the octopus could've used more octopus and less of everything else. Overall, I still give alden and harlow 5 stars. Because their food was delicious and their service was very nice and relaxed. Next time I go back, I know what not to order and what to order again.
(5)
Drew W.

My complimentary pickled greenbeans outshined the polenta who's mushrooms tasted like they were tossed in kraft bbq sauce, but the meat spiedini was phenomenal. The pepper relish underneath the spiedini can eff off back to yawkey way and sit over a neglected sausage. If given a choice between; eating kale and shoving a Flaming hot (spicy) Cheeto in my pee hole, Id choose the latter, but the umbilical cord kale salad might have given birth to a new era for me. Like when you tell kids every meat is "chicken" so they just eat it...I put my ear buds in so my girlfriend didnt ruin the experience for me by repeatedly saying the K word. That salad was delicious... Three small plates, 2 beers, and 1 mixed drink, came out to be north of $75 sans tip. With tapas portions, the bill will creep up easily at their price point on both food and drink. Based on the other reviews, it's a spot to visit for a limited secret burger, like a goddamn Franklin BBQ of Cambridge burgers. Try some of their other stuff, then go get Tasty Burger and crush $4 PBRs.
(3)
RJ B.

Great food all round. Of the several dishes we tried only a couple were misses. The most disappointing miss was the crispy pork belly because the crisp and the belly separated and you had to eat each separately. Eating pork crisp on its own is not fun. Otherwise a good eating experience from starters to main through dessert. Worth the hype.
(4)
Gregory L.

Very STUFFY and unwelcoming staff. The food was fine (mediocre) and better in pictures than in person. The atmosphere was modern and clean. Bottom line: there are other options nearby, with a better overall experience. Don't bother with this place.
(1)
Melissa P.

My friend and i came here for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. To start, we shared the heirloom eggs, which were unique and flavorful. For dinner, I ordered the parsley cavatelli and my friend had the secret burger. I was curious as to how big the portions were going to be (our waiter mentioned they were "tapas style" and that people usually order multiple things). I thought the portions were filling and was fine with my one dish and half app. The food was outstanding. The cavatelli was delicious and the ricotta they topped it with was mouthwatering. I tried a bite of my friend's burger too, which was topped with a house-made thousand island dressing and a cheddar crisp- superb! The meat was cooked perfectly and the accompaniments were well paired. I dare say it may have been one of the best burgers i've had. The ambiance was really nice and the restaurant was bigger than I had anticipated. It gets pretty bumpin, so reservations are recommended.
(5)
H. A.

Another wonderful experience at Alden & Harlow. I recommend the kale salad, corn pancakes, and asparagus. They also had a yellowtail collar special that was superb. Unless you like really smoky flavors, even in your desserts, I really recommend you skip the smoked chocolate bread pudding, as tempting as it sounds. The lemon pound cake was tart but very nicely done.
(4)
Elyse G.

It was my first time here. Chose A&H because it had been featured on Best of Boston, etc. Exemplary service. Our waiter especially, and others, were polite to a fault. A rare treat in New England. We ordered: kale salad (thanks for the recommendation yelpers), lonzo, gnocchi, sweet corn pancakes, rabbit. The best plates by far were the kale salad (our waiter informed it was the best in Boston) and the gnocchi. My boyfriend said "this is the best gnocchi I've ever had!!!" and proceeded to order another. Not sure if it's what we ordered, but many of the plates had corn and pistachio, more seasonal tastes. I'd return, but perhaps in a few months once the menu has been rotated out. And is arrive early, when the secret burger is still available!
(4)
Quang N.

Great place to eat. While I will say that some dishes out-shined others, the overall experience was great. I especially enjoyed the burger and a chicken liver dish. Service was great, and the cocktails we had complemented the meal well. Can't wait to return and try out more dishes.
(5)
Samantha S.

This place deserves all the praise it receives. I've been there three times and it's amazing. You are able to try everything on the menu since it's all shareable. My favorites have been the octopus, burger, and NY strip.
(5)
Greg G.

Been here a few times now. Great atmosphere, great beer list/drinks, and the majority of the food is great. The burger is worthy of the hype, one of the best I've ever had for the meat, bread and toppings. I've had around 6 of the other dishes however, and a lot of them just fall short or are bland. Pappardelle was unseasoned and essentially flavorless besides the smoked olives(which by themselves were great). Some dishes just dont seem to come together as they should. Others like the corn cakes, the burger and carpaccio were great though. Wait staff is awesome as well.
(4)
VuAnh N.

I don't go for burgers often, but if it's on the list of must-try burgers in 2014, I have to try it! So glad I did, because it was a-w-e-s-o-m-e. So was the crispy pork belly. All the flavors and textures were perfect. Can't say anything about their cocktails yet, will leave that for next time! Our waiter was polite, but I wish he was more interactive. He did the minimal of taking our order and checking on us, but he just seemed uninterested, wouldn't say much. No matter though, the food was well worth the 5 stars :) Oh, and the ambiance! Love love love the ceiling windows, and how the light shines through (the restaurant is in the basement of the building). Will definitely be back to try everything else on the menu!
(5)
Rebecca L.

If someone held a gun to my head and demanded that I say one bad thing about Alden & Harlow, I would not be able to. Seriously, this is The Best Restaurant. The kale salad and pork belly dishes are always amazing. They play awesome underground hip hop. The soap in the bathrooms smells like springtime and herbs. The service is top notch - one waiter once happily brought me a fake gin and tonic early in my pregnancy to help me throw my friends off the gossip trail (oh, and they have a fantastic mocktail menu if you ask!). The smoked bread pudding dessert is pretty weird and actually not that great but at least it was memorable. I would (and do, budget allowing) come here again and again.
(5)
Ana S.

Alden & Harlow has a great layout and atmosphere. The decor is warm, inviting, and modern. The layout feels spacious, even on the busy Friday night when I went. With all that said, I can't eat decor and there's no amount of atmosphere that can make up for sub-par food. I ordered their "secret burger" which was labeled with the enticing phrase "limited availability" on their menu. That means it has to be good, right? Why would the availability of something bad be so limited? That's what I and about half of my dinner companions thought. Long story short, it was one of the saltiest burgers I've ever eaten. I have this theory that the key difference between high-end food and low-end food is how well they hide fat, salt, and sugar. Fast food chains tend to be really in-your-face about it, their burger buns sickeningly soggy with grease. Good restaurants find a way to squeeze in just as many calories and guilt-inducing ingredients, but they're more subtle about it. There was nothing subtle about my meal at Alden & Harlow. I also tried my friend's order of chicken fried rabbit. As much as I like animals fried in other animals' fat (and I do), the dish was similarly in-your-face about its role as a vessel for fat and salt.
(2)
neeta b.

Found myself in Boston this weekend and enjoyed a delicious meal at Alden and Harlow. Its a tasty tapas experience in a trendy yet comfortable Cambridge setting. You can chose from several small and large plate options, most of which are actually very decent sized. The chicken fried local rabbit was delicious, we ordered a second round of it! Also had the New York strip, grilled cauliflower and to drink the Old Hickory-- a whiskey /toasted pecan vermouth/mole bitters creation. A perfect warm up for a cold Boston November evening.
(5)
Marc F.

Very good meal and great service. Recommend the Corn Pancakes, Crudo and Chicken Fried Rabbit. The "secret burger" was mediocre which was a bummer considering all the hype. I find out at end of meal that I should have order the "off menu super secret" burger instead. Would have been nice to know that from server beforehand. That's something to do next time. We will be back.
(4)
Julie V.

Two more dishes I've sampled here -- Seared Baby Romanesco (wood sorrel, spring onions, fiddleheads, almonds): I highly recommend this one! Such a texture-filled salad with the romanesco and fiddleheads, plus the addition of a delicious, full-bodied sauce (but of what, I have no idea...) Grilled Lamb Sirloin (cocoa rub, grilled carrot mash, ramp puree): While the ramp puree and the carrot mash weren't particularly spectacular, the lamb sirloin was excellent. Cooked to perfection, tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
(5)
Saad M.

This place has a lot of great reviews, but like most Kevin Costner movies that does not guarantee any degree of quality. If I had to compare this to a Kevin Costner movie, it wouldn't be Waterworld which was an epic disaster, but more of "For Love of the Game". Both exhibited poor preparation, earnest effort to impress, and profound failures in execution. Where to start? So we showed up around 2pm on a Sunday; they promptly informed us that they were out of everything Bluefish (2 of the entree options) and the Secret Burger, which is apparently their flagship dish. So secret, that we never got to find out what it even looked like. The manzanella appetizer was easily split between 4 hungry men, very good portions and the standout for the meal. The halloumi added great texture and flavor balance to the plate which had a very tart finish to it. Three of us got the oxtail melt because...we didn't have many other options. One of us got the ham sandwich. They forgot his side of chips and he had to ask for them to be brought over in the middle of his meal. Also they brought his sandwich out about 8 minutes after the oxtail which meant Dave had to watch us eat which I'm sure he took copious notes on. The oxtail melt....confused us. It was cold, and so was the cheese. Quite strange for a "melt" based sandwich. Upon further inquiry it appeared that the kitchen closed shortly after we sat down which made me believe it was a rush job to get the food out. Also it was a bit on the smaller side but still very filling. The side chips were standard, nothing to write home about. Overall the food warranted this place a 2 star review but the service saved one star for me. Service was quite good, water glasses were filled almost instantly and we were checked up on frequently. Very large dining availability with a large bar area where a full menu is served means it has good availability for patrons. Between the lack of food availability, and poor food preparation I don't think I will be returning here. Hope they decide to rectify these qualms.
(3)
Yulien B.

We had high expectations for this restaurant but where underwhelmed. Most of the dishes lacked seasoning and the only real standoutd were the rabbit and the salted chocolate bread pudding.
(3)
Sarah G.

So so glad this place has joined Harvard Square! I actually can't wait to go back and try more of their menu I didn't get to yet! I will start with the bad and then end with all of the tasty goodness. The bad? Well the scallop special crudo. I love scallops. Love them. But this dish, especially for being a special, was so so so so fishy tasting! It is a small dish and our group of 5 actually had trouble finishing it because I think we all wanted to focus our attention on other food dishes that were better. So boo to the scallops. I also am not a mushroom fan in general, but our group got that dish with a pine nut crumble and it was only so so as well, which is a shame for how pricey pine nuts are! BUT the butternut squash salad was amazing and I need to know get a machine that will cut up my butternutsquash just like that so I can make that fresh tasting salad with a little pecorino and hazelnuts....And then there was the fried shortrib special. Wow. Those ribs I would have loved to have had a whole order of! There was not quite 6 in an order like they said since one rib was two little ones next to each other, but the soy glaze on there was awesome. Then the corn pancakes with those fried shishito peppers? Yes, please! That was a dish that was hard to share too! Next time, we will order two orders of that for our group of 5 :-) And there there was the burger they call the "secret burger" which I don't really get since it is on the menu smack dab in the middle. They are limited and we ate at 7:30pm on a Friday and there was only 10 left, so we quickly reserved two before even ordering drinks! And it was a good burger that was juicy and had this smoky flavor to it and I loved the housemade bun it was on. The most incredible dish I thought was the rye pasta with chicken confit with crispy skin, liver butter and figs. SO RICH AND SO DELICIOUS. I mean seriously! I didn't want to share this dish but had to because it was that rich, but you also need to have some of this if you come here. The flavors were all so different and yet went together in this unique burst of flavor in each bite. Good job, Alden and Harlow. I will be back.
(4)
Jonathan O.

So good! Still drooling thinking about the charred broccoli hummus dish and the Brattle street drink! Beautiful space inside with great service. Will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.
(5)
jean k.

The food was largely good but awfully expensive. WE were four people sharing various dishes. The space is very interesting but it is REALLY loud. Best bet is the front of the place out of the main stream. Service was pleasant, but with a lot of different servers coming and going, I had the feeling no one was particularly paying attention to us.
(3)
Autonomy W.

One of those awesome hidden spots. Went here on a coworker's recommendation and had a great time. The ambiance is great, it's awesome especially for a nice & quiet Sunday night dinner. The service is spot-on every single time - they do not rush you, do not disappear, but at the same time don't sit with you at the table, and are always courteous and friendly. And the food - a little pricey, but totally worth it. Their menu rotates, so you can always try something new.
(5)
Greg D.

We loved the ambience, service, and food. Great eclectic wine list... Does anyone else in town have a Dornfelder by the glass? We enjoyed the rabbit so much that we ordered it twice. Great evening all around!
(5)
Kenny C.

Our waitress was very knowledgeable about their food. We wanted to know the details of how their fried chicken thighs were made and she was able to explain every detail. I'm impressed. The food here are very different from what I've had everywhere else. The Broccoli was my favorite - roasted, smoked, served with hummus, garlic bits, and nuts. It's got a slightly sweet and smokey flavor. We asked for a side of bread so we can finish off the extra hummus and nuts. I wish I knew how to make this at home. Corn Pancake with popcorn - pretty good. It's a little sweet, a little sour, and a little salty. Like an explosion of flavor in my mouth. Surprisingly the flavors went very well together and my tastebuds were not confused. The popcorn was probably unnecessary though. Swordfish belly - It was skewered, firm, and not too dry. It was less fatty that I was expecting from fish belly. It was served on top of greens and apple slices and together this dish was refreshing. A good contrast from the other heavy and strong flavored dishes we had. Fried chicken thighs with snail sauce and pork fat biscuit - Braised chicken thighs cooked in oil, covered with toasted rice flour and fried. The resulting crust didn't feel greasy; it wasn't like your regular fried chicken crust and was almost like the crispy rice you'd get stuck on the bottom of your pan when making fried rice. The snail sauce was very rich but went very well with the chicken thighs. Snail was delicious, it wasn't too earthy. Biscuit was not dry at all, delicious but felt very buttery. I'd definitely come back and order the broccoli, but not sure about everything else. They were tasty and aren't like anything I've had before, but felt a little too heavy and rich for me. I would go back and try other items on the menu.
(4)
Lisa D.

The food was amazing--order the kale salad! Really cool vibe, different than what a lot of Boston has to offer. The bar is great to saddle up to while you wait for your table and the cocktail list is interesting. However, there was a really weird incident with their famous burger (they told us they were out and someone next to us got served the burger and the explanation they gave us seemed a little phony). I'd go back because it was the best kale salad I've ever eaten and they served me corn fritters with popcorn on top.
(4)
Molly K.

I must be missing something. This was one of the most anticipated openings of the year, with a central location super close to the T, a great concept, and such high reviews on here I was super excited to try it out. We arrived and were brought to a nice and well-let area under the greenhouse area surrounded by pretty succulents. The decor in our area was nice and simple but under the greenhouse area it was a bit toasty and humid. We ordered some drinks (which took about 10-15 minutes to arrive....I'm not sure how crowded the bar was but it was quite a long wait for 1 beer and 1 cocktail...) and placed our orders. I ordered a cup of tea as I wasn't feeling all that great. A mug arrived, but was dirty and had brown remnants at the bottom which my fiance luckily noticed before I poured my tea. I was given a new mug but was already a bit nervous and uneasy at this point. They arrived with some pickled green beans which were a nice change from bread, nicely pickled and a hint of salt, but I may be partial because I looove pickles. We started with the smoked cashews (which tasted like they were smoked with pork/bacon of some sort or just Smothered in bacon fat...the currants were a nice change but it literally tasted like we were eating slice on slice of bacon, which it did not mention on the menu). They were salty and so heavy with the meaty flavor. Next we had the Kale Salad (which was the best thing of the night.) and the grilled cauliflower caponata (which was MASSIVe for a "snack" but was good, a bit overly garlicy and salty, but 2nd best thing of the night). Also the charred broccoli which had a strange sweet hummus-like consistency underneath...underwhelming. Then we had 2 orders of the mushrooms with egg....which was far too salty. the pine nut crumble was the only change in consistency but I couldn't call it a crumble....it wasn't as crunchy as it could be, and I liked the pine nuts more than anything else because they weren't little salt bombs, like everything else we had. We had 2 orders of the market catch (black bass) which were decent, the finishing salt was STRoNG on this one, and this portion was MUCH smaller than the other very large portions (this was even smaller than some of the "snacks"). My main issue with this is the fact that the tiny chunk of potato was undercooked....hmm, no thanks, also paired with some sort of balsamic sunchoke which I was not a big fan of. The oyster gratin was massive and PIPING HOT when it came out (without a warning), luckily we used our eyes and saw the mega steam, or else we would have for sure scalded ourselves. it was a bit like a clam chowder with cheese, and similar bread to that that was served with the cauliflower "snack". We also had the "secret burger" which was reportedly similar to a big mac with a mega fluffy (and SALTY again) bun, and a cheese crisp. This was somehow also salty but was decent. At this point all of the dishes were taken away as I waited for my mesquite tortillini...we asked and were told it was coming...about 15 minutes later our server returned and said they were firing it now....firing it now? I ordered it at the very beginning and by this point we had been there for an hour and a half...how long could it take to fire a round of tortillini? I'm pretty sure that would be one of the quickest things to send out! Finally, it came. 5 little "tortillini" that looked as if they were fried. I saw NO broccoli, i saw kale....and perhaps a DOT of mesquite...it was one of the worst things i've had, overly salty, DOUSED in cheese, and garlic....and the dot of bbq. no thank you. i actually could not eat this, i had 2. After all of this we had been checked in on by our server maybe 2x over the course of almost 2 hours, never asked if we wanted anything else, once we flagged someone down we were able to get drink refills (after 10-15 minutes). All of our orders were unbelievably salty. I LOVE SALT, I eat chips and pickles on a daily basis because I LOVE salt, but so many of these dishes were ruined by the over-salting, some things were even inedible. But no server ever asked if anything was wrong, nor did they even offer to comp anything after they had forgotten my tortillini (which was inedible)...and it was obvious they forgot as other items we ordered later in the meal came before my tortillini and the tortillini was added lastly on the receipt as if it was just thrown on there. Overall, definitely not impressed. I had high expectations, yes, but many of these items were almost inedible due to the EXCESSIVE SALTING OF EVERYTHING. The menu descriptions were loosely based on the food, with main components not even mentioned, and varying portions with some of the "snacks" being larger than the regular sized plates. The cocktails were strong and decent but took forever. Service was NOT good, extremely slow and lackadaisical. I will not be back.
(1)
Mike K.

So good. Went in with my work wife to check the place out. Spectacular! We had dinner at the bar (racked up a huge bill!) But totally worth it. Dan our bartender made great recommendations and really went out of his way to make us feel welcome and comfortable and full! I cannot praise this place more. I wish there were 6 stars because the food and hospitality were stellar. Thanks Dan!
(5)
Jordan A.

Great place and great atmosphere. I had a moonlight cocktail to start and my friend and i ordered the Kale Salad, chips and dip, lamb ribs, pumpkin salad and the skate. The two salads were my favorite, followed by the skate. I also loved the sesame pickled green beans they bring to the table. The lamb was a little too sweet for my liking.
(4)
Keuna C.

Food: Incredibly creative menu, perfect execution, beautiful presentation, ideal portion sizes for sharing (not as small as tapas; we ordered 2 per person and had enough for each to really savor). Octopus panzanella $16-- amazing flavor and texture, especially the contrast between the tender octopus, roasted sunchoke (not overcooked), and crispy leaves of grilled oregano. This was my boyfriend's favorite dish of the night. Bone marrow croqueta $10-- another nice contrast in textures. Flavor-wise, the grapefruit mostarda really elevates this dish from being just another fried starchy creamy thing. The only reason I'd give this dish 4 stars instead of 5 is that the marrow could have had more of a presence. Charred swordfish belly $18-- 4 big-bite size pieces come on a skewer, on a bed of what they call bok choi kim chi but seemed more like the "sok" (inside- the julienned turnip-y part), with green apple slices that neutralize the salt & spice and complement the fish flavor. Miso aioli gives it another layer of taste. Really really great balance of complex flavors!! The Asian fusion thing can sometimes be a bit forced, but not this time. Chicken-fried rabbit $15-- My fave of the night! Sounds so simple-- a fried piece of meat-- but the chili oil and whatever else they put on there was MAGIC, and went perfectly with the veggies on the plate (was it fennel?). Next time we'll have to get some of the red meat dishes, and maybe some of the desserts. Service: We went on a Sunday night during what turned out to be a big snow emergency. Had a 5:30 reservation and were pretty late (more than 20 mins) but luckily they had no problem seating us. Waitress (Laurie?) was incredibly nice, even when I ended up trying like 4 different wines before settling on one. Pacing of dishes was pretty good- nice sequence & amount of time between each. Ambience: Just right lighting, nice warm copper-toned decor that is modern and chic yet comfortable, easy location, not too noisy, great for date night. Overall, a fantastic place with truly excellent and innovative food at great prices in a cool yet inviting setting.
(5)
Katie N.

This restaurant is unique and eclectic. Not your average menu but both the drinks and the food were wonderful. The flavor was definitely on point! Perfect date night with a nice ambiance. Overall good experience and will return with friends!
(5)
Maya M.

Good drinks, but I was underwhelmed by the food to be honest. My friend ordered the rabbit, which he felt had been fried to the point of no longer tasting like rabbit. I ordered the burrata which was tasty but my second plate, the grilled cauliflower caponata didn't say much. My other friend ordered the secret burger which was good, but didn't live up to the hype. Also, it was seriously warm in there! We asked them to turn up the AC and they did but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.
(3)
Syra A.

Secret burger = excellent. Loved the kale salad with pistache. Overall delicious and highly recommended. Probably one of the best restaurants in Boston.
(5)
April P.

Went here for an anniversary dinner with my boyfriend this week, on the recommendation of a friend. We had a 9pm reservation on a Tuesday night. I reserved the table online with no issues. I put something about it being a special occasion and wanting a private table if possible. So we were seated in the cute side area near the entrance, with a wall of succulents and windows overhead. It was a very nice place to sit! Unfortunately we ended up next to a bunch of annoying 20 something ladies, who were SO LOUD. I heard all of their conversations even though I was trying desperately not to. But hey, that wasn't the restaurants fault. I think our waiter's name was Adam. He was very nice and attentive, and willing to explain anything on the menu. There was also a separate lady who brought my drinks over from the bar. Another woman brought out each plate as it was ready, and another man came by periodically to wipe down our table and give us new plates/silverware, mid meal. We shared 4 plates- we got the rabbit, the lamb, the rye pasta, and the oyster gratin. My favorites were the rabbit and the lamb. My boyfriend really liked the pasta, especially the crispy skin on top. The rabbit reminded me of fried chicken, but classy. I liked the blue cheese and other sauce/garnishes. The lamb was delicious, and I particularly liked the mashed carrots (I think that is what it was) on the side. They were quite salty but I like salt. The pasta was very heavy with a lot of pepper. The gratin was my least favorite, which was disappointing because I love oysters. The pepper was overpowering, the pork was very sweet, and overall it was like a chowder. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't right for me. I wish I had gotten the corn cakes instead! We looked at the dessert menu, but it wasn't very..dessert-like. There was a dark chocolate one with bread and figs, a parsnip cobbler (which I almost got except it had star anise in it, which I hate), a smoked bread pudding, and one other item that I can't remember. I did have coffee, which was strong and tasty, but lukewarm. Overall my boyfriend summed it up best. He said this is a great restaurant for people who like root vegetables. Everything was very earthy and smoky. I enjoyed my meal and the restaurant, but I might have trouble convincing him to go back.
(3)
Kyle M.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Alden & Harlow gets all of the yeses. I decided to visit Alden & Harlow on a Sunday evening with a friend who "appreciates my taste in food." We were immediately taken with the decor - it's awesome. For being a subterranean restaurant, the lighting was great, and there was a surprising amount of natural light shining through as well. Here's the concept - plates are generally meant to be shared - lighter fare to the left of the menu, heavier fare to the right. Some plates are not meant to be shared (e.g. the "secret" burger), but I suppose you could share that. Nonetheless, our server did a great job of explaining the menu and left us to choose our dishes. We started with the chips and onion dip. The chips were great by themselves - fried, but not greasy at all. The dip was delicious as well...we finished the whole dish. We then shared the mesquite tortellini, which while a small portion, was BIG on flavor. Our final main course of the evening was the oyster gratin with uni toast. Amazing flavor here - creamy and decadent without being too rich. Not wanting our culinary journey to end, we decided to grab dessert - the friend ordered the dark chocolate with bread/candied kumquat/berries, and I got the smoked bread pudding with salt ice cream. Both were great, but if I were you, I'd lean toward the bread pudding. I think the concept here might be lost on some people - this is not a place where you'll leave stuffed. Alden & Harlow is all about enjoying the food and the preparation. Five stars from me.
(5)
Grant D.

This place is good. I've been twice. First, the annoying parts: There is a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. This is great, and I love that, but it gets annoying when the server's constantly refer to ingredients coming from 'our friends in waltham.' Also, you interact with about 10 employees. I had 4 different people ask me how my kale salad was. If it's not okay, trust me- I will let you know. The food is very good. Especially the kale salad :)
(4)
Karen D.

I was disappointed and I thought I would love the place. I went late on a Saturday night and got seats at the bar right away. Things started great, cool dÃ©cor, nice vibe, and good cocktails. Two of us ordered the steak, smoked tortellini, and the cauliflower appetizer. Instead of bread, you get three and a half green beans on a plate drizzled with oil and sesame seeds. I like they idea they were trying something different, but it didn't quite do it for me. We were hoping for a burger, but no chance at that time of night. The whole secret burger is a little too exclusive and not really a secret if it's on the menu. There are a lot of good burgers in the square now, including secret burgers, which are burgers you need to know you can ask for in addition to the regular burger. If I'm really hankering for a burger or I'm out with a less adventurous foodie, I'll probably go to another place where I know a great burger is waiting for me. The first dish, grilled cauliflower was excellent. It had great flavor and was the best part of the meal. The steak was very good and came with some sides like blood orange and bone marrow that aren't my cup of tea, but my BF like them. The tortellini was very underwhelming and the biggest waste of $16. We wanted to stay longer than we did for more drinks and dessert, but while we were eating, the music changed to really loud, somewhat hard, rap music. We thought it might be a song or two, but it was full on and really took away the cool atmosphere and I wanted to get out of there. So wrapped up our bill and went to another place to finish out our night.
(2)
Jesse H.

What a disappointment! Took my boyfriend there for a special Bday dinner, and right from the start our waiter, Evan (tall with a beard and an attitude) was just a total condescending jerk! We are super friendly people so I don't know what his problem was! We ordered a bottle of red wine and it was ice cold. We asked if that was the temp this particular wine was supposed to be served at, and he just told us the ideal temp for serving red, then walked away without an apology or anything. Our wine was clearly not in that range. He completely ruined a night that was supposed to be special, just by acting like a total dick. From the time he first came to our table, to the wine issue, to the sour-faced look he shot my boyfriend on the way out....... Completely unprofessional. I usually get on well with all my servers, as I used to be one for 6 years! Can't say I will ever go back or recommend the restaurant. The food was good but not spectacular, and it sure didn't make up for a night of dealing with Evan. Luckily we were able to salvage the night, but I will def not be going back. I will also make sure that my foodie friends don't either!
(1)
Elizabeth V.

I visited Alden & Harlow last week after hearing lots of talk about the opening. I don't like to give in to the hype when a new restaurant opens, but I was definitely curious to see what all the fuss was about. I was not disappointed! The menu - primarily small plates - was interesting and inventive, but still approachable and not intimidating. We selected a few things that I had already seen raved about in reviews. The chips & onion dip was surprisingly amazing, as were the roasted cashews. People had talked up the kale salad with creamy pistachios and I'd say it was good and unique, but nothing to write home about. We tried the corn pancakes which were a MUST as well as the fried rabbit - another MUST. We also tried the grilled carrots, and these too were good but not stop-the-presses good. The wine list was good, and we selected a bottle that we liked and the waiter immediately knew that had been popular that evening, and they only had one or two bottles left. He excused himself to go put in our order right away so we wouldn't miss out, and came back after to take our food orders. A nice touch, for sure. Overall, I absolutely loved this place! Each and every dish was phenomenal. I was very impressed - I did not expect to be so blown away!
(5)
jay s.

Small plates with emphasis on rich often local food. We had an excellent meal. Fried rabbit, burrata, pork belly -- the plates were small but we left feeling full. Great beer list and cocktails but wine list is pricey.
(4)
HT A.

Went on a recent wed night with harvard square paralyzed by snow mounds and lack of parking. Headed in after a show at the regattabar . Walked in at 10:20 hoping to get the " famous " burger. There were 5 patrons in the whole place... we were the only ones at the bar. We asked to order the burger only to be told we would have to wait until 11pm. Really??.. with almost no patrons in the place ... and the dining industry reeling from the storms... they wanted us to wait to keep up the cachet of the burger. Simply amazing... really bad customer service... Did they think we were going to tell the world we ordered a burger 40 min early??? We ordered a few apps and got out quick... dry pork belly, greasy kale salad, and passable corn cakes. Ok i can say i went ... will not be back
(1)
Jolene S.

I have to give credit to the Yelpers for guiding me to this place...I only found out about the underground 40 Brattle St location through the search box. And I decided to order the corn pancakes based on the good reviews and pictures (which gave me an excellent idea of what to expect). I liked the pickled green beans. The corn pancakes with honey "sauce" and peppers and pocorn kernels is different but tasty. The honey "sauce" makes me think about the arancini at Dante--it's a very appealing accompaniment to the hot 'cakes. Sadly, I missed out on the secret burger, but I will be reading the reviews closely to see what other dishes merit a second visit to this restaurant. (Until then I might have to go back to Noir for that smoked turkey sandwich...)
(3)
Carlos R.

Had a few plates at the server's suggestion. The ingredients in each dish served a purpose, the flavors all went together extremely well. One of the best meals ive ever had. Great beer menu. Not as expensive as I thought it would be, service was great. Reservations should be made, the bar is usually full.
(5)
Curly G.

Fantastic atmosphere and great brunch!
(5)
Kevin M.

I made reservations for two for a friday night at 8:30 and was pleased to be seated right when we walked through the door. The design/atmosphere of the whole restaurant is great. It's not too overwhelming and the space is way bigger than I expected. Our waitress came over pretty quickly at first but after we ordered seemed to be a little slower/distracted. Everyone else who brought our plates to the table were very informative. We ordered two small snacks and three entree plates. The grilled cauliflower was great but the roasted yams blew it out of the water. The special of the night was deep fried pork ribs so we ordered that, chicken fried rabbit, and the crispy porkbelly. All three dishes were fantastic and seemed to be the perfect size for two to split. Our favorite was the rabbit. It was cooked perfectly crispy and the blue cheese/chili oil were perfect together. The ribs were very tender and flavorful. The pork belly was next level crispy and went well with the cold, salty grits. For dessert we ordered the parsnip cobbler. It came out in a hot pan with a scoop of ice cream right on top. It was a perfect end to our meal. I'll one hundred percent be visiting again.
(5)
ben h.

great place. Tiny piece of kobe beef. Yum. One of the best in the city.
(4)
Laura C.

Our meal at Alden & Harlow had some real high points, but it was undermined by its unevenness. The cocktails were solid -- nothing game-changing, but honestly, I'd much rather have a solid but unsurprising cocktail than a failed attempt at a game-changer. The good: The kale salad was excellent -- I would have happily had another. The pork shoulder was a little fatty, but very tasty and in a nice sauce. The not-so-great: The potatoes were well-seasoned, but uneven literally within the dish. Some of them were undercooked, some of them were overcooked. That seems like a very basic quality control issue. The grilled cauliflower had a nice peanut vinaigrette, but the cauliflower itself was incredibly underseasoned and there wasn't enough vinaigrette to compensate. It ended up being bad enough to sort of put me off cauliflower for a couple days. Also, the pricing was ... odd. $8 for a kale salad is a decent price. $15 for a small plates sized pork shoulder is a decent price. $13 for small plates sized potatoes? $12 for cauliflower, even quite a bit of it? That's ambitious.
(3)
Cristy M.

Alden and Harlow definitely "beats" other establishments in Harvard Square. This is one of the best dining experiences I've have in the Cambridge/Somerville area. If you don't have time to read my entire post, just remember this - visit ASAP. Plates are small, which means you can savor multiple and share with others. I started with the Ubiquitous Kale Salad (drooling as I remember how good it was) and the lamb (succulent and absolutely perfect). Service was excellent as well at the attention to detail. I look forward to returning again soon.
(5)
Lala I.

spacious and nice ambience. solid well executed food. service was ok and wasnt a fan of their desserts.
(4)
Ariel Z.

What an awesome find! A little hard to locate, so the best advice I can give is to use the staircase on the left side of the Algiers coffee house on Brattle St. Make sure to put in a reservation or at least try to come early to snag a seat at the bar (my preferred choice). It was super crowded even on a Monday night! The restaurant is more like something you would find in Somerville or other parts of Cambridge closer to MIT. So glad that you can now have a similar experience in Harvard Square, which I typically associate with cheap, quick eats and/or burgers. Ordered the bruised tomato salad appetizer, as well as the roasted squash plate, corn pancakes, and the cornbread w/berries for dessert. The roasted squash plate was probably the second best dish...super fresh and artfully prepared with a milieu of flavors. It is also a decent portion, so great for sharing. The corn pancakes were so buttery and came with kettle corn! Such an unusual yet genius texture combination, which is why it became the easy favorite. The bruised tomato salad resembles more like a bruschetta spread with Latin flavors and pairs nicely with the squash for a fresh, summery start to a meal. The cornbread dessert was mediocre at best, but I hear that their other dessert options are spot on. I guess I will have to come back...Heaven forbid! ;) The Forbidden Fruit drink was of course very fruity and you couldn't really taste any of the other ingredients besides the grapefruit and peppercorn. Regardless, still a solid drink. Tried my friend's Rum for Your Life and was really pleasantly surprised with the mix of citrus and coffee, two flavors I would not necessarily think would work out as well as it did. Overall, Chef Michael Scelfo raises the bar to a whole new level that I would argue even surmounts some of the other well-known spots in the surrounding Cambridge area, like Oleana and Cuchi Cuchi. If you are looking for a dining experience with unusual flavor pairings and not your run-of-the mill craft drinks, then you should definitely check this place out!
(5)
E Z.

Wow... this is one of the worst food experiences I've had. First, the dishes were too Salty! she server also said it was a single portion size... so three of us ordered four dishes... when we could've easily served 2-3 people out of each dish. Nice Upsell... you got us! Feel good about that? Second, the fried bok choy dish was totally destroy the nutrition of vegetables, very unpalatable, also very salty! As a HUGE Foodie... I was completely stoked to find a James Beard semi-finalist! A restaurant named Zagats 10 Hottest Restaurants in Boston! What a joke! Someone must've let it go to their heads. We won't return.
(1)
Angela C.

If you love salt, go here. Dishes tried: -Soft Shell Crab - great sauce, but the crab was very small considering how much it is (~$16?) -Chicken fried rabbit - all I tasted was celery and salt in the batter -Sirloin - cooked well, but very salty -Secret Burger - juicy, but after a few bites, I realized how salty it was -Chocolate Bread Pudding - extremely bland but the ice cream on top was covered with a mound of salt (on purpose). Not good.
(2)
Kevin L.

Alden & Harlow was named 2014's Best New restaurant by Best of Boston.....this visit may have been 2015's biggest disappointment for me. Finding parking in Harvard Square is an absolute nightmare, but thankfully they offer validated parking at the University Place parking garage. It is highly recommended that you make a reservation so don't expect to be seated when you walk in. I love the atmosphere that A&H brings: romantic yet casual. I also love when there's an open kitchen setting. But on to the food... We kicked off the night with a plate of complimentary pickled green beans. WAY too sour in my opinion! Not a fan. Then came the broiled Island Creek Oysters, which are my favorite oysters by far. Baked to perfection with a hint of garlic and bacon. However, they went a little too heavy on the sodium. I'm not sure why there are so many reviews on the Kale Salad. It tasted just like.....a kale salad. Nothing special in my opinion. The Chicken Fried Rabbit was the smallest dish that we ordered. Having had rabbit before, I couldn't tell you what I was eating. The meat was also ground up, which wasn't portrayed in the menu. I would say that the Crispy Pork Belly was my second favorite dish. The pork belly itself was melt-in-your-mouth tender. However, the pork skin was a little too well done, too hard to chew. The Woodbury Clams was another dish that I would strongly recommend. The combination of the savory pork broth and sweet clams made it perfect. The 14 oz Sirloin takes the number 1 spot. I couldn't tell you what they put in it, but it was so good! I had been dying to try this place for quite some time now, but boy was I was letdown. A&H has all the right pieces. The execution just needs to be worked on. I'm going to need some convincing to come back.
(3)
Phil C.

So instead of a Yelp event on a Wednesday night, I was dealt with a semi-last minute postponement and my plus one not being able to make it to the new date (no thanks to you, Committee). I felt pretty terrible about my plus one opening up a Wednesday evening, only to be disappointed in not being able to attend this event. Presented with these options: a) Nervously stumble through words to my plus one, "Ummmm... heheheh... oh well, peace out!" *runs away* or b) Make the now-free evening worthwhile like the good friend that I accidentally try to be? I've really wanted to try this restaurant for the longest time. But Alden & Harlow, a place that doesn't really care for this website and its users? Which brought up a few lines from that 80's movie The Rock wants to remake to his likely folly, "Big Trouble In Little China": Jack Burton: Ah, you know what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like this? Thunder: Who??? Jack Burton: Jack Burton! Me! [Chinese guy comes somersaulting in air, prepared to fight alongside Burton] Jack Burton: Ol' Jack always says, "What the hell?" We started with chips and three-onion dip; something easy and basic. There was a strong onion flavor to the dip while the chips were fried nicely but unspectacular otherwise. The pickled green bean complimentary starter was decent. There was enough bite to the green bean in terms of tartness and texture. We had a tough time picking out a vegetable, but ended up with grilled spring onions with tahini and muscat grapes. The green part of the onion was charred while the bulb was soft. I guess the burnt flavor of the green contrasted with the sweetness of the bulb. The grapes were an interesting accompaniment, for when I think muscat grapes, I think of wine or Japanese gummy candy. The dish was inventive, to be sure. I don't think I'd go for it again, but props for its creativity. The pork belly was something I wanted before coming in, and I'm glad it worked out. The pork was tender and flavorful, with a nice crispy skin. The grits were a good match, along with the...onions? Grapes? Apples? I thought the accompaniment would be apples but they became onions. Another pre-determined selection was the smoked chocolate bread pudding. I definitely liked the smokiness of the bread pudding. The texture of the bread itself was warm and the noticeable chocolate flavor did not make the bread too cloy. The salt ice cream was perhaps...a little too salty. However, I did like its creaminess. This is definitely an intimate establishment, one that can be characterized as a date spot. It's rather dark inside and my friend needed to ask for additional illumination. Though it was interesting to see a family with young children eating beside us. I seemed to have missed the kids-sized portion of carpaccio on the menu. :-P Service was excellent, as the main server was attentive, patient, and congenial. He was descriptive with his details of the menu choices. Everyone else was quick to clear plates and refill water. Considering the reports from that Yelp event that I missed out, I apparently dodged a bullet, Neo-style. That's because I know kung fu.
(4)
Zach N.

After living in Boston for a year+, I finally made it to Alden and Harlow. Here's my take: THE GOOD: Chips and onion dip appetizer. Because of course. The striped bass crudo. Hot damn. I like crudo well enough, but it has never been a must-order for me. This dish may have changed that. The roasted strawberries were what made it, providing a counterbalance to the salt of the fish and onion oil. Wonder bean succotash: This dish was fantastic. The shrimp were amazing, the vegetables were astoundingly fresh and vibrant, and the crema tying it all together sealed the deal. Pickled corn pancakes: My favorite of the night. I had my doubts, but I saw that this was the most popular dish on the menu other than the "secret burger." It blew me away. The pancakes were pure butter, but with a unique tangy flavor from the pickled corn. The shishito peppers and tart maple yogurt were very complementary, and the popcorn added a necessary textural element. 16-hour coppa: This is a unique dish, as they sous-vide the coppa. Typically a cured meat, the coppa is then seared. The hunks of meat are fork tender, salty, and great with the cherry vinaigrette on the plate. The apple pie dessert: It's your own made-to-order apple pie with salted vanilla ice cream. It's also hotter than the surface of a red dwarf star, so be careful. THE NOT AS GOOD: Crispy baby bok choi: Shame on me for this one. I really wanted the sous vide egg. And I love bok choi. I assumed "crispy" meant sauteed or something, but the dish was deep fried. It was also a bit bitter for my taste, and dry since there is only so much egg yolk to go around. But again, I should have done my homework. Berkshire pork belly: Crucify me if you will, but I wasn't a big fan of the pork belly. The crispy skin was nearly impenetrable (even with a knife) and the grape agrodolce was -I thought- too sweet. Seriously, the skin (which I typically love) was filling-destroying levels of thickness. It was hard to chew and harder to cut. The flavor of the pork was great, and I love Anson Mills' grits, but the texture of the pork skin and the grape agrodolce didn't vibe with me. All in all, I'm definitely going back. The menu is inventive, local, and exciting. I had two dishes out of 8 that weren't great. One was a stupid order on my part (bok choi) and the other had great flavor, but was just difficult to consume (belly). I'm definitely going back for brunch ASAP to fill up on a secret burger, pancakes, and a cocktail.
(4)
Victoria P.

Came here with a friend and I managed to snag one of the elusive secret burgers. I've heard a lot about these beauties so I was really excited that I got one on my first try. It was absolutely amazing. The bread was soft and buttery, the meat was a perfect shade of light pink, juicy, and flavorful, and the toppings added just enough, but not too much. The parmesan crisp was the real star - a stroke a pure genius. Out server recommended that we order 2 dishes per person, but I found that one dish was more than enough. My friend and I did split the heirloom eggs which were extremely yummy and a great start to our meal. Service was great and loved the ambiance. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Mathew N.

Great lamb main course and cashew rosemary appetizer. Out of town guest to a nice little surprise. Don't let the number of ratings fool you! This gem is only 4 weeks new!!
(4)
Alisa F.

Unimpressed, and not just because I was a huge fan of the former establishment in the place (wonder why the burger here is called the "secret burger"? You have to know the history of the location.) My husband and I experienced a bit of vertigo when arriving, because they've entirely redone the space, even changing where the entrance and bar are located, a good choice for a restaurant attempting to replace an institution. However, the food was "meh" at best. We tried four dishes: the peas and mushroom with 60 degree which was okay, but not special; the squid and spring greens (squid was perfectly cooked and this dish was the highlight of our meal); the quid ink bigoli which didn't taste very good after the first bite and was ruined by the snails whose flavor didn't complement the dish in the least; and the clams which were overwhelmed by salt and the parsley which smothered them. We won't be back--there's much better food to be found in Harvard Square.
(2)
Alphonse G.

This place is okay, but expensive. The bar tenders are nice, the burgers are good. The music is loud as hell and really bad - not in a cool way though, in a lame way. There's a sign above the bar that says "drugs", stenciled on a distressed piece of wood. Whats that about?
(2)
Brooke W.

I was so impressed with the space and the food. Everything about our meal was perfection. I would highly recommend the grilled carrots, three-onion dip, chicken friend rabbit, and whatever that evening's pasta special. This place is a great place for after work or late night drinks and food. Cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Sprekenzy D.

Fantastic! Warm, comfortable and cozy with superb food. American-style tapas. Portions are filling and very shareable. The flavors were savory and complex, without being overwhelming. The pan seared clams are a must try! The rye pasta is rich and gratifying. We had the scallops special, which was well seasoned and the grilled broccoli was perfect! The blood pudding was satisfactory, if a bit forgettable. The tortellini was okay, but would recommend the rye pasta instead. Altogether an excellent experience!
(5)
Carol Ann B.

A great addition to Harvard Square. When we are visiting our two in college, we typically have a short window to have dinner between commitments. We made reservations for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The design and atmosphere is fun, with a casual upscale feel. The food was excellent - and unique - and so were the cocktails! Ditto what has been said about the food...the chips & onion dip was surprisingly amazing and so were the roasted cashews, but the ribs were the favorite of the night!
(5)
Amber R.

They were out of the secret burger by 7:30 on a Thursday, so I was disappointed but knew that might happen. Got the smoked cashews while waiting for my friend and the ancient stone drink, drink was very good nuts were nice but probably not worth $8. First 2 dishes were very good kale salad and charred broccoli both had many different layers of flavor. The next 2 dishes I could have done without. Got the corn pancakes on recommendations from here but really it is a little one dimensional, kind of like crispy corn bread with a light maple sauce (sounds good to me but didn't really work). Also had the bluefish which was over salted (most of he food here is liberally salted which I didn't mind but the was too much) and seemed overdone, top had to much char making it hard to cut through (nice crispy crust would have been preferred). Coffee was quite good, but the smoked chocolate bread pudding had way to much smoke, although the salted caramel ice cream on top was good. Waitress did not charge us for dessert as each of us only took one bite. I will come back to try the burger and probably get the kale or broccoli again but I was disappointed especially after all the great reviews.
(3)
Ayala L.

amazing, delicious, and beautiful food! the fried green tomatoes were perhaps one of the best things i have ever eaten. the beet and burrata was similarly phenomenal. Great service. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
(5)
ELIJAH M.

Visiting Boston came here with some family and friends. The ambience is really cool. Reminded me of LA. We had Kate as our server who was very kind, attentive, and extremely knowledgable which is always good when trying a new place. Literally every item we ordered was delicious and we ordered quite a few. Highlights were the pancakes, pate, steak, oysters. Everything was reallllly good. Highly recommended. Everything here is served family tapas/family style so you can taste a bit of everything. Great experience and great food.
(5)
Patrick R.

What a great space! It's got a great vibe the minute you walk in. The food was top notch. We had a mushroom dish with a 60 degree egg that was so awesome. I'm a sucker for well seasoned mushrooms and soft eggs so both together seemed like they new I was coming. My big complaint about restaurants now is I always think the music is too loud. It wasn't here. It was there, you could hear it, but you could also talk and not shout. Our waiter was great. He helped my wife with a wine choice and offered a tasting before ordering. I think A&H will be one of those places in Harvard SQ we talk about for a long time.
(5)
Ella P.

Every item ordered has been absolutely delicious. Be ready to order at least 3 plates a person. The cocktail is fabulous as well! Great to go on a date w ur guy. The best of the night - mussels, lamb, kale salad, and the corn pancakes. Honestly so impressed with this place.
(5)
Tim A.

this place is so so so good. love the ambiance, the service, and most of all the food. every single dish my girlfriend and i had was impeccable. we started with the yams, which were just insanely flavorful and were the best yams i've ever had in my life. then we had the market crudo, which was scallop, and it was fresh and delicious. then we had the chicken fried local rabbit, which was like a tasty upscale take on a hot wing. it was seasoned perfectly and had great flavor. then we had the daily special, which was a squid ink pasta with snails. the squid ink was perfectly briney, with hints of richness from the guanciale and earthiness from the snails. and finally, we finished with the lamb, which was smoky and perfectly cooked. i'm sure the desserts would have been wonderful as well, but by that point we were stuffed! can't wait to go back again next time in boston. highly recommended.
(5)
Melissa D.

I really liked Alden & Harlow. The decor was very simple and nice and everything our group had we enjoyed. Two of us had the Rabano cocktail, and while we enjoyed the taste, the smell of the cocktail was a little off-putting - smelled a bit like trash but once we got over that, we enjoyed it. My favorite and recommended dishes: the heirloom eggs, corn pancakes, pork belly, and blue fish. Everything was well plated and executed. The wait staff was friendly and very helpful when recommending dishes to meet certain dietary needs. I would definitely go back to Alden & Harlow.
(5)
Bailey T.

The menu was inventive and therefore ordering was difficult- what to choose when you want it ALL?! I went for brunch (3 of us), and we had six dishes. My personal favorite dish was the smoky cheese grits, however everything we ordered was delicious. The ubiquitous kale salad was unusual for its roasted kale chips as a crouton-like topping; the secret burger (with the egg) was gooey, crusty and a bit messy to share with others. Benne crusted green tomatoes were delicious, however it was mostly crust - I couldn't taste or see the tomatoes. Don't mistake that as a complaint- it was a light, crispy treat. Dave's sausage and potato skillet was hearty and plate-licking good. The house-made carbonara was meaty, buttery and felt sinful to eat. Attentive, informed service. I appreciate the attention to detail throughout the whole experience. Very cool ambiance, my favorite design elements were the reclaimed wood throughout and live succulents on tables and windowsills. I was skeptical of the tapas-style menu at first, however when it comes to brunch it was really awesome to have family style service and have the opportunity to sample so much of the menu. I eagerly await my next trip.
(5)
Kelly H.

This restaurant is great. We went once for a lunchtime burger during Cambridge Mayfair, and again last night for dinner. Cocktails are flavorful and mature (read: not too sweet), and every single dish was outstanding. We had the kale salad, buratta, bluefish, and beef neck. All delicious- every dish had a great balance of savory, sour, sweet. The housemate pickles are great as well. Will recommend to anyone looking for a perfect dinner in Cambridge.
(5)
Sonia S.

One of my favorite places in the greater Boston area. The food has always been outstanding, some dishes better than the others, but never a dish that we did not like. It is very well priced fo rth equality it offers. Make sure to reserve in advance.
(5)
Iris T.

One of the best restaurants in Boston. Not only is their food outrageously good, but their cocktails are fantastic (or at least my Cosmo was the best I've ever had). Ordered the lamb ribs, roasted snails, pork belly, crispy bok choy with soft egg... every bite was bursting with flavor. I don't think one item on this menu could disappoint. With that being said, I wouldn't waste my experience here on the "secret burger." Restaurant has a great vibe and dim lighting...Great for groups, date night or dinner at the bar.
(5)
J M.

My favorite restaurant in Harvard Square for sure...you want a chain burger, there are plenty around this area, but this one stands on a whole different level. The secret burger is not a secret. The room is great..the menu is innovative and smallish..the service is solid..the burger ruined every other burger I will have from here on out..Yes, it's that good. Semi-loose packed, correctly cooked/seasoned blend with a nice smoky bite..cheese crisp, russian dressing and a slaw-ish/lettuce type of topping. Not sure if you can substitute and didnt really care too. Nice bun..if not a bit common/non-descript (meant in a good way), great house pickles.. I do stand behind JM Curleys and Worthy Burger in S. Royalton VT as my top few, but this one supplanted them..knocking them both down a notch. Maybe not..but this was the more recent one, so for now.. Tried several apps and run smallish/tapas style..Beer menu was very serviceable, but not too adventurous..enough on there to satisfy the craft beer aficionado and the casual beer drinker. Gets a bit noisy..
(5)
Caro M.

I've been here a couple times and this place never fails. I'd say it's my favorite yuppy hipster restaurant in Cambridge/Boston right now. Make sure to secure your rezzy well in advance, otherwise get there at 17:00h on the dot to eat at the bar with a charming bartender. My first visit was on my birthday where my super sweet stud muffin and I enjoyed a romantical dinner, sharing a few plates and solid cocktails. ALL SO DAMN DELECTABLE. This is what started my affair with Alden & Harlow - straying from my usual haunt, Franklin Cafe in the South End. I recently came with a group where the four of us tried 12 different plates. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, except for the dishes that obviously disgust you (some people don't like octopus or head cheese. [no, it's not what you think]) but common sense will tell you to order what you like to prevent any bitching after your meal. I don't recall the exact plate names, but I do recommend the chickories -- grilled salad, heirloom eggs, dem clams gad damn!, pickled verill farm corn pancakes, anything with Anson Mills grits, charred swordfish belly, and the secret burger that isn't such a secret no mo since I'm telling you about it. Shhhh. Having been a bartender in a past life, I am a fan of simple and clean flavors that don't dilute the spirit. 3 ingredients including ice does the trick. However, at Alden and Harlow, I will veer from my standard decree and drink EVERYTHING on their cocktail list. I can't recommend anything on that front since I drank so much the last time and can't recall. Anyway, you get the point. Just go.
(5)
Andy V.

We enjoyed Alden & Harlow immensely. I would say that if you have a nut allergy this place may not be for you as almost everything interesting has some sort of nut in it. On the good news from, the "special hamburger" is nut-free and it is worth arriving by 6:30/7:00 so you can order one before they run out (I did!). This would be a great selection to share as you get an ample 1/2 lb smoky burger with pickles, fried cheese and other assorted topics plus a generous helping of chips. That, plus one of the smaller tapas-sized dishes as an appetizer should satiate the most self-respecting diners, leaving room for dessert. I can also recommended are the blue fish (portion rather small for sharing) and the salty tomatoes (which should really be called, spicy tomatoes given the chiles mixed in!), with fried chickpeas for an nice contrasting crunch. Speaking of dessert, the cheese selection, along with home-made pistachio cookies (there's those nuts again!) was excellent and another good deal. Finally, I am happy to report that the coffee arrives fresh and hot; many who know me, realize that I have a pet peeve about being served sub-par brew after an otherwise great meal. Not so at A&H!
(4)
Saacha M.

My friend picked this place for my visit and I was very excited when I saw the menu. We stopped in for brunch and the atmosphere was very modern, but comfortable. We made our way to our table and ordered the pickled pancakes and the croque monsieur. Both were delicious, but the pancakes were one of the most unique things I've ever tried. They were not very sweet, but came with an apple compote that complimented them deliciously. I would go back just to order this again. The croque monsieur was good, but nothing special. The service was quick and friendly. I would love to come back here for dinner when I'm back in Boston.
(4)
Phil C.

So instead of a Yelp event on a Wednesday night, I was dealt with a semi-last minute postponement and my plus one not being able to make it to the new date (no thanks to you, Committee). I felt pretty terrible about my plus one opening up a Wednesday evening, only to be disappointed in not being able to attend this event. Presented with these options: a) Nervously stumble through words to my plus one, "Ummmm... heheheh... oh well, peace out!" *runs away* or b) Make the now-free evening worthwhile like the good friend that I accidentally try to be? I've really wanted to try this restaurant for the longest time. But Alden & Harlow, a place that doesn't really care for this website and its users? Which brought up a few lines from that 80's movie The Rock wants to remake to his likely folly, "Big Trouble In Little China": Jack Burton: Ah, you know what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like this? Thunder: Who??? Jack Burton: Jack Burton! Me! [Chinese guy comes somersaulting in air, prepared to fight alongside Burton] Jack Burton: Ol' Jack always says, "What the hell?" We started with chips and three-onion dip; something easy and basic. There was a strong onion flavor to the dip while the chips were fried nicely but unspectacular otherwise. The pickled green bean complimentary starter was decent. There was enough bite to the green bean in terms of tartness and texture. We had a tough time picking out a vegetable, but ended up with grilled spring onions with tahini and muscat grapes. The green part of the onion was charred while the bulb was soft. I guess the burnt flavor of the green contrasted with the sweetness of the bulb. The grapes were an interesting accompaniment, for when I think muscat grapes, I think of wine or Japanese gummy candy. The dish was inventive, to be sure. I don't think I'd go for it again, but props for its creativity. The pork belly was something I wanted before coming in, and I'm glad it worked out. The pork was tender and flavorful, with a nice crispy skin. The grits were a good match, along with the...onions? Grapes? Apples? I thought the accompaniment would be apples but they became onions. Another pre-determined selection was the smoked chocolate bread pudding. I definitely liked the smokiness of the bread pudding. The texture of the bread itself was warm and the noticeable chocolate flavor did not make the bread too cloy. The salt ice cream was perhaps...a little too salty. However, I did like its creaminess. This is definitely an intimate establishment, one that can be characterized as a date spot. It's rather dark inside and my friend needed to ask for additional illumination. Though it was interesting to see a family with young children eating beside us. I seemed to have missed the kids-sized portion of carpaccio on the menu. :-P Service was excellent, as the main server was attentive, patient, and congenial. He was descriptive with his details of the menu choices. Everyone else was quick to clear plates and refill water. Considering the reports from that Yelp event that I missed out, I apparently dodged a bullet, Neo-style. That's because I know kung fu.
(4)
Zach N.

After living in Boston for a year+, I finally made it to Alden and Harlow. Here's my take: THE GOOD: Chips and onion dip appetizer. Because of course. The striped bass crudo. Hot damn. I like crudo well enough, but it has never been a must-order for me. This dish may have changed that. The roasted strawberries were what made it, providing a counterbalance to the salt of the fish and onion oil. Wonder bean succotash: This dish was fantastic. The shrimp were amazing, the vegetables were astoundingly fresh and vibrant, and the crema tying it all together sealed the deal. Pickled corn pancakes: My favorite of the night. I had my doubts, but I saw that this was the most popular dish on the menu other than the "secret burger." It blew me away. The pancakes were pure butter, but with a unique tangy flavor from the pickled corn. The shishito peppers and tart maple yogurt were very complementary, and the popcorn added a necessary textural element. 16-hour coppa: This is a unique dish, as they sous-vide the coppa. Typically a cured meat, the coppa is then seared. The hunks of meat are fork tender, salty, and great with the cherry vinaigrette on the plate. The apple pie dessert: It's your own made-to-order apple pie with salted vanilla ice cream. It's also hotter than the surface of a red dwarf star, so be careful. THE NOT AS GOOD: Crispy baby bok choi: Shame on me for this one. I really wanted the sous vide egg. And I love bok choi. I assumed "crispy" meant sauteed or something, but the dish was deep fried. It was also a bit bitter for my taste, and dry since there is only so much egg yolk to go around. But again, I should have done my homework. Berkshire pork belly: Crucify me if you will, but I wasn't a big fan of the pork belly. The crispy skin was nearly impenetrable (even with a knife) and the grape agrodolce was -I thought- too sweet. Seriously, the skin (which I typically love) was filling-destroying levels of thickness. It was hard to chew and harder to cut. The flavor of the pork was great, and I love Anson Mills' grits, but the texture of the pork skin and the grape agrodolce didn't vibe with me. All in all, I'm definitely going back. The menu is inventive, local, and exciting. I had two dishes out of 8 that weren't great. One was a stupid order on my part (bok choi) and the other had great flavor, but was just difficult to consume (belly). I'm definitely going back for brunch ASAP to fill up on a secret burger, pancakes, and a cocktail.
(4)
Victoria P.

Came here with a friend and I managed to snag one of the elusive secret burgers. I've heard a lot about these beauties so I was really excited that I got one on my first try. It was absolutely amazing. The bread was soft and buttery, the meat was a perfect shade of light pink, juicy, and flavorful, and the toppings added just enough, but not too much. The parmesan crisp was the real star - a stroke a pure genius. Out server recommended that we order 2 dishes per person, but I found that one dish was more than enough. My friend and I did split the heirloom eggs which were extremely yummy and a great start to our meal. Service was great and loved the ambiance. Will definitely be back.
(5)
Tony S.

Hip. Not hipster. Hip. I can't believe I never dined here as a student, when it was near classrooms or other places I frequented. Love LOVE this place. Great mixology options, super knowledgeable and friendly wait staff, and an ambiance that just oozes cucumber cool. Whatever you do.... and I am sorry for those that have gluten sensitivity, but the croissant toast is a MUST HAVE!! I've never had anything quite like it, and I still dream of it like a lingering kiss...... that I never got from the date I took there (bitch!). Listen to the staff recommendations, but let them know how you're feeling, and what you like in general. They know how to recommend, and know how to look after you.
(4)
Sophie P.

Alden & Harlow is a great place to bring a larger group and share a communal table. Also, it's a great option for vegetarians! The vegetable dishes we had were definitely standouts. At $13+ a plate, it's a good idea to try bites of everything and eat family-style. FOOD --------- + CHARRED BROCCOLI: The butternut squash buried under the broccoli is complete crack. The broccoli is cooked perfectly, not having too much of a crunch, but not overcooked. The two complemented each other really well. + SECRET BURGER: The pickles, secret sauce, and buttered house made roll accompanied by soooo many chips definitely makes this a standout burger. Last time I had this, I shared with my boyfriend and it was too much to eat with other entrees. This time around I had 1/5 of the burger and it was perfect. + MOOSABEC FARM MUSSELS: The corn and fregola pasta in the broth is pure genius. Instead of just slurping up your broth with your mussels, you get a bite that is savory and a little bit sweet from the corn. This is definitely my favorite mussels dish! + JAPANESE EGGPLANT: This is sweet, savory, and soft; a great twist on an eggplant dish! + PICKLED VERRILL CORN PANCAKES: The buttermilk and maple flavors are not too overpowering, but do make the popcorn on the pancakes soggy. However, I did like the combination of the somewhat crunchy and soft textures. + CHICKEN FRIED RABBIT: Perfectly fried. The blue cheese taste wasn't too prominent. + SWEET PEA & HUMMUS: Although it mentions hummus, it really just is a blend of sweet pea and hummus accompanied by bacon and croissant toasts. Ask for more toast if you are sharing with multiple people - it's a flaky, crunchy bite of toast and it's awesome. For 5 girls, seven dishes was plenty. Our server recommended two plates per person, but I would've died in my seat if we ate that much. Each dish came out sequentially, with two dishes on our table at a time, which enabled our table to finish each dish as it was still warm.
(4)
Shannon W.

My guy friend was super excited to check this place out, so I got pretty amped about it...I was not at all impressed. It's small and very hipster-like (Brooklyn esque) in my opinion, maybe it was casual for my liking. Anyway, we sat down and ordered some drinks, my gf and I hated the first round of cocktails that we ordered so we ended up sending them back, it took forever. Service was so spotty, I had a tough time finding our waitress the whole night. We ordered a ton of dishes, none of which impressed me. I also asked for a glass of white wine, she poured me one which was so sweet it tasted like grape juice, so I asked for another white, she said they only had one other white, it was bland, nothing great. In terms of dishes... They brought out some fresh cold green beans to start which were okay, they were fresh at least. Then we had the chips and onion dip, it was good, but how can you go wrong here? The dip did taste very farm to table. The pickled verrill farm corn pancakes were my favorite dish, but very breakfast tasting. The corn pancakes come in a maple brown sugar with tons of popcorn and shishito peppers. The grilled farm potatoes were okay, not bad, they came in a cream like sauce and definitely tasted like they put bacon bits on top. Whole grilled mackerel...such a Russian/Polish dish in my opinion, it's a whole grilled fish with some cold veggies on the side. Definitely an acquired taste. The seared Japanese eggplant was good, but they brought it out last and I was really full towards the end of the meal. The combination of flavors was very unique. The shaved NY steak carpaccio looked pretty good, but I didn't eat it, it was cut very thin and had mushrooms and bread crumbs on top. My friends were raving about the pork belly on top of grits. I did try to the grits and I liked the grits. All and all I'm giving it 2 stars as the service was terrible and the food just didn't 'wow me' the way I wanted it to. After we left all 3 of us discussed how the restaurant was a bit of a disappointment, especially considering it came with outstanding reviews. Maybe it's a hit amongst the young college students in the area...
(2)
Kejing W.

Everything is too salty. The service is good though. I knew this restaurant because of its "best of boston new restaurant title". Just not my taste.
(3)
Vania Y.

This was my first time in Brattle Square and so happy to stumble upon the gem that is Alden and Harlow! The front entrance is basement level but don't be fooled- this place is huge! The decor is relaxed hipster. We made reservations for a group of 6 gals and am happy that this place can seat large parties unlike most of the restaurants in the South End. Ordered the BURGER- for someone who is indifferent to burgers (but has a weak spot for "limited" "small batch" anythings which is why I got it) it was amazing. Believe the hype. It's a lot of meat and juicy so if you like your burgers uppity and neat this might not be your thing. However I really have zero complaints about it! Meat, sauce, lettuce- perfection check, check and check! Other standouts: -corn pancakes (skip of you don't like sweet) -broccoli which tastes like meat -sweat pea hummus- even meat lovers will enjoy this If you can't tell- I love meat. This place has something for everyone- meat and veggie lovers alike! Hallelujah! This is epic because most of my friends love SweetGreen and I secretly loathe it. So now this could be a meeting point. A word on drinks: Got a sherry cobbler - which tasted more like this sugared prune candy my grandma used to give me. I dig it but not everyone will. My friend got a watermelon drink with mezcal in it which was refreshing with smokiness to it. Delish.
(5)
Tanya S.

Pleasantly surprised with the restaurant after coming for dinner (not just brunch). Our server, Diana, was very knowledgeable about gluten allergies and was very accomodating in trying to help me share food with my friends while keeping me safe. They occasionally even have a separate gluten free oil frier so I got to enjoy the potato chips. The secret burger had gluten in the sauce but I really loved the taste even without it. Adventurous food as always. Chicken hearts and kale salad are the besttt. They seated us before the entire party was there which is so gracious. And were super nice the entire time. Going to ask for Diana again when I'm there!
(5)
Laleh J.

The food here is excellent but it is pricey and portions are small. Still, it was a great meal and I enjoyed the interior and decor as well!
(5)
Julia H.

Came here for Sunday brunch as a group of 4. We had ordered enough food to feed 6 ppl! We had shared the following dishes: - Ubiquitous kale salad with shaved fennel - Pickled corn pancakes - Croissant toad in the hole - Kale toast - Spring vegetable frittata - Classic secret burger - Pork scrapple biscuit - side of grits The kale salad was very good - nice and light! The pickled pancakes were amazing! So light and fluffy! The croissant toad in the hole and the kale toast was average. The spring vegetable frittata was a bit overcooked. The classic secret burger was good - definitely cooked exactly to how your order it! And the side of grits had real corn bits in it, which made it good! Pork scrapple - unfortunately by the time this dish came out - I was too full to try it.
(4)
Marissa H.

Tucked away behind Brattle Hall, Alden & Harlow has the underground industrial feel that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a secret. It's spacious yet perfectly intimate for a date night and even though you probably won't recognize half of the items on the menu, everything is absolutely delicious. You start by ordering everything you want at once and they bring it to you as it comes out which makes for a fun dining experience. We got five things and were plenty full without breaking the bank. The best thing were Pat Woodbury's Clams and even though I've never had pig tails before, I might make it a regular snack. The least exciting course was the burrata but not because it wasn't delicious -- it just was not as interesting as the chicken fried rabbit and Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly. I can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Rachel P.

All smoke and mirrors.Iv'e been in the business 18 years. The decor is beautiful, very modern and cocktail menu and cocktails were very good. The food menu was good but you can't get a burger after 6:30? We were informed they only prep about 30 burgers. Where are we? I dined on a Friday..the kitchen should prep more burgers for what I'm guessing is a 200 cover night. It's a Friday...not a Tuesday. We ordered the recommended dishes, pork belly and rabbit...as well as steak tartare. Pork belly was amazing. But the other 2 dishes fell flat, especially the rabbit, it was minced with vegetables and deep fried like a fish stick. Great bar scene but my expectations were not met on the entrÃ©e's. Disappointed to say the least.
(3)
Gene L.

Went here for weekend brunch and there were so many great things about this place: 1) The restaurant is very spacious. So many Cambridge brunch spots are extremely crowded and you always feel like you need to finish brunch asap since the line is overtaking the restaurant. Not this place! The restaurant is spacious and beautifully decorated, and you never feel like you're crowded or rushed. 2) You can make reservations here for brunch! Again, so many brunch spots in Boston don't allow reservations to be made, which leads to long wait times. This place was awesome and we were all seated right away. 3) They handle large parties well. A group of 6 of us went and the service was great for our large group. Food comes out whenever it's ready, but we had enough shared plates so all of us could begin munching early on. Servers checked up on us regularly and were always on the lookout if we needed water / coffee / drinks refills. 4) The most important aspect- THE FOOD. The food here during brunch is so inventive and original- not many places serve the same type of dishes as they do here. We had the pig's tail grits (which was my favorite dish of the day), and other members had croissant pain perdu (also recommended), and the oxtail melt. We also shared the secret burger, which was fantastic. Very juicy, very tasty, and good mix of textures in the burger. Would definitely like to come here again for dinner one day to try out the dinner food and cocktails.
(5)
Annie S.

The hype is real folks. First of all, it's a great new american decor to it and the vibe manages to be laid back and classy all at once. I made a reservation for 7:30 but they couldn't seat us until around 8. Was in no rush so it didn't matter at all, but theoretically could have been annoying. The waitress was hilarious though so that would have made up for any potential service-related woes. Food-wise: as I expected from looking at previous reviews, they give you complimentary green beans which is a fun and unique start of a meal. We got two of the snacks- chips and onion dip, and coffee roasted beets. The onion dip was not at all what I expected- it tasted so fresh and not oily and greasy. Basically it wasn't that cheap frito lay dip you get a convenient store. Which I guess I should have expected from the great Michael Scelfo. Beets were also great, albeit nothing spectacular. For four of us, we got the mackerel, the corn pancakes, crispy pork belly, the chicken thigh and biscuit, and the kale salad. Everyone I was with had different favorites which I think is a good thing about a restaurant. Personally I loved the pork belly (though a warning that it's not a good plate to share because it's hard to cut) and the pancakes (a dish which i would never have conceptualized, yet it worked so well- the peppers bring it all together). We had been hesitant to get the kale salad because that's so boring but the pistachios in it really did make it special. The chicken was delicious (it's boneless which was a really nice surprise). The mackerel was my least favorite, didn't like the flavors of the spaghetti it came with. That being said, it was probably the most visually beautiful plate. We also got the chocolate bread pudding which I didn't like much either, but my friends absolutely loved. So I'll just go ahead and say there's somethjng wrong with me on that one. (But honestly to me it sort of tasted like smoked salmon which is clearly not what I wanted from my chocolate dessert)
(5)
Lisa P.

I met a couple of friends for dinner at Alden and Harlow on Wednesday night, and was very excited to try it after reading the Yelp and Eater reviews. I made a reservation a week in advance for 3 people at 7:30pm. We were seated promptly at a high top table in the bar area. The restaurant was very busy, and many people were waiting for tables in the bar area, even though there is much more space than it looks like from outside. Since 2/3 of our party had never been to Alden and Harlow before, our server gave us the lowdown on how much food to order, specials, favorite, etc... She let us know that the food is served tapas style and comes out when it is ready, and she would suggest 2 plates per person. We decided on 5 plates for the 3 of us, and had plenty of food! We couldn't finish everything and all left very full. Charred Broccoli - 4/5 - The broccoli was charred but not burnt, and the butternut squash hummus was a sweet, creamy compliment to the broccoli. Delicious! Corn Pancakes - 2.5/5 - This was the only dish that I wasn't overly impressed with. I found it kind of boring? It just tasted like corn pancakes with peppers, but there was no wow factor for me. The presentation (coming out with popcorn on top), was on point. Kale and Pork Belly Pappardelle - 5/5 - I generally love pasta, but this really was delicious and different than your traditional pasta dish. The pasta itself was made with the kale and perfectly cooked. The walnuts added a nice crunch, and the mint was a nice touch and made the dish a little more light and fresh. The pork belly did not overpower the dish. Fried Chicken Sandwich on a Pork Fat Biscuit - 5/5 - This was the special on Wednesday night, and it was amazing. Luckily, we split this 3 ways, otherwise I think I would have been sick since it was so rich. The chicken had a flavorful, crunchy coating and was still moist inside. The biscuit was perfectly flaky, the chicken was moist with a crunchy, flavorful coating and covered with gruyere cheese and aioli. Homemade chips (a personal favorite) were covering every open inch on the plate, and piled high. We also ordered the steak, but I only had a bite because I was already so full from everything else, so I can't say too much about it. The service was great at the beginning of the night, but slowly got off track and our server didn't come back or check on us for a long time. She also temporarily misplaced my credit card when we were paying our bill. Overall, good experience, and I'd like to go back to try the secret burger (which supposedly sells out by like 6pm?!).
(4)
Tiffany F.

I'd been wanting to try this place for ages and was so excited to finally have the chance to give it a try. It was first recommended to me by a coworker who felt that the dishes were too eclectic/untraditional for her liking, but thought it would be something my more adventurous taste buds would dance about. We tried nearly half the menu: crispy baby bok choy, pat woodbury's clams, ubiquitous kale salad, secret burger, crispy pork belly, parsnip pistachio dip, swordfish belly, and smoked chocolate bread pudding for dessert. With the exception of the swordfish belly, IT WAS ALL INCREDIBLY SALTY. It was such a shame, because each item is made with very interesting spices that probably would have been amazing if it wasn't ruined with loads of salt. Even the dessert was salty! The swordfish belly was tender, flavorful and cooked to perfection. I want to believe that perhaps the chef was having an off night and may come back again to give this place a chance to redeem itself. Just do me a favor, and HOLD THE SALT.
(3)
Brad M.

Wow... dropped the ball. I cannot say how disappointed I was! First, cheese grits are not supposed to be soupy. Pouring them into a different serving dish, and scorching them with a Brule torch does not make them cook any better. The server also said it was a single portion size... so we each ordered one... when we could've easily served 2-3 people out of each dish. Nice Upsell... you got us! Feel good about that? It was pretty loud (and I don't mind a loud restaurant), but we couldn't hold conversations. Then the waitress must've completely forgotten to bus our tables... I had to move the eggs so I could sign the bill. That's just low class and lazy. As a HUGE Foodie... I was completely stoked to find a James Beard semi-finalist! A restaurant named Zagats 10 Hottest Restaurants in Boston! Someone must've let it go to their heads. We won't return.
(1)
Brian R.

One of my favorite restaurants in Boston area. Very creative and well executed menu and fantastic cocktails - and bartenders. Overall vibe is cool without trying too hard. Not cheap but definitely worth every penny. Great date place - I suggest sitting at the bar for an intimate date. Also great for group dinners if you like sharing. I especially like the high tops near the bar with the cool back-lit wood wall situation.
(5)
Samantha L.

Alden and Harlow is located in Harvard Square, next to a theater. The restaurant had simple decor - dimmed lighting by the bar and wooden blinds with lights from behind. In terms of taste, I'd say Alden and Harlow is on the top of my list. However, the bill can end up being high in the end. All of the staff was warm and friendly. The service was excellent. I came here for a dinner with 9 friends. Our server suggested each person to order two dishes. For drinks, I got a local hard cider - Bantam's Wunderkind cider. It was a sweet cider with a hint of honey. After we placed our orders, our server brought us complimentary green beans, which were pickled and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It was a small portion for 10 people. For appetizer, I ordered the Wood Smoked Arctic Char, which was served in the form of a cold salad on a triangular slice of sweet zucchini bread, topped with sunchoke, trout roe, and pickled onions. For the entree, I ordered the Charred Broccoli, which was served in a butternut squash hummus and topped with bianco sardo and chopped cashew. The dish was both sweet and savory. I loved to char grilled flavor. For dessert, my friend and I split a Chocolate Terrine, which was a semi-solid chocolate mousse surrounded by toasted, sweet and fluffy marshmallow like Italian meringue, topped with orange marmalade, homemade graham cracker pieces and garnished with bitter dark chocolate shavings. The rest of my party ordered the following (which were pretty tasty): 1. Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly - Blistered Grape Agro Dolce, Anson Mills Grits 2. Creekstone Farms 8oz New York Strip - Grilled Carrots, Burnt Scallion, Tonnato *The next time I return to Alden & Harlow, I'm definitely getting this entree! 3. Pat Woodbury's Clams - Smoked Pig's Tail, Parsley & Chili Toast 4. Chicken Fried Local Rabbit - Celery, Apple, Blue Cheese, Chili Oil 5. Charred Octopus - Smoked Avocado, Beets, Nettle Salsa Verde, Quinoa *The octopus was tender and full of flavor.
(5)
Tyson F.

Alden & Harlow is teetering on the cusp of greatness. The menu is enthralling... I found my mind swirling with each description, wondering to myself how I was going to make a coherent decision. Ultimately, I decided to reign in my desire to make the "one of everything, please" order, and went much smaller in scale than originally planned, in hopes to visit again soon to sample more. Before getting into specific reviews, one common theme emerged throughout the night. The menu is very, very ambitiously creative, but it seemed to fall just ever slightly short with every dish. While we completely enjoyed everything we tasted, there wasn't that clear "wow" moment that I always hope for. You know, that moment you look at your dining partner and roll your eyes in wonderment. First to arrive was our snack, the broiled Island Creek oysters. Good, but overall, fairly average in flavor. Nothing much more to say here. Second, was the carpaccio. I'm a freak for any carpaccio and order it from almost every menu in which I encounter it, so I like to think I know a good carpaccio. A&H's carpaccio was good, but had too much going on. It seemed to suffer from the same influences that are harming sushi in this country... Too many flavors further complicated and/or muted by globs of creamy sauces. Razor thin beef is a beautiful thing, and shouldn't need a pile of accoutrement to enhance it. Let those basic flavors shine and speak for themselves. It was a gorgeous dish, I just wish the flavors had matched. Third were the farm corn pancakes. Perfectly cooked, fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Again, somewhat underwhelming in flavor, and seemed to be lacking texture. They were served alongside fried shishito peppers that could've benefitted from a bit more time in the fryer to produce more blistering instead of being mostly soggy. The popcorn sprinkled on top was a whimsical addition, but I failed to see how it added anything to the dish. It almost felt like a Chopped episode of random ingredients that were force together (in a good way, almost), and I found myself eating the popcorn after the fact. Besides, popcorn doesn't fork well. If the flavors and seasonings could be refined, and the insane creativity of the menu reigned in to make something a bit more unified and coherent, Alden & Harlow would easily be a top Boston area destination for years to come.
(4)
Julia T.

I had the corn pancakes here. At first I was a bit hesitant about ordering them, because corn pancakes sound like a bland concept. But rest assured, these pancakes were fluffy and seasoned perfectly. I'm still drooling as I write this review. That's how much of an impression they left on me. The interior of the restaurant is beautifully modern, with wooden table and hanging ceiling lights. It's a perfect date spot or for a fancy lunch if you're looking to impressed someone. My Bostonian friend wanted to take me to lunch at his favorite place in Cambridge, and this was it. At the end of the meal, they give you a cute postcard to take home that has "Alden & Harlow" printed on one side. The service was attentive, without being intrusive. And the maitre'd was really nice in seating us without a reservation. Perhaps we came a bit after the brunch rush, but nonetheless, I was surprised we could snag a table without calling in ahead. I'll definitely return the next time I'm at Harvard!
(5)
Laura N.

Absolutely mind-blowing brunch. And if the food wasn't enough, the service, the ambiance, the hush-hush entry, the overall design and decor, it was just fantastic from the moment I walked in. The only issue? It was a bit smokey in the very back of the venue. Luckily, we were seated at a 2-top in the bar area and only ventured back there to use the restrooms. Other than that? Impeccable. Let me count the ways: The ubiquitous kale salad was just that, and was honestly the first kale salad that I wanted heaps and heaps more of when I came to the bottom of it. I would have stashed it in my pockets had that been an option. The root veggie latkes and the sausage and potato skillet were both brilliant. Not too filling and bursting with flavor. It's tough to go wrong with cheddar sauce and garlic crumbs. Actually, what am I talking about, it's *very* easy to go wrong with these ingredients. But Alden &Harlow didn't. The pickled corn pancakes with the honey and the apple and buttermilk being served as our last course was genius. It was the perfect blend of savory and sweet, almost like a breakfast-y dessert. And the tequila bloody mary. And the Stumptown. And the Jacobson Salt... and... and... I loved every minute of it. Even the smokey ones.
(5)
Elaine W.

First time in Boston, commuted from the airport straight to Harvard Square to meet my pal and she takes me here. The ambiance is really nice, dark, sexy mood lighting. Wood paneling, soft light, black leather. We were seated in the back where it was a little brighter than the front. We ordered some sparkling rose, the kale salad, the corn pancakes, and the mussels. Every single thing was equally amazing. The corn pancakes were served with popcorn with honey drizzle and small roasted peppers. It was a unusual dish but so delicious. Can't wait for my next trip to Boston so coming here can become a tradition.
(5)
Simon L.

Downstairs in the old Casablanca space, Alden and Harlow reminisces of a subterranean garden wih windows looking up. An open kitchen and a long bar make for plenty of space to relax and grab a drink. The beef neck is very dry but certainly tasty. Not much meat and like picking a lobster body. The skate wing is delicious although far too too much going on here - dates, cauliflower seared in olive oil and paprika and a plum puree swoosh. There is a mint and oil chopped component. The fish with just the cauliflower or plum would have been sufficient. The pasta with confit chicken, chicken liver butter and, dates, again, is delicious but needed to lose the dates - again too much going on. Finally, the clams with smoked pigs tail And chared baguette with garlic chive butter was amazing. Tons of pig mixed into the broth with a super smoky component. Pork belly with crispy buttery soft crisp grits is thick and luscious. Lamb ribs fatty tahini chili perfect offset. Rabbit cassoulet is full of favs beans and wonderfully full of rabbit chunks in a tomato broth is a total win. 60 degree egg with crispy Bok Choy is tabasco olive oil awesome garlic dip with nuts. Chicken fried rabbit blue cheese and chili oil dressing shaved apple micro greens - fried hard a Panko crusting. Tender rabbit meat is sweet and goes nicely with the blue cheese - it's almost buffalo rabbit. Pertinent dishes, a total rehab of a formerly outdated place and attentive service, this is the new place to go in Harvard Square.
(4)
Andrea L.

Wonderful dinner. We came on a Saturday night at 6:45 pm (made a reservation beforehand) and they were already out of the Secret Burger!! Will have to try again earlier sometime. We ended up getting 4 main dishes + 2 snacks to share among 3 people, which was the perfect amount. Snacks: The Charred broccoli was amazing!!! Best broccoli I've ever had, probably because of the delicious, nutty sauce. The Ubiquitous kale salad was also good, but didn't really stand out to me. Main: The Corn pancakes were my favorite after (or tied with) the broccoli - such an eclectic dish with pancakes, popcorn, and peppers, but somehow the flavors just work together! The Crispy Berkshire pork belly was also delicious (loved the grits with it) but a heads up - it's small and nearly impossible to cut/share... We were less impressed with the Chicken fried rabbit (a bit boring) and Honey glazed burrata (messy to cut/share, too), but we all enjoyed the food overall. Definitely highly recommend!
(5)
Yuan J.

I came here with a friend on a Friday evening, and had a pretty enjoyable dinner. Going in, I had already done my research so I knew exactly what to order: Secret Burger, Ubiquitous Kale Salad, the Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes, and the Buttermilk and Lemon Pound Cake. The kale salad was really good, and I enjoyed it despite the fact that I hate kale. The corn pancakes were exactly the way I remember them - absolutely delicious. I really wish they gave more than just 3 pancakes though - each one is only about 3-4 inches in diameter. We were also able to get the secret burger which was very juicy and delicious, though my friend didn't like the "cheese" as much. I would come back for the burger, though I personally liked the pancakes a lot more. If you want a light dessert, definitely get the lemon pound cake - it's not too sweet and very light and it doesn't make you feel overly fully at the end of a nice meal.
(5)
Kevin J.

Food: 4.5 Stars Service: 4 Stars Came here on a double date in the winter and the plates were fantastic! Keep in mind this is a tapas place so the plates are relatively small and the point is to order a couple to share with the table. As a table, we ordered a couple of entrees including the following: 1. Ubiquitous Kale Salad: This was one of my favorites. Who knew something so simple and healthy could taste so good. It's a great light start to a meal and the creamy pistachio dressing really blends well with the crispiness of the kale leaves. They also chop it in such a way that you're not dealing with too much at once. 2. Smoked Castelvetrano Olives: I have never been a huge olives fan, but this dish was definitely made with a lot of care and when it comes out fresh and hot from the kitchen I couldn't resist. When you eat the Almond and the olives together, it's really a great blending of flavors. 3. Corn Pancakes: These are so cool! They put popcorn on the sides of the pancakes so you have so many different forms of corn to choose from. The Maple syrup and other sauces they put on top of the pancake make it look beautiful. 4. Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly: I ordered this as my second plate. The top of the pork belly was really delicious, crispy, chewy and the flavor is so pungent. I actually saved it for last because I knew it would be one of my favorites. Underneath you have a soft tender, and fat-filled piece of pork that just melts in your mouth. There are some vegetables on the side as well as roasted apples and grits underneath. Highly recommend this gem!
(4)
Amy D.

2.5 stars but rounding up since I really loved the corn pancakes dish. I came to Alden & Harlow specifically to try their Secret Burger, but since I wasn't able to get here until 7:45pm on a Wednesday, they were already sold out. I tried to ask the hostess if one could be reserved, but apparently they don't do that. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because it keeps the allure of the restaurant high. Alden & Harlow can be a bit difficult to find since the signage is on the side, and they are below street level so you have to keep an eye on the street numbers to make sure you walk down the flight of stairs. This is one of the most hipster-ish restaurants I've been to in a while- the inside is super dim, and the upper half of one of the seating areas is made up of living plants (novel idea, but being poked in the head by a long vine and/or having dirt fall on your clothing during dinner kind of sucks). My colleague and I were seated when we arrived (we made reservations ahead of time), and we tried: -Complimentary Pickled Green Beans ( yelp.com/biz_photos/aldeâ€¦ ): Yikes, this was super vinegary, and too sour for my liking. My coworker liked it a lot more than I did. -Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly (Blistered Grape Agro Dolce, Anson Mills Grits, $15): Pretty good, and a solid pork belly dish, but not so amazing that I would definitely have to order it again. It was a good but not super memorable dish. -Grilled Spanish Mackerel (Celery Root Remoulade, Pickled Green Tomatoes, $17): Again, good, but not amazing, and not that memorable. I wouldn't order this again. -Charred Broccoli (Butternut Squash Hummus, Bianco Sardo, Cashew, $13): I liked the charred broccoli, but the butternut squash hummus was strange, and way too sweet. I thought the ingredients in this dish were fighting against each other, and there's too much going on- skip! -Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes (Buttermilk, Maple, Shishitos, $13): I loved this dish, and it was my favorite of the night. The pancakes had a wonderful sweetness from the corn, and the shishitos were blistered perfectly. I also loved the addition of popcorn- I think I could've eaten 3 plates of this on my own- a must order! -Chicken Fried Local Rabbit (Celery, Apple, Blue Cheese, Chili Oil, $15): Better than I expected, but I didn't like the addition of blue cheese, which overpowered a lot of the other flavors. The chicken fried rabbit was cooked well though, and was nice and crispy. -Buttermilk & Lemon Pound Cake (Torched Blackberry Compote, Almond Whip, $9): Pretty good, but not quite amazing. However, it was a good end to an otherwise uneven dinner. Our server was friendly and nice enough, but we didn't like most of her recommendations- maybe we just have really different palates. However, she was nice enough to remove the charred broccoli from our bill since it was very obvious that we weren't fans of the dish. Overall, I thought the restaurant was overhyped, and I'm not sure if I would come back again. I'm torn between really wanting to try the much raved about Secret Burger (and to get the corn pancakes again), but I feel like I would probably leave disappointed. The dishes were on the pricier side for the portions, and the traffic and parking around this area can be quite challenging (however, there is some street parking available a couple blocks away). If you do decide to check out Alden & Harlow for yourself, reservations are highly recommended!
(3)
Rachel R.

Of all the cool new restaurants I've crammed my hungry, whiny, human vessel into this year, Alden & Harlow is probably THE coolest newest restaurant I've had the pleasure of demanding small, impressive things inside of. It's on James' beard, so you know this is no small local/seasonal/organic/free-range/grass-fed potatoes. Anyway, standard's set high as hell. My thrice-over investigation leaves me at a solid 3, because there's as much inconsistency as there is hype. Three visits divvied up dishes, as well as service, into an equal ratio between: "Yoooo" (on-point), "Noice" (good) or "Nah" (nah.). Because A&H changes it up all the time, there's no point in my telling you about things you can't have (other than to make myself feel important, which I already am, because I Yelp.) *snickers, then sheds a single tear* The raw sugar pumpkin salad, the broccoli, and one of the spicy cocktails I've had are a five-star vegetarian dinner showcasing the power of plants in skilled hands. Everything is fresh, high-quality, and interesting.. though not everything is tasty. The farm corn pancakes are savory and fun, but approach ubiquity. A stone fruit and pig dish seemed texturally less-than-cohesive, and the burrata wasn't particularly noteworthy, either. The rabbit had barely a hare of rabbit, and doughy dumplings that went uneaten. Another drink was so thick and rich that a shot-glass size would've been welcomed, and one, though scrumptious, tasted like it contained one 1/4 thimble of gin. You get the idea. Here's the kicker: the hyped-as-hell special secret uberburger doesn't even come close to haunting my reverie. Turning melty cheese into a chewy cheese coaster is novel, but it didn't improve the consumption experience. It unproved it. Deproved it. What I'm saying is, I took off the cheese coaster. Would I recommend A&H? If you're prepared for an evening of edible wheel of fortune, sure. You might come out on top. Just don't hold your breath for the secret burger. If you pass out waiting, when you come to, the burger in front of you won't be that exciting.
(3)
Sally C.

Not a single miss at brunch this morning- crumpets are as great as yelpers have proclaimed although-- word to the wise--they are little sponges, scrape off that mountain of melting butter, it just keeps soaking in! Pork scrapple biscuits were very rich but thoughtfully served with a bright lemony arugula salad to cut through all that heavy porky awesome. The Kale anchovy toast, while hard to tackle & share, was memorable-- so much flavor & umami goodness. That bacon is amazing. Wish the root veggie latkes weren't lying on all that sour cream but they were also terrific, not at all greasy as latkes can easily be. They were helpful in customizing the bloody Mary's (he's spicy, I'm mild) - he found the use of Szechuan peppercorns to add a numbing element that was unique.
(5)
Roxana F.

Holy wow, what a great experience! I had heard really good things about A&H and decided to come here, and I'm so glad I did! The food at Alden and Harlow exceeded my already-high expectations. The menu is really interesting, so it was hard to pick what to order but our server suggested we order two dishes per person and share. After reading Yelp reviews I knew we had to order the kale salad, which was divine. Thankfully my companion isn't a huge kale fan so I got to devour most of that. We also ordered the swordfish belly which was like a fatty (although not noticeably) version of regular swordfish but still extremely delicious. I am very sensitive to fatty meat and this wasn't too rich or heavy. We also ordered the whole grilled mackerel, which came with the most DELICIOUS celery root remoulade. Holy yum! I could have eaten that for days. By this point, I was already stuffed but my companion had ordered the shaved NY strip carpaccio which smelled divine but was too rich for my liking. However, he devoured it and is a pretty picky eater so it must've been good, right? Despite having gone on a Monday night, this place was pretty busy and had a really fun, energetic vibe. I will definitely, definitely come back.
(5)
Jeff C.

I brought a friend here to celebrate her birthday. Really nice atmosphere. The food was good but a bit salty! Lay off on the salt! Our server was a bit off too...like she wasnt really all there...if you know what I mean haha Fun time tho! Probably wont go back but I think everyone should go at least once.
(3)
Khiem T.

Alden & Harlow. I was so excited coming here. I heard great things about this restaurant, and the menu was very exciting, they feature great ingredients. Sadly, it was a disappointing and underwhelming dining experience. Perhaps it was a Sunday, but hey, I still expected better. I like the location and the dÃ©cor. The mood at the bar was nice. They played heavy rock when I was there. I thought that was a nice touch. First impression: The staff was so uninspired. For a restaurant with an exciting menu, exciting music, open kitchen, great setting, the staff was half asleep. I sat at the bar first, ordering a Fogcutter, which has rum, gin, brandy, orgeat, and sherry. You can't go wrong with this drink, it's a great blend and it was listed under Shaken. Great, I am excited. The bartender put it together, shook it gently a few times, the cocktail didn't even have the foam of a well shaken cocktail. She then added way too much lemon and orange juice with a lot a lot of ice. When I tasted it, it honestly tasted like a college dorm screwdriver. We ordered four plates of food. The first was the sea bass crudo. It was completely flat in taste profile. Nicely plated, but the portion was ridiculous, sliced so thin, and underwhelming. This dish was missing some acid balance. I don't think the sea bass was fresh because it was missing the texture of fresh suzuki, though that could be due to Sunday... Second plate was brought out by another food runner. The thing with the food runners here is they mumbled the plate name then run away before they finish saying the names or the ingredients. I thought it was poorly trained. This guy put down the plate, mumbled something then walked away. It wasn't what we ordered. It took me over five minutes to get the attention of the waitress, who was talking to other waiters. She came over and literally said, "Oh that's not what you ordered" then walked away with the plate. She should had left it there since we already played with it with our forks to see what was in there. She forgot to apologize, so a few minutes later she came back and said sorry, though expressionless, and somewhat pointless. The next three dishes came out, the carpaccio, the grilled mackerel, and the crispy Berkshire pork belly. Again, we chose this restaurant for its menu and the ingredients looked fantastic. Sadly, the taste was so flat, nothing jumped out at you. There was no complexity on the palate, no umami, no immediate freshness. I sat there somewhat confused as to the reason why. Most of the dishes were missing the element of acid; the flavor profile was way too dark. Only the mackerel which came with a celery root remoulade introduced a brighter flavor. I wondered if these were leftovers from Saturday, because it was so flat and just didn't have the freshness of freshly cooked food. This was a letdown, but maybe my expectation was too high. When I was eating half way through the second course, some guy came over and said, "I am going to take your plates" Then he just took our plates and gave us new ones. WHY? We were in the middle of eating a meal. Shouldn't you wait for a new dish to start before changing plate? Shouldn't you wait for me to finish what I am eating and maybe ask me before apologetically yanked my plate away?
(2)
Bleeker R.

Great concept, wildly creative and inventive food. Amazing space. Small plates for the most part, so be prepared to share with your friends. Service is spectacular, as are the special cocktails. Probably the greatest late night menu ever. This place sets the bar high for new Boston-area restaurants. PS: Yes, the secret burger is absolutely worth showing up early or late (after 10pm). Just thinking about it makes me happy.
(5)
Kyle F.

Have only been here for brunch, but it's been great both times. Inventive and well-executed takes on classic dishes and haven't had to wait for a table either time I went.
(5)
Minh C.

I haven't tried the secret burger, but I'm going to have to go with A-OK here. We had a sampling of a number of dishes, and overall, I thought the food was alright and didn't meet the expectations set by the glowing reviews. Pickeled green beans - this tasted exactly like pickles, except they were green beans. I don't get why these were served as complementary starters by themselves. If they were paired with something to soften the strong pickle flavor, then maybe... Kale salad - the pistachio cream was great. I can eat this everyday. Pork belly - the fat was there, but the juice wasn't. I didn't get too much flavor from this. Burrata - couldn't find the burrata. Corn bread - must try. Rich and decadent. Smoked chocolate bread budding - I always say I'll try anything once. This will be one of those times where it'll actually be just once. It's intriguing, but the thought of smoked salmon kept coming to me every time I bit into this. If that's your style, then go for it.
(3)
D J.

EXTREMELY limited late night menu. We went with a group of friends expecting some delicious munchies with our drinks, but were greeted with choices of celery and carrots, potatoes chips, or some hard cheese. Not at all a meal, and certainly nowhere worth almost $13 bucks. If you're hungry and it's late night, go someplace else or you'll be starving. Also, the bartender was either a bit rude or clueless. Completely overlooked me as I waited to order drinks, yet helped at least 5 people ahead of me...all of whom walked up to the bar and were served within seconds. Thankfully, the tip line on the receipt allowed me an opportunity to express "when you overlook me, I overlook you!!
(2)
Steph C.

I visited Alden & Harlow with my husband and a couple of friends during a short trip to Boston. We went for an early Saturday brunch, right at 10:30 when the place opened. I liked that we were able to make a reservation, which is not always possible with popular brunch spots. Made planning our trip much easier. We tossed around a few options before deciding on Alden & Harlow, and we all ended up happy with our choice. The place was lovely and the food and drink were delicious. We were the first customers to arrive, just as the doors were opening, but they were ready and seated us right away, at a great table with a view of the open kitchen through a shelf of classic cookbooks. I loved the feel of the place. It was elegant and charming, with the kind of casual, modern, hip-industrial decor I always fall for in trendy restaurants. My husband pointed out that Alden & Harlow must be one of the places in Harvard Square where students bring their parents, and this seemed about right. It felt upscale but unstuffy, with something to offer for everyone. Service was great. Our waitress was helpful and friendly, and the host stand let me charge my phone, which was about to die. I scanned a few menus when figuring out where to eat our one planned Boston meal, and I'll be honest--I leaned toward this place at least 80% because of the A&H Szechuan Bloody Mary. I love bloody marys and Szechuan peppers, so I had to try this and would've been very disappointed if it tasted like any other bloody mary. It did not. This was a thick, spicy, flavorful bloody mary with the particular hot numbing quality of Szechuan peppercorns. It was a fantastic, eye-opening cocktail, garnished with pickled green beans. It came with a choice of spirits, and I stuck to vodka, which seemed like the right choice. Why take the stage away from that awesome Szechuan bloody mary mix? My husband got the Bee Sting, which was another excellent brunch drink. It came with gin, ginger, honey, lime, and mint--light and refreshing and very well balanced. The food was as good as the drink. We shared most of our food, per our server's suggestion, and this worked out pretty well, as everything on the table tasted wonderful. The kale toasts were gorgeous, with anchovy aioli, fried eggs, Benton's bacon, fried kale, and what must've been some kind of kale pesto spread onto tall, crusty slices of baguette. Tons of flavor here, with particular credit to those thick, gleaming strips of bacon. The classic secret burger, which appears to be an Alden & Harlow signature, was superb. The house ground patty was juicy and substantial, cooked to a nice medium rare, and it came with an undisclosed list of accompaniments that included a parmesan crisp, pickles, and some kind of tangy slaw on a housemade roll. Whatever was in there worked beautifully. The last savory thing we ordered was the croissant toad in the hole. This was less essential than the other two, but still great, with a slow poached egg, Benton's jam, and Stumptown Redeye gravy. The jam was almost too sweet, but it all tasted good in the end. For actual sweet breakfast, I would definitely recommend the croissant pain perdu, or French toast. The texture was spot on, spongey and moist without any mush, and it came with roasted blackberries, vanilla honey custard, and an absolutely sparkling tart lemon curd. Finally, the crumpets with cream and jam were a splendid side, buttery and dense with a nice crumble. I was really impressed with this place and would be inclined to go often if I lived in the area. Between the nice vibe, the Szechuan Bloody Mary, and the wonderful food, I think it's the rare kind of spot that would get me out of the house on a lazy weekend morning. I'm sure dinner is also spectacular, but that'll have to wait until a future visit to Boston. I'll keep Alden & Harlow in mind next time I travel this way.
(5)
Ramzy K.

The hype is real. Alden and Harlow, one of the most talked about restaurants in the Boston area, deserves our attention. Out of its cavernous, underground setting, tucked away in Harvard Square, A&H delivers creative combinations and rich tastes by emulating tapas-style cuisine with modern American flavors. Surprisingly, the dishes are not small, like most tapas. They come beautifully prepared and presented, almost like entrees. The broccoli is crunchy, the smelts are fresh, and the pork belly is mouthwatering. Each plate presents a plethora of strong flavors that are risky in theory, but disarmingly appetizing in practice. The bok choy dish is exemplary: crisped, baked, & slightly charred bok choy topped with walnuts and a soft poached egg. Strange until the first bite, when you realize that bok choy was born to be served like this. As for the atmosphere, it varies by where you sit. In certain areas, the cavern-like setting swallows you up in an off-putting darkness and secludes you from the outside world; in others -- near windows, open spaces, or lights -- the grotto effect is cool. Also, the waitstaff generally leaves you alone, barely interacting with you throughout the meal (ex. food runners, not servers, deliver food to the table). I guess they hope the food speaks for itself. And, by and large, it does. A&H changes the way you think about tapas; they don't have to be small dishes defined by one or two flavors. They can be hearty with a compelling character. This is Alden and Harlow's greatest offering to the world. It's worth a visit to taste it for yourself. Just ask for a seat by the window.
(4)
Philippe D.

In the back of Harvard Sq, you can't miss it but look down as it is under street level. Very busy place, the sound level is pretty high so not a place for great conversation. However very friendly and professional waiters/waitresses. Will only speak about what I had: the shaved NY strip carpaccio, very good meat but was with an oil which had some taste destroying the inner taste of the meat. Not a hit The pig tongue with quinoa: excellent if the quinoa would not have been fried. I like it more soft Overall, good place to eat
(3)
Thien H.

Alden & Harlow is super cute. We had about ten small, delicious dishes (and many cocktails) among the four of us. The standouts were the vegetable accompaniments and the yummy sauces and purÃ©es. I don't know what they put in their sauces, but they are not something I could just whip up at home. There's just the right amount of fancy on the plates. Notables: Roasted beef neck ($14) Grilled lamb sirloin ($17) Brambly Pork Belly ($15) Grilled Bluefish ($16) Pan Roasted Clams ($16) Ubiquitous Kale Salad ($8) Even the kale salad was good. Just wish there was more of it on the plate. The server was nice. My only complaint is that there is not enough natural sunlight in the restaurant for me to take photos of the beautiful and tasty food.
(5)
So S.

One must...pigtails with polenta! I dream of this dish which was a perfect balance of sweet, salty and unctuousness. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Elizabeth G.

I really wanted to love this restaurant- my husband and I live just a walk away and were craving the perfect date place- but it was altogether just okay. The decor is great- rustic, refurbished, industrial but comfortable and cozy too. We started with cocktails and were both really pleased. The bartender was helpful and friendly. Looking at the menu we were really excited to try everything because of the interesting ingredients and choices from local producers. The menu is designed to try and share smaller portions. However as the food arrived, dish by dish, the flavors fell flat and were mostly disappointing compared to the tantalizing descriptions from the menu. I appreciate creativity and interesting blending of flavors and textures, but I felt that the dishes were trying too hard without getting the basics right first. For example, the mussels were served with corn, basil and smoked fregoula- an interesting combination but the broth itself was tasteless and oily and the mussels were overcooked. The chicken fried rabbit could have been delicious, but was made from ground rabbit, which was not distinct enough for choosing to be a little adventurous. I loved the idea of the succotash, but there was an awkward crunch that was too overpowering. All of the dishes seemed to be missing their punch line. I could go on but the main message is that with improvement of the fundamentals, this place could be really good. I don't think we'll go back unless this becomes the case. Right now it's not worth the price and the 45 min wait for a table.
(3)
Alexandra S.

Really this is a 4.5. I rounded up to 5 because on a super busy night we still got a spot at the bar and had DELICIOUS food and fabulous drinks before attending a concert near by. First, the have this funny system for getting a seat at the bar. I liked it because we were able to wait in line rather than have to stalk someone's seats. We got a spot at the bar in about 25 minutes on a busy busy Saturday night. Second, the drinks. WOW. They really know what they're doing. I forget what we had but I remember loving it. Third, the food. We had a salmon dish and a chicken fried rabbit dish. Superb. Loved the atmosphere (though a tad congested and a tad noisy) and the bartenders were super friendly. Would go back again and again for date night!
(5)
Emerson O.

I shared 9 dishes with a party of four, mostly vegetarian, and including the secret burger. My least favorite dish was actually the burger. I love burgers and will gladly pay for a top tier interpretation. It's just that the veggie dishes out shined the meat dishes. I am definitely coming back to try more of veggies and perhaps the whole mackerel. For a superb luxurious burger go to Craigie & Main. The A&H burger is just a perfection of the classic Flat Patty burger across the street, which is nearly as good and way cheaper. Homemade potato chips that came with the burger were excellent. Soft and crispy and thin. They nailed that part of it.
(4)
Rachel N.

A 4.5. Last night was magical, not only because we began planning our soon to be annual R.Kelly White Party on a Yacht/M's Secret Bat Mitzvah Part I, but more importantly, because it happens only once that I get the chance to celebrate one of my oldest GFs totally crushing med school and matching in IM at UCSF. Because she is in-effing-credible. And brilliant. And a babe. CS, you've been warned ;) And there was no better backdrop for these festivities than Alden & Harlow, which I've been trying to get to for a year, but as I'm an ace at being flaky and A&H is in hot demand, our stars didn't cross until yesterday - and thank goodness that Jupiter was rising or whatever was necessary for us to snag some of the coveted seats at the bar - which, from the moment we arrived a bit after 6, continued to get more slammed as the evening marched on. The cocktail list is extensive and peppered w little treats like The Rounder - rye, campari, spruce/juniper dolin blanc, absinthe, and flamed orange - it's easy to get overwhelmed - I rec chatting w the bartenders, all of whom were quite knowledgeable - or just go hard and get one of everything, or, as I like to think of it, a Long Island Iced Tea in my tum. Actually that would be doing a disservice to how well crafted the cocktails are, but whatever. Noteworthy beers too, all of which are local-ish, with the exception of the gluten-free option, which hails from the great state of WI. Because of course somewhere in Cambridge has to have a GF bur. Of course. Onto the nosh - kale salad w pistachio dressing/honey/fennel was richer than expected, though somehow also fresh and tight - was tempted by the raw celery root w caper brown butter/lemon/walnuts/golden raisins, but instead went for the smoked artic char belly on brown bread w/ roasted carrots/apples/sunchokes - a showstopper - reminding us all that Jew food + Irish staples should get together and do the hora on a plate more often - and the burrata w fried walnuts/pickled carrots/mind/raisins/burnt onion oil was cleverly delicious. As literally everyone has mentioned, should you get there early enough to obtain a "secret burger" before they run out, it's worth it - though if you miss it, I think you won't regret hitting the chestnut agnolotti, NY strip, or monkfish liver pate. Menu changes regularly, so if these options aren't floating your boat, 1) you lose, and 2) check back in a bit for when they've mixed it up. For dessert we dabbled in the chocolate bread pudding w sea salt ice cream. It. Was. Smokey. And like not in that "awww, smokey the bear is adorbs" way, but in that "wait, I thought I was eating a dessert, not licking a BBQ pit" way - in short, it's an acquired taste - but to our waiter's credit, he warned us. And the ice cream was nice, so not a total wash. Presentation all around is quite pretty w/o being precious. Attention paid to detail. Decor is that seductive industrial-chic thing that everyone is doing now and call me basic, but I don't hate it. I actually fancy it. It's like eating in what my dining room would look like if I had an underground lair in what used to be a sexy woodshop? Maybe? If you're doing it right w shared plates/entrees/booze/dessert, it'll easily run you $60-70/per person - though I guess if you're a lighter eater, a shared plate (mostly around $16) + a cocktail ($12) won't set you back too far, but A&H is good enough that I heartily encourage you to spend freely as you will not be disappointed. Go. Now.
(4)
J P.

Alden & Harlow is simply the best. It has amazing atmosphere, fabulous and interesting dishes and Seth serves up the BEST cocktails. Anyone who complains - don't listen! And absolutely get the corn pancakes. They never, ever disappoint. Happy chowing!
(5)
Ryan R.

Went here with a couple of friends to try out one of the hottest dinner places in Boston. Thankfully we had gotten a reservation a couple of days earlier and were seated right away. This place is tapas-style so we ordered quite a few dishes to share amongst the three of us: -green beans with sesame seeds (3 stars)--These we didn't actually order, I think they came out as a starter for the table and were good, but nothing to write home about --coffee roasted golden beets (4 stars)--I didn't actually taste any coffee on these beats, but the texture on the outside of them really made it a unique dish. They were also cooked perfectly and basically melted in your mouth --burrata and fried pistachio (4 stars)--This dish was quite tasty with the burrata paired with the pistachio and crisp that it was served with. Flavors were there, I just wished they had a little more crisp to use for the plate --kale salad (5 stars)--Maybe the best kale salad I've ever had. The kale was very well-prepared and dressed perfectly. In addition, the dressing itself was delicious and had a great pepperiness that I really enjoyed. --shaved tongue-special (4 stars)--This dish had some good flavors, but I had a hard time separating them out. That being said, I still enjoyed the textures and tenderness of the meat. --charred broccoli (5 stars)--A dish that sounded pretty simple but was completed to perfection. Paired nicely with the hummus and a decent-sized portion as well. --lamb neck agnolotti (5 stars)--This pasta was so well cooked and paired with the tenderest of meats. A real winner of the night and a must try for anyone that enjoys pasta or lamb. --charred swordfish belly (5 stars)--This was actually my favorite dish of the night as it was cooked perfectly and paired well with the vegetable medley it was served over. A decent size as well. --corn pancakes (5 stars)--These pancakes were super dense and tasted wonderful when paired with the shishito peppers and sour cream. A nice spin on a classic dish. --pound cake (2.5 stars)--This was really the only dish of the night that didn't wow us. We originally were going to go for the bread pudding but felt a bit steered away by our waitress. This dish had the makings of a nice, light finish, but didn't quite hit mark for me. Drinks: I really enjoyed my forage and fire, as well as the taste I had of my friend's drink (the falling??). Overall, this place is electric, packed, and full of energy. One of the best meals I have had in Boston and a fun place to try out a different spin on some American classics. Definitely worth checking out and hope to be back at some point to try the famed secret burger which was unfortunately sold out by the time my party had arrived.
(5)
Keith F.

Food was superb but u should know all plates are small plates 4 of us had Many all exciting and creative. The Sunday night bartender (young girl with long brunette hair) could work on a smile and some people skills that would help!! But overall an excellent night
(5)
Rachel R.

Came here with my dad and boyfriend early on a Saturday evening for dinner. We didn't realize that the restaurant serves predominantly "small plates" for sharing, but as we were curious to try multiple dishes that was totally fine with us! Our waitress (really fun and nice, with short curly hair) recommended that we each get two dishes for a total of six for the table. We tried the grilled octopus panzanella with sunchokes, Maine shrimp with lemon aioli, Spanish mackerel with celeriac remoulade and pickled green tomatoes, the New York strip with burnt scallion and tonnato, the pork belly with grits and apples, and the "secret burger" which that day was pretty simply dressed with bacon, lettuce, onion, and Thousand Island dressing. Of all the dishes we tried, I was most fond of the octopus panzanella, where the meaty grilled octopus was perfectly contrasted with the crunch of the sunchokes and bread and the tang of the lemony dressing, the deliciously tender New York strip, and the "secret burger," which, although simply, was unbelievably rich and tasty--you can really tell the beef that they use is quality. There's a reason why it runs out so quickly! It is obviously meant to be a meal for one person, but it would be very hard for me to eat all of it. I was less impressed with the other three plates. Each were perfectly cooked, but the mackerel was overly strong and "fishy" as the way that mackerel can sometimes be, though the remoulade and pickled tomatoes were wonderful. The Maine shrimp were tiny, tiny enough that the waitress recommended eating them shell and all. Unfortunately the shrimp were not fried enough that the shell was totally crunchy--it was left chewy enough that it made more sense to peel the shrimp before eating them. Nevertheless they were tasty and we had great fun sucking the "juices" out of the shrimp heads! I was most excited for the pork belly, but it was very, very fatty--I realize pork belly is meant to be fatty, but there was almost no meat to complement it. So out of 6, there were 3 that were absolutely stellar and flawless, and 3 that missed the mark a bit. Obviously not everything is for everybody, and the meal was really lovely and the ambiance and service wonderful, so I'd recommend Alden and Harlow. I would definitely come back for the cocktails, the Secret Burger, and to try their brunch!
(4)
Michelle S.

One of the best, most high-quality eats in Harvard Square. I'd rate the food I ordered/tasted 4 stars, though I think the restaurant definitely has potential to be 5 stars. The place has a rustic yet elegant feel...reminds me of being in a wine cellar room in Napa. In terms of the food, I was surprised that the menu had very few fish or poultry options. The secret burger didn't look quite like the one featured on Food Network's "Best Ever" segment (in real life it's shorter and less jam-packed full of ingredients), but I had a bite and the flavors were bursting, and the beef is tender and juicy. Get the kale salad! Creamy with a bit of tang, with the best flavor aspects of kale and pistachio. I ordered the grilled asparagus (with nice char flavor) with garlic crostino and an interesting egg caesar (you can hardly pick up on the egg) - it's a good vegetarian dish, but a little too parmesan-y for my taste. The Wood Smoked Arctic Char with Brown Bread is an awesome appetizer - the sweetness of the bread complements the smokiness of the fish. Next time, I'll be trying the charred octopus main dish. Definitely coming again!
(4)
Federico P.

Top 3 best culinary experiences I've had in the US. The ambience is perfect, I can see how people may find it a bit noisy but I never had to scream or shout across the table to be heard. The menu is absolutely delicious. We had the charred broccoli, crispy bok choy (omfg!!!!!), the secret burger (runs out very early in the night and I can see why), and the crispy pork belly (perfectly executed). The cheese plate for dessert was presented with the freshest of fruit and the cold brew coffee was delicious. If you are going to have a mid tier bottle of wine and explore the menu figure $50-70 per person. Also, the server was on point all her recommendations were a hit, very knowledgeable about the menu and ingredients used in the dishes. What a find, I can't wait to make another stop next time I'm in town.
(5)
Tamara W.

Yum!!! Came here last night and was so happy to get a reservation for 6pm for 3 through open table. We were seated right away after arriving & was really happy to learn that its not LOUD. Even though I am 27 from crazy marathoning to loud music I have a hard time hearing even in my 20s so it was nice that I could hear the people I was with well. There was secret burger left which immediately got put on hold for someone in my party and although I don't eat meat it was amazing he said (especially the chip!). The portion sizes are HUGE so even though the waiter will encourage "2 per person" I ordered 3 between me and one other person in my party it was MORE than enough. I don't eat a ton to begin with so I think that the larger portion are not necessary unless you are starving then maybe do 2 dishes per person. The blue fish was awesome, the beets with salt were GREAT, and the cocktails were wonderful, too. I loved the tequila one with jalapeno--yum! I though the only thing that could be improved upon is that the pumpkin dish was a little too heavy; I didn't notice the parm cheese on the ingredients list but I think it could be less cheese/no cheese and it would make the dish healthier/better. Overall I really liked it! The pricing was not insane and the ambiance is super nice. It's so hard to get a place @ the bar and a table so def. try to eat at weird hours (5pm) or late night to get in before 2015! Will be back!
(5)
Roy M.

Underwhelming. Party of 2, came here at around 10pm on a Friday night and we were seated immediately. Decor is cool. but the high stool type chairs are not comfortable. Clearly more emphasis on the look than the function. - Hiramasa crudo was excellent. - Charred broccoli was burned black and the butternut squash hummus was not good (texture or flavor-wise). - Griddled sheep's milk cheese was burned, tasted OK with the strawberries but was pretty awful without any complementary flavors. - Morel Mushrooms were simply bad, and it's really hard to screw up morels - Pork Belly was great. - Secret Burger was good, but not deserving of its massive (and intentionally manufactured) hype. - Corn pancakes came doused in maple syrup which overwhelmed all other flavors. The dish was decorated with popcorn doused in sweet/salty white goo... - Buttermilk & Lemon Pound Cake - Good, not great. The general trend here is that the less something is cooked, the better it tastes. Anything with grilled/charred/griddled is going to come out burned, and not in a good way. The crudo, the pork belly, and the burger medium rare were the only items that I enjoyed/would order again, and even so I wouldn't go out of my way to patronize Alden & Harlow again. It was not worth the exorbitant price.
(3)
Tiffany L.

Absolutely amazing -- the food, the service, the atmosphere! I will definitely be returning here. All of the plates were spectacular. My favorite were the corn pancakes, followed by the octopus, and the griddled sheep's milk cheese. For the small "snack" plates I would recommend the wood smoked arctic char.
(5)
Sarah R.

I went for dinner with a friend of mine. The place is very cool and has a great vibe. But the cocktails were disappointing. I asked for a dirty gin martini and it tasted like perfume and I don't think it had any olive juice in it. The olives served with it were disgusting. Our waitress looked like she hated her job and was very unfriendly. The food was tasty but the portions are tiny and overpriced. I would not recommend this place.
(2)
Kim K.

I was really excited to try Alden & Harlow because I'm such a huge fan of chef Michael Scelfo. However, I was worried it was going to be too pretentious or perhaps over-promise and under-deliver. I think we hit the sweet spot on the night we came in and I was very pleased. We had a 6:15pm reservation and even though I was the first to arrive in a party of 6, I was seated immediately. The service was very attentive and prompt. The food itself was delicious however the portions are extremely small. The price tag is high too so prepare to be a little spendy. I had the WA state mushrooms with 60 degree egg which was delicious - very earthy. I also had the corn pancakes with popcorn and shishito peppers which was exceptional - the buttermilk and maple syrup on the plate really brought the dish together. By the time we left around 8pm the bar was packed - it was also noticeably hot, sweaty, and a little smelly over there. Really glad we were sitting way at the other end of the restaurant in the open dining area right near the kitchen - the ambiance is much nicer there. Overall I had a nice experience and will definitely be returning!
(4)
Jamaal D.

Drifted over to this hip little joint while visiting Cambridge, mostly because of its mellow yet modern appearance and the creative menu options. The place looks very cool and is one of its strongest aspects. It is a little hard find as a new comer, hidden on a subsurface level of a well aged building with a partially glass roof covered in vines. The appearance was purposefully rustic which I appreciated and the inside was warm and dim with neutral tones that felt very comfortable. The servers were all very polite and checked on us frequently as we struggled to decipher the exoteric menu options. The drinks were equally complex but we're maybe a little too much for my pallet. The secret burger was sold out, so I probably missed out on the best menu item. We ended up ordering the fried green beans, the pickled pancakes and popcorn, crispy pork belly and New York strip. The green beans were a little too doughy for my liking, but the pancakes were my favorite part of the meal with a nice mix of sour and sweet. The pancakes tasted of cornmeal and went perfectly with the gently sweet and tangy yogurt while the popcorn was crisp and salty offering a nice contrast. The pork belly portion size was pretty small relative to the price, but was decent. The meat wasn't as tender as I'd like but the skin was crispy and reminded me of cracklings, though maybe it was a little too hard, overall the fast was solid. The NY strip was the 10 oz portion so there was enough food but it wasn't the best strip I've had by far in terms of texture nor taste, but once again was pretty solid albeit pricey. Overall I'd say the place looks great, the menu was creative and fun, but the taste wasn't anything too noteworthy and given the food came out in shareable format, the serving size was small, especially when considering that this place is pretty pricey.
(3)
Patrick B.

While Alden & Harlow definitely wasn't bad, it wasn't great either. They're just trying way too hard. The combos are oftentimes odd and forced. None of the dishes came through as stellar or note-worthy (except if they were odd). The smoked chocolate desert was as if you were eating charcoal wood chips. The service was very curt and not friendly at all. Not at all. I would not return. Personally, I'd head straight for Highland Kitchen instead.
(3)
Michael E.

This was an unexpected surprise. The design and environment are very inviting but be forewarned it is extremely noisy so if that is an issue this is not the place for you. Each and every dish tasted was innovative and not overly salted which is our pet peeve. We love the tuna belly and wanted to try the burger but if you don't arrive before 7 PM apparently it is always sold out. The pickled corn pancakes and the sweet corn gnocchi were both truly winners!
(5)
Celin W.

First was astonished at how crowded it was on a Wednesday 9pm time slot. Second, the small portion dish style was great for sharing! The meat dishes were very generous though more than one person could probably have eaten them. Dishes that stood out - pumpkin salad, pork shoulder, steak. Most sadly did not get to try the secret burger (it had run out by then). Bread pudding for dessert was good, cheesecake was an interesting deconstructed presentation (eating your cheese cake in parts is fascinating but not necessarily for everyone). Service was attentive and efficient.
(4)
Isabella C.

My first time eating at Alden & Harlow was during the most recent snowstorm -- Juno -- that left most of the city shut down. I was both impressed by the fact that Alden & Harlow was open and by the service and food, given that the chefs must have had a hard time sourcing ingredients, etc. They have a daily menu that changes slightly, if I'm not mistaken. Things change a bit each time you stop by. I tried the Secret Burger, the kale salad, the cauliflower pierogies, some bread on the side, and the lemon blackberry poundcake for dessert. The kale salad was delicious. It was topped with sweetened, deep fried kale, and featured a creamy dressing that brought out the natural texture of the kale. The salad also included pistachios, offering a rich burst of flavor and variety in texture. The cauliflower pierogies were smaller than expected and the entire dish had only 3 pierogies. However, they were flavorful and bathed in a light crÃ¨me fraÃ®che (I believe, as it was lighter than sour cream but richer than yogurt). The burger was delicious and served with a mayo-based sauce and alongside freshly fried potato chips. There were pickles and dressed, chopped lettuce in the burger, both of which really added to the flavor of the meat. Additionally, there was a crispy piece of cheese -- I'm guessing it was shredded cheese that was carefully fried or grilled. Very, very unique and definitely brought out the flavor of the cheese as well. The bread that they offered on the side was denser than the usual bread you get at restaurants, though it also featured large pores. It may have been a darker sour dough. It was a great complement to the sauce alongside the burger and the cream alongside the pierogies. Would definitely recommend asking for some bread. To finish, the dessert was both flavorful and not too heavy. The pound cake had a rich, moist texture, and the blackberry preserves on top soaked the cake just enough for the flavor to come out. The cake was topped with almond cream -- whipped cream with almond extract? -- and lemon zests, which formed the perfect palate cleansing end to the meal. Would definitely recommend the kale salad, Secret Burger, and the poundcake. The ambiance is great though a bit on the darker side, and the seating is comfortable and spacious, unlike many other places in the Square.
(4)
Janet K.

Best kale salad I have ever had! And the kale anchovie toast with eggs are to die for!
(5)
Nina S.

So come with a bunch of people and do the sharesy splittsy deal so you can try different things on the menu. Here's what we got: (trying to be organized since we were hungry) 1. The lonza (ham) with chicarrones and pistachios and cherries. Make sure to get a bit of each to build a perfect bite. Wonderful flavor and texture pairings 2. Panchetta peach mint fried walnut and ricotta sauce. The mint is the star here and the peaches not far behind. The walnuts didn't really add anything for me but they're good on their own 3. The mussels. Wow that sauce is really good with the little ball pasta. And the bread to soak it all up for the win 4. Smelt chips. By far the favorite dish of the night. Kind of like boquerones (fried anchovies) with hot grilled lemon juice squeezed on top and a citrusy lemon aioli to dip in. 5. Sweet corn gnocchi. The sauce was good and the gnocchi was much denser than traditional ones but overall a nice plate. 6. Chicken fried rabbit. I was really excited for this one from all the press it's gotten but was disappointed. It was pretty flavorless and dry and the accompaniments on the plate weren't helping 7. The pork belly. Also disappointed, not as much as number 6, but the skin was nice and crispy. 8. The lamb sirloin. This was just weird. The spice they used was kind of offputting and the mashed thing on the side looked like turd. It tasted ok after a while but looks wise not very appetizing 9. Smoked chocolate bread pudding. Didn't really like the smoked aspect as much as I thought I would. But other than that it was good. This place just has a really good vibe and love the interior. Even though the last couple dishes weren't so hot, there were definitely things that would bring me back and encourage me to try other items. Like the secret burger! (Try to go before 8 pm.. But after me please! )
(4)
D S.

Found this place from Boston Eater. The plates are made to share. The restaurant is located downstairs and it was a bit humid out so naturally, it smelled kinda like a basement with some heavy air. It didnt take away from the food though. The ingredients are so simple but the flavors are an explosion in your mouth! We had about 4 dishes AND had room for dessert! i highly recommend this place! Also, love their music choices Big Sean - IDFWU
(5)
Eric And Arisa C.

Atmosphere: 5++++ stars - beautiful interior design. Lots of woods, white tile, exposed rustic metal, Edison lighting, natural greenery. It's a very comfortable and thoughtfully designed space. Food: 5 stars - definitely highly recommend THE SECRET BURGER and the KALE SALAD. The secret burger is truly worth all the rave it gets. The kale salad is knock your socks off tasty with the pistachios lemon dressing and shaved fennel. It's also a much bigger salad than you'd think it would be for the price! Service: 4-stars - overall decent service but the waitress was a little out of touch. She stopped by our table a total of 4 times and we typically waited 10-15 minutes between her visits.
(5)
Danae K.

Very nice restaurant with excellent ambiance! Food: Treat yourself to some of the best smoked lamb belly ribs with a must of anson mills soft polenta. We also had the chicken fried local rabbit and Ubiquitous Kale Salad. Cocktails: Yummy! You have a plethora of options to choose from. Careful when ordering the snowfall in voiron as it's extremely heavy! Deliciously spicy.. but heavy. Perhaps save it for dessert? Dessert: Buttermilk and lemon pound cake was amazing! I highly suggest it. Transportation: right next to the Harvard train station (closer to the bus exit, otherwise it's a minute walk from the main exit) So why the 4/5? No bread! I'm a carbs fan so admittedly I'm biased. For starters, instead of bread they serve beans covered in olive oil and vinegar. I would have preferred something more carb-heavy to accompany the delicious fat of the lamb belly ribs.
(4)
Richard H.

Overall, a great mid-week dining experience at Alden and Harlow. Reservations for an intimate table for two were honored with a perfect nook beneath the skylight at the front of the restaurant. Our hostess was on-point and attentive, and the food and drinks were quite good. This will be my new go-to date place for nice dishes for sharing and great cocktails. After visiting for drinks several times, I finally stopped in to try the "small plates" inspired dinner menu, which was complemented by a few daily specials. We skipped the "corn pancakes" everyone on Yelp was raving about and went for the charred broccoli with butternut squash hummus and the kale salad. The broccoli was one of the best vegetable dishes I've had in recent memory. I would literally come here just to buy this dish for dinner it was so good. The kale salad was a kale salad, but satisfying and had a great flavor and crunch to it. For some meat, we settled on the chicken fried rabbit - an interesting fried nugget of rabbit complemented by a blue cheese aioli. We then finished with the pig's tongue, which was way too salty - even the quinoa, which was served alongside it, was like eating a bag of salt. The staff graciously took that dish off our bill - which pushed the service at Alden and Harlow up to 5 stars. For cocktails, I settled on the classic Mai Tai - this is not your mom's default standard at a local chinese restaurant. Well mixed, strong, and served with crushed ice, this one was gone fast. We did inquire about the secret burger, but alas, it was out for the night (at 6:30pm on a weeknight mind you). Also unavailable was the short-rib special of the night - next time I'll book earlier.
(4)
Heidi O.

This is a cozy, yet spacious restaurant which has several great ingredients on hand but unfortunately the creations do not turn out that well. -Complimentary "pickled" green beans as starter: Underwhelming, even Shaws store brand pickles tastes better. -Salt roasted beets: How can you mess up beets? These guys somehow managed to. -Skate wing with sunchoke/potato salad: OK but nothing spectacular. -Slow roasted pork shoulder: Way too fatty, some parts had jello consistency and it can be concluded that kimchi oil & aioli are not a good match. We noticed several guests had the secret burger and I see many here praising the burrata, clams (which they were out of) and rabbit dishes, so maybe next time...afterall 1/3 dishes we ordered (skatewing) was decent.
(2)
Lauren E.

Hands down, one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area so far! I had made reservations, but mistakenly went the wrong Saturday. We were told a 20-30 minute wait, but did not wait that long. Alden & Harlow recommends that you order a couple of plates per person, since they are meant to be shared (we actually did not know this prior to eating here). The portions are slightly more generous than what you would get at your traditional tapas place. For dinner, we ordered the 8 oz NY strip steak, burrata and fried pistachio, and charred swordfish belly. All three were absolutely amazing, and for once, I was not a picky eater. The steak came with marrow. I had never tried marrow before, but it was so buttery and just melted in my mouth. Combined with the steak, it was soooo delicious. The burrata came with prune and honey jam, and you couldn't have asked for a better pair. I also tried the swordfish. Anyone who really knows me knows that I do not really eat fish. I never had swordfish before, and if this was any other place, I still probably wouldn't have tried it. I give it an A+! Again, another dish that just melted in my mouth. The chili oil gave the dish an extra (really) spicy kick. This and the steak were perfectly seasoned. I ordered a drink called Into the Woods, which contained bourbon, ginger, an apple brandy and cynar. The sweetness of the ginger paired nicely with the bitterness of the cynar. Since we loved our meal, we couldn't leave this place without trying a dessert. We ordered smoked chocolate bread pudding, which was oddly interesting. The smoky flavor in the pudding (closest thing I can compare it to is bacon) was a nice juxtaposition against the sweetness of the chocolate and the ice cream it came with. Service was impeccable, and our waitress did a great job at answering our questions. My only really small complaint was the order the food was brought out. We were brought our steak first, when it would've been nice to start with a lighter dish (the burrata, for example). Alden & Harlow really does a great job at elevating simple ingredients to bring out dynamite flavors. It is pricey, but I think it is worth every penny. We will definitely be back here again and recommend this place to people. I'd give it more stars if I could.
(5)
Chann C.

Wow, this place is awesome. I've been meaning to come here for the longest time. Alden & Harlow did not disappoint. Beautifully crafted dishes. They are truly a work of art. The interior design of the restaurant is very nice. I love all the brick and wood elements. It has a rustic feel to it. Service was great. The plates were small, so I recommend ordering two or more dishes per person. I highly recommend getting the crispy berkshire pork belly. Definitely coming back!!
(4)
Tony J.

Lots of good, small plates for food. A lot of really inventive and delicious dishes. And you can order a lot of them for variety. But we come here for the cocktails, which are usually pretty good and are unique as well. Usually they are well done and it's always good to try something with a liqueur that you're not familiar with, which often they have a drink or two that meets this criterium.
(4)
Myles T.

Just went for the first time this evening. We were a few minutes early for our 6:15 reservation, but thy were able to seat us right away at a nice two top right by the bar. The space, located in a "basement" on Brattle Street in Cambridge, was dark but inviting, with backlit whisky barrel stave paneling on the walls. Friendly staff and full dining room, humming audibly (and happily) but not at all unpleasantly loud, make for a welcoming experience. I ordered a Blood And Sand (not on the menu, but they obliged) while my companion ordered a Bitter Truth. My Blood And Sand was good, but not really up to snuff. The Bitter Truth, though, was fabulous, so I guess the lesson is to choose from the small but interesting list of drinks they've created and you'll be happy. We were also delivered an amuse bouche, a lightly pickled, and wonderfully fresh, little dish of green beans with a sprinkle of white sesame seeds on top. It was a brisk and bright way to start the meal and get ourselves ready to eat. As for dinner, we picked the Chicken Hearts, Smoked Arctic Char, and Grilled Asparagus, all of which were fabulous. The Chicken Hearts where crispy but tender, grilled 4 to a skewer (2 skewers total) with crispy chicken skin sprinkled on top, sitting in, I think, a garlic aioli, or something similar. Fabulous. The asparagus is done in the style of Caesar salad. The asparagus itself was grilled and garlicky, sitting on top of a thick slice or grilled garlic sourdough, covered in a mind blowing Caesar dressing made from a 60-degree egg. I can't ever eat a regular Caesar salad again without being disappointed after this. The Smoked Arctic Char was served chilled, prepared very much like a rillette, atop a sweet and dense brown bread, accompanied by honey roasted carrots and apples. This surprised me by immediately reminding me of the traditional colonial New England flavor profile. The char was light in texture, but substantial Smokey, but still full of oceany wonderfulness on its own, and the bread was rustic and heavy providing the perfect backbone to just pick up and go. To finish up, we had the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding with Sea Salt Ice Cream. Everything tasted exactly as the name on the menu implied. It's such a wonderfully simple dessert after a fascinating meal, and so wonderfully dense and satisfying. There's not much else to say bout it, as the flavors are exactly what they claim to be, it just happens to work perfectly. All in all, we had a wonderful meal and a lovely time. I can't wait to visit again!
(5)
christina a.

Went there for the first time this evening. I think that this was one of those cases where a place was hyped in my head so much that there was no way I was going to walk away not disappointed a bit. Food was solid, but none of the dishes we were served blew my mind. There was nothing that I was like "holy sh** I want to order more!" Service was friendly, but much like one of the yelpers said in another review - our server was nice, but seemed generally uninterested in suggesting anything to us - whether it be a favorite dish or cocktail. The ambiance / atmosphere is great - a little cozy, but the underground location is pretty cool. Overall, decent - but not enough for me to make the trek into Cambridge again to eat there.
(3)
Michael C.

It's the first door on your right on the left side of the building. You could easily walk right by the entrance and be very confused for more than a couple minutes. This place is huge on the inside, much bigger than you would expect. The decor is hip and modern. Great for a date night or a dinner with a big group of friends as they have quite a few large tables. I thought some of the restaurant could have been better ventilated but the open kitchen was pretty impressive. On our visit their was no coat check, which is odd for a place this size. Mussels served Chilled on Toast - Never really thought I would like mussels served chilled but this was tasty. Probably wouldn't get it again but not a bad choice. Secret Burger - Taking a page out of the semi-famous west coast chain Umami Burger they use a cheese crisp instead of your normal slice of American. Don't be afraid it all works and this burger is one of Boston's best. Toasted bun, cooked to perfection topped with some kind of secret sauce. Mushroom and 60 Degree Egg - This creamy and tasty dish is a must get item at this restaurant. Don't let the title second guess yourself. This dish is rich, creamy, and most of all very tasty. Beef Neck - Reminded me of the Sultan's Delight dish I've had at Oleana's. Savory piece of slow cooked beef that is seasoned just right and fork tender. Chocolate Bread Pudding with Sea Salt Ice Cream - This dessert was more savory than sweet. I wasn't a big fan of this one. I felt their dessert menu was a little lacking.
(4)
Malu D.

Absolutely in love with this place! The roasted broccoli with sweet potato humus is to die for! The burger is lusciously good, and my husband can't stop having the kale salad. Last week we went there again and discovered the buttermilk fried chicken: a new must! Thanks heavens for this place!
(5)
Summer B.

Excellent food and ambience! It's the type of place where you can get away with jeans & a tshirt, or fancy business attire. We sat at a table under the windows and loved the atmosphere. The beer list offered a great selection and paired well with the food. The family style dining proved to be perfect, though the portions would not have been large enough had it been more than 2 people. Everything we ate was delicious - charred broccoli with butternut squash hummus and the fried bok choy were my favorites! The service was good, the food was fantastic. It's the perfect date night, and I will be back
(5)
K B.

Definitely try the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salt Ice Cream($9). I wasn't sure I would like it, but it was amazing! It was kind of like a smokey brownie cake, but it felt light at the same time. It was not too sweet and a great dessert to share between two or three people after dinner. We only came here for dessert, but also tried a snack ($8) because we were intrigued by the interesting combination of ingredients. The Carrot & Radish Top Strozzapretti, Pork Belly, Fennel, Raisin Butter was good, though I wasn't quite sure what I was eating. The service, atmosphere, and the two dishes we tried were great. I definitely want to go back to try more of the small plates and cocktails.
(5)
Audrey B.

We stopped in for a quick snack and cocktails to kick off the first date night in a while. Cocktails were wonderful, food was amazing. The charred broccoli was fantastic. Everything we had was perfect. We almost blew off our reservations at another restaurant to stay and sample more of the menu, but opted to come back until we've tried it all.
(5)
Haley B.

Such a great experience here! Definitely listen to the other reviews and get the Kale Salad - this was one of my favorites. Also loved the roasted broccoli and butternut squash hummus. I want that again. Right now. The Beets were decent and the burrata was really good. Would have like a little more honey or sweetness. The veggie dishes definitely out-shined the meat dishes. We also got the crispy pork belly and the steak. The steak was a good size but nothing special and the pork was good but pretty small for two people. And the grits were "meh" underneath. I would definitely go back for the veggie options! I wasn't actually impressed with the drinks. I'm not a whiskey fan and most of the drinks were whiskey. I got the one vodka drink on the menu and that was pretty good, although a little sweet. Would definitely come back!
(4)
Karina L.

Exceptional dinner with some exceptional service, decor, and (of course), food. The door is hard to find. You'll probably overshoot it, just like I've done the two times I've been here. The *8* of us came here for dinner and it was a lovely dinner. Will rank my dishes from the most amazing to just amazing. If you are a fan of Russell House Tavern (which I am), come here. If you aren't, come here anyway. (Note: the dishes are on the small side -- they recommended 18 dishes for the 8 of us, but we ended up ordering 16 and it was more than enough. The menu is arranged left to right from lightest to the heaviest.) 1- Do not forget to order their vegetables. To have my tastebuds blown with a kale salad is pretty impressive. The kale and pistachio-buttermilk vinaigrette and broccoli with butternut squash puree were phenomenal. They were the perfect combination of juicy, sweet, sour, salty, crunchy, and soft. Don't poo poo them just because they're veggie dishes. These two dishes seriously made my meal. 2- Berkshire pork belly - a heart-attack worthy amount of fat (in a good way -- isn't that what pork belly should be?) with savory grits. My favorite part was the strawberries paired with the grits. STRAWBERRIES. 3- Corn pancakes - hot, crunchy and buttery. A little bit of breakfast didn't hurt anybody. 4- Sweet corn gnocchi - FAT pieces of gnocchi, with fresh zucchini. The gnocchi isn't your average chewy gummy gnocchi -- they were crunchy on the outside and firm on the inside. 5- Chicken fried rabbit -- who knew rabbit could be so juicy? 6- We finished off with the clams and the carbonara, which were both delicious and meaty, but both were a little bit salty. Didn't phase us one bit, though, they were still excellent and solid choices. Cocktails were superb (get the Prometheus Fire). Overall, a great experience. As my friend explained perfectly during dinner: Alden & Harlow's dishes are remarkably simple, but each dish comes with a little bit of a surprise that makes it unforgettable. A filling meal and a cocktail put me at right under $50.
(5)
Keo H.

This place has been on my radar for months now and we finally stopped in for a try. The environment: Calm, swanky, trendy, sophisticated - Harvardy feel. The service: Eh...I think our waiter woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But he went home & we got a very nice replacement waitress who was prompt on service. The food: 3 words - artsy, unique & delicious! Chicken fried local rabbit didn't come out like I expected. I expected a fried rabbit body part w/ steamed veggies on the side. But NO! It came out very gourmet looking & tasted just as good as it looked. Squared mix of the rabbit w/delicately placed shaved & cut herbs and vegetables. Bone marrow croquetta yummy with flavor, texture & presentation. Great mix of potatoes and bone marrow with grapefruit, sage & palmegranite. The desserts & drinks just add on to what a great experience we had. Thumbs up. A must try venu. A place worth the price you pay. Hollywood prices for hollywood flavors. Lol....
(5)
Rithima K.

Good place to have dinner with a group of friends. We ordered the pickled verill farm corn pancakes which I absolutely loved, overall the food was good. For dessert we got the smoked chocolate bread pudding , I love my desserts slightly on the sweeter side so I did not enjoy it but my friends seemed to like it. Drinks were good, the service was a bit slow, other than that no complains.
(4)
Dan G.

Holy cow! Alden & Harlow certainly lived up to the hype...plus some! I've been wanting to try this restaurant for a while now and finally got the opportunity. Even a week in advance they were busy but I was able to snag a reservation for a Tuesday night. There is plenty of street parking but can be tough to come by so be prepared for that. Once we started walking the down the stairs to the entrance I didnt realize it was in the basement but man was I wrong. Plenty of space and windows. Plus the restaurant is huge! We were seated near the kitchen, the more open area of the dining room. Once we sat down we were greeted energetically by our waiter. We placed our drink orders and he recommended we place our order for the burger since they usually run out but it was too late. Several seconds later he came back and said they ran out, no big deal since there was plenty to choose from. The waiter suggested we order six dishes for the three of us to split, so thats what we did. We tried to balance out our dinner by lighter and heavier and I think we were successful. We ordered the Heirloom Eggs, Kale Salad, Grilled Spanish Mackerel, Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly, Corn Pancakes and Hickory Smoked Bigoli. My favorite were the Bigoli and Kale salad. Everything was so good that it was hard to pick a favorite. Splitting six dishes was the perfect amount, so i commend my waiter! I didn't know what to think of the heirloom eggs so I would best describe them as hardboiled eggs with crunch garlic. The Kale Salad was so good in a light pistachio dressing. The first thing I did when i got home was to find a pistachio dressing. The mackerel was quite good, very moist but crispy on the outside. Pork belly was soo good, just indescribable. Corn pancakes were so tasty and came with a sweet cream sauce and homemade popcorn! My other favorite was the bigoli which ive never had before. It was a long thick tube of pasta with an egg oozing on top in a delicious anchovy butter sauce. It is important to mention is that I wasn't over stuffed, I was just the right amount of fullness (which is a good thing).One thing I liked was the interesting combinations of ingredients that I would obviously not have thought about combining. Everything we had was amazing! The next day we were all talking about when we wanted to go back. Highly recommend just be prepared to spend a pretty penny...but sooo worth it!
(5)
Xue L.

Excellent restaurant! Every dish we shared was delicious and unique, which is rare. The charred broccoli, kale salad and chicken thighs were especially good. Great cocktails too! It's also a large-ish restaurant, making it perfect for big groups. Finally, a good, trendy but not overpriced restaurant in the square!
(5)
Anchisa P.

4.5 stars. Lots of creative modern American dishes. Been there for brunch and dinner - had great food both times. Would recommend.
(4)
Kelly O.

I'm digging this cool space. It's way bigger than I initially thought, with all kinds of seating arrangements and areas, plus a really long bar. With its casual and cool but still classy vibe and wicked friendly/attentive staff, I could see this place being good for anything from a date to a family outing to a business lunch, and the menu of small seasonal plates has a little something for everyone (the drinks menu is also interesting as well, including draft cocktails and some rareish beers). Between 2 of us, we got 1 burger and 3 plates, and I left satisfied but not overly full. You start off with a complementary plate of pickled green beans with sesame seeds, whcih was really refreshing and flavorful (was that cinnamon in there?). My $8 pistachio crusted halloumi with roasted cherry tomatoes was delightful; simple but excecuted really well with top notch ingredients. The $15 pork belly over grits with grilled peaches was a reasonably large portion, and was also done excellently and well worth the price (those peaches with an epelette pepper sauce were pretty awesome). The boy enjoyed his $15 secret burger and felt it was also worth the price, both size- and quality-wise. However, the $16 prawns a la plancha was a big disappointment: 2-3 medium sized shell-on shrimp cut in half, served under some pea shoots and over some creamy sauce. Take the shrimp out of their shells, and you only have a few small bland bites of food at best, not to mention the fact that each shrimp half was extremely gritty (which I hope to god was just seasoning and/or shrimp legs, and not actual grit/dirt/sand!). Nothing about this dish was good, and I still regret ordering it and wasting my $16 (should have sent it back, should have ordered the sweet corn gnocchi instead). That hiccup aside, everything else about my experience was pretty solid, so I'd be happy to return, and just choose more wisely.
(4)
Shaun S.

I love writing a review for a place that has so many reviews Alden & Harlow has been featured in countless media outlets. It's Secret Burger was featured on Food Channel the other day. All the food is pretty much top notch..service is great and the beer selection is great. Prices tend to be on the higher end for the portion size. If you go back late at night I heard the Secret Burger is available.
(5)
Karmen C.

I was extremely excited to try Alden & Harlow after lots of recommendations from friends but I wasn't too impressed. 1. The complimentary pickled green beans were way too salty, my friend and I had one bite and then put it off to the side 2. The special Bone Marrow Croquetta was mostly just fried dough, I didn't get much of the rich taste of bone marrow 3. The "Secret Burger" was tasty but most of the flavor came from the sauce, which completely covered up the taste of the meat. 4. I also tried the Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly - nothing that special Alden & Harlow says that all of their dishes are made to share but way most of these dishes are served isn't really conducive to sharing. They give you one piece of pork belly and it was basically impossible to cut in half because the skin was so fried. Their service was good, nothing to complain about. Might give this place another try but really nothing to rave about.
(3)
Marissa L.

I had a 9 pm reservation on a Friday. When we showed up (party of 2), our table wasn't ready so they suggested we have a drink at the bar. However, when we went to the bar, we were ignored by the bartender and stood there for 15 minutes without even getting a chance to order a drink. The bar area wasn't even that crowded. By the time we got seated (approximately 15-20 min after our reservation time), I was starving and hoping that the service would improve. Unfortunately table service was just as slow. Despite all the service problems (hence the 3 stars), I would come back for the food. We tried several "tapas" style plates. Our favorites were the carbonara (which is made with ground up pork belly) and the corn pancakes (which had an amazing maple/cream sauce and was topped with popcorn). The pork belly and grits dish was just too salty and the grits were too runny. The bread pudding tasted like a campfire, which was amazing! The cocktail list was extensive and inventive - I loved the Mai Tai and want to return to try more drinks.
(3)
Anthony B.

Last night was my second visit to Alden & Harlow, and it surpassed what was already an amazing first meal. Scelfo is creating dishes that no one else in town is doing, it's such an exciting restaurant to experience. The food, the vibe, the service, the cocktails...everything is seriously on point. I was hosting some friends from out of state, so I obviously wanted to show them some good eats. They all agreed: last night at A&H is officially in the pantheon of best dinners we've ever had. I'm a Toro and Neptune Oyster die hard, but Alden & Harlow officially takes the cake for my favorite restaurant in Boston/Cambridge!
(5)
James M.

Pretentious to the nth degree. Their burgers were featured on The Food Network as one of the best in the Boston area. We went in on a Friday night at 6:30pm, excited by the opportunity to try them for ourselves. But to our dismay the waiter informed us that they "were out of burgers for the night." At 6:30pm. On a Friday night. Ha. You're kidding right. A cleverly disguised plot to create buzz for your restaurant or a stupid decision made by the owners? You decide.
(1)
Alexandra M.

L'huile et le sel. Ã€ outrance. But the broccoli dish...... To die for! But seriously... Heavy hands on oil and salt. Calmes toÃ©
(3)
Katie C.

Believe the hype. This place is great. I was worried I had my expectations set too high after hearing so many rave reviews, but Alden & Harlow did not disappoint. I think it's actually risen to the top of my favorite restaurants list. The service was good, the ambiance was vibrant and warm, the food was delicious, and the prices felt right. While the portions weren't huge, ordering an extra plate didn't break the bank either. Highlights included the corn cakes and the secret burger.
(5)
Cassie W.

American Tapas.....is that another way to say overpriced small servings? Food: Interesting combinations and very small portions and no the complimentary green beans didn't make up for it. For an $18 Charred Swordfish and Avocado one would expect a full meal but one would be wrong. They recommend 3-4 plates for 2 people. That's 80 dollars just for tapas, excluding drinks. The avocado was grilled which was a delicious twist but the swordfish was average. I also got the clams and cauliflower, both adequate. The clams were too salty and the cauliflower too mushy. Atmosphere: It was based on this alone this place would get 5 stars. Elegant, Dim lighting and creative fixtures for an overall trendy look. The crowd matches the atmosphere- mid twenties to early thirties. Tips: Come to this place early, make a reservations or prepare to wait! they even reserve tables at the bar. Overall, there are better places to go in Harvard sq. Stop by Alden & Harlow for drinks before dinner to avoid the crowd. I'd rather have spent the 80 bucks on glasses of the delicious glass of wine I had.
(3)
Ray P.

Awesome dinner. Great staff. Head cheese fritter!!!! Chicken hearts!!!!!! Charred broccoli!!!
(5)
Joey M.

Going to Alden and Harlow was really a breath of fresh air. When I go out to eat I rarely find that dish where every bite I am blown away by the flavors and how unique and amazing they are. Alden and Harlow have that in spades. I had a cocktail that was a version of a Manhattan (i think) but slightly sweeter with more orange flavor. It was really pretty fantastic. I am veggie so I won't speak to the meat portions but we tried the broccoli & squash hummus, kale salad, 60 degree egg and pickled corn pancakes. Everyone was amazing and I savored every bite. The real winner was the broccoli and squash though. Perfect amount of char, sweet, spicy, salty all at once?!? HOW DID THEY DO THAT. If I tried to do that it would just taste burnt. I have to dock one star for the lack of and high price of the veggie small plates. Granted all the veggie plates are great, you'd still be hard pressed to make a meal out of them without breaking the bank seriously. At least having one more filling larger plate that doesn't include meat would be greatly appreciated! Overall though this is a MUST TRY!
(4)
TinoX T.

Clean Place,Nice Staff,Good Food
(3)
Michelle V.

I tried Alden & Harrow with my friends from New York. I knew I needed to find a place that was going to provide a great culinary experience and we were not disappointed. We ordered the charred broccoli, corn pancakes, charred swordfish belly, burrata and fried pistachio, kale and pork belly parppadelle pasta, and seared sausage for 3 people and it was just enough. They recommend you get about 2 per person. The portions are larger than tapas. Definitely get the broccoli and pancakes, those were my favorite! Our bill came out to about $95 for those 6 dishes so plan on spending about $40 per person (that does not include drinks!)
(4)
Anika G.

I'd read great reviews of Alden & Harlow online, and came here with a party of 2 on a weekday night. I'd read that you had to make a reservation, so I made one for 5:45. (One of the few times that was left, and this was a Tuesday night!) The restaurant was pretty, but the food was excellent! Each dish we ordered had something unusual about it. The flavors had been combined in a really thoughtful way. The food wasn't cheap, but it wasn't hideously expensive either - tbh, this is what I've paid for other dinners in Cambridge that are far less memorable and original. The one note I would put out there is that I found the food to be somewhat heavy - as in, they definitely didn't skimp on the oil. But we also ordered from the "richer" side of the menu - they had a few salads and lighter fare on there. This was about four months ago and I don't remember the exact items we ordered, but I would definitely recommend this for a fancy-ish dinner out, or for a special occasion. This is a great place to take your foodie friend who's visiting from out of town or just about anyone if one of you gets to expense the meal.
(4)
Yoon L.

Man, I can't gush enough about this place. I had their burrata, cauliflower, burger and pork belly. I actually didn't think their burger was that great, which was a bummer because people rave about it. It was way too salty for me, and too greasy. It overpowered all else I was having. However the pork belly was the best I've ever had. The crust on that baby was nothing that I've ever bitten into. The texture was pretty amazing. Cauliflower is worth going back to the next day for, which is exactly what I did. Loved the burrata. Those who love brussell sprouts would love their honey mini ones. Perfect bite each time.
(5)
Stephanie F.

Decided to check out Alden and Harlow early on a Thursday evening. The cocktails are simply top notch. Seriously, I will go back at some point just to grab a drink and some of the house pickled green beans. The food was good but not quite five star. The dishes were a bit hit or miss. When I say hit or miss I mean some were AMAZING and some were merely good. I didn't try any bad dishes there I was just disappointed by some of the flavor combinations. For example, the charbroiled oysters weren't bad but there was just too much going on in the dish flavor wise making the oysters feel like an after thought in the flavor profile. That being said I would absolutely go to Alden and Harlow again. Food was great, service was great, and I cannot wait to try more off their cocktail list!
(4)
Nicolay S.

Undeniably one of the top-3 restaurants in Cambridge, if not the Boston metro. The food is inventive without being overly fussy, and tasty as fuck. The menu changes quite often, but if you see something with corn and/or pork in it - get it! You can't go wrong with anything you order, but don't go for the default burger everyone seems to be raving about. There are so many better options out there! Don't forget to make a reservation... walk-ins may have to wait up to 30-40 mins for a table to open up, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. On the bright side, their cocktails are among the best in Boston. By the time you finish your second drink, you won't even mind eating at the bar.
(5)
Sarah C.

Goodness. Gracious. This dinner was exceptional. When a chef can blow your mind with a plate of vegetables, you know you've found a winner. I had heard so many great things, but was skeptical because I'm not a fan of Russell House Tavern. Don't be fooled - these two places are night & day. The atmosphere is lovely. The service is beyond impressive - our server knew every ingredient in every dish. We didn't order drinks (though if you like cocktails you probably should from what I hear; also they have a really nice looking list of mocktails), and decided to order on the fewer side and then add more if we were still hungry. 4 dishes was perfect for two of us. Items you MUST order: -Burrata & Salt Roasted Beets - do you like beets? do you like cheese? this plate is what dreams are made of. -Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Cakes - easily one of the most creative dishes of food I've had in Boston. Absolutely delicious, especially if you have a sweet tooth. I won't say much more or I'll ruin the surprise. Just, get it, and enjoy the hell out of it. I can't wait to go back and try everything else. ESPECIALLY the Secret Burger. I saw someone else get it and...well, I'd like to back tomorrow is all I'll say. I'm not sure why the server decided to comp our Stumptown (yes!) coffees (and i would have written everything above even if he hadn't) - perhaps because I told him explicitly to tell the chef how impressed we were, or because we asked for cream and first got milk, but either way it was a lovely surprise to end the meal. We tipped super extra. GO GO GO.
(5)
Ashley W.

Walking on clouds amazing. Our server was cute funny personable and extremely knowledgable on the food and drinks. Everything was delish and salt content was ON POINT (something I feel like chefs are hit or miss with). Our favorite was the grilled spring onions (HOLY CRAP), the kale salad, and the Griddled Cheese. Yes please. This place hit THE SPOT.
(5)
Matt L.

Double secret burger. Kid you not. Its a thing. Insane good. Start with chicken liver salad. Also a 9+. Yes, of course, there is duck fat in the accompanying bread. Yes, you will feel happy and slightly buzzed when you leave. Great spot.
(4)
Christine N.

I absolutely loved alden and harlow. I made a last minute reservation on a Thursday night for 9pm. I arrived about a half an hour early and hung out at the bar to have a drink. We got seated close to our reservation and looking at the menu, we wanted to order everything. But we looked around to see what other people were eating and made our choices. We had the chicken hearts which are seriously delicious. So delicious that we ordered a second plate. We had the charred broccoli.. I mean. You wouldn't think broccoli could be so damn good. But it's phenomenal. We had the fried rabbit, the fried chicken, and the pork belly. All very good. The fried chicken was a big portion and the pork fat biscuit was melt in your mouth, knock your socks off kinda biscuit. We also had the octopus and bone marrow croquettes. Not a fan of those. The bone marrow disappeared in the dish so it ended up being this soggy tater tot except tator tots are better. And the octopus could've used more octopus and less of everything else. Overall, I still give alden and harlow 5 stars. Because their food was delicious and their service was very nice and relaxed. Next time I go back, I know what not to order and what to order again.
(5)
Ambreen D.

I had high hopes based on all the reviews. We went there for brunch, ordered their burger which was supposed to be one of the best in Boston and were greatly disappointed - patty and bun both over charred. On a positive note, ambience was great!
(2)
Pradeep N.

Superb vegetarian options: corn pancakes, charred broccoli, brussels sprouts, burrata (definitely get the broccoli)
(4)
Drew W.

My complimentary pickled greenbeans outshined the polenta who's mushrooms tasted like they were tossed in kraft bbq sauce, but the meat spiedini was phenomenal. The pepper relish underneath the spiedini can eff off back to yawkey way and sit over a neglected sausage. If given a choice between; eating kale and shoving a Flaming hot (spicy) Cheeto in my pee hole, Id choose the latter, but the umbilical cord kale salad might have given birth to a new era for me. Like when you tell kids every meat is "chicken" so they just eat it...I put my ear buds in so my girlfriend didnt ruin the experience for me by repeatedly saying the K word. That salad was delicious... Three small plates, 2 beers, and 1 mixed drink, came out to be north of $75 sans tip. With tapas portions, the bill will creep up easily at their price point on both food and drink. Based on the other reviews, it's a spot to visit for a limited secret burger, like a goddamn Franklin BBQ of Cambridge burgers. Try some of their other stuff, then go get Tasty Burger and crush $4 PBRs.
(3)
RJ B.

Great food all round. Of the several dishes we tried only a couple were misses. The most disappointing miss was the crispy pork belly because the crisp and the belly separated and you had to eat each separately. Eating pork crisp on its own is not fun. Otherwise a good eating experience from starters to main through dessert. Worth the hype.
(4)
Gregory L.

Very STUFFY and unwelcoming staff. The food was fine (mediocre) and better in pictures than in person. The atmosphere was modern and clean. Bottom line: there are other options nearby, with a better overall experience. Don't bother with this place.
(1)
Melissa P.

My friend and i came here for dinner and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. To start, we shared the heirloom eggs, which were unique and flavorful. For dinner, I ordered the parsley cavatelli and my friend had the secret burger. I was curious as to how big the portions were going to be (our waiter mentioned they were "tapas style" and that people usually order multiple things). I thought the portions were filling and was fine with my one dish and half app. The food was outstanding. The cavatelli was delicious and the ricotta they topped it with was mouthwatering. I tried a bite of my friend's burger too, which was topped with a house-made thousand island dressing and a cheddar crisp- superb! The meat was cooked perfectly and the accompaniments were well paired. I dare say it may have been one of the best burgers i've had. The ambiance was really nice and the restaurant was bigger than I had anticipated. It gets pretty bumpin, so reservations are recommended.
(5)
H. A.

Another wonderful experience at Alden & Harlow. I recommend the kale salad, corn pancakes, and asparagus. They also had a yellowtail collar special that was superb. Unless you like really smoky flavors, even in your desserts, I really recommend you skip the smoked chocolate bread pudding, as tempting as it sounds. The lemon pound cake was tart but very nicely done.
(4)
Jane O.

For dinner, this place is amazing. The food is a little off the beaten path, served small plates style, which makes sharing with friends that much better, and the decor gives the place a rustic edge without resorting to serving on gingham tablecloths. 5 stars for dinner. 3 stars for brunch though. Disappointing, for sure. It feels like they decided they just had to be open on Sunday mornings, so they threw together a mismatched menu of brunch cliches and flat out bad food (there's even a dish outright called Ubiquitous kale salad), then picked their worst servers and forced them to serve brunch. Awful. Averaging out, still 4 stars, mostly for really really delicious dinner.
(4)
Nicole L.

This restaurant is unique, and the food is made for the adventurous! Every time we go, we order something interesting and new. This is the type of place that forces you to try food outside of your comfort zone, but makes you so glad you did! The flavor combinations are unlike anything you've ever had, and it's another great spot for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. For brunch, you have to get the berry and lemon curd Croissant Pain Perdu! For dinner, my husband loved the secret burger, and I loved the corn pancakes, charred broccoli, and parsnip dip. The menu is always changing, so you'll have lots of options to try fun dishes!
(5)
Chrisitine W.

Be careful, their coffee costs $4. Checked with manager about the coffee's origin, nothing special. It is about the same charge as the Burdick Chocolate next store PERSONAL made cappuccino. Our brunch here: $16 pig tail dish just tasted sweet and spicy. $13 Blood sausage is tapas size.
(2)
Annabelle L.

Came here with a friend for lunch last week. As others have said, it's a bit expensive, especially for the portion size. We split the smoked fish dip and the hickory smoked pig tails. Both were small appetizer sized, but surprisingly very filling. The smoked fish dip was mostly fish and not a lot of filler; went well with the crisps/crackers that came with it. Although the smoked pig tails was much smaller than I expected it to be (esp for $16!), but had amazing flavors. Sweet, salty, smoky, savory, it was all there. The grits were as good as any I've gotten in the south, and I especially loved the cheese crisps and poached egg, which added another layer of creaminess. The space is fantastic--lots of different seating options and the bar is huge. My friend comes often for the cocktails, which says are delicious, but I didn't get to try any this time!
(4)
Maya G.

The food was interesting, although not great. Everything we ordered was overwhelmingly fattening and not particularly tasty. The rabbit tasted exactly like a Morningstar Farm patty and was served with tiny iddy biddy pieces of green apple-not enough acid to bring out the dish. Overall, the other dishes were similarly unremarkable. None of the dishes were anything I was impressed by--not balanced or complex flavors for the high price of the small plates. The service was attentive, but the waiter had a terrible attitude at the end. Presumably because we did not order drinks or a dessert, she gave us incredible attitude. Who can order dessert when the main dishes are pure fat (although not the kind I would find worth it, like pork belly)? She needed to chill. Overall, the food was not bad, but I would definitely not go back here. The food was overpriced, not inspired, and the waitress felt entitled to be rude to us because we didn't order enough for her liking.
(3)
Carrie L.

Alden & Harlow is a great date night spot. Cambridge area has always been full of amazing little finds, and A&H is no exception. Located in the basement level of the Brattle Theatre, the restaurant appears small and intimate upon arrival. However if you step out of the hostess/front area, you'll find yourself passing by the open kitchen (which can get very warm if you sit by there) and a more open dining area in the back. The menu is based on tapa plates, from lighter items on the left to heavier ones on the right of the menu. My server was sweet and helpful; she informed us that it's about 2 plates/person. So my boyfriend and I ordered a total of four: 1. The salt-roasted beets 2. Tuna belly 3. Pork belly 4. Pork shoulder I apologize for the lack of proper dish names, but there you have it. We ordered mostly on the right side of the menu. Starting our night was the amuse bouche: pickled green beans with sesame seeds. It tasted exactly as it sounds. The first bite was strange but it grew on me right after. The salt-roasted beets with caraway yogurt and peanuts was light, healthy, and.. salty. The beets were too salty to eat alone. Perhaps the chef wanted us to mix everything together, because then the beets were more tolerable. The yogurt was my favorite part of the dish. Next, we had the tuna belly. Sitting on top of a sort of sweet corn sauce, the tuna belly had crispy skin. The fish was not cooked through so as you cut, the tuna belly goes from cooked to slightly raw. The slice of the belly was a substantial size. And my only complaint was the crispy skin was a little too salty. And that seemed to be a repeated pattern for my night. The next dish is the primary reason I was drawn to Alden & Harlow. The crispy Berkshire pork belly. This was his favorite dish of the night. The crispy pork belly, on top of a layer of grits, with cooked peaches on the side. Again, I am guessing the chef wants the dish to be devoured by mixing all the ingredients together. Because the grits was too salty to eat alone. Someone must've been heavy with the salt dosage that night. The pork belly, however, was perfect and fatty. The peach was sweet. Overlooking the salty grits, this dish was pretty great. The last dish, also known as my favorite of the night, was the pork shoulder. It was the debut night, freshly placed on menu. And I hope for everyone's sake, it will stay on the menu. The pork shoulders came in 3 pieces, with droplets of creme fraiche and some buttery savory sauce. Again, the creme fraiche mixed with the sauce was way too salty. I expected it to be on the sour side; but not the case. The pork shoulder was juicy, tender, with texture, yet melts with every bite. It was perfect! I highly recommend this place - would've given it 5 stars if the salt level was more balanced.
(4)
Georgina C.

Long overdue from October 2014... Alden & Harlow has topped my To-Dine list ever since it opened its doors in Cambridge. Dubbed the best eatery of the year, it seemed like I just could not get there due to a crazy schedule. When my favorite new blogger friend Liz of Little Moments of Happiness suggested we head there late night after a Fashion Week event, I could not agree fast enough. I started the meal with the Smoked Burrata Crostino with fried kale, lonza and burnt honey. It was one of the most delicious dishes I have ever experienced. The savory essence of the rich Burrata contrasted perfectly with the sweet hints lent by the honey. Next I tried the Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad with Xertoli almonds, dates, sardo and Jalepeno Brown Butter. The pumpkin pasta had a wonderful amount of crunch, I was surprised at just how satisfying it was. Next arrived my Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder with kimchee oil, aioli and Benne Seed crumble. Slow roasted to that perfect point where you can cut each morsel with the mere side of your fork, this dish quickly disappeared leaving me wondering if table fairies lived at A&H or was I seriously being that greedy... Last was the Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly with roasted strawberries atop Anson Mills Grits. Though delicious, this was a bit rich for me (or perhaps it was that I had already gorged myself and already had dessert on my mind.) I know... But you cannot go to a restaurant ranked nationally among the top 100 new restaurants and not order dessert. And so I tucked into the Baked Apple & Olive Oil Cake Trifle with Aleppo & Honey Whipped Cream with brown sugar. Perfect in my opinion minus the overabundance of nuts, this plate did not see much action due to my rapidly expanding waistline. The verdict? I will definitely be back for brunch. A creative menu, rustic decor, great music and wonderful staff; Alden & Harlow is a spot as a foodie you cannot afford to miss.
(5)
Elizabeth E.

This was my first spot when I landed in Boston. I have a friend who is at Harvard BS and we tried one of her fave places in Cambridge. It's a small plates type place so we shared everything - portions were generous for a party of four. Loved everything we tried. For you Chicagoians the veggies reminded me a lot of the veggies at girl and the goat - really incredible, not healthy at all :) Octopus Panzaella - Amazing small bites of octopus - nothing scary! So delish fresh tasting with potatoes too! Burrata - What's not to love about burrata? This was tasty but pretty much what you would expect from burrata. I do remember some jam on the side, that was a nice touch :) Kale Salad - boomshakala... DELISH! Charred Broccoli - What was the sauce that was underneath? No idea but it was soft and creamy and I almost considered licking the plate. Corn Pancakes- Why are pancakes not apart of every meal? Especially with shishito peppers and popcorn? Like what on earth? This was another one that felt very "stephanie izard" esk! Fried Chicken- YUM!! The biscuit that came out with this was INSANE. For dessert - we went with the lemon cake... not usually my first option but the waitress steered us away from the smoked bread pudding - main reason that it was smoked. I was very glad she called this out. The Lemon Cake was so smooth and moist - there's a reason it's highlighted on the menu in a big box!! They were out of the secret burger by the time we sat down - reading the reviews, this sounds like a must have but I'll have to save it for my next visit to beantown!
(5)
Jeff F.

I've come in three more times since my first visit. Here's the rundown from that first visit: - Desserts were still off - Server Wine recommendation was a miss - Mackerel improved - Still no burger on this visit ..... So close. - Broccoli was solid. - Snails were really good - Burrata was a miss. Needed a little sea salt or something to kick the flavor - Cassoulet - Ridiculous. - Parsley Cavatelli - great dish - Ubiquitous kale should be on the shortlist - Clams with pig tail was very good - Fried Rabbit was a miss Overall a miss on this second visit. Then we came in for a meal at the Chef's Table on Feb 8th. That was an incredible experience and I would highly recommend trying the Chef's Table. Highlights: - Coffee Roasted Golden Beets - ridiculous, officially love beets - Kale & Pork Belly Pappardelle - why is this not on the regular menu? Fantastic - Octopus Panzanella - way too light on the octopus - Charred Swordfish Belly - perfect - Finally had the burger: Craigie and Curley's still are 1-2 in Boston, but this is in the Top 5 Conclusion - one of my favorite spots in Boston if you know what to order and what to avoid. Notes to self. Wood smoked Arctic char, Beef Carpaccio is a must, Secret Burger is hit or miss.
(4)
Jenn S.

Hmmmm I might be the only person on earth who wasn't in love with this place. I heard SO many great things but perhaps I should take another trip back. But let me first say it was good... and maybe I am just sour about the dessert and that is the last thing I can remember - they also were out of burgers which was sad for most of our table. Here is what we ordered and shared with our party of 4: Kale Salad - LOVED this Corn Pancakes - Really good but they could have skipped the popcorn Muscles - had great flavor and I loved the corn Sweet Corn Gnocci - NOT what I was expecting, I actually don't even know if I liked it Some noodle with Egg (I forgot what its called) - This was also a hit at the table New York Strip - was pretty good Tuna - I love tuna but this one was really fatty, a little too fatty. and now to the dessert...... Bread pudding - The smoke was SOOOOO overpowering that we didn't even finish. And that says a lot because I always finish bread pudding. It was seriously the only flavor we could taste
(3)
Denise A.

By now I think everyone knows where Alden & Harlow is. It was a challenge to find it the first time around but no longer. Their menu changes up frequently but one thing is for sure-everything here is amazing. Their plates are small and meant to be shared. This is great for eating purposes-abit heavy on the wallet but the food and service here is truly worth it. Of note was the charred broccoli that elicited a highly positive response even from my broccoli averse BF. I love that places in the states have picked up on pork belly as a trend and A&H's version is perfect. Crispy skin, tender meat and fat. You might have to flip it over to cut through it though. Their brunch menu is the most original I have seen in the Boston area. No eggs benedict here (although if you'd like poached eggs, the Smoked Pig Tail comes with one...). All of their dishes here are fantastic but in particular I'd recommend the pickled corn pancakes and the wild mushroom frittata that had me asking for more! You can't go wrong here but...it may be tricky if you're vegetarian since many of their dishes incorporate animal fats.
(5)
Meredith D.

3.5 stars I was so excited to try this place. My husband made reservations for Vday months in advance. When the blizzard started we were determined to make it there regardless of the snow... It has a great atmosphere and was packed despite the storm. I loved the inside. They had a cool drink list with some interesting beers which we both opted for. For food we had the pumpkin salad, charred broccoli, and New York strip. The pumpkin salad was definitely different. They get points for creativity and it was pretty good but not likely I would ever order it again. The charred broccoli was amazing. We both really loved this dish and would definitely get it again. The New York strip was OK. We both love steak and this was good but certainly not anything to write home about. It had decent flavor but again not sure I'd order this again. We both were excited at the possibility of dessert but it was a very small menu and nothing looked all that enticing. I thought the service was OK at best. The server was not all that nice. She gave us some green beans to munch on and before my husband could even try one, ended up clearing them away which I found incredibly odd. I was so excited to try this place out but it's not a place I would ever frequent. Definitely a bit disappointing. I would come back to try the secret burger which they were out of. Sounds like you need to show up at 5pm though if you want a chance to have it.
(3)
Kattie L.

It really is a gorgeous set up and a welcome addition to Harvard Square's teeming tourist-geared establishments. Their beer menu is exhaustive and if their cocktails were less $$$$, then I'd definitely try it because they look delicious. Unfortunately, the $$$ is what undercuts a lot of the greatness at Alden. The quality doesn't match to the value of the dish. That's not to say that the dishes aren't good -- they're actually fantastic. I've visited Alden 3 times now to give it several chances to wow me, but the conclusion is always the same. I've tried the secret burger, cauliflower, and pork belly. All were fantastic but for the hype, the burger isn't worth the try -- I would go to Craigie and fight for the last burger before coming back here. And do come early for it - it's gone by 6pm most nights. The pork belly was absolutely delicious but I had one tiny bite to share with my table. If the point of the chef's tapas menu is to recreate a family style setting, then my mother would have some very hungry and disappointed children. The cauliflower was actually a whole head which surprised me and the most inexpensive dish on the menu. Bottom line: If you're looking for portion and taste, go elsewhere with your money. If you're alright with extremely (and I've been to fine dining before) small portions for an exorbitant amount of money, it's worth a try -- once. Also, definitely make a reservation! If OpenTable doesn't work, call in.
(3)
Lisa R.

Never thought that broccoli could taste SO good! Get the charred broccoli- I promise you won't be disappointed. The chicken fried rabbit was perfect-crispy and moist. I've never had rabbit prepared that way. Got the grilled mackeral too-also tasty but a bit too bony for a romantic dinner night. Cocktails expertly prepared. My only gripe is that they ran out of the secret burger by 6:30PM. Why put it on the menu if it runs out so quickly?!?
(5)
Shawn H.

The menu is brief, but challenging due to extreme creativity. Hard to figure out how many plates will serve your party well, as the sizes vary so widely. The broiled oysters were tasty, served on salt in cast iron, but $8 for two is a taste, not a satisfying appetizer. The steak was wonderful, and sliced to share. The pork belly was only okay, with too few grits to make an impression, but the macerated grapes were a delicious enhancement. My favorite dishes were the most filling, an angel hair pasta with a nutty pesto sauce, and a roasted potato side with a rich cream sauce. Everyone made sure to grab at least two potatoes. Friendly, chipper service did a lot to make sense of the unique menu, and it was fun when the plates started coming out as they were made. Compliments to the bar as well, as my Fog Cutter was refreshing perfection.
(4)
Erin D.

One of the best restaurants in Boston. These guys know how to pleased you and make you to come back. The place itself has a bit of New York vibe, chill and romantic. Good is great, the portions can be bigger but everything taste delicious. Better get your reservations otherwise takes forever to get a table.
(5)
Leesha Z.

I've only come here once and it was for brunch and boy was I blown away. Starting with the decor, it's beautiful inside. I would love for my future apartment/house to look exactly like this place. Friendly staff greeted us as we walked in and sat us at a small table alongside the bar/wall. We had reservations for 11:30 on a sunday but we probably could've gotten away with not having them seeing as how the place wasn't that busy. I ended up ordering the croque monsieur which was absolutely amazing. I also got the torched fruit as a side. That alone was out of this world. The food here is pricey, yes, but to me it is totally worth it. You can tell there was a ton of love and thought put into all of it by the chef and I can't wait to come back for dinner or another brunch!
(5)
Alex C.

This place is super good. Pricing is a little steep, but it could just be the Boston premium. It's not terrible, just not cheap. Having tried quite a few different options, I think it's safe to say that you can't go wrong ordering just about anything on the menu.
(5)
Wasim Q.

If a place is 95% hit, 5% miss, does that mean it is "hit or miss?" Nah. 95% is still an A in my book. I've been here twice in the past week and almost all of the dishes have been amazing. I call it "American tapas"-- everything is a small plate, and very very creative. The grilled carrots are a great opener-- charred on the outside and soft on the inside, plated on a giant smear of yogurt and sweet sweet honey. Romano beans are also AMAZING, spicy and minty. Beef neck was unique, to say the least (a little mushy, reminded me of meatloaf). New York strip was delicious (though they cooked my "medium rare" as a rare, and the side dishes don't really integrate with the steak well: orange in a cube of pectin and a slab of roast bone marrow). All the beef here is from Creekstone Farms (which only does black angus and supplies high end NYC restaurants), and you can really taste the quality. And then there's the "secret burger." Listed on some CNN blog as one of the top 10 burgers of 2014, it really does live up to the hype: meat from Creekstone Farms, smoked and ground in house, slathered in a thousand island and caesar concoction, topped with a crispy cheddar chip, all on a house made bun (which is amazingly soft on the inside and crispy on the outside-- they intentionally char the sliced faces on the griddle). The burger sells out pretty early (they didn't have any left at 8pm on a random Wednesday), so we came back at 5:15 the following Saturday. Desserts are good, though the menu is small. Smoked chocolate bread budding has a meaty taste to it. Olive oil cake is better- refreshing, with fresh rhubarb. In sum, Alden & Harlow (the original architects of the building where the restaurant is) would be proud of what they are doing here.
(5)
Brandy S.

We had a lovely anniversary dinner at Alden & Harlow. I noted in the reservation that it was a special day and they presented us with complimentary sparkling wine when we were seated. It was such a nice touch and very appreciated. We tried the crudo (probably my favorite dish), pork belly, lamb, and of course the secret burger. All were good but the secret burger and crudo stood out as exceptional. Finishing with the chocolate terrine was a good choice - we were both in heaven. I would definitely dine here again.
(4)
Navie N.

YUM! My friend and I chose to go to this restaurant on impulse today and wow, we made the right choice! We ordered the root vegetable latkes, toad head croissant, and a dessert with lemon curd and blueberries. It was awesome! The minus one star is for the extremely small portions. I definitely did not leave the place feeling full and it was a little pricey to order more... Definitely going back, though! Great food! Good service!
(4)
Liv L.

Came here on my birthday with a party of six. Loved the atmosphere and table we got. The tapas style works very well and dishes come out of the kitchen as they are prepared. We got about 10 dishes; the octopus, panzanella, burrata, corn pancakes, chips and onion dip, the pork belly, both pasta dishes and two desserts. We ordered double of some because they were so good! Also the special vodka drink with lemon and cinnamon was delish. They ran out of the secret burger when we got there so remember there's only a limited amount. Definitely try to make reservations in advance because it's hard to get a table.
(5)
Aakriti J.

yum yum yummmmm! I had the corn pancakes and they are DELICIOUS. they came with a special surprise of popcorn (covered in syrup!) and at least I was like...uh what is this, but it was actually super good! I was highly impressed by that. Anyways, the ambience is cool (thought dimly lit, so if you're not into that, watch out). the drinks are really good, and the food as well! Definitely recommend coming here once (and I want to come back for brunch because I've heard its delicious!)
(4)
Babette W.

Ubiquitous kale and charred octopus great selections on a hot night pair it with the Italian rose and it's a winner
(5)
Yeajin L.

Very good wine choices! Their menu was interesting. They make popcorn pancakes and whatnot. They are tasty. One other thing I tried was some potato dish. It had really good flavors, but did not expect it to be that small portion for that price.
(4)
John T.

I had dinner reservations for 2 at 5PM on a Friday. We arrived at about 5 till and were promptly seated at the time of our reservation. I came for the drinks and small plates, but unfortunately forgot my ID in the pant pockets I was wearing the night prior. I had a photo of it saved on my phone, but they refused it (as they should have). Rules are rules, so I'll focus my review on the food. The server informed us once we were seated that they specialized in small plates and that she recommended 2-3 dishes per person. We obliged, and ordered the Oysters from the starter menu and 2 plates each from the main menu. Despite aiming for a variety of plates some of the garnishes were repeated on the dishes we ordered; but, I'm not sure the cause (could be how we ordered, could be that they stock fresh and use what's available, could be poor planning in the menu design). The courses were a bit larger than advertised and we weren't able to finish any of the plates. We came with an appetite, so I'd recommend starting out with a plate or two fewer and adding on midway through the dinner if possible. I say "if possible" because the server took our entire order at once and informed us that the dishes would arrive "as the kitchen could prepare them". This was fine, but it did leave one awkward moment toward the tail end of the meal when my "entree" had arrived and my girlfriend's had not. Oh well, not a deal breaker. I give 3-stars because our server was still a little green and probably could have used a little additional training before being let on the floor alone for a Friday dinner. She was very courteous and professional, but did little to enhance the dining experience. The staff at the neighboring tables seemed to have a better handle and I'm sure our server will be up to speed in no time.
(3)
Kevin C.

Alden & Harlow is among the top few restaurants in the Cambridge and Boston area that I've been to. I've been waiting to go with one of my friends for a long time, and we were not disappointed! We made dinner reservations for a party of five, which took some coordination, but it was well-worth it. The menu is well-portioned, thoughtful, and creative. Our waiter told us to order our food like we'd order tapas. Tapas? Yes, please! Instantly, the idea of sharing French-American food with others sounded appealing. We started with the kale salad with creamy pistachio. The salad was nicely dressed, and the kale had enough bounce and crunch. As for drinks, I ordered the French Press which was an amazing alcoholic drink consisting of overproof bourbon, smoked cocoa nibs, coffee beans, and absinthe. It didn't take us very long to begin ordering because everything looked so delicious. My table went ahead and ordered everything that looked appetizing. We ordered the soft polenta with goat butter, smoked mushrooms, and pickled sour cherrie, the smoked pork belly with carrot and cashew tahini, the braised chicken thighs with buttermilk and pork fat biscuits, and the famous secret burger. For desert, we had buttermilk and lemon pound cake with torched blackberry compote and almond whip. In retrospect, the star for each dish were clearly the savory parts, but the sweet and salty parts of the dish were equally appetizing. Our table, stomaches, and expectations were happily satisfied! What an amazing restaurant for a great location! Go to Alden & Harlow!
(5)
Beth H.

Usually with a restaurant that's very hyped and on the pricey side there's an inevitable bit of disappointment when you try it. Not true for Alden & Harlow! We had a drink at the bar while waiting for our table. The bartender was busy but my drink was strong and delicious, and the bartender was friendly. Check. When we were seated each dish was delightful. We had the bok choi salad, the agnolotti, the mackerel and the chicken fried rabbit. Others have described the dishes in detail so I won't do that here, but I will say that each dish was surprising and felt like a little bit of a treasure hunt figuring out what each delicious part of the dish was. My favorite was the chicken fried rabbit (which is prepared like the world's classiest buffalo chicken finger.) The service was great. They also have really excellent lighting (I know, who cares, right?) But it makes it feel like they have the shades drawn on a sunny day, not like you're underground. Big thumbs up for living up to the hype. I'll be back.
(5)
Julie B.

I went to Alden & Harlow shortly after it opened and had a great experience. The restaurant can be difficult to find -- it is underground and has some subtle signage pointing to a staircase. It was very dark inside, but I really liked how the restaurant looked and felt. It was simultaneously cozy and modern, with a huge wraparound bar, open kitchen and exposed ceiling. The menu at Alden & Harlow is based around creative small plates made with local ingredients. They recommend 2-3 plates per person, so our party of five shared 12. We started with some drinks -- beers all around despite a nice cocktail menu. With our drinks we were brought a plate of pickled green beans. I actually loved them and was happy to have gotten the beans versus bread. The food started rolling out FAST! I was actually shocked at how quickly our first round of plates arrived. In the first round we ordered: - Salt cod & turnip brandade, chick pea, fennel cracker, pickled mustard seeds. - Washington state mushrooms, 60 egg, pine nut crumble. - Pickled Verrill Farm corn pancakes, buttermilk, maple, shishito peppers, topped with popcorn. - Scallop crudo, cauliflower kimchee, chili oil, uni aioli. - Chicken fried local rabbit, celery, apple, blue cheese, chili oil My favorites in the first round were the scallop crudo and the mushrooms. The mushrooms were a hit all around, and I may have been scooping up the mushroom puree at the bottom of the bowl with a spoon. The second round came out quickly after we finished our first plates. Honestly, I would have liked a longer break or for the food to have been broken up into more rounds. Here's what we ordered: - House made rye pasta, confit chicken thigh, crispy skin, fig and liver butter. - Island Creek oyster gratin, uni toast, creamed leeks & guanciale. - Crispy Berkshire pork belly, Anson Mills grits, roasted kumquat, bergamot cure. - Seared Hudson Valley foie gras, spiced fruit, sherry vinegar, warm crumpet. My favorite during this round was the gratin, but the pasta and the foie gras were close seconds! For our last round of food, we ordered: - Creekstone Farms New York strip, marrow, fennel, blood orange (one 8 oz and one 16 oz). - Grilled lamb sirloin, cocoa rub, grilled carrot mash, ramp puree. I was a big fan of both of these dishes. I especially liked scooping the marrow onto the bread, adding a piece of steak, and topping it with some blood orange. Even though we were all stuffed, we couldn't leave without trying dessert. We ordered the smoked chocolate bread pudding with Jacobsen salt ice cream. This was super delicious and a great way to end the meal. The smokey flavor almost made it taste like there was bacon mixed in! Overall I really enjoyed dinner at Alden & Harlow. I'm so glad I got to experience the restaurant in a group so that we could taste a large portion of the menu. It seems like we ordered a ton of food (and we did), but I think it was an appropriate number of plates for the group.
(4)
Emily G.

Alden & Harlow was open nearly a year before our dining out budget freeze (aka getting married) came to an end. Though I am not the most patient person in the world, the wait was certainly worth it. The menu changes frequently and descriptions don't always do the dish justice. Michael Scelfo is doing wonders with a plancha and some vegetables, so order those brussels sprouts or even the ubiquitous kale salad with your meaty plates. A few dishes have remained on menu since the early days, and you should definitely get the chicken fried rabbit if available since the secret burger sells out quickly. The cocktail list is as creative as the food, plus a pretty decent selection of beer and wine by the glass or bottle. Of course if you are like us and over-order, a cup of excellent Stumptown and a reasonably priced shot of Fernet is a completely acceptable way to end your meal.
(5)
Thomas N.

walking the area recently and forgot this was open for brunch lunch on weekends so gave it a try, it is a big place and we were sort of ushered to a glass covered area in front, which was nice but we tent to like to eat at the bar or here maybe in the bar at the back watching the cooks....lovely place, i had the burger with the egg and it was wonderful with tons of very good french fries, wife had the green tomato sandwich very good and we had also the torched fruit, excellent also although you don't get too much....well they make up for that with the fries, drinks were very good and a lot of different unusual choices and a very nice beer selection........liked it here!!!
(5)
Dan D.

If I could give this 3.5, I would have. The restaurant is beautifully lit. It's a large space, but maintains a sense of intimacy. Good for a date, good for a group date. There are three different "sections" in the restaurant, all great. I'm sure the server and Sommelier were manufactured in the same factory, where smiling and friendly interactions are not permitted. Whatever, let's talk about the food. The secret burger sells out every night, as they make the buns fresh and their oven can only make so many. They do a second round at 11pm. We went at 10pm, ate a bunch, then had burgers for dessert. So yeah, I'm good at making decisions. It was worth the wait. Cooked just to our medium rare order (this should be everyone's order). Bun was soft held the burger juice well. The home made chips were delicious. The corn pancakes were every bit as good as the server suggested they would be in her joyous monotone. Carpaccio was simply delicious. Chicken fried rabbit was a tad disappointing, just didn't like the chicken-fry on it. Felt below the restaurants sensibility. Pork belly was tasty; what pork belly isn't? Swordfish belly was also great, but there wasn't much of it (and a TON of veggies) We got a Malbec from Europe that the robotic Sommelier said was delicious. Apparently his creator installed a "lie through your teeth" chip. Don't get it.
(3)
Lily S.

Let me start off by saying that the food was incredible. Literally every bite was like jizz in pants fantastic. That being said, some of the worst service/treatment I have ever received at a restaurant. My friend and I came in here around 5:30-6p on a Friday after I had spent about 4 hours getting tattooed in Davis Sq. We were also celebrating some good news on her end so, given our location, I thought this would be a great place to visit. Needless to say, we were in high spirits. The hostesses seemed less than impressed to see us; we were taken to a table that was right next to the entrance to the kitchen so I asked if it was possible to be seated in one of the empty 2 party booths. The bar was packed, but only about 1/3 of the tables were occupied so I didn't think this was unreasonable. We were told that those tables were saved for parties with reservations. This was mildly annoying since we weren't planning on lingering forever, but ok. It took a while for our server to show up, when she did she started going through the menu for us. At that point we had both had a solid 5 min to peruse it so I asked if we could have a second drink menu since I was taking a while to pick. She snapped at me and her response was literally "why don't you let me finish speaking and then I'll get you a menu." Let me tell you, that shut me right up. If I hadn't been famished at that point, this would have been the end of our evening at AH. I don't know who trained her, but I work in the service industry and, frankly, no one cares if you're having a bad day. Fake it till you make it and don't have to wait on people, darling. Not to continue dwelling on this, but I have NEVER had someone speak to me at a restaurant this way. Especially at a place of this caliber. This, plus how we were looked down on when we came in [not sure why--i mean my friend had jeans on, i was dressed business casual] will probably deter me from ever setting foot here again. Which is a darn shame. In terms of food, I would say don't come here starving. The servings are very very small and while we got 4 dishes it was definitely not enough for two hungry people. We tried: crispy pork belly chicken fried rabbit buratta ny strip carpaccio The pork belly was for sure the highlight of the meal. Though, again, everything we ate was fantastic. Maybe with the exception of the green bean comp appetizer [where normally you would get bread for the table?]. We tried a few glasses of wine but the pours were not generous. Not sure what the deal was but I had a great view of patrons at the bar and I swear their wine glasses were filled at least an inch higher and I didn't notice different serving sizes on the menu. Whatever. Amazing food, I assume decent service on the regular, but it just wasn't our night I guess.
(2)
Laura P.

2nd visit to Alden & Harlow. We went on a Sunday night @5pm to grab "secret burgers." We sat at the bar and were helped right away. Cocktails were fantastic! The bartender had great suggestions for variations of our favorite drinks and they were made perfectly. We started with the kale salad which was great. $10 is a lot for kale but it was tasty and I'm sure they used super fresh ingredients. The burgers were tasty but I wasn't blown away. Good toppings but we didn't think the patty was all that big. Chips were good, super salty which I liked. We'll definitely go back, but I doubt we'll go out of our way to get there in time for a burger.
(4)
Luke H.

Everything we were expecting and more! My wife described this place as - "What I thought Cragie's on Main would taste like... This is by far the best restaurant I've eaten at in Boston". What to order: Kale Salad, the Secret Burger, Corn/ popped corn Pancakes - things we probably wouldn't order again but were still fun to try once - pork belly and the green tomatoes. We still have a lot of menu exploring to do. I got the feeling sitting there that we were one of the few people who were at Alden & Harlow's for the first time which speaks to the fact that people love this place and can't get enough of it. Make a reservation a few days in advance or get there early because this place fills up fast every night of the week.
(5)
Emily G.

I was worried Alden & Harlow would fall victim to overhype but it was incredible. I went on a Friday evening at around 6:15 and was seated right away (my boyfriend and I expected to have to wait at the bar for at least a half hour, so we were pleasantly surprised). The atmosphere is great, it feels almost speakeasy-ish because of the underground location. We shared four plates: the charred broccoli, sweet pea and peanut hummus, the swordfish belly and an octopus special. Everything was amazing. The broccoli was incredibly flavorful and the swordfish belly and octopus were both perfectly cooked. But the real standout was the sweet pea and peanut hummus. The hummus itself was a minor component of the dish, but combined with the 60 degree egg, bacon and grilled croissant bread it was unbelievable. Almost a month later and I am still thinking about this dish. For dessert we had the smoked chocolate bread pudding which was not my fave, too much smokiness and not enough chocolate. All in all a wonderful experience!
(5)
Kelly F.

Maybe 3 1/2 stars. The space was cool. We sat in booth by bar which was a little too dark, but comfortable. We ordered 4 dishes and a snack and it was almost too much food for the 2 of us. The dishes were really interesting and flavorful, but a couple were way too salty. The corn pancakes were delicious. The broccoli with hummus was way too salty. It was disappointing because it would have been really good. Also the clams were so drenched in sauce, all we could taste was salt and garlic. It completely overwhelmed clams and whatever else was in dish. I think the menu has great potential, but please less salt!! ! And i love salt! The drinks were pretty good. But i dont really love the new trend of making cocktails really herby tasting. The service was really good
(4)
C H.

Potentially my favorite restaurant experience in the Boston area. Having been three times, and trying about 12 different small plates as well as a secret burger offering and some snacks, I have never had anything less than good. Most dishes have trended towards excellent. In particular, the ubiquitous kale salad, charred broccoli & corn pancakes are must haves. As with all of the dishes, these three appear simple but with the excellent touches added on by the creative chef, they all transcend the basic explanations. Absolutely stop here if you are looking for a casual, unique and excellent dining experience in Cambridge or Boston.
(5)
Rachel P.

My fiancÃ© and I ate here on Saturday 11/15 for his birthday. I had made a reservation over a week prior for 9:15. We arrived at the restaurant at 9 and checked in at the hostess stand. We were told our table was paying and we'd be seated shortly. At about 9:30 we started getting very frustrated watching at least 5 parties of 2 be seated before us, and then we even noticed parties who had just walked in be seated! I checked in with the hostess who profusely apologized and said "people just aren't moving tonight but your table just payed. We will take care of you once you're seated." I figured this meant a free round of drinks or an app or something and I thought that was a classy way of handling the situation. Still, over 10 minutes later we weren't seated and at that point we saw a party of two that definitely did not have a reservation sit down at a table they requested. I have never in my life been this close to walking out of a restaurant when they finally sat us. By this time it was close to 10:00 and of course they were out of 2 dishes we wanted to try. Not only did the waitress not offer any special treatment like we were told, she didn't even acknowledge that we'd been waiting or apologize. My guess is the hostess didn't bother to communicate that fact. For the food...to be fair, it's hard to judge a meal when the service at a restaurant immediately puts a bad taste in your mouth, but trying my best not to be bias... Burrata- didn't have as much of a honey glaze as I'd hoped, but great texture, good burrata. Cold Poached Chicken- This was ok. Kind of a unique take on chicken salad. Skate Wing- Great texture but way too salty Chicken fried rabbit- this was the one redeeming quality of the meal. Delicious balance of savory flavors and great texture. I really really enjoyed this. All the cocktails were innovative and enjoyable as well. I'm extremely disappointed with the treatment we received and it definitely ruined my fiancÃ©'s birthday dinner. A simple apology or acknowledgment of the situation would have gone a long way here.
(2)
Damien S.

Chef Scelfo, run free. Just show us where the door is first. The somewhat comical paper signs pointing to the proper entrance was the only less-than-stellar aspect of our meal at Alden & Harlow. The rest is just incredible. From the exquisitely creamy burrata with English peas and radish to the earthy-is-an-understatement butternut squash salad, spaghetti cut, nutty and brown buttered, the plates are wholly unique spins on what you might mistake as commonplace gastropub fare. Or you can just knock it up a notch, read: the pickled Verrill Farm corn pancakes. Three large and dense jonnycakes, delicately sweetened with maple and topped with oily shishito peppers, reduced buttermilk and popcorn for texture. Yesyesyesyesyes! Then came the burger, ahem, secret burger ($14). Although our early table meant limited availability ain't got shi on scarcity. It's billed as eight ounces of the house Creekstone grind, "your faith" and an in-house baked roll. Our faith paid off - the Thousand Island variant with cheese, caramelize onions and a side of pickles proved to be a Big Mac for big boys. It disappeared with quickness, as did the house-made and heavily salted chips on the side. Inspired cocktails sealed the deal. McGregor's Garden plants bourbon with the sweetness of parsnip puree, and the Stalker (oh, the Stalker) pummels artichoked Cynar with seasonal rhubarb-jasmine syrup and cachaca to deliver a caipirinha in a straw hat and overalls. Everything on the menu is under $20. Will I be back for a second round of dranks, the chicken fried local rabbit or the chili-honey glazed grilled octopus? Yes, yes I will. In the meantime, I've got the memory of a near-perfect first visit to keep me going.
(5)
Alexandra M.

So dark in the entry area, but then you go back, back, back and I had no idea it was so big! Much brighter back there. I had the molokai mule which was great--the pineapple on top was great too. I tried the drinks my friends got and they were all great too. Later I had the hefeweizen. Going through what we shared: grilled asparagus with 60 degree caesar: delicious. I could eat two pickled verrill farm corn pancakes: weird mix that works together perfectly grilled cheese with bread, strawberry and beans (special): SO CHEESEY. perfectly melted. And again, odd mix that works perfectly together. charred octopus with smoked avocado, beets and salsa verde: great except the beets. They didn't fit to me. The octopus was perfect though! Charred swordfish with kimchi bok choy, apple and radish: perfectly cooked swordfish but I didn't really enjoy any of the accompaniments chocolate brownie: perfect without the orange but that's just me. The graham cracker crisps were great with the brownie and the toasted fluff. Service was fantastic, friendly, and on top of everything. I wanted to order the special (the same accompaniments as the swordfish but a different fish) while my friends had burgers, but she let us know that it was WAY too big for one person even if others had bites, instead of just upping our bill.
(4)
Tim S.

I like the ambiance of this place a lot. The drinks and the food are just as good. As a broke college student, I have to take off a star for its prices. The wait staff was very attentive and cared about customer service. Full disclosure: I was here for a party where everything was free and the food and drink were both delicious. I couldn't see myself paying the actual prices if I was footing the bill. Overall, it was a great experience!
(4)
Jasmine C.

I went back again and this time got a table at the bar, which was dark and didn't have great service. I would say A&H is a place to go with people who are adventurous and who aren't expecting a typical dining experience, because I went with two who were and it was perhaps less fun, but the food was still delicious. What to get: - STILL the charred broccoli. It's always mind blowing. Always. What to miss: - The spring pea agnolotti: it wasn't very flavorful, and perhaps they could've added more of their house made ricotta to augment this.
(4)
Janet O.

The atmosphere is young and energetic. The food is mediocre at best. Most of the descriptions on the menu are interesting although somewhat patronizing. I was very disappointed as the unique menu had piqued my interest. The heirloom egg appetizer was completely over powered by the mass of other ingredients added to the dish. And the clams served with pork belly are over loaded with fresh herbs that add nothing to the taste of the dish. Staff seem to be very busy but not able to provide really attentive service, which is ok. They do seem to suffer 'menu question' fatigue since the menu is too confusing for the average diner which comes off as a bad attitude. In the end, I wouldn't recommend as with all its off-beat charm, the food isn't good enough and there are too many good options in Harvard Square.
(2)
Ambrose C.

Are you looking for a pretty good light meal to "kick-start" your evening in a somewhat decent state like Massachusetts? Well, if you are looking for that light meal, this place may have your answer. I thought I had a pretty good and almost memorable light meal. The salads, although they are kind of expensive at around $8-9 per plate and the portions are somewhat meager, are deliciously excellent. The Little Gem Leaves and the Kale salads have great flavor and the texture of the lettuce and kale were very fresh. As for entrees, at around $15+ per plate, the Chicken Fried Local Rabbit and the Slow Roasted Beef Neck were tasty. The rabbit had a nice crispy texture while the beef had a nice flavor. The ingredients used definitely gave these dishes a fairly unique but delicious flavor. These four dishes shared with two people should be enough for a light early dinner before eating a heartier late night meal and the final bill is not too expensive at around $50. Service was pretty good, and I thought one of the servers had a great countenance. This place is at a pretty good location in Cambridge and when I walked in, I felt like I was in a better place such as New York City or San Francisco. The interior was very comfortable, and a little sophisticated. You could wear something very casual, but you may have to look classy in the process. They do take reservations, but they started taking them after 9:45 PM, so it's better to come early as possible. Overall, if this place continues to be consistently good, I think this place has a good chance to be an excellent restaurant. This place was definitely one of the best new restaurants I have eaten in a somewhat decent state like Massachusetts, and I hope this place will continue to get better and better.
(4)
Marc C.

My first impression when reading the menu was that this place was too pretentious and refused to go for months. "Ubiquitous" kale salad. "Secret" burger? Come on! Get over yourself. But, after reading so many great reviews I gave in. Wish I hadn't. The food was indeed pretentious and overly salted (I've been guzzling water for hours since getting home) - and i LIKE salty food. But worst of all - it had to be over 80 degrees in the dining area. Complaints about the stifling air met with shrugs from the staff. However, it was cold enough to store meat at the hostess area. Made me miss the Casablanca.
(1)
Hannah P.

I want to think we went here on an off night, especially given the fact that I know the chef was traveling...I really really hope it's that. I was SUPER excited to get a last minute reservation on a Tuesday night at 8:30pm with my husband. We arrived early for our sitting and waited a couple minutes to be seated. The host and hostess were both very friendly and pleasant. The place was jam packed with people upon arrival and the space is cool, not inexplicably cool but they have done a nice job of creating some character. We were shown to our table and sat for literally 15 minutes!!! No water, just menus. This was the second sitting of the night and it was starting to clear out a bit. We became besties with the table next to us who had been seated around the same time (and by besties I mean bonding over no service). Our flighty aloof waitress finally came over and didn't seem to even get that we were starving and already had a bad taste in our mouth. Overall, service was very poor, which I was semi shocked about given all the press about a "dream team". The place was pretty empty by the time we left and our total dining experience was an hour and 45 minutes for 4 dishes. Food--honestly, I had extremely high hopes for a place like this that boasts about it's high level of innovation, is responsibly sourcing as many ingredients as they can and treats their staff with a lot of respect but it just didn't deliver. We started with the three onion dip and house-made chips. The onion dip was bold with charred and caramelized onions, however, the chips were soggy and lacked that flash-fried crunch and finishing salt. Additionally we ordered the lamb's neck agnolotti which was the highlight. Neck meat is decadent and delightful and the fresh veggies that accompany this dish were nice. The pork belly dish was so incredibly small it almost made no sense for us to try to split it. The flavors were nice and I'm all for paying for responsibly raised and sourced proteins but the price did not even remotely match the portion. The NY Strip was grilled to perfection--a gorgeous medium rare and the grilled carrots were flavorful and bright. We had every intention of ordering dessert but couldn't stand to wait around for another long period while our waitress literally meandered around the place aimlessly. All dishes were very good but with the amount of hype around this place, it lacked the punch we were looking for. After seeing the Food Network highlight, we will probably return with a 5pm reservation for the secret burger and hope for a for a better experience.
(2)
Heather G.

Fabulous nouveau American style restaurant. I had the crispy pork belly- to die for! Love this place and it's dark, trendy atmosphere. There is a chef's table and I would call to reserve that. Overall a great meal and I plan to bring 7 colleagues again later this week.
(5)
Lilly S.

Overall had a very pleasant meal and will definitely be back. The Beef Carpaccio, Broiled Oysters, and Octopus special were ridiculously good... even if you wouldn't typically order these, they're a must. Our waiter was very nice and helpful and the staff seemed like they were always available to help answer any questions/give suggestions. Portions are just a bit smaller than expected but it gave us the opportunity to try a few things. We wanted to like the Charred Broccoli but it was honestly really bitter and a funky texture. While the cocktails were very good, they were definitely missing a little extra something to bring it up to the level of the food. And our only other 'disappointment' was being seating in the bar section despite having made a reservation a month in advance.
(4)
lizzie b.

Very unique experience for Harvard Square. I definitely appreciate the "cooler" vibe for the more traditional square that is now somewhat overrun with burger places. Kind of reminded me of an Atlanta or DC "scene" restaurant with a laid-back, hipster type vibe albeit still slightly high strung. Tucked away into a corner of the restaurant, it was sweltering hot there - didn't expect as such for a basement unit on a hot day, and my friend was sticking to his seat. The menu is diverse like new american tapas, but for picky eaters there were a few watch-outs (jalapenos, rabbit, pork belly, smelts, mackerel, etc.) The corn pancakes were as light and fluffy as expected -- and sweet, so basically dessert in a meal - I spent part of it mopping up the popcorn in the cream sauce. We loved the beet salad over a tea-smoked egg puree - this was definitely a highlight of the meal, and delicious served with house sourdough (ask for it). Charred broccoli was nice over a butternut squash hummus, and I ate it again for leftovers the next morning with an omelette. Lastly we tried the smelts, but they got cold quickly and were basically french fries by way of fish. They were smaller than we've normally had them, and I'd say that either the dish is unpopular or they're not entirely sure how to cook them - either way, I'd recommend they shelve the dish. I'd love to come back and hope that they switch the menu to also include less adventurous protein.
(4)
Dave M.

The interior design is nice. It's very modern and I can see young people enjoying the bar there. It was well maintained and large enough for groups. It's a little hard to find at first. It's the side basement entrance of the red brick building that says "Brattle Hall." Inside we were met by a young friendly hostess. The menu is not huge but big enough to fit different taste buds, but the food was just toooo salty for us. Instead of bread, they brought out pickled green beans that were toooo salty to eat. Then we ordered the Chips & Three-Onion Dip ($8) to start, Grilled Point Judith Bluefish ($16), Secret Burger ($14), and Grilled Lamb Sirloin ($17) that were all tooooo salty. The grilled carrot mash that came with the lamb tasted like salt spilled onto it. It was just difficult to eat the food. The House Made Rye Pasta ($15) on the other hand wasn't that bad. I will say the burger was good but the saltiness overcame any good it had. One other downside is that the portions are very small so they suggest ordering 2 dishes/person, which we didn't do. I will also say the food presentation was nice. Our waiter was friendly and helpful. The manager came over and was apologetic about the food being too salty for us. She offered a free dessert that we didn't take but I appreciated her professionalism. Friendliness and professionalism go a loooong way. I liked the design and the staff but overall I can't recommend the place. I do wish the best for them.
(2)
Josh B.

Two words: God. Damn. On first hearing of this place and walking into it, it seemed a little pretentious. Usually a place with counter height tables, heavy glass surfaces, borderline darkroom-level lighting and a contemporary R&B and hip-hop soundtrack gives you a bit of a 'trying too hard' feel. But this places comes through in a really solid way. We had reservations, and were sat immediately after we walked in. The menu is a set of small single piece plates, ordered from lightest to heaviest, designed for sharing. Being as there were 4 of us, we opted for ordering 2 plates each along with some excellent drinks from their cocktail menu. The food came out in the order is was ready, which started with a blue cheese carpaccio plate, which is high on the list of best things I have ever put into my mouth. It was followed up by a smorgasbord of charred broccoli with butternut squash hummus, pancakes with kettle corn (looks and sounds stupid, is f&^*ing amazing), rabbit sausage, salted pork belly, grilled green onions and an amazing kale salad. Everything was absolutely delicious and packed with flavor. The service was phenomenal, the drinks were kept full and strong, the plates were cleared quickly and water was kept on hand. Highly recommended for anyone who's in the mood for some amazing food, enjoyed in a slightly different way. Actually, no, recommended for anyone who likes food. Do you like food? Do you like it to taste good? Go here. Order anything on the menu. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Chantal G.

The burger is PHENOMENAL! Highly recommended to burger fans!!
(5)
Gertrude Y.

Went for brunch today, Saturday. Five of us came away very disappointed. Really salty kale salad, dry brioche on the Croc Monsieur almost had the texture of cornbread, very little pork between the two slices of brioche, sitting in a pool of flavorless white sauce. My daughter had the frittata, also flavorless. Another of our group ordered the grits with a barely cooked egg on top. That spoiled it for her. The best thing I had was a cup of coffee.
(1)
Martha N.

The hostess was very unapproachable and didn't bother greeting us nor asked us if we had a reservation. 95% of the food that we ordered were extremely salty and the drinks were only mediocre. The water alone was warm and we even saw the bartender push down the ice with his bare hands. The waiter wasn't attentive and took forever to give the change back. Even when my party left, the hostess didn't say good night or anything. Unfortunately, I'm giving this place a star just because I have to.
(1)
Jay H.

Yawn. Over-priced and weak menu. Too many undertrained staff and service is mediocre. A bit pretentious without the backup. Minimal wine menu. As a Californian I expect a bit more depth. Pass.
(3)
Kelly O.

Pros: 1. The interior is so well done. It's got that neo-industrial thing going for it that I love oh, so much. 2. Chips & 3 onion dip: solid food for sharing as everything is quite plentiful. 3. Secret burger: so many chips! so much good burger! 4. Pickled verrill farm corn pancakes: a hint of sweetness with a corn meal-y texture and slight saltiness of.. batter? I don't really even know what it is. Point is, this one was so on. Probably my favorite thing. 5. The Asian server was so nice and patient with my Japanese family that doesn't speak English. Hats off to you, miss. We really appreciated your service. Cons: 1. Really loud, but what do you expect from such a popular restaurant? 2. I'm definitely more of an entreÃ© person so having to order things that were basically appetizers kind of threw me for a loop. So if you're like me, I'd still come here 'cause the food is solid BUT don't expect a heaping portion. 3. The popcorn on the pickled verrill farm corn pancakes seemed really... cheap to me. 4. The green beans they give you as a complimentary appetizer are horrendously sour. Um, have you guys heard of bread...? **Note: The restaurant was kind of hard to find but it's down the stair case to the left of Algier's Cafe kind of across the street from Crema. I can tell that the food here is top-of-the-line. I think the reason I'm giving it 3 stars is because it was just a type of cuisine that I'm very not used to. Give me some time to refine my pallet and I'll come back and give this place 5 stars, I'm sure! (Except maybe to the green beans...)
(3)
Eric A.

Excellent all around. My two visits have been great. The only challenge is deciding what to order. The cocktails are fantastic. It is not an inexpensive experience but this is a special restaurant for special occasions.
(5)
Jeff M.

Based off the national reviews and the buzz while walking past the sprawling bar area to our table I thought Alden & Harlow was going to blow me away. First thing you need to know is that it took a bit over 45 minutes to get our first plate after having ordered. Nothing from the waiter indicated that he was conscience of the long wait, no apology, nothing. I saw tables come and go while we were there. When the food did come it underwhelmed. Cauliflower was luke warm. Snails were luke warm. Skate was good. Roasted goat cassoulet was fair. The only thing I'd go back for is the corn pancakes, although the popcorn was a bit cheesy. Final say, this place kinda sucks. And there are plenty of other similar style restaurants north of the Charles that consistently exceed expectations. Maybe this is the type of place where you just go for the burger?
(2)
Robert R.

I don't enjoy writing bad reviews. After having a conversation with a cooking professional, I was encouraged to write this because the owners of this establishment would want to know about a food poisoning experience. We dined on Friday, April 24, 2015. First, I must say our server, Kathleen, was absolutely delightful and attentive throughout our meal. Of course, she has nothing to do with food preparation. As far as the food, if you enjoy tapas style plates comprised with lots of edible garnishes, you might enjoy this very noisy establishment. Call it vibrant. Call the menu as having colorful names for throwaway animal parts that I would not usually think to eat. It also has several non-animal items from which to choose. I did like one or two items. The dessert was outstanding. I do not understand how they arrived at calling this "American (Traditional)" food. The menu doesn't speak that at all. The food presentation was difficult to appreciate because we were seated at a table near the bar where it was almost too dim to even read the menu let alone distinguish colors on our plates. We ordered five plates from the extravagant menu (that's code for: Who eats this?) We chose not to order fried chicken hearts. I'll tell you what we ordered and which of the items I did not eat, but which apparently caused my dinner companion to get violently ill a short time after we arrived home from the restaurant. He presented all the classic symptoms of food poisoning and it wasn't pleasant. Grilled Baby Bok Choy: This was literally incinerated to ashes except for the bulbous base, served with a nearly raw over-easy egg, which my companion ate and I did not. The plate was strewn with black charred bok choy leaves and was practically inedible. New York Strip (8 oz.) steak: Was served already sliced. Not a bad cut, but lots of fat and less meat than I had hoped for. I ate this without getting sick. Fried Baby Octopus: I did not eat. My companion ate it and enjoyed it. It was black and gray. Pork Belly: This was frightening. A large chunk of something that looks like what you find floating in the pork 'n beans can, but the size of a brownie. Pale, glutinous, fat, served with some pork cracklin' that was so hard I couldn't bite through it, so I didn't share this after taking a very small nibble of the big fat chunk thing. Smoked Char: This was a delicious appetizer (which I don't see online now), but it was bursting with complex flavors of smoked fish served on top of bread or toast that had a sweet taste. It was a rich combination of flavors. Can't Recall the Name: This also isn't found online, but it was a pastry shaped similar to a cinnamon roll, but topped with cheese. I enjoy it. I always enjoy pastry of any kind. Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding: This dessert was served in a cast iron square plate and was heated up on the grill. I am a bread pudding foodie. This was the best. The texture was firm, but still soft enough to eat easily with a spoon. There was plenty of semi-sweet chocolate flavor and the scoop of mocha ice cream on top helped to balance it out with a touch more sweetness. I am very finicky about bread pudding. Most restaurants don't get it right. This was the best I've had in years. Delicious. I had thought we had ended on a high note with the dessert. That was until we got home and my companion became ill. There wasn't any flu going around our circle and it only lasted the night, so it was easy to diagnose as food poisoning. I still recall our pleasant server who helped make an exotic dining experience happy and upbeat. I realize there are myriad ways food can become toxic. Based on the somewhat rushed appearance and preparation of our food, and given how busy the restaurant was even at our early dining time of 7:00 P.M., there is room for carelessness, although one never knows what a supplier might bring to the table too. I realize this restaurant has gained quite a reputation. It just goes to show there's always a risk in dining out, no matter how food-forward the establishment. Overall, I found this restaurant to be too noisy, too dark, and the food not a good value for the price. I was also very sorry that my dear friend became ill after treating me to this meal on my birthday.
(1)
Dan M.

I had been meaning to review Alden & Harlow for sometime and after reading Eater's recent article regarding Michael Scelfo and Instagram; I decided it was time. I dined here in late December with my dad when I was home for the holiday's. We both agreed that this one of the best meals we had experienced in a long time. We had the chicken fried local rabbit, the swordfish belly, Spanish mackerel, the lamb belly ribs and a few veggie dishes. My favorite was the lamb ribs, if you dine here this is a must have. They were absolutely amazing. In my opinion, the chicken fried rabbit was a close second. They also have some unique mixed drinks and a nice selection of tap beers. Good bar scene and fun vibe throughout the restaurant. All in all we had a great time and hope to return soon to sample some additional dishes.
(5)
Diana C.

Too salty! Note, be prepared to drink a lot of water while dining there.
(3)
Stephen L.

Amazing food, amazing atmosphere, and amazing service. I heard about this place and I decided to come here for brunch. I must admit, when I first looked at the brunch menu, I was a but intimidated by was what offered. I mean pickled corn pancakes? Say what? Hickory smoked pigtails? I just found the combinations to be odd, but you know what, this is now why Alden & Harlow is now my favorite brunch place to eat now on Sundays. The pickled corn pancakes and the hickory smoked pigtails were so delicious, I had to come back and try dinner. I came back the next Sunday, luckily, I was able to squeeze in for an early dinner. I got to try out the Secret Burger, oh gosh, now I know why this burger is always sold out. The creamy spinach dressing that goes with the ubiquitous kale salad is amazing! The chicken hearts was the best I personally ever had. I look forward to coming here again and exploring more of the menu again, but this place does live up to its hype.
(5)
Steve S.

Very good !! Mussels and Kale salad were amazing. Secret burger and chips were awesome. Will definitely return !
(5)
Panda B.

I find my self on the fence about Alden & Harlow, but left with enough curiosity to drive me to their doors at least 2 more times. With a new James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant, I had loose expectations. This is a semi-sultry, hip kind of restaurant for Cambridge. Very much something you might expect to see in San Francisco. For a 9pm dinner reservation, we arrived 10 minutes early and were seated right away. I had no experience with the restaurant aside from the rumors of the absolute best burger in the Boston area (sold out hours before we arrived). We were seated at our table on the opposite side of the building far past the bar. Walking to the space below ground, the entrance is deceiving because after passing the hostess station, the space opens up and goes on and on. For such an incredible space, dinner here felt very intimate with a casual atmosphere that isn't overly buttoned up. There's somehow this real sense of camaraderie about the restaurant, a certain air about the meal and the space, that a conversation is to be had. It's a private, communal dining experience. They want you to taste bits here and there, and after a bite say, "Ohhh...what isssss that???" The dishes are not overworked but have an obvious complexity to them. Each dish has that little something special and is different enough that it keeps you guessing. That was the case with most of these dishes, but in my experience, there's some problems. Noteworthy Moments// Service- Very Good. Portion recommendations were on point. Waiter was a bit odd but attentive, water was filled regularly, plates were brought out with excellent timing. Memorable Moments of the Meal// Utensils - Knife This knife needs to go away or another needs to be provided for dishes that require cutting. This goes beyond the pork belly and back to the sausage. This knife isn't good for anything beyond butter. The sausage was as soft as can be, and yet the tiny teeth of the knife could barely cut through that and smashed it to pieces before I could break it apart. Seeing as how you're encouraged to share the small plates, cutting up each dish to share could be considered a necessity here. Obviously I want to do more with my knife than push food onto my fork... Seared Contechino Sausage - $13 Beluga Lentils, Honey Roasted Carrots & Apples, Sunchoke. Excellent and what almost pushed me to a 4th star review. There were so many interesting things going on in this dish. The spices in the sausage are what prompted that, "Ohhh...what wasssss that???" comment more than any of the others dishes of the night. This could have been a mushy mess but was texturally on point. The parsnips had a little bite to them, the carrots were soft, the sausage was spongy and light, and the lentils were hearty. The sunchoke puree was velvety and the apples were sweet and acidic and brought everything together. I can't pinpoint the spices used, but detected some five spice... The flavors are delicate, not bold and in your face. I think this is the perfect dish to represent why the restaurant gained it's nomination. Corn Cakes - $? Don't have the details of this but it was lovely. Corn cakes, peppers, maple syrup, popcorn, sweet, savory. Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly - $15 Anson Mills Grits, Roasted Apples. This was a MAJOR, major letdown and the reason I took away the 4th star from my review. In fact I almost took away 2. I've read other reviews that tell me something inconsistent is happening with this one. The dish came out was beautiful, with a thick square of pork belly on the plate. The pork belly (eaten with the grits and apples) was only ok and lacked some personality. Lackluster. And a bite of the pork belly alone was incredibly boring, under seasoned. To top it all off, I could. not. cut. through. the. pork. belly. at. all. Was it the utensils? No, but it's mostly fat. How hard should it be? The skin was crispy but SO TOUGH to cut through. As was the rest of it. I tried cutting it with the grain, against the grain, right side up, upside down, on it's side. This sounds like something for after dinner, not during! It was true acrobatics to try to eat this thing. I would never expect this from a restaurant at this level. What the hell happened here??? This dish almost ruined the entire meal and was exhausting. I had to resort to holding the knife as if I was stabbing someone, hard, down on the plate to try to crack the skin. Even then, it took a lot of prying to cut the rest down to share. It was such a process and is probably now the most ridiculous dining experience I have in memory. Unbelievable. I'll return at another time of day and experience more of the menu to update my review. The prices are very reasonable but the slips ups have me wondering what will happen on my next trip back. I think there's good things happening here. Some of it happened on this night, and some didn't. But we're still talking about it.
(3)
LovinNYC F.

I came here with a group of ten on a saturday night. We arrived 10 minutes early but were directed right to our table shortly after arriving. The entire experience was fun and I would love to come again to get my hands on their burger. Well done!
(5)
Natalise K.

Food was outstanding. Get the broccoli. Not to hype it up, but... it might just blow your mind. Worst case scenario, you'll have fulfilled a vegetable requirement for the day. Loved the ambiance, as well. Service was good.
(5)
Sharon M.

Excellent service and adventurous menu. Everything we tried was delicious. Highly recommend shaved NY strip carpaccio.
(5)
Linda R.

My meal here was utterly fabulous. Will go on my list as one of the best meals of the year for me. I thought the pickled green beans with sesame seeds they gave as a starter was delicious. I got the fried chicken dish and a fish dish. Both were spectacular. And great value. The portions are on the larger side. All the cocktails I had were amazing as well. Definitely eat and drink here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mel C.

Now one of the hottest restaurants in Boston..! I've been coming to Alden & Harlow since they opened. Their plates are frequently changing due to seasonality, but their burger is always there. I'm glad to see the quality hasn't gone down as their fame has risen.
(5)
Rachel G.

Very enjoyable night. The atmosphere/decor is very cool, food was imaginative and delicious, and the service was fast and friendly. We went to the bar on a Saturday night for drinks. The bartender found us a few seats together and we ended up staying for dinner. My only regret is that they were out of the burger but it just makes me want to go back again and try it! The portions were quite large and I found it a great value for the price. I was actually shocked at how low our bill was. One issue - the ventilation. It smelled like the kitchen throughout the restaurant and was kind of hot. This would not at all deter me from going back but i had to mention it.
(5)
Sutanuka L.

Great place!! Everything is great- food or drinks. The atmosphere is very vibrant. Reserve early cause it's extremely hard to get one
(5)
John L.

Excellent food, good service, exciting menu. The only reason it's not 5 stars is it's not a quiet intimate kind of place -- it was pretty loud. Also, we ordered 4 different plates, and while we liked them all, only two of them were "wow" worthy. That's not to say we didn't like them all, but two were definitely just "good" versus great. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could. We'll be coming back for sure. My wife and I really enjoyed it.
(4)
Lucy B.

Well, came here for the first time tonight and it was just incredible. Excellent staff, didn't have to wait long for dishes and wonderful drinks. The whole image and scene of this place is so cosy yet chic and modern at the same time with a great atmosphere! We shared corn pancakes, rabbit stew, heirloom eggs and lamb ribs. Couldn't fault any of these dishes. A great place for friends or first date. Will most definitely be back!
(5)
Cristina R.

After seeing all the positivity pouring in for this place, I needed to pay these guys a visit. On a Friday, there were no open reservations until 9:45 PM, so we just showed up at 8:30 and were seated about 15 minutes later. Sweet! Truthfully, this place was a bit difficult to find since it is in the lower level of the building and there isn't yet a permanent sign. But once you do find it - wow. The space is impressive and much larger than you would expect. And full to the brim with happy people. The decor is simple with a contemporary flair, and I especially enjoyed the open kitchen. During our wait, we squeezed ourselves over to the bar, and they offer a great variety of libations. The Hot Tiger's Milk caught my attention right away, and it tasted like all the things you would want in a winter drink - milky, sweet, ideal blend of spices like cinnamon and orange. It's one of those drinks your mom would make you on a snow day. Plus rum. Once seated, the waitress explains that the restaurant's dishes are primarily small plates made for sharing and that typically they recommend 2-3 plates per person. In my experience, tapas places always recommend to order more than I can eat, so we just pick 3 to start out with and we'll assess our hunger (and wallets) as we go. Instead of bread, we are served some cold, pickled green beans with sesame seeds. Although I wouldn't order or crave this dish, it was unexpected and served as a nice palate cleanser without being filling, showing that their focus is on taste and experience. Cool, guys. Next up was the Ubiquitous Kale Salad, which was a slam dunk. Amazing texture! Leafy, crunchy. And that dressing! Creamy, nutty. Gotta love pistachios, amirite? Then comes the beef neck, which was a much smaller portion than we were expecting, but presented absolutely beautifully atop a parsnip puree and adorned with tiny purple flowers (yep, flowers are in our food). The meat is so tender you can easily cut it with the fork, and the flavor was nice. Beefy. The crisp parsnips on top provided a nice balance. Overall a solid dish, but I wouldn't necessarily get it again, especially considering the price relative to portion size. Last up were the corn pancakes. This was also something to look at, as they're served with popcorn kernels and jalapenos. The cakes themselves were both savory and sweet, with a nice little kick from the peppers, although I would have liked some more spice. Again, an interesting concept which I'm glad I tried, but it didn't blow me away. After the three dishes and two drinks, we were pretty full! So I recommend starting out with 1-2 plates each and then going from there instead of ordering a bunch all in one go. Overall, I really enjoyed my experience here and am interested in exploring the menu further. The Hot Tiger's Milk and Kale Salad alone are worth coming back for.
(4)
Alain M.

Overated and terrible service. I took my wife there for our anniversary and had a terrible experience.; I called ahead to make a reservation which eventually got cancelled for no apparent reason, they had us waiting for 40 minutes to get a table
(1)
Alejandro C.

Fun environment and good menu, but two issues: 1) All dishes were too salty. 2) We were told burgers were sold out but then watched 3 being made as we left. Either someone waited an hour, or there's a secret burger list.
(2)
Ryan L.

Probably the best restaurant in Harvard Square. Entrees are like tapas and all are good. Pork belly was good and crunchy. Love the fusion of good things.
(5)
Xi C.

The Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly is very decent. It has very crispy skin and perfect amount of fat inside. My favorite dish of the night.
(4)
Sarahzane M.

Just ate brunch here! Damn it was delicious! Definitely get the Croque Madame! Unreal! The "sparkler" drink of the day was phenomenal- but definitely expensive and it goes down quickly. Really really great service. Really appreciating the tip we were given to eat here!
(5)
Kelly R.

Amazing. The menu reads from light to heavy. Wanting a bit of a lighter meal, I went with two items from the lighter side, but if you're feeling a little hungrier, go with plates further to the right. I had the ubiquitous kale salad (the fennel and pistachio make this an absolutely phenomenal mix of textures, and the kale itself is very fresh) and the peas & mushroom dish with the 60 degree egg (the egg! The crispy bits of mushroom!). Both were amazing, and I'd highly recommend them. I also had a bite of my friend's pork belly, which was absolutely divine. I'll be back -- when I can get a reservation.
(5)
Kixie C.

I tried Alden & Harlow for the first time on Sunday with my husband and in-laws. We were all looking forward to our brunch because we love going out to eat and there were some great reviews on Yelp. Unfortunately, our experience sucked so I don't think we'll be giving it another whirl. We made reservations and were promptly seated. As soon as we left the hostess area for our table (a high booth alongside the bar), we could feel the air getting uncomfortably warm and heavy. As the hostess was settling us in, I grabbed a menu to fan myself. I wasn't being a drama queen - it really was that warm. I asked the hostess if she could please turn the air conditioner up a notch. She said she would but nothing happened because it remained over 80Â°. With three of us now using the menus as fans (yes, we did ask to keep them for that purpose), and my in-laws actually sweating, we told our waitress that we were really uncomfortable and needed the AC turned on/up. She acknowledged that the restaurant does indeed get warm but apparently left it at that because it never got any cooler. As for the food, it's pretentious and mediocre at best. They also use a lot of salt. We started off with the crumpets with jam and cream. 2 grilled (and salty) crumpets with a tiny bit of cream and jam. Good but nothing to write home about. We also had a side of cheesy smoked grits. It was the one bright spot in our shitty experience, so I happily recommend this side dish. For mains, my in-laws and I had the secret (and salty) burger which lists "your faith" as one of the "ingredients" so I asked what that was. The waitress said there were no secret ingredients in the burger. The secret was in how they chopped the beef and that was what "your faith" referred to (Oh please). The secret burger is nothing special at all - some shredded lettuce, one or two thin pickle slices, onion and some Russian-like dressing. The homemade potato chips it comes with were pretty good though. My husband had the biscuits and sausage gravy. He was expecting a more traditional sausage flavor and couldn't put his finger on the alternative flavor they'd concocted instead. The bill came to over $150 (with tip) for 2 sides, 3 burgers, the biscuits & gravy, 4 coffees, and two cocktails. This would have been fine if the food had been worth it and we hadn't been sweating our butts off the entire time. There are many positive reviews of this restaurant on Yelp and elsewhere so perhaps my experience was out of the ordinary and they were just having an off day. I'll never know because I won't be going back. On a positive note, I like the dÃ©cor and the place has potential. My specific feedback for management would be to read through the negative reviews that are out there in cyberspace (there are some definite patterns!), regulate the temperature, chill out with the salt and taste the food before you send it out.
(2)
patrick S.

Honestly one of the best meals I've had in Massachusetts. This place is incredible. Fantastic and interesting menu, awesome waitstaff, great atmosphere, etc. The menu changes a lot, so, I'll just say listen to the staff recommendations - they know what they're talking about. Everything was amazing. Loved this place so much that my wife and I made reservations for a second trip about an hour after we left the first time. Second visit was just as good. Worth every penny. Don't get suckered in to getting the burger. It was a GREAT burger, but still, it's a burger
(5)
Emerson W.

Excellent and interesting although at times questionable and over-hyped. [This review pertains to the dinner menu only] Let me begin with noting: the Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad is one of the best things I ate in 2014. A proper description wouldn't do this dish justice, so I must simply implore you to put it in your face. Adjectives: unexpected, experimental, extraordinary, simple, complex; where new and old worlds collide, and pumpkin is spaghetti. The infamous secret burger: I suppose I shouldn't ruin the surprise with too much detail, but the 'fun cheese thing' I found entirely superfluous. Other than that, awesome burger, but that is all. Quick mention: I could've saved my appetite for other things than the Pickled Verrill Farm Corn Pancakes. Their menu is constantly in flux, claiming a dedication to seasonality, although they obviously know which dishes are well received, and those seem to stay a constant of the options. Boiled down, this is a fun and adventurous place to eat. Some things will have staying power, and others deserve the soccer trophy in your basement from when you were 6 that the coach gave to everyone. Terribly hip ambiance and decorum. The front room booth amongst the plethora of living leafy greens cleanly draped below pretty brittle ceiling windows allowing you to peer up into the flickering lights of civilization and the spritely passing pedestrians of Brattle Street (peering down at you) could single handedly talk me out of a four month stint of seasonal depression. If you call in for reservations, ask for this spot. The service is certainly trying to be excellent, but at times came off slightly forced and awkward -- kind of like me, so I know what I'm talking about. This place is best for its novel inventiveness. Having been three times, I don't think I'll go back too soon, but when I do, I'll be excited about that Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad.
(4)
Marine G.

Very nice spot in Cambridge. The atmosphere inside is chic and trendy - so is the food. Very interesting mixes of tastes and textures in all the plates we ordered. Really enjoyed the carpaccio and the pork belly. Only minus are portion's size: you are supposed to share every dish but sometimes this is complicated vs the amount of food! The soft crab for example is not enough. Despite this we really enjoyed our night, wine was great and service is friendly + professional. One comment about the chocolate wood smoked cake: super weird but super good! (For the less adventurous the short bread is crazy good) Really recommend the place!
(4)
Chloe B.

I'm so glad I finally had the chance to make it to Alden & Harlow after the year long hype that's been amping me up for the visit. Last night on a busy Saturday I figured it might be a long shot to be able to get in for dinner, but as I had a friend visiting from Providence and we were close to Harvard Square we decided to go for it. We got to the restaurant at about 6pm and put our names in for dinner, deciding to wait the estimated hour and a half over a drink at nearby Russell House Tavern instead of waiting in the queue for the bar (which serves the full menu). When we came back at about 7:30pm it turned out that their estimate was pretty good as we only found ourselves waiting another twenty minutes or so. The house was packed from back to front even though it's pretty large, and even when we were on our way out at nearly 10pm the place was still buzzing and people were sitting down for dinner. Far more fun and busy than most upscale restaurants nearby at this hour. The decor and ambiance are great; a great mix of hip without entirely capitulating to the "look" we all see on our Instagram feeds in the litany of trendy new spots across the country that all end up looking the same. By the same token, the food was experimental and interesting without trying too hard, not to mention delicious. The complimentary picked green beans were an interesting starter, and we went on to order the broccoli, bone marrow croquetas, New York strip and the swordfish for two of us. While I don't think the style quite amounts to "tapas" we were certainly able to share and enjoy the meal. One thing that was a bit odd about the service was how staggered the dishes ended up coming out. Although we knew that they came out "as ready," it seemed odd that that meant nearly thirty minutes for the first plate (the croquetas), another seven or so for the broccoli, then about twenty minutes for the steak and finally the swordfish another ten or so after that. Despite this one strange component the service was lovely; kind people who seem to be genuinely excited about working in the restaurant, with none of the condescension that oftentimes accompanies working at the talk of the town. The food was all beautifully cooked and just delicious, I can't wait to come back and order the rest of the menu over the next couple weeks before I have to head back West.
(5)
Ted W.

The burger is the real deal. Get it rare and you will be happy! The smoked lamb ribs lured me into forsaking my Buddhism because they represent the highest of highs. They're crunchy crispy salty sweet orange on the outside and pure tender smoked goodness on the inside. Burrata dish was also very nice. Pro-tip: drinks can take a while to come so order in advance of when you want it there (for example if you want to have a cold ipa with your ribs maybe order 5-10 min before). I don't dock stars based on slow Svc but something to be aware of. Update: I came back here for sunday brunch and it was amaze! Burger is straight up on the menu and all the other items are equal parts enticing and delicious. I recommend the frittata
(5)
Cara W.

Excellent. I ate here late last year with a party of four and it was amazing. We shared four plates, only one of which I wouldn't re-order if it were on another menu (some sort of corn plate with popcorn?). Everything else was spot-on. The cocktails were amazing and the wine selection was very nice as well. I do have to say that I probably wouldn't order the smoked chocolate bread pudding again, but I appreciate the idea of it.
(5)
Ralph O.

This place is very famous and well reputed, but I just don't like the food that much there. The wine is not espectacular either. The ambience is good, but there is a lot of smoke and your clothes will smell afterwards. You also have to struggle a little for service, even though they are nice. They never have the burguer, which sounds amazing but I never had the opportunity to try it. It is very "meh". A positive: the food is innovative and you will leave a good impression if you bring people there. However, it is highly overrated and overpriced.
(2)
Craig D.

Amazing gastropub in Harvard Square, in Cambridge, MA. Dark place with a very cool bar. Great drink selection, they also make their own bitters and other flavorings for the drinks. Amazing Bourbon/Whiskey Selection and they make a strong drink! Food was fantastic, including their homemade onion drip served with homemade potato chips. We also had the chicken fried rabbit, which was outstanding. Very reasonable place, a party of two will probably walk out spending about $100 bucks.. Vibe is really cool, and the place is surprisingly large inside. We will definitely go back the next time we are in the Boston Area.
(5)
Andrea F.

Delicious menu and beer list but food is too salty and stay away from smoked bread pudding!!!
(3)
Jimbo J.

Distinctly different from any other American restaurant i have been to. The tapas style dishes are composed and unique. Great service and an all round classy place.
(5)
Ellie L.

This restaurant is like a New American tapas style restaurant which means it's great for trying a bunch of little dishes and flavors. The only caveat is that some dishes are really large (full meal) size portions while others were pretty pricey for the amount served. Some standouts include the pork belly and the burger -- if you're looking for something larger. Apparently, the restaurant aims to provide more vegetable emphasized dishes to reflect the trend of eating less meat which is pretty cool.
(4)
Hunter M.

I'm going to give this place three stars because I believe it has real potential. After reading reviews and seeing Thrillist's "Top 25" article I was excited to see what all the hype was about. My excitement lasted about 5 minutes after walking in the door. The decor is great and the atmosphere was nice. The service on the other hand left much to be desired. Our waiter didn't appear to be too happy to be there and was short and snippy. We were also not thanked or acknowledged on the way out the door. I ordered the Darkest Night cocktail to begin. One of the listed ingredients was vanilla and I believe it was an apt description for the entire drink. Very boring. The corn pancakes were, by themselves, delicious. I completely did not understand the peppers and they did nothing for the dish. In fact, they just tasted bad. The popcorn was maybe creative in theory but simply didn't work. I spent the majority of the time trying to avoid breaking my tooth on a kernel. All this was after trying to figure out how to even get the popcorn from the plate to my mouth. Have you ever eaten popcorn at home with a fork? There's a reason for that. The crispy pork belly with grits was the best dish but still missed the mark. The dish was fatty, naturally, given the nature of pork belly, but the dish lacked any real acid to break up the mouth full of fat. The grits, however, were fantastic. I would have been happy with nothing else besides a plate full of those southern gift to the world. The New York strip steak with bone marrow was executed poorly. I appreciate the attempt to brown the meat while leaving the interior a nice medium rare. Biting into this steak, however, was like getting your mouth washed out with a piece of charcoal. Maybe a few minutes less on the char. The dessert of bread pudding and sea salt ice cream would have been great if there would have been no bread pudding. As one other reviewer noted, "gluey" is about the only adjective I can think of to describe it. It was left uneaten on the table which is the first time I have ever been able to say that. A molten lava cake from Chili's is better by a factor of 10. Alden & Harlow is trying very hard to send out creative and innovative food but it appears the cost is sacrificing the taste of the food they deliver.
(3)
Annie L.

My friend and I came for brunch, and we ordered the secret burger and the smoked pigs tail. It was a good thing that we were only a party of two; there was a thirty minute wait, but enough seating for us at the bar, where the service was great! We ordered two things to share, and I have to say that the secret burger is worth the price. It came with so many chips we could barely finish! The smoked pigs tail was also pretty good, though sweeter that I would have expected.
(4)
Robert N.

Great place. Awesome decor. Food was amazing, inventive and perfectly seasoned. You can tell a lot of thought goes into balancing flavors with different ingredients. I will definitely be back
(4)
Sabrina Shuang G.

Here is my long overdue virgin restaurant Yelp review and who would it better be for than my favorite by far in Boston - Alden and Harlow. It's really rare to find an establishment where food and ambient are equally well-executed and innovative. Alden and Harlow would be the place where both your eyes and your mouth would thank you. Every dish was a symphony in your mouth. Some of my favorites: Pork Belly, Baby Brussels, Grilled Cauliflowers
(5)
Morgan M.

I've only been here for brunch, and for dessert, but I must say, WOW! What a wonderful establishment, in every way. Bon Appetit magazine has featured recipes from this restaurant in their RSVP section, and the promo spot is well deserved. The food stuffs I would HIGHLY recommend from the brunch menu: the root vegetable latkes (everyone's favorite), hikory smoked pigs tails with grits (dem grits!), the Classic Secret Burger, and more grits! The seasonal menu changes a lot, so many of the other things we had are no longer on here, but I'm sure it's all fantastic. The only thing that I would not get again is the kale toast. Not bad, just not up to par with everything else we had. Finally, they used to have smoked chocolate brownie - now it's bread pudding, but I'm sure it's just as amazingly smokey and delicious as the brownie was! If you like peaty whisky, you will ADORE their smokey desserts. Trust me. I will definitely be back soon to try their dinner menu!
(5)
Caitlin G.

My partner and I had been wanting to try this restaurant since it opened, and the couple times we happened to be in Harvard Square during dinner time it was a long wait. We were finally there at 5:30 recently - early enough to get a table right away. We sat at a table in the front under the long skylight, so almost like sitting outside, which it was too cold to do. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We decided to order only small plates, no entrees. The three best dishes we had were the unbelievably delicious kale salad with pistachio dressing, the rotolo (I could make a meal out of a couple of these, and one for dessert) and the heirloom eggs. I don't know which was better, the deliciousness of every dish we had, or the artful presentation. Our dining experience should have been 5 star, and would have been except for the music, which was on the loud side and filled with profanities. We're sitting in this chic restaurant, enjoying sumptuous dishes clearly prepared with great care. The whole experience was marred by the background of rap music punctuated by mofos, f-bombs, and n words. It was jarring to hear those words over and over, to the point where we couldn't ignore them, so the music moved from background to foreground. It's kind of sad that what should have been a perfect dining experience lingers in my memory as spoiled by music instead of enhanced by it.
(3)
Erika K.

Food does not live up to expectations, although atmosphere is good. Recommend for a drink and nibbles.
(3)
Eric L.

A hidden gem at Harvard Sq.
(4)
Favorite F.

Right down the street from The Sinclair. Great trendy bar/restaurant to start at before a show. Excellent service, gets packed though. Onion dip was delish. Nice variety of beers, whisky, wine & cocktails.
(5)
Susan K.

Really enjoyed the night out with good food-- Service had a little attitude and unnecessary comments when one friend was slow to decide ... He made up for it by bringing her a nice unexpected drink... 2 dishes each divided and shared was perfect for our group. We also really enjoyed the cocktails. We skipped dessert-
(4)
Tim F.

Perfect. Located at the base of a building just off of Harvard Square, Alden and Harlow serves a distinct take on a New England style of cooking that is fantastic. If you liked the cuisine at Russell House Tavern, you will love Alden & Harlow---as this restaurant is owned by RHT's former chef phenom, Michael Scelfo, The ambiance is fantastic, warm, dark and inviting. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the restaurant, but not so much for people to have a decent conversation without yelling. However, make sure to get here early or make a reservation as this place fills up fast, even at 6pm on a Thursday night. I started off with a Golding's Bastard---a delicious cocktail with chinook hop infused mezcal, pimms #1, demerara, lime, and ginger beer. Served with a comp of pickled string beans, the meal was off to a good start. Appetizer of charred fennel was served with the Secret Burger, but that was fine as it complemented my delicious 8oz perfectly charred burger. Don't know how he does it, but the burger has a nice crust to it while still being nice and juicy in the inside. The homemade potato chips are so darn good , on one hand I am actually glad I live out of state, otherwise I could snack on these everyday. On the other hand, I really wish A&H was nearby, because this would be my go to restaurant for every occasion. For those lucky enough to get a chance to experience this restaurant, just do it and thank me later.
(5)
Caroline L.

Alden & Harlow is now my go-to for superspecial celebrations. The atmosphere is modern/industrial-- gorgeous and inviting, but not stuffy. I feel safer in restaurants where I'm not constantly worried that I'll trip and break everything. I daydream about having a succulent wall like theirs in my own home one day. Anyways. THE MENU: creative and interesting. Three sharing entrees is generally enough for two people! - Corn pancakes: personally think they're overrated. I loved the combination of the grilled peppers against the slightly sweet pancake, but in my opinion not worth the price. Maybe I have higher standards for things I feel I might be able to make at home. - Burger: RESERVE ONE RIGHT WHEN YOU GET THERE! They really do run out, and I've gone ~5:30pm and it's run out. Even if you are sitting at the bar before dinner, you can request one and they'll bring it out with dinner. It IS a delicious burger and worth trying at least once! - They used to have something on the menu that involved a croissantoastmagicalcreation, 60-degree egg and foie gras custard which was uh-mazing. It could have used something a little brightness to cut through the richness, but the crunchy toast with the slightly sweet custard was working. HAVE A COCKTAIL! The very dapper bartenders will recommend something to your taste. The drinks are well-balanced, interesting, and dangerously delicious. This means you will spend more money on drinks than you wanted. :X #realtalk RESERVATIONS: Make a res because it will fill up, but if you are ok with waiting 45min-1hr, there are always some reserved tables, so put your name in and enjoy the bar. Or a walk about Harvard Squuuurrr. Parking: 2-hour parking (metered spots) in the area until 8pm so you might have to move your car if you're planning to linger!
(5)
Aaron K.

Alden & Harlow has established itself as a powerhouse in Harvard Sq. Make reservations in advance as this has become the top dining destination in the square and rightfully so. The food is gourmet but in a more casual/trendy atmosphere. This is definitely the coolest atmosphere in Harvard Sq. with a very vibrant bar scene and a great industrial design for the restaurant space. At first glance, the menu and dishes in this place seem really expensive but 2 dishes is enough per person and that doesn't end up being much more expensive than other restaurants in the area with this type of quality food. There was a lot of thought and effort put into the items on the menu. They all have great ingredients that work well together and most dishes are dishes you can't get anywhere else. Every dish was a hit in one way or another and we tried 5 of them. Stand outs were the slow roasted beef neck (so tender), and the market crudo (scallops this night, fresh with incredible flavors including a kimchi aioli). The 60 degree egg also impressed with a slow yolk run that blended in to all the wonderful veggies on the plate. The clams were the only miss which were extremely tough and chewy and also overpowered by an extremely heavy sauce. The rest of the clam's dish was excellent however, the heavy sauce was the perfect complement for the lumps of pigs tail scattered throughout the dish and the grilled bread on top. I would love to see this dish with something other then clams. The tapas style is great for sharing food and sparking conversation but some of the plates are difficult to share as they may have a thick sauce (the clams) or need to be deconstructed to move to your plate. You typically would never see this food served as tapas style but it is. While difficult to share, I feel this is the best way to eat out with other people. The service was a bit stand offish the night we came, but it was fine for us because we weren't in a rush and wanted to talk. Plates came out as they were ready and we weren't overwhelmed by having all plates come out at once. Possibly my biggest pet peeve at any restaurant is bringing out multiple hot dishes at one time which forces you to rush through your food before it becomes cold, and once it's cold it's no longer good. Alden & Harlow know how to pace the meal and that's very important for this tapas style they are going for. We will definitely be back to try more of the dishes and get some of our favorites again.
(4)
Julianne S.

i was really excited about this place after reading other Yelp reviews. However, I left feeling a little disappointed as I expected this place to be life changing. One of my friends is a strict vegetarian--the menu is rather accommodating. We shared the charred broccoli, polenta, the chicken fried rabbit, pork belly, the baby brussels, all topped off with the bread pudding. The charred broccoli was really delicious--we ended up getting two orders! I thought the other dishes contained a bit more sodium that I'd like. I would go back for the broccoli and the dessert, but I wasn't too highly impressed with the other dishes.
(3)
Keith N.

Not good at all. Horrible. If you want anything with meat, go somewhere else. How can you mess up both a NY Strip and a Pork Belly? How?
(1)
Steve B.

Food may be good BUT TOO LOUD been waiting 20 mins for a quieter table place is not full - people are shouting to hear one another. BRING EAR PLUGS
(2)
Lindsay B.

I'd been saving a trip to Alden & Harlow for my birthday this year, and it didn't disappoint. The atmosphere was really neat (we sat under a wall made of live plants), the service was excellent, and the food endlessly creative and delighting. Here's a list of what we had: -Turncoat cocktail: really interesting and refreshing. I think it had gin, grapefruit, cardamom and pink peppercorn. My only complaint was that there wasn't enough of it! -Grilled romano beans: really nice starter, you could see the grill marks on the beans. -Ubiquitous kale salad: I got it with the creamy dressing on the side, but it came pre-dressed with something that was light and yummy. -Pickled corn pancakes: definitely the winner of the night. The corn, maple, and shishito pepper flavors worked really well together, plus there was popcorn on top. You can't beat popcorn. -Sweet pea & peanut hummus: There was surprisingly little of the hummus itself on the plate, but it harmonized really well with the gooey egg and the bacon jam (yes, bacon jam) around it. and the bread that came with it was crusty, soft, and freshly grilled. -Fried smelts: I'm not a fan of these myself, but it came with thin slices of lemon that were also battered and fried, which were awesome. -Crispy pork belly: I didn't have this, but my friends raved about it. -Chicken fried rabbit: Ditto above. -Chips and onion dip: Pretty standard, but great for what it was. -Smoked bread pudding: This was the only unpleasant surprise of the night, and wasn't enough to knock it down to 4 stars. There's definitely bacon fat in it. I like bacon, but only when it's actually bacon. -Lemon pound cake with blueberries: Divine. I will definitely be back here again. Go with some friends and try everything!
(5)
Rachel H.

I had heard lots of great things about this place and thought the menu looked inventive. I went with two of my girlfriends and the decor was nice, service kind of slow and the food was decent at best. I had the Pig Tails, my friend had the biscuits and gravy. Mine was not awesome at all and hers was all salt. Very disappointed and would not recommend going here for brunch. I did like the crumpets, cream & jam, but lets be honest its kind of hard to screw up! Overall, was not that impressed!
(2)
Your N.

Great decor and setting and great wait staff. Food was too much - fried, sweet, bacon. More like elaborate garnishes than real dishes. The burger was very good. Might work better if we'd tried other items, but it ended up being a salty, sweet, fried meal without enough real food with the exception of the burger. We expected more fresh vegetables.
(3)
Dave R.

Alden & Harlow has been on my Yelp "to do" list since before I moved to the Boston / Cambridge area this past October... I'm glad I finally made it!!! It hasn't been for lack of trying. I am a Red Line commuter and Harvard Sq. is where I get off the train most evenings. Unfortunately, most nights that's later than I'd like and I'm not in the mood to go home and cook. So I am often popping into one of the many places in Harvard or one of the other Cambridge/Somerville Squares for a bite to eat and a glass (or two) of wine (or a beer) at the bar (I refuse to eat at a table alone). However, every time I've popped into A&H it's been standing room only in and around the bar. Not good if the plan is to have a drink AND eat ;-) On this occasion I was going to a show a Club Passim at 7:00 on a Friday night so I made sure I arrived very close to 5:00 (when the doors open). At that hour I was able to easily get a seat at the bar... but by 5:30 there were people already standing behind me (and every other seat) waiting for a place to open up. Interestingly, the bar tending staff at A&H consciously tries to manage bar seating on a first come first serve basis so that it's the person(s) who have been standing the longest who get the next seat -- not the person who just walked in and happens to be lucky enough to be near the seat that's just being vacated. I'm sure it doesn't always work as planned, but I applaud them and mgmt. for making the effort! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anyway, now I know why everyone raves about this place... I'm a flexitarian and the A&H menu had more than enough vegetarian items to explore so it was easy to eat vegetarian this night. I had the Charred Broccoli with Squash Hummus and the Kale & Fennel Salad. I was also served a complimentary small plate of pickled green beans. All of the food was fresh, interestingly prepared, and just outstanding; as was the cocktail and the glass of wine (both of which were recommended by a very helpful bartender based on my description of what I like / normally drink). 5-stars in my book! I am going to make a point of getting out of work early enough at least once a month so I can try more of their awesome looking menu.
(5)
Lisa L.

I used to LOVE Alden & Harlow -- have been there 6 or 7 times -- but the last couple of times have been somewhat disappointing. The food is still delicious, I still love the atmosphere and the bartenders, but I feel like they've started skimping on portions and the value for the money (which was already borderline crazy) has gone down. On my last visit, we were seated at a table that had cold air whooshing down on us (they did move us), and our server was a little impatient with us, which we found annoying since we planned to eat & drink like crazy and spend lots of money! The two disappointing items that stick out my mind were the pumpkin salad and the misson figs. I've had the squash salad in the past (many times), which is a very similar dish, and the amount of food on the plate was less than half of what it was when I last ordered the squash salad. It's not even meat...why skimp?! The mission figs were delicious, but the dish was literally two raw figs sliced in half on a smear of pate, for like $13. C'mon. We spent $211 for three people (before tip) and left the place feeling barely full. For $70 I want to feel like I need to be carried out of the restaurant and tucked in bed! A&H, I've been telling my friends you're 5 stars since your very beginnings, but I've lost that loving feeling. Bring it back!
(3)
Melanna C.

As soon as I walked in, I thought to myself "Good choice, Mel..." A&H does hipster, earthy, and modern all while not becoming a cliche. The different rooms all had their own vibes without feeling ad hoc or closed off. Decor? Spot on. For starters, the green room to your right when you first walk in is where I hope to be sat next time. It had a mod jungle feel with just the right about of an upscale feel. The backlighting through horizontal slats of wood at the bar? Love it. I could go on about how much the aesthetics were appealing, but I'll digress. The food's really why you're reading this. A firm Mezcal lover, my cousin sent me a screenshot of their drink menu off their site featuring a bev called "green smoke" that probably was the reason I got through my workday. Innovative and had my name all over it. When asked for our drink selections, the waitress told me they no longer served it (which was disappointing), but offered a comparable drink that I found to be delightfully spiced. It also helped that one of the servers dropped off a complimentary pickled green bean plate stippled with sesame seeds to curb my hunger while trying to narrow down which delicious small plate order so I didn't look like a glutton. To split, my cousin and I noshed on the raw sugar pumpkin salad (that looked like spaghetti, but had awesome bite to it), honey glazed burrata (cheese and autumn ingredients? Sold!), and the grilled lamb sirloin (with cocoa rub and grilled carrot mash). My only complaints would be (1) the grilled carrot mash felt devoid of TLC and more like someone overzealously shook in Old Bay seasoning and (2) that the site's drink menu was outdated and should be more frequently tended to. I was impressed immediately and will be returning soon!
(4)
Linda O.

Anne Burrelle said that A&H's Secret Burger was amazing, and she wasn't kidding. She also said that they sell out very quickly because they only make a certain amount every evening. That said, I made a 6:15 reservation thinking that would give us plenty of time to order said burger. We actually arrived early and the place was packed! In this area, it's pretty unusual to see a packed restaurant at 5:45 p.m. so I got a bit anxious about this whole burger business. At 6:00 while we were waiting to be seated, I asked the hostess if she knew if they had any burgers left, and when she checked the orders status, she said they had only 10 left. Oy. As soon as we got seated and our wonderful server came over to introduce herself, we placed our burger order. She seemed a bit doubtful but rushed away to see if she could get it in and we had success! In any case, everything around us looked amazing. We started with the chicken liver snack (yum) before our burgers came, but because we were seated so close to our neighbors, we all inquired about what everyone was eating. On both sides of us, folks ordered the corn cakes with popcorn and peppers. It looked so strange but both parties cleaned their plates and claimed deliciousness. Also, the lamb dish over to our right had us drooling, and that was AFTER we finished our burgers. That burger, that wonderful, juicy finger-licking burger! I didn't put it down at all. My husband kept eating his, putting it down, snacking on the homemade chips and then going back to said burger. I don't know how he could do it. I didn't want for it to leave my mouth! The flavors, the crunch, the juice: everything about that burger is amazing. We finished with the lemon pound cake just to lighten things up a bit, but the dark chocolate bread pudding looked like a great option, and it was our server's favorite dessert. We can't wait to go back and try more of what we saw.
(5)
Anthony L.

Great drinks, nice nibbles but TWICE I've had someone come up at the end of my evening, ask if I'd like another drink, and upon hearing NO, snatched the last portion of my last drink from me. Thus ended a $53 tab for the hardy single patron willing to be slow-roasted at the bar by the broiling station after an hour - when the bar was idling. I want my drink back, you bastard.
(2)
Rebecca R.

I gave Alden & Harlow a fair shot. I had dinner there 3 times. The first time the service was great but a heavy handed approach to garlic marred half the dishes we ordered. The second time the cocktails, food and service were all spot on. The third time, even my Negroni was lackluster. Yes it's a great location. Yes the critics love it. Yes it's always packed. But for me, it's uneven at best.
(2)
Rebecca Y.

Great new restaurant in Harvard Square that serves seasonal and interesting new American food. The cocktails are great and inventive, too. This sounds cliche, but I really enjoyed the kale salad here. They do interesting things with the texture and flavor combination to make this dish stand out on the menu. Great place for a classy date or dinner with friends.
(4)
Magdalen B.

The food is some of the best I have ever eaten. Everything we ordered was superb (chicken fried snails, chicken fried local rabbit, charred octopus, pork belly, and clams with smoked pig's tail). The reason this gets 4 instead of 5 stars is the price to portion ratio. When they say "small plate", they're not kidding.
(4)
Kaitlyn H.

Food is great (pork belly for days), but the service is terrible.
(3)
Sharon S.

Corn pancakes & Bok choy were the winners we chose. Decent wine list. Great service. Really well decorated. Some misses but overall, thumbs up.
(4)
Shilpa T.

Came here for a light dinner and cocktails. We started with the cocktail on tap- such a cool concept, they just make a large batch of a particular cocktail and have it available for you from a keg. The cocktail was called the PLAZA HOTEL- McElhone Revived, Overproof Bourbon, Fennel Infused Lillet, Campari. It was light, bitter, and really floral and flavorful. I love all the beautiful glasses these places are bringing back to serve you drinks these days. I had the Gin cocktail (pretty sure this was the only one on the menu, as the cocktail menu was rich with bourbon, mezcal, and rye drinks) which was delicious and citrusy. To start to eat we had the Plancha Roasted Yams with White Miso, Sour Orange, and Toasted Benne Seeds. DELICIOUS. Whatever the white miso sauce is... is creamy and divine when paired with crispy, smoky, yams. We then got the SALT COD & TURNIP BRANDADE served with Chick Pea, Fennel Cracker, Pickled Mustard Seeds. This is more on point with the smoked trout on toast trend. We got this with grilled ciabatta instead of the fennel cracker bc of my sesame allergy, and let me tell you, it was like rich, fluffy butter textured salt cod with crispy chick peas strewn throughout. I was in heaven. For Dessert we got the Smoked Chocolate Bread Pudding with Salt ice cream. There is a weakness for bread pudding over here and this one did me in. Probably the best bread pudding I've had. I would also like to say that our bartender was incredibly helpful and accommodating. They serve you some complimentary pickled green beans with your drinks before you order, and they top them with sesame. When I mentioned the sesame allergy, without hesitation she brought me my own plate, and left the original. I love the decor, when you walk in, to the right they have a sunlight table with a skylight above and a living garden wall. The rest of the place has made great use of the space as well, with a well lit eating area and trendy seating and tables. I hope to come back!
(5)
S.B. B.

This was one of the best brunches ever! Croissant french toast (w/ lemon curd and berries) and biscuits with gravy. YUM! Took off a star because the server could have been friendlier, but I think that's a trend in Boston. Highly recommend. Next time I'm in town I will definitely try their secret burger or dinner.
(4)
Ladyjane S.

This place is pretentious and the bread pudding tasted like cigarettes. The end.
(2)
Angela M.

Great for groups since the restaurant serves small plates for sharing. Menu is creative and everything is delicious. The Secret Burger was amazing! Great service and ambiance. Would definitely return.
(5)
Adam A.

Believe the hype. Stylish and delicious. Order whatever is on special and trust the chef!
(5)
Heidi L.

Started out with the Bell Tower and Sandhill Crane, both of which were excellent (and plenty strong), though the beer selection is also pretty good. We ordered five to split: the country-fried rabbit, the clams, the corn pancakes (w/shishito peppers), the pork belly (over grits and kumquat) and finally the oyster gratin. While we waited, we started out with pickled string beans. The rabbit was juicy and the breading was perfectly done (for what it's worth, the portion may look really small -- but like all the other dishes we ordered, it was extremely heavy). And of course we wanted more of that gravy...delicious. The clams were also flavorful, and I appreciated that they didn't rush taking the plate when we had plenty of sauce left. The corn pancakes were dense and rich, with whole kernels inside. It didn't look like much - but it really hit the spot. Note that the plates came one at a time -- in general, we are all for this especially given the limited space at our table. However, there was a significant lull between dishes three and four -- while we weren't hungry given that the first three dishes were quite filling, the lull was certainly noticeable. Similarly, we did feel that there was a noticeable -- if minor -- break in service for the second half. As such, we were excited for dish four (the pork belly) which turned out to be a tiny bit overcooked. Still fine, but just a relative disappointment. As for the oyster gratin, it may have been that we should have stuck to four dishes and it was harder to appreciate when we were full, but we weren't fans - even as total leek geeks, we felt like a little overpowered. Had we been hungrier, I think we would have also wanted a little more bread to wipe up the sauce. That said, we're certainly looking forward to coming back and trying the burger (and getting more of those corn pancakes and cocktails). The redone space is lovely, as well.
(4)
Yuko I.

If I rated two months ago, I would have rated 5 stars. Recently I went back with my old boss from France. The food taste seems not very stable day-to-day, which is not a good thing as a restaurant. Pak choi with onsen egg has been my favourite, last time I went, it was not crispy as it used to be, over baked or too soft. Ubiquitous salad is also super good. Their secret burger is in fact to die for - it is strange to say in such a fancy restaurant the burger is good but it is. Rabbits also fabulous.
(4)
Mister M.

...on second thought, i hate leaving hungry after spending $50+. two stars it is.
(2)
Jini M.

Wow! Reservations for 6? No worries. Lovely and attentive server? No prob. Tasty adult libations? Got it covered. The plethora of tastes in every dish were to die for. Not one of us had a mediocre plate. I would recommend Alden & Harlow to the most snotty of foodies as well as us regular folk who love tastiness. I also love how food is served tapas style. It's great for sharing and tasting more of the dishes available. The chips and 3 onion dip, pork belly, potato gnocchi, charred brussel sprouts and charred broccoli are some of my particular faves. Get the Moonlight for your adult beverage. GINGER!
(5)
Emily D.

I live in the area so I have been here many times, both with large and small parties. Generally, I find that they are understaffed so the service is not what I'd expect for the prices here. I have had some fantastic food here (the squid ink pasta, and the pork belly) but they also change their menu up so I was disappointed to find some of my favourites gone (like the squid ink pasta). This is tapas style so the portions are smaller than entree portions but you're meant to order more than one thing, even though they're not actually designed to be easy to share (I mean try sharing the crispy pork belly, it's just a mess). The problem with this restaurant is that you get a totally different experience depending on where you are seated. When I was seated in the front of the restaurant, under the greenhouse roof, it was a wonderful experience. It was quiet and beautiful, and I had a really lovely meal. When I was seated in the middle booths, it was dark and I literally could not see what I was eating. At several points during the meal, I had to turn on the flashlight on my iPhone just to see what was on the plate. It's also quite loud and crowded near the bar/kitchen area. When I was seated at the back of the restaurant, in front of the kitchen, it was a nightmare. The smoke from the kitchen was suffocating, I could literally see it hanging over the area when I came out from using the restroom. It got so bad towards the end of the meal that our entire party quickly finished our meal and left because we were coughing from the smoke. If you are going to have an "open-concept" kitchen, you need to invest in really good ventilators. REALLY good ventilators, do you hear me management? This is serious. Otherwise, all the smoke and fumes from the kitchen are just hanging out in the restaurant area at the back, and it is a really, really unpleasant experience. I am only giving this 3-stars because the food is good and I had a pleasant experience when I was seated at the front of the restaurant. Please fix whatever is going on with your kitchen ventilation system for the sake of the customers that have to be seated in the back (where you have the majority of your seating area).
(3)
christine p.

Love the food here! Inventive and delicious. Try the pork belly and the chips and onion dip. I could a bowl of the latter morning, noon and night!
(5)
Duncan L.

Must-eat: crispy chicken nuggs. Would return?: whenever I can get another reservation! My girlfriend suggested we give Alden & Harlow a try, so I tried to get a reservation. And tried. And tried some more. It took me months to get a reservation here. To get a day I wanted would sometimes require looking forward two week, but finally one day I happened to explore Open Table, saw one of these said open tables, and immediately booked it. It was so worth the wait! The food was delicious, the atmosphere fun, and the service great. Even though it was busy, the tables are far enough apart where you still feel that you have all the privacy you need. We never felt like we were overhearing someone else's conversation, or they were overhearing ours. Their wine list is spectacular. Feel free to ask for recommendations, as they know it well. It starts around $50/bottle, but they were chosen because they were good. We had the chicken nuggs to start, followed four four small plates: torched figs with pork rillettes, honey glazed burrata, crispy lonza, and pork belly. All were delicious. But in hindsight we could have done just three small plates with the cripsy nuggs and been just fine (and more able to eat the delicious smoked chocolate bread pudding with Jacobson Salt ice cream). Here's a hint: they have a big, long bar. So if you don't have reservations, give it a try and stop in to see if you can't snag a seat at the bar and get some of their scrumptious food.
(5)
SaraLee C.

I really wanted to rate this place higher, but, alas... We were told that the wait was 45 min, but, actually ended up around 2 hours on a Thursday night. My friend and I had a few drinks at the bar; the bartenders were friendly enough, but, not spectacular. However, I do respect the fact that as a group, they are creative and knowledgeable enough to generate an interesting and exciting cocktail selection. Lastly, the dinner was okay, but, again the whole experience was tainted by initial host interaction and the mediocre bar service (albeit, not the product themselves). The drinks were delicious. Lastly, I was not impressed by the chocolate bread pudding. It tasted like it was DRENCHED in "smoky extract" (there is such a thing), as if someone accidentally spilled a cup instead of a few tablespoons of the extract. I may give this place another chance, maybe they were just off that day, but, it may not by worth my time.
(3)
Matt D.

**Very different review and advice....read whole review if you think about bringing kids (DON'T) and if you have ever heard a bad word about service. Full Disclosure - I had four young adults at this place but I called before to ask about the menu and the appropriateness of the restaurant to handle this crew. The best advice I had was regarding the "burger" and they had them so we would be fine. They told me that it was small plates and said they did not have a kids menu so be warned! For those with kids you will know that "small plates" or "sharing" are probably two of the worst words you can tell to a 12 year old. We were seated promptly and the layout of the restaurant was perfect for regular adults. Issue number one....no burgers....be ready to order before 7:30 if you want a burger. No burger = shitty kids who don't understand why you can't run down the street to get more meat.....like the kid in Chef saying, "why don't you just buy it at the store". Issue number two...small plates - not good for kids - already said that but if your little ones can share with others and everyone gets an equal portion then the judgement of King Solomon is lost on you. You should also get your kids to apply for the noble peace prize because they are so unique that I am sure a check for $1.2M is a small consolation for your brilliant and freakish children. Needless to say the night was a disaster with the kids. They hated sharing, hated things that did not make sense and hated the fact that there was not crayons and coloring books....my bad, I get it, I am an idiot but after 8 days this these kids at Martha's Vineyard and no real food for many days, I just wanted a cocktail and decent grub. shame on me. Well that is where the story gets great. The staff totally picked up for my errors. Let me share the ways: 1. They bought over "mock-tails" for the kids at no cost. They killed with the way to show the kids a dining experience without overwhelming them. Bravo. 2. they made us grilled cheese - not on the menu but loved every bit of it and the kids were impressed. 3. They gave us a list of local ice cream places that we could go to for dessert. So I thought at first that this was to get us the hell out but they actually told the kids about the dessert menu after we got the list and tried to talk them into how great it was. I was so impressed. 4. Everyone on the staff came over - I was blown away with how great the manager and everyone was on our dinner and how they could accommodate. 5. The six year old never got her meal....holy cow, that really is a bad thing for those that know how pissed a six year old can get. but they knew it and offered to make it up. I was blown away at how they made her feel like a grown up. People, this was my screw up. I should have never taken my crew to this place and it was selfish to want a good meal after 8 days of fried shit but you could not imagine how great the staff was on every turn. If they can treat a crappy family from Texas this well then they screw up, there should be no reason they cannot jump over the moon for you on your visit. BTW, the pancake, beets, gnocchi, and pickled green beans are out of this World. We also had two cocktails which were fantastic and met out high expectations (come on people - we have four kids and we needed a quality cocktail.....amazing. If you have every heard anything about bad service, you had the wrong night. If you have every heard that they are stuff or don't accommodate, you are wrong. This place is for real and we were very impressed. If this review helps one family with kids from going here and ruining other people's meals then it has served it's purpose. If it helped the staff realize that they are "world class" then it has served it's purpose - we have been to some really fabulous places around this great country and we have never been cared for like this. Thank you.
(5)
jim b.

Two to two and half stars. For the price (value wise) two. Sorry. Went Friday night with a foodie type that really looked forward to it. Our order: Chicken Fried Rabbit, Grilled Whole Mackeral, Parsley Cavetelli, Strawberrry and Crab Salad, Broiled Oysters as a snack, and something else... Nothing stood out. The Cavetelli was probably the best, despite trying to find one of the fiddleheads was challenging (my dining companion found a couple of slivers), but this was pretty good. The two oysters were nice. The mackeral was fine, but hard to mess up. Just underwhelming overall, and add it to the price tag... yeah, no thanks. Oh, we got the Strawberry Shortcake Meringue for dessert due to the mentioned Szechuan Peppercorns: none were found. Sorry, I just think you can spend this (or half this) and due far better elsewhere around town. The cocktails were just meh as well. Oh, and at least at the two person table we were at, the table was big enough and the bar loud enough that hearing each other was a real chore.
(2)
Boris L.

Super cool spot in Cambridge for small plates. This is a good place to go with a larger group so you can get a bunch of the plates and try everything. You're going to want to try it all. I had the chance to try the fried rabbit, the broccoli, the prosciutto, and the pancakes. I'm sure I had several more. Their cocktail menu is also really impressive. I would not say that this place is overpriced, it seemed reasonable given the quality of the meal and service.
(5)
Ron P.

This is a really cool spot, but it's not for everybody. If you're the adventurous type who likes to try new foods, flavors, textures, and drinks, you'll find yourself at home here. If you're the burger & beer, or fancy grilled chicken salad type, you may not appreciate what these guys are doing. Especially because the burger is always sold out. Maybe the burger is a lie. I've been twice, and both times have been equally impressive. The roasted broccoli will forever change how you think of broccoli, and the pork belly with apples and grits is probably what they serve on Mt. Olympus. The drinks and bartenders are just as awesome as the food. They play with some really unique flavor combinations that may not appeal to some, but on the whole are very well thought out, and worth trying. My favorite part about Alden & Harlow (aside from the experimentalist food & drink) has to be the shock at how big the place is when you get in the door. By the entrance and hostess stand it looks like a 5 table restaurant with a nice little bar, but as soon as you turn the corner the place explodes into this massive underground type of new-wave, mead hall. Great place, great food. 4 stars, no question.
(4)
julesmary p.

the octopus. that is all.
(5)
Joshua L.

I went here to wine and dine a Minister of Education. It was incredible. The service and ambience was great. The fusion of food was remarkable. The lamb neck dumplings with green sauce was my favorite. Would recommend to anyone.
(5)
Andrew D.

So far I've just experienced the bar and bar snacks, but I'm feeling very bullish about Alden & Harlow. The interior is really lovely, combining white tiles, natural wood, and industrial touches, although it's nothing you haven't seen before in the area. The big wraparound bar is a great feature, making it relatively easy to grab a seat even on a crowded night. I'm always pleased to see cocktail lists that bring something new to the table, and A&H does that well. The McGregor's Garden combines bourbon and parsnip puree with lemon and (I think) simple syrup...a really nice concoction. The Krakatoa, a whiskey and smoked orange drink, is a fine cocktail and shows off quite cleary A&H's penchant for smoky flavors. The only near miss was a cask cocktail, the Plaza Hotel, which brings together three of my favorite liquors - bourbon, Lillet, and Campari - in a way that, while not unpleasant, didn't really jibe. On to snacks: the pickled green beans are a fun change of pace from bread and aren't so pickley as to distract from the food. Smoked cashews with currants and rosemary were addictive. It's nice to see currants on an American menu, and the ingredients came together in a trail-mixey kind of way. Crisp potatoes with white miso, sour orange, and toasted benne seeds were just wonderful....sort of like a refined take on fries with mayo. Prices are competitive for this type of quality. My only small complaint was that while the bar staff are knowledgeable and attentive, they feel a little bit distant. On my most recent visit the bar was only half-full, so I could have used a little more warmth from them, but that's just my personal preference.
(5)
Kelisha M.

Such delicious morsels! The carpaccio was well complemented with the cured egg yolk and super crispy boquerones, and the lamb's neck agnolotti was soft and tender with a great mix of flavors and textures. Come with a group because there are so many things to try! (Though I dined alone and could only eat 2). Definitely affordable for what you get, too.
(5)
Mickey G.

I've been here twice in the last two weeks and both times have been awesome. The first night, my friend and I split the lamb's neck agnolotti, the crispy pork belly, and the charred broccoli. Everything was great, particularly the broccoli. I had the burger today for brunch and it was awesome, though I'm probably not going to be hungry ever again because of the richness of the burger (with the 60 degree egg, which was probably not necessary) and the enormous pile of potato chips included with the burger. Service on both nights was friendly, professional, and unobtrusive. Great stuff!
(5)
Andrew C.

The new kind of restaurant that is food forward and isn't too fancy. When you want something nice to eat, take a date, or just having a "nice" meal with friends. Probably not the best for a business meeting but I didn't come here for lunch (if they even have lunch, I didn't confirm this). You might call it "hipster", but please don't think of it as a derogatory term. They seem to have a fresh take on "new american" dishes and also seemed to be using local sourced ingredients as well. (although, I didn't confirm this) The SECRET BURGER is suppose to be one of the best new burgers around and it was pretty darn good! For $14 you get a well crafted juicy burger that they only make 30 some a night. Pros: great soft bun with a cheese crisp, Cons: burger meat didn't seem to wow me, but it was well cooked. so it didn't fail. Also, why call it the secret burger when it's on the menu? Seems kind of gimmicky to do it that way. Overall, the dishes were great, service was friendly and helpful. The price point wasn't too bad for this type of place. (I'd say affordable for the Harvard Sq area.)
(4)
Stephanie C.

Delectable food, inventive drinks and atmosphere galore! A solid dining experience all around. Waitress told us plates are small to medium sized, but even the snack plates I thought were much bigger than traditional "small plates". The charred broccoli with squash hummus was by far my favorite, which surprised even me. We also ordered: Duck Liver Crostino - very good! but oddly arranged with three zones on one crostini which makes it hard to share. Farm Corn Pancakes - my second favorite, had no idea it would come out with popcorn on the plate but that was awesome. And with the hot peppers and maple was the perfect combination of sweet, salty and spicy. Skate Wing - Cooked well but just ok, nothing too crazy about it. My least favorite and yet most expensive thing we ordered...don't you love when that happens? Did not order the Woodbury Clams with pig tail, but another couple with us did, got a taste of just the sauce and it was amazing! I'm guessing the menu changes here pretty often so you might not see these items but my general advice would be don't play it safe!
(4)
Francis C.

Food is creative and playful but nothing stood out at as beyond particularly incredible. An above average restaurant and a cool setting but food was not awe striking... Overall good
(4)
Nancy L.

Given the number of rave reviews I'd heard about A&H, I was disappointed. The food was very creative, but was only good, not great. My friends and I tried the lamb belly ribs, secret burger, pan-roasted snails, chicken liver salad, grilled cauliflower, pumpkin seed hummus, kale salad, and fried Brussels sprouts. Of these, the excellent kale salad is only thing I'd want to eat again. Everything else was either too rich (most notably, the Brussels sprouts were swimming in cream sauce), or too salty (the snails were almost inedibly so). The restaurant was loud, and very dark -- so dark that we had to pull out our iPhone flashlights to really see what we were eating. Our service was very good, the only part of our experience that was beyond reproach. I would go back if someone I know was having a special-occasion event here. Otherwise, I'd likely not seek it out again myself.
(3)
Ryan W.

What can I say about Alden & Harlow that people haven't already said? I was a fan of Chef Michael Scelfo since he was at Russell House Tavern; his menu made Russell House quickly become my favorite Boston restaurant, but I was saddened when I learned that he was leaving. Enter Alden & Harlow. What a gem. The small plate focus appeals to me since it's my favorite way to eat. I love going out to eat with friends and sharing your food; trying a bit of this, a bit of that, and it makes the experience that much more social. The food is out-of-this world. Everything from the burrata, to the chicken-fried rabbit just blew me away. I didn't want to stop eating. You can really tell the food was created by someone who cares about food, and has a creative palate. The cocktails are also extraordinary, and let's not forget the ambiance. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, the contemporary design, the friendly staff, and simple menu layout adds to your experience. You really feel like nothing in the restaurant was given an after thought. I would recommend Alden & Harlow to anyone. Whether you're going on a date, headed out for a night on the town with friends, relaxing after work, or looking for a drink to wind down Alden & Harlow fits all scenarios. Russell House Tavern better watch out because Alden & Harlow may have just won a coupe for the regencay of my favorite restaurant.
(5)
Rebecca L.

Went back for seconds. Was disappointed about the quality of the food compared to the first time. If I hadn't had such a good experience e first time, I wouldn't have come back again. Still gets 3 stars for location of table, quality of waitstaff and food being DECENT but not great
(3)
Laura B.

So ah-mazing! The atmosphere is dark and cozy, with attentive and super helpful staff. I would list what I tried there, but the menu is always changing, so it's already different from last month. Although now prepared differently for fall, the burrata and beets were to die for (now served separately and with pumpkin!) The pork belly and blue fish were also both incredible. The heirloom eggs (listed under snacks) are still on the menu and not to be missed. I also tried the ubiquitous kale salad at an event there, and it was the absolute best kale salad I've ever had. That great taste was still there, but they had it cut in smaller pieces and somehow softened the texture, finished with fennel and creamy pistachio. Although the dinner menu is small plates, they are filling portions that don't leave you hungry. For the two of us, we ordered two snacks and three small plates and left beyond satisfied. Maybe we could have done with less, but everything looked too good to pass up. I'm looking forward to trying their brunch next!
(5)
Deena B.

Our new favorite restaurant! We'll have been here 3 times in 3 weeks and we don't live in Cambridge. Love the service, love the atmosphere and of course the food is fun and soooooo delicious! Must haves: Burrata Touched Fig Dish Kale Salad Secret Burger The rabbit is honestly just O.K. I'm glad I tried it but would never order it again. Can't wait to go back next Sunday! This place books up quick. We went in on a Tuesday early evening thinking we could just belly up to the bar without waiting. We had to wait 15 mins which is totally worth it but for a Tuesday this place was slammed! By the time we were done (7 pm) you would have thought it was Sat night. I get it though...this place is just that good and super fun. BTW-I think my husband has dreams about these burgers now bc he wakes up talking about them!
(5)
Jeff B.

Absolutely awesome. The food, the drinks, the service; all top-notch. An inventive cocktail list, paired with some unusual & fun food items, and enough waitstaff to manage the huge space. Go!
(5)
Kacey B.

I was dying to try this place for so long. However, I have to say that Alden and Harlow didn't live up to or even come close to meeting my expectations. In fact, I'm afraid that this was one of the more disappointing dining experiences I've had in Boston. The space: They have such a cool location - on Brattle Street in Harvard Square. They have a lot of floor space in that restaurant too so there's plenty of tables. We made a same-day reservation on a Saturday, so that's definitely a plus. The downside to the space is that they have put sooooo many tables in there that my boyfriend and I felt very cramped. When being seated by the hostess, it's like we were in a maze weaving in and out of tables trying to get to our seat all the way in the very back corner of the restaurant. Once we finally got there, I had trouble non-awkwardly getting into the booth side of the table because the others were so close. And once I did finally sit down, I could hear each of my neighbor tables' conversations perfectly clearly. Boston has plenty of small restaurants and plenty that are borderline cramped, but I haven't been in one where I felt uncomfortable like I did here. The service: The service was okay. It wasn't outstanding and it wasn't terrible. Our server was friendly enough, but she didn't seem particularly interested in talking about the menu or re-filling our wine glasses. The food: So my boyfriend and I missed the small plate memo, which is totally on us for not thoroughly researching. I love small plates/tapas, but not for the price that they charge and portion sizes. Like the service, the food was okay. We ordered the fried baby octopus, corn pancakes, chicken fried rabbit, and crispy pork belly. The octopus was overcooked and underseasoned; the corn pancakes were good and the only thing that we ordered that was enough for two people to split; the chicken fried rabbit was very good but we each had literally one bite (and paid $15); and the pork belly was some of the least impressive pork belly I've had with the exception for the perfectly crispy skin on top (again, this was so small though that we couldn't even share it, only I tasted it). Bottom line: There are much better small plate places in the Boston area - like Toro in the South End. It's not a great space for a date night - way too close to others. After a $100+ bill (before tip) we left very hungry and got a second "dinner" after a concert we attended. But if you do want to go and see for yourself, order the chicken fried rabbit; maybe even times two or three.
(2)
Maria D.

I came here for an early dinner on Wednesday night, so I can't say much about crowds, but the food was really great! They have an interesting menu, with lots of options. My boyfriend and I decided to do a couple of shared plates between the two of us- we had the honey glazed burrata to start, then the roasted parsnips with wild mushroom tomago, and the braised rabbit stew with buttermilk dumplings to finish. The flavors of the ingredients of each dish matched very nicely, particularly the pumpkin componata that came with the burrata...SO GOOD:) I would recommend Alden and Harlow for a solid after-work cocktail with an acquaintance or an old friend, for a nice date, and even for large parties (6-10 people). They have larger tables and enough space to accommodate larger groups. I will definitely be back to try more of the menu- both food and cocktails!
(4)
Heather G.

Alden & Harlow has quickly become one of my very favorite restaurants in our fair town. The food and service have been consistently excellent across many dinner trips, and after my husband and I stopped in for brunch this past weekend, I can honestly say that the good-vibes transcend space and time, and are solidly excellent regardless of the meal you're having there. Few things to note: 1. For first-timers, leave an additional 10 minutes in your travel time for wandering around confused-ly, because this place is tricky to find. It's basement (er, garden) level, and dark as night from the outside looking in. 2. This place is usually packed, weekends and weeknights alike 3. though impossible to find from the outside, the restaurant is absolutely HUGE once you get inside, with many different seating areas and a beautiful open service kitchen. 4. It's very dark inside if you come here for dinner. They lack some (perhaps useful; it's up for debate) ambient light, and thus you'll have many diners at surrounding tables taking their cell phones out to use the flashlight to read the menu and see the food. They will also complain loudly about the lack of reading light, and they will mention it with the arrival of every new course. Their phone lights and their complaining have the potential to ruin your evening if you let them Cocktails and beer list-alike are excellent here. They have obviously spent a great deal of thought on the bar program, and as a dabbler into the wide world of brown liquors and dark, malty beers, I find myself looking forward to my beverage nearly as much as my food. The menu, loosely separated by size-of-dish, is meant to be tapas-like and shared (but what isn't tapas-like and "meant to be shared" these days. Obviously restaurants have crunched the numbers and know this is the best way to make margin. Kudos to the brilliant business-people). The servers have always been very good at assessing what you've ordered for your party and letting you know if it's a bit light or heavy on quantity. Just ask them for a bit of guidance. I'd love to dive into the food menu but 1. it changes (as all good restaurants do) relatively frequently, and 2. it doesn't matter. I've yet to have a bad (or even mediocre) item here. The Secret Burger ($14, served with chips) is always on the menu, one of the only mainstays. As far as burgers go, it's solidly delicious, but on some occasions, it's been much saltier than others. Worth a try at least once, but the real stars are the other, non-safe choices. Pig tails, beef neck, blood pudding, pickled corn cakes, lardo crostinis - all delicious. One last thing - do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. The smoked bread pudding with salted ice cream sounds odd, but tastes insane (the good kind, mind you). Those who aren't a fan of smoke, however, ignore everything I've just said. It packs an aggressive, smokey whollop right in your kisser that you may have a hard time ridding from your palette unless you close with an even-smokier after-dinner scotch. Happy eating, Friends.
(5)
Elizabeth B.

I had a very disappointing brunch experience at Alden & Harlow. I was really looking forward to eating there but it did not live up to my expectations. I ordered the secret burger. It was SO SALTY I almost couldn't eat it. The bun was soggy and the homemade chips were burnt. My friend ordered Dave's sausage & potato skillet and also found it over salted and lukewarm. They did comp the sausage skillet when they saw my friend hadn't really eaten it which was nice. Not sure I would give this place a second chance.
(1)
Woy V.

Crispy Baby Bok Choy, Kale Salad, Secret Burger, Grilled Spanish Mackerel, Chocolate Terrine, Lemon Pound Cake. **** was great.
(5)
Summer S.

We ended up here for dessert. Decor and vibe was wonderful. Expansive, well dressed and quite a crowd! Stuffed from meals elsewhere we were quite entranced by the dishes whizzing by us. They looked delicious and well presented. We came for the dessert-smoked chocolate bread pudding. This place has such a foodie and gourmet touch to everything. Watermarks on the menu as well as postcards presented with the bill. This place is on our list to return to for an actual meal..needs reservations since it seems to be a crowd favorite.
(4)
Joanna F.

I think Alden & Harlow would stand out a lot more to me if I hadn't been to Kirkland Tap and Trotter a few weeks ago. The idea and the set up is VERY similar. While everything I had was pretty good, nothing completely blew me away. I did thoroughly enjoy the kale salad and the corn pancake. The oyster gratin was also good but essentially tasted like clam chowder with cheese (which is not a bad thing). Service was great and the space was very sleek and nice. Again, something about the experience just felt like a bunch of other places in the area (Tap and Trotter, Russell House Tavern, PARK). If this was the first time I had been to a restaurant like this, maybe I would have been blown away, but I was not. That being said, I'll probably be back at some point.
(4)
Charlie K.

Five stars for the burger, 3.5-4 stars for everything else. The burger, as people say, is really, really, really good. I follow the Boston Burger Blog, as I love a good burger and beer, and was surprised to see that the burger at Craigie on Main was recently dethroned by the one here. Just had it this past weekend, and it was pretty amazing - I'd say on par with Craigie's, depending on your mood. Fried cheese is surprisingly an outstanding addition, and that patty must have a healthy helping of short rib. Wish the chips on the side were fries, but that feels nitpicky in light of the awesomeness burger. I had been before, which was more of a 3.5 star experience. Some stuff was great, like the octopus and pork belly, others were fine, like the "snacks," and one, the squid ink pasta, was a total miss - and I love squid ink pasta. Service is fine, not great, and ambiance is okay - I'm going to sit at the bar next time, as the tables feel a little characterless (despite the small "wall" of succulents), and I really will probably come mainly for the burger.
(4)
John M.

Recently had a late dinner here. A few quick notes... It's a tough place to find even when you have the address. The restaurant is located on the lower level left of the cafe. It's a really a tapas bar. I was confused with the menu until the server explained the fact. The food is rich and well portioned. Be prepared to buy two to three plates p.s. person. The cocktails are also quite good. Our bartender gave our drinks thr proper attention and didn't hold back on the shakes. They stretched just a bit to invent a unique cocktail but it was good none the less. Its a great date spot in the harvard square area. Be prepared to spend a few dollars more than the surrounding restaurants. Knowledgeable staff. Great food. Cool ambiance. Would dine again.
(4)
Marisa H.

Such a cool vibe. We sat at the bar and had charred Broccoli starter with no cheese since I'm vegan. Great accommodation. Delicious wines!
(5)
Alec Z.

First time at Alden & Harlow. The night had an incredibly strong start, but ended on a weak note. The restaurant is quite spacious and overall accommodating, however, there is an underlying smoky/burning smell that is just strong enough to be bothersome. We started with drinks, a mimosa and a Sixpoint Rye beer. Both offerings were great, with the mimosa having the right balance of alcohol to OJ. Our first two plates, the charred broccoli and the corn pancakes were sublime. The butternut squash purÃ©e in combo with the cashews was the highlight of the evening. The corn pancakes were excellent as well, with a fantastic depth of flavor while being not heavy at all. After this point, our night took us from the peak of enjoyment to letdown. Next our were the skate wing and the angelotti. The skate wing was not properly cooked, with the texture hovering between crisp and mushy. It was lacking a consistent texture throughout. The filling of the angelotti was delicious, but the pasta Itself was too thick and pasty, which left a lot to be desired. For dessert, we had the smoked chocolate bread pudding, which was rated a top 5 Boston dessert by tastetrekkers.com . This was easily our least favorite dish of the night. I understand smoking something to add to the complexity of the overall flavor, but the smoked flavor was so overpowering that we couldn't taste the sweetness of the bread pudding. It was a huge letdown for us, and a dish we don't plan to order again. Overall, we would return to Alden & Harlow. We enjoyed the complexity of flavors in each dish. However, quality control needs to be further emphasized, and please calm it down with the smoke flavors.
(2)
Tin H.

Two stars because of service at the front . We checked in at 10:30 reservation . Within 10 min we have ask if our table ready ! Nope by one of host ! 15 min later not a word from any of the three host ! We check again if we prefer a small table we can be seated . We were seat at 11 . Drinks were very good! Waiter was attentive ! Foods were ok ! I would not go back for foods ! Drinks may be ! Plenty of are restaurants would treat me better with service and foods !
(2)
Lisa R.

One of the best gastropubs I've been to anywhere in the country. Two people can eat AND drink VERY WELL for way under $100. Cool speakeasy vibe with an impressive liquor and spirits collection. From the great bartenders (sit at the bar for dinner...trust me): amazing rye whiskey and bourbon cocktails. Stand-out small plates: chicken fried rabbit kicked up a bit with chili oil (crunchy, spicy bit-o-heaven), Berkshire pork belly with snappy pig bacon (yum) and lick-the-plate-and-get-slapped-by-your-mama grits with roasted peaches, charred broccoli with squash and blossom hummus (so friggin good), and homemade potato chips with three-onion dip. Skip the pricier, louder places and do NOT miss this place!
(5)
Avigayil R.

Me and my boyfriend got 4 dishes from the October menu, crispy pork belly, pistachio crusted hallumi, clams and pork tail, parsnips with chicken skin and mushrooms. The clams with pork tail were AMAZING. Best dish I've eaten in recent memory. The sauce was rich, lemony, herby and had delicious shredded pork with each clam. The herb covered toast it came with was perfect for scooping sauce. The crispy pork belly was also very good, perfect crispy skin and super tender meat. The grits it came with were a little bland, but a good dish. The hallumi was a pretty good snack sized dish, but could have used more salt, more pickled onions, or a sauce. The parsnips were very underwhelming and bland, I was excited for the chicken skin but it was crumbled (on purpose) and ended up just tasting like burnt crumbs. Overall we really enjoyed our dining experience and will be going again to see what else they have, we will get the clams again!
(4)
Vincent S.

I returned to Alden and Harlow last night for one of their reservation only garden dinners. My experience last night was largely better than my previous experience at brunch. First off, the food (a prix fixe menu for the garden party) was for the most part very good. One dish (a duck egg dish) was rather bland but the rest of the food was good. The pours for the wine pairing were a bit light but the selections were excellent. My biggest problem was again the lack of foresight on the behalf of the kitchen staff regarding sharing. The way this event was set up was a family style service. However several dishes came out with a number of items that were not able to be shared equally among the group of 8 individuals (4 couples) at our table. For example one dish was served with some oysters however there were only 7 oysters...for 8 people. Another course were small smoked oyster buns. There were 12 of them at our table of 8. Some people were able to have seconds and others were not. It was a bit awkward at a table of strangers to decide who got the extra food. Portions should have been allocated in a way that they were divisible by the number of people at the table (and they certainly knew this in advance. It was a pre-ticketed event with two tables. One 4-top and one 8-top. It should have been easy to portion accordingly, but clearly it was not thought about by the kitchen staff. Another small quibble was that for an event like this it would have been nice to have a dedicated server that had no other tables. There were times when the table needed something but she took a rather long time to return because she was working other tables in the restaurant not part of the event. UPDATE: the management at Alden and Harlow has reached out to me to apologize which I think is an excellent gesture. I will certainly try them out again and will hope the portioning is more in line with how they recommend dishes be shared.
(3)
Maria D.

Hands down -- the best burger I have ever had. So utterly delicious and the chef really knows what he's doing. Excellent brewed tea, too.
(5)
Dave G.

Meh. I agree with other reviews about the food being okay but not outstanding. Everything lacked cohesion and nothing really stood out enough to get evangelical about. The ambiance/atmosphere was very cool, underground with mason jars packed with house pickled stuff, etc. The food sounds amazing and was generally executed well, but almost every dish felt like it was trying really hard but missed the mark. Almost nothing to write home about or come back for. The highlight of the night was the broccoli. House pickled green beans: came out complimentary to start the night. Not great, would have rather had bread, olives, or something that tasted good rather than just sounds cool. Corn pancakes with popcorn and maple cream sauce: cooked in lots of butter which made it good, but overall didn't do much for me. Chicken fried snails: really dense balls and the seasoning in it didn't remind me of fried chicken batter at all. Great concept, not great execution (and I generally love snails!). Served with ramp aioli and pickled ramps- sounds amazing and I'm happy to see seasonal food in the menu, but overall the dish wasn't all that great. Morel something: I love morels, my wife and I have foraged for them ourselves last year with a mushroom club and I pretty much love everything about them. This dish had three fresh morel halves, and did not highlight the earthy, umami taste of the morels at all. Total let down. Charred octopus: finally a great tasting dish. But it was particularly small. We should have ordered at least one of these per person. Shared between three of us we each got a single 1-inch piece of octopus. I'm fine with small plates to share but this was almost amuse bouche sized. Again, disappointing because the one bite we each got was actually very good. Mackerel: way too much smoked fish flavor in the puddle of cold cream sauce it was sitting in. The pickled something with it just made for a weird flavor overall. The smoked fish sauce overpowered the dish and made it unappetizing. Burrata in puff pastry- good, would maybe get again but nothing to write home about. Charred broccoli- awesome, the best dish we ordered and the only thing I would definitely order if I were to go back. Service and atmosphere were good. In summary: I don't think I would go back here except I'll probably go by myself early some night to try the burger. Would make a great place to get cocktails before dinner somewhere else.
(3)
Greg G.

Been here a few times now. Great atmosphere, great beer list/drinks, and the majority of the food is great. The burger is worthy of the hype, one of the best I've ever had for the meat, bread and toppings. I've had around 6 of the other dishes however, and a lot of them just fall short or are bland. Pappardelle was unseasoned and essentially flavorless besides the smoked olives(which by themselves were great). Some dishes just dont seem to come together as they should. Others like the corn cakes, the burger and carpaccio were great though. Wait staff is awesome as well.
(4)
Noa C.

We came here for dinner on a Friday night. The host and hostess were lovely and sat us under a window canopy with a wall of live succulents! I have never seen a living wall before and it was amazing! (so amazing I'm thinking of putting one in my house!) The drink list is wonderful. I had the River Run cocktail, which was amazing, though so strong I did not have a chance to try any other cocktails. The beer list was also wonderful The food: the menu is designed with smaller/lighter dishes on the left, getting bigger/bolder towards the right. So there are no real appetizers, though there are 'snacks' to share for the table, and they brought over a dish of pickled greens beans as an amuse bouche (which confused me because it was just brought to the table without an explanation). The beans were fine, but not something I would have again. The food is served as it is prepared, which is fine, though I hoped that the lighter dishes would come first which was not the case. We ordered the (1) Mushrooms - amazing! highly recommend any mushroom dish they have, we wanted to lick the plate clean; (2) Chicken Fried Rabbit - not great, didn't taste like anything except the fried breading, will not be ordering it again, and (3) Grilled Lamb Sirloin - wonderful and perfectly cooked. I will be back to try more dishes and cocktails! The bar looked lively, so I will try to sit there next time.
(4)
Rachel C.

First time I went to Alden and Harlow a few months ago it was awesome and decided it was one of my favorites. The staff is kind and accommodating, atmosphere is great and so is the food I went last night for my birthday and have been sick with food poisoning symptoms since. I really didn't want to spend what was supposed to be a romantic birthday weekend with my boyfriend puking, but here I am. I'm very surprised and disappointed. Because of that, unfortunately, I cannot recommend it.
(1)
Rhonda M.

The brunch is a little too fancy for my taste. Small portions, big price tag and strange selection. Service was slow and I got my coffee after my meal was served. If you're a foodie I could see how you would love it. I'll try it again for dinner, but not brunch.
(3)
Harold K.

Got stuck in the greater Boston area last last year and decided to spend a few extra days in town additional. I rarely get to the Northeast so I figured I'd visit some historic landmarks and enjoy the town. On the third night I wandered into Alden & Harlow, pretty crowded so I sat at the bar. I ordered the Secret Burger and a Kale Salad. The burger has this massive salty bun and it was amazing! Kale Salad is hard to mess up and it tasted delish, too. Had a few beers to drink and the bartender was always quick to respond and checked on me often. Over all it was a great place and if I find myself in the area again, I will be back. I want try their swordfish belly and rabbit!
(4)
Jon C.

It was my first time there and I have to say, couldn't ask for a better meal or service. We arrived an hour before our reservation (mixed signals with our group) and asked if we could be seated early, it was maybe a 5 minute wait, even though the restaurant was very full. The staff was nice and really wanted to make sure we enjoyed our visit. The meals a little bit bigger than tapas, but ordered to share with the table. We ordered most of the menu! Everything was great, and they make it as you order it, so meals flow in or out as you dine, which gives you a feeling of not being overwhelmed and also gives you time to try and enjoy everything. I will be back, can't say enough about how enjoyable this place is!
(5)
Sandy F.

We had the broccoli & squash hummus appetizer -- perfect start -- savory seared and a little spicy. Also each had the kale salad -- it is not to be missed. Split the special burger -- it's an 8 oz burger, so half seemed like plenty. It was amazing -- so much flavor, I don't even remember it all, but I loved it. Could skip the grilled avocado -- neither of us liked it. For dessert we split the smoked chocolate bread pudding -- really good and weird -- recommend it. I want to go back for the kale salad. Every day.
(5)
Chris G.

After hearing and reading about Alden & Harlow for the past several months, we decided to give it a try. We easily got a reservation a few days in advance for Saturday at 7:30... a prime time. We found the subterranean location rather easily, as opposed to some other reviews. The restaurant is a quick walk from the busway entrance/exit of the Harvard Square Red Line T Stop. Immediately, we were impressed by the rustic ambience of the restaurant. Exposed brick and raw wood beam infrastructure make a tight space seem large. The lighting was warm and inviting and the place setting was clean. Our server was nice. He greeted us with an explanation of the style of the restaurant and what to expect, and explained to us that the menu worked from lighter fare to heavier fare, from left to right . Since the style is self-proclaimed "American tapas", we were excited to try a few different items off the menu, but were a bit discouraged about the price points of several of the items. The food seems a little pricey for the amount provided, but it was delicious. A&H might be a bit ambitious for patrons who aren't used to a menu that encourages the customer to try different plates to experiences the breadth of the chef... like Oleana, for example. But on to the food. Chips and Three Onion Dip: a good start (fitting right into the mold of an "American" joint... who doesn't love chips and dip?). The homemade chips were a fun and delicious way to start the meal. The dip was out of this world. Don't pass on this. Charred Broccoli: broccoli was cooked perfectly (any wannabe grill-stars no how hard it is to master the perfectly cooked piece of broccoli on a grill - A&H did it!) and the squash hummus and cashew crumble were addicting. Great play of texture with this choice. Mesquite Tortellini: we learned from our server that the "mesquite" referred to the type of flour used (who knew?). The cheese and non-fishy fish oil were a great addition to this fun yet surprisingly filling small plate. All in all, we will return to try more of the delicious small plates that A&H has to offer, but would like to see the price points altered to reflect the size and impact that these small plates have on the consumer. Don't get us wrong - it was delicious and worth going to, but I eat at places like Oleana, Russell House, etc. all the time, and this place didn't stand out from that crowd enough to deserve the prices on the menu.
(3)
diana s.

Amazing service, great food and ambiance! Brocolli and squash hummus is amazing as is the Japanese eggplant!!! The kale salad was creamy and delicious! Had the secret burger: flavors were really nice, but I couldn't get over the texture of my medium rare meat. Guess just a personal preference! Next time I'll try it medium!!!
(5)
Marilyn P.

Our eyes were way bigger than our stomach but it was worth it. Most of the dishes we ordered (8 +) were excellent. The pickled corn pancakes were unbelievably good. The lamb belly was a little to fatty for my taste but it was like our 8th plate so I couldn't fit much in me. I will definitely have to come back for their secret burger they ran out of when I was there.
(5)
Becca C.

Wow, I was incredibly impressed with the meal we had at Alden & Harlow. The food the kitchen produces on a nightly basis is consistently tasty and pair amazingly with the craft cocktails being produced by the great bartenders. This is a great place for a girl's night or a cozy date night. Definitely worth a visit!
(5)
Emir A.

Alden and Harlow has been without a doubt one of the best restaurants I have been to! This new restaurant in Harvard Square has everything going for it. The restaurant is located on a basement level place, so while inside you can lookup to the high windows and see the people walking by, unsuspecting of this amazing restaurant lurking beneath their feet. The restaurant is good for both couples and larger groups. The restaurant style consist of small sharable plates, with some menu items such as the burger allowing for the option to have your own entree. We tried the octopus and the corn pancakes. Both were amazingly delicious. The corn pancakes in particular were bizarre in presentation, as they come served with peppers and kettlecorn, nonetheless deserving of their position as one of this restaurants most popular items. We also tried the burger, and I must say that it can outshine any other in flavor and quality. We accompanied our meal with several of their interesting cocktails. They sounded all like weird experimental combinations, which actually turned out to be very delicious and well prepared drinks. We finished our dinner with a chocolate tart which was absolutely amazing and a great closing to a delightful dinner. It is very evident that Alden and Harlow puts a lot of effort into their menu, and into keeping good service and a good ambience. It is definitively my top favorite restaurant in Cambridge by far, and I will surely keep coming to check out and enjoy their innovative dining experience!
(5)
James G.

Alden and Harlow was an unbelievable experience. Right from the start, you are greeted with complementary sparkling water, which I have never seen, anywhere. Their bar area and philosophy is reminiscent of what you would find at Wink &Nod or Drink, very classic and almost prohibition-era inspired. Instead of a big mound of bread and cold butter packets to start the meal, you get these fantastic pickled green beans, lovely. For a party of two people, we ordered two "snacks" and why of the small plates. Menu reads left to right as small to larger. Kale Salad - Larger than you might expect, really fresh and tasty, great start. However while it was tasty, the same could be found from say Cheesecake Factory, onward! Baby Brussels - Now we're getting a little special, very tasty and very well-seasoned. Polenta - Outrageous, like no other polenta I have had, so creamy and delicious, and the smoked mushrooms added a ton. Grilled cauliflower - I have had no other cauliflower like this before, cashew crumble and smoked onion vinaigrette on top. It's unreal, it's as if I was eating the best veggie tempura of all time. Highly recommended place, unique items. No salt and pepper shakers, (at least on the night I visited.) This shows confidence in the kitchen.) If I even had to search for something even remotely negative to say, it's that if you're at the back of the restaurant, with the open kitchen, your clothes might smell like food for a day or two. This however is not a problem for me, but others seem to be a bit more pompous. Also, and this is not a criticism, be aware that items arrive when they are made, ie a Kale Salad will show up in 3 minutes, but the cauliflower that needs to be slow roasted might take 40 minutes to arrive. So prepare for that. Enjoy!
(5)
John S.

Went here over graduation. Cool vibe, good food, and everyone was friendly. Now so for my other dining experiences in the square. Thanks A&H for staying solid
(4)
Kavya S.

I'm so confused how this restaurant has such high reviews? I really didn't enjoy the food, service, or ambiance. Thankfully I was with great company ;) Let me go through my experience with some detail-- FOOD: The food was very original, but didn't necessarily taste very good? There was no dish among the 8 dishes we ordered that I was impressed with, except for possibly the corn pancakes. Everything tasted kind of bland, and when there were flavors, I didn't feel that the flavors and textures worked well together. Additionally, we got the dark chocolate dessert option, and the bread appeared to be burnt? AMBIANCE: I went to the restaurant at 6:30pm, and it was already incredibly dark. For that time of day, I definitely think there should have been more light. It created somewhat of a weird ambiance inside. SERVICE: The service was fine, but not outstanding. For instance, it would have been nice for the restaurant to comp the dessert since it was a birthday dinner. Additionally, I felt that often times I had no water in my glass and was waiting around for it to get filled! I'd recommend skipping the restaurant for the food. Perhaps the late night drinks / snacks experience is a lot better!
(2)
Kate H.

We had high expectations for our visit here. All in all, mediocre dishes and service less than we would expect at these prices.
(2)
Julie G.

I'm giving Alden & Harlow 4 stars because I can't deny it's amazing ambiance, impressive service, & fairly tasty (for the most part) dishes. That having been said, it's way overpriced considering the portions, & not every dish is worth the price. The kale salad was lemony, creamy yet light, with a nice combination of raw thinly-chopped kale combined with crunchy fried kale, topped off with salty pistachios. The secret burger was sold out. Hmph. Gr. Wah. The fried rabbit was coated in so much panko that I couldn't even tell if it was rabbit or chicken in the middle, & it didn't really matter because it was really just an underwhelming, somehow nondescript flavor. The blue cheese, apple, celery, radish & chili oil surrounding it unfortunately still didn't make the dish a success. I'm glad I ordered 2 dishes (as recommended) because they were so small, but my friend ordered pasta carbonara & it ended up being so much food that she couldn't even finish it (luckily she didn't order a side, despite being sneakily encouraged to by our waiter). So it wasn't a bad meal by any means, but for the price? I probably won't go back. Unless that damn burger isn't sold out...
(4)
Quang N.

Great place to eat. While I will say that some dishes out-shined others, the overall experience was great. I especially enjoyed the burger and a chicken liver dish. Service was great, and the cocktails we had complemented the meal well. Can't wait to return and try out more dishes.
(5)
Samantha S.

This place deserves all the praise it receives. I've been there three times and it's amazing. You are able to try everything on the menu since it's all shareable. My favorites have been the octopus, burger, and NY strip.
(5)
Elyse G.

It was my first time here. Chose A&H because it had been featured on Best of Boston, etc. Exemplary service. Our waiter especially, and others, were polite to a fault. A rare treat in New England. We ordered: kale salad (thanks for the recommendation yelpers), lonzo, gnocchi, sweet corn pancakes, rabbit. The best plates by far were the kale salad (our waiter informed it was the best in Boston) and the gnocchi. My boyfriend said "this is the best gnocchi I've ever had!!!" and proceeded to order another. Not sure if it's what we ordered, but many of the plates had corn and pistachio, more seasonal tastes. I'd return, but perhaps in a few months once the menu has been rotated out. And is arrive early, when the secret burger is still available!
(4)
VuAnh N.

I don't go for burgers often, but if it's on the list of must-try burgers in 2014, I have to try it! So glad I did, because it was a-w-e-s-o-m-e. So was the crispy pork belly. All the flavors and textures were perfect. Can't say anything about their cocktails yet, will leave that for next time! Our waiter was polite, but I wish he was more interactive. He did the minimal of taking our order and checking on us, but he just seemed uninterested, wouldn't say much. No matter though, the food was well worth the 5 stars :) Oh, and the ambiance! Love love love the ceiling windows, and how the light shines through (the restaurant is in the basement of the building). Will definitely be back to try everything else on the menu!
(5)
Autonomy W.

One of those awesome hidden spots. Went here on a coworker's recommendation and had a great time. The ambiance is great, it's awesome especially for a nice & quiet Sunday night dinner. The service is spot-on every single time - they do not rush you, do not disappear, but at the same time don't sit with you at the table, and are always courteous and friendly. And the food - a little pricey, but totally worth it. Their menu rotates, so you can always try something new.
(5)
Greg D.

We loved the ambience, service, and food. Great eclectic wine list... Does anyone else in town have a Dornfelder by the glass? We enjoyed the rabbit so much that we ordered it twice. Great evening all around!
(5)
Rebecca L.

If someone held a gun to my head and demanded that I say one bad thing about Alden & Harlow, I would not be able to. Seriously, this is The Best Restaurant. The kale salad and pork belly dishes are always amazing. They play awesome underground hip hop. The soap in the bathrooms smells like springtime and herbs. The service is top notch - one waiter once happily brought me a fake gin and tonic early in my pregnancy to help me throw my friends off the gossip trail (oh, and they have a fantastic mocktail menu if you ask!). The smoked bread pudding dessert is pretty weird and actually not that great but at least it was memorable. I would (and do, budget allowing) come here again and again.
(5)
Syra A.

Secret burger = excellent. Loved the kale salad with pistache. Overall delicious and highly recommended. Probably one of the best restaurants in Boston.
(5)
Ana S.

Alden & Harlow has a great layout and atmosphere. The decor is warm, inviting, and modern. The layout feels spacious, even on the busy Friday night when I went. With all that said, I can't eat decor and there's no amount of atmosphere that can make up for sub-par food. I ordered their "secret burger" which was labeled with the enticing phrase "limited availability" on their menu. That means it has to be good, right? Why would the availability of something bad be so limited? That's what I and about half of my dinner companions thought. Long story short, it was one of the saltiest burgers I've ever eaten. I have this theory that the key difference between high-end food and low-end food is how well they hide fat, salt, and sugar. Fast food chains tend to be really in-your-face about it, their burger buns sickeningly soggy with grease. Good restaurants find a way to squeeze in just as many calories and guilt-inducing ingredients, but they're more subtle about it. There was nothing subtle about my meal at Alden & Harlow. I also tried my friend's order of chicken fried rabbit. As much as I like animals fried in other animals' fat (and I do), the dish was similarly in-your-face about its role as a vessel for fat and salt.
(2)
neeta b.

Found myself in Boston this weekend and enjoyed a delicious meal at Alden and Harlow. Its a tasty tapas experience in a trendy yet comfortable Cambridge setting. You can chose from several small and large plate options, most of which are actually very decent sized. The chicken fried local rabbit was delicious, we ordered a second round of it! Also had the New York strip, grilled cauliflower and to drink the Old Hickory-- a whiskey /toasted pecan vermouth/mole bitters creation. A perfect warm up for a cold Boston November evening.
(5)
Marc F.

Very good meal and great service. Recommend the Corn Pancakes, Crudo and Chicken Fried Rabbit. The "secret burger" was mediocre which was a bummer considering all the hype. I find out at end of meal that I should have order the "off menu super secret" burger instead. Would have been nice to know that from server beforehand. That's something to do next time. We will be back.
(4)
Julie V.

Two more dishes I've sampled here -- Seared Baby Romanesco (wood sorrel, spring onions, fiddleheads, almonds): I highly recommend this one! Such a texture-filled salad with the romanesco and fiddleheads, plus the addition of a delicious, full-bodied sauce (but of what, I have no idea...) Grilled Lamb Sirloin (cocoa rub, grilled carrot mash, ramp puree): While the ramp puree and the carrot mash weren't particularly spectacular, the lamb sirloin was excellent. Cooked to perfection, tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
(5)
jean k.

The food was largely good but awfully expensive. WE were four people sharing various dishes. The space is very interesting but it is REALLY loud. Best bet is the front of the place out of the main stream. Service was pleasant, but with a lot of different servers coming and going, I had the feeling no one was particularly paying attention to us.
(3)
Saad M.

This place has a lot of great reviews, but like most Kevin Costner movies that does not guarantee any degree of quality. If I had to compare this to a Kevin Costner movie, it wouldn't be Waterworld which was an epic disaster, but more of "For Love of the Game". Both exhibited poor preparation, earnest effort to impress, and profound failures in execution. Where to start? So we showed up around 2pm on a Sunday; they promptly informed us that they were out of everything Bluefish (2 of the entree options) and the Secret Burger, which is apparently their flagship dish. So secret, that we never got to find out what it even looked like. The manzanella appetizer was easily split between 4 hungry men, very good portions and the standout for the meal. The halloumi added great texture and flavor balance to the plate which had a very tart finish to it. Three of us got the oxtail melt because...we didn't have many other options. One of us got the ham sandwich. They forgot his side of chips and he had to ask for them to be brought over in the middle of his meal. Also they brought his sandwich out about 8 minutes after the oxtail which meant Dave had to watch us eat which I'm sure he took copious notes on. The oxtail melt....confused us. It was cold, and so was the cheese. Quite strange for a "melt" based sandwich. Upon further inquiry it appeared that the kitchen closed shortly after we sat down which made me believe it was a rush job to get the food out. Also it was a bit on the smaller side but still very filling. The side chips were standard, nothing to write home about. Overall the food warranted this place a 2 star review but the service saved one star for me. Service was quite good, water glasses were filled almost instantly and we were checked up on frequently. Very large dining availability with a large bar area where a full menu is served means it has good availability for patrons. Between the lack of food availability, and poor food preparation I don't think I will be returning here. Hope they decide to rectify these qualms.
(3)
Yulien B.

We had high expectations for this restaurant but where underwhelmed. Most of the dishes lacked seasoning and the only real standoutd were the rabbit and the salted chocolate bread pudding.
(3)
Parin P.

I am in love with this place that has opened up a smack bang in the middle of Harvard Sq. First of all the place is way bigger than it looks outside, and beautifully designed, good for groups or a date! Now the important stuff, the cocktail list is one of those menus you want try one of everything. Great beer list (essential). The food I have not tried any modern American food like it. The flavour combinations of the dishes blew my mind - especially as the veg in most cases is the star of the dish! Also, Chicken fried rabbit?! -Yes please! Happy days. As I live 5 mins away - I will definitely be a regular. Bravo chef, bravo.
(5)
Sarah G.

So so glad this place has joined Harvard Square! I actually can't wait to go back and try more of their menu I didn't get to yet! I will start with the bad and then end with all of the tasty goodness. The bad? Well the scallop special crudo. I love scallops. Love them. But this dish, especially for being a special, was so so so so fishy tasting! It is a small dish and our group of 5 actually had trouble finishing it because I think we all wanted to focus our attention on other food dishes that were better. So boo to the scallops. I also am not a mushroom fan in general, but our group got that dish with a pine nut crumble and it was only so so as well, which is a shame for how pricey pine nuts are! BUT the butternut squash salad was amazing and I need to know get a machine that will cut up my butternutsquash just like that so I can make that fresh tasting salad with a little pecorino and hazelnuts....And then there was the fried shortrib special. Wow. Those ribs I would have loved to have had a whole order of! There was not quite 6 in an order like they said since one rib was two little ones next to each other, but the soy glaze on there was awesome. Then the corn pancakes with those fried shishito peppers? Yes, please! That was a dish that was hard to share too! Next time, we will order two orders of that for our group of 5 :-) And there there was the burger they call the "secret burger" which I don't really get since it is on the menu smack dab in the middle. They are limited and we ate at 7:30pm on a Friday and there was only 10 left, so we quickly reserved two before even ordering drinks! And it was a good burger that was juicy and had this smoky flavor to it and I loved the housemade bun it was on. The most incredible dish I thought was the rye pasta with chicken confit with crispy skin, liver butter and figs. SO RICH AND SO DELICIOUS. I mean seriously! I didn't want to share this dish but had to because it was that rich, but you also need to have some of this if you come here. The flavors were all so different and yet went together in this unique burst of flavor in each bite. Good job, Alden and Harlow. I will be back.
(4)
Jonathan O.

So good! Still drooling thinking about the charred broccoli hummus dish and the Brattle street drink! Beautiful space inside with great service. Will definitely be back to explore more of the menu.
(5)
Felicia C.

Amazing amazing amazing! First time here with my husband at a late thurs night. It us not easy to find a restaurant that still serve dinner until 1:45am on a thurs. When we walked in, we already fell in love with the decor. It was spacious and simple. The booths were so comfortable. Food was to share and the quantity of each dish were perfect for 2. We ordered the pancakes (super delicious), rabbit (so crispy and tasted like chicken), pork belly (amazing combination), lamb (so juicy and not gamy at all) and cabanara. All their dishes were amazing and the service was great. oh, drinks too. Most recommended restaurant so far!
(5)
Kenny C.

Our waitress was very knowledgeable about their food. We wanted to know the details of how their fried chicken thighs were made and she was able to explain every detail. I'm impressed. The food here are very different from what I've had everywhere else. The Broccoli was my favorite - roasted, smoked, served with hummus, garlic bits, and nuts. It's got a slightly sweet and smokey flavor. We asked for a side of bread so we can finish off the extra hummus and nuts. I wish I knew how to make this at home. Corn Pancake with popcorn - pretty good. It's a little sweet, a little sour, and a little salty. Like an explosion of flavor in my mouth. Surprisingly the flavors went very well together and my tastebuds were not confused. The popcorn was probably unnecessary though. Swordfish belly - It was skewered, firm, and not too dry. It was less fatty that I was expecting from fish belly. It was served on top of greens and apple slices and together this dish was refreshing. A good contrast from the other heavy and strong flavored dishes we had. Fried chicken thighs with snail sauce and pork fat biscuit - Braised chicken thighs cooked in oil, covered with toasted rice flour and fried. The resulting crust didn't feel greasy; it wasn't like your regular fried chicken crust and was almost like the crispy rice you'd get stuck on the bottom of your pan when making fried rice. The snail sauce was very rich but went very well with the chicken thighs. Snail was delicious, it wasn't too earthy. Biscuit was not dry at all, delicious but felt very buttery. I'd definitely come back and order the broccoli, but not sure about everything else. They were tasty and aren't like anything I've had before, but felt a little too heavy and rich for me. I would go back and try other items on the menu.
(4)
Lisa D.

The food was amazing--order the kale salad! Really cool vibe, different than what a lot of Boston has to offer. The bar is great to saddle up to while you wait for your table and the cocktail list is interesting. However, there was a really weird incident with their famous burger (they told us they were out and someone next to us got served the burger and the explanation they gave us seemed a little phony). I'd go back because it was the best kale salad I've ever eaten and they served me corn fritters with popcorn on top.
(4)
Molly K.

I must be missing something. This was one of the most anticipated openings of the year, with a central location super close to the T, a great concept, and such high reviews on here I was super excited to try it out. We arrived and were brought to a nice and well-let area under the greenhouse area surrounded by pretty succulents. The decor in our area was nice and simple but under the greenhouse area it was a bit toasty and humid. We ordered some drinks (which took about 10-15 minutes to arrive....I'm not sure how crowded the bar was but it was quite a long wait for 1 beer and 1 cocktail...) and placed our orders. I ordered a cup of tea as I wasn't feeling all that great. A mug arrived, but was dirty and had brown remnants at the bottom which my fiance luckily noticed before I poured my tea. I was given a new mug but was already a bit nervous and uneasy at this point. They arrived with some pickled green beans which were a nice change from bread, nicely pickled and a hint of salt, but I may be partial because I looove pickles. We started with the smoked cashews (which tasted like they were smoked with pork/bacon of some sort or just Smothered in bacon fat...the currants were a nice change but it literally tasted like we were eating slice on slice of bacon, which it did not mention on the menu). They were salty and so heavy with the meaty flavor. Next we had the Kale Salad (which was the best thing of the night.) and the grilled cauliflower caponata (which was MASSIVe for a "snack" but was good, a bit overly garlicy and salty, but 2nd best thing of the night). Also the charred broccoli which had a strange sweet hummus-like consistency underneath...underwhelming. Then we had 2 orders of the mushrooms with egg....which was far too salty. the pine nut crumble was the only change in consistency but I couldn't call it a crumble....it wasn't as crunchy as it could be, and I liked the pine nuts more than anything else because they weren't little salt bombs, like everything else we had. We had 2 orders of the market catch (black bass) which were decent, the finishing salt was STRoNG on this one, and this portion was MUCH smaller than the other very large portions (this was even smaller than some of the "snacks"). My main issue with this is the fact that the tiny chunk of potato was undercooked....hmm, no thanks, also paired with some sort of balsamic sunchoke which I was not a big fan of. The oyster gratin was massive and PIPING HOT when it came out (without a warning), luckily we used our eyes and saw the mega steam, or else we would have for sure scalded ourselves. it was a bit like a clam chowder with cheese, and similar bread to that that was served with the cauliflower "snack". We also had the "secret burger" which was reportedly similar to a big mac with a mega fluffy (and SALTY again) bun, and a cheese crisp. This was somehow also salty but was decent. At this point all of the dishes were taken away as I waited for my mesquite tortillini...we asked and were told it was coming...about 15 minutes later our server returned and said they were firing it now....firing it now? I ordered it at the very beginning and by this point we had been there for an hour and a half...how long could it take to fire a round of tortillini? I'm pretty sure that would be one of the quickest things to send out! Finally, it came. 5 little "tortillini" that looked as if they were fried. I saw NO broccoli, i saw kale....and perhaps a DOT of mesquite...it was one of the worst things i've had, overly salty, DOUSED in cheese, and garlic....and the dot of bbq. no thank you. i actually could not eat this, i had 2. After all of this we had been checked in on by our server maybe 2x over the course of almost 2 hours, never asked if we wanted anything else, once we flagged someone down we were able to get drink refills (after 10-15 minutes). All of our orders were unbelievably salty. I LOVE SALT, I eat chips and pickles on a daily basis because I LOVE salt, but so many of these dishes were ruined by the over-salting, some things were even inedible. But no server ever asked if anything was wrong, nor did they even offer to comp anything after they had forgotten my tortillini (which was inedible)...and it was obvious they forgot as other items we ordered later in the meal came before my tortillini and the tortillini was added lastly on the receipt as if it was just thrown on there. Overall, definitely not impressed. I had high expectations, yes, but many of these items were almost inedible due to the EXCESSIVE SALTING OF EVERYTHING. The menu descriptions were loosely based on the food, with main components not even mentioned, and varying portions with some of the "snacks" being larger than the regular sized plates. The cocktails were strong and decent but took forever. Service was NOT good, extremely slow and lackadaisical. I will not be back.
(1)
Keuna C.

Food: Incredibly creative menu, perfect execution, beautiful presentation, ideal portion sizes for sharing (not as small as tapas; we ordered 2 per person and had enough for each to really savor). Octopus panzanella $16-- amazing flavor and texture, especially the contrast between the tender octopus, roasted sunchoke (not overcooked), and crispy leaves of grilled oregano. This was my boyfriend's favorite dish of the night. Bone marrow croqueta $10-- another nice contrast in textures. Flavor-wise, the grapefruit mostarda really elevates this dish from being just another fried starchy creamy thing. The only reason I'd give this dish 4 stars instead of 5 is that the marrow could have had more of a presence. Charred swordfish belly $18-- 4 big-bite size pieces come on a skewer, on a bed of what they call bok choi kim chi but seemed more like the "sok" (inside- the julienned turnip-y part), with green apple slices that neutralize the salt & spice and complement the fish flavor. Miso aioli gives it another layer of taste. Really really great balance of complex flavors!! The Asian fusion thing can sometimes be a bit forced, but not this time. Chicken-fried rabbit $15-- My fave of the night! Sounds so simple-- a fried piece of meat-- but the chili oil and whatever else they put on there was MAGIC, and went perfectly with the veggies on the plate (was it fennel?). Next time we'll have to get some of the red meat dishes, and maybe some of the desserts. Service: We went on a Sunday night during what turned out to be a big snow emergency. Had a 5:30 reservation and were pretty late (more than 20 mins) but luckily they had no problem seating us. Waitress (Laurie?) was incredibly nice, even when I ended up trying like 4 different wines before settling on one. Pacing of dishes was pretty good- nice sequence & amount of time between each. Ambience: Just right lighting, nice warm copper-toned decor that is modern and chic yet comfortable, easy location, not too noisy, great for date night. Overall, a fantastic place with truly excellent and innovative food at great prices in a cool yet inviting setting.
(5)
Katie N.

This restaurant is unique and eclectic. Not your average menu but both the drinks and the food were wonderful. The flavor was definitely on point! Perfect date night with a nice ambiance. Overall good experience and will return with friends!
(5)
Maya M.

Good drinks, but I was underwhelmed by the food to be honest. My friend ordered the rabbit, which he felt had been fried to the point of no longer tasting like rabbit. I ordered the burrata which was tasty but my second plate, the grilled cauliflower caponata didn't say much. My other friend ordered the secret burger which was good, but didn't live up to the hype. Also, it was seriously warm in there! We asked them to turn up the AC and they did but it didn't seem to make much of a difference.
(3)
April P.

Went here for an anniversary dinner with my boyfriend this week, on the recommendation of a friend. We had a 9pm reservation on a Tuesday night. I reserved the table online with no issues. I put something about it being a special occasion and wanting a private table if possible. So we were seated in the cute side area near the entrance, with a wall of succulents and windows overhead. It was a very nice place to sit! Unfortunately we ended up next to a bunch of annoying 20 something ladies, who were SO LOUD. I heard all of their conversations even though I was trying desperately not to. But hey, that wasn't the restaurants fault. I think our waiter's name was Adam. He was very nice and attentive, and willing to explain anything on the menu. There was also a separate lady who brought my drinks over from the bar. Another woman brought out each plate as it was ready, and another man came by periodically to wipe down our table and give us new plates/silverware, mid meal. We shared 4 plates- we got the rabbit, the lamb, the rye pasta, and the oyster gratin. My favorites were the rabbit and the lamb. My boyfriend really liked the pasta, especially the crispy skin on top. The rabbit reminded me of fried chicken, but classy. I liked the blue cheese and other sauce/garnishes. The lamb was delicious, and I particularly liked the mashed carrots (I think that is what it was) on the side. They were quite salty but I like salt. The pasta was very heavy with a lot of pepper. The gratin was my least favorite, which was disappointing because I love oysters. The pepper was overpowering, the pork was very sweet, and overall it was like a chowder. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't right for me. I wish I had gotten the corn cakes instead! We looked at the dessert menu, but it wasn't very..dessert-like. There was a dark chocolate one with bread and figs, a parsnip cobbler (which I almost got except it had star anise in it, which I hate), a smoked bread pudding, and one other item that I can't remember. I did have coffee, which was strong and tasty, but lukewarm. Overall my boyfriend summed it up best. He said this is a great restaurant for people who like root vegetables. Everything was very earthy and smoky. I enjoyed my meal and the restaurant, but I might have trouble convincing him to go back.
(3)
Kyle M.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Alden & Harlow gets all of the yeses. I decided to visit Alden & Harlow on a Sunday evening with a friend who "appreciates my taste in food." We were immediately taken with the decor - it's awesome. For being a subterranean restaurant, the lighting was great, and there was a surprising amount of natural light shining through as well. Here's the concept - plates are generally meant to be shared - lighter fare to the left of the menu, heavier fare to the right. Some plates are not meant to be shared (e.g. the "secret" burger), but I suppose you could share that. Nonetheless, our server did a great job of explaining the menu and left us to choose our dishes. We started with the chips and onion dip. The chips were great by themselves - fried, but not greasy at all. The dip was delicious as well...we finished the whole dish. We then shared the mesquite tortellini, which while a small portion, was BIG on flavor. Our final main course of the evening was the oyster gratin with uni toast. Amazing flavor here - creamy and decadent without being too rich. Not wanting our culinary journey to end, we decided to grab dessert - the friend ordered the dark chocolate with bread/candied kumquat/berries, and I got the smoked bread pudding with salt ice cream. Both were great, but if I were you, I'd lean toward the bread pudding. I think the concept here might be lost on some people - this is not a place where you'll leave stuffed. Alden & Harlow is all about enjoying the food and the preparation. Five stars from me.
(5)
Grant D.

This place is good. I've been twice. First, the annoying parts: There is a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. This is great, and I love that, but it gets annoying when the server's constantly refer to ingredients coming from 'our friends in waltham.' Also, you interact with about 10 employees. I had 4 different people ask me how my kale salad was. If it's not okay, trust me- I will let you know. The food is very good. Especially the kale salad :)
(4)
Karen D.

I was disappointed and I thought I would love the place. I went late on a Saturday night and got seats at the bar right away. Things started great, cool dÃ©cor, nice vibe, and good cocktails. Two of us ordered the steak, smoked tortellini, and the cauliflower appetizer. Instead of bread, you get three and a half green beans on a plate drizzled with oil and sesame seeds. I like they idea they were trying something different, but it didn't quite do it for me. We were hoping for a burger, but no chance at that time of night. The whole secret burger is a little too exclusive and not really a secret if it's on the menu. There are a lot of good burgers in the square now, including secret burgers, which are burgers you need to know you can ask for in addition to the regular burger. If I'm really hankering for a burger or I'm out with a less adventurous foodie, I'll probably go to another place where I know a great burger is waiting for me. The first dish, grilled cauliflower was excellent. It had great flavor and was the best part of the meal. The steak was very good and came with some sides like blood orange and bone marrow that aren't my cup of tea, but my BF like them. The tortellini was very underwhelming and the biggest waste of $16. We wanted to stay longer than we did for more drinks and dessert, but while we were eating, the music changed to really loud, somewhat hard, rap music. We thought it might be a song or two, but it was full on and really took away the cool atmosphere and I wanted to get out of there. So wrapped up our bill and went to another place to finish out our night.
(2)
Jesse H.

What a disappointment! Took my boyfriend there for a special Bday dinner, and right from the start our waiter, Evan (tall with a beard and an attitude) was just a total condescending jerk! We are super friendly people so I don't know what his problem was! We ordered a bottle of red wine and it was ice cold. We asked if that was the temp this particular wine was supposed to be served at, and he just told us the ideal temp for serving red, then walked away without an apology or anything. Our wine was clearly not in that range. He completely ruined a night that was supposed to be special, just by acting like a total dick. From the time he first came to our table, to the wine issue, to the sour-faced look he shot my boyfriend on the way out....... Completely unprofessional. I usually get on well with all my servers, as I used to be one for 6 years! Can't say I will ever go back or recommend the restaurant. The food was good but not spectacular, and it sure didn't make up for a night of dealing with Evan. Luckily we were able to salvage the night, but I will def not be going back. I will also make sure that my foodie friends don't either!
(1)
Elizabeth V.

I visited Alden & Harlow last week after hearing lots of talk about the opening. I don't like to give in to the hype when a new restaurant opens, but I was definitely curious to see what all the fuss was about. I was not disappointed! The menu - primarily small plates - was interesting and inventive, but still approachable and not intimidating. We selected a few things that I had already seen raved about in reviews. The chips & onion dip was surprisingly amazing, as were the roasted cashews. People had talked up the kale salad with creamy pistachios and I'd say it was good and unique, but nothing to write home about. We tried the corn pancakes which were a MUST as well as the fried rabbit - another MUST. We also tried the grilled carrots, and these too were good but not stop-the-presses good. The wine list was good, and we selected a bottle that we liked and the waiter immediately knew that had been popular that evening, and they only had one or two bottles left. He excused himself to go put in our order right away so we wouldn't miss out, and came back after to take our food orders. A nice touch, for sure. Overall, I absolutely loved this place! Each and every dish was phenomenal. I was very impressed - I did not expect to be so blown away!
(5)
jay s.

Small plates with emphasis on rich often local food. We had an excellent meal. Fried rabbit, burrata, pork belly -- the plates were small but we left feeling full. Great beer list and cocktails but wine list is pricey.
(4)
HT A.

Went on a recent wed night with harvard square paralyzed by snow mounds and lack of parking. Headed in after a show at the regattabar . Walked in at 10:20 hoping to get the " famous " burger. There were 5 patrons in the whole place... we were the only ones at the bar. We asked to order the burger only to be told we would have to wait until 11pm. Really??.. with almost no patrons in the place ... and the dining industry reeling from the storms... they wanted us to wait to keep up the cachet of the burger. Simply amazing... really bad customer service... Did they think we were going to tell the world we ordered a burger 40 min early??? We ordered a few apps and got out quick... dry pork belly, greasy kale salad, and passable corn cakes. Ok i can say i went ... will not be back
(1)
Jolene S.

I have to give credit to the Yelpers for guiding me to this place...I only found out about the underground 40 Brattle St location through the search box. And I decided to order the corn pancakes based on the good reviews and pictures (which gave me an excellent idea of what to expect). I liked the pickled green beans. The corn pancakes with honey "sauce" and peppers and pocorn kernels is different but tasty. The honey "sauce" makes me think about the arancini at Dante--it's a very appealing accompaniment to the hot 'cakes. Sadly, I missed out on the secret burger, but I will be reading the reviews closely to see what other dishes merit a second visit to this restaurant. (Until then I might have to go back to Noir for that smoked turkey sandwich...)
(3)
Carlos R.

Had a few plates at the server's suggestion. The ingredients in each dish served a purpose, the flavors all went together extremely well. One of the best meals ive ever had. Great beer menu. Not as expensive as I thought it would be, service was great. Reservations should be made, the bar is usually full.
(5)
Curly G.

Fantastic atmosphere and great brunch!
(5)
Natalie D.

I found this place by googling "best lunch in boston." There was a whole article about how this place is new and has a speakeasy vibe. After seeing other reviews- I was sold. I had to come here! It turned out to the best brunch I've ever had! The staff was awesome, knowledgeable and spoke highly of the food. Each dish was tasty and made to perfection. Definitely try the pickled pancakes and the torched fruits!!
(5)
J E.

Yum!! This is my new favorite place to get lunch or brunch with friends. They say you need at least 2 dishes a person, but depending on what you order and if you're eating tapas style, you don't need to get that many. I love the decor - it is cozy inside. Attentive service both times I've been there.
(4)
Olivia B.

My Favorite restaurant in Harvard Sq by far and perhaps my favorite in Cambridge. Amazing food and cocktails. Every time I stop in there is always something exciting to try and share with friends, and still very substantial small plates! Highly recomend to anyone in the area, or visiting. A must try
(5)
M J.

Liked the room a lot, very industrial chic. Food was good but if you're ordering veg small plates and hoping for a delicious meal that is light on the stomach you need to be careful when ordering. This is not Sarma, the chef here is not afraid of butter and cream and as a result you can wind up with some delicious but heavy veg dishes. Liked - kale salad, burrata. Didn't like - corn pancakes (drowning in butter) and smoked avocado (flavors just didn't work.) As far as drinks - I had one cocktail with tequila that was cloyingly sweet despite my asking the waitress for something not sweet. My hub had an $8 draft beer. That's not a misprint.
(3)
Joel M.

Went for dinner on a busy night, and my friend and decided to put our name in for a space at the bar. We ordered about 4-5 plates to share, which was also what the two groups to our left and right did. This caused all sorts of confusion for the wait staff, as some of our plates went to the people to our right, the order was all messed up for the people on our left, and everyone from the foodrunners to our bartenders really had no idea who was supposed to be getting what or when or whether plates had already been served. At the end of the day our neighbors got some of our food which we didn't realize to the end when bills came out. In any case the food was really good. All of our plates would range from the good to excellent, and despite their ability to fire food correctly, the bartenders are really good at their core job, making drinks! Based on the overall experience I would probably give this place 2-stars, but the combination of a busy night, gnocchi and fantastic coffee drink at the end of the night bumped it up to a 3. I suspect if you go to get a table you'd be much closer to a 4-5 star experience!
(3)
Rafi S.

My girlfriend and I stopped in here for drinks after a movie at the Brattle Theater on a lark. We ended up staying until closing. The staff was warm, friendly, and attentive, but never in our faces. We ordered the plate of smoked olives, baked almonds, and hots in citrus oil. Finally, bar food that doesn't consist of (X) food breaded and deep fried. I also enjoyed the complimentary picked green beans. Between the food, ambiance, and staff, I can't wait to come back again. Perhaps next time we'll go for a whole meal.
(5)
Lauren S.

Boston has been starved of truly noteworthy, wonderful dining experiences for years. I've lived in this city for 4 years now, and this was hands down the best meal I've had in Boston. I was immediately blown away by the number of appealing items on the menu. It's like the menu was designed just for me: lots of vegetables, great pairings, really well-described dishes. For two people we ordered about 6 plates and a few cocktails. The burrata was a standout (as burrata often is) and the corn cakes were creative, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Many of the menu items challenged me to take baby steps outside of my comfort zone. Whole grilled octopus tentacle? Initially scary, but actually phenomenal. There were a few dishes that were flops, in my opinion, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were removed from the menu a few weeks later. Clearly the restaurant is receptive to what works and what doesn't, and I'm glad to be one of their guinea pigs. Maybe my review was colored by the fact that I wasn't paying. For small, shared plates, this is a somewhat highly priced restaurant. Still, I think it's worth every penny.
(5)
Michelle S.

Great food and awesome service. It does get extremely busy, so don't plan on walking in and getting a table without a long wait. This is a small-plate place, and they timed the plates perfectly. Everything we got was delicious, the pancakes are a must.
(5)
Anabelle D.

Decor is beautiful, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and the food is the best of the best. A must for those visiting Boston. Everything on the menu es spectacular, especially the burger.
(5)
Andrew H.

I have been here twice and I have not yet had anything - ANYTHING - that I have not though was not one of the best things I have ever eaten. And I am a legitimate food snob. Great dÃ©cor - great service - and really really great food. Go with friends and share everything. If I had to pick anything, the chicken fried rabbit is like a Chicken McNugget on crack....but even better than that. I can't wait to go back. Please please keep it up Alden and Harlow. Harvard Square has been so wanting for something new AND delicious.
(5)
Sue Z.

The food here is inventive, the staff attentive, and the atmosphere is lively. This is food you can't make at home!
(5)
Sara S.

Every dish we had was incredible. We loved the sweet/spicy palate and all the flavors we'd never had before. Definitely recommend!
(5)
Lillian Z.

Great ambience, and tastes were complex. Pricey, and the secret burger was honestly not that good.. Definitely a great date spot though!
(4)
CC C.

We came across this restaurant as a general search for Cambridge. The entrance is tucked around the corner from the Main Street and wasn't readily noticeable. The restaurant was full with a lofty wait, however hostess was attentive and helped us secure a seat at the bar which is our preference. The beverage menu offers a variety of both traditional and specialty drinks, perfect for any craving (Jacks Abby IPA hit the spot for me). The food menu offers several sharing dishes or entrees for a bigger appetite, all of which are artistically prepared and served with what we felt were your farm to table healthy greens and starches. The atmosphere was vibrant (on the louder side, but what we were looking for) and service was great. We'll be back.
(4)
mari m.

Great restaurant! I went on its opening night and there were no glitches ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Â~~~~~ ATMOSPHERE: A bit of a scene for Harvard Square, but still fairly low-key. The music was a bit too loud, which made it hard to hear our waiter recite the specials. But fun energy and nice staff. FOOD: Delicious. We got about 6 plates to share among three adults. Most everything was super yummy; my least favorite dish was the sea bass -- nothing special -- but everything else was fantastic. IN SHORT: I wanted to go right home and write a great yelp review while the experience was fresh in my palate, but alas, life intervened and I'm just getting to this now. In short: YOU SHOULD GO HERE.... :)
(5)
Alexandra F.

Delicious! Such a great new spot for Harvard Square. Cocktails were delicious - try the Brattle St. for their twist on an Old Fashion. We went with 6 people, which was great because you get to taste so many of their plates. Every thing was so very tasty, but here are the must-haves: Corn Pancakes Polenta Fried Baby Brussels Burrata I can't wait to go back and try even more!
(5)
Nathan H.

Came here for Sunday brunch. Really like the design of the place. Would be a good space for larger groups. The Shakshuka was very good. The oxtail was also good but the side salad was a bit too salty. My friend and I shared a side of grits which came fresh out of the oven (it was still sizzling when served). Would have been willing to give 5 stars but the service was unusually slow given that there weren't many people there. Hope it improves when I come back.
(4)
Erika Z.

I stopped in for a light dinner with friends on Friday. Our table wasn't ready right away, so the hostess showed us the the bar, where we were pleasantly surprised by their innovative cocktail menu. The beers were very over priced ($7 for a Brooklyn lager), but otherwise we were very happy with everything. The bartender conveniently transferred our tab to the table, which was a great help. Our table was beautiful (at the front under the glass ceiling), and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu. I have a food allergy, and I was impressed by how conscientious both our server and the food runners were with facilitating my dining experience. The broccoli/hummus dish and kale salad "snacks" are a must, along with the burrata.
(5)
Noshii R.

Just had dinner here and it was GREAT!!! I just hope the good service and good food last. We had the kale salad, eggs and zucchini appetizers and they were all perfect. A bit skimpy but good. Then we had the beef neck, special pasta of the night and the burger. The burger was a bit underwhelming and the potatoes were a bit burned. The rest of the meal was perfection along with the great service.
(5)
Mike K.

So good. Went in with my work wife to check the place out. Spectacular! We had dinner at the bar (racked up a huge bill!) But totally worth it. Dan our bartender made great recommendations and really went out of his way to make us feel welcome and comfortable and full! I cannot praise this place more. I wish there were 6 stars because the food and hospitality were stellar. Thanks Dan!
(5)
Marguerite B.

Extremely pleasant visit to the bar tonight. The cocktail list was interesting and the Bell Tower was excellent. Check out the draft house bitter- great tipple, too! We tried three of the small bites, kale salad, egg, crostini with sunchoke and lardo, as well as one of the larger dishes, the chicken fried rabbit. All were very good, balanced, great flavor and texture, would have ordered another round of the same if we'd the time. That being said, everything on the menu looked fantastic. Tried the bread pudding w/ salt ice cream- loved the ice cream but wasn't as impressed with the pudding as with the other dishes. The space is nice. The bar service was a bit uneven but all the bartenders were nice and helpful. Will definitely go back, can't wait to try more.
(5)
Leslie M.

Cocktails were top notch. I drank the "stalker" all night. Delish. We ordered 6 dishes between two of us and that seemed like the right amount. Charred broccoli, kale salad, corn fritters and burrata cheese were the standouts. I wished the clams were better but there was too much sauce which was too salty and chunky in a bad way. The gnocchi were dry and not very flavorful. I loved the decor and feel of the place. The lighting is dim and they play cool music (heard Biggie a few times). You definitely need a reservation and patience if you want a seat at the bar. Enjoy!
(4)
Johonna C.

Ubiquitous kale salad--YES
(5)
Lauren M.

Super delicious craft cocktail menu. My past favorite was The Sandhill Crane with cranberry bush nectar, gin, and some herbaceousness to boot. Currently I adore the Countdown with honeyed kumquat, and the Catania with lemon, maple, & bitters. Concerning the food, I've only ever had the Sunchoke Crostino. It was very rich and buttery and had a beautiful micro green and flower salad on top. My friend ordered the Chicken-Fried Rabbit, which looked amazing, and another got the Smoked Bread Pudding with Jacobsen Salt, which was so decadent looking I can't believe I didn't ask for a bite! (Guess I was all about cocktails to the face that evening). Alden & Harlow only opened in February but will surely be a Harvard Square staple, as it already is with the industry crowd!
(4)
Joslyn E.

Our waitress was knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations. She never rushed us and the food was well timed. There was additional waitstaff there who brought our drinks and cleared our plates. We ordered the chicken fried rabbit that came with blue cheese and chili oil. It was well balanced, savory, and satisfying without being too heavy. We also had the corn cakes which were sweet and fun topped with popcorn. The drinks are unique and like nothing else I've seen in the square. The dining area is very large for harvard square and could easily accommodate a group. I've been talking about the meal I had there for weeks!
(5)
Jordan A.

Great place and great atmosphere. I had a moonlight cocktail to start and my friend and i ordered the Kale Salad, chips and dip, lamb ribs, pumpkin salad and the skate. The two salads were my favorite, followed by the skate. I also loved the sesame pickled green beans they bring to the table. The lamb was a little too sweet for my liking.
(4)
Sanel S.

A little bit of heaven in an otherwise desolate food scene of Boston. My number one concern with restaurants is that price is rarely tied to quality of the food. So this was my concern coming in here as well. I was scared of mediocre food at excessive prices. Our server recommended we get 3 things each but we decided to instead opt for 4 that we would share and in the end that turned out to be a perfect balance. We started with the three onion anchovies dip with side of house potato chips. I've never had anything like it before. Next we got tortellini, which was good but not that much food. The secret burger was some of the juiciest meat I've had in forever and their NY strip steak was to die for, especially the bone marrow. There was only one thing that really irked me about the place and that's the bathroom. Whoever decided that a urinal should be facing out towards the bar with the doors swinging open and your junk hanging out for the bar to see should be taken out and shot.
(5)
Sarah V.

Great cocktails! Go during non-peak hours so the bartenders can walk you through their interesting cocktails. Their menu and drinks are clever and unique and good ambiance. They are also good about making space at the bar, but if it's crowded the speak up and then they'll help. Expect to share food cause they brought my husbands plate and mine one at a time, which was unexpected but we were ok with that.
(5)
V L.

pork belly - yum. drinks - yum.
(4)
David X.

They sure do love their salt here. Gorgeous room, terrible food. Frankly, I thought my Shake Shack Burger from the other night was ten times better than my 'secret burger'. The 'secret burger' was extremely greasy and way oversalted, along with everything else we ordered. Another miss was the chocolate bread pudding with salt (!) ice cream! It was gummy, bland and almost no flavor of chocolate. But it looked GORGEOUS. If my parents hadn't owned a 4-star restaurant, I'd feel pretty insecure eating at some of these establishments which get raves based on -- I am guessing - this lemming-like need for people to validate spending outrageous amounts of money on lousy food - because they think everyone else thinks it's great so it must be great. Luckily, I know better. :) As my mother used to say, french cooking is 90% bullshit. People are paying for appearances. You can serve them merde on a silver platter and they'll think it's a delicacy. But really, this place is great on appearances. The food all looks excellent. But nothing actually tastes good. One note - maybe everything tastes better if you drink a lot first. Another note - Came here with my male friend. The waiter said to us we should order 2 - 3 dishes per person (about $14 per dish). Two women then sat down near us and he told them 2 dishes per person. I found that annoying. I also found the idea of a pancake with popcorn silly. I remember a recent Top Chef episode where Tom Colicchio chastised a chef for adding popcorn as a garnish - he basically said it was pretentious and stupid. All told, I think Alden and Harlow can be excellent once they toss the menu since I did like the atmosphere and drinks menu.
(2)
Alex S.

Alden & Harlow will not disappoint.The food here is amazing. Small tapas style dishes, ranging from delicious to perfectly delectable. (The pumpkin salad was mind-blowing) The staff is also very attentive and helpful.
(5)
Renee B.

I enjoyed this more before....last night the cocktail menu was a big disappointment and when we asked for our favorites from before they said no...thats crazy...we all ended up drinking beer instead.
(3)
Jessica L.

Great food! The flavors and ingredient combinations are really unique, and the menu is really different. Although everything was delicious, portion sizes are pretty small, though so don't expect to leave here feeling stuffed. We got the pork belly, hiramasa crudo, smoked arctic char, and burrata and were joking that we should go across the street to Felipe's or Flat Patty's to fill up.
(4)
Nicholas P.

I went here about two Fridays when it was down pouring in Cambridge, and I have to say the food here got me in better spirits. You don't realize how big inside is until you get down there, and it was super active that Friday night, which is how I like restaurants to be. (Love to people watch) The service was great. Our server was very excited and attentive. It was almost kind of scary how perky he was haha. My friend and I ordered a few plates based on the recommendation of the server. We had the Butternut Squash Salad, Chicken Fried Local Rabbit, Mesquite Tortellini, Crispy Berkshire Pork Belly and Slow Roasted Beef Neck. We wanted to try the Secret Burger, but they were all out. :( The rabbit came out first and was freaking amazing. It is a must try. I don't care if you can't imagine eating a little bunny, you will absolutely not care once you taste how good this is. The squash and tortellini were very good. They were more for my friend because had it been up to me, we would have only ordered meat dishes. But he loved the squash. The beef neck was out of this world tender. It was my favorite dish of the night. I devoured it, and I am craving it now while writing this. The pork belly was amazing as well, but not as good as the rabbit and beef neck. Now, let's talk about the drinks. I had a Mcgregor's Garden and a Krakatoa. Both are amazing, but the latter is stupendous (I don't ever use this word, but it def applies here) The one this I thought was a little awkward. The urinal in the men's restroom is right by the door, so when other men walk in to use the bathroom the people at the bar, if they looked, can see you taking a piss. (Not that I give a crap, but I'm sure a more shy fellow may not not like it) Overall, I had a great time and I will definitely go back.
(4)
Richard C.

Hey there, Alden and Harlow, no pressure or anything. Many folks (both local and national) have been anointing the Secret Burger one of the best burgers in the country, never mind locally. I'm always wary of such proclamations, for obvious reasons, and try to avoid the hype machine as best I can before heading into a place. How good could it really be? I've eaten my way through a great (and uncomfortable) amount of burgers over the last few years. Many have wowed me, some have disappointed, and most have been just fine and dandy. I dined at Alden and Harlow on a busy Thursday night, knowing full well that a burger would be in my future. They mention on the menu that there is only a limited number of burgers available on a nightly basis (rumor has it about three dozen, with a few withheld for late-night service) although I have yet to hear of many, if any people getting rejected because they had run out. To me it feels like a cooler Craigie on Main approach: the burger is there for the taking but clearly there are a bunch of other fine dishes the chef would rather have you enjoy; it's not hidden even if it is limited. I certainly wouldn't complain if Alden just turned into a full-blown burger joint, but something tells me chef Scelfo wants to flex his culinary muscles a little more than just serving up our most beloved sandwich. Let's cut to chase here: this might be the best burger I've had in the Boston area and maybe anywhere. It is among (counting Craigie, Back Bay Social Club and Beacon Hill Bistro) the beefiest and straight-up most satisfying bun and beef combinations out there, without question. After eating the burger and dropping off a friend, I immediately had to go back that same night. The burger haunted me, even though we're only talking a 45 minute window here, and I couldn't get it out of my head. I had to know for sure. Was it as good as as I thought? The beef blend (brisket, short rib and beef plate) is unique, robust and expertly mastered like a fine steak. It tastes like nothing else out there in many ways, skipping the bells and whistles of some of the other top tiered patties and instead just focusing on the meat and the meat itself, and it is that good. Both burgers that night were cooked a perfect medium-rare, and the seasoning was nothing short of flawless. The burger is also very, very smokey. Something you'd often see with bacon, but not here, at least they won't tell you if that is the case. The smoked element is top secret, but it doesn't read very porky in my mind. My best guess (and a complete guess at that) is that they are incorporating smoked suet into the burger at some point, giving it even more fat and the smoke that really makes this burger stand out. It is as juicy as it ought to be and I literally have no complaints about it. A house-made bun, influenced by a Parker House roll, is very buttery (almost to the point of saturated) and flaky, yet sturdy enough to hold it all in place. It's a total game changer from all the crappy buns out there and left me scratching my head wondering why more places don't make their own buns. Probably a time, space and volume issue in most cases, but still, I wish it were more common. Joining the burger are a salted onions (salted so they take off some of the raw bite) and little gem lettuce combo that offers crunch like it wouldn't seem possible. This burger is crunchy, but surprisingly not from the the Cabot cheese tuile ( I liken it more to a frico). What should be a salty, crispy bomb of flavor ends up being chewy and more of a distraction than anything. I can't tell what's bringing it down, since I like the concept of a piece of crispy cheese, but it's the one element that is a slight miss. The flavor is still there, and I almost wonder if it would work better if it was placed right below the bun, as opposed to nestled under a pile of onions, lettuce and creamy sauce which I'm sure attributed to the sogginess, but then again, what the hell do I know. The creamy sauce is basically a Caesar meets Thousand Island kind of blend with aioli, ketchup, anchovy and pecorino among the players and it is straight-forward, well seasoned and a nice complement. Literally four thinly sliced pickles are on the side of the plate and I wish there was more of them. They are sharp and tasty but with so few I hardly see the point. On the first burger there are no pickles inside of the sandwich, but on round two there are one or two random pickle slices floating around. Chips in lieu of fries join the burger and they are warm, nicely seasoned and crispy. I always long for fries but these are worthy of the extraordinary burger. The burger at Alden and Harlow (shockingly only $14) is divine. It is all about the beef in most cases, and while the beef blend is fatty and luscious and possibly the best I've ever had, the accent of the role players here is almost as important. A house-made bun, onions, lettuce and a well-rounded sauce are terrific complemen
(5)
Merrill F.

This place is delicious; the lighting, the food, the live walls. The waiters are nice and informed.
(4)
Seth C.

That was amazing. Small to mid plates that were delicious. I love a combination of fatty + salty + sweet + crunchy and most of the dishes hit those points. Kirkland TnT was okay, Ribelle was really good, but this was Fantastic!
(5)
Marko M.

I went the very next night after my first review - A&H didn't disappoint. The experience was ace - can't wait to go back!
(5)
Rich T.

Average food at above-average prices. Crispy bok choy was too salty and, really, was the poached egg necessary? Maybe more lemon juice or something fresh to balance out the roasted flavor. Smoky slaw in the mackerel dish was WAYYY too smoky. Completely took over the dish--literally choking smoke at the end of it. Fried chicken was dry and bland. I would avoid anything "crispy", "charred" or "fried" on the menu because they needlessly over-roast, over-smoke and over-fry ingredients which should be treated with more respect. So disappointed.
(2)
Dana M.

Quite the awesome experience! 3 of us went here around 7:45 on a Wednesday night without a reservation and got seated right away. The place was hopping but no problem getting in. This is definitely a great spot to dine. It does take a little while so don't expect crazy fast service but they were very attentive and knowledgable without being too much. Some of the highlights besides the great cocktail and beer list included the blood sausage with caramelized figs, the pork belly, rye pasta amongst others. They were very conscientious of a tree nut allergy that one of us had by informing us which platter to avoid when being served while not being annoyed or put out about it. Wished we had room for dessert but alas, next time! Overall an amazing experience that we will be more then happy to return to.
(5)
Emma T.

I adored this place. I've only been once but most definitely plan to go back. The atmosphere is fantastic, the service was great, the drinks were unique, and the food was the best I've had in Cambridge. My boyfriend and I were there over a week ago and keep talking about the polenta. We ordered all veggie dishes and the swordfish because I don't eat other meat, and my meat-eating boyfriend said it was still the best meal he's had around here. They recommend 2-3 dishes per person--we ordered 3 dishes and olives and it was more than enough food. It's a bit pricey but if you feel like spending some money on a night out, this is the place to do it.
(5)
t j.

Inventive menu, nice staff. Atmosphere is cool. Sure it is a bit over-priced and crowded but a good date place.
(4)
Loop Y.

Best food in town! I wish I could eat the entire menu!! I've been three or four times now and received great service from the entire staff! Thanks for a wonderful experience!
(5)
Christine P.

Was here recently with friends for appetizers and drinks. When we arrived, we all immediately were struck by the design of the restaurant. The exposed brick and wood were nice touches, and it was a great space overall. Definitely not cramped. The service was great - our waitress was so gracious, even when our group was a little slow to get moving near the end. We split a few of the small plates (which are, as they are named, small) - the Chips & Onion dip, Corn cakes, and beef neck. The group standout was definitely the corn cakes. They were so delicious that we ordered a second round of those. The cocktails have some crazy names (e.g. 'Stalker' and 'Dr. Zaius') but don't let that deter you. I personally enjoyed the Ancient Stone!
(5)
Gabriela C.

yep. I'm obsessed. I've been here no less than 5 times (Including my birthday dinner) since my review here way back in March andddddd this spot will easily be my favorite restaurant in Boston until the end of eternity. I've seen amazing dishes come and go (RIP butternut squash salad/beef neck/fiddleheads), but I beg you A&H pleaseplease keep the Trenne Nero!!! fantastic recommendation by Seth & friends at the bar - who, btw, are doing everything right and more. now if i could just there at the right time for the burger......
(5)
Michael R.

Place has a really good vibe. Adventurous food plated to share. A great night out with friends, highly recommended.
(5)
Kevin M.

I made reservations for two for a friday night at 8:30 and was pleased to be seated right when we walked through the door. The design/atmosphere of the whole restaurant is great. It's not too overwhelming and the space is way bigger than I expected. Our waitress came over pretty quickly at first but after we ordered seemed to be a little slower/distracted. Everyone else who brought our plates to the table were very informative. We ordered two small snacks and three entree plates. The grilled cauliflower was great but the roasted yams blew it out of the water. The special of the night was deep fried pork ribs so we ordered that, chicken fried rabbit, and the crispy porkbelly. All three dishes were fantastic and seemed to be the perfect size for two to split. Our favorite was the rabbit. It was cooked perfectly crispy and the blue cheese/chili oil were perfect together. The ribs were very tender and flavorful. The pork belly was next level crispy and went well with the cold, salty grits. For dessert we ordered the parsnip cobbler. It came out in a hot pan with a scoop of ice cream right on top. It was a perfect end to our meal. I'll one hundred percent be visiting again.
(5)
ben h.

great place. Tiny piece of kobe beef. Yum. One of the best in the city.
(4)
Laura C.

Our meal at Alden & Harlow had some real high points, but it was undermined by its unevenness. The cocktails were solid -- nothing game-changing, but honestly, I'd much rather have a solid but unsurprising cocktail than a failed attempt at a game-changer. The good: The kale salad was excellent -- I would have happily had another. The pork shoulder was a little fatty, but very tasty and in a nice sauce. The not-so-great: The potatoes were well-seasoned, but uneven literally within the dish. Some of them were undercooked, some of them were overcooked. That seems like a very basic quality control issue. The grilled cauliflower had a nice peanut vinaigrette, but the cauliflower itself was incredibly underseasoned and there wasn't enough vinaigrette to compensate. It ended up being bad enough to sort of put me off cauliflower for a couple days. Also, the pricing was ... odd. $8 for a kale salad is a decent price. $15 for a small plates sized pork shoulder is a decent price. $13 for small plates sized potatoes? $12 for cauliflower, even quite a bit of it? That's ambitious.
(3)
Cristy M.

Alden and Harlow definitely "beats" other establishments in Harvard Square. This is one of the best dining experiences I've have in the Cambridge/Somerville area. If you don't have time to read my entire post, just remember this - visit ASAP. Plates are small, which means you can savor multiple and share with others. I started with the Ubiquitous Kale Salad (drooling as I remember how good it was) and the lamb (succulent and absolutely perfect). Service was excellent as well at the attention to detail. I look forward to returning again soon.
(5)
Lala I.

spacious and nice ambience. solid well executed food. service was ok and wasnt a fan of their desserts.
(4)
S. S.

I give this place a solid 3 stars. I came here on a weeknight at a geriatric hour with my very un-geriatric date.. I loved the ambience and the lighting. Great place for a romantic evening, except for the tacky neon lights. Strangely enough my date was sitting right behind the counter, wham! I wanted to walk down the room and give a little sexy walk, oh well. I later found out that my date had actually chosen that spot below the tacky neon lights. So minus points all around. Anyways, the waitress was promptly at our side,wearing a checked shirt (ugh) offering up the menus with a nice smile. We picked 5 things on the menu, and ended up ordering 4 items, dropping the rabbit fried inside the chicken. We ordered the burrata, corn pancakes, beef spiedini and the lamb ribs. The burrata itself was bland and tasteless but the accompaniments of pistachios and honey gave it a nice flavor and texture. I definitely have had a better burrata. Next came the beef. This was delicious, but did not taste like beef at all. We kept thinking it was the corn pancakes. These came along next, so I am not quite sure if the beef dish had been an accidental vegetarian corn dish passed as beef :). Nonetheless, it was the best dish of the night. Corn pancakes were a gastronomic delight...BUT... I just didn't like the weird popcorn combination. Strange addition. Some of the popcorn had melted from the heat of the plate and kind of made a weird white sauce. Aesthetically not very pleasing. The last dish was the lamb ribs. I did not care for these. The meat had been cooked too much and was tough, hard to cut through. I didn't care much for the taste. We hardly touched it. The dessert menu was quite meh. We tried some tea, which was nice. The staff was semi-attentive (water was filled only once during the entire time, date was never asked about refill of wine), Overall, I had a nice time, and we ended up hanging out for 4 hours because of the ambience and the great conversation. I would have would have expected better quality from an "upscalish" place.
(3)
John D.

The service here was great but the meal was a let-down. After reading several positive reviews, my wife and I had decent expectations. Alas, every dish we had was highly creative (and pretty) but nothing to rave about in terms of taste. We said to ourselves that it was like an episode of the iron chef, where we couldn't figure out what the secret ingredient was (but it was missing!). I would rate the food 2 stars given the high price ($9-18 per tapas-style plate and they recommend 2-3 per person). The service was really excellent (4 or 5 stars) so that's probably the saving grace. My suggestion would be to find another place in Harvard Square (there's enough good choices).
(3)
Michael S.

Great atmosphere and unique menu. We arrived at 6:00 PM looking for a seat at the bar and it was completely booked. Fortunately the wait was less than 20 minutes. We found the bartender to be very helpful w/ our selection for appetizers. Deep beer menu w some unusual choices. We decided to stay around for dessert and we were glad we did; pound cake, a lemon cream w/ blackberreis Will definitely return in the future
(4)
Josh P.

I finally made it in for dinner and I have to say I wasn't even remotely disappointed. The service, food and drinks were all on point. The waiter explained the menu very well and offered for us to pick a bunch of items and he would course them out for us. The timing and spacing of courses was perfect. I loved every dish. I think the food was a little out there for some of my colleagues dining with me, but who cares, I was in love with every bight.
(5)
Erin W.

I was incredibly excited to try Alden and Harlow, even made early reservations and sat in rush hour traffic to make sure we could secure a secret burger before they ran out. We placed our order for 2 secret burgers, onion dip, fried potatoes and 2 drinks...the burgers came out almost immediately, before we had even been served our drinks. While I can admit our drinks were amazing, bar service was consistently slow. I got a firm grasp on my perfectly messy burger and it felt like victory was coming! I had a couple bites and I was still waiting for that glorious moment. My overall opinion of the burger was this...while it was very good, it just doesn't live up to the hype. We both ordered them medium and medium-rare...what was served were two well done burgers with absolutely no pink to be seen anywhere. I'm sorry, but no matter how well everything else is executed...any well done meat is going to be lackluster. Overall, Alden & Harlow was just ok...unfortunately I didn't have an experience that lived up to its hype.
(3)
Woodward Y.

went for drinks and late night dinner... drinks are average, but I think that I should have gone with wine since their wine list which was above average... the small plates were average at best. they used too much salt to try to make their small plates taste better; the monk fish liver did not make me happy. why is this place rated so high on yelp?!? I should have gone to Noir for drinks and not listened to my gf.
(2)
Sarah L.

After hearing rave reviews for the burger, we knew we had to try out Alden and Harlow. We decided to make a reservation for our anniversary on a Saturday night, then moved the time up the day of to make sure we got to try the burger. I'm glad we did - they had sold out before 7:30! The service we received was excellent - we were seated the moment we arrived, treated with on-the-house celebratory Cava since I had mentioned our anniversary when making the reservation, and our waiter was happy all night to answer questions about the menu or the restaurant. This was absolutely the first restaurant I've ever eaten in for two hours without getting a not-so-subtle indication to free up the table for somebody else. Our waiter encouraged us to order one plate at a time (it's a tapas place, so small plates yet BIG on flavor and more filling than you'd expect) and we were really able to savor the food and enjoy our date. The drinks: unique-but-not-oddly-so cocktails were pretty tasty. Beer and wine selections were also good. The food: delicious. I wanted to eat nearly everything on the menu, but refrained largely as an excuse to go back again. Some items change weekly to feature seasonal foods, but I would highly recommend the burger, mesquite tortellini, pork belly, and corn pancakes. The burger we split (this could be a meal itself, which is good for the wallet on future occasions) and it totally lived up to the hype. The pork belly was good on its own but a masterpiece when paired with the strawberries that came on the side. The tortellini didn't look like your typical tortellini but packed a lot of flavor into each bite - garlicky, fresh, and just the right amount of cheese. Had we not eaten several plates before this came, we would have ordered another on the spot. The pancakes were served with yogurt and maple syrup smeared on the plate and grilled peppers and popcorn on top. I enjoyed these by alternating bites of sweet (with syrup and yogurt) and savory (with peppers). We also tried the grilled carrots, the grilled Haloumi cheese, and a special that night of beef heart Tartare. The carrots were tasty but overshadowed by the flavors of everything else that followed, and while the cheese was tasty there was not much on the plate. I was skeeved by the concept of the Tartare so I passed, but my husband found it...interesting. We weren't really the audience for this dish but wanted to give it a try. On other Yelpers' reviews we skipped dessert, which was fine since we were full of awesome tapas. To do this place right plan on taking your time and spending some $ but it was the perfect atmosphere for a special date. I would highly recommend!
(5)
Jay H.

Don't let the eclectic, or even strange menu put you off. This is a foodie's restaurant and a great place to get together with a lot friends to share. The plates are small and designed to share. The restaurant recommends 2-3 plates per person, but we found 1-2 per person was just fine. The lamb is to die for, and was cooked to the perfect rare temperature (a good vet could have saved the lamb). The sides and pairings are fantastic and the blending of several different cuisines really works. The wine list is small, but has several really nice medium priced wines. This place is a winner!
(4)
Linda S.

We liked 4/6 dishes we ordered.
(4)
Olivia R.

Great service, atmosphere, and food! Everything is good but nothing stands out as amazing to me. I am not a big fan of the new American scene!
(3)
Amy L.

We went here for dinner in mid-February. There had been a big storm the previous night but it was still packed (we had a reservation, luckily). The food was really great and the cocktails were interesting and delicious. We ordered one appetizer, three "main" dishes and dessert, which felt like the right amount of food. The charred broccoli was amazing. We also enjoyed the mackerel and a pasta dish. For the appetizer we had the heirloom eggs, very good. For dessert we had the smoked chocolate bread pudding. My only complaint would be that at that point I'd had a lot of smoky flavor, and probably should have ordered something else. But overall really great food!
(5)
Erica D.

Alden and Harlow... An odd name, an Interesting menu, a very cool space and really terrific people!!! The space that once was the infamous Casablanca Restaurant in the Brattle theater building. History? Oh yeah!! They did a great job creating a hip comfy big space to serve an eclectic clientele very creative food and cocktails! The huge bar turns out incredibly innovative libations to keep you sipping in style. Try The Stalker, Ancient Stone or the Green Smoke all soooo good. We have been many times now and have had fun tasting all the small plates. It's easy to over do it so come with friends. With offerings like, pickled corn pancakes with maple yogurt and shoshito peppers and popcorn garnish (oh yum), the cocoa nib crusted lamb with carrot mash and fennel salad ( like Thanxgvng) and the buratta with roasted beats ( heaven) it's a treat for the taste buds!! Oh the kale salad, eggs with white anchovies and the "carbonara" also Rock my world!! Can be sensory overload since it is all a bit complicated but it works it seriously works. Strange combos equals= Mmmmmm. Go! Indulge! Be adventurous and enjoy. Make a rezee since it is busy ALL THE TIME For good reason! And park in lot on church st. or Uber it! Parking on HSq stinks.
(5)
Jane N.

Great tapas style food with the right amount of spices. It's really hard to find a restaurant in Boston that doesn't put too much salt or sugar. Th dishes have very subtle flavor of spices that I can't tell. But they make the taste and dining experience interesting. So if you love good creative food with less salt or sugar, this is the place!
(5)
jon g.

Amazing eats! Everything from the tuna belly to the deconstructed strawberry cheesecake and the delicious cocktails was spot on ! Highly recommended
(4)
Teri C.

Amazing mixed drinks...helpful and friendly bartenders. Its a little on the pricey side but SO worth it!
(5)
Mike B.

I may be alone in this but I thought it was awful. My drink was weak and our food was mediocre at best. Seemed like a place adding fancy words to a menu and referencing farms to add a few bucks to a menu that isn't good to begin with. Good beer selection though. Stay away from the tuna
(1)
Doug L.

What a fun place to have amazing Tappas! It's a large place and very busy, I'm sure you'll need a reservation. The food is fabulous, what a great evening.
(5)
Judy C.

We were a party of six with 8:30 reservations. Ambience in the back was minimalist and acoustics were terrible. This place is the height of pretense. They were out of several items and it was still early in the evening. Everything was heavily salted and pickled. Nothing was memorable except for kale salad which was excellent. Overpriced and overrated. Highly disappointed.
(2)
Dan K.

I ate here as part of a small corporate function. Service was attentive, albeit with a bit of nervous energy. I anticipate this was a function of our special circumstances and the overall newness. As for the food, overall it was creative, well-executed, and memorable. The pork belly was impeccable; the skin was perfectly, thickly crispy without being tough. The meat was tender and satisfyingly unctuous, with an appropriate layer of fat. The seared base of the meat was a welcome surprise. This sat atop "grits" which were somewhere between traditional grits and a corn puree. They were wonderfully creamy with concentrated corn flavor and al-dente bits of rehydrated corn. The kumquats were roasted/grilled and added a welcome brightness to the other components. The sauce was savory expressing depth of stock and a few notes of spice. Overall, it was the best pork belly I have had enjoyed. For dessert I had the smoked chocolate bread pudding. The scent of a campfire hit me as soon as it was presented. The pudding was hearty without being stodgy. The smoke flavor was very pronounced, which I didn't mind, but could easily be too much for some. The salt ice cream, though, was incidental against the bold flavors of the bread pudding, notable only for its contrast in temperature. There were many other things on the menu that I plan to go back and try soon. Not to mention the cocktails!
(5)
Amelia D.

Got a gift certificate here for Xmas and was excited to try it. In short, it was quite good. The tiki something or other cocktail is phenomenal. The small plates are delicious. First we had the chicken fried rabbit which was perfectly fried. Next the salmon belly. I typically don't even like fish but this was so good. Next was the clams with pig tail. This came in an amazing lemony sauce. SO GOOD! Possibly best dish we had. Next came the only plate that let me down: the bone marrow croquettas. I thought they were fairly bland and not special as I had anticipated. But hey we still had one dish to go! Last came the beef turnitos or something like that. These came on a skewer and were so perfectly seasoned it was like heaven in my mouth. I can't wait to go back to have more of those beef things, and to try the other cool stuff on the menu. I doubt you could go wrong! Oh and the service was very good. Two thumbs up all around!
(5)
Jess H.

Great dining experience: food, drink, and ambience are all on point. The cocktails are unique and well-crafted, and the food is truly special. I love that they are willing to experiment with different flavors and preparations, and things definitely stand up to the prices given the quality and uniqueness of the food. Ordering a bunch of dishes to share is perfect, as this is a place to explore the different options on the menu. There are definitely options both for adventurous and less adventurous eaters, but if I feel like the menu rewards the adventurous eaters. Having come here a few times with groups, I feel like I have sampled nearly everything on the menu--and have yet to find something I didn't like.
(5)
Mariam C.

Had beef neck, pork belly, bass and haloumi. Delicious! Great ambience for group of friends or bar scene. Love this place. Oh gotta run bread pudding for dessert. Wait that was disappointing :(
(5)
s b.

We ordered twelve dishes and two desserts and most were very good, but too many were so incredibly salty especially the Carbonara which the server recommended. The overly deconstructed cheese cake tasted good, but was sort of a ridiculous desert offering. It looked like someone smeared cream cheese on a plate and sprinkled crumbs on top. Not a bad place but not my favorite either.
(3)
Andres P.

The playlist is as excellent as the food. And the food is excellent. We came for brunch and liked the kale toast and the pickled corn pancakes. Although the server walked by with a burger and it looked super tasty as well. Definitely coming back for more soon!
(5)
Yi L.

Serving sizes are small except for very few dishes. I ordered rabbit stew, only to find it bloody too salty. I could hardly bear it and wished dessert could give some remedy to my tongue. And I was disappointed. The cheesecake was also salty!
(1)
Nat G.

Six hits and one swing-and-miss: a Chicken Fried Rabbit ground-medallion had a perfect, no-grease buttermilk batter and a piquant, nuanced sauce of celery, apple and blue cheese. Corn Pancakes with buttermilk sauce and popcorn was silky perfection. The signature "Secret" Burger was medium yet juicy with an appropriately tangy slaw on a brioche-like bun. The opening laginappe was pickled, yet firm, green beans that served well to get you excited; yet eat too many and that palate may get too jaded. The delicious Chocolate Terrine was very well balanced among semi-bitter chocolate, semi-bitter orange marmalade, and a sweetish Italian meringue. A nice find was the Slovenian Verus Furmint. But----the unexpected disappointment was the potentially special Charred Broccoli that was spoiled by excessive salt, marring the nicely charred broccoli dipping into an inventive butternut squash hummus. Chef Scelfo needs to get his nuance back. Service (Diana et al) was friendly and efficient.
(4)
Kelly B.

Very good overall. So completely disappointed that at 5:30 they had sold out of the burger! We were coming in for an early dinner with our 9 and 13yr boys and had sent an email prior to coming in begging to "reserve 2 burgers" knowing that was probably the best option for my younger more fussy eater. Wish they had some kids plates like Kirkland and Steel & Rye. The broccoli was by far one of the greatest dishes I have ever tasted, as was the octopus. The porkbelly, rabbit and steak were ok, probably wouldn't order next time. Service was very good, waitresses expedited our order so we could make it to Symphony Hall on time. As bummed as I was to have missed the burger, walking out Chef looked me in the eye and gave a warm genuine small and all was forgiven...... Just a suggestion, if the burger is on the daily menue and you know you sell out, couldn't you just order more burgers? This secret sellout burger business just feels cheesy to me.
(4)
joge T.

"Bon Appetit's restaurant and drinks editor, Andrew Knowlton, scoured the country to compile a list of 50 nominees for 2014's "The Hot 10: America's Best New Restaurants," and four of the chosen restaurants are located in the Boston area. Cambridge's Alden & Harlow, Brookline's Ribelle, Fort Point's Row 34, and Somerville's Sarma are among the group Knowlton will choose his final 10 favorites from." Alden & Harlow, 40 brattle st, cambridge, near Harvard Square When I read the article in Boston.com's dining section, I was eager to try this restaurant. My friend and I made reservations for thursday evening in August. We were seated immediately in a corner table in a quiet location. The atmosphere is noisy and lighting dim; neon lights illuminated our space. Although it is a cavernous space, the restaurant was already filled to capacity at 7:30; both bars were packed with revelers, and most of the tables occupied. Chef Michael Scelfo prepares small plates large enough for sharing and focuses on bold flavors and likes to contrast textures and flavors. After perusing the extensive menu, my friend and I selected the following dishes: GRILLED CAULIFLOWER* Charred Radish & Miso Butter, Peanut Vinaigrette - 12 GRILLED LOCAL BLUEFISH*Celery Root Remoulade, Pickled Garlic Scapes - 16 CRISPY BERKSHIRE PORK BELLYRoasted Harry's Strawberries, Anson Mills Grits - 15 SEARED JAPANESE EGGPLANT, Sheep's Milk Cheese, Crispy Fregola & Garlic, Basil - 13 I think it is gratifying that the young chefs of today are willing to elevate vegetables to a high level. Remember the days of creamed spinach and over-cooked peas? The cauliflower dish is memorable. Grilled and charred to caramelize the flavor of a usually bland vegetable; roasted to perfection, accompanied by smears of miso butter, and crunchy peanuts. Highly flavorful! Equally tasty was the Japanese eggplant; a distant cousin to the giant specie used in European cuisine; grilled and charred, with a sweeter taste, when smeared into the milky cheese, and little crunchy bites of the fried Fregola; it was heavenly! My Pork belly was a contrast in textures. The skin was crispy and brown, but a forkful of pork yielded a soft unctuous center. Accompanied by creamy grits; Absolutely masterful! I tasted my friend's bluefish, grilled and not over-cooked. The fish tasted fresh and sweet. The Celery root was crunchy and distinctively anise-like in flavor; a good choice in contrast. And the pickled garlic scapes were spicy and added a touch of green. For dessert we shared a fruit trifle. It was decent but not spectacular. The atmosphere can be noisey, so be sure to ask for a table away from the bars, if conversation is important to you. Service is professional, our waitress seem knowledgeable and answered all our questions. My only complaint would be the lack of a good artisanal bread to accompany such fabulous food, The bread served was flat and tasteless. ~Tiaotse~
(4)
Robert D.

This place was good but thought it would be a lot better food was salty, drinks and bartender were fantastic. I sat at bar with wife till my friends arrived and we got a little peep show of the men's room haha didnt notice till my wife told me when I came back that everyone can see me going the bathroom I didnt mind just glad I didn't drop my pants haha. Company arrived so we sat and ate . Favorite was the rabbit and burger was good just way to much salt I had to drink 2 cups of water after., the onion dip was not as good as I hoped the fresh pasta dish was really good thou, I would go here again as long as they fix the heavy hander on the salt and the music goes down a notch and lights up a little bit . A tad to dark to read menus and see ur food especially if u take so much time and put so much passion into plating.
(4)
Carly S.

Came here specifically for the burger....but they were out of it which really put a damper on the night. I ended up getting the carbonara and the crostini. Carbonara was NOT good... The noodles were far too al dente and it kind of tasted fishy even though there was no fish in the dish. The "crostini" was pretty much a piece of bread with cole slaw on it. We also got the pancetta which really ended up being peaches with some bacon bits. On a good note, cocktails were good and beer selection was wide. Overall completely unimpressed, the only reason I will be returning is to try the burger and another cocktail.
(2)
David D.

Very good food. Very unique flavors. We had the octopus, lamb ribs, cauliflower, clams, and spiedini. All were very good. The service was also good. Only drawbacks were small tables and faux Brooklyn feel. This is Boston.
(5)
AB H.

Trip number two! This time I started the night with a Northeast Kingdom cocktail; - gin, mulled wine, lemon, etc. It was smooth and delicious. I tasted my friend's Moonlight cocktail - vodka, allspice dram, ginger, which was also excellent. The bar continues to create great mixed drinks! We had 10 plates between the 4 of us, and we were stuffed! Some portions were huge, like the smoked lamb belly ribs, which were awesome - sweet, crispy, fatty goodness. We had a bunch of solid dishes: the burger and the pork belly with apples (though I didn't think the pork belly was as good as it was in October). We had some great dishes: the corn pancakes served with maple syrup and popcorn (OMG so good), the fried brussels sprouts, and the kale salad. Then some not so great ones. Everyone at the table agreed the chilled poached chicken salad was a fail - sort of clammy and bland. The burrata wasn't as good as last time. Winter finds it served with sunchokes and prunes. I found the 'crust' a bit chewy, the flavors not as exciting. The bone marrow croquetta were not what I expected. They were just little friend things; the bone marrow was completely lost. We also had the rabbit stew. The rabbit meat was delicious - tender and well flavored, but the buttermilk dumplings were too heavy/solid, kinda like a matza ball. So 6 out of 10 were good, and a few were sort of boring. Alden and Harlow continues to be a (expensive) fun experience. I liked going with 4 people as you get to taste so much more. I can imagine wanting to come back in the spring and see what the new season brings to the menu.
(4)
Graham H.

Favorite Boston restaurant. Great shared plates, good wine and beer selection, good service. Will definitely go back.
(5)
B D.

Loved every morsel. Lamb ribs, kale, bok choy w/runny egg, parsnip root, baked apple in a glass w/olive oil cake, bluefish, crispy skate. Service was impeccable food outstanding. Relaxed, warm and happy restaurant.
(5)
Floran F.

Nice ambience, but overrated in my opinion. Food is not all that great and prices are a bit ridiculous...I would say it's like 20% more expensive than it's actually worth. Lots of great places nearby that a more worth checking out.
(3)
Hannah G.

This restaurant is great! Wonderful staff, atmosphere and of course food. We walked in without a reservation on Valentine's Day and were sat at the chefs table with no problem. The staff was so attentive and the food was amazing. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Tom P.

Honestly this place just isn't that good. My wife and I went for Valentines Day and we were both disappointed. We started off with the chicken hearts that were so salty. Next we had the foie gras toast which is actually good but it comes with one piece of toast cut into two. Next we tried the rabbit that had a terrible after taste and badly needed a sauce. Then we had the grilled octopus that was just not cooked properly. Very chewy and bland. Finally we shared the lamb neck which was all fat and completely over-salted and not editable. I. am still thirsty and drinking water as I write this. We didn't even bother to try the dessert. I have it two stars because the staff was good and the inside is very nice and big.
(2)
J W.

Great food but slow with the drinks. Can't understand when restaurants don't leverage making money on cocktails
(4)
Debra R.

We had 8 dishes as a group and they we're all delicious, unique, beautifully presented, and nicely timed. Cocktails were fantastic as well. Attentive staff and lovely setting. A unique find - fresh local food with lots of flavor and creative preparation.
(5)
Adrienne D.

We went there on Sunday and had great expectations. I read about it in a magazine and based on the reviews in Yelp I thought it seems to be a very good place. When we entered the restaurant we both were impressed with the interior. They really made a good choice and we would have not expected such a place in that corner of Cambridge. Also the service was good. We did not have to wait long. Waiter was on top of thing. But the food, such a disappointment. It sounded so delicious and mouth watering. It even looked good. But no taste. Nothing. Totally bland. Again big disappointment.
(1)
Elisa C.

Stopped by for drinks and appetizers with a couple friends and was quite pleased -- enjoyed the burrata cheese with peas and radish, the corn pancakes (quite fun with popcorn and caramel on top!), and the kale salad (lightly dressed and yummy). I see what others have said about a number of dishes being rather salty, but they were still quite good. All 3 drinks were quite tasty too -- I had the Dr. Zaius with half the rum (Asian lightweight that I am, just a single ounce of rum apparently hit me hard!), and thought it was delicious. It's a bit dark (and I miss the old Casablanca murals), but I could see going back there again for the inventive and tasty food & drink. Won't give a 5th star, though, because it seemed pricey -- for the three of us (getting one "small plate" and cocktail each), the total bill came to $75... $90 once we put in the usual 20% tip. (I've also seen other places take a couple dollars off a drink price when I've asked them to halve the alcohol content, but I this isn't as much an issue).
(4)
Alexandra A.

Great place to have dinner with friends. Waitstaff recommends three dishes per person, I would say that is far too much. We ordered 2 dishes per person and had plenty of food. Order: Grilled carrots ( I hate carrots, and these are amazing) Ubiquitous kale salad ( one of the best) Corn pancakes ( surprisingly one of the best) Secret burger Lamb sirloin (mouth watering) New York strip (always comes out a little more rare than requested - seasoned to perfection) Skip: Mussels (fairly dry, and on a crostini) Oyster gratin ( too heavy / fatty) Cauliflower caponata Smoked chocolate bread pudding (dry, terrible) *skate crudo was the market crudo and was fantastic
(4)
Larry G.

Had dinner there last week with work colleagues and was blown away by the secret burger, so I went again today. Everything was wonderful. We had another secret burger (still fantastic), the kale salad, the tortellini, and delicious pancakes with popcorn topping, which would have made a great dessert. The service was very attentive and professional. It was a wonderful dining experience all around.
(5)
A T.

Food is creative and good. I like to sit at the bar to eat, it's much more interesting especially if you manage to get one of the better bartenders, A slightly snooty atmosphere in the front of the house, This place located in down to earth Cambridge so there's no need to be so pretentious.
(4)
Jon F.

Delicious small plates in a deceptively large space. The dishes are all a little bit quirky: the pancake cone with popcorn, picked green beans are served instead of bread, and the kale salad is served with a deliciously sweet dressing with pistachios. A good place to experiment with new foods and drinks, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a new and different restaurant experience.
(4)
Cait M.

Great food, really helpful and friendly waitstaff, excellent bartender. Get the corn cakes. You won't be sorry.
(4)
Dawn P.

I appreciate that they have so many wonderful offerings that don't feature meat! Our group ordered just about one of everything. Butternut squash salad is fantastic, though every dish was delicious! Overall, great setting, experience, and small plates.
(5)
Douglas G.

Been for a private event and a dinner with friends and enjoyed it very much. The pork belly is insane in the brain. Good cocktails and lively atmosphere. If you were ever at Casablanca, you won't even recognize it all, it is a complete rehab and has nothing in common with its predecessor.
(5)
Alice W.

Nice modern, inviting atmosphere and attentive service. The plates are a bit bigger than a tapas, thus ordering 1-2 items per person and sharing them among a group in order to be able to try many different menu items is ideal. They have a fair amount of vegetarian and meat items on the menu, so vegetarians and omnivores can both rejoice! My party ordered the seared Japanese eggplant, ubiquitous kale salad, pistachio crusted halloumi, chicken fried rabbit, oil cured tuna belly, and the off the menu secret, secret burger. The food came out quickly and the presentation of all of the plates was fantastic. The eggplant was nicely seared but its taste didn't stand out. The kale salad was one of the best I've had and the creamy pistachio dressing knocked it out of the ballpark. The halloumi had great texture and if you like mozzarella, you will likely like the halloumi, too. The chicken fried rabbit breaded in panko was delicious, and it was a refreshing and creative take on chicken fried steak. I expected the oil cured tuna belly to be very tender like fine sashimi, but it was very tough and chewy. The seared top side of the oil cured tuna belly was good, but once you reached the bottom unseared side it was nearly impossible to chew and eat. The off the menu, secret, secret burger had tons of ingredients that our server named off but after awhile I lost count of what exactly was in it. The burger patty was tender and had a smoky flavor and the bun was fluffy. All the other ingredients between the patty and bun made the burger tasty, but it was not the most amazing burger I have ever tasted. To summarize, the plates I enjoyed the most during this visit were the ubiquitous kale salad with creamy pistachio and chicken fried rabbit. I would love to come back and try other items.
(4)
Margot H.

Bottom line: don't get over excited. A lot of rave reviews for this place have popped up on Yelp since it opened, but unfortunately I think that is more reflective of the fact that Harvard Square has very few hip restaurants than it is of Alden and Harlow's actual merits. The meal overall (shared with three other people, 9 dishes ordered) was pretty hit or miss. Most dishes had small portions and high prices, so the misses were pretty disappointing. Things we liked: clams, chicken fried rabbit (though super small), chips and onion dip, the burger. Things we didn't like: the pickled green beans they bring instead of bread (super bland, not a promising beginning), the hilariously small kale salad, the mesquite tortellini (oddly dry), the smoked chocolate bread pudding (frankly, disgusting -- don't order unless you want to smell and taste smoke for the next few hours). Combine that up and down meal with small wine pours and a large bill, and the overall experience is just not worth what you're paying for it. I'd recommend sitting at the bar and getting a couple of the best dishes or a burger, but I won't be back for a full meal.
(3)
sara m.

Awesome craft cocktails with house made whatever. I had the mezcal one, flawless. Perfect backpack hip hop overhead. Industrial chic dark cozy basement. Small and medium sized plates. I'd say if you're a big eater get 1 app, 1 entree per person. I'm a medium sized eater so sharing 1 app, 1 dessert, and each our own entree was perfect. Seafood dishes left us with no complaints. Gratin showed off the sweetness of the leeks and oysters. Smoked bread pudding and salt ice cream was INSANE! This is what I thought Russell House was going to be. Good job so far guys.
(5)
Anthony C.

This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in the entire boston area. Unique, delicious foods and an incredibly diverse menu.
(5)
A M.

Lovely decor, beautiful bar, very attentive knowledgeable waitress. We ordered 7 dishes to share among 4 people. The burger was unavailable (at 7PM). All the dishes were overly salted. The swordfish belly had virtually no meat. The lamb was fatty. Overall, the food was poor.
(2)
Eve S.

I've read all the recent reviews. This is a hipster hell hole, and all these places try too hard with the menu. Lamb neck? Thanks, you've just turned my stomach before I've even looked at your menu. Encouraged to get several plates because it is Tapas style, we ordered the kale salad and charred broccoli. The portions were much larger than tapas, and they were both very good. However, be forewarned its enough for 4. Then my swordfish arrived. 2-3 cubes of fish on a wood skewer on top of, I don't know what because it was like leaves that are uncovered after a winter of snowfall. Bok choy kim chi, but it tasted like asphalt. I had to spit it out at table. The texture was a horrible mush and hey, what is with all the pickles in this place? UGH!!!! This is NOT food. Go to Italy, learn how to serves something simple and honestly, or to Tunisia for complex spices that are heavenly. This place reminds me of the Emperor's New Clothes.....I should have known to just get up and leave the moment I saw foie gras printed on the menu. That some poor goose was tormented for your vanity and stinking mush, its unbearable.
(1)
Leah K.

Holy, wow. I'm hesitant to write about how great this place is only because it will become impossible to get a reservation. But alas. I can't keep it to myself. I went to Alden & Harlow last night on a last minute date with my girlfriend. I was instantly super into the decor and feel of the place -- appropriately lit, hip yet rustic furniture, the trendy exposed bulb lights - you know what i'm saying? The servers also had on very cool, rugged denim aprons that i'm pretty certain cost a fortune but add a nice touch. Our server was lovely, patient, and knowledgeable. We felt she paid just the right amount of attention and anticipated refills quite nicely. Now onto the food! We ordered: - the "ubiquitous kale salad" -- whoa. yum. we make kale all the time and appreciate its growing popularity on menus. the fennel and creamy pistachio were excellent additions to the plate. i would definitely order this again. - grilled cauliflower caponata -- delicious! the bread that came with was larger than i anticipated which was exciting because it was really tasty. the caponata was salty and sweet - i think raisins were involved - which i love. - washing state mushrooms and the 60 degree egg -- hold.the.phone. who knew there was such a thing as a 60 degree egg? not this kid. thankfully, i know now. The runny, gooey egg was perfect with the salty mushrooms and crunch of the pine nut crumble. - salt cod & turnip brandade -- i was hesitant about this dish but it proved to be very good. the cod was served hot in a small ramekin type dish and we scooped it onto the large crackers that came with. very good, but not my most favorite of the night. -- pickled corn cakes -- really good!! but felt more like a brunch item to me. it was nice to have some sweetness with the saltiness of the rest of the dishes, but i would rather eat this dish on a sunday morning. the cocktails were also inventive and flavorful! i enjoyed 2 catanias and my girlfriend loved the bell tower. We will most definitely return.
(5)
Colleen H.

This is a great not-so-little spot! It's across from the tannery downstairs next to the theater, and really surprising in size. I think they did a really great job with the interior, and laid out some interesting zones for the diners. There's a green wall area in the front behind the host stand that seems to be best for a quiet romantic evening, a big wrap around bar in the center that has views into the kitchen, and a cafeteria big open dining area that's loud and buzzing on the other side. The cocktails were good, we tried three different kinds. They don't exactly blow you away like some of the other cocktail bars in the area, but they're good. We had stopped in to grab a quick bite before a show at the Sinclair, and just wanted to try a bunch of things. After my bf had a conversation with the bartender about his favs, we ordered the cauliflower (to die for), the mussels (surprisingly de-shelled and piled up on one crostini - flavorful, but not what we were hoping for), the burger (amazing flavors with delicious homemade chips. Just suffered from a soggy bottom bun) and the parsnip dessert with ginger ice cream (mind blowing. no guilt, because it's a veggie right?) The staff here were all incredibly friendly - we'll definitely be back!
(4)
Jeremy W.

Awesome place! I came here with three other people and we all got the secret burger! It was AMAZING. What really makes the burger is the fried parmesian crusted cheese that sits between the bun and the patty itself. There is also a special sauce that I can't quite put my finger on, but all the flavors and textures work extremely well together. I would definitely get the burger again, but there are so many other things on the menu that look delicious. I'll have to come back and try everything else!
(4)
Ann G.

Finally a small plates concept where small doesn't mean teeny tiny. We ordered 6 plates for 2 people and were really stuffed, unfortunately leaving no room to try dessert. When I go back I will cut out one plate and leave room for the finale. Enjoyed everything. 1. Charred broccoli -- perhaps a touch too charred and a little too much sugar in the pureed squash, but a delicious combo with a little spice and a great start to the meal. 2. Japanese eggplant -- not what I was suspecting, but very good. Not greasy the way eggplant often is. There was something too crunchy in the dish, but the flavor was excellent. 3. Rabbit -- I don't normally enjoy things that are fried/breaded, but I was intrigued and like rabbit in general, so.... All of the flavors (with the apple and blue cheese) blended well together and the texture all worked. 4. Carbonara -- Although just a touch too salty, the bigoli (pasta) were cooked to an al dente perfection, with a delicious sauce and the egg on top being the piece de resistance. 5. Pork belly with grits -- Again, a terrific combo of things. They switch this up seasonally, and though I like strawberries I like peaches even more, and that was the accompanying fruit on the night we ate. Textures and flavors all well combined. 6. Sweet corn gnocchi -- Gnocchi is a dish I always order with trepidation (having been raised on my nonna's exquisite homemade stuff), but happy I took the plunge here. Perhaps again just a bit too much sugar, but wisely this was served to us last and so it was almost like a dessert. Great texture (the downfall of so much gnocchi) Sometimes restaurants try too hard to do too much and er by adding one ingredient too many, but not the case here as each ingredient had its proper place in these dishes. The service was excellent, from the water guy to our primary server. A lot of restaurants are doing this Euro-ice free water nonsense these days, but I am the ugly American who wants more ice than liquid, but they gladly indulged by needs and even brought my ice refills without my having to request them. We mentioned to our server that it was our lucky #13 anniversary but that we weren't drinking b/c we had over indulged at a wedding a couple of days before -- he brought us some delicious, complimentary mocktails which were such a lovely surprise! It was a terrific accompaniment to a wonderful anniversary dinner. I am anxiously anticipating a return in about a month when they start serving fall foods. I'd love to see what they do with some mushrooms! Reasonable prices for what you get, too!
(5)
R S.

wonderful interior space. great bar. tapas style plates - which in my opinion means good food but always a touch overpriced. of the four dishes we had, two were 9/10, two 7.5/10. Scallop crudo and striped bass were excellent. tortellini something or other was ok but salty. the oyster dish was interesting and yummy but again not really outstanding . service was extremely good. a good date place and the best overall vibe of any young-feeling spot in Harvard square. still, just going on the food - there are better restaurants in the area to drop aprox. $130 on two people including tax tip a bottle of ~$40 wine and coffees. perhaps the food will become even more consistent and I can bump it to 4.5 stars. it did just open.
(4)
Sofia T.

Horrible service. One waiter took the plate from right in front of me when it was still half full. Another waiter kept pushing us to finish and pay. Food was good, but couldn't recommend to anyone, the service was worse than a cheap burger joint.
(1)
Ozge A.

We recently found out about Alden & Harlow which is an American Tapas restaurant. First we got Chicken Fried Local Rabbit which didn't have a rabbit taste too much but was ok. We got Skate Cheeks which was very interesting, sour and bitter at the same time. Pan Roasted Clams were good with the pig's tail and parsley flavor. We finally got the Chili & Honey Glazed Octopus which was really good to. I wasn't blown away with the taste and flavors but they have nice options if you're into trying something interesting and new. They are very nice to offer you to order either one by one or altogether and they don't rush you at all. We got the bread pudding at the end which was a bit too smoked for my taste. Might go back.
(3)
Julia V.

With all the buzz surrounding A & H, my expectations were high. But alas, I was disappointed. My fiancÃ© and I came in on a whim on a Saturday without reservations. We were content sitting at the bar, as there were no available tables. The interior is well decorated and quite cozy. The greenhouse area is quite nice and unexpected in a very good way. It is rather dark, they could possibly turn the dimmer switch up a few notches. We sat at the large bar area comfortably and were greeted by personable and attentive bartenders. We ordered the chips and onion dip to start, which weren't too memorable and probably a bit too salty. They also served pickled green beans which were a refreshing bread substitute. I ordered the secret burger, while my fiancÃ© opted for the pork. The burger was tasty, the charred (almost burnt) bun was delightful in both taste and texture. When I see secret, limited availability (which is a great marketing tactic) I think interesting. However, the flavors seemed quite traditional. Cheese, possible a Thousand Island type sauce. Again, pretty salty and more chips with the burger, like a lot more. My fiancÃ©'s portion of pork was laughable when considering the price tag. I had to give him half of my burger. On a completely positive note, I had the most delicious cocktail the bartender concocted after I requested a drink using St. Germain and Gin. A big old "meh" sums up our experience. But, I'd definitely head back for a cocktail.
(3)
Ben J.

Stupidly good.
(5)
Melissa O.

Apothecary of spices meets ordinary food. Im not the type to say OMG, but OMG! The food is sooo different and so delicious! It will blow your mind.
(5)
Jessica T.

Expected to like it more than I actually did... somewhat mediocre. Brunch menu was interesting, but sounded better than it was. Had the Secret Burger (too rich), corn pancakes (good), pig scrapple (had better) & shishito peppers (good, but unoriginal)... The menu looked better for dinner, so that might be a better bet!
(3)
Mo M.

Excellent execution of food and service. I've been here twice and both times the food was mouth watering and exceptional. I am also an enormous fan of the hip hop play list. Looking forward to more dining experiences at A & H. Bravo.
(5)
M F.

The three stars are for the service and the bar. Solid, friendly and efficient. If I was rating the food, I would have gone for the 2 star. The portions were small, expensive and way too fatty. The food did not agree with me. We tried the lamb, clams, pork , and rabbit. Wish I ordered the kale salad.
(3)
Juliet T.

Amazing and inventive cuisine + knowledgable/love staff + an trendy/tasteful atmosphere = this place should be at the top of your restaurants to try list
(5)
Sara J.

Walk in and be charmed by the staff and great decor--Rustic subway station meets farmhouse. Our waiter Jonathan set the stage for a fun, delicious evening. He was informative and knew the menu and beverages as if he'd created them himself--and made good recommendations. My gin cocktail was fresh and balanced, and our whole table loved the wine and all the cocktails (we tried 4). We were encouraged to order the secret burger before they sold out. Glad we ordered two for our party of four. The tender burger (still a mystery) included a brioche bun and a thin, crispy layer of Parmesan. Our little plates each outdid one another. The roasted cauliflower with peanut and siraccha sauce was incredible, as were the fried pork rinds and lonza, pine nuts and cherries. And holy Johnny cakes...the sweet, savory and spicy cakes were to die for. Burrata did not disappoint either. Prawns were delicate and rich. Gnocchi very dense (how I like them). Skip the pork belly. The deconstructed cheesecake with chunks of chocolate was a surprise hit.
(5)
Linh V.

Went here for a special birthday dinner. Someone had mentioned that nothing on the menu is over $20--that's because they expect you to order tapas style. 5 plates for two people. Nothing was good. The special burger, which is actually a normal sized portion, tastes like a McDonald's Big Mac...a very expensive Big Mac. Totally disappointed.
(1)
kim l.

This place is the real deal. The food was unique, creative, and delicious (like Ribelle). They call plates tapas, but they are much larger than tapas (which they should be for an average of $17). The only downside was our waitress was snarky, which we didn't appreciate. And she told us to order 10 plates for 4 people. We ordered 8 items and it was too much food. Hopefully when we go back we'll have a less rude waitress and then I'd give Alden & Harlow five stars.
(4)
Tara T.

Delicious tapas-style dishes in the heart of Harvard Square, this hidden gem serves up great bite-sized dishes in an intimate, quiet basement in Brattle Street. We ordered 5 dishes and one dessert between two, which was plenty. The ribs were awesome, as well as the crudo (delicious, fresh, citrusy scallops), as well as the wild mushroom dish topped with a soft boiled egg. It wasn't as mind-blowing as I thought it would be, but worth a visit nonetheless. Oh, and listen to the reviews, skip the dessert. We had the smoky chocolate bread pudding, which looked stunning in photos but was really rather meh in real life. Definitely wasn't worth the $9, and left us on a down note after an otherwise enjoyable meal. Service was warm and friendly.
(4)
Tanya A.

Definitely a nice place to have dinner-- especially for a group of friends or a second or third date. The food is sophisticated and tasty, it encourages sharing, and it's just interesting enough to be a topic of conversation if you can't think of anything else. ;) My one gripe with the atmosphere is that the wood smoke, while pleasant at first, quickly becomes cloying. I don't know if it was just that we were seated near the kitchen, but the smell of smoke in the air was over the top. On to the food! There were two of us and we ordered a total of five dishes plus dessert, which was just enough to make us comfortably full but not overstuffed. First up was corn cakes with popcorn and maple syrup-- very nice, and the popcorn was a fun touch. I'm going to try replicating it at home, it's a great way to start a meal! Chicken fried rabbit was fine, nothing special. Good texture and crunch on the outside, but the blue cheese was a bit much for me. Crispy pork belly had its ups and downs. The crispy part was great-- but there was a big fatty chunk that was basically inedible. I know pork belly always has serious fat, but I prefer it cooked so that the fat is less fluffy-squishy and has a little more of a bite to it. The grits that accompanied it were really great, though. Skate cheeks with kumquats and hazelnuts were excellent-- the kumquats were the perfect touch of acidity, though the hazelnuts could've been chopped a bit more to avoid a mouthful of nut. I honestly can't remember what the last dish we got was, to my dismay. Something meaty, but it's lost to memory... sad. I remember it was good, though. We got the chocolate bread pudding with salt ice cream for dessert, and it was good. The smoky/salty flavors were really interesting, and though I wouldn't eat it every night I certainly wouldn't mind having it another time. Nice rich chocolate flavor, and the ice cream kept it from being cloying.
(4)
Yoav P.

We didn't order a table so had to wait, but defenitly was worth it! Every single dish was sophisticated yet delicious.
(5)
Vanessa H.

I LOVED LOVED LOVED this restaurant. Its a great open space, a little loud, but not too bad. nice seating and what a GREAT menu! I originally went for their secret burger but they were out by the time we got there. So we had the rabbit and the grilled bluefish and we were not disappointed! The dishes are on the smaller side so me and my date got three dishes and shared them all. And it was spectacular! The waiters were beyond helpful and explained each dish as they brought it. Really a must see and I will definitely be back!!
(5)
Susan B.

I love Alden & Harlow and will keep going back. The food is creative and delicious, the atmosphere sleek, and I, for one, love the shared style of dining. What I don't like is being asked if I've been there before (why does that matter? I have dined out before.) and being told to order 2 to 3 dishes per person. I can decide how much food to order on my own and if I have questions about the menu I will ask. Generally, I have found 1.5 dishes is about right, but that's just me. Aside from that annoying welcome, the place is great and I would highly recommend it!
(5)
Derek A.

Had a flight to catch and was running short on time but our waiter did a great job of getting us out in plenty of time! Also, we had 6 dishes (hummus, mussels, pork loin, rabbit, gnocchi and blue fish) and they were all delicious!
(5)
Adrienne D.

Great restaurant! I loved the seasonal menu (order the pumpkin salad!) and they were very accommodating for gluten free issues.
(5)
Elizabeth M.

This place is over priced and extremely pretentious. We went here to celebrate my uncle winning an award at Harvard. There was a group of 10 of us... half of us were over 60 years old. Without any reason or warrant, the bartender shut off the entire group at midnight. No one broke a glass. No one fell. No one puked. No one got in a fight. For no reason, we were shut off. On some weird moral high ground or pretense, the bartender with bushy sideburns cut us off. Never in my life have I been treated with such distain. I will never go here again. I will also be telling any and everyone who will listen to never go here again.
(1)
Garrett L.

Was very excited to try this place as Casablanca was my favorite. Had 5 dishes on first visit yesterday. 4 were SO salty that you couldn't taste the food. With so many better options nearby, we will probably never return.
(2)
RM J.

A little better than just ok. If you are in Harvard Square then fine but no need for a special trip - lots of slight above avg. experiences can be had.
(3)
Eliza W.

Oh man this place was SO GOOD. I had a friend coming into town and thought we and our significant others could try this place out. We ended up being about 15 minutes late and I called at our reservation time to say we were delayed. They were really understanding and nice, and when we arrived we were seated right away with no trouble. The food took a while to come out at first, but once it did it kept coming. The beers took a little bit to come back, also, but we had a couple servers that would swing by our table and take our order regularly so I think it was just a busy night. The food was amazing. I'm a super picky, unadventurous eater. My friend hates any pork and also has an aversion to a lot of condiments and sauces. However, we were both crazy about the food and only had one dish we weren't crazy about out of ten. Our SOs are dumpsters so they loved everything. I noticed a few people mentioned the music being loud, but it wasn't this time. Maybe the company heeded the reviews, maybe we were seated further away from the speakers, but my friends didn't even notice there was music until I mentioned it. It was a great atmosphere to chat and catch up. The reason this is 4 instead of 5 stars is the price is pretty steep for the portion of food. I get it- tapas. Understood. But it was really a bite of food a person for some dishes at $15 a plate. I loved the food, the atmosphere, the drink selection was FANTASTIC, and the staff was friendly and reasonably fast. I just think the price for the amount of food was a little too high for my taste and will be a huge deterrent in returning there.
(4)
A. A.

Great addition to Harvard sq. Waitstaff was great & very accommodating. Highlights: kale salad, butternut squash salad, corn pancakes, BEEF CHEEKS, pork belly Could've done without: tortellini, carrots, rabbit, and the grilled lamb Hated: parsnip cobbler, and their dark chocolate dessert. I heard their bread pudding is too smokey. These were all their desserts. I'm going back for sure! But not for dessert.
(4)
Lynn C.

bartenders we're very friendly and knowledgable. the drinks were on par with the description on the menus. didn't try the food - but the place smelled delicious! definitely coming back here for dinner!
(4)
Ernest T.

Loved this place. Stayed in Boston for the week at sales conference and stopped by here with a co- worker for a bite to eat. Full meal including cauliflower / cashews/ onion dip as starters, local catch for entree and smoked chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Everything was delicious and the service did not disappoint. Highly recommend
(5)
Snowdrops C.

Nice vibe. Food was average in terms of both price and quality. But not a bad place to take your date.
(4)
Cate G.

To start with the ambiance is really nice. You do not expect the restaurant to be so big when you walk down to it because it is below ground level, but it is huge. We started with the hummus, mussels and rabbit. All were delicious. Finished with the tortellini and 3 onion dip. Recommend starting with the 3 onion dip, it was a little much at the end. The people next to us had the secret burger and complained that everything was too salty. Their meal was comped, but my friend and I believe they were pulling a scam because we had delicious dishes.
(4)
Danielle R.

This is by far the best restaurant that I have been to in Boston. I went with my husband and we both had amazing meals, from speciality cocktails to the kale salad and other items on the menu. I would recommend this to anyone.
(5)
James C.

I have been here twice. once at the bar and once at a table. at the bar I was with my roommate and we were trying their cocktails. the second time my gf/fiancee were celebrating our engagement with dinner and drinks. the first time the bartender and head bartender (Mary and Seth) were informative, friendly and inviting. all of the drinks and food were were amazing. the most recent visit, today, our server (Catherine [sp.]) was friendly enemy and knowledgeable. I snuck off while my new fiancee was on the phone with an out of town friend accepting congrats and grabbed the server. I told her what was up with the engagement and asked for a round of bubbly when our drinks were low. her timing was perfect and the MOD treated us unexpectedly to the round. Amazing! All of our friends (and our customers as we are both industry) will hear how great this place is.
(5)
Kristin M.

Most memorable and delicious dinner I've had in recent memory. Go hungry, and go planning on spending the evening there. My friend and I ordered lingered for over 3 hours, ordering ongoing small plates. Server was excellent, had great recs on wine for us. But the most important part: the food - you must order the pancakes and pork belly. Secret burger was sold out by the time we ate dinner at 9 but I hope to try it on a future visit.
(5)
Maurits G.

So started with a Saint George Gin Martini. Excellent!! Went to the lamb sirloin amazing. Duck: amazing. The breaded and fried was unique and awesome. The Pork belly was soooo flavouful as was the bread budding. All in all 5 stars from me. Sat at the bar with great service and suggestions/advice.
(5)
Dan L.

Alden and Harlow has a great atmosphere, sort of Farm-to-Table meets Harvard Square. The service was great -- prompt and knowledgable servers. The food was good but did not blow us away. The best dish we had was the burrata. Striped bass and tortellini were definitely good too. A bit pricey for the quality of the food. I would go back but only after I went to a number of other great small plates / tapas restaurants in the Boston area.
(3)
Lindsay B.

I will start by saying that expectations were high for this place....the location is great, the reviews were wonderful, and the whole vibe is really, really cool. Reminded me of the trendy restaurants in LA. Tapas are so fricken "in" right now. But as much as I liked the ambiance, the food itself REALLY fell short. Similar to Russell House, the menu sounded great-- rabbit, pork belly, roasted vegetables, skate, etc, but the reality was lifeless and tasteless. The best thing we had was the fried potato snacks which really says something. I would say this place is probably a good bet if you have a cool/hipster friend in town and are trying to impress them with a cocktail and some upscale "snacks", but I would refrain from taking a real foodie here. Maybe, like other new restaurants, this place just needs more time to become "seasoned" ?
(3)
Kate O.

My mom and I went to Alden and Harlow last night and had one of the best meals we've ever had -- and we eat out a lot! Tons of interesting combinations and great fresh produce (very vegetarian-friendly -- but also interesting vegetable dishes that appealed to us omnivores). Our server knew so much about each component in the meal and cocktails it seemed like he was also the one back there whipping everything up! If you are in Harvard Sq I highly recommend it. See if you can sit by the living plant wall and definitely check out the roasted carrots (savory granola is now my obsession), the corn cakes, seared romanesco, and pork belly. YUM! I wish I could go back this minute...too bad I live out of town
(5)
Al K.

I've been several times for dinner. I've sat at the bar with friends each time and have enjoyed every aspect of the experience. The interesting DRINKS, the amazing, creative FOOD, the enthusiasm of the bar tenders and servers - Wow! I've recommended Alden & Harlow to friends and ALL have reported GREAT experiences. Thank you, A&H!
(5)
Fernando B.

It was a beautiful evening in Cambridge in early Spring. Not deathly cold, but what do I know about that. A California boy destined to live out his days in Texas with the woman of his dreams. Okay, on with the review of this really cool establishment with bicycle rim chandeliers. How can it be any more cool, but it is. Onto the food.....and how can you go wrong with the little neck clams? You can't! They were scrumptious......and that goes without talking about the broth. I had to ask for more bread to scoop up that heavenly mix. My love and I also dined on the beef neck, lamb, and charred broccoli. All of it was superb. It was a magical evening....and the food was magnificent too.
(5)
Ian B.

Shit restaurant. Anxiety provoking. They keep it dark as hell in there. You eat with your eyes first which is bordering on impossible here. Certainly don't go here if you are hungry, the portions were laughable. I dined there Saturday evening and here I am Monday and my stomach is still a mess. I actually had to leave early on account of the nightmare I experienced in that basement.
(1)
Marina B.

Two words: Kale salad. That alone makes the visit to Alden & Harlow worth it. It can get pretty noisy but I would say it's one of the best spots in Harvard Square.
(5)
K B.

I'm a vegan and asked for the chef to make 5 vegan dishes and he did and they were amazing.
(5)
Nina N.

This place is crazy good. I went on a Friday night, with friends (we had a reservation) and sat in the back part of the restaurant, which is a little quieter than the bar area. Every single thing we ordered was AMAZINGLY delicious. Get the chicken fried duck and the kale salad for sure. The ambiance is nice, and the service was pretty good. I would definitely go back.
(5)
L Z.

Wow. I have been here 3 times over the course of 5 months. Not only is the food amazing, but it is amazingly consistent. I'm not one to spend a lot of money on dinner every night, so when I do I make sure it's top notch. At first, the menu is daunting. I didn't know what to get, mostly because the way it's written doesn't give you a completely clear idea as to what you'll get. But trust the chef! EVERYTHING is delicious. Ubiquitous Kale Salad - My favorite. It may sound boring, but don't forego it. I crave this in my sleep now! It's the only thing I have ordered all three times, the pistachio dressing really makes it wow-worthy. Charred Broccoli - Also amazing, it's a small pile of charred broccoli on a bed of squash hummus. This smooth hummus was the perfect compliment to the spice of the charred broccoli. Cauliflower Caponata - A few pieces of the most perfectly toasted bread with some kind of buttery sesame jam. The cauliflower was very garlicky, which I loved. Together? Perfection. Although I usually make it a rule to order new things with each new visit, I will order this from now on. Burrata - Good, very good, but very beet-y. Compared to the rest of the menu I felt this was lacking that wow-factor, but it was still delicious in it's own right. Mesquite Tortellini - Only 3 tortellini, but pretty good. Cheesy. Chicken Fried Rabbit - Very good, a small piece of succulent fried rabbit surrounded by celery and radish slices and blue cheese. Everything compliments the rabbit beautifully. Carbonara - I had high expectations for this because carbonara is generally my favorite thing in the world, and it was pretty good, but I wanted it to be more. Very salty and cheesy, which was fine because I love salt and cheese. Not enough pork belly for them to say it has pork belly, but I loved the soft egg on top. Solid. Pork Belly - Really good. I was expecting something more akin to bacon, like the bacon at West Bridge, but it was basically fatty pork (duh) which was perfectly paired with grits and strawberries. Steak Strip - Great, especially with the awesome toast they give you. I don't even like steak usually, but this was pretty darn good. I'd suggest getting it medium rare or medium, because medium well was just a little too much. Chocolate Bread Pudding - I love this, but I know other people who think it was just ok. I'm usually wary of bread puddings because as a professional baker I know it's just a sneaky way to use old bread, but this one's great. The only other desert is just a plate with cheese and chocolate, so the bread pudding is the way to go. I have a theory they use applewood smoked salt in it because it tastes kind of like bacon, and that brings out the chocolate flavor extremely well. The ice cream on top is essential. To recap: excellent. Their cocktails are always great, with good wine and beer selections as well. Their staff is over-the-top friendly and accommodating, and all very knowledgeable about the food. My water was always filled and food came out pretty quickly, it comes out as it's ready. The ambiance is warm yet modern and it always feels like a treat to eat there. If you go in expecting huge portions you'll be disappointed, but if you go in with an open mind and looking to explore with your taste buds, you'll be more than happy. Also: I forgot my cell phone there last night and returned today hoping beyond hope that no one had taken it. Not only was it there, but they had charged it for me. That scores them extra points in my book.
(5)
Sarah R.

I had been dying to try this restaurant and I am so glad I did! I made a reservation a week in advance and for 2 on a Friday night, I had 5:15 or 8:45 to choose from. Hot spot! We arrived 10 minutes early and they said they were running pretty tight to reservation times, so we headed to the bar. We scored one seat, so I sat and my boyfriend stood behind me. The decor and atmosphere of this place was awesome! It was dimly lit, with a great bar scene, as well as dining area. And it was so much bigger inside than I expected! We ordered two glasses of wine, white for me, red for him. At least 10 minutes later, still no wine. The bartender was definitely busy, but we thought he maybe forgot us. They could have used probably one more bartender for a busy Friday night. By then, the hostess grabbed us and led us to our table.. sans wine. Within 5 minutes of checking out the menu, the bartender came over to our table with an unopened bottle of red and one white. He apologized profusely for forgetting us and we thought this was a really nice gesture. He explained the wines and why he thought we would like them based on our preferences. My white was so crisp and fresh! It was really nice that he tracked us down. And they comped our first round of drinks for the inconvenience! Great customer service. Our waitress was great, super bubbly, excited about the restaurant, and excited that we were first-timers. She had short, super curly hair, forget her name but she was great!! Ok, onto the food. Food ordered: crispy chicken nuggs, kale salad, honey glazed burrata, chicken fried rabbit, pork shoulder, and then for dessert baked apple and olive oil cake trifle. To start, they brought over pickled green beans, which were surprisingly really good. Crispy chicken nuggs: ughh, bad decision. I think I only ate them because I was starving. It was shredded dark meat chicken, fried into a crispy ball, with a spicy creamy dipping sauce. There were 3 on the plate and we only ate two, neither of us wanted the last one. Wouldn't order this again. Kale salad: WOW, yes it is as good as everyone says. My boyfriend haaates kale, and he loved this! The creamy pistachio with little bits of crunchy pistachio, yummm. I could eat this every day. Good size portion too! Honey glazed burrata: Man, I love burrata, but this didn't hit the spot for me. The combo of honey and burrata was great, but it needed salt soo badly! The pumpkin caponata did nothing for me. There was also not enough of the crisps to eat it with. Chicken fried rabbit: Yum! Wish there was a little more rabbit flavor, but overall really tasty. Worked well with the celery, blue cheese, apple on the plate. I almost wish the garnishes were chopped into a little "salsa" if you will, to get a little of each bite with the rabbit. Pork shoulder: Ehh, this was ok. Flavors worked well together, but I guess when I read "slow roasted" I assumed that it was going to be fall apart pieces of pork, which it wasn't. Nice meat dish though, would order again. Apple olive oil cake trifle: Meh. I was hoping for more of a "wow this dessert was the perfect ending".. buuut it wasn't. It was ok. Cake was great texture and sponginess, wish the apples were a little softer. Overall, delicious meal and loved that we got to try quite a bit. Will definitely be back, but will probably try some other dishes!
(4)
Nicole V.

Our large group ordered nearly everything on the menu and shared. Notable dishes were the Chicken Fried Rabbit (Amazing!) and Butternut Squash Salad. I would stay away from the House Made Squid Ink Bigoli, as it had no acid--mandarin oranges would be a good addition I think. Overall, we were expecting more from the food but we would dine here again. The cocktails and service were great--it was a fun place, but it didn't have the food to match. Looking forward to their brunch!
(3)
Jill B.

Been here a couple times, once on a Tuesday and then on a Saturday. Kale salad - amazing. Drinks- amazing. They have a house bitter on tap that I am in love with. The burger is a well flavored mix of meat catering to those that need a good drinking base. Mushroom and egg has potential. Oysters gratin is rich rich rich with flavor and the crunchiness of the uni toast provides good texture contrast. Did I mention it was rich? I couldn't eat this every night, although i would want to! Great atmosphere, speak-easy underground type stuff. Bartenders were warm and friendly on Saturday, aloof and couldn't be bothered on Tuesday. Mid week blues maybe? I'll be back because the food and drinks are consistent while being interesting and fairly locally sourced. None of the desserts struck me, I'd rather indulge in a hot fudge sundae than a couple pieces of chocolate or a bread pudding, but that is my personal preference.
(4)
Manish G.

The food was fresh and the service was great if you ask they get it for you. They are kind and the food is great and if you have allergies they ask you if you have allergies.
(4)
Jim R.

Creative, nicely presented small plates. Interesting wine list. Lively atmosphere, but conversation is still possible. Been several times and will return.
(4)
Eugene M.

We came away from this first visit to Alden & Harlow tremendously impressed. Four of us tried eight separate items, and we devoured every one with great relish. Indeed, the oysters rockefeller was so superb that we did another round of those babies. We felt that the vegetarian and seafood dishes in general were strongest, with the meat items a bit less impressive. The secret burger didn't seem to warrant such a snazzy title. All the dishes were creatively conceived, with some kind of twist or surprise that elevated it beyond the ordinary. One of the few places in Harvard Square worth the hassle of the driving and parking headaches that comes with the neighborhood.
(5)
Oldwin M.

I don't know how this restaurant will survive in Harvard Square without catering to kids. Please put a simple pasta dish and a simple non so "secret" burger with regular non-fancy cheddar cheese on the menu and we may return.
(1)
Husain K.

We recently went with a group of 8 to Alden & Harlow. There is an awesome spot near the front of the restaurant for larger groups with a sidewalk view. Though it can get to be annoying every five mins when ppl are looking down at you eating! The portions of appetizers are very small but packed with flavor! Squash Hummus, Burrato, and kale salad were tasty. We also tried the Beef Tartar which was definitely an acquired taste. The majority of our group ordered the New York Strip steak since the secret burger had run out. Make sure you try to eat an earlier dinner if you want any chance at eating a secret burger. They make a limited stock each day. Anyway the NY strip was amazing cooked medium rare. One of the best steaks I've had in a very long time. Juicy, flavorful, tender. I wished I had ordered the 16 oz instead of the 8 oz! The waiter Matt, was also extremely helpful and very patient with our large group. Will definitely be back to try the secret burger. Alden & Harlow is a bit on the pricier side but you usually get what you pay for.
(4)
Phoebe C.

Every morsel of food, every sip of wine, beer, or cocktail, I am enamored. The wine list in my opinion is top in Harvard Square, actually offering a few beautiful Old World options, including the most reasonably priced sparkling food friend, Cava, theirs is a lovely rose from a consistent producer. Also notable is the choice to pour an Austrian St. Laurent by the glass, I'm sorry all I can say is, badass. Bottle service at the bar one night was a fantastic experience as well. That bar staff has a great, charismatic energy. A friend has a silly but cute habit of asking bartenders to make her something a pirate would drink and they absolutely delivered a beautiful drink with sincerity to please. The barbacks are even the most professional I've seen, attentive but not too imposing. And let's not forget, the food. Chef Scelfo has a beautiful sense of quality and composition. Every ingredient seems so carefully chosen to create delectable food that produces the type of giddy pleasure that we strive all too often to find. Reminds me of the type of food my farmer dad would cook, if my dad were a chef. Buratta, fiddleheads, Island Creek oysters, kale, snails, lamb... Things you wish you could eat everyday if you could put them together so well yourself. Seasonal delights, everything nice. Shout out to management on the floor, those ladies are awesome and involved. Another shout out to the redesign and decor. Cozy and earthy, it really solidifies the identity of this place. Love, love Alden and Harlow.
(4)
Sue I.

Good, but a little heavy handed on the oil and fat.. I felt like everything - including the vegetables - were drenched in oil. I was looking for some light vegetables to balance the heavy meat dishes and was met with equally heavy vegetables dishes! No denying that the food is good though, just wish I could feel good about eating it.
(2)
Mathew N.

Great lamb main course and cashew rosemary appetizer. Out of town guest to a nice little surprise. Don't let the number of ratings fool you! This gem is only 4 weeks new!!
(4)
Alisa F.

Unimpressed, and not just because I was a huge fan of the former establishment in the place (wonder why the burger here is called the "secret burger"? You have to know the history of the location.) My husband and I experienced a bit of vertigo when arriving, because they've entirely redone the space, even changing where the entrance and bar are located, a good choice for a restaurant attempting to replace an institution. However, the food was "meh" at best. We tried four dishes: the peas and mushroom with 60 degree which was okay, but not special; the squid and spring greens (squid was perfectly cooked and this dish was the highlight of our meal); the quid ink bigoli which didn't taste very good after the first bite and was ruined by the snails whose flavor didn't complement the dish in the least; and the clams which were overwhelmed by salt and the parsley which smothered them. We won't be back--there's much better food to be found in Harvard Square.
(2)
Alphonse G.

This place is okay, but expensive. The bar tenders are nice, the burgers are good. The music is loud as hell and really bad - not in a cool way though, in a lame way. There's a sign above the bar that says "drugs", stenciled on a distressed piece of wood. Whats that about?
(2)
Brooke W.

I was so impressed with the space and the food. Everything about our meal was perfection. I would highly recommend the grilled carrots, three-onion dip, chicken friend rabbit, and whatever that evening's pasta special. This place is a great place for after work or late night drinks and food. Cannot wait to go back!
(5)
Sprekenzy D.

Fantastic! Warm, comfortable and cozy with superb food. American-style tapas. Portions are filling and very shareable. The flavors were savory and complex, without being overwhelming. The pan seared clams are a must try! The rye pasta is rich and gratifying. We had the scallops special, which was well seasoned and the grilled broccoli was perfect! The blood pudding was satisfactory, if a bit forgettable. The tortellini was okay, but would recommend the rye pasta instead. Altogether an excellent experience!
(5)
Carol Ann B.

A great addition to Harvard Square. When we are visiting our two in college, we typically have a short window to have dinner between commitments. We made reservations for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The design and atmosphere is fun, with a casual upscale feel. The food was excellent - and unique - and so were the cocktails! Ditto what has been said about the food...the chips & onion dip was surprisingly amazing and so were the roasted cashews, but the ribs were the favorite of the night!
(5)
Amber R.

They were out of the secret burger by 7:30 on a Thursday, so I was disappointed but knew that might happen. Got the smoked cashews while waiting for my friend and the ancient stone drink, drink was very good nuts were nice but probably not worth $8. First 2 dishes were very good kale salad and charred broccoli both had many different layers of flavor. The next 2 dishes I could have done without. Got the corn pancakes on recommendations from here but really it is a little one dimensional, kind of like crispy corn bread with a light maple sauce (sounds good to me but didn't really work). Also had the bluefish which was over salted (most of he food here is liberally salted which I didn't mind but the was too much) and seemed overdone, top had to much char making it hard to cut through (nice crispy crust would have been preferred). Coffee was quite good, but the smoked chocolate bread pudding had way to much smoke, although the salted caramel ice cream on top was good. Waitress did not charge us for dessert as each of us only took one bite. I will come back to try the burger and probably get the kale or broccoli again but I was disappointed especially after all the great reviews.
(3)
Ayala L.

amazing, delicious, and beautiful food! the fried green tomatoes were perhaps one of the best things i have ever eaten. the beet and burrata was similarly phenomenal. Great service. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
(5)
Jesse R.

Alden & Harlow should be the model of restaurants of the future. They get it! Maybe slightly to warm(temp) then I prefer, but not that big of a deal. Everything else hits on all cylinders, which is crazy considering how new they are... Craft drinks without being pretentious. A decor/ambience that fits all types. From a buzzing little bar area to a nice little hide-a-way nook. Right lighting, right music, right service. The food is the star by far though. I'm an eater and love sharing plates. Pan roasted clams with pig tail ragu served with herb and garlic laced bread was perfect and so far my fav dish. But it doesn't stop there. From the mussels crostini to the pork belly to the butternut squash salad. Even the pickled green beers they serve as a "bar snack" on the house.... Place can be rocking busy yet you can still feel comfortable with volume level.. Have been back several times and get excited for my next trip every time. Could def see myself being a weekly regular there especially since they serve food till last call(12:45 weekdays/1:45 weekends). I don't usually yelp bc I feel far too many people have an opinion that's usually negative and bias bc of their own ignorance. But if my one 5 star review helps even a little a feel I have done my part
(5)
Karen M.

Went here on Sunday evening, plenty of seats open at the huge wrap around bar, it was early. The vibe is casual, sort of farmhouse juxtaposed with industrial. The bartenders are all friendly, knowledgeable and on top of it without being intrusive. I had glass Lambrusco and BF had nice bonarda/barbera from Emilia Romana, great matches for their special of the night a pork pate with pickled asparagus and fennel. They serve pickled(seems to be a theme) green beans at bar with sesame, very tasty. The pate was wonderful, couple next to us were having burgers that they proclaimed were awesome as they devoured them, maybe next visit we'll go that route. And there will be a next visit, definitely need to try more of their small plates and snacks. A must.
(5)
Lauren E.

Three and a half stars. Hello boston! Really enjoyed the experience. Restaurant has a cool, very distinct design. Staff were helpful and pleasant. Food was a little on the salty side, but I appreciated the imaginative combinations and great use of seasonal ingredients. Corn fritter pancakes were the most memorable dish - sprinkled with popcorn, too. After mentioning that we had a vegan in our group, the chef offered to create a dish on the spot. It involved homemade pasta, ramps, sweet corn, and green pea shoots, exquisitely pleasing my vegan desires. Overall, preparation was good. If you like corn, hit them up asap- you can even get a cocktail with corn purÃ©e and cock bourbon and maple liqueur. Music was banging and there's rumors that the biggie hologram is gonna be spinning aug 24 for all day brunch.
(3)
Ariel Z.

What an awesome find! A little hard to locate, so the best advice I can give is to use the staircase on the left side of the Algiers coffee house on Brattle St. Make sure to put in a reservation or at least try to come early to snag a seat at the bar (my preferred choice). It was super crowded even on a Monday night! The restaurant is more like something you would find in Somerville or other parts of Cambridge closer to MIT. So glad that you can now have a similar experience in Harvard Square, which I typically associate with cheap, quick eats and/or burgers. Ordered the bruised tomato salad appetizer, as well as the roasted squash plate, corn pancakes, and the cornbread w/berries for dessert. The roasted squash plate was probably the second best dish...super fresh and artfully prepared with a milieu of flavors. It is also a decent portion, so great for sharing. The corn pancakes were so buttery and came with kettle corn! Such an unusual yet genius texture combination, which is why it became the easy favorite. The bruised tomato salad resembles more like a bruschetta spread with Latin flavors and pairs nicely with the squash for a fresh, summery start to a meal. The cornbread dessert was mediocre at best, but I hear that their other dessert options are spot on. I guess I will have to come back...Heaven forbid! ;) The Forbidden Fruit drink was of course very fruity and you couldn't really taste any of the other ingredients besides the grapefruit and peppercorn. Regardless, still a solid drink. Tried my friend's Rum for Your Life and was really pleasantly surprised with the mix of citrus and coffee, two flavors I would not necessarily think would work out as well as it did. Overall, Chef Michael Scelfo raises the bar to a whole new level that I would argue even surmounts some of the other well-known spots in the surrounding Cambridge area, like Oleana and Cuchi Cuchi. If you are looking for a dining experience with unusual flavor pairings and not your run-of-the mill craft drinks, then you should definitely check this place out!
(5)
E Z.

Wow... this is one of the worst food experiences I've had. First, the dishes were too Salty! she server also said it was a single portion size... so three of us ordered four dishes... when we could've easily served 2-3 people out of each dish. Nice Upsell... you got us! Feel good about that? Second, the fried bok choy dish was totally destroy the nutrition of vegetables, very unpalatable, also very salty! As a HUGE Foodie... I was completely stoked to find a James Beard semi-finalist! A restaurant named Zagats 10 Hottest Restaurants in Boston! What a joke! Someone must've let it go to their heads. We won't return.
(1)
Angela C.

If you love salt, go here. Dishes tried: -Soft Shell Crab - great sauce, but the crab was very small considering how much it is (~$16?) -Chicken fried rabbit - all I tasted was celery and salt in the batter -Sirloin - cooked well, but very salty -Secret Burger - juicy, but after a few bites, I realized how salty it was -Chocolate Bread Pudding - extremely bland but the ice cream on top was covered with a mound of salt (on purpose). Not good.
(2)
ELIJAH M.

Visiting Boston came here with some family and friends. The ambience is really cool. Reminded me of LA. We had Kate as our server who was very kind, attentive, and extremely knowledgable which is always good when trying a new place. Literally every item we ordered was delicious and we ordered quite a few. Highlights were the pancakes, pate, steak, oysters. Everything was reallllly good. Highly recommended. Everything here is served family tapas/family style so you can taste a bit of everything. Great experience and great food.
(5)
Kevin L.

Alden & Harlow was named 2014's Best New restaurant by Best of Boston.....this visit may have been 2015's biggest disappointment for me. Finding parking in Harvard Square is an absolute nightmare, but thankfully they offer validated parking at the University Place parking garage. It is highly recommended that you make a reservation so don't expect to be seated when you walk in. I love the atmosphere that A&H brings: romantic yet casual. I also love when there's an open kitchen setting. But on to the food... We kicked off the night with a plate of complimentary pickled green beans. WAY too sour in my opinion! Not a fan. Then came the broiled Island Creek Oysters, which are my favorite oysters by far. Baked to perfection with a hint of garlic and bacon. However, they went a little too heavy on the sodium. I'm not sure why there are so many reviews on the Kale Salad. It tasted just like.....a kale salad. Nothing special in my opinion. The Chicken Fried Rabbit was the smallest dish that we ordered. Having had rabbit before, I couldn't tell you what I was eating. The meat was also ground up, which wasn't portrayed in the menu. I would say that the Crispy Pork Belly was my second favorite dish. The pork belly itself was melt-in-your-mouth tender. However, the pork skin was a little too well done, too hard to chew. The Woodbury Clams was another dish that I would strongly recommend. The combination of the savory pork broth and sweet clams made it perfect. The 14 oz Sirloin takes the number 1 spot. I couldn't tell you what they put in it, but it was so good! I had been dying to try this place for quite some time now, but boy was I was letdown. A&H has all the right pieces. The execution just needs to be worked on. I'm going to need some convincing to come back.
(3)

Q & A for McDonald's

When McDonald's first opened?

McDonald's began its operations by converting food and drinks stand called "The Airdrome" into first McDonald's restaurant.

When does McDonald's open?

McDonald's opens daily at 5:30 AM and stays open until 11:00 PM.

Which McDonald's is open 24 hours?

Unfortunately, there are not a single McDonald's which operates 24/7.

Where's McDonald's near me?

There are over 13,905 McDonald's outlets in the United States itself. You can find a McDonald's nearby with the help of our Restaurant Listings directory.

When McDonald's start and stop serving breakfast?

McDonald's starts serving breakfast at 5:30 AM daily until 10:30 AM.

When McDonald's start and stop serving lunch?

McDonald's starts serving lunch at 10:30 AM from Monday to Friday and 11:00 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Happy Meals are also served during lunch hours.

Will McDonald's bring back the McRib?

McRib is back at McDonald's since October 2018.

Will McDonald's bring back spicy McChicken?

McDonald's in the United States has no plans currently to bring back the Spicy McChicken.

Will McDonald's bring back the Grand Mac?

McDonald's doesn't serve Grand Mac currently and there are no plans to bring it back anytime sooner. You can always try the Big Mac if you have a large appetite for burgers.

Are McDonald's milkshakes gluten free?

Yes, all flavors of McDonald's milkshakes are gluten-free. Nearly all beverages served at McDonald's are gluten-free.

Are McDonald's burgers gluten-free?

Unfortunately, McDonald's does not serve gluten-free burgers. All the buns and other ingredients such as fried chicken patties, grilled chicken patties, beef patties, sauces, condiments, etc. contain gluten.

Are McDonald's Apple Pies vegan?

Generally, Apple Pies are prepared using shortcrust pastry which contains eggs. However, McDonald's Apple Pie pocket is vegan-friendly as it is both dairy and egg free.

Are McDonald's Veggie Burgers vegan?

Veggie Burgers served at McDonald's are purely vegan. Just remember to skip the sauce as the sandwich sauce contains egg.

Are McDonald's Milkshakes vegetarian?

Yes, McDonald's milkshakes are 100% vegetarian and don't contain any meat product.

When did McDonald's introduce McCafe?

McDonald's McCafe was introduced by McDonald's as a separate coffee chain in 1993. The café also served great bakery and pastry besides offering a great variety of coffee beverages.

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About McDonald's

McDonald's is the largest American fast food company with over 37,855 outlets spread across 100 countries. Primarily known for hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and French fries, McDonald's menu also serves chicken dishes, breakfast products, soft drinks, wraps, milkshakes, and desserts today. The restaurant chain introduced smoothies, salads, fish, and fruits on the menu to offer healthy food options at McDonald's.

The restaurant began its operations in 1940 in San Bernardino, California, United States. The name of the restaurant comes from its founders Richard and Maurice McDonald. The siblings started the food business as a hamburger stand which was later converted into a restaurant franchise in 1953. The first Golden Arches logo was also introduced in the same year.

Healthy Food Options at McDonald's

McDonald's was highly criticized for its unhealthy food options. Being a renowned brand and a popular fast food chain, McDonald's decided to revamp its image and decided to serve healthy food options. Most of these healthy food choices were salads, smoothies, fruits, and fish items.

Address : 40 Brattle St
Cambridge, MA, 02138
Phone (617) 864-2100
Website https://www.aldenharlow.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :5:00 pm - 1:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Alden & Harlow

40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA, 02138

Alden & Harlow Menu

Snacks

Main

DESSERT

Cocktails

Spiritous Draft

Draft

Bottles

Sherry

Sparkling / Glass

White / Glass

Red / Glass

Main

Sides

Cocktails

Diabetics at McDonald's

Foods to Avoid for Diabetics at McDonald's

Food Suggestions for Diabetics at McDonald's

Healthy Meal suggestions for Alden & Harlow

Snacks

Main

DESSERT

Cocktails

Spiritous Draft

Draft

Bottles

Sherry

Sparkling / Glass

White / Glass

Red / Glass

Main

Sides

Cocktails

High Blood Pressure at McDonald's

Foods to Avoid at McDonald's for High Blood Pressure

Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at McDonald's

High Cholesterol at MCDONALD'S

Foods to Avoid at MCDONALD'S for High Cholesterol

Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at MCDONALD'S

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